North Salt Lake/Woods Cross | January 2023

KIDS HIT THE TARGET IN AFTER-SCHOOL ARCHERY CLASS

Byline By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

WOODS CROSS—Kids at Woods Cross Elementary are hitting the bullseye at an after-school archery class that teaches more than the skills of using a bow and arrow – it gives them a sense of belonging.

“These kids might not necessarily be athletic,” said Sara Callahan, a fifth grade teacher who helps with the class. “Here they might find a place to excel. It’s a program that they can get excited for at the end of the day.”

P.E. teacher Kristin Whitmill leads the class and one of the student’s dad volunteers to assist. “It’s been going for two years,” said Callahan. “This is the first year I’ve done it. Most of the kids think it’s a lot of fun. A couple brought their own bows.”

“I like coming here,” said Fifth grader Jackson Holt. “I did it last year and I have a bow at home where I’m practicing shooting.”

This is Sonny Baca’s first year in the archery program. “My friends told me it was good,” he said. “I thought I’d try it to see if it’s good and I like it. We learn about safety rules and about bows. I want to get one (bow) sometime. We have fun over here.”

“The great thing is it’s optional,” Callahan said. “They only come if they want to.” l

Fatima Ramirez pulls back on her bow aiming at the targets made from Christmas piñatas. The archery class is part of an after school program at Woods Cross Elementary. Photo by Becky Ginos

WXHS runner third at nationals

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

in the DNA. And yet, Woods Cross High School senior Sam Hansen is making his own name in cross country after a third-place finish at the Champs Sports National Cross Country Championships in San Diego, Calif. Dec. 10.

“I definitely defied my own expectations in the race as I was going for top 10,” Hansen said. “Everyone went out pretty fast and I was dead last out of 40 runners. Then, I started passing a lot of people and was able to use my long kick to pull into second place with a couple of runners behind me.” Minnesota’s Noah Breker edged him at the finish line, leaving him in third place by .02 seconds.

WXHS cross country coach Zach Hansen, who is not related to Sam despite the same last name, said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Sam’s performance at nationals. He has always been a hard worker, but after the disappointment at state [where he placed 12th], I would have understood if he had allowed that experience to negatively affect his preparation for nationals. Instead, he never acted discouraged and kept a very positive attitude. He worked extremely hard during that time with a renewed focus and intensity. Seeing all of his hard work pay off at nationals was purely awesome.”

The Hansen family is no stranger to the Wildcats cross country program as Jacob and Carlee, who was a three-time 5A state champion, are now current collegiate runners at MIT and North Carolina, respectively. Katie, who is a sophomore at Woods Cross, has been the top girls finisher at the 5A state meet the past two seasons – including a 10th place showing this fall. Additionally, Sam’s parents were both involved in running in their youth – his dad Andrew competed for a small school in Idaho while his mom Sarah was an All-State hurdler in California. His uncle, Scott Hansen, was also involved in the sport and ran for Utah State in the late ‘90s.

Sam, who was Region 5’s top runner the

past two years, had placed third at the 2021 5A state championships, but an Achilles injury midway through this fall season set the senior back from his goal to get to the top of the state podium. Instead, he finished 12th.

Even when he couldn’t participate in full practices or even run for nearly three weeks, he cross-trained to stay in shape and then rebounded with a first-place showing at the Champs Sports Cross Country Western Regional Championships Dec. 3. “I just ‘sent it’ at regionals and winning there made me more confident heading into nationals that I could do well,” he said.

“Sam is an amazing example to his team and family of how the little things make the difference,” his mom Sarah Hansen said. “He sets little goals such as ab circuit, cross training during injuries, drinking water, eating the right foods, sleeping and staying on top of homework. He is an example of how the little things can make the big things happen.”

Sam grew up playing soccer for 10 years

and then picked up running in the eighth grade. “I tried running because of my family and I had a good time with it,” he said. “Then, I realized I was good at it and quit playing soccer to focus on running.”

He said Coach Hansen and fellow WXHS coach Sam Wood were instrumental in his development, as he became the Wildcats’ top runner by his sophomore season. “They don’t get as much credit as they should,” Sam Hansen said. “They are really good coaches and have a great training plan for us. They really helped me a lot.”

“He couldn’t have had the success he’s had without his coaches,” Sarah Hansen echoed.

Sam said that the journey as a cross coun-

try athlete has taught him the importance of committing to something every day with intentionality, whether that is in his workouts, his diet, his schooling or just improving in general.

“I’ve learned how to ‘send it’ when I need to and push through when it hurts,” he said. “I’ve got pretty good grit which is important in distance running.”

He plans to follow his older siblings in running collegiately and is currently exploring his options.

“Sam has no fear when it comes to competing,” Coach Hansen said. “It doesn’t matter who the competition is, he will go into that race with the belief that he can run with and beat anyone, and he has an amazing work ethic to back up that belief.” l

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Hansen (held by teammates) won the Western Regionals at Mt. Sac in Los Angeles, Calif. Dec. 10.

Woods Cross’ Sam Hansen placed third at nationals in San Diego, Calif. Dec. 10. Photos courtesy Sarah Hansen

LAYTON—From mechanic, to chef to jewelry maker, Vaughn Sweeten has done it all. Although he’s worked in several different fields, he’s found his calling – making one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Sweeten started his craft at the beginning of the year after taking a class at Weber State, now he’s creating pieces of his own.

“I took one of the jewelry classes and they gave us a chunk of silver to make a ring out of,” said Sweeten. “This experience showed me that this is my calling, to make beautiful things.”

Jewelry making was not his first career, Sweeten started out first as a mechanic. “I worked on cars,” he said. “I love cars but the job killed me. It was hard on my body and my life revolved around work.”

Sweeten said he decided to look at courses at the DTC (Davis Technical College). “I knew I liked working with my hands so I thought about composites or welding. Then I walked past the cafeteria and liked the vibe and synergy of the kitchen.”

That was when there were a lot of food shows going on, he said. “I thought that was cool. There was an energy in the kitchen. You’re kind of the lone wolf in a car shop and it’s cutthroat.” There’s teamwork in the kitchen and that’s needed in life, said Sweeten. “I started going to DTC and got a job in a kitchen at Weber State. I made my own trays and simplified my culinary experience. I had the freedom to practice my knife skills and push to learn the craft.”

Sweeten entered the Skills USA competition and did well. “It’s like the high school level competition but on the adult side,” he said. “Different trades like electricians, drafting, etc. all the trade schools competed. I competed in culinary arts. I had to show my skills executing a meal, my skills presenting the dish and artistry. I’d only been doing it for a few months and took third place. It was pretty cool because I was going against all these experienced people.”

Using those skills, Sweeten started as a regular cook at Twigs then worked his way up to sous chef and worked there for nine years. “I loved it,” he said. “But it was not an easy job. It was so hard and there were a lot of sacrifices to be made.”

Sweeten was a single parent and wanted to give something to his daughter. “But it created a vacancy in my relationship with my daughter and that was a sacrifice I didn’t want to make. It was the universe telling me I needed to do something else.”

He continued to work in the food industry but he and his fiancé found that they needed to make a change. “When push came to shove with both of us working there wasn’t enough time to spend with the family,” said Sweeten. “To give the family what we needed we decided we’d hire someone to take care of the kids but when they went to

Jewelry is more than just pretty, it’s healing

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

daycare they were sick all the time.”

