Riverton City Journal | December 2020

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By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

A

ll 35 sworn officers of the Riverton Police Department recently completed in-depth training on how to interact with individuals with autism.

The training, focused on how to understand and react to behaviors associated with autism, has enhanced the department’s ability to respond to calls for service that involve individuals on the autism spectrum, according to a Riverton City press release.

“Our city seeks to generate positive citizen-officer interactions and innovative solutions in meeting the needs of our community,” said Mayor Trent Staggs in the press release. “Our department is an early mover in this area and I’m proud of our officers and grateful to have been able to connect them with this very important training opportunity that will benefit our amazing residents with autism.”

Training sessions took place in October and November.

How to interact with individuals with autism is somewhat limited in police training beyond what is included in current police standards—the Crisis

Intervention Team (CIT) training and certification. According to Riverton city officials, the new training provided an enhanced framework and specific strategies that can be employed when officers interact with individuals with autism.

“This new training has provided us with the tools and tactics to respond with understanding, deescalate uncomfortable situations and prevent the need to use force as we interact with individuals with autism,” said Riverton Chief of Police Don Hutson. “Being proactive about this training will, without question, prevent us from having to be reactionary in our approach should a challenging situation involving an individual with autism arise in the future.”

Officers were trained in various topics including acclimation, communication, delayed response, dissociated speech, sensory overload, visuals and more. The training should also limit liability on the police department.

Natalie Castro, an autism awareness advocate, provided the training. Castro has years of experience training law enforcement and owns her own DrapContinued page 6

Natalie Castro, an autism awareness advocate, speaks to Riverton police officers during a training on Nov. 19. (Photo courtesy Riverton City)

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Riverton City Journal

Junior Women in Business Scholarship Program Soars at South Valley Chamber

By Stephanie DeGraw | s.degraw@mycityjournals.com

N

avigating a career in business can be tricky for newbies. But thanks to the South Valley Chamber Junior Women in Business Scholarship Program, it is easier for young women.

Each participant receives $1,000, attends leadership activities and assists with a service project. They collect items for South Valley Services such as new makeup, purses, cleaning products and new pillows. Next year, a new charity will be chosen. More sponsors are needed to help the program, which is funded mostly by the WCF Insurance.

“As a mentor, I hope to open their eyes about their potential, their possibilities and opportunities available to them,” said Melissa Ceballos, Elevated Retirement Group, Talent and Business Acquisition. “Having someone who will share their experiences, the ups and downs, realities of life (successes and failures), the do’s and don’ts and connecting with people is essential.”

Ceballos didn’t have a professional mentor while she was growing up. She was in an environment where most of the women in her family stayed home.

She didn’t know how to have a career until she landed an internship, which introduced her to mentors. That lead to a robust 19-year working career. Ceballos enjoys sharing her experiences with the young women in the program.

“I don’t begin to believe I have all of the answers,” she said. “But I truly believe through my life experiences, what I’ve learned. How I have evolved as a person, and as a professional, there’s a lot I can give back to the up and coming generations of women in business.”

The traits she looks for in applicants include those eager to learn, not afraid to ask questions, take direction and take action. Ceballos has been a mentor to numerous employees, college students and high school students for more than 15 years.

“I have seen individuals I’ve mentored over the years become super successful,” she said. “Although I do not begin to take credit for their success, it is very rewarding when they remain a part of my life, as personal friends or casual acquaintances. They remind me of the impact I made on them and thank me for helping them. I can’t think of specifics of anything I’ve done that attributed to their direct success. But a lot of it was believing in them and encouraging them, helping them when they are down or frustrated. Being someone,

RivertonJournal.com

they can trust to give candid feedback and give a new perspective.”

One of the students in the Mentorship program said she is learning about how to become a successful woman.

“I think it’s difficult to find the representation of women in positions of power,” Anya Tiwari said. “But being in this program has exposed me to many successful women all at once.

They come from a variety of different backgrounds and are talented in a variety of different ways. Still, they have all gone through similar struggles in climbing to the top of a male-dominated field and proving their worth.”

The insight into their experiences has helped Tiwari learn what to do to battle some unique challenges of being a working woman. Tiwari is a senior at Hillcrest High School and is participating in the Mentorship program this year. Some of the things she has learned are challenges women face she had never even considered. One of those was the imposter syndrome.

Many women face it when they are in a job. Tiwari attended a workshop by Dr. Angela Trego. Tego said women often feel underqualified and undeserving of their jobs, more so than the men in the same position.

“Dr. Angela Trego’s talk about the imposter syndrome was definitely a learning moment for me because, for many years of my life, I’ve felt as though I was not deserving of what I had, that I had somehow cheated others into getting where I was,” Tiwari said.

“Through her talk, I realized that this is something a lot of people experience and that I would not be where I was if I had not worked for it. Dr. Trego also helped me settle some of the constant anxiety I felt about not being good enough for the positions I was in.”

At another mentor gathering, Col. Angela Micheal talked about women’s under-representation and how it causes challenges both internally and externally and balancing work and family.

“Their presentations weren’t meant to discourage us from pursuing our passions and careers; they empowered us,” Tiwari said. “When we push through the challenges we face, we grow stronger and learn more. Our struggles are what make us who we are, and so; although we have our work cut out for us, the challenge is worth it. There’s no reason to be deterred by the long, bumpy road ahead. It is a road full of experiences and lessons that make us more complete.”

Tiwari enjoys how diverse the backgrounds of so many of the mentors are. They provide a more holistic understanding of the different industries and how to be successful within them.

She said the speakers are also engaging.

“Their lessons are something I know I’ll remember for many years down the road,” she said. “I’m excited to talk to more of the members of the program.” After high school, Tiwari’s plans include becoming a doctor and setting up her practice where her mentorship experience will serve her well.

Another mentor in the program said she wanted to provide better opportunities for women to be in leadership positions. “By mentoring young women and sharing my perspective and experience, I believe I can make a difference,” Rani McBride, director, Claims Administration said.

The advice she gives participants includes be true to yourself, find out what you want to do and what you need to do to get there. Then reach out to those who can assist you with your goals. “Be willing to go above and beyond what needs to be done,” McBride said. “Be willing to take feedback.

Make a real effort to improve based on feedback from others. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.”

McBride desired to become a mentor since she had many growing up. Her mentors were both men and women teachers and bosses.

“The most memorable and effective mentors were those that did a lot of listening and guided me based on my interests,” she said. “They provided meaningful feedback to me. My best mentors inspired, motivated and developed me into what I have become today,” she said.

Giving back to the community is also essential to McBride. She wants to empower young women through mentoring to realize their career goals.

McBride values the contribution women bring to the workforce. She believes there needs to be better opportunities for women to become leaders.

“By mentoring young women and sharing my perspective and experience, I believe I can make a difference,” she said.

For more information, contact Karla Rogers, director of Programs for the South Valley Chamber, at karla@ southvalleychamber.com. l

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UDOT ramping up construction on 12600 South–Bangerter intersection

Continued from front page er-based practice, Pieces of Inspiration. Riverton police is the first department she has provided training for in Utah.

“Out of all the departments I have ever trained, the Riverton Police Department is the most progressive and interactive department,” Castro said. “Responding to the needs of autistic individuals with enhanced understanding and patience will allow RPD to be more inclusive of the broader community.”

Riverton Police completing autism awareness training signals a shift in valley wide law enforcement efforts to reform the way police work with individuals with special needs.

In 2019, West Valley City established a mental health court and contracted with a licensed clinical social worker out of the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute to better help the department improve how it handles individuals with special needs.

In addition to the new training, the Riverton Police Department also participates in Project Safeguard.

Project Safeguard is a partnership with other Salt Lake Valley law enforcement agencies and the community that allows law enforcement officers to access critical information prior to contacting an individual with disabilities, including individuals with autism or dementia.

Knowing that information can often allow an officer to respond in the most effective way possible.

Those interested in submitting information to Project Safeguard can visit rivertonpd.org to complete the online form. Submitted information is kept private and only used in emergency situations. l

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

S

outhwest Valley motorists have likely noticed the beginning of a new construction project around 12600 South and Bangerter Highway in recent months.

