Riverton Journal | July 2023

RIVERTON PASSES ANNUAL BUDGET WITH NO TAX RAISE

By Travis Barton |

Riverton City’s approximate $83 million budget will see no increases through property taxes as the City Council unanimously approved this year’s budget.

“I think we can celebrate that once again we have not raised taxes in Riverton City,” Councilmember Troy McDougal said after the vote.

Despite an “incredibly high inflationary period,” he credited the lack of a tax hike to an increased tax revenue base, good business planning and the participation of local business allowing them to “keep those taxes low for our residents.”

“We’re seeing the strength of that financial foundation here during tough economic times, so I commend council, staff and we’ll just keep moving year after year and hopefully keep that trajectory going,” he said.

The mayor presents the budget in May and the council adopts it in June. Mayor Trent Staggs was proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish fiscally.

“We’re doing rather well,” he said during their June 6 council meeting. “We’ve gotten ahead of it with economic development and brought in a lot of sales tax revenue as a result, allows us to keep our fees and our taxes very low.”

He noted other cities last year, and Sandy this year, have had to raise taxes.

“We’re not in that situation here thankfully,” he

said. “I think we’ve done a great job as elected officials and staff working together to get this budget done and do it a way that’s very, very responsible.”

During the city’s two available public hearings in June, no members of the public came to speak.

Couple items of note:

• Sales tax revenues are projected to rise from $12 million to $13.5 million.

• The council approved Police Chief Blair Barfuss’ request for additional motorcycles. Barfuss reported that approximately 60-70% of the department’s time is dedicated to traffic accidentsand

page 10

High school seniors who give back to the community received Rotary Club scholarships

by Katherine Weinstein | k.weinsein@mycityjournals.com

Asignat the June 22 luncheon meeting of the South Valley Rotary Club read, “Be A Gift to the World.” The motto would easily apply to each of the recipients of the Rotary Club scholarship program for high school seniors. The winning students and their family members attended the meeting, held at HuHot Mongolian Grill in Sandy, to receive their scholarship certificates and to learn about what the Rotary Club stands for.

Originally founded in 1905 as a club for businessmen, Rotary International is now a global network of 1.4 million people working together to better the world. Rotary Clubs are dedicated to promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment.

Sharon Richardson, the secretary/treasurer of the South Valley Rotary Club, said “It is the biggest humanitarian foundation in the world. We’re just a small part of that very big organization.”

The South Valley Rotary Club was founded twenty years ago as the Draper-Riverton Rotary Club. Its name was changed to include nearby communities such as Bluffdale and Herriman. The club’s diverse achievements range from donating medical equipment to a hospital in Guatemala to spearheading the construction of the Jordan River Rotary Park in Draper.

The organization also awards two types of scholarships to high school seniors who are making a difference through service work. This year, the Russ Cannon Scholarship, an award of $1,000 named after the South Valley Rotary Club’s founder, was granted to two students. Four other students received scholarships in the amount of $500 each.

Jou r nals

RIVERTON TEAM

The Riverton Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Cottonwood Heights.

For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

Youth Chair Amy Jensen explained the process. “We sent invitations to eight or nine area high schools inviting people to apply,” she said. Each applicant must write an essay on how they have used the Rotary’s “FourWay Test” in their high school lives.

The Four-Way Test is an ethical guide for Rotarians. Before speaking, thinking or acting, they are encouraged to ask themselves the following: “Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?”

Kyra Tischler, who graduated from Riverton High School said “I learned about Rotary values at Teen Leadership in middle school.” The Russ Cannon scholarship winner explained that she was mindful of the Four-Way Test as she counseled girls at a summer camp and worked with special needs kids at Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding school in Texas. Tischler is headed to Southern Utah University. “Eventually I want to be a zoo vet,” she said. “It’s been my dream since preschool.”

Olivia Haslam, a graduate of Mountain

Ridge High School, also won a Russ Cannon scholarship. “At Mountain Ridge, we have the ‘Season of Scarlet’ where we raise money for charity,” she explained. “I helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars.” Haslam was active in student government and DECA, which prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. She plans to major in business administration at the University of Utah.

Another scholarship winner, Alison Ballard, graduated from Riverton High School and served as Youth Mayor on the Riverton Youth Council where she helped out with many civic events and service projects. She is headed to Brigham Young University in the fall and wants to become a dietitian. “I just love food and nutrition,” Ballard said. “I would like to help people be healthy.”