Sweeten became a stay-at-home dad which allowed him time to spend with the family. “I was staying busy but cleaning the house was not enough,” he said. “I love rocks and their metaphysical properties and stumbled upon wire wrapping. It gives a design and texture you can’t get any other way.”

With some practice, Sweeten honed his skills and started to make pieces for his family and friends as gifts. “People always have rocks so I started offering to make a piece of jewelry out of their rock and do custom work.”

Each rock has different metaphysical properties, he said. “I designed pieces of

jewelry that would rid themselves of negativity. It would create a barrier when they walked into a room with a toxic atmosphere. You can change the mood or be the mood.”

There are bits of evidence that rocks can help, said Sweeten. “I want to create something that will help them. Not only something beautiful but why the color and texture makes them feel an attraction to it.”

Every crystal and stone has a vibrational frequency, he said. “There’s tons of evidence that supports this. My intrigue is always why.”

Sweeten is perfecting his craft and hopes to show his pieces at boutiques and galleries like the BDAC. “I want to get involved with the community and get people out,” he said. “That’s cool to me.”

Whatever Sweeten does he always

gives 100 percent. “I’m always challenging myself,” he said. “I do the best I can do to the best of my ability. Failure is not an option for me.”

See Sweeten’s jewelry on his Facebook page Sweet Rocks and at Etzy.com/shop/ SweetRoxxl

Vaughn Sweeten and his daughter Eleanor. Sweeten is a stay-at-home dad who started making jewelry after taking a class at Weber State. Now he is selling his one-of-a-kind pieces. Photos courtesy of Vaughn Sweeten

Snapshot of 2022

From skydivers to sports, 2022 was filled with events in the county. Davis Journal photographer Roger V. Tuttle shares some of his top picks.

Snapshot of 2022

From freezer to table, these sisters help make dinner about family

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

WOODS CROSS—Maegan McFarlane and Marci Buttars started InstaFreeze Meals as a way to bring families back to the dinner table. “We are here to reclaim family dinner!” states their website www.instafreezemeals.com. “We provide instant pot freezer meals that will melt the dinner time stress away.”

The idea came from combining their two passions. Buttars had a food blog and McFarlane was making ready-to-cook freezer meals. After both sisters started their own families, they understood the issues parents had when it came time to feeding their families.

The sisters started their instant freezer meal venture in March 2019. And, even though COVID-19 tried to get in the way, the two sisters made headway in March 2022. They opened InstaFreeze Meals in the Woods Cross Shopping Center almost two full years to the day they were forced to close.

“We have a soft spot for mamas,” said McFarlane. “We want to give them the rest that they need while still keeping their families fed with wholesome meals.”

InstaFreeze Meals specializes in healthy and flavorful meals that are ready to cook in any instant pot. With about 25 premade meals to choose from, they have a plan for everyone and every budget. The meals change as the seasons change, with their winter meals starting in December. One of the best-selling meals is their butter chicken.

“Our menu features home-cooked, comfort food,” said Amanda Anderson, the marketing manager for InstaFreeze Meals.

“We understand the struggles and stresses of being a mom,” said McFarlane. She explained that these instant meals are easy to put into an instant pot and have dinner ready quickly. “We fight for families to spend quality time together.”

Even though InstaFreeze Meals started in the Kaysville Smith’s Deli department as a class people could take to make their own meals, it is now a storefront. InstaFreeze Meals still offers these classes, as well as parties and other events where people can meet up to make these frozen meals.

“Food has a way of healing your soul,” said McFarlane. “Have you ever had a bad day, and your neighbor brings you dinner? Our food has a way of connecting and healing people.”

“And everybody eats,” added Anderson. InstaFreeze Meals offers three-four and six-eight serving-size meals, and most are gluten-free. Recipes are rotated monthly and seasonally and can be adjusted to meet individual needs.

“They also make a great gift for someone who has everything,” said McFarlane.

Each meal is preassembled so that anyone can purchase them from the store. Cooking instructions are provided with each freezer meal, so there will never be a problem with heating them.

InstaFreeze Meals is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Sundays. The shop even offers its menu as available for delivery. They are located at 2453 S. Wildcat Way, Suite E, in Woods Cross. l

InstaFreeze Meals opened their store-front in March 2022 to help other moms get dinner on the table faster. Photo courtesy of Maegan McFarlane

Marci Buttars and Maegan McFarlane have a flair for ready-to-cook food. Photo courtesy of Maegan McFarlane

Communities look for tax-help volunteers

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

NORTH SALT LAKE—Bountiful and North Salt Lake are reaching out to their respective communities for these volunteers this year. Both cities have added information to their newsletters and Facebook pages about the need for people willing to help in this project.

The cities are looking for volunteers willing to learn about Utah tax codes and help others submit their annual taxes. The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program searches every year for those who are willing to help.

The IRS’s VITA program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The individuals who qualify for these services typically make less than $60,000 per year or have disabilities. While the IRS manages this program, it is staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities.

In order to volunteer, people must be IRS-certified, which is a training offered through the IRS. Eight to 10 hours of online training are required, and a few open-book certification tests. Volunteers will help provide tax counseling and filing instructions to those in their community.

Some of the volunteer roles needed at free tax preparation sites are greeter or

screener, interpreter, site administrator or coordinator, tax preparer, quality reviewer and marketing. Each role has different responsibilities described on the IRS site: www.irs. gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers.

The website for the state coalition is earnitkeepitsaveitutah.org. “Salt Lake has their own VITA program,” said Seth Naylor, Program Specialist at Community Action Partnership of Utah. The local website is taxhelputah.org. “More information about the various locations can be found on those websites. In previous years people could also utilize 2-1-1 to get more information and to make appointments for the sites where appointments are available.”

This tax preparation help will be held at the Bountiful City Hall, 795 S. Main St., each Thursday from 4:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. starting January 2023 and continuing through the tax season mid-April.

“If preparing taxes isn’t for you, they could also use a person to greet the clients and help them get signed in and fill out their paperwork,” according to the North Salt Lake Facebook page. For more information, contact the local city offices. l

NSL City offers trash help to seniors

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

NORTH SALT LAKE—The city is currently offering assistance for garbage day to those who need it. North Salt Lake residents who need assistance taking their cans to the street are encouraged to contact the city offices for help.

“When the city switched haulers two years ago, the new company offered to help take cans to the street,” said Linda Horrocks, Communications Coordinator for the City of North Salt Lake.

Last year, the city formed a new Health and Wellness committee to help its community. “It’s still fairly new, and they are in the process of focusing on goals, etc.,” said Horrocks. “One area that has been emphasized is the city’s seniors and the need to address some of their needs.”

Taking a step in this direction, the city recently posted on its Facebook page that they are offering this service to anyone, especially the elderly or disabled. Horrocks said that when the trucks come through for pickup, they will stop and grab people’s cans from their property.

“Basically, if the can is visible on the property, the driver will get out of his truck and pull the can down to the street to empty it and then return the can to its orig -

inal spot,” said Horrocks. These services include both garbage and recycling cans.

The new haulers, ACE Recycling & Disposal, who started collection services with the city in July 2020, utilize the city offices to coordinate these pickups. These services are free to city residents. Residents needing this assistance with their cans should call April at City Hall at 801-335-8703, who will coordinate these needs with ACE.