The Utah Department of Transportation project will create a “freeway-style interchange” at the intersection, allowing traffic on Bangerter Highway to continue unabated through 12600 South. It will also improve east–west traffic flow along 12600 South.

The $55 million project is part of a broader effort by UDOT to upgrade Bangerter Highway by replacing intersections with overpasses and on- and off-ramps.

Other intersections that have already undergone the transformation include 5400 South, 7000 South, 9000 South and 11400 South. Those updates have already helped to shave eight minutes off a commute from one end of Bangerter to the other, according to UDOT. In addition to 12600 South, the intersections at 6200 South and 10400 South are also planned to be transformed this year, further cutting commute times for residents of the west side of the valley. Together, the three projects have a price tag of $147 million.

The long-term benefit of creating these new interchanges will come with some short-term headaches due to the construction, which will necessitate a “long-term closure for east–west traffic” through the intersection, according to UDOT. That closure is expected to happen sometime in February.

Meanwhile, construction crews are busy relocating utilities and building up an embankment on the east side of the highway An overlay showing what the Bangerter–12600 South interchange will look like. (UDOT) for a future on- and off-ramps. l

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Riverton City Journal

Science class is a blast

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S

cience classrooms look a lot different these days, and it’s not just because of COVID-19 safety precautions. Science teachers are adapting their lesson plans to reflect new state science standards of teaching.

“It was content specific before—you perform this exact experiment to get this exact answer to remember this exact piece of information,” said A’lura Hutchins, science teacher at Hidden Valley Middle School.

“The new standards are more along the lines of, here’s a general idea—now, what can you see? What can you do? What do you think?

How do we perform an experiment, and what do you want to figure out? And how do we apply this kind of thinking in order to be able to help us in the future?”

Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards are new this year for the ninth grade biology curriculum. New SEEd standards for all science classes K–12 have all been adopted in the last few years. Because these new standards require more student-driven, hands-on learning, teachers are finding ways to be more creative.

Tyler Blain, eighth grade science teacher at HVMS, has been teaching for 14 years and said it takes a few years to adapt lesson plans when new standards are adopted.

“It took me really rethinking how I teach science,” he said of the newest changes. He said the old way of having students read a chapter and watch an experiment to confirm what they read is not as effective letting them figure it out for themselves.

“It’s their own knowledge that they take ownership of—they discovered it; it’s their thing and not just some old dead guy from years ago that explained it for them,” Blain said.

Hutchins finds that students will take the responsibility of their learning when provided the opportunity.

“Teachers are there to support the learning and to encourage learning, but we also need to give the students the freedom to engage in their own learning,” Hutchins said.

She recently took her eighth grade science class outside to learn about the properties of matter instead of just reading about it. They wandered the area just outside the school grounds to find natural elements and discuss their uses. They discussed the dirt, rocks and plants they found and their uses.

Then students began pulling out their phones to specifically identify and learn more about them. And when the students realized how much trash was in the area, they began to clean it up.

“I didn’t plan on it turning into a service project,” Hutchins said. “I didn’t plan on students doing all the independent research on the plants and animals—that started to stem from the students’ own decisions. Matter identification was the part that I devised. But I just didn’t stop students when they started

RivertonJournal.com

to think outside the box.”

She said because of that activity, that whole class scored extremely high on their test for that topic.

Hutchins often encourages students to influence the direction of learning, asking them to bring in science-based questions or current events topics. These become class discussions and sometimes even change the lesson plan for the day.

“You can have all your content built, you can have everything put together,” Hutchins said. “And then you’ve got to take into account who these students are, what they like and what motivates them. Does the information and content that I have meet the needs of these students? Will it help the students learn? And if the answer is no, I change it.”

Hutchins threw out a worksheet one morning when she realized it was not going to be an effective way to teach her students.

“Instead of doing the worksheet, we did a giant relay race,” she said. “The kids loved it. They took it so seriously, and they were having such a good time.”

Hutchins said after this activity, her students scored about 90% competency on their next assessment.

“I think that those hands-on activities are the ones that the students remember,” Hutchins said. She tries to make most assign-

ments a game, activity, experiment or simulation.

Blain said Hutchins, who is only in her second year of teaching, has an amazing ability to engage students.

“She’s one of the most energetic teachers I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “She is just naturally able to motivate her students to participate in her activities. It’s actually quite fascinating to watch her just get them so motivated they’re willing to do outside activities on their own without much more motivation other than she wants them to.”

Hutchins credits a supportive administration that allows teachers to think outside the box with experiments and activities.

“We got the best admins on the planet who literally let us shoot rockets out the back

of the school,” Hutchins said.

Each year, students design soda bottle rockets which they test on a rocket launcher connected to an air compressor, an activity in which students learn about and apply the scientific method.

“You give them the skills for it, and then they’re doing their own setup for the experiments, and they’re taking the ownership of it,” Blain said. “We do several different rocket launches, testing these different variables out. And by the end of it, they get a rocket that can fly over the fence and get lost.”

The HVMS science department is planning on eighth grade students designing their own experiments and performing and presenting them to parents at the end of the school year. l

Top: A student-designed soda bottle rocket has a promising launch. (A’lura Hutchins/Hidden Valley Middle School) Bottom: A hands-on science activity, common at Hidden Valley Middle School, engages students in personal learning. (A’lura Hutchins/Hidden Valley Middle School)

December 2020 | Page 7

RHS Silver Rush will look different, feel the same

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S

ilver Rush is the annual charity drive at Riverton High School. Normally, the month of December is filled with group fundraising activities and community events.

Restrictions due to the pandemic threatened to cancel it this year.

RHS Student Body President Dallin Carter, along with SBO presidents from other nearby high schools, met with Superintendent Anthony Godfrey to ask that the annual charity drives not be cancelled.

“It was very insightful to be able to listen to all the different high schools and realize we’re all in the same situation,” Carter said. “We are all struggling. We all have had a lot taken away from us, and we all want some sense of normalcy. I’m amazed and blown away by the love and commitment of all these student body officers.”

Just weeks before charity season was to begin, the Jordan Board of Education decided high school charity fundraisers could move forward, trusting students and administrators to execute activities according to current public safety parameters.

“We’re all super grateful that it’s happening, whether it’s virtual or in person,” SBO Christopher Dooley said. “It’s just the fact that everything’s been taken away so quickly from us, but this is one of the things that we’re fighting for.”

SBOs are trying to continue traditional activities with some creative adaptations, moving some to virtual and adapting others.

“We have plan A, B and C for every event,” Carter said. “So if something happens, we’ll have a backup plan. And if something happens to that backup plan, we have another backup plan.”

The goal is to follow safety measures while maintaining the spirit of Silver Rush, a 22-year community tradition.

“This is the first time we’ve ever had to reimagine some of the stuff that we’ve done for Silver Rush,” Dooley said. “It’s definitely been a difficulty, but it’s kind of expanded what Silver Rush is all about. It’s driving that point home that it’s never about the money, it’s about the change; it’s about service and how you can help those people and those foundations.”

SBO’s are determined to generate the same level of engagement as in previous years.

“The best thing about Silver Rush is the atmosphere that is created here at Riverton High,” SBO Kate Sorensen said. “Never before have I heard of or seen such a different group of students and faculty that come together, despite their differences, to be able to impact not only our school, or the charity we choose, but the community overall. We are really able to make such a difference.”

The season normally begins with an overnight transformation of the school’s commons area and hallways with an explo-

Page 8 | December 2020

Large group activities, such as this one from 2015, will be changed to virtual participation this year. (RHS Facebook)

sion of festive decorations. If restrictions prohibit SBOs being able to decorate during after-school hours, students said they will find a way to do it during class time because they feel it is an especially important element this year.

“It’s a visual reminder that it is Silver Rush season—we’re still doing it even if it is different,” Dooley said.

The energetic kickoff assembly, when the charity is announced, and the celebratory closing assembly, where the total money raised is announced to thunderous applause, will be replaced with video presentations.

“We’re hoping we’ll be together in spirit and together at heart, as we all create the video and watch it all together and experience the same things, just in different places,” Carter said.

