Unified soccer
Wreath-laying ceremony coming Dec. 13 Page 14
Riverton major participant in the statewide, inclusive program Page 16
Buroker wins mayoral seat while two newcomers will take council seats
By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Councilmember Tish Buroker will be Riverton’s new mayor as Alexander Johnson and Shannon Smith each will represent Districts 3 and 4, respectively.
Riverton will officially have a new mayor come 2026: Tish Buroker.
Buroker, a council member since 2018 representing District 4, won the November election with just over 70% of the vote.
“Thanks Riverton,” Buroker wrote in a social media post on Nov. 5. “I look forward to serving and representing Riverton proudly and honorably. I’m so appreciative of the great support I have received throughout the campaign. It has definitely been a journey with many helping hands along the way.”
She defeated fellow Councilmember Tawnee McCay, who has represented District 3 since 2018.
“I love Riverton,” McCay wrote on social media the day after election day. “The people have spoken and I want to congratulate Tish Buroker on a well-run campaign. I am confident Riverton is in good hands.”
Buroker was endorsed by every other current elected official in Riverton. That includes the three remaining councilmembers: Andy Pierucci, Troy McDougal and Spencer Haymond, along with Mayor Trent Staggs. She will succeed Staggs as he exits after two terms as the city mayor to work as the Region 8 advocate for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
This was the first mayoral race since 2017 after Staggs ran unopposed in 2021.
With both Buroker and McCay running for the mayor seat, that meant they left their current council seats up for grabs.
District 3 will see Alexander Johnson take over for McCay. Johnson won with almost 70% of the vote to beat Rusty Lance.
Johnson serves on two Riverton groups: the parks, recreation and trails committee and the historic preservation commission. He currently works as the deputy district director for Congressman Burgess Owens.
The district covers the south-central portion of River-
Buroker will be Riverton’s
Tish Buroker)
ton, running from its southern end along 13800 South and Bangerter Highway to its east boundary of 2700 West. It runs north to 12600 South and mostly follows the Welby Canal on the west side while still including the Western Springs area.
District 4 also sees a new face step onto the council dais as Buroker departs, having campaigned for mayor. Shannon Smith defeated Darren Park with 71% of the vote to claim the seat.
Smith has served as a PTA president and legislative representative for Riverton K-12 schools.
This district covers the northeastern portion of Riverton with its eastern boundary following the Jordan River
and its southern boundary running along 12600 South. Its west border runs south along 2700 West before jutting east to the canal. The northern edge puzzle boxes mostly along 11800 South.
All three winners will take their oath of office at the beginning of January. l
Tish
newest mayor. (Photo courtesy
Alexander Johnson takes the District 3 seat on the council. (Photo courtesy Alexander Johnson)
Shannon Smith takes the District 4 seat on the council. (Photo courtesy Shannon Smith)
Riverton’s Christmas Night of Music rings in the season
The 150+ member choir and orchestra will perform Christmas favorites.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Amidst the twinkling Christmas trees and red poinsettias, Riverton City’s annual Christmas Night of Music on Monday, Dec. 8, will offer festive music to invite the holiday spirit. The free concert will be held at 7 p.m. at Riverton High School (12476 S. Silverwolf Way).
Choir director Kim Rimmasch has led the Christmas concert since its origins at a local church in 2004. As the event’s
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popularity grew, Rimmasch partnered with Riverton City to provide a magical night of Christmas music for anyone who would like to attend or participate.
“All of the songs are special arrangements, professional arrangements,” he said.
“We have a harp player and full percussion instruments. Just the percussion instruments would be over $45,000 to buy, but we rent them from the Murray Symphony, which has supported us all these years.”
This year’s special musical guest is Gabriel Trumpets, an ensemble that has performed in a variety of venues and with multiple groups, including The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. They will join the 160-member community choir and orchestra to perform inspired versions of holiday favorites.
“There’s no doubt that you can feel the energy in the room,” Rimmasch said. “You can feel the season, you can feel people’s emotions and the Christmas spirit. When people are participating and listening, I think music talks to us. It opens up our brains and our minds and it helps us.”
Rimmasch credits Riverton City’s Arts Administrator Vicki Wartman and Events Director Sheril Garn for making the Riverton High School auditorium shine for the concert, ushering in the holidays with just the right amount of Christmas magic. The event is scheduled to last less than 90 minutes, with the choir and orchestra performing 16 Christmas songs.
With more than 1,200 people attending the Christmas Night of Music each year, he
suggests people get there early (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) to beat the crowd and get a good parking spot. Rimmasch is often told by attendees that the concert starts the season off right and gets people thinking about family, friends and the meaning of the holiday.
“Gabriel is arranging special music, and they’ll be participating in many of the pieces. We’ll be doing some congregational music where guests can sing along with the orchestra,” he said. “We’ll be doing Mack Wilberg’s ‘Masters in this Hall’ and with ‘Joy to the World,’ there’s a special arrangement that Gabriel will be doing that I really like. I must say, this concert has become a Riverton tradition. l
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Riverton City’s Christmas Night of Music will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at Riverton High School (12476 S. Silverwolf Way). The concert is free and open to all ages. (Photo courtesy of Riverton City)
Choir director Kim Rimmasch has led the annual Christmas concert since it started in 2004. (Photo courtesy of Riverton City)
Jordan Education Foundation director lifts more than weights; he lifts kids, teachers and community
For Mike Haynes, lifting isn’t just about weights; it’s about people, programs and possibilities.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
For Jordan Education Foundation Executive
Director Mike Haynes, strength comes in many forms. It’s not only the weights or the dollars raised for students; it’s the determination to lift others, whether that means a struggling student, a teacher in need of support or a barbell that’s loaded with plates.
Mike didn’t initially set out to run a nonprofit, but his natural charisma, deep community ties and relentless work ethic made him a textbook choice to lead the Jordan Education Foundation, his peers said.
“Mike is amazing,” said foundation board member Corey Fairholm. “He’s doing great things. He started as a board member, and when (former executive director) Steve Hall retired, Mike said, ‘I’m going to apply for this job.’ And we said, ‘You’re the perfect person.’”
With experience serving on the Utah State Board of Education, the Uplift Families education advisory committee and the Junior Achievement of Utah board as well as being an entrepreneur, Mike has both business leadership and a commitment to service.
“He’s outgoing; he’s got community partners and he does such a great job developing those relationships and looking for opportunities to bring money into the Foundation to help these kids,” Corey said.
Under Mike’s leadership, Jordan Education Foundation has grown in both recognition and impact. From teacher grants and outstanding educator awards to stocking principals’ pantries and supporting unified sports for students with disabilities, the Foundation impacts nearly everyone in Jordan School District.
“Public education is a really cool industry,” Mike said. “I love to help kids; there are so many great kids.”
In the last five years, he has built hundreds of partnerships — from the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, Utah Stars and Salt Lake Bees to local businesses providing food, bedding, clothing and school supplies.
“As fast as donations come in, they’re going out,” he said. “One occasion, I had five high school students helping me with loading and unloading some food and I got asked where the food was going. After I explained, one student asked if he could take some as he was from a family of six kids and was told to find dinner at a friend’s house. He was a good kid; he hadn’t missed a day of school and was wanting to step up and help.”
Later, two other students in that group asked for food as well.
Mike said one in four students in Jordan
“So I thought, if I’m going to lift, I want to compete, so I asked, ‘how do we do this?’”
That curiosity led him to his first meet in Idaho in 2000. Since then, he’s been hooked.
“There are rules, and it’s more technical than I thought. But that keeps the integrity in every lift,” he said. “On the other hand, powerlifting is a whole lot of fun. The people are close; they’ll be cheering for you. It’s a very cool group.”
School District faces food insecurity. Through community donations, the Foundation helps with meals and essentials — and stretches every dollar to support more students.