“The City of North Salt Lake recognizes the importance of health and wellness in our community and of our residents,” says the city’s website www. nslcity.org/132/Health-and-Wellness. “During the Sept. 21, 2021, City Council meeting, the NSL Health and Wellness committee was established to address the importance of promoting health, safety and general welfare of our residents.”

This committee covers physical and mental health, emergency preparedness, personal wellness, food and housing access issues, addiction services and other issues as needed. “They are still working through exactly what that might look like,” said Horrocks. l

JANUARY 31, 2023

prior to reservation. O er not available in the states of CA, IN, PA and MI. Expires 1/31/23.

EXPIRES

Rex Green is a working machine

By Kai’imilani Crockett | Davis Journal intern

WOODS CROSS—Rex Green enjoys Chinese food, singing and AP statistics. Green is a very successful student, he never takes the easy way out in classes that he takes, he has taken possibly every AP and honors class offered to him and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Green took the ACT once his junior year and received a perfect score of a 36. He contributes his success in the ACT to the classes he has taken and wonderful teachers he has had. Green is a very motivated student and never backs down from a challenge. After Green graduates in May, he hopes to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and afterwards attend college outside of Utah where he will study engineering and gain new experiences.

As the president of Woods Cross concert choir Green has many musical talents. “One of the first words my mom heard me say was ‘choir,’” said Green. “It's always been a big passion of mine.”

Green was chosen as Woods Cross High’s sterling scholar winner on the high school level for vocal performance. “Anytime I ask him to do a task he does it without hesitating,” said Krista Baer, the music teacher at Woods Cross High.

Green can run a 4.47 mile and enjoys

running cross country on the Woods Cross High cross country team. He is a varsity runner and team captain. “Rex sincerely cares about other people,” said Zack Hansen, cross country coach at Woods Cross High. “He cares if he puts the work in and if his team does too, his actions have always shown that. He is selfless and sacrifices his own glory for the benefit of the team. He wants nothing more than for Woods Cross to be good.”

Besides all his outstanding achievements, Rex is mostly known for being kind. “I had one class with Rex,” said Zoe Williams senior at Woods Cross High School, “and ever since that class Rex has remembered my name and always made sure to say hi to me in the halls, he also brought me Twizzlers just because he knew I liked them.”

He is kind and friendly to everyone, said Jaycie Bott, a student at Woods Cross High. “Rex is the sweetest guy and an absolute genius.” l

Getting to Know Dr. Heaton

Jared Heaton is an attentive and thorough dermatologist, serving his patients in Davis County. Dr. Heaton is Board-certified in dermatology, and he is currently a member of the American Society of MOHS Surgeons.

Dr. Heaton prides himself in serving all patient populations and treating all areas of dermatology from children through retirement age. He places a strong empahsis on catering to the retirement population in his community as skin cancer is more prevalent in this age group.

Dr. Heaton earned an undergraduate degree in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU). His medical degree is from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM). He completed both his internship and medical residency in Tampa, Florida.

In his spare time, Dr. Heaton enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, parafoil kite flying, and spending time with his wife and three children.

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Rex Green runs with the Woods Cross High Cross Country team. He’s also the president of the school’s concert choir. Courtesy photo

Citizens will soon be able to text Woods Cross City about their concerns

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

WOODS CROSS—During the city council meeting held on Dec. 6, the councilmembers unanimously voted to add a texting service for city use. LaCee Bartholomew, Community Service Coordinator, along with Bryce Haderlie, City Administrator, presented the idea during the city council meeting on Nov. 15.

The texting agreement that the city will be signing and implementing will start in 2023. “We as a city don’t feel like we are

reaching out in the best way possible,” said Bartholomew. “We started looking into this texting service about six months ago as we realized the traditional means of communication haven’t been working.”

“This will be a beneficial thing,” said Bartholomew. She explained that the texting program will be opt-in only. This means that each citizen will have to sign up for the service, as the city will not pull phone numbers from any other source.

“The City continues to look for ways to reach out and communicate across a variety of means,” said Haderlie. “In addition to the newsletter, the city uses Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the reader board outside City Hall. We will be adding a new text messaging program to our toolbox that will allow those that sign up to receive text messages on important issues and emergency situations that may impact individual lives.”

According to surveys reviewed by Bartholomew and Haderlie, 98 percent of residents are more apt to texting about an issue than to make a phone call to the city. “This gives us a direct response element and provides trackable data as well,” said Bartholomew.

Bartholomew explained that instead of residents calling the city about public works concerns, they will now be able to text about any issues. This texting program consists of a plan that will allow the city to send up to 75,000 texts per month to the residents. This will include garbage pick-ups, potholes, uneven sidewalks and other non-emergency problems in Woods Cross.

Each of the city’s residents will receive information as soon as the program has been implemented about how to sign up. All phone numbers received for the program will be obtained voluntarily and will not be used in any other capacity. “They will not be sold, transferred or retained, and the city is only using them for messaging purposes,” said Bartholomew.

She explained that the text messages sent to the city will be received as emails that will go to a 24-hour monitored address. Each message will have a one business day response time. “This will provide us with better accessibility and more accountability,” said Bartholomew. l

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Get moving at free low-impact Zumba classes

By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com

TwoSaturdays a month in the WX City Hall Multipurpose Room (enter on the East side), Jenny Love teaches two Zumba classes beginning at 11:30a.m. On her own fitness journey, she encourages her students that “movement is medicine, and it doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you are having fun.” She keeps her classes simple and accessible to most. Zumba, dancing to energetic music, tends to make her students leave with a smile. The first class at 11:30 a.m. is called Zumba Gold and is less intense with lower impact than her regular class which starts 45 minutes later. Love said that most people who come stay for both classes. Zumba can be addictive that way – it makes you feel so good you just can’t get enough.

In a recent study conducted by BYU Life Sciences, it was found that exercise also improves memory by increasing a factor that helps brains form new synapses. These synapses have a role in learning and make it easier to absorb information and form long-term memories. In fact, research out of Harvard suggests that moving can result is larger volume of brain cells in areas that are associated with thinking and memory. It only takes about six months for the activity to impact the volume of these vital areas in the brain. Although much of the re-

search is done on walking, any kind of aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping should have similar effects.

Love visited her doctor in 2020 and was told that she had developed type two diabetes. Rather than take medication, she told her doctor she would change her lifestyle, so she started working out at the South Davis Recreation Center. She started taking two-three Zumba classes a week and then upped it to five-six classes. She lost weight and regulated her blood sugars. She was so thrilled with her success she often took more than one class a day. After a few months, one of the Zumba instructors suggested that she train to become a teacher herself. In January 2021 she became a certified Zumba teacher and immediately obtained additional certification to teach lower impact classes for older or beginning students. Regular Zumba teachers are thick on the ground, but teaching the lower impact classes is a niche that needed to be filled. This fall, she also started teaching a Community Education class at Woods Cross High School once a week. Although this class is not free like the community class at city hall, the next session of Zumba gold at WXHS will start Thursday, Jan. 19. She even teaches a chair Zumba class at an assisted living center in Sandy.

Zumba can help improve memory, said Love. Her husband, who has Parkinson’s disease struggles with memory and movement. When he can do the physical workout, he feels much more alert and capable. Classes in January are scheduled on two Saturdays, Jan. 14

and 28. In February, classes will be held Feb. 11 and 18. Love said the Zumba fitness community is so supportive and inclusive. “It’s not about you, I tell my students that if I fall over, they should keep moving.” l

Winter stargazing on Antelope Island offers a unique view of the night skies

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

As cities get brighter, our view of the stars gets dimmer. With more people living under artificial light, it’s changing the way we see our skies and blocking astral views we used to enjoy. A world-wide effort to reduce light pollution encourages communities to create Dark Sky areas to help people return to a natural nighttime environment.