In addition to adapting activities such as Mr. Silver Rush, Battle of the Bands and Silver Swap to virtual events, SBOs have also brainstormed ideas for new activities such as a drive-in movie.

Instead of going door-to-door to do Odd Jobs and collect donations from the community, they are planning to live stream a telethon in which community members can call in to make a donation.

Changes to the traditions were necessary and difficult, but Carter said the change just might be what was needed this year.

“We are changing things to be able to match what our students need this year rather than what Silver Rush traditions are,” Carter said. What students need this year, he said, is connection.

“Right now, a lot of kids feel alone and isolated,” he said. “And that’s what we love about Silver Rush, is that brings us together.

And so this year, we’re trying to enhance that even more, trying to bring our school together and make them feel like they’re a part of something.”

SBO Olivia Dibble said they have been planning activities to get people involved, even without the big group events. SBO Missy Hostette believes holding more virtual activities will ultimately be more inclusive.

“This year may be different because fewer students will be able to contribute to Silver Rush in person,” Hostette said. “Instead, they will join through online media.

However, this can help students that aren’t able to come to school get involved in the culture of Silver Rush.”

The opportunity to reimagine what Silver Rush means has renewed the focus. SBOs hope to keep students focused on the purpose of the activities instead of worrying what they’re missing out on. Every year they remind students, it’s not about the money; it’s about the change.

“Sometimes, and in years past, we have lost sight of that and what Silver Rush really stands for,” Sorensen said. “The root of Silver Rush is raising awareness, creating service opportunities and giving back into our community.”

The charity the students are collecting money for this year is Bear-O-Care, which is located just down the street from the school.

Bear-O-Care is a care center for adults with disabilities, providing a place for them to continue to learn life skills once they age out of high school programs at age 21.

Immense support from the community is something students hope won’t be different this year.

“This year, more than ever, we espe-

cially need help from the community,” Sorensen said. “Without being able to gather the student body like we normally would, it is important that we reach as many people as possible.”

Community members can check rivertonhigh.org throughout the month of December, to stay updated on activities and access donation links. Information about virtual activities, changes to events, or ways to make a donation will also be posted on RHS Facebook and @rhs_silverwolves on Instagram. Social media posts will alert community members when local restaurants will be sponsoring spirit nights.

SBO Kyle Parker encourages community members to be involved in any way they can.

“This year we are trying to focus on service so even just helping a neighbor is a way to contribute,” he said.

Whatever limitations or changes are necessary, students are determined to do everything they can to keep Silver Rush from being cancelled because of what it means to the students, staff and community.

“I think the best part is seeing all the good that comes out of it, not just getting money for a charity but overall changing the mindset of the students. It brings a whole new meaning of coming together as a school,” Dibble said.

“The best part of Silver Rush is definitely the heart, love and joy that is so prevalent in our school throughout the month,” Carter said. “It’s amazing to see the change come over people as they give their hearts to serving another.” l

Riverton City Journal

Student mentor shares secrets for a winning STEM fair project

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

O

verwhelmed by the thought of helping your child prepare a STEM Fair project?

Wish you knew the tips and secrets to a successful project and had a personal mentor to walk you through it? You’re in luck!

Jordan School District has released a 10step online Canvas course that provides students in grades 4–12 access to instructions, resources and tools to develop a successful STEM Fair project.

Jordan School District science specialists Lynn Gutzwiller and Rachael Coleman said STEM Fair projects can often be overwhelming to students. The new course breaks down each component of the process into manageable modules, with resources, videos and templates for students to follow.

Students are led through every step of the course by a digital mentor, Afton Barron, a seventh grader who also helped create, design and organize content for the course.

Afton provides the audio instructions and voice-overs and even filmed most of the video components herself. Afton also provides weekly virtual tutoring sessions for students taking the course.

Afton is a great mentor for students. She has competed in seven STEM fairs in the last three years, winning most of them. She was Grand Champion at last year’s Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair which earned her invitations to apply to other state and national fairs, including the prestigious national Broadcom Masters competition.

Afton also brought her experience as a student to increase the usability of the course for teachers and students.

“Being in online school, she’s been exposed to a whole bunch of really cool programs that her teachers are using,” Janae Barron, her mother, said.

Afton used tools she’d used for school assignments to easily edit video clips for the course. She also suggested including links to tools, such as a graph maker that she uses in class, as a resource for students in the course.

Gutzwiller and Coleman said the Canvas course meets the unique needs of this unique year. Teachers are depending on more online content this year, and the students are required to submit projects in a digital format for the district fair this year.

The course sets out a step-by-step planning guide with instructions, reminders, helpful hints, hyperlinks to tools and information, a comprehensive Google Doc to keep everything together, and information about what judges are looking for and how to maximize points earned. Everything is color-coded and accessible with Afton’s videos, voice-overs and kid-friendly explanations.

“It’s really important that the kids have an ability to have someone explaining it to them,” Barron said. “There’s just too much information in these templates that it is a little intimidating.”

RivertonJournal.com

The content can be scaled from basic to complex to meet the needs of students in any grade.

“Somebody who’s brand new, like a fourth grader, we expect the template will be a starting spot for them, but there’ll be so much that’s lost on them,” Barron said. “But for the 11th grader who will need to go beyond it, at least it gets them thinking about what’s needed and they could use it and have a very competitive project.”

Afton is proud of the result of all her efforts.

“The course is rigorous, but I think it is pretty user-friendly,” she said. “It’s relatively easy to navigate, and the content is great as well. So, it’s just a good resource.”

Afton’s contribution to the JSD science department is not unique. Several years ago, her older sister Amber created and shared a STEM Fair project template that can still be found on the JSD website, along with the grant she applied for to help cover project costs. (Using this engineering mini grant is one of the many tips Afton incorporated into the Canvas course.)

This year, only students who participate in the STEM Fair course can participate in the district fair and access can only be granted by a student’s teacher.

The detailed course and the personalized help for students will ease the workload of teachers who want their students to participate but don’t have class time to guide students through the steps.

“Teachers are spread so thin,” Barron said. “So we were just super excited to be able to maybe do something that not only helps kids but also teachers.”

She also hopes parents see the course as a way to make the process easier on the whole family.

“There’s a lot of pushback from not only students but parents who understand that it is a lot of work but don’t necessarily understand all the learning that’s taking place,” Barron said.

“I’ve been over this ground multiple times, and I’ve seen children empowered over and over and over again,” said Barron, whose two older daughters who participated in STEM fairs—even competing internationally—have gone on to work in their dream jobs in STEM fields. “As a parent, I’ve seen the good it did in my children. Then as a teacher, I’ve seen the amazing benefits that occur when students are involved with a STEM fair project. There’s so much power that happens when kids have the opportunity to be able to think of real-world solutions and overcome obstacles.”

Barron said the course is helping to prepare future leaders.

“If we’re going to be able to do what the governor is wanting to do to be able to have our students prepared for 21st-century careers—that have not even been developed—

we need to empower these children,” Barron said. “They are the children who are going to grow up and are going to make those jobs.”

Students who are interested in taking the STEM Fair Canvas course should contact their teacher. School fairs will be held in Jan-

uary and February to determine which projects will advance to the District STEM Fair, held virtually Feb. 18. Finalists in the district fair will go on to compete in the Central Utah STEM Fair, sponsored by BYU, held virtually March 22–25. l

Afton Barron is featured in the new STEM Fair prep course, which she helped create. (Photo courtesy of Janae Barron.)

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December 2020 | Page 9

COVID-19 nightmare brings Broadway dreams to RHS

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By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

iverton High School drama students have had once-in-a-lifetime experiences made possible because of the COVID-19 pandemic, not in spite of it.

“Students got to work with amazing professional artists during this crazy COVID time,” said RHS drama teacher Clin Eaton, who invited furloughed Broadway stars and professionals to share their skills with RHS drama students.

This summer, students took a Hamilton dance workshop taught by Thanye Jasperson, an original member of the Broadway “Hamilton cast,” one of the only original cast members still performing in the Broadway show.

“Students were blown away because they literally just watched Thayne in the Disney+ ‘Hamilton’ production with the original cast,” said Eaton.