“In the last couple years, we’ve given out 750 beds for students who have been sleeping on the floor in homes. It’s heartbreaking to see, but we’re grateful to help,” he said.
Mike and his team also ensure teachers have what they need to thrive.
“Every one of Jordan School District’s 3,600 licensed teachers can put in an annual request of $500 each,” he said. “That would mean $1.8 million; we don’t have that much. So, we need to do all we can to bring in more and more. I’m telling teachers, every nickel, no matter what it is, if you need it, ask. I don’t want money to be a reason you don’t do something that’s best for kids.”
Those who know Mike best say his drive to lift others is as strong as his will to lift weights.
“Mike’s amazing,” said Sheldon Russell, a West Jordan High School special education teacher. “He will meet students and will remember their name, their stories and everything about them.”
Mike began powerlifting in 1999 at age 32 when his neighbor, Carl Rogers, moved in and installed a gym in his basement.
“I’m very competitive,” Mike recalled.
Six years after he started, Mike remembers a defining moment.
“I remember taking the stage at Vegas, at a big hotel, walking out and seeing all those people out there. I was sitting on the edge of the bench thinking ‘there’s nothing else going on, I’m the only act on stage,’” he said.
He benched 330 pounds in the 148-pound weight class.
“When you get your lift and the crowd goes nuts for you, that’s really cool,” he said. “And when you’re there with the right people, training guys, celebrating, it’s so much fun.”
Sheldon is one of those training partners, along with Scott Mecham. The three train together weekly; it’s become a sacred routine.
“Everyone knows on Tuesdays, don’t call Mike. He’s not going to answer,” Sheldon said.
“There’s nothing better than the bond you create. Mike’s one of my best friends. The bond happens near the iron. There’s something about the physical struggle and encouraging each other through it.”
After recovering from a hamstring injury, Mike plans to return soon to four days of training per week.
Through the years, he has competed across multiple federations and states, earning several national and state titles — and also been honored as the best lifter. He served as the state chair for the World Association of
Benchers and Dead Lifters.
But what Mike values most isn’t the medals — it’s the mindset.
“There’s something about lifting when you keep beating your previous best,” he said. “It’s so contagious, you just want more of it. It’s so much more than lifting; it’s the mentality.”
For Mike, both his powerlifting and mission in education come down to perseverance.
“There’s something about when you’re stuck in a lift, when you’re deadlifting and fighting to get that up, and people are yelling for you and you’re like, ‘I am not going to fail.’ And when you get it, there’s not a feeling like that in the world,” he said. “I’ve closed mega big deals — $100 million deals — and it’s more fun to get a PR in the gym.”. l
When Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes isn’t lifting kids, he lifts weights — and has set several state and national records. (Photo courtesy Mike Haynes)
Every year, Mike Haynes and the Jordan Education Foundation recognize outstanding educators, including Bingham High teacher Amber Thomas. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
For years, Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes has worked out with his training buddies, Scott Mecham and Sheldon Russell. (Photo courtesy Mike Haynes)
Dancing with the Sentinels impresses
The traditional event gets the whole school involved in this ballroom team fundraiser.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
In the tradition of Dancing with the Stars, Mountain Ridge High School’s Dancing with the Sentinels contest pairs ballroom team members with students from various school teams and clubs to choreograph, learn and perform a dance that will impress the student body.
MRHS ballroom team coach Missy Orton said she always hopes to gain more awareness for ballroom and for students to realize that anyone can dance. She said this year’s dancers had a lot of talent.
“They rose to the occasion and did a great job with making their dances entertaining,” she said. “My favorite part of Dancing with the Sentinels is seeing kids from all groups around the school learning ballroom and having so much fun with it.”
This year’s matchups included students from football, choir, lacrosse, cross country, drill, Latinos In Action, stage crew, special ed and dance company.
Ballroom dancer Kai Flores was partnered with Elsie Woodward, a member of the drill team, who he knew had endurance and the ability for precise movements. He choreographed their dance to highlight her strengths.
“Drill is known for their turns, for being so in sync, and so knowing that she’s able to do those big ballet-looking ones, I wanted to incorporate them into my dance,” Flores said.
He also wanted her to try new moves.
Watson said they practiced together for weeks so that by the night of the competition, they were both confident in all the moves.
Woodward said the final lift in the routine was her favorite part.
“Lifts is very unique to ballroom— you don’t see that very often in like other forms of dance, so I wanted to give her that opportunity to do some lifts, and she did really well with that as well,” he said.
“I was on his shoulder, and then he spins, and then I arch back and slide down,” she said. “We do some sorts of lifts on drill, but they’re nothing like ballroom. Ballroom is a lot more risky lifts, and it’s very exciting do ing them.”
Flores felt like they really came together as partners.
“I just loved how in sync we were,” he said. “There was a part in the beginning where we do these kicks, and I liked that because I could just feel that we were in sync and it was just so cool.”
Kasi Kellis made sure her rumba and cha-cha routine highlighted her partner Jack Sayre, a member of the cross country team.
“I know he’s really strong, so I put in a lot of lifts so he can hold me instead of the technical dance steps, because I know that’s not really his forte,” she said. Sayre said Kellis made him look good, especially when they performed the “coat hanger” hold.
“I feel like that’s pretty impressive, and she does it super easily, which is super cool,” he said.
Ballroom dancer Josie Watson choreographed a jive routine for her and her partner Dylan Palacios, representing Latinos In Action club. Knowing he had a background in hip-hop, she had him incorporate some of those moves into their dance.
“There was a part where he did a count of eight, and then I would join him on the next count of eight, and we would do the same thing, and he choreographed the whole thing,” Watson said.
Palacios, an award-winning Kpop dancer, said ballroom was a new type of dance experience for him. His favorite move he learned for the routine was called the windmill, which initially intimidated him.
“I was so scared the first time we did it, I was just like, ‘Okay, don’t fail,’” he said.
The partnerships performed their dances for an audience of peers, family members and friends who voted for their favorite couple at the end of the night.
A group of sophomore friends attended the performance because they had heard so much about it.
“They hyped this up so much and it didn’t disappoint,” one student said. “It was cool how they stepped outside their comfort zone and it took a lot of courage to go up there and perform.”
Another student, who has taken ballroom classes, was impressed at how well the novices learned ballroom techniques in such a short time.
“Some of the small things they had down, like in cha-cha, the movement of the hips, they were just so good at getting all the little details,” she said.
Dancing with the Sentinels is one of the school’s favorite traditions, Orton said. The audience votes and the top three winning couples receive a small trophy, but the event is also a fundraiser for the ballroom team. The money collected for admission and for extra ballots so audience members could cast multiple votes will help pay for ballroom team costumes, competition fees and guest teachers. l
Ballroom team dancer Josie Watson choreographed a jive routine for her partner Dylan Palacios, representing Latinos In Action. (Photo courtesy Izzy Mabey)
Kai Flores and Elsie Woodward’s perform a high-energy dance for Dancing with the Sentinels and take the top spot. (Photo courtesy Izzy Mabey)
Ballroom dancer Kasi Kellis choreographed several lifts to highlight the strength of her partner Jack Sayre, a member of the cross country team.
Elevating hot chocolate to a culinary craft
Local shops create their own spin on a classic favorite.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
InUtah, hot chocolate season starts in September and doesn’t end until the daffodils bloom. Next to dirty Dr. Pepper, hot chocolate could be the state beverage.
Thanks to its popularity, gourmet hot chocolate is easy to find in local shops that offer myriad recipes for the chocolate gourmand. Here are some spots to get you through the winter months.
Black Bow Chocolates, 13 W. Center Street, Kaysville
Jessica Sunderland’s award-winning chocolates are the first reason to stop by this cozy shop in Davis County. With recipes handed down from her grandmother, Sunderland creates hand-dipped chocolates in flavors like coconut cream and cherry cordial. But the Black Bow Hot Cocoa is a treat you don’t want to miss.