In 2017, Antelope Island earned the Dark-Sky designation administered by the International Dark Sky Association and it’s become a place to witness exceptional views of the night sky.

Utah has 10 state parks and 24 locations that have earned the Dark-Sky designation. In fact, the state has the highest number of certified Dark-Sky Parks and Communities in the world. But Antelope Island offers a unique experience.

“Our geography out here really made it possible to earn the designation,” said Trish Ackley, park naturalist for Antelope Island State Park. “We’re surrounded by a lake. We’re undeveloped out here and the lake makes it almost impossible for development to encroach on us, so already the park was pretty dark. We did have to adjust some lighting and eliminate some lighting that wasn’t necessary.”

It can take years for a location to earn approval from IDA. The effort to get the designation was spearheaded by Wendy Wilson, now the assistant park manager at Antelope Island State Park. There are several requirements to keep the designation each year, including public outreach and working with community partners to bring awareness to light pollution.

Winter is Ackley’s favorite time to stargaze on Antelope Island because it gets dark much earlier and the pesky mosquitoes and gnats aren’t around to irritate visitors. But she does

warn people to bundle up, because it can get really cold.

“It’s a little warmer out here than it is on the Wasatch Front because we’re surrounded by what is usually a warmer body of water, but it’s often windy,” she said. “If you’re taking pictures, be sure to wear gloves. Just bundle up.”

While summertime stargazing at the park is popular, with star parties, astronomy programs and dark sky photography, it’s been harder to get people to enjoy the dark skies during the colder months. But Ackley said the benefits to winter stargazing are numerous.

“Winter constellations are, in my opinion, so much better than summer constellations. There are just more stories to see and more you can play with and use your imagination in the winter.”

Although Antelope Island State Park closes at 10 p.m. during the winter months, it gets dark enough to see a phenomenal star show starting around 7 or 8 p.m. It’s a good time for families to visit and still get the kids home in time for bed.

As light pollution continues to increase, the International Dark-Sky Association states more than 80% of the country can no longer see the Milky Way. Artificial light has been shown to affect sleep cycles, disrupt migratory patterns in birds and even contribute to climate change.

Ackley said Utah home and business owners can reduce light pollution and help protect views of the night sky. Small changes like using lights only when and where necessary, shielding lights and directing them downward, using warmer light bulbs and closing window blinds at night are all ways to reduce light pollution.

As our view of the stars dims, people are traveling to

locations with Dark-Sky designations to catch a glimpse of what’s missing from bright cities, towns and neighborhoods.

“Astro-tourism is really picking up. People are starting to travel to darker places and seeking that out,” Ackley said. “Most people don’t have access to the Milky Way. It’s up there but we don’t think about it and don’t see it. But now that people are getting a taste of that, it’s really powerful. People want that.”

For information about Antelope Island’s Dark Skies program, visit StateParks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island/darkskies/. l

Jenny Love, the Zumba instructor, specializes in making dance exercise available to everyone, especially older adults. Photo courtesy of Jenny Love.

Dark-Sky photography is popular on Antelope Island State Park. With the park’s Dark-Sky designation, photographers like Ryan Andreasen capture phenomenal views of the heavens. Photo courtesy of Andreasen

Innovative Clearfield library earns an engineering award

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

lthough it’s the newest library in the Davis County system, the Clearfield Branch Library (1 N. Main St.) is already receiving accolades for its innovation and design. It recently received an engineering recognition for the Best Small Project in the 2022 ENR Mountain States Best Projects Awards.

The Clearfield library opened in 2021, replacing the old North Branch Library which had been around since 1975. The new library was built in the center of Clearfield’s downtown area and has quickly become the heart of the community.

“It’s becoming a central part of Clearfield City,” said Lynette Mills, Davis County Library deputy director. “The building really celebrates the history of Clearfield and takes advantage of its proximity to Hill Air Force Base.”

At 14,000 square-feet, the Clearfield Branch is smaller than the previous library, but its use of space and design makes the building feel much bigger. With multiple meeting and study rooms, two large conference rooms, three “flex spaces” that convert to larger areas, and a multi-purpose room, the library is designed to accommodate activities, programs and events of every kind.

The library features specialized technology not available at other Davis County libraries. Patrons can use the 3-D printer, laptops, scanners, tablets and cameras, as well as computers and Wi-Fi. And of course, the branch provides reading materials of all kinds, plus audio books, films and music.

“It’s a really good use of space. In libraries, lots of different things vie for space like conference rooms and col-

lections and in the case of this library, technology,” said Davis County Library Director Josh Johnson. “We have a unique opportunity with this building.There are still places to read, still places for people to study but the views from this library are pretty stunning. There’s a tremendous view of the Wasatch Front.”

Local artists are featured prominently in the Clearfield Branch, with works by Tony Rasmussen, Mac Stevenson, David J. Crowther, B.J. Jensen, and John Huerta Jr. A nod to HAFB is found in design cues that celebrate flight including soaring ceilings, a stunning staircase and fencing around the children’s courtyard with laser-cut airplanes and jets. Even the shape of the roofline resembles a modified airfoil.

“We’re extremely happy with how it turned out,” Mills said. “There were people who were worried about it being too modern but they really enjoy it. There’s the tall ceilings that are wood and bring warmth. The furniture is well-chosen and well-placed. It’s just a really nice building.”

A joint effort from several companies brought the library to life. It was designed by ajc architects, built by Spindler Construction, and engineered by Great Basin Engineering, Reaveley Engineers, VBFA and Envision Engineering.

Libraries are now utilizing outdoor spaces but the Clearfield Branch has taken it a step further. Landscaped outdoor rooms and plazas invite patrons to spend time in nature.

“There’s a children’s courtyard that allows you to take story time outside,” Johnson said. “Because we’re part of that urban core in Clearfield, we wanted to give people the

The Clearfield Branch Library was presented with the Best Small Projects award from ENR Mountain States for its concept and use of design. Located at 1 N. Main St., the library has quickly become a center of the community. Photo courtesy of Sohm Photgrafx/Meagan Larsen/Interior Solutions

opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as much as the indoors.”

For more information, visit DavisCountyUtah.gov/library/locations/clearfield-branch. l

Now you c a n fi na l ly have a l l of t he soot h ing benefit s of a rela x ing wa rmbat h, or enjoy a c onvenient ref re sh ing shower wh i le se ated or st a nd ing w it h Sa fe Step Wa l k-In Tub ’ s FR E E S howe r Pa c k a ge !

First wa l k-i n t ub ava i lable w it h a c u stom i z able shower Fi xed ra i n fa l l shower he ad is adju st able for you r heig ht a nd pivot s to o er a seated shower position

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Now you ca n ha ve t he be st of bot h wor l d s – t he re i s n’t a bet te r,

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!”

–Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum so it weighs only 47.2 lbs. It features onetouch folding and unfolding – when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a

backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

Why take our word for it? Call now, and find out how you can get a Zinger of your very own.

You may choose a burial plot, urn garden, scattering gardens, columbarium niche, or memory wall at our on-site crematory. Whether your family would like a direct cremation without a ceremony or would like to enlist the help of our funeral planners for a memorial ceremony, we are here to help. Choose traditional funeral services or life celebrations to honor the life of your loved one.