Senior Staley Binks said it was an amazing experience working with Jasperson, whom he described as “an exceptional dancer, an outstanding teacher and a friendly person.”

“I found myself asking him endless questions about his life on Broadway because it isn’t often that you get to have a conversation with someone like him,” Binks said.

“Thayne is also super kind and patient and is a great human being to work with,” Eaton said. The Broadway dancer enjoyed the experience, as well. He returned to not only choreograph but join in a number with students that Staley said is one of his favorite dances he’s ever learned. The number will be performed as part of the RHS Broadway Revue Show, currently scheduled for Jan. 8 and 11.

The RHS drama department has also scheduled a fall production—something most schools haven’t attempted this year—of the comedy farce, “Noises Off.” “Farces—a very exaggerated form of

comedy—are tricky to do but hilarious to watch,” Eaton said. “And we think that audiences need something ridiculous to laugh at right now.”

The play is also ideal for working under COVID-19 restrictions because it uses a small cast.

“The cast is only nine people, so it’s much easier to social distance and have rehearsals, unless students get quarantined,” Eaton said.

Cast members getting quarantined and the school closing to switch to virtual instruction have affected the rehearsal schedule.

“I would have to Zoom in to rehearsals, which was definitely not preferable,” said Binks, who was quarantined for two weeks.

“But it was amazing that we could still rehearse when not physically at rehearsal.”

Eaton had anticipated such challenges and planned for a longer rehearsal schedule from the start to accommodate the setbacks.

“It is very difficult to rehearse this show if you are missing people because it is very physical,” Eaton said. “This show is so set-dependent that, when students were out, it’s hard to explain ‘you run up the stairs and run out that door,’ and so rehearsals sometimes go slowly.”

Much of the complexity of the show is due to the set.

“The set for this show is one of the trickiest sets with any play,” Eaton said. “It’s a 2-story set with multiple doors, and it has to completely rotate around so the audience can see both sides of the set.”

Stage crew member Christopher Dooley said they started working on the set the very first day of class. And while they faced a lot of challenges—hanging seven doors to stay working properly despite repeated use and set movement and constantly increasing lumber prices due to fires in the northwest

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Thayne Jasperson, an original Broadway cast member of Hamilton, Matilda and Newsies, dances with high school students. COVID safety precautions in place at the time this picture was taken were followed. (Photo courtesy of Clin Eaton)

Riverton City Journal

pinching the production budget—stage crew students also had the amazing opportunity to work with professional theater artists.

One of Eaton’s former students, Daniel Whiting, now a professional set designer in New York, is also back home in Utah because of the Broadway closure. Whiting, with his experience designing several Broadway touring sets, helped stage crew students with the “Noises Off” set.

“It was really cool to be able to build a really good set this year and be able to say we brought someone in from Broadway that actually helped us build it and design it,” Dooley said. “It was incredible.”

Shanda Christiansen, another former student and professional set painter for Hale Centre Theatre, also lent her talent to the “Noises Off” crew.

Dooley said it was an incredible experience to see the set come together so well.

“I saw it when it was all plywood, twoby-fours and a lot of screws,” he said. “And now, there are people running around on the top floor, going all the way down to the bottom. And the fact that everything works, everything is safe, and it looks incredible is one of the coolest things.”

“Noises Off” performances are scheduled for Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2 and 3.

Tickets will be available for advance purchase only. Audiences will be spaced out in the school auditorium with a 25% capacity cap.

Eaton hopes these two scheduled shows

will earn enough revenue to fund additional productions. Two cancelled productions last year put a strain on the budget, which is funded solely by ticket sales. However, some costs were cut this year because drama competitions, such as the High School Shakespeare Competition (where they took second place) and the Utah Theatre Conference (scheduled for January), switched to a virtual format.

Eaton has made the most of challenges and adapted to changes, despite the threat that the shows could be shut down at any time.

“We are still rehearsing and trying to give RHS theatre students as many memorable moments as we can,” Eaton said.

Bi Staley nks appreciates the opportunities he’s had despite the current “crazy time.”

He realizes that if it weren’t for the pandemic, he probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to perform in “Noises Off” because fall plays usually have much bigger casts. And while he said it has been the most difficult show he’s ever been a part of—because of the vital comedic timing and the challenges due to COVID-19—he said, “This show has definitely been a blessing, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.”

As a senior, Binks is determined to make the most of this “unique and unforgettable year.”

“As the president of the Drama Club at RHS, my fellow officers and I have been working to create an amazing year amidst the chaos and uncertainty,” he said. l

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Mountain Ridge Seasons of Scarlett looks different, feels the same

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S

eason of Scarlet is the December charity drive at Mountain Ridge High School.

Last year, student government officers planned fundraising activities that would become traditions for the new school. However, because most of the activities from last year must be altered or replaced to meet public safety measures, this year’s charity season will look different than last year.

“It’s been a little rough because we start planning an event only to have it shut down,” senior class secretary Sydney Muir said. “But we all really want to help these kids so we just keep trying. We have had to make a lot of plan A’s and B’s and C’s, and we are always adapting our plans to make sure we keep everyone safe, while still creating a successful charity season.”

Some activities have stayed the same.

Season of Scarlett merchandise (sweats, hoodies, hats), which yielded a big profit last year, is on sale now. Local restaurants will be hosting spirit nights with a percentage of the nights profits going to Season of Scarlett.

New ideas are still in development: a student raffle and a drive-thru hot cocoa bar.

Many activities have been adapted. The kickoff assembly, when the name of the charity is announced and students learn about what kinds of activities are planned, is part

of the fundraiser this year. Limited groups of students will be allowed to attend the assembly, socially spaced, for a fee.

Community interactive activities, such as Odd Jobs, in which students comb the neighborhood to perform acts of service and collect donations, will be adapted to meet whatever public safety restrictions are in place at the time of the event.

“We probably wouldn’t be able to do Odd Jobs, but we’re still talking about it to see if we can get that working,” SBO president Sarah Lingwall said. “If not, then we’re hoping to be able to send out emails to people with the link to where they can donate.”

Announcements for Season of Scarlett events, and notifications of changes, will be posted on the school’s Instagram @mrhs. sentinels.

The money raised this year is for the Millie’s Princess Foundation and local families who are dealing with childhood cancer.

Muir hopes that, as they did last year, students will be able to meet the families and hear their inspiring stories.

“I think if the students can see where their money is going, they will be excited to help the families,” she said.

While Seasons of Scarlett may look different this year, student leaders hope it

In December 2019, student leaders prepare to collect money for charity. (Photo courtesy Richard Hoonakker/MRHS)

doesn’t feel different.

“Last year, the feeling and the focus that we had on serving the people in our community—that was the biggest thing for me,” Lingwall said. “That just makes me want to do it even more, just for that feeling and to help serve the people who need it—espe-

cially now, because of COVID that makes everything harder on everybody. So, I think especially now they need that help and so we want to do that for them.”

Student leaders worked hard to fill the school with festive decorations to remind students that while it is different this year, it is still charity season.

“Even though these don’t raise any money, we think it is important to build the morale of our student body, especially this year,” Muir said. “We’ve all had a rough time these past couple of months, but the joy of the Christmas season can really brighten our lives. We hope that we can bring a spirit of giving into our school to give every student that light that they may have been missing.”

Students are aware that, at any time, everything could be cancelled. However, they remain hopefully optimistic. MRHS switched to virtual instruction for two weeks before Thanksgiving in an attempt to reduce COVID-19 cases.

“We’re hoping that these two weeks bring all of our cases down and will make it so we can stay [in school] the few weeks in December,” Lingwall said. “We’re crossing our fingers.” l

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Riverton City Journal

December 2020

RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Changes Coming to How We Pay for Fire and Emergency Medical Services By Mayor Trent Staggs

Riverton City sent out a mailer recently to every Riverton property owner announcing the city’s plan to replace the Unified Fire Service Area (UFSA) with its own taxing district for fire and emergency medical services.

Beginning January 2021, Riverton will no longer be a member of UFSA as the means of paying for fire and emergency services provided by Unified Fire Authority (UFA), and will instead pay directly for UFA services using this newly created Riverton Fire Service Area (RFSA).