“We use the best cocoa and dipping chocolate, plus the finest cream, sugar and milk,” she said. “I would say our hot chocolate is somewhere between sipping chocolate and a normal hot chocolate.”
Customers can add flavors to their hot cocoa for a personalized taste and finish it off with made-from-scratch cream flavored with Mexican vanilla. The shop also offers a
non-coffee drink, a Choffy, made from brewed cacao beans. To learn more, visit BlackBowChocolates.com.
Sir Walter Candy Co., 3828 S. Main Street, South Salt Lake
This candy store is a chocolate-lover’s dream. The family-operated business features hand-dipped chocolates, popcorns, brittles and more, but its Frozen Hot Chocolate offers a unique flavor and crunchy chocolate shell.
Customers choose between Belgian milk, dark or white chocolate, which is run through a slushie machine. Then they select a flavor of chocolate to line the cup. The chocolate slushie is poured into the cup, which freezes the chocolate lining. Once broken up, the chocolate adds a nice crunch.
Sir Walter Candy Co. Frozen Hot Chocolate is popular year-round. For traditionalists, a regular hot chocolate is available, made with melted Belgian chocolate. Visit SirWalterCandy.com for more information.
“You come here for the experience because it’s more than just a treat,” said Amir Porras, son of the founders and vice president of the Sir Walter Candy Co. “There’s a nostalgic feel, like if your grandma made candy during the holidays. It’s a great place to come and have a good treat.”
Hatch Family Chocolates, 376 E. 8th Ave., Salt Lake City
The Decadent Hot Chocolate at Hatch Family Chocolates is reminiscent of sitting in an outdoor European cafe. With a taste de-
Chocolate comes with luscious chocolate, whipped cream and glitter.
“Our hot cocoa is not just hot cocoa,” said Janet Wall, Sacred Energy owner. “We make it with a rich chocolate syrup, no powders, and a sprinkling of pink and lavender glitter for a magical experience. It’s so delicious and creamy.”
Sacred Energy’s heated patio is the perfect place to enjoy a hot chocolate as the temperatures drop or sip a Divine Decadence Latte (with white chocolate and pistachio) and wander the store that features crystals in all sizes and colors. To see Sacred Energy’s menu, visit SacredEnergySLC.com
Tulie Bakery, 1510 S. 1500 East and 863 E. 700 South, Salt Lake City
scribed as “drinking melted chocolate,” the signature beverage is made to be enjoyed slowly.
The drink is mixed with either milk or dark chocolate (or a combination of the two), combined with steamed milk (dairy, almond, coconut, oat or soy) and topped with housemade whipped cream.
Hatch Family Chocolates is a local favorite, specializing in hand-dipped chocolates, hot fudge, toffee and more. For information, visit HatchFamilyChocolates.com.
Sacred Energy Crystals, Coffee & Cafe, 296 E. 4500 South, Murray
If you like your hot chocolate accompanied by crystals and tarot cards, Sacred Energy is a must-stop shop. The cafe’s Fairy Hot
Hot chocolate and pastries go hand-inhand at Tulie Bakery, featuring classic items made with high-quality ingredients.
After a day of shopping or skiing, a cup of hot chocolate is a rich reminder to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Steamed and frothed milk is whisked into a cup of melted chocolate and topped with cream and chocolate shavings. The result is a delicious confection that calls for a fireplace and a good book.
The bakery has gained popularity as customers are drawn to its modest storefront and delicious bakery items (including gluten-free options). Tulie Bakery serves sustainably-sourced coffee, sandwiches, breakfast items, cakes and cookies. Visit TulieBakery.com to learn more. l
Expert tips for a joyful and injury-free holiday season
By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift giving and family gatherings fills the air. But amid the ribbons, wrapping paper and shiny new toys, it’s important to remember that safety should never take a holiday. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly 150,000 toy-related injuries sent children to emergency rooms in 2020, and tragically, nine children under the age of 14 lost their lives.
Those numbers are a sobering reminder that joy and safety must go hand in hand. “We talk a lot about the magic of the season,” said Judy Echavez, public affairs specialist with the CPSC, “but we can’t overlook the very real risks. Thousands of children are seriously injured in toy-related incidents every year — and many of these accidents are preventable.”
From bicycles to scooters, some of the season’s most popular gifts come with hidden hazards. “Non-motorized scooters alone account for about 21% of all toy-related emergency department injuries,” Echavez said. “If you’re gifting a bike, scooter or skates this Christmas, make sure a properly fitted helmet and safety pads come with it — and more importantly, make sure kids
actually wear them.”
Amy Bryant, crime prevention specialist with Sandy City, added that parents should pay close attention to packaging and product labels. “That age guidance and safety information isn’t just a suggestion — it’s there for a reason,” she said. “Small parts and tiny balls can easily become choking hazards for children under 3. What might look like a piece of candy can block a child’s airway in seconds.” She also cautioned parents to physically inspect toys for sharp edges. “A quick run of your hand over a toy can reveal edges that could easily cut soft skin,” she said. “A minute of prevention can save a trip to the ER.”
In an age where information is always at our fingertips, there’s no excuse for unsafe shopping. “We’re lucky to live in this generation where you can research anything online,” Echavez said. “Before you buy, do your homework. Check reviews, safety recalls and even past reports of injuries. It’s all preventative — and it can save a child’s life.”
Echavez encouraged parents to consult the CPSC’s recall database. “They have a great resource for identifying recalled toys and other unsafe products,” she said. “It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure you’re bringing safe gifts into your home.”
After the unwrapping frenzy, be mindful of what’s left behind. “When you’re throw-
ing away boxes from TVs, laptops or expensive toys, break them down,” Bryant advised. “Leaving them intact by the curb advertises to potential thieves what new valuables are inside your house.”
When it comes to New Year’s celebrations, a different set of safety concerns emerges. “The biggest issue on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is impaired driving,” Bryant said. “If you plan to drink, plan a ride ahead of time. With Lyft, Uber and
other ride services at your fingertips, there’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel.” But driving isn’t the only concern. “If you’re at a party, always keep your drink with you,” Bryant said. “Never leave it unattended, and if you step away, get a new one. Sadly, drink tampering can and does happen.” Crowded events can also bring security concerns. “Pay attention to your surroundings,” Bryant said. “If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to law enforcement. A quick call can prevent tragedy.”
When asked for any additional tips or advice, both Echavez and Bryant agreed on one key point: safety is a lifelong habit. “Err on the side of caution,” Echavez said. Bryant echoed that sentiment. “Knowledge is power,” she said. “The information you need to stay safe is out there. Use it. Learn from safety experts, talk to your community officers, and equip yourself to protect your loved ones.”
This holiday season, let’s make safety part of the celebration. Whether it’s checking labels, breaking down boxes, or planning a safe ride home, small steps can make a big difference. For more practical tips on family safety, parenting and holiday preparedness, tune in to Season 3 Episode 21 on Holly’s Highlights podcast, where Echavez, Bryant and host Holly dive deeper into how to protect your family while keeping the holidays merry and bright. l
Make this holiday season joyful and secure with simple safety tips for gift giving and beyond. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)
The Sir Walter Candy Co. in South Salt Lake features both hot and frozen chocolate beverages year-round. (Photo courtesy of Sir Walter Candy Co.)
A special Veterans Day program held in Riverton on Nov. 10
A Veterans Day celebration was held in Riverton with a musical program on Nov. 10. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held on Dec. 13 at the city cemetery
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Veterans are being celebrated in Riverton during two events–one on Nov. 10 and a second on Dec. 13.