As you plan the end-of-life services, there are dozens of decisions to make during an emotional time. LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU choose urns, vaults, and memorials. We can also help with flower arrangements, catering, and grief resources.

Interior design course teaches about feelings

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

For those who have ever felt the need to feng shui their home, Laneel Perry has the answer. She teaches an interior design class through Canyon Heights Adult Learning Center twice a year. These classes take place once in the fall and again during the winter, with the next classes starting on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, 2023.

Each class is about two hours long with instruction from Perry about interior design. This is a six-week course. Students are able to attend these classes at either Layton High School or Woods Cross High. Those interested can sign up online at canyonheights.davis.k12.ut.us or email Perry at perrylaneel@ yahoo.com.

Perry received her interior design degree from Utah State University and now owns Design Dezign as a freelance designer. She has worked with many different people to design their spaces, from hospitals and offices to residential and commercial spaces.

“I love working in homes because that’s where you can get really personal,” said Perry.

Designing is exciting Perry said because of her unique outlook on interior design. “My favorite aspect of interior design is my different approach. I have a very unique style in that I don’t follow the trends or what’s current. I’ve learned to design by following discovery and love.”

Perry said in a Facebook post about the fall classes that the interior design class is great for anyone thinking about majoring in interior design, those who are interested in where to start in the interior design process or those who are curious or fascinated with interior design and want to learn more.

Some of the things students will learn during class are design principles and elements. They will also learn about differ-

ent styles, space planning, furniture layout, the emotion of color, art placement and even accessorizing. Over the course of six weeks, students should be able to learn enough about interior design to recognize if it is a career they want to pursue.

“I love teaching about design because I’m passionate about it,” said Perry. “I do it because I love it.” Perry talks about how she turns interior design into a personal discovery. “I believe that our homes should tell the story of the people who live there. So, when you choose to bring in things that you love, you bring in you.”

Perry wrote her first book in 2018, titled “This is Me...An Out Loud Experience.” Her book is a reflection of memories, key moments and experiences that shaped her personality. She plans on writing a second book that will contain some of the curriculum she has developed for these classes.

When Perry started teaching nearly 10 years ago, she had never considered being a teacher before. Her mother encouraged her to look into it despite Perry’s reservations. “Mom, I am not a teacher,” said Perry about the conversation. “There is no way I want to dive into teaching after my experiences. My mother replied that was exactly why I should reach out to others and show them my light.”

While she was extremely nervous during her first class, she now doesn’t even need notes. “These classes are about the students,” said Perry. “I love walking into a full class; it makes me feel like I can make a difference.”

Perry describes the class demographic as broad and can include anyone from those who are looking to start a design career to at-home DIYers. She typically teaches classes with 12 to 15 students. However, her last couple of classes have had an average of five. “It’s all about the individual and how they want

their space to feel,” said Perry. “Design is always a feeling…it evokes feeling.” l

2022 economic trends carry over into New Year

By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist

The last year brought both economic highs and lows, from soaring inflation to the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded in the Beehive State. For better and worse, we’ll see some of these economic currents carry over into 2023:

Recession fears linger. Recession fears loomed in most of 2022 as the Federal Reserve ramped up interest rates, consumer sentiment plunged, and the Gross Domestic Product contracted during the first half of the year. While the U.S. economy avoided a recession last year, thanks in part to robust consumer spending, the threat of recession persists. For one, the Treasury yield curve inverted, meaning that investors are willing to pay higher interest rates on short-term bonds than longer-term ones. Historically, this has been a warning signal that a recession could be on the way.

The labor market shines. The labor market was the star of the 2022 economy. As of August, all jobs lost in the pandemic were recovered. The unemployment rate is back down to 3.7% nationally, nearly as low as the pre-pandemic unemployment rate of 3.5%. Utah’s unemployment is nearly the lowest in the nation, measured at 2.2% in November. Yet, businesses are still struggling to find workers amid the Great Resignation

and shifting demographics. The labor force participation rate showed little net change in 2022, and the lack of available workers will carry into 2023.

Consumer sentiment remains historically low. Utahns and Americans expressed discontent in the economy in 2022. In the middle of last year, consumer sentiment fell to the lowest point recorded in the 70-year history of the University of Michigan’s Survey of Consumer Sentiment. The Kem C. Gardner Institute’s much newer Utah-specific index also sank to a new low last summer. While attitudes about the economy have improved slightly, ongoing inflation continues to erode consumer confidence. Consumer sentiment matters because attitudes about the economy drive behaviors like spending and investing, often acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Global shocks roil markets. The economy has yet to fully emerge from the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chain snarls and recent protests in China continue to disrupt markets and strangle growth, while the war with Russia and Ukraine further hindered pandemic recovery. These global distortions make understanding the economy difficult and bring ongoing uncertainty in 2023.

Historic interest rate hikes. The Federal Reserve boosted its benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, from zero to between 4.25% and 4.5% in 2022 — the highest rate in 15 years. The Fed has said it plans to continue tightening credit to tame inflation, with more rate hikes expected in 2023. Although the amount of expected rate increases will be dramatically lower than in 2022, the Fed is expected to maintain higher rates for a longer period.

Inflation persists. Inflation was one of the biggest economic stories of 2022, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022 — a lifetime high for people under 40. In the Mountain region, prices grew even faster, hitting double digits earlier this year. While inflation has slowed to 7.1% nationally and 8.3% in our region, it’s still being pressured by hot wage inflation and remains well above the Fed’s target rate of 2%. We’ll likely see more price cooling in 2023, but it will take some time to get inflation down to historical levels.

Overall, 2023 is expected to be a year of economic moderation. Inflation will slow as higher interest rates cool economic conditions. We’re already starting to see signs of price moderation in areas like construction, motor fuel and used cars. While we haven’t seen this yet, the labor market should begin

to soften as employers cut back on expansion plans in the next year. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary part of resetting an economy that has gone through many shocks over the past few years.

Robert

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

Laneel Perry decorates a Christmas tree that belonged to her mother while reminiscing of the times they spent together. Photo by Laneel Perry

Finding your inner strength to be successful

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

LAYTON—Being a woman in the business world can be daunting. Sometimes the only way to get through it is with a smile. That’s what keeps local entrepreneur and business owner Carlee Hansen going. Hansen shared her take on surviving in business – and life – at the Annual Davis Chamber Women in Business Summit held at the Davis Conference Center.

“We’re warriors,” said Hansen. “We can handle a business call while changing a dirty diaper.”

Hansen started out with a small custom clothing business. Then in 2018 she was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder. “It manifested in a big way,” she said. “I saw doctors, had therapy and went on a journey.”

It was during this time Hansen wrote her book “How the Light Comes In.” “I wrote to find healing,” she said. “It was a way to manage anxiety and stress.”

Throughout high school Hansen did well. “I was very good at school,” she said. “I was going places. I wanted to go to schools like Stanford and Harvard. I was waiting for the onslaught of letters.”

One of the stops while visiting colleges included a night in Ephraim, Utah, said Hansen. “I had the best time. I knew this was

where I should go – to a town that is known for turkeys. I landed right where I was meant to be. You have to do what makes sense to you right now.”

Don’t be afraid to change, she said. “Sometimes shifting 180 degrees is just what we need. Start with what you’re good at. Remember what you liked in high school. See what creative juices are in you. Challenge yourself to be uncomfortable – that’s how we grow.”