A graduate of Herriman High School, Lexi Kunze said that the values expressed in the Four-Way Test resonated with her as she spent time helping the elderly at Sagewood at Daybreak retirement community. “Making time to do some service work, doing good for them, made me feel good,” she said. Kunze plans to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant and will attend Utah Valley University.

Other Rotary Club scholarship winners who were not able to attend the meeting were Riverton High School graduates Halle Taylor and Christopher Chevalier.

The Vision Statement on the Rotary website states, “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change-- across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.” The scholarship winners for 2023 seem to be well on their way to doing their part. l

media

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Kayla Palmer | kayla.p@thecityjournals.com

Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com

From left to right, South Valley Rotary Club Youth Chair Amy Jensen, scholarship recipients Lexi Kunze, Kyra Tischler, Alison Ballard and Olivia Haslam, and Club President-Elect Brenda Newman posed for a photograph at a June 22 luncheon meeting of the South Valley Rotary Club. (Katherine Weinstein/City Journals)

Defending champs reach semis, win region title

Photos by Pat McDonald

Junior Kaden Allred helped lead the Riverton High baseball team to a 22-10 record overall, finishing 12-3 in region. The Silverwolves swept Bingham in the final series of the season to win the region title over Mountain Ridge and Copper Hills.

Zach Edwards, an Oregon State commit, will return next season for a Riverton baseball team that overcame a first game loss to Syracuse in the double elimination championship bracket to win its next three before losing the elimination game to eventual champion American Fork.

Senior Konner Candelot pitches during the 6A playoffs at Utah Valley University. The Silverwolves earned the No. 6 seed sweeping Lone Peak in the super regional before going 3-2 in the championship bracket.

Carson Moody was not only part of the pitching staff but led the team from the plate in batting average (.458) and hits (44).

Junior Drake Piersall finished the year batting .340 with 36 hits, 30 RBIs and four home runs and will return as part of a dangerous senior class next season that includes Zach Edwards, Dylan Zullo, Kaden Allred, Carson Moody and Cooper Hansen.

Sports Day gives students of all abilities the opportunity to be champions

South Jordan Elementary fifth-grader Conner Rosenthal was excited that he’d have the chance to jump “twice my height.”

“I’ve been practicing a lot on my jumping and for all the events,” he said, adding that he wants to participate in track and field when he’s in high school. “I like getting the ribbons and medals.”

Conner was gearing up for Jordan School District’s Sports Day.

The day is an opportunity for students of all abilities — those who have Autism, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, language disabilities, intellectual disabilities, those physically challenged with walkers and wheelchairs and other multiple disabilities — to come together to compete in a 50-meter dash, long jump, softball throw and “cross country,” or the 400-meter run.

Matched with other students of similar abilities in small groups, students are challenged within their own level during Sports Day. Some schools sent peer student-athletes to help, encourage and participate alongside those competing.

“I like how kids are competing against themselves and others, but more so, how they’re given a chance to show what they can do and have fun,” River’s Edge teacher Carnell Cummings said, who brought eight students to participate. “Today, it’s all about them. Sports Day makes them be Olympians for a day.”

Daybreak Elementary second-grader Oliver Casserilla was getting ready to compete.

“Oliver is nonverbal, but he loves to run,” his dad, Mark Casserilla, said. “Sometimes he just runs and runs; the teachers have to chase him because he loves to run so much. Sports Day gives him more opportunity to play sports.”

Oliver and some of his classmates already play baseball for the South Jordan Miracle.

“It’s great having all these opportunities for these kids, because a lot of times, they don’t have them. Just having this love and support and good energy is so helpful to them,” Casserilla said, who added that his son plans to compete in

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

unified sports in middle and high school.

Daybreak parent Morgan Meyers also appreciates Sports Day.

“There are so many places, maybe 80 percent of the environments, where he doesn’t fit in,” she said about her second-grade son, Landon. “So having a place where he does fit in and is included and is supportive, just the way he is, is special. It’s also nice for these kids who are a little different to be surrounded with other kids who are different, so they can say, ‘I’m not the only one who doesn’t necessarily always fit the mold.’ Often, they go to their siblings’ events and they’ll say ‘that’s great, but where do I fit?’ So this is nice for them to see a lot of kids who don’t necessarily fit the mold.”

Landon was looking forward to the softball throw, participating with his friends and “doing this together.”

Meyers said she appreciates her son’s school as well as Sports Day.