On Nov. 10, the annual Veterans Day program was held at the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center, featuring entertainment and a tribute to veterans and their families. Mayor Trent Skaggs talked about the holiday in his opening remarks.
“Veterans Day is more than a holiday,” he said. “It’s a solemn reminder that our freedoms come with a cost. It’s time to remember that behind each one of our liberties stands someone who was willing to fight to preserve it. To each veteran here and to those who can’t be with us here tonight, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your selflessness, for your courage, for the deep sacrifices you’ve made for the benefit of every single one of us. Your service is an enduring example for us all, reminding us to carry the values of unity,
dedication and service into our own lives and communities.”
He told the story of Pat Tillman, the former NFL star with the Arizona Cardinals who put his career on hold to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2002 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tillman was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and on April 22,
2004, he was tragically killed in action. Skaggs likened that example to all who have served in the nation’s defense.
“You’ve put country before self, enduring sacrifice, separation and often great hardship to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said. “It’s your bravery, your commitment and your love of this country
that make us all proud to be Americans.”
And he thanked the families of veterans as well.
“Your sacrifices are often silent, but they are no less significant,” he said. “Your strength, patience and support have been invaluable to those who serve.”
The audience enjoyed music from the Riverton Jazz Band, as well as from SolAria, a singing group featuring Angela LeBaron, Kacee Cambron, Karyn Handy, Kelsey Moffitt, Laura Berg and Rebecca Keel. They sang a medley of songs from the Beatles, as well as “Mr. Sandman,” “The Longest Time,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” with the last two accompanied by the Riverton Jazz Band.
The band th en performed a series of patriotic songs, including “America the Beautiful” featuring Cambron as singer, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and an Armed Forces Salute, with veterans from all branches of the service honored.
Miss Riverton Olivia Dibble sang the National Anthem to open the program, and members of American Legion Post 140 posted and retrieved the colors.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Riverton City Cemetery to honor the 396 veterans who have been laid to rest, with those attending putting a wreath on every single grave. l
The musical group SolAria sang several numbers during the Veterans Day program in Riverton on Nov. 10. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Jordan School District’s unified tournament builds belonging
More than 250 students from 10 middle schools played in the unified soccer tournament, where the focus was more on connection than a championship.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Cheers echoed across the fields at Zions Bank Stadium as students from nine middle schools in Jordan School District — and Timberline Middle from Alpine District — took part in this fall’s unified soccer tournament. With 28 teams and more than 250 athletes and partners, the day was about much more than scoring goals.
Unified Sports, a program through Special Olympics Utah, brings together students with and without disabilities to compete side by side. Jordan District Director of Athletics and Activities Bryan Veazie said the tournament represents “a meaningful, enjoyable and memorable experience” that builds school culture and lifelong friendships.
“This is my third year in this position,” Veazie said. “When Superintendent (Anthony) Godfrey and I initially talked about unified sports, he said he wanted every school to be actively involved. Now, every middle school that has a self-contained classroom is participating. It’s rewarding to see how much it’s grown.”
That growth was visible on the field and in the smiles of the students.
Elk Ridge Middle School coach Amanda Mair, who was overseeing two teams, also brought students who got the official role as cheerleaders for their games; they made and waved posters for the teams.
“We’re really excited we have peer tutors helping build relationships; I think this helps promote acceptance and helps to just foster friendships,” she said.
At Mountain Creek Middle, students lined the hallways to cheer on its three teams as they boarded the bus for the tournament.
“Since school started, they’ve been excited to play,” coach Karlee English said. “They love it and every peer tutor wants to come play with our athletes. We had to draw names for those to be on the field. Unified sports sparked our school to be more inclusive, and it has just spread throughout the school community.”
Students echoed that excitement.
Fort Herriman eighth-grader Brayden Walker said his team shares the ball and passes it to him.
“I like kicking the ball and hitting goals,” he said.
South Hills eighth-grader Lucas Smallwood enjoys the inclusivity as well as the thrill of playing well.
“I like passing the ball to everyone best so everyone can play; my teammates are nice and help me on the field,” he said. “When I score a goal, my heart is pumping and I feel adrenaline as fast as loud music.”
West Jordan eighth-grade student Nivek Cruz said the day was “great.”
“I like to kick the ball and playing soccer is good exercise for my body,” he said. “I scored three goals today. It felt good. The best part is having fun and cheering for my team.”
South Hills seventh-grader Connor Petersen is also a fan of unified soccer because “it’s fun to play with friends.”
Fort Herriman ninth-grader Rhett Mikkelsen is a fan of unified sports.
“It’s a cool opportunity to play and I’ve been able to play in a couple tournaments in soccer, basketball, bocce and golf with them,” he said. “We learn teamwork and cheer for each other.”
Godfrey called unified sports “one of the most important things we do to help all students have a connection to their school and their peers.”
He said Jordan Board of Education has prioritized funding to ensure every student who wants to participate can do so by providing buses, venues and field trip support.
“The Board has dedicated funding to support this to be sure that it is sustainable and that it grows,” Godfrey said. “We are finding that the interest outstrips the op-
portunity and we’re looking for more and more ways to give all students a chance to be part of it.”
Jordan District’s unified program continues to expand. Every middle and high school with a support classroom now fields teams, and elementary schools participate in unified sports days. Two elementaries — Daybreak and Monte Vista — will be recognized this year as National Unified Champion Schools.
For Veazie, the true success isn’t measured by wins or ribbons.
“You can’t come to a unified event and not feel joy,” he said. “It’s about inclusion, relationships and making sure every student feels they belong.” l
A West Jordan Middle School soccer player takes a shot on goal at Jordan School District’s unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Mountain Creek players celebrate a goal at the Jordan School District’s unified soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Jordan School District middle schoolers play at the unified soccer tournament, held at Zions Bank Stadium. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Energage partners with City Journals on new home for Utah Top Workplaces
Nominations open for 2026 employer recognition award honoring Utah companies.
Energage, the HR technology company powering the Top Workplaces employer recognition program, recently announced a partnership with the publisher of the Salt Lake Business Journal to create a new home for Utah Top Workplaces in 2026.
The partnership with Top Workplaces marks a shift in Utah; the awards had been published since 2014 by The Salt Lake Tribune. Now, City Journals, the publisher of Salt Lake Business Journal and 13 community newspapers, offers employers statewide the opportunity to earn trusted, credible recognition for companies that prioritize people-first cultures and the workplace experience. Nominations for the 2026 Utah Top Workplaces award will be accepted through May, and the winners will be announced in the fall of 2026.
“We are excited to offer the Utah Top Workplaces award in partnership with Energage,” said Bryan Scott, publisher of City Journals. “We’re committed to serving our community, and this initiative gives us a powerful way to celebrate the organizations making Utah a fantastic place to work and do business. By shining a light on companies that prioritize their employees, we’re not only providing valuable insights for job seekers but also strengthening the business community.”
All organizations with 35 or more employees in Utah are eligible to participate, including public, private, nonprofit and government employers. There is no cost to nominate, participate or win the award.
Top Workplaces winners are determined by employee feedback collected through the confidential, science-backed Energage Workplace survey. This trusted survey measures key culture drivers proven to predict organizational success and employee engagement, and it has been refined by insights from millions of em-
ployees across more than 70,000 organizations over the past two decades.
“We’re thrilled to partner with City Journals to spotlight companies where employees feel truly seen, heard and valued,” said Dan Kessler, president of Energage.
“This partnership ensures that deserving employers across Utah receive the visibility and credibility they’ve earned, helping them stand out to both top talent and customers.”
In addition to statewide recognition, participating companies may also be eligible for national Top Workplaces awards across culture excellence and industry categories — all based on the same single survey.
To nominate your organization for the 2026 Utah Top Workplaces award, visit www.topworkplaces.com/nominate/saltlake. l
A $7-a-month question: Should Salt Lake County raise property taxes?