Hansen said she’d always dreamed of coaching basketball. “I wasn’t qualified to be a coach. I was good at Excel. But an opening came up at Centennial Junior High. I figured, ‘I like kids and I don’t have a record.’”

She ended up getting the job. “The most qualified person to chase your dreams is you,” said Hansen. “I love it (coaching). It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Not everything has gone smoothly for her though. “One day I was headed to my car and forgot my laptop,” said Hansen. “Then I knocked an orange between the seat and that door in the dark space. As I’m standing there, a snowplow comes by and juices me with wet parking lot snow. We’re going to have bad days. Just shower off and start again. If you’re wallowing in the snow plows and not seeing the funny in it, what’s the point?”

Hansen said it’s difficult to find women in business who are supportive. “Get a group of women who will cheer you on. Love them hard. Lean on them hard. Someone who you know that your name will be safe in their mouth. Grab them with tight fists and run with it.”

If something is stinky in business or life, fix it, she said. “Don’t try to cover it up. Rinse off the smell, don't just spray it with

AXE (deodorant). You never know what people are going through. Give people the benefit of the doubt.”

Fail gracefully, said Hansen. “We’re all in the same boat. Everyone is awkward and it’s OK.”

Change is amazing, she said. “It’s stinky too. But we can become bigger, better, powerful women. We can be our better selves, be better at business and better today.”l

New program helps lost pets find their way home

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

KAYSVILLE—In 2022 lost pet numbers went up and hundreds of those found pets ended up at Animal Care of Davis County which is already near capacity. Surrounding shelters are in the same situation.

A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science finds that 70% of lost dogs are found less than a mile from their homes and 42% are less than 400 feet. With all that information, Animal Care of Davis County started the Friendly Finders program. The program allows those who find an animal to keep the pet until its owner can be located.

“Myself and my deputy director went to a National Animal Welfare conference and heard about Friendly Finders and they were seeing great success,” said Ashleigh Young, director Animal Care of Davis County. “Most people when they find a pet they turn it over to us. According to Utah law animals brought to the shelter must be impounded within 72 hours. Keeping them in the (finder’s) home gives a nice neutral ground. It’s a great service to get them home.”

When a good Samaritan calls in an officer will go out to the location, she said. “They’ll take a cute mug shot and put it into our system. That makes them aware that a person has found the animal if someone is looking for their lost pet. We’ll do an intake of vaccines and a medical exam or any other concerns the finder has for the pet.”

The program was rolled out Oct. 17, said Young. “To date, we have had 19 cats and 28 dogs participate in this program and nearly all of them were reunited with their original families.”

In Utah, dogs and cats are considered personal property, she said. “If you don’t alert the authorities that you’ve found

a pet it can be seen as theft.”

This program is in line with the community while meeting the requirements of the law, Young said. “It’s really a lot better for the animals.”

If the owner is not found after five business days the finder has a few options, she said.

• The lost pet can be brought up to the shelter to find a new forever family.

• The finder can choose to continue to foster the pet, helping the animal shelter find a forever home for the pet and become an official member of the Foster Team.

• Or they can adopt the pet themselves and give them a home without the pet ever having to come up to the animal shelter.

The Foster Team is made up of volunteers who take care of a pet while Animal Care looks for a permanent home.

“We provide all of the food and supplies,” said Young. “They see how the animal behaves in a home and meet with a potential adopter. We learn so much more about the animals so we can find great homes with that additional information.”

Anyone can foster, she said. “It can be people in apartments or with kiddos, or existing pets. We have lots of pets here so we can find one that fits with that individual’s lifestyle. Some pets have more special needs like no kids, other pets, etc.”

Animal Care of Davis County is a socially conscious animal shelter, said Young. “There is no time limit to keeping an animal. Sometimes if they have a chronic medical condition or there is a behavior issue like hurting other animals or people we will seek a rescue placement option.”

With the holidays approaching, a new pet might be on the Christmas list. “The ASPCA did a study five years ago that looked at animals as a gift,” Young said. “They found that they are just as much loved as when someone chooses to purchase a pet. The science backs it up. Of course we’d prefer they adopt a pet rather than going to a breeder but we understand that they’re not always going to find what they’re looking for at the shelter.”

Young believes the Friendly Finder program will benefit everyone. “We’re excited for the opportunity to engage with the community.” l

Local entrepreneur and business owner Carlee Hansen shares funny stories about her life and business at the Davis Chamber Women in Business conference. Hansen is the author of two books, “How the Light Comes In” and “Peas are Gross.” Photo by Becky Ginos

Davis County Animal Care employee Juliette gives Cookie a good scratch. The new Friendly Finders program helps prevent lost animals from coming to the shelter. Courtesy photo

By Kerry Angelbuer | k.angelbuer@mycityjournals.com

The cold winter months are perfect for curling up with a good book with a warm blanket and hot cocoa at your elbow. At the end of a good book, it is just added fun to talk about it with a group of your soon-tobe, close friends at the Wood Cross Book Club. The Book Club has been facilitated by Alison Dart for 10 years and takes place one evening every other a month in the Wood Cross Multipurpose room at City Hall. It is only an hour long but is packed with conversation about life and books and participating in a book and cookie exchange. Even if you haven’t read the book, come and decide if you want to read it. You could score a free copy of the book under discussion in the book exchange.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. This February, the book being discussed is “An Instant” by Suzanne Redfern. The book has been nominated for an award on Goodreads and is based on the“instant” that a car rockets over a cliff told from the perspective of a girl who doesn’t survive the accident but lingers near to help her family and others.The books are announced in the City Newsletter which comes by email and in the city bill. Books discussed at the club are varied including biographies, mysteries, historical fiction, and romance. In the past, the club has read books that are current movies. By popular vote, club members said the books are always better than the movies.

Even if the current book is not something you would enjoy, come to the club so you can participate in the discussion choosing the next book to be highlighted. At the very least, you will come away with a reading list of books loved by those in your community. Participants are invited to say what they like and dislike about the book and to decide if they would like to read another book by the same author.

Dart has always loved to read. “It is a great way to meet new characters, go on new adventures,” she said. She has studied elementary education and is currently the librarian at Woods Cross Elementary. Dart loves reading children’s books for her current job and more mature books for the book club. “Book Club is fun,” Dart said. “It’s a great place to find new friends, read amazing books and have a treat (the cookies are not just for exchanging).

The Davis County Library often has several copies of books chosen for the club. Attending the previous meeting gives you first dibs on the hard copies. If you have a library card you can set up a library account online and reserve the book to be picked up at your closest library. The library allows you to reserve books from all the branches in the system and will personally deliver them to your chosen library branch and give you

a window to come and pick the books up. The Libby app is also available to check out books in other mediums. After downloading the Libby app, you put in your library card number and password (the last four digits of your phone number) and thousands of books are available to read or listen to on your phone, tablet, or computer. Some book club members order the book new or used online. Often used books are very inexpensive using this resource. Some book club members pass the same book around among members. With two months between meetings, it is easy to read the book and pass it to a neighbor inviting them to book club also. Before COVID, the book club attracted about 20 people, but now it is a little smaller.