Residents will only see RFSA and no longer UFSA on their property tax statements, with the RFSA rate projected to be lower than the proposed UFSA rate in 2021.

Fire Service Area, we will continue to receive fire and emergency medical services from UFA. The services we have received from UFA have been exceptional and we look forward to our continued partnership. Some have asked me what the difference is between UFSA and UFA. Simply put, UFA is the service organization that provides fire and emergency services, whereas UFSA is like the bank account which pays for those services. In creating RFSA, we are simply changing the way we pay for the services provided by UFA.

As Riverton continues to grow and get closer to build out capacity, we must be willing to find ways to innovate our services to remain fiscally responsible.

Currently, UFSA collects taxes and funds services in many communities including: Brighton, Eagle Mountain, Herriman, Kearns, Magna, Midvale, Millcreek, Taylorsville and others.

The decision to create the Riverton

“In creating the Riverton Fire Service Area, we are simply changing the way we pay for the services provided

by UFA.”

Although we are leaving the Unified

RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2020

Fire Service Area was determined when UFSA announced their intention to bond for millions of dollars to pay for new fire stations in communities outside of Riverton.

With no additional services being allocated to Riverton, and with Riverton having paid for its fire stations in the city, your elected officials felt it would be fiscally irresponsible to make Riverton residents pay additional taxes for services that will never directly benefit them.

In forming our own taxing district within Riverton, the Mayor and City Council members serve as board members and will be able to ensure local control of property tax dollars.

The fire stations within Riverton will revert back to city ownership.

This is anticipated to save Riverton property taxpayers money in both the short and long term; with a proposed property tax increase for UFSA in 2021 that we will avoid and as property taxes collected will only be used to fund fire and emergency medical services in our city. This is very similar to the move away from the countywide taxing district for law enforcement to our own Riverton Law Enforcement Service Area.

As always it is an honor to serve as your Mayor. My goal, and that of the city council, is to always seek ways to provide you with the very best services at the least financial impact.

Winter Parking Policy and Snow Removal Protocol The following snow removal protocol and winter parking policy is in effect in Riverton:

• No vehicles may be parked on city streets during a snow storm or where snow has accumulated between November 1 and March 1.

• Major roadways, high-traffic areas and school zones are prioritized in snow removal efforts as a matter of public safety.

• Minor roads and cul-desacs are cleared if 4 inches of snow or more has accumulated once main roadways are clear.

For additional details, visit rivertonutah.gov/snow PAGE 1

COUNCIL MESSAGE

Healing, Hope and Service MAYOR Trent Staggs tstaggs@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3129

CITY COUNCIL Sheldon Stewart - District 1 sstewart@rivertonutah.gov 801-953-5672 Troy McDougal - District 2 tmcdougal@rivertonutah.gov 801-931-9933 Tawnee McCay - District 3 tmccay@rivertonutah.gov 801-634-7692 Tish Buroker - District 4 tburoker@rivertonutah.gov 801-673-6103 Claude Wells - District 5 cwells@rivertonutah.gov 801-875-0116

CITY MANAGER David R. Brickey dbrickey@rivertonutah.gov 801-208-3125

CITY OFFICES

City Hall...............................

Cemetery............................

Animal Control....................

Building...............................

Code Enforcement..............

Fire Dispatch (UFA).............

Justice Court.......................

Parks & Recreation.............

Planning & Zoning..............

Police..................................

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Recorder..............................

Utility Billing........................

Water...................................

801-254-0704 801-208-3128 801-208-3108 801-208-3127 801-208-3174 801-743-7200 801-208-3131 801-208-3101 801-208-3138 385-281-2455 801-208-3162 801-208-3128 801-208-3133 801-208-3164

FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2

By Councilmember Tawnee McCay

801-871-5080 to schedule a time to volunteer or donate at 11835 S 3600 W in Riverton.

Learn more at standrewut.com/ food-pantry.

A few years ago, my kids came to me with a great • Candy Cane Corner – Rividea. They told erton City is collecting new, me that “all their unwrapped items that will be friends” had vardistributed through The Road ious advent calendars leading up to Home. The Road Home has volChristmas Day. They would get 25 unteer slots available. You can little treats, toys or small gifts each sign up to volunteer or see items day before Christmas. They wanted to donate at candycanecornerslc. to start this new family tradition at com. our home. I was left with the feeling that my kids were acting like kids • Utah Food Bank – Help sort, do, a little entitled and not realizing assemble, deliver or decorate how to feel the true spirit of the food boxes. Learn more at utahseason. I thought about it for a few foodbank.org/give-time. weeks and decided that instead of them getting more gifts, our family • Just Serve – There are many would do the 12 Days of Service varying volunteer opportunities leading up to Christmas. We were listed at justserve.org. bell ringers, delivered meals, did sub for Santa, • Salvation Army worked at the Bell Ringers – food pantry For details, visit and my kids saltlakecity.salvawere always tionarmy.org.

I decided that on the lookout for someone • Utah Refugee instead of them in need. That – getting more gifts, Connection year was my For details, visit our family would all-time favorite serverefugees.

Christmas! org. do the 12 Days of

Service leading up • Riverton High This year has been extra School’s Silver to Christmas. stressful with Rush – Go RHS! the pandemic, You are awesome! earthquakes, job insecurity and • Bear-O Care the political environment. I am once – Help support individuals with again feeling the need to focus multiple disabilities and their on serving others this Christmas families by donating needed season to help our family bond, heal items or your time. Find details at and feel the happiness that comes bearocare.org. from thinking more about others than ourselves. I decided to share a • South Valley Services – Dofew local service ideas: mestic violence service provider, volunteer opportunities or donate • St. Andrew Food Pantry – urgently needed items, svsutah.

Help with food distribution, call org/get-involved

There are countless ways to serve this holiday season and lift those around us and in the process uplift ourselves.

• A Child’s Hope Foundation – Participate in a service trip for your family or group to serve and play with kids in a family-style orphanage in Mexico. Find details at achildshopefoundation.org.

• Write letters or make cards for residents of assisted living centers.

• Take out a neighbor’s trash, shovel their walks or deliver groceries to a family with COVID-19.

Several of these ideas can also be used for youth or work groups looking to do service. I do not want to create any extra work or stress for anyone during this busy time of year, but if your family is looking for ways to serve others, I thought my research may be helpful. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your city council member if there is anything we can do to help you or your family. The Riverton City Council and our great city staff want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope for a wonderful new year!

RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2020

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Keep Your Holidays Happy

by Taking Precautions

By Chief Don Hutson

your mail. Many of our home burglaries and thefts happen in the middle of the day, when the perpetrators assume no one is home. This means lock your doors and windows, even when you are home. If you have security cameras, make sure they are working. If you don’t have security cameras, there are other options that can prevent theft (e.g., security systems, signs, interaction with neighbors).

Unfortunately, we in the business of policing find ourselves working extra hard during the holiday season due to an increase of thefts which typically occur at this time of year. First, we must acknowledge the sad fact there are individuals living among us who are exerting an unbelievable amount • Keep items out of plain view. If of energy, every day, to formulate you leave items of value in your a plan to steal property and othvehicle, be sure to lock the car, erwise victimize but also hide the law-abiding the valuables citizens in our too. If the “Prime targets for community, items aren’t even during the visible, it these thieves are holidays. Prime means the packages left on targets for these suspects porches, checks thieves are have to work packages left on to find the received in the mail, porches, checks items, and and gifts purchased received in the in many inmail, and gifts stances, they and left in vehicles.” purchased and left are looking in vehicles. for the quick and easy The following actions can make score. Also know, if it is a larger a difference and will minimize the venue you are attending (church possibility you will be victimized: meetings, funerals, concerts, etc.), there is a chance the bad • Make arrangements for someguys/girls are watching. After you one to remove packages from enter the venue, they may walk your porch as soon as they are the parking lot looking for the delivered and do the same with easy score. If they see you take

Make arrangements for someone to remove packages from your porch as soon as they are delivered and do the same with your mail.

your purse and put it in the trunk, all they need to do is find the trunk button inside your car and they will take your purse.