“I love that he’s in an environment where he’s really supported. He’s with like peers and they have resources to provide for him what he needs as an individual and that he has opportunities like Sports Day to really shine,” she said.

Fifth-grader Malakai McIntyre and his twin brother, Elijah, were competing with their South Jordan Elementary classmates.

“My brother and I both got first place running last year,” Malakai said, adding that their ribbons are displayed at home. “Cross country is my favorite. I can run for miles and miles.”

He was looking forward to meeting up with his friends from a previous school he attended.

“I get to see them and race them,” Malakai said.

Elijah, who also was looking forward to seeing his old friends, was concentrating on the 50-yard dash.

“It’s my favorite because I can focus on one thing — just aim straight and run fast,” he said. “At school, we practice them all, throwing, jumping and running far.”

Their mother, Melanie Candelaria, was cheering on her sons at Sports Day.

“I think they’re competing against each other more than anybody else, but I’ve raised them to know they’re only competing against themselves, and they’re there to support each other,” she said. “Malakai has come a long way. He has hydrocephalus and a brain tumor. He wasn’t even supposed to walk, let alone run. Elijah was born clinically dead and spent five weeks in the NICU. He didn’t talk until he was 8. He used to walk on his tippy toes, but he had surgery last year on both of his legs and was in a cast for six weeks. The fact that they’re here and competing and just having fun is an absolute win for me.”

Still, Candelaria said the boys are “very competitive.”

“It’s great they have this opportunity,” she said. “Sports Day has provided much excitement for these kids; there’s a lot of joy and smiles.” l

Students from multiple Riverton schools took part in Jordan School District’s Sports Day. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)

Jordan School District’s Sports Day celebrated friendship and inclusivity through athletics, as seen here with a Golden Fields student-athlete paired with a partner during the cross country race. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Sentinels finish runners-up at state

Photos by Travis Barton

Senior Aubrie Shaw graduates with an impressive senior class including Kiarra Clarin, Tessa Mortensen, Amelia Weller, Lily Masina and Analise Anderson.

The Mountain Ridge girls lacrosse team celebrates a goal during its 12-5 win over Herriman in the quarterfinals. The Sentinels went 13-7 (6-0 in region) on the year. After losing five of their first six games, Mountain Ridge reeled off wins in 12 of its next 14 games, earning the No. 5 seed for the 6A state playoffs and losing a nail-biter to Lone Peak in the championship game.

Senior Kiarra Clarin helped pace the team’s attack with 28 goals and 23 assists.

Senior Tessa Mortensen scores one of Mountain Ridge’s 12 goals on the day. The captain also led the team in groundballs, scooping up 90 for the year.

Sophomore Taya Chalk could be back next year for the Sentinels along with junior playmaker Emmery Clark.

Kimber Hanks controls the ball during the big quarterfinal win over Herriman.

Comcast provides services for those who serve

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

DeneivaKnight was 18 years old and only three days out of high school when she reported for basic training with the U.S. Army. Having enlisted during her junior year, she described herself as “fresh-faced and scrawny” with no concept of the struggles and difficulties she would face through the experience.

As her eight weeks of training commenced, she found herself without support of family and friends, learning to trust her body, mind and spirit. She created a lifelong credo that has carried her throughout her life.

“Whatever you do, do it with heart,” Knight said. “During trying times, I dig in and rely on my heart working alongside my blood, sweat and tears to reach any finish line.”

Knight served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1996-2001. Now the external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, doing work in media relations, government affairs and community impact, Knight is proud to work for a company that supports the military.

Comcast’s dedication to the military community started with its founder, Ralph Roberts, who served a four-year tour-of-duty with the U.S. Navy. Now, the global telecommunications company creates a supportive workplace environment for military employees and offers experiences and discounts for its military customers.

In a new partnership with the Utah Veteran Business Resource Center, Comcast will support several initiatives at the center, including the Startup Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship program, a free entrepreneurship training program run through Syracuse University in Buffalo, New York.

Rick Brown, Utah VBRC program director, said the partnership with Comcast will bring attention to the STRIVE program and hopefully increase the number of veteran entrepreneurs who participate.

“It benefits us to get the word out to the veterans that their service pays for our services and that we're here to work with them to help start and build their businesses.”

Comcast will also provide essential technology to support hybrid classrooms from St. George to Logan. Working with the Utah VBRC, Comcast will create innovation hubs in central locations so veterans can meet together and learn about building a business. The partnership will also include the creation of a women-only veterans entrepreneurship STRIVE course.