Salt Lake County’s proposed 2026 budget includes a 19.6% property tax adjustment—about $7 a month for the average homeowner—to maintain essential services and fund public safety.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson says the County’s first tax adjustment since 2019 is needed to keep up with inflation and rising service demands. Voters will get their say Dec. 9 at a Truth-inTaxation hearing.
According to Mayor Wilson, Salt Lake County’s property-tax rate has effectively declined for 15 years due to Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation law, which automatically reduces the certified rate as property values rise—keeping overall County revenue roughly flat unless leaders formally vote for an increase. While this prevents hidden tax hikes, it also means County revenues haven’t kept pace with inflation, population growth, or the rising costs of public safety and health services. Over that same 15-year period, inflation has eroded nearly 30% of the County’s purchasing power, even as average home values have soared from roughly $250,000 in 2010 to about $638,000 today.
The mayor’s proposed 19.63% adjustment would restore part of that lost ground, adding about $7.28 per month—or roughly $90 per year—for the average homeowner. Importantly, the increase affects only the County’s portion of the total property-tax bill—about 17%—with the remainder going to cities, school districts and service districts such as fire, water and sewer. In practical terms, the proposal adjusts just the County’s “slice” of the tax pie, not the full amount residents pay each year.
“Salt Lake County is a community that addresses vital needs, invests in parks and open spaces, enriches our lives through arts and culture, and protects public safety,” Wilson said in her October newsletter.
“After years of tightening budgets and absorbing inflation, this adjustment is needed to sustain essential services and maintain a balanced budget.”
Where the money would go
Wilson emphasized that public safety consumes about 74% of the County’s general fund, supporting the sheriff’s office, the County Jail, the District Attorney and indigent defense. The increase, she said, would also preserve regional programs such as flood control, Meals on Wheels and public health initiatives.
The proposed budget also expands evidence-based alternatives to incarceration, such as mental-health treatment, early-intervention programs and community supervision—efforts the mayor says “make communities safer and stronger.”
Public input and the road to approval
The Salt Lake County Council is now reviewing Wilson’s proposal through a series of public meetings. The Council will vote on a preliminary budget Nov. 25, followed by a Truth-in-Taxation hearing on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Salt Lake County Government Center, 2001 S. State St. in Salt Lake City.
Residents can attend in person or submit comments online before the Council votes on the final budget later that evening. Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation law requires local governments to hold such a public hearing whenever they propose collecting more property-tax revenue than the previous year.
Public safety remains the flash point
The proposal comes one year after Salt Lake County voters rejected a $507-million public-safety bond that would have raised property taxes to expand jail capacity and build a new justice center. Roughly 52% of voters opposed the bond, citing confusion about its scope and overall costs. After the defeat, the County shifted to a smaller 0.2% sales-tax increase earlier this year to fund limited jail-expansion efforts.
That rejection still looms large in the background of this year’s debate. Coun-
ty officials argue that while voters turned down the bond, the need for additional funding to maintain core public-safety operations remains.
Part of a statewide trend
Salt Lake County isn’t alone in revisiting property taxes. Across Utah, 59 cities, school districts and local entities have held or scheduled Truth-in-Taxation hearings this year—many citing inflation and unfunded state mandates. Neighboring counties such as Davis and Utah counties have also warned that they may consider rate adjustments next year to offset rising costs.
At the same time, the Utah State Tax Commission recently denied 35 requests for property-tax increases statewide, amounting to nearly $50 million in rejected revenue proposals—underscoring both the legal and political hurdles facing local governments seeking more funds.
Supporters of Wilson’s plan argue that the County’s budget has reached a breaking point. “Public safety, public health and regional services simply can’t keep running on 2019 dollars,” one budget analyst said. Critics counter that government should “tighten its belt” before asking residents for more, particularly as homeowners already face higher housing costs and assessments.
Residents who want to weigh in can find full budget details and a comment link at slco.to/rate. l
on
on the
on
Graphic
proposed tax increase
impact
a $638,000 home. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Riverton leaders considering speed bumps again
After being nixed in 2018, current councilmembers introduced the idea to help deter speeding.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Holdonto your cups, speed bumps could return to Riverton streets.
City leaders discussed the idea in October to possibly reintroduce speed bumps as a way to dissuade speeding vehicles.
Councilmember Andy Pierucci, who requested the discussion, said speed bumps aren’t the solution to every problem, “but it could be the solution for some of the speeding problems.”
The question comes as a result of differing interpretations on city code passed in 2018 that nixed all future speed bumps after a unanimous council vote. Any proposed humps were no longer installed after Oct. 1, 2018.
But the language of the ordinance left a question for city staff to decipher whether existing speed bumps should remain after new asphalt is overlaid, or whether they should be removed during that process.
City Manager Kevin Hicks requested more guidance and direction from the council. “My reading of the ordinance is
any speed bumps prior to 2018 should still stay there even after an overlay.”
While Mayor Trent Staggs said his understanding from a previous public works director was those speed bumps would be removed.
No other surrounding cities allow permanent speed bumps, said Public Works Director Cary Necaise, though Bluffdale allows temporary ones. Necaise noted research on how effective speed bumps are goes both ways, he cited noise ordinance violations, snow plow damage and slower emergency response times as reasons people request no speed bumps.
For Councilmember Troy McDougal who has one in front of his house, he feels it does not solve speeding. While it slows some people down, it also encourages other demographics to go faster.
“It’s not a silver bullet,” he said, later adding “enforcement is really the only that really has teeth.”
Pierucci preferred to have speed bumps be an option and suggested the language in city code prohibiting speed bumps be removed. In an effort to find traffic calming measures, speed bumps are historically one way to do it, he said.
“I would like to see that tool return to our toolkit as an option where it makes sense,” he said. “I just think we’re short-
changing ourselves when we completely eliminate that tool as an option.”
He pointed to Shaggy Peak Drive as a place where a speed bump would be effective, having had one there previously.
Councilmember Tish Buroker said the original ordinance was wise at the time but “the neighborhoods who lost their speed bumps, they mourn their loss to this day.”
She suggested they look at cut out speed bumps like they have in Salt Lake City, that would allow fire trucks to pass through quickly without damaging the vehicle.
The majority of the council expressed interest in reintroducing speed bumps through a formal process with future discussions to be had before any ordinance changes are made. l
Lampton View once had speed bumps, but were removed with new overlays.
(Travis Barton/City Journals)
Wreath-laying ceremony to honor Riverton’s veterans
Hundreds of wreaths will be placed on Saturday, Dec. 13.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Nearly 400 veterans are buried at Riv-
erton City Cemetery and city officials want to ensure each serviceperson receives a wreath on their headstone during the Christmas holiday season. By partnering with Wreaths Across America, Riverton City remembers those who have honorably served their country.
“There are 396 veterans in our cemetery, that’s an additional 30 from last year,” said Riverton Director of Communications and Public Affairs Josh Lee. “A lot of people don’t realize how many more veterans are being buried in our cemetery each year, as they’re passing away. We’re hoping to cover all the veterans’ graves this year, just like we have in the past.”
On Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 13, the city will host a short program, followed by volunteers placing community-sponsored handmade wreaths on the graves, in unison with cemeteries nationwide. The ceremony will be held at Riverton City Cemetery (1540 W. 13200 South) at 10 a.m. Wreaths were sponsored by Riverton residents, business owners and
city officials for $17 each.
“I’m impressed with how generous Riverton residents are, and all those who have sponsored wreaths throughout the years,” Lee said. “The program has been fantastic. Riverton City loves doing this. It’s true to the adage that many hands make light work. I’m always impressed at how Riverton residents respond.”
Worcester Wreath Company in Maine. The program was first introduced at Arlington National Cemetery, where volunteers from the American Legion and VFW Posts decorated each wreath with a red ribbon before placing them on the graves in the older part of the cemetery.