• Finally, never leave your car running and unattended, even for a few seconds. As the weather turns cold, it is tempting to leave your car running and unattended to allow it to warm up. This is an invitation to a criminal opportunist to take it for a spin.

Thank you for watching out for one another and keeping your fellow citizens safe by taking steps to protect yourself and your property. Be sure to report suspicious circumstances when you see them.

Christmas Tree Recycling Properly dispose of live Christmas trees at one of three drop-off locations through the end of January.

Monarch Meadows Park 13600 S 4800 W

RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2020

Centennial Park 13000 S 2700 W

Riverton Rodeo Arena 12800 S 1300 W

PAGE 3

RIVERTON REVIEW

Visit candycanecornerslc.org for a list of items to donate.

Donations may be dropped off at the Parks & Recreation window at Riverton City Hall until Friday, December 11. All items must be new and unwrapped. Candy Cane Corner is an annual holiday donation drive sponsored by The Road Home and Volunteers of America.

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'Twas The Lights Before Christmas DECEMBER 1 - December 31, 6 - 9 p.m.

Bring the family and come walk around Riverton City Park to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and see the fun lights!

This is a free event for all and no ticket is required.

Riverton City Park, 1452 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah

Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/recreation

Join us in the new year for the Mission Slim Possible Weight Loss Challenge, an individual 8-week mission to lose weight and feel great!

Mission Slim Possible is a weight loss challenge, not a weight loss program. It is up to you to lose the weight. Cash prizes will be given out for the highest percentage of body fat lost, most pounds lost, and male and female divisions winners.

Riverton residents who put up awesome Christmas light displays are encouraged to enter Riverton City’s 2nd Annual Christmas Lighting Contest! Cash prizes are available for 1st – 3rd Place.

Entry is free. Entry Deadline: Tuesday, December 15

January 6 - March 3, 2021 | $30 per person Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Learn more at rivertonutah.gov/slimpossible

For contest details, or to enter, visit:

PAGE 4

rivertonutah.gov/contests

RIVERTON REVIEW | DECEMBER 2020

Powerful lesson of the power of pictures

P

rofessional photographer Cole Heights knows pictures can have a big impact, whether for good or for bad. As a photography teacher at Summit Academy Independence campus, he teaches his middle school students—who always have a cell phone camera with them—about the power of the pictures they take and share.

“I’m teaching them to use their camera and social media to educate rather than tear down,” Hights said.

For the past several years, Hights has assigned his students to apply their photography skills and personal experiences to create impactful poster to educate their peers about the effects of bullying.

“They get super excited about this one because it is more raw,” Hights said. “They talk about every aspect of bullying.”

Instead of a general antibullying message, students highlight cyberbullying, social media shaming, gender bias, LGBTQ identity and suicide. This year, Hights said there were a lot of students who focused on inequality.

Posters feature limited text and statistics because Hights wants students to use their pictures to tell the story.

Eighth grader Lila Knight chose to highlight suicide. Her poster features three pictures that have been color-edited to show the transformation that comes over a discouraged girl when her friend recognizes her situation and reaches out to help.

“I want to help those who are feeling the same way to know that they are loved and supported in all that they do,” Lila said.

Eighth grader Madi Casper chose to spread awareness about gender stereotypes, something she has had personal experience with.

“As a girl, I get up-down constantly,” she said. “One I get a lot is that I am not ‘girly enough’ or that I am less capable of doing something because I am a girl.”

She wants her poster to help others to be aware how damaging such comments can be.

“It is very difficult as a teen,” she said.

“You already are struggling with who you are and school, but on top of it, people put you down, think of you less because how you dress or based on your gender.”

Madi realizes some won’t understand her poster.

“I think some students will respond to our poster as dumb because they never got put down for their gender, but I also feel some will relate to the poster more,” she said.

Hights said as students research topics for their posters, they are often shocked at the statistics they find. They read that 80% of kids have been bullied in middle school and realize eight out of 10 of their friends have had some sort of incident with bullying. It really becomes personal and real.

“I was very oblivious to the fact that I was not the only one having problems,” Lila said.

“I am not the only one who has bad days. Kids

RivertonJournal.com

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

A suicide prevention poster features photo editing skills students learned in photography class. (Photo courtesy of Cole Hights.)

around me are going through the same thing.”

She feels like she can help her peers and influence others with her message.

“I want to be involved in helping something that influences kids and friends my age,” Lila said. “I feel like I am a part of something bigger and important.”

The posters will be posted around the school for the whole student body to see. Hights said anti-bullying campaigns have a bigger impact coming from students themselves.

“It just agitates them on a different level than a teacher standing up in the front of the class teaching it,” he said. “Seeing pics in real life—posters made from their friends and peers—it just goes a long way.”

Lila said she has been affected by some of the posters her peers have created. Some students use personal examples. One year, a student featured pictures of her own scarred arm on a poster about overcoming self-harm and cutting.

Hights said the project teaches students design principles, photo editing and Photoshop skills but also how to use their creative voices to be heard in a positive way.

He wants teenagers to use social media to educate others and to stand up for others instead of making fun of them.

“I want them to see that there’s so much in their hand—with their phone, with their camera, with their editing, with their processing—and then move that to social media and see how they can change the world one picture at a time,” Hights said. l

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December 2020 | Page 17

Riverton volleyball team’s season comes to an end in close loss to West High All Photos by Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

T

he Riverton volleyball team’s season came to an end sooner than expected, after losing to West High in five sets in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs.

Just a few days earlier, Riverton had defeated West 3-2 in their final match of the regular season.

The Silverwolves finish 2020 with a 10-13 overall record and a 5-4 record in region play, good enough for second place behind Copper Hills. l

Page 18 | December 2020

Riverton City Journal

Save a life!

Plasma donors are heroes.

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At Grifols, we At believe Grifols, this we believe current this andcurrent extraordinary and extraordinary situation require situation companies require to companies strive more to strive than ever more tothan ever serve serve and patients communities. and communities.

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At Grifols, we believe this this current andpatients extraordinary situation require companies to strive than ever to ever to serve patients serve andpatients communities. and communities. serve serve patients serve and patients communities. and communities. patients and communities.

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STEP STEP 1 STEP 1 1 STEP 1 STEP 1 STEP 1antibodies STEP 1 antibodies Obtain from those whowho Obtain Obtain antibodies from those from those who

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You must off theprovide virus. a valid photo ID, proof of your current address and your Social the virus.card to donate. Must be 18 years of age or older to donate.

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STEP 2 STEP 2 STEP 2 STEPSTEP 2 2 convalescent plasma STEP Separate 2 Separate STEPconvalescent 2 Separate convalescent plasma plasma

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APPLICATION PROCESS

Program sponsored by

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An online application must be submitted by December 3, 2020. You will then be contacted for an interview. For more information, please contact Karla Rogers at karla@southvalleychamber.com.

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your last donation?

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New donors visit www.grifolsplasma.com to This medicine is thethe This This isis the find a Grifols Donation center near Thismedicine medicine Thismedicine medicine theisis the you.

This medicine ThisHyperimmune medicine is the is the Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Anti-Coronavirus Anti-Coronavirus Hyperimmune Hyperimmune Globulin Globulin Tomore find out donating in our COVID-19 Convalescent For infomore visit -about WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 Program call (866) 363-2819.

For For info more visit - -WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 Formore more For info more visitinfo info WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 For more For info more visitinfo - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 visit - WWW.GRIFOLSPLASMA.COM/EN/ENDCV19 December 2020 | Page 19

Five Mountain Ridge athletes sign to play at the next level

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

F

ive Mountain Ridge athletes signed National Letters of Intent last month, signifying a commitment to a specific collegiate athletic program.

The five athletes included three from the Sentinels’ baseball team and one each from the volleyball and girls soccer teams.

Sammy Perry, an outside hitter on the volleyball team, committed to play for Utah State University Eastern. Perry led all 5A volleyball players in kills this past season and

helped lead the Sentinels to a 20-10 season and a first round playoff victory.

“Sammy has been an absolute pleasure to coach the last two years and has been a rock for us both offensively and defensively,” said head coach Bryan Nicholson. “She has been our ‘go-to’ player for the past two years, and our team had so much confidence in her abilities to handle the workload.”