Woods Cross City Hall is located at 1555 S. 800 West. l

www.letsreadfunbooks.com

Alison Dart has facilitated the book club for 10 years. The group meets once every other month at City Hall. Photo courtesy of Alison Dart

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Sterling Scholars 2022

BOUNTIFUL HIGH STERLING SCHOLARS

Back row: Kiana Tucker, English, Madelyn Watts, World Languages, William Ahluwalia, Business and Marketing,Tate Heath, Mathematics, Mason Lotz, Computer Technology, Hinarava Hapairai-Hansen, Instrumental Music. Front row: Violet Holley, Vocal Performance, Charlotte Davidson, Speech/Theatre Arts/Forensics, Graciela Eyring, Visual Arts, Ivy Moore, Science, Leah Brown, Family and Consumer Science, Charlotte Murray, Dance, Jane Maughan, Social Science.

DAVIS HIGH STERLING SCHOLARS

Back row: Breah Christofferson (Business & Marketing), Brock Deru (Instrumental), Aspen Ahlquist (Dance), Sarah Robinson (World Language) Middle row: Abby Gray (Math), Sophia Brown (Speech/Theater Arts/Forensics), Anna Larsen (English), Morgen Davis (Vocal) Front row: Oaklie Arnell (Social Science), Maren Eaton (Family & Consumer Science), Derek Shutz (Computer Technology), Katelin Seaman (Visual Arts)

VIEWMONT HIGH STERLING SCHOLARS

FARMINGTON HIGH STERLING SCHOLARS

Front Row (L-R): Hannah Hafen, Elizabeth Ernstrom, Carson Graves, Jared Tholen, Mathew Scoresby, Christopher Hunter, Mylee Merrill Back Row (L-R): Colby Thornton, Madelyn Hammond, Katie Crabtree, Kristina McCammon, Emma Phippen, Reagan Petersen. Not Pictured: Abby Green

Top row: Patrick Neal, Business & Marketing; Korey Christensen, Science; Samantha Clinger, Speech/Theater Arts; Brandon Wallis, Social Science; Carly McBride, English; Mia Clark, Family & Consumer Sciences; Ashlyn Smith, Computer Tech. Bottom row: Madalyn Thiriot, Instrumental Performance; Esther Clayton, World Languages; Ethan Tea, Skilled & Technical Sciences; Elisanora Penerosa, Vocal Performance; Alexa Jones, Visual Arts; Halli Burnett, Mathematics; Hailey Williams, Dance.

Miss Davis County has been crowned for 2023

By Alisha Copfer | alisha.c@davisjournal.com

DAVIS COUNTY—The Miss Davis County Competition was held at the Syracuse Arts Academy. The festivities ran all day on Nov. 12 with workshops on walking, talking, dancing and singing. There were also talent shows, interview questions and an evening gown competition involving each of the six contestants.

After a full day of pageanting, Hannah Romney was crowned Miss Davis County for 2023 on Nov. 12, 2022. For Romney, pageanting runs in her blood. She got her start as Little Miss Lehi when she was 7 years old. And her niece is the one who helped her get involved this year for the Davis County run. “At some point, my whole family has been involved in pageanting,” said Romney.

“Our Miss Davis County, Hannah Romney, was so welcomed, and I’m so proud to call her my title holder,” said Melissa Payne, a makeup artist at the pageant. “This workshop was amazing, and Hannah is even more prepared to serve the community of Davis County!”

After not being interested in the pageant, Romney's niece convinced her to run for the Miss Davis County title. “I had the full ‘Miss Congeniality’ turn-around,” explained Romney. “I had preconceived notions that pageants are based on beauty and body expectations. However, unexpectedly, the pageant was full of feminine energy, and everyone was so kind to me throughout the whole process.”

Romney explained that each contestant and everyone involved were all rooting for each other. “The first thing I noticed was that everyone was so kind, supportive and uplifting,” said Romney. “Everyone wanted each other to succeed, and they were cheering for everyone involved.”

“I feel I won on the energy of the day and the work I had already put into my social initiative,” said Romney. “I think this was seen by everyone during all of the walking, talking and singing leading up to the shining 24 hours of that day.”

Romney’s social impact initiative is the love of arts. “I believe the arts have the power to change someone's perspective on themselves, their circumstances and their community,” said Romney.

“I want kids to have as much exposure as they can to these healing tools,” she said. “There needs to be more art, dance and theater in our elementary schools. The arts are so healing.”

When Romney was about 14 years old, she lost her brother, which created trials and tragedies in her life. She was able to turn to theater to help her understand what was going on and how to process things better. “After the theater kids found me, I experienced the most empathy I have ever felt in my life,” said Romney. “There is something so beautiful about the way art touches you. It has the potential to heal communities by offering different perspectives.”

Others often describe Romney as being “quite a quirky one” and a bit “unhinged,” yet she still has the ability to help everyone feel comfortable. She describes herself as a “theater-kid turned preschool teacher and a lesbian-woman with her own inner diversity.”

Romney will be holding an art supply drive in January to help meet her goals of getting the arts into more schools. Romney stated that only about 49 minutes of each day are spent on the arts in elementary school classrooms. Her initiative is to provide more exposure to not only elementary age kids but all students in Davis County. l

Special education program’s mission is to help children become successful

By Becky Ginos | becky.g@davisjournal.com

FARMINGTON—The Davis School District (DSD) special education program serves 10-11% of the district’s population and provides opportunities for children with all types of disabilities. The department is staffed with physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, counselors, teachers for the deaf and visually impaired and many more specialists who help children thrive.

“We’re careful to provide the least restrictive environment for them,” said Special Education Director Tiffany Midgley as part of a presentation to the school board. “We try to engage students and meet them wherever they are. Our expectation is to provide them an education that meets their goals so they can eventually leave DSD like every child, ready to perform.”

Resource is a pullout program, said Lisa Wall, Mild/ Moderate K-12 & School Support Director. “Students walk down to the resource room from their general education class which is where they receive core instruction.”

Secondary schools have different periods so there might be co-teachers, she said. “One would be for special education and the other a regular teacher. When they turn 14 we develop a transition plan that is updated every year with the student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program).”

In 11 to 18 schools there are School Support Facilitators, said Wall. “They work with curriculum, student behavior, inclusion, autism and brain injury. They also talk to parents if needed. They’re invaluable to us with all their experience and training. Any child currently residing or going to school in our district can be referred to us.”

Special programs include A.S.C. (Academic Social

Communication), Wall said. “We might go out to the classrooms with a peer tutor or a teacher assistant. Students might also need behavior support. Some students require intensive instruction and academic needs into adulthood.”

Other students can’t be sustainable in a classroom, she said. “We have five classrooms that are supervised by our behavioral team.”

The department has 90 speech and language specialists and 51 school psychologists, said Taya Johnson, Director of Related Services. “They’re impacting 2,500 students a week. We have six teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing and 11 teachers for the visually impaired. There are four physical therapists who work with over 60 students a month.”

Vista is for students ages 18 – 22 with an IEP who haven’t graduated yet, said Vista Principal Jeff Williams. “We teach them adaptive skills like making change, ordering a meal, learning to read a bus schedule, etc. It’s not based on a regular curriculum.”

They use UTA to go out on job sites, he said. “We have a foods classroom where they make food. They also learn how to iron clothes, make a bed, how to dress correctly for a job, etc. We have a soda fountain shop and kids can order drinks from that. Students work there if they’re not community ready.”