The program stayed local until 2005, when people saw the wreaths at Arlington and wanted to purchase more wreaths to place on more graves. Then, local communities reached out to have ceremonies in their own cemeteries and the Wreaths Across America program was born.
Last December, more than 3 million wreaths were placed on graves to honor the nation’s service members at nearly 5,000 locations. Millions of volunteers helped place wreaths thanks to 7,400 sponsorship groups, along with corporate contributions and donations from the transportation industry to deliver wreaths across the country. To learn more about the organization, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
The Wreaths Across America ceremony is a culmination of a year’s worth of events honoring the city’s veterans. Riverton hosts a Memorial Day program in May and a free Veterans Day concert in November to honor and recognize the servicepeople still living in the city.
Wreaths Across America was started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, owner of
“Especially during Christmas and the end of the year, it’s always nice to see the small things that mean so much, especially for the families,” Lee said. “Like those 30 that passed away just within the last year, their family doesn’t have them anymore, and they served their country. I’m sure that this means a lot to a widow who might have lost her husband this year.”.l
Following a short program, volunteers will place wreaths on 396 graves at Riverton City Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. (Photo courtesy Riverton City)
The Gifting Tree allows teens to celebrate the holidays
Every small donation helps create a big result.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thousands of teens in Salt Lake County face a Christmas holiday in emergency shelters, temporary housing or foster homes, but the County has partnered with the ShelterKids nonprofit organization to ensure these youth have new clothes, toys, school supplies and more.
The Gifting Tree is a historically impactful program that allows residents, businesses and organizations in Salt Lake County to provide gifts for these teens. Gifting Trees are located in County libraries and local businesses, displaying tags that include a wish list or essential needs for children in programs through Salt Lake County Youth Services.
“The Gifting Tree supports youth in our community who are in crisis,” said Noelle Reymond, Salt Lake County Youth Services communications manager. “These are children who are in emergency shelters, who have been removed from their home by DCFS from an unsafe home environment.”
Each year, more than 9,000 kids in Salt Lake County experience abuse, neglect or foster care disruption. The Gifting Tree provides gifts for children in the ShelterKids emergency shelter, transitional living, after-school programs or short-term crisis placement.
Residents are asked to select a tag from a Gifting Tree, purchase the items listed and return the unwrapped gifts to any of the 18 libraries in The County Library system, participating business or directly to
ShelterKids at 177 W. Price Avenue in Salt Lake City.
“ShelterKids helps bring in all the extra donations for these kids and that’s everything from gifts for the holidays to new clothing,” Reymond said. “It includes toys and gifts for birthdays, hygiene products and school supplies, so pretty much anything that those kids need.”
Reymond said this year is especially difficult with inflation, higher prices and the government shutdown that affected SNAP benefits. The most requested items are comfortable sweatpants and sweatshirts in all sizes, journals, art supplies, books, LEGO kits, sports balls, card games, full-size hygiene products, toiletries, makeup, snacks and treats.
The goal of the Gifting Tree Program is to provide teens with the simple joys that can make a significant difference in their lives. Children and teens who experience the holiday season in crisis situations often feel isolated and lonely. Reymond stresses that even small donations are greatly appreciated.
“The most amazing part of the annual Gifting Tree donation drive is that it’s made up of many, many, many small donations,” she said. “When we see all of those small donations come together, it has a huge impact. That is the beauty of this project, so every little bit helps.
“Everyone doing their small part to support this program helps create a huge effort that supports the thousands of youth that we serve every year. We couldn’t be more grateful for that tremendous community support.”
New and unwrapped items can be dropped off through Monday, Dec. 22. For more information, and for a list of suggested items, visit ShelterKids.org. l
Gifting Tree donations can be brought to any of the 18 Salt Lake County libraries through Monday, Dec. 22. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Youth Services)
Inclusion takes the field as Riverton’s Wolf Buddies play unified soccer
More than 2,000 student-athletes participated in the largest-ever unified soccer tournament in Utah, showing teamwork and inclusion are the true goals of the game.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
More than 2,000 student-athletes from 73 schools comprising of 170 teams took to the field this fall for high school unified soccer, a record-setting number for a program that continues to grow at an incredible pace.
Only a few years ago, unified soccer had about 24 teams competing statewide. This year, 24 teams alone advanced to the finals, held at America First Field in Sandy.
For the first year, unified soccer, which is promoted by both the Utah High School Activities Association and Special Olympics Utah, provided an avenue for 48 $500 scholarships – two per team — for continued education, awarded by America First Charitable Foundation.
While several area teams won state titles – Bingham, Herriman, Hunter blue, Murray, Skyline — or were runners-up Highland, Hunter gray, Jordan, West Jordan — most participants agree unified soccer is about much more than winning. It’s about inclusion, friendship and giving every student the chance to be part of a team.
Alexis Brown understands that mission, both as a former partner and as a coach of three teams at Riverton High.
“The bigger that it grows, the more it shows that students with disabilities are just as capable of doing things as everyone else,” Brown said. “It gets the gen ed population more involved and less scared of what’s stigmatized about disabilities — they start to see that they’re just normal people having a good time.”
Riverton’s unified club, Wolf Buddies, is central to that effort. “We go to
football games, school plays, dances; the goal is to get our students as involved in the high school experience as possible,” Brown said. “High school is fun, and they deserve to be included.”
Senior Kevin Perez said his Riverton team has bonded on and off the field.
“We’re a good team and we prepared,” he said. “We play two times per week. I like scoring goals and kicking the ball. I like my team too — we’re great together.”
Riverton senior Mac Wall, who once played varsity volleyball, said unified sports have meant even more.
“The fun I have in unified sports is way more exciting than anything I found in varsity programs,” Wall said. “The connection between people is completely unmatched. Everyone’s kind; there’s no drama. We’re a tight-knit group.”
Across the field, Bingham sophomore Eliza Millet shared similar feelings.
“I like to play together with my team;
they’re special to me,” she said. “I like kicking the ball, running with the team and celebrating.”
Ryann Jensen, another Bingham sophomore and president of Bingham Buddies, added, “It brings everyone together. Sometimes people get overlooked so this kind of brings awareness to them. We’re all here to have a fun time.”
Mountain Ridge High sophomore Justin Quick was a torch bearer at the regional tournament; he participates in unified soccer, track and basketball.
“I’m excited to play with my friends – and I hope to score 10 goals,” he said.
Carrying the torch alongside him was his teammate, senior Caden Anderson, who said unified sport is a bonding experience.
“Peer tutors, athletes — we all come together. It really brings our school together,” he said.
“It’s about being part of something,”
said Murray junior Landyn Timms. “They all have heart to play the game — they’re all very skilled too. It just smoothens my heart to see how happy they are when they get to play.”
His teammate, Pit Soe, was excited about the team’s state championship.
“It’s pretty cool; now we get to eat and celebrate,” he said. “It’s a fun team to play on. We help each other playing and at other times.”
West Jordan High coach Sheldon Russell said his team’s second-place finish was more than just a result.
“They’re a tight-knit group because these guys are together a lot of the day,” Russell said. “Many have been in the same class since elementary school. Playing together and playing in the championship I count as a win, especially since our kids don’t get very many wins to begin with. The inclusion and spirit of unified sports really redefine high school sports.” l
Riverton High’s unified team parades in at the regional high school soccer tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Annual Festival of Trees runs Dec. 3-6
Be sure to try the homemade fudge.
The annual Festival of Trees to benefit Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital will be held Dec. 3-6 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. This traditional holiday event, now in its 55th year, has raised millions of dollars throughout its history in support of the hospital, one of the nation’s top children’s medical facilities.