While USU’s campus in Price is Perry’s next step, Nicholson expects it won’t be her

Sophie White is one of five Mountain Ridge athletes to sign National Letters of Intent to play at various colleges across the country. She led the Sentinel soccer team with nine goals this year. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

Page 20 | December 2020

Riverton City Journal

last.

“For a girl like Sammy, who I think can and potentially will play D1 volleyball, it’s a great setup for her to attend a junior college, create a next level resume and showcase her talents on a bigger stage,” he said.

From the girls soccer team, Sophie White committed to playing for the University of Florida.

After playing exclusively for high-level club teams, White joined the Sentinel soccer team this fall for her senior year and led the team with nine goals.

“Right from the very start you could tell the quality of the player she was,” said head coach Eric Arthur. “Her competitive nature, work ethic—she refused to be beat.”

Arthur also said, according to the principal, White is the first athlete of any sport from Mountain Ridge High to earn a scholarship to a Division I school. Despite the high level of competition, Arthur said he expects she could make an impact right away as a freshman.

The three baseball players who signed NLI’s include Easton Brooks, Easton Negron and Kanden Kay. Brooks, a right-handed pitcher, committed to Dixie State University.

“He’s one of the leaders on our team,” said head coach Brock Whitney. “He doesn’t say a lot, but he leads by example. He’s worked really hard to get where he’s at. He’s put on weight and added some velocity. He’s

really made himself into a prospect.”

Negron committed to play for George Fox University, located in Oregon. Whitney describes him a “utility guy.”

“He can do pretty much anything we ask him to do, out in the field or at the plate,” Whitney said. “He’s always been able to hit. He’s athletic. Worked really hard to get where he’s at today. He has a bright future.”

Kay committed to Centralia College in Washington.

“He’s another right-handed pitcher for us,” Whitney said. “He has a lot of potential.

He just needs to continue to work on a few aspects of his game. We’re excited to see what he does in the spring for us.”

Receiving scholarship offers is even

more impressive for Mountain Ridge’s baseball players considering that their junior seasons were cut to just a few games because of COVID-19. (There are also fewer scholarships available because of extended eligibility for current collegiate athletes.) Now as they prepare for their senior season, Whitney is excited to see what they can do throughout a whole season.

“It’s huge for our program to have this kind of recognition already,” he said. “It goes to show how hard our kids have worked, both on the field and off the field, in the class and the weight room. It hopefully sets a standard.” l

JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT - Public Notices

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND Every child is entitled to a public education regardless of disability. Children with disabilities may go without services because families are not fully aware of their options.

If you know of a child, birth to age 22, who is not receiving any education services or feel that your child may be in need of special education services, please contact your local school or call the Special Education Department in Jordan School District at (801) 567-8176.

SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS DESTRUCTION On January 31, 2021, Jordan School District will destroy special education records of students born prior to September, 1993. Former special education students who are 27 years old may request their records from the school last attended; otherwise, the records will be destroyed.

CARSON SMITH SCHOLARSHIP Public school students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be eligible for a scholarship to attend a private school through the Carson Smith Scholarship program.

Further information is available at http://www.schools.utah.gov/sars/Scholarships.aspx

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Lions Club honors Riverton police officers

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

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The Holladay and Salt Lake Valley Lions Club thanked the Riverton police officers recently. With the help of Frito Lay and several community businesses, club members Steve and Cindy Clinger, Steve Gibby and Bill and Karen Barton presented the officers with drinks, snacks and a thank-you note. The note read, “The Hunter Lions would like to express our most sincere thanks to each of the Riverton police officers for their hard work, commitment and dedication in protecting our community and its citizens. We realize that being a police officer is one of the most challenging jobs in the community, especially at this time. We truly appreciate all you do.�

(Photos courtesy Bill Barton/Holladay Lions Club)

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Veteran skiers plan a variety of approaches to an unconventional season

By Drew Crawford | d.crawford@mycityjournals.com

U

tah is known for its wintertime wonders, and skiers and snowboarders are anxious to hit the slopes for the first time since resorts closed early in March as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ski and snowboard enthusiasts, however, can expect some changes this season.

Many modifications are in place, and resorts have implemented a reservation system and have started enforcing social distancing guidelines.

As a result of the changes, some skiers are taking an unconventional approach to the season, planning for a mix of reservation days and backcountry skiing.

“It’s kind of what I expect I’ll be doing this season is a mix of both. My strategy is that I’m going to frontload my reservation days because I don’t know how long ski resorts are going to stay open. I’m not saving any days for March, but we’re going to see,” Michael Tzovaras, a veteran skier who moved to Utah last year, explained.

Tzovaras, who has an enthusiasm and infectious attitude for the sport, is not too fazed by the actions of others and the chance that they will get in his way on the slopes. He plans to maintain his own distance during his runs and doesn’t plan on hanging out in resort lodges or riding in the gondolas.

“I love skiing at resorts on Saturdays and hanging with friends and grabbing a beer, and that whole sort of sense of camaraderie of being at the resort,” he said. “At the same time, I definitely enjoy my days in the backcountry. I love to hike; my wife and I do a lot of hiking; we like the outdoors. Backcountry skiing for me is less about skiing, but it’s more about being outside and finding a little bit of peace and solitude, getting to be out in nature. They’re quite different.”

Tzovaras is encouraged to see that so many people want a piece of the action this year, but also recognizes the unique challenges that are posed by others who want their fix out on the slopes.

“I think I’m excited that so many people are getting into ski touring. Yesterday, I toured up Alta in the morning because they got snow, and I was excited, and it was an absolute zoo, it was crazy. I got up there a little bit earlier, and by the time I was making my way down the parking lot was completely full as if the resort was open,” Tzovaras said.

“I think that there is going to be some challenges with backcountry skiing and everyone getting into it. I know some people are a little nervous with safety and that sort of thing with so many people getting into it,” Tzovaras said, recounting comments made by others on social media groups such as Utah Backcountry Ski. New Yorker Miles Harris, a best friend of Tzovaras, plans on ditching his expensive city apartment and moving to Utah for the season to take advantage of skiing the

RivertonJournal.com

Wasatch Front with his friend.

“The more I thought of it, it seemed like a no-brainer to give up my lease, and to go live in a place that would not only be cheaper, but in which my social life didn’t have to be in some tiny pod in an apartment. I could ski, I could hike, and I’m grateful to be at a place in life where I could manage that,” Harris said.

Harris, who is single, is a recent MBA graduate from Columbia and has been renting Airbnbs across the country on a monthly basis since summer, as his work has changed to being fully remote.

“I’ll kind of play it by ear. Michael is one of my best friends and ski buddies. He’s an advanced skier and I often take his lead on what we should do. I’m up for anything.

I enjoy both [resort skiing and backcountry skiing]. My guess is that we do a little bit more of resort skiing,” Harris said.

Harris currently plans on staying in Utah to ski through December to avoid being tied down in New York City with its restrictive distancing measures during the winter months. He has heard about potential pushback from locals who are concerned about people from outside the state taking advantage of the ski season and driving up rent and housing prices.

“I don’t really understand that,” Harris said. “I go on Airbnb and there’s tons of availability. I imagine that locals aren’t staying in Airbnbs in their own city, so I’m not sure how that’s affecting their own rental prices, or their own home prices.”

Agencies around the state are preparing for skiers to change their activities this year, notably venturing into the backcountry.

Lance Barton, an experienced skier of 25 years, is encouraged by the material that the Utah Avalanche Center has released and wants to see everybody that skis use it.

“In Utah we’re really lucky. The Utah Avalanche Center does a daily avalanche report, and they’re pretty on the ball with just getting the general idea of how dangerous it is and stressing the fact that any random person can’t just hike up the mountain and ski it without recognizing that there is risk involved,” Barton said.

The Utah Avalanche Center has already started to issue press releases warning inexperienced skiers of the inherent dangers of backcountry skiing.

On Nov. 13 the organization released the following statement: “With the expected drastic increase of people venturing into backcountry avalanche terrain in the 20/21 winter season, we fear rising potential for individual human involvements, deaths, and even larger, catastrophic avalanche accidents. Critical resources like search and rescue teams, first responders, and emergency medical providers are stretched thin. Please consider this and adjust your

backcountry aspirations accordingly: make more conservative decisions and avoid very steep slopes and extreme objectives.”