The goal is for students to be as independent as possible, said Williams. “Some learn to tie their shoes and others get a job or go to DTC. Come see our students – you’ll fall in love with them.” l

Hannah Romney was crowned the new Miss Davis County 2023 on Nov. 12. Courtesy Photo

Laura Alley, M.S. – CCC/SLP works with children at Foxboro Elementary. Speech and language pathology is just one of several programs within the Davis School District special education program. Courtesy photo

From the people who brought you Syncrete, nepotistic construction contracts and the ThrU Turn fiasco intersection, comes a mind-boggling project guaranteed to be unnecessary and over budget: the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola.

The Utah Department of Transportation isn’t known for its rational, effective projects. It spent years studying the LCC traffic situation before making the wrong decision, but at least they didn’t go with the Little Cottonwood zeppelin.

Color me unimpressed with UDOT. Take 5400 South. Please. I travel this road every day and I know UDOT doesn’t understand east-west travel. Going from my home in Kearns to the I-15 interchange in Murray includes nearly 20 stoplights along that 7-mile stretch and I usually hit every. single. one.

There was a legend that if you drove exactly 42.3 mph, under the light of a full moon, you could travel 5400 South without stopping at one red light. Not true.

I blame my road rage on UDOT.

So, let’s talk about the gondola. With UDOT approving the nearly $600 million project, it must have overwhelming support. Nope. Local mayors, residents, environmental groups, Bigfoot and county leaders don’t want this to happen. A majority of the tens

Kinder Life and Laughter

of thousands of public comments are against the gondola.

Just a hair short of sketchy, Snowbird quietly bought land that could (will) be used for the gondola station at the base of Little Cottonwood. When the time comes, Snowbird will sell or donate (ha-ha) that land to the state.

Hikers, fishermen, sightseers and climbers don’t want the gondola. They don’t want to ride the entire length of the gondola system if their destination isn’t a ski resort. I guess UDOT could add a base-jumping experience if you want to parachute out of the gondola halfway up the canyon. But it will probably have an extra fee.

Measuring 8 miles, it will be the longest gondola system in the world and includes nearly two dozen towers, averaging 185 feet high. That’s about 17 stories. UDOT said the towers will be placed up the canyon by helicopters, like they’ll gently rest on the forest

floor where tree roots will wind around the base to hold them down, becoming part of the natural landscape.

No. Each tower will have a huge concrete base, requiring boulders and trees to be demolished. Not only that, but construction could disrupt animal migration patterns, pollute the watershed and highlight UDOT’s decision-making legacy.

UDOT explored options like rideshare programs, electric buses and road tolls that are less invasive, especially when trying to solve a traffic problem that only happens a few days a year. But those alternatives aren’t expensive and ridiculous, so that was a “no” vote from UDOT.

When you factor inflation, the project’s cost will be about $72 gajillion, paid for with “mystery funding” which we all know usually means “taxpayer dollars” in some fash-

ion. Even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, your tax dollars will probably help pay for a system designed by ski resorts, for ski resorts.

We’ve riddled this country with aging infrastructure. Obsolete railways, cables, steel and wiring lie unused and rusting. When the gondola becomes outdated, our grandchildren’s grandchildren will be stuck with the awful towers standing forever in the sacred space of Little Cottonwood.

UDOT’s track record is abysmal. I remember when it spent $700,000 to remove the stupid ThrU Turn on 5400 South. UDOT said the intersection wasn’t a mistake, just unnecessary.

That could be UDOT’s tagline: Building unnecessary mistakes. l

Peri

Gold medalists break the sound barrier aboard Thunderbirds

By Becky Ginos becky.g@davisjournal.com

“It

ground. “I didn’t know if I’d keep my food down. I can’t believe these guys do this all the time. It was tense.”

“It was crazy,” said Schoenefeld. “It was like an elephant on your chest and your vision goes away for a minute. We were going 4G’s and I thought that was crazy then we went faster and I thought ‘oh gee.’”

It was a real treat, said Lt. Col. RyanYingling. “It was unique and fun for us and fun for you guys. It was a blast. We got through everything and went into super sonic airspace and broke the sound barrier.”

They started training on the F-16 early this morning, said Jake Impellizzeri, Thunderbird eight. “It was information by firehose. I putAshley through the wringer. We pulled 9G’s and 1.28 Mach. We did loops and rolls and she got some stick time. It was an honor.”What they do in the Olympics showcases a beacon of excellence, he said. “It’s doing something greater than ourselves.That’s what they represent. It's an inspiration to our team that’s what we try to achieve in theAir Force.” Caldwell said she’s trained her whole life to reach the Gold medal standard. “TheAir Force sets a high bar. I give a high performance in skiing and these guys give a high performance in a different way. It’s two different worlds.”

An aerial doesn’t get any less scary, said Schoenefeld. “When I do a triple backflip I’m nervous every day. When we took off I thought ‘oh we’re about to go fast.’” It was absolutely incredible, said Caldwell. “My Gold medal went through the speed of sound. This was the highlight of my post Olympic experience. It was a dream come true and now it’s off my bucket list.” It’s hard to describe the indescribable, she said. “It’s like if a dragon and a unicorn had a baby strapped to a rocket ship. I’m so excited to be a part of this and I’m grateful for their service.” l

Incumbents dominate in Davis GOP Primaries

U.S.

By Tom Haraldsen tom.h@davisjournal.com

This

for Edwards and 4,517 for Isom in Davis County. Lee took 60 percent of the votes statewide.

U.S. House District 1 Incumbent Blake Moore, seeking a second term of office, defeatedAndrew Badger

Wayment earns spot

on U.S. National

Team

Courtney Wayment, the Davis High and recently graduated BYU distance runner, finished second in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to win a spot on the U.S. world championship team. After her collegiate-record performance in the NCAA championships two weeks ago, Wayment knocked another four seconds off her record performance in the NCAA meet –which was eight seconds faster than any collegian has ever run – finishing with a time of 9:12.10.

The world championships will be held on this same track at the University of Oregon in three weeks.

Judge

issues temporary restraining order on Utah’s abortion trigger law Physicians in Utah may continue to provide abortions for patients until at least July 11. On Monday, Third District Court Judge Andrew Stone granted a request from Utah’s Planned Parenthood Association for a 14 day TRO. He said he felt allowing the law to take immediate effect could cause “irreparable harm. Doctors here are threatened with felonies. The affected women are deprived of safe, local medical treatments to terminate pregnancies.” Doctors can continue to provide abortions in the Beehive State for the next two weeks, a state judge decided Monday. Stone granted the order at the request from Planned Parenthood Association of Utah.

Prayer OK’d for school coach instateWashington

andTina Cannon in this primary, getting 14,769 votes. Badger was second at 6,712 and Cannon third at 3,363.

U.S. House District 2 Incumbent Chris Stewart moved into November’s general election with a win over challenger Erin Rider. Stewart finished with 13,781 votes to 6,329 for Rider.

State Senate District 6 Jerry Stevenson advanced into Novem-

Please see ELECTIONS pg. 2

A former high school football coach in Washington who was disciplined for holding a postgame prayer at midfield with his team saw his action protected by a Supreme Court ruling on Monday. By a 6-3 decision, the Court said Bremer-

year’s primary elections in Davis County were completely between candidates in the Republican Party, which has dominated the county’s political offices for years.As of earlyWednesday morning, here were the vote totals in Davis County for candidates in a number of races:

Senate As expected, incumbent Mike Lee fought off the challenges of two Davis County residents, Becky Edwards of Bountiful andAlly Isom of Kaysville. Lee garnered 24,859 votes to 16,045