As always, festival-goers can enjoy scones, live music and dance performances, visits with Santa and lots of tasty treats. Perhaps best known is the Festival’s fudge, made and donated by volunteers. Over 5,000 pounds of fudge have been sold in the event’s history.
The highlight of the festival is decorated trees, nearly 550 last year adorned with half a million lights. Many trees are decorated with themes—perhaps tributes to a loved one or to another Utah tradition, and many are in honor of a former patient at Primary. The trees are also donated, sold at an invitation-only silent auction, and then proceeds go to the hospital. Last year, the Festival of Trees raised over $3.4 million.
In addition to the trees, the Festival features wreaths, nativities, gingerbread houses, quilts and other holiday decorations.
More information is available online at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. l
Volunteers put the finishing touches on a tree before last year’s Festival, which features holiday decorations and treats as a fundraiser for Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. (Photo courtesy of the Festival of Trees)
Columbus Center is a place of miracles
Nonprofit partners with Giving Machines for the holiday season.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Atthe Columbus Adult Education Center in Herriman, miracles happen so often, it could be easy to take them for granted. Refugees and immigrants from more than two dozen countries come to the center to learn English, build community and find hope.
It seems everything they need shows up just in time. Supplies, food and funding arrive from unexpected sources. Dozens of volunteers show up to teach classes each week. Resources and connections seemingly appear out of nowhere.
“I’ve seen so many miracles here, it’s unbelievable,” said Columbus Adult Education Center Board President Sean Marchant. “It’s like God knows these people have been through so much and need a place where they can be safe and helped. I see miracles here every day.”
A recent miracle has been the organization’s inclusion in the Giving Machines program. It was selected by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be included in the vending-style machines where people can donate to different charities, providing
funds for everything from goats to clean water to educational resources.
Near the food court at City Creek Center Plaza (50 S. Main Street) in Salt Lake City, people can find a Giving Machine and purchase an item from various charities, including the Columbus Center, with 100% of the donation going to the nonprofit selected.
Francesca Bernal and her husband, Nefi, are the unpaid directors at the Columbus Center in Herriman. Their efforts in organizing classes help hundreds of students learn to speak and read English, and several hundred more are on a waiting list to get into classes.
Bernal was born in Peru before coming to the United States when she was 11. She understands how difficult it is to assimilate into a new country and culture, and credits miracles for the program’s success at the Columbus Center.
“For the people who attend classes here, this is home to them,” she said. “They say that this is a little piece of heaven.”
Community partnerships have been another source of miracles, with companies like TechCharities providing Chromebooks for every student in the program at a heavily discounted price. Kneaders regularly donates bakery items so students can have a snack during lessons or a loaf of bread to take home.
Although the location in Herriman
opened just over a year ago, its popularity continues to grow. Reading Horizons and English Connect classes are taught on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. until noon, and in the evenings on Monday through Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Free daycare, also run by volunteers, is available for children while parents take classes.
Often, Marchant makes purchases without knowing how the money will show up, but it always does. He believes it’s a miracle the way the community has come together, where small acts of kindness become life-changing events for people at the center.
“We have wonderful connections with a lot of different religions and churches. It’s very faith-friendly,” Marchant said. “Including God in the process, I think, is wonderful.”
The Columbus Adult Education Center is located in Herriman at 13011 S. Pioneer Street, in the basement of the old city hall building. For more information, visit herriman.columbusaec.org.
Students at the Columbus Adult Education Center in Herriman take a break between English classes. The center teaches hundreds of immigrants and refugees from 30 countries. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Utah PTA celebrates a century of advocacy for students
From school lunches to student safety, Utah PTA volunteers have spent 100 years making a difference in schoolchildren’s lives.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This year, Utah’s students, families and schools are celebrating a milestone: Utah Parent Teacher Association turns 100. For a century, this volunteer-driven organization has been shaping education, student well-being and community engagement across the state.
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff says the organization’s century-long mission goes far beyond classroom parties.
“PTA volunteers sometimes get pegged as the ‘party moms,’ but our work has changed lives and we’ve shaped education policy in Utah for generations,” she said. “Our programs are the heart of what we do, but advocacy is why we started.”
The roots of Utah PTA stretch back to 1897 when three Utah delegates attended the first meeting of the nationwide parent-teacher movement, then called the National Congress of Mothers. A year later, Mrs. C.E. Allen established the Utah Congress of Mothers, laying the groundwork for organized parent advocacy. Though that early group dissolved by 1901, momentum continued. By 1910, the state formed a chapter of the National Education Association’s Department of School Patrons, and by October 1925, the Utah PTA officially began with Lucille Young Reid as the first president. In 1951, every school in the state had a PTA.
The mission established then remains at the heart of the organization: “To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.”
Utah PTA President 2023-25 Corey Fairholm loves the mission.
“When they first started in 1925, they were worried about some of same things we’re worried about — making sure children don’t have access to smoke shops and here we are 100 years later, and we’re worried about vape shops,” she said. “At the legislature, they realize I’m representing 70,000–80,000 members who are concerned so the legislators are listening. Because the power of PTA, we have kindergarten, school lunches, support for students with disabilities and so many things beneficial to schoolchildren.”
Through the decades, volunteers have donated more than 1 million hours in 605 schools, bridging families and educators while supporting programs which enhance children’s health, safety and education.
Utah PTA’s impact can be seen in nearly every corner of school life. In the 1930s, it advocated for school lunches, paving the way for the National School Lunch Program in 1941. In Utah, longtime PTA member Tibby Milne remembers its start.
“I was a first grader in Richfield Elementary, and they started hot lunch there in this little cabin on the school grounds,” she said. “Mrs. Rowley did it, and she went on to run it nationally. She cooked the best food. I still remember her homemade bread and peanut butter cookies.”
PTA helped establish school libraries through legislation signed in 1956 and introduced the Reflections arts program in 1969. Utah was the first to introduce categories of theater, 3D visual arts and film and to advocate for a special needs division.
Last year, Utah had more than 17,000 Reflections entries statewide, with nearly half of its national submissions receiving awards. The state is also one of the few to have developed its own online submission portal, now a model for others across the country, Cluff said.
PTA promoted student safety in partnership with national organizations in the 1980s, including seat belt campaigns and bus safety programs.
“Our PTA worked on helmets, which was part of our safety campaign, and getting seat belts into cars — that was not easy,” said Milne, who helped shape initiatives such as the DARE program and the National Child Protection Act. “We had to change attitudes, but it was for the safety of children.”
One of Utah PTA’s most enduring accomplishments began in the 1980s, when a group of PTA parents discovered Utah’s trust lands — public lands granted by the federal government at statehood to benefit schools — were being mismanaged.
Those PTA parents put in motion a 30year advocacy effort which completely transformed the handling of funds, Cluff said.
“Today, those efforts bring millions of dollars every year to Utah’s schoolchildren,” she said. “What’s even better is that it’s not just today’s kids who benefit, it’s tomorrow’s kids too.”
Utah PTA was among the first in the nation to create a state-level special needs committee. Led by PTA advocate Karen Conder, the committee successfully passed a national resolution in 2018 establishing “high expectations for students with special needs.”
Utah has since added new resolutions supporting students with dyslexia and learning disabilities and continues to update them every seven years to reflect current research.
“Our resolutions are what give us a voice,” Cluff said. “They’re how we can walk into the Capitol, sit down with lawmakers, and say, ‘Here’s what our members want for Utah’s kids.’”
State PTA President 2013-15 Liz Zentner discovered her passion for advocacy.
“The first time as a PTA president, I went up to the Capitol for PTA Day at the Capitol and I realized this is where I can make a difference,” she said. “Now I encourage all members to send your representative and
your senator emails and tell them what you think about something.”
Utah PTA also runs unique programs such as the Battle of the Bands, a 23-year tradition which gives student musicians a stage to shine.