“That's where Comcast’s support is going to come in,” said Becky Guertler, Utah VBRC program manager. “As support for our programs increases, we can reach more veterans and empower them to build lasting economic futures. With Comcast’s support, the Utah VBRC is better positioned to better serve our veterans

and the minority groups within our veteran community.”

Shawn Kessler is the Comcast Mountain West Region’s technical operations director. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp and was hired by Comcast a few years later. During an 18-month-long deployment, Comcast covered the difference between Kessler’s military and Comcast pay, to ease financial stress.

Kessler said he wouldn’t trade his time in the military for anything outside of his family but wouldn’t want to go through boot camp again.

“The military gave me a sense of belonging and proved to myself that I could take on difficult things,” Kessler said. “Comcast’s support of the military is what made Comcast a career for me. While I was deployed, I made less on active duty than I did as a technician, and for over a year, Comcast paid me the difference. I never imagined that a company would do that.”

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, National Guard and reserve service members, and military spouses. It has donated more than $197 million to military community organizations and, in 2022, “Military Times” recognized Comcast NBCUniversal as the nation’s No. 1 telecommunications company for veterans.

This year, VETS Indexes recognized Comcast Cable as a 5-Star Employer in the 2023 VETS Indexes Employer Awards. The award is a testament to the company’s strong commitment to hiring, retaining, developing and supporting U.S. military veterans and their families. For more information about how Comcast supports veterans, visit corporate.comcast.com/impact/military.

“I am proud to work for Comcast,” Knight said, “a company that not only honors its veterans and military-serving employees but creates opportunities to support us at every angle through its benefits structure, career pathways and community impact initiatives.” l

Since 2015, Comcast has hired more than 19,400 veterans, including Deneiva Knight (left), external affairs director for the Comcast Mountain West Region, and Shawn Kessler, Comcast Mountain West Region’s technical operations director. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)

related issues, adding that 80% of the community complaints received are also traffic related. He proposed using motorcycles for traffic enforcement at key intersections, construction sites and school crossings, citing data that 70% of accidents happen at two specific intersections. The upfront cost is about $60,000 per year for a two-year lease on two motorcycles.

• The council decided against adding

any money to enhance its holiday experience by offering a portable ice rink or unique attraction during December with several councilmembers voicing their satisfaction with the current holiday expenditures. Initially the budget proposed increasing the holiday fund from $30,000 to $75,000 with the idea being to explore options for a skating rink at a free or affordable price, but after council feedback, it remained at $30,000. l

Funeral arrangements are a deeply personal choice. Preplanning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

Plan Ahead

Continued from front page

Riverton City Council passed its budget this year without a tax raise. (File photo City Journals)

Carr ying a legacy. And a new name.

Holy Cross Hospital

Jordan Valley

RIVERTON REVIEW

Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

We Are Ever Bound in Community

By Mayor Trent Staggs

I am looking forward to the Town Days festivities we have planned for this year. We are fortunate to celebrate our city at the same time we honor our nation’s founders on Independence Day. This, combined with our state’s Pioneer Day later, makes July a wonderful time for remembering the sacrifice of those who have come before us.

During this month, I often think of Rev. Peter S. Raible’s poem regarding the gratitude we owe our ancestors and the obligation placed upon our shoulders to ensure we provide for the future.

We build on foundations we did not lay.

We warm ourselves at fires we did not light.

We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.

We drink from wells we did not dig.

We profit from persons we did not know.

We are ever bound in community.

Our nation’s Founding Fathers risked everything by signing the Declaration of Independence. “All men are created equal,” they wrote.

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH RIVERTON

And they laid the foundation of our great nation by proclaiming the “self-evident” truth that our liberties are given by our Creator, not the government.

Similarly, Utah’s early pioneers toiled to settle this valley and then welcomed all to join them despite previously being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Riverton City founders were among them plotting out Redwood Road and building bridges across the Jordan River. They tirelessly transformed the arid desert floor into a blossoming new home that we enjoy today.

Our freedom is inextricably tied to the sacrifices of those who came before us. I believe the best way to honor our ancestors is to emulate their example of carefully striving to preserve the blessings of liberty for our children.

This perspective guides much of my work as mayor. As our city grows, I want to safeguard Riverton’s way of life and ensure we are not burdened with needless debt and regulation. I am proud of our 20232024 city budget that once again, does not raise taxes. Our city’s future is bright and promising.