Barton feels that the organization is also increasing its avalanche preparedness training to account for skiers change in activity.

“I know that they’ve been trying to just increase their awareness in general the last couple of years. This year, I kind of get the feeling that they’re making an extra push about it because they get the general idea that more people will be going into the backcoun-

try,” Barton said.

While it remains to be seen whether resorts will stay open all season, skiers are taking it all in stride.

“I’m still going to get outside and ski every weekend. If I’m going to basically live in my home five days a week and not leave my bedroom, I need to be outside on the weekends to maintain my mental health and sanity,” Harris said. “Utah’s a great place for that.” l

Mike Harp of Sandy skis the backside of Alta. (Linnea Lundgren/City Journals)

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Page 26 | December 2020

The Front Climbing Club Keep the Adventure Alive Kathmandu Flourish Bakery Legends Pub & Grill Penny Ann's Cafe O Crab Cajun Seafood & Bar Kao Thai Epic Fitness Robintino's Tokyo Teriyaki Panwok Tokai Sushi Lettuce & Ladles Elite Chiropractic Iceberg Hopkin Oral Surgery Alpha Coffee Grifols Casper's Ice Cream Please support these local businesses!

business.utah.gov/shop-in-utah-offers Riverton City Journal

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SUSTAINING PARTNERS: • Riverton Hospital • Herriman City • Hello Story • Bluffdale City • Expand Business Solutions • The City Journals

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CHAMBER NEWS The Foundation for Family Life

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Special price is good through December 31st.

Thank you for your vote and support.

I look forward to continuing to represent you and your voice on Capitol Hill.

The Foundation for Family Life (FFL), located in Riverton, Utah, is a non-profit organization whose vision is to promote and strengthen families. We achieve our goal through various programs, all of which empower families and individuals to find relationship harmony and growth through life’s joys and challenges. FFL’s Family Life Center provides important tools and resources for families in varying stages of marriage and family life. We believe families are the most important social structures in a community and benefit greatly from building key support systems. We are dedicated to providing fun, recreational activities, along with specialized services for families and those they care about. We serve families of all shapes, sizes, and spiritual beliefs by providing a variety of important services including education, enrichment, coaching, mediation, addiction treatment, domestic violence classes, and counseling.

Our emphasis on family life makes us unique and furthers our ultimate goal of strengthening families and individuals in our community. Join us in promoting healthy and happy family lives for everyone, yourself included.

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We Also Welcomed Copper Mountain Dental to Herriman with a Ribbon Cutting!

We encourage all businesses to take the Stay Safe to Stay Open pledge.

Upon taking the pledge the business will be listed on the

www.stayopenutah.com as a company that is taking precaution to keep its customers safe from Covid-19.

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December 2020 | Page 27

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Riverton City Journal

RETIRING SOON? Given the current economic & political climate, many people are worried about their future.

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Learn how to protect your estate from long-term care expenses

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Lessen the chance that you outlive your retirement income due to taxes or inflation

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Learn how to receive long-term care benefits while remaining in your own home

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Learn how to decrease the tax on your IRA or 401(k) for a more comfortable retirement

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Learn how to avoid being taxed on your social security benefits

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Discover the pitfalls of probate and the steps you can take to avoid it

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RivertonJournal.com

December 2020 | Page 29

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Page 30 | December 2020

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Riverton City Journal

A Dickens of a holiday Like Mariah Carey, Christmas seems to bring out the best and the worst in people. You have some folks gathering presents, food, and cash for those down on their luck, and then you have people on video surveillance stuffing jars of sweet pickles down their pants at the grocery store.

Christmas is descending like a firebomb on families this year who have been sick, laid off or evicted. Rubbing Mediterranean Sea salt flakes into that wound, Hallmark Christmas movies are back.

Hallmark Christmas movies should come with an eye-roll rating. Two eye-rolls means a small-town doctor falls in love with a handsome (yet grumpy) big-city lawyer. Three eyerolls means a sick puppy was healed through a Christmas miracle involving an enchanted snow globe, a Nebraska blizzard and Angela Lansbury.

Not my cup of tea.

Give me “A Christmas Carol” any day.

With his black-and-white characters and punch-you-in-the-face symbolism, fans of Charles Dickens know his stories are never subtle. But you have to love a Christmas story that starts, “Marley was dead, to begin with.”

The story is about Ebenezer Scrooge and the Christmas Eve where he’s visited by spirits all night. (If I’m going to be visited by three Christmas spirits, they’d better be white wine, tequila, and Champagne. Not egg nog.

That’s the stuff of Christmas demons.)

Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley, is a spirit that first shows up as a brass doorknocker (like ya do) and visits Scrooge to give him a heads-up that ghosts will be stopping by to

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changed into the world’s happiest old geezer, and buys a big turkey that some poor woman must prepare for dinner.

“A Christmas Carol” is a story of transformation that reminds us we’re all here to help each other. With the difficulties we’ve had this year, including Hallmark Christmas movies and Mariah Carey, it’s a good message to remember.

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chat. Marley is awesome. I mean, who doesn’t want to be followed around by a dead business partner who’s wrapped in the ghostly chains of his unkind existence?

Scrooge “Bah humbugs” his way through that discussion before he jumps into his distinctly creepy four-poster bed.

Soon, the Ghost of Christmas Past floats into the room, with its face shining like LED headlights. It shows the Christmas memories that shaped Scrooge through joy and heartbreak, until his soul bent like a candy cane, starting his transition to the irritable Scrooge he is now. Ebenezer is all, “Cool, cool. Can I go back to bed now?”

Then the Ghost of Christmas Present shows up (looking a lot like Jeff Bridges in “The Big Lebowski”) and shows Scrooge what his acquaintances think of him. Sort of like a Victorian version of Twitter.

Scrooge sees the people who think he’s a greedy, grumpy old man (everyone) and although Mr. Christmas Present Ghost is a jolly guy, he opens his robe to show Scrooge two emaciated children, representing Ignorance and Want. (Trump tried to deport them last Christmas.)

Scrooge is apprehensive as he waits for the final spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Future. This is my favorite part of the story. The somber, black specter appears to Scrooge and makes the hair on my knuckles stand up. I love how the spirit only communicates through pointing, like a passive-aggressive teenager.

Scrooge sees his dead body, his headstone, and the callous lack of sympathy from those around him. He wakes up a new man,

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December 2020 | Page 31

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By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

A

ll 35 sworn officers of the Riverton Police Department recently completed in-depth training on how to interact with individuals with autism.

The training, focused on how to understand and react to behaviors associated with autism, has enhanced the department’s ability to respond to calls for service that involve individuals on the autism spectrum, according to a Riverton City press release.

“Our city seeks to generate positive citizen-officer interactions and innovative solutions in meeting the needs of our community,” said Mayor Trent Staggs in the press release. “Our department is an early mover in this area and I’m proud of our officers and grateful to have been able to connect them with this very important training opportunity that will benefit our amazing residents with autism.”

Training sessions took place in October and November.

How to interact with individuals with autism is somewhat limited in police training beyond what is included in current police standards—the Crisis

Intervention Team (CIT) training and certification. According to Riverton city officials, the new training provided an enhanced framework and specific strategies that can be employed when officers interact with individuals with autism.

“This new training has provided us with the tools and tactics to respond with understanding, deescalate uncomfortable situations and prevent the need to use force as we interact with individuals with autism,” said Riverton Chief of Police Don Hutson. “Being proactive about this training will, without question, prevent us from having to be reactionary in our approach should a challenging situation involving an individual with autism arise in the future.”

Officers were trained in various topics including acclimation, communication, delayed response, dissociated speech, sensory overload, visuals and more. The training should also limit liability on the police department.

Natalie Castro, an autism awareness advocate, provided the training.

Castro has years of experience training law enforcement and owns her own Dra Continued page 6

Natalie Castro, an autism awareness advocate, speaks to Riverton police officers during a training on Nov. 19. (Photo courtesy Riverton City)

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