“It might not reach every kid, but it reaches kids who need that connection the most,” Cluff said. “Some of these students are not just talented musicians, they’re amazing and polite kids.”
Beyond education, the Utah PTA has tackled broader community issues which affect children’s ability to learn, including affordable housing, homelessness and food insecurity. Cluff has authored resolutions on these topics after seeing firsthand how unstable housing impacts students in her Midvale community.
“If kids don’t have a safe place to live, they can’t focus on learning,” she said.
Utah has hosted the National PTA convention twice, in 1938 and 1988, reflecting its leadership on a national stage. Most recently, in 2022, Utah PTA received the National PTA Outstanding State PTA Award and Gov. Spencer Cox has declared October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month.
Through all its initiatives, Utah PTA teaches students to advocate for themselves. Each year, secondary students participate in PTSA Day at the Legislature, meeting lawmakers, discussing issues and even learning how to draft bills.
“I really believe the kids can make a difference,” Milne said.
After 100 years, Utah PTA remains a powerful advocate for children, families and educators.
“When our community comes together with a shared mission, we can do a lot of good to ensure every child has the support and opportunities needed to thrive,” Cluff said. l
Utah PTA President Julie Cluff holds the proclamation signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox has declaring October 2025 as Utah PTA Centennial Celebration Month. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Displays showcased the advocacy and history of Utah’s PTA during its centennial celebration. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Current and past Utah PTA presidents pose for a recent photo. (Photo courtesy of Utah PTA)
Council works to provide taxpayers best value during budget process resulting in tough cuts
In the 12 years I’ve been on the Salt Lake County Council, this was the most intense budget season I’ve ever encountered. It began when Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proposed a 19.6% property tax increase. As we see the economy softening, some of us on the council vowed to dig in, realign the county spending with top priorities, and find ways to be more efficient and effective with your tax dollars so we could lower that property tax ask. I’ve since learned that while it may feel good to give people government perks, it is sure painful when it’s time to take them away.
I’ll start with daycare. It’s a big issue throughout the state and while there are fewer daycare waiting lists in Salt Lake County, it’s still unaffordable for many families. Somehow Salt Lake County has been subsidizing four daycares to the tune of $6000-$10,000 per child. That means that property taxpayers, like you, are paying half the tuition for about 271 kids.
I had many people contact me and say they were fine with their tax dollars to go to low-income families, but this program had no income qualifications. We certainly had many families who were making more than
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
the median household income, yet they were being subsidized by those on low or fixed incomes. We made the decision to get out of the daycare business.
Another tough decision was related to a senior center. We voted to close a senior center on 10th East in SLC that is currently vacant and only 1.8 miles away from another senior center. Not every city has a senior center, so to have two so close did not make sense. It saves taxpayers $6-7 million in one-time costs and $400,000 in ongoing costs each year. The empty building was in the process of being renovated and the $3 million funds spent thus far to remove asbestos would’ve needed to happen regardless of the use.
We hope those who love the 10th East Senior Center will be able to continue attending activities at the Liberty Senior Center, as I’m a big believer in the value of the human connection that seniors can get by interacting with others. We love all of our seniors, and this decision was made recognizing that we have many on fixed incomes who feel that the more we rein in government spending, the better. Our taxpayers have made it clear that they are stretched to the limit and the county needs to focus on core services.
Budgets are tricky and Salt Lake County has one of the most complicated budgets. While the overall budget is $2 billion, $500 million of that is just pass-through taxes that go from the state to cities or UTA. Another $1 billion make up restricted funds, enterprise funds, and tourism taxes – which can only fund certain things or those that are tourist-related. Have you ever wondered why we justify spending money on arts, culture, parks, golf, recreation, and convention centers? Those entire budgets either generate their own revenue sources or they use tourism taxes from hotels, car
rentals and restaurants. They do not use any property tax.
About $500 million of the budget is the General Fund. That is where we have total flexibility to use the funds however we please. This is where your property taxes go -- $220 million from residential property taxes. Currently 74% of our General Fund expenditures are public safety related – jail, prosecution, criminal justice services, etc. The rest covers things like elections, audits, etc. Because we capture the same amount of money as the previous year (minus new construction), the county does tax increases every few years just to keep up with inflation. To read my FAQs about the budget, visit tinyurl.com/SLCObudget
During this year’s budget I’ve tried hard to look at programs that are out of the county’s scope (daycare) or items that seem duplicative or unnecessary (two senior centers within 2 miles of each other). We’ve also cut positions that aren’t fulfilling the county’s overall mission or that we don’t believe are necessary. Rest assured that we are going to bat for you so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
Life & Laughter - A Christmas Carol: Corporate Edition
Ebeneezer Scrooge sits on the edge of his vast four-poster bed, wondering what the heck just happened. Three ghosts have shown him his greedy behavior and how, because of his miserly ways, he’ll die hated and alone.
“Oh, well,” he says, as he jumps off the bed and heads to his vault, where he swims through stacks of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. “It’s not my fault there are poor people.”
Jacob Marley’s ghost hovers nearby, rattling his heavy chains. “Remorse is a heavy burden,” he cries. Scrooge tells him to get lost and skips downstairs to count his money.
The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present jumps out from behind the couch, reminding Scrooge of the two ghastly children hidden in his robes, representing poverty and ignorance. “You have so much,” the ghost says. “You could help so many.”
“They should get jobs,” Scrooge replies. “It’s not my problem.”
The spirit starts to disagree, but Scrooge calls in officers from Interstellar Creature Enforcement to haul the ghost away. Christmas Present mutters something about corporate greed as he gets zip-tied.
Scrooge runs to the window and sees a young boy on the street below. “Hello, fine
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
fellow! Run to the Cratchit house and tell Bob to come to work. I gave him the day off, but there are debts to collect!”
“But it’s Christmas,” the boy responds.
“Humbug! Christmas is just an excuse for sloth. Remind him that although I didn’t give him a raise or bonus this year, I put a ping-pong table in the break room and, because it’s Christmas, he can use the Keurig one time today. He should be grateful.”
The Ghost of Christmas Past taps Scrooge on the shoulder. “Old Fezziwig shared his wealth with employees and friends. He was greatly mourned.”
“Well, Fezziwig is dead,” Scrooge says. “Where did compassion get him?”
He dismisses the spirit, then calls his maid to bring him weak tea (“I’m not wasting money on sugar!”), plain, toasted bread (“Jam is a luxury!”) and a hard-boiled egg (because it is Christmas, after all).
Scrooge slurps his tea, the sound echoing through the cavernous room as the grandfather clock ticks away the final moments of his miserly life.
Meanwhile, across the city, Bob Cratchit and his family wake up to a vast display of gifts and food. Knowing exactly how stingy Scrooge would be, friends and neighbors quietly pooled their money to create the perfect Christmas morning for the family.
The Cratchit children are awed by the generosity. Peter eagerly opens the latest Dickens novel, Martha admires her fashionable scarf and the baby toddles around with a new doll.
Neighbors even started a GoFundMe for Tiny Tim so he could see a doctor and the town carpenter made him a new crutch. The home is filled with laughter and friendship as everyone roasts Ebeneezer Scrooge with Victorian cocktails. Even the dog gets tipsy.
While Scrooge and Cratchit live just miles apart, their life experiences are vastly different. Although poor, the Cratchits love each other and are cared for by the people around them. Communities take care of each other.
It’s something Scrooge will never understand. All his wealth won’t save him.
He sees the Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come dramatically using his bony finger to beckon Scrooge to follow. Time’s up.
“Fine,” Scrooge says, “but I’m taking my egg. Eggs are expensive, you know.”
Marley moans from the hall, “Mankind was your business.”
“Gold was my business!” Scrooge yells as he stomps after the ghost, wishing he could roll around in his money just one more time.