The last line of the poem gives meaning and purpose to the service and sacrifice of our ancestors. The truth is we really are bound as a community. The actions of one can affect all: either across generations or as neighbors across the street.

With freedom comes great responsibility. This is the lesson of liberty we inherit from the heritage of our nation, state and our city. Each of us has awesome power to help those around us and those who come after us.

May our community forever be bound in unity as we sustain freedom for the next generation.

TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS

n rivertonutah.gov/alerts

Get emergency alerts and notifications on important city updates on your cell phone 3-4 times per month.

SOCIAL MEDIA

n @rivertonutahgov

Connect with Riverton City to get quick updates, essential information, event details and more on the platforms you use.

EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

n rivertonutah.gov/subscribe

Get the latest city updates, e-newsletters, event information and other news delivered right to your inbox.

“With freedom comes great responsibility. This is the lesson of liberty we inherit from the heritage of our nation, state and our city.”

In 1910 this bridge was completed over the Jordan River connecting the Draper and Riverton areas. A replica of this bridge was completed on the same location as the original in 2000 in the riverbottoms near O. Roi Hardy Park just north of 12300 S in Riverton.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Trent Staggs - Mayor

Andy Pierucci - District 1

Troy McDougal - District 2

Tawnee McCay - District 3

Tish Buroker - District 4

Claude Wells - District 5

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS

CITY COUNCIL

JULY 18, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION

JULY 13, 6:30 p.m.

Economically Strong and Growing COUNCIL

By Councilmember Tish Buroker

The first half of the year is always a busy time for the City Council as we plan, prepare and finally pass the city fiscal budget in the month of June. It is one of the key functions for the Council and directs the activities of the city for an entire year. To arrive at a final budget the Council reviews the mayor’s recommendations, the City Manager’s recommendations and determines the final budget. Riverton is in the enviable position of having enough revenue to pay for the basic needs of the city, save for a rainy day, pay down debt, and still have money to improve and work on betterment projects.

Here are a few of these projects:

• Riverton City received a matching grant from Salt Lake County of 1.2 million dollars to fund improvements to the Sandra Lloyd auditorium. Riverton City will contribute 1.5 million. Currently improvements are

being made to the first floor, including creating an improved space for the historical displays, and creating improved space for rentals and employee meetings. Work is beginning this summer on the exterior creating an outdoor amphitheatre, plaza and restrooms.

• The police department requested and received approval for two motorcycles. Chief Barfuss commented that the police department was spending 90 percent of their time dealing with traffic accidents as the result of speed on Riverton roads. Motorcycles will increase surveillance and ticketing. Riverton is especially challenged because many cars drive through Riverton on their way to Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan and Draper. In addition, Riverton roads tend to be wide and straight which also encourages speed. Please be aware of speed limits and help contribute to the safety of Riverton.

• $80,000 has been budgeted for sidewalk repair, and an additional $550 to continue the project of adding sidewalks in deficient areas.

CONTACT US rivertonutah.gov

801-254-0704

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

FIND US ONLINE!

@rivertonutahgov

• Over $200,000 to continue to improve trails.

• Over 2 million to replace 50-yearold water pipes along 1830 West and along 118th South from 2700 W to 3600 W.

• Concerns regarding weeds, abandoned houses etc. have prompted the Council to provide direction and funding as needed to clean up derelict properties.

• Over a half million dollars has been budgeted to continue to fund improvements to the secondary water system.

Riverton has become economically stronger due to conservative financial practices, and the robust sales tax growth we have experienced mainly due to Mountain View Village.

We know that as costs continue to rise it is vital that we continue to maintain and care for our city infrastructure and amenities just as you maintain your home.

Continue to shop locally, take pride in where you live, and enjoy all that Riverton has to offer.

Protect Our Waterways: Cleanup Firework Debris

Did you know that firework debris can be a major pollutant for our streams and rivers?

As you celebrate Independence Day and Pioneer Day in July, remember to sweep firework debris from roads, gutters, sidewalks, and driveways. We recommend placing debris from fireworks in a bucket of water before disposal.

Public Safety Message: VECC Emergency Alerts

The distribution of timely information can be critical in the event of an emergency or disaster. While social media, the nightly news and other traditional forms of mass communication have their place, when it comes to emergency preparedness, there are better alternatives that we should all be aware of.

The Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC) is the emergency communications organization that receives 911 calls and dispatches police, fire and medical personnel for all communities in Salt Lake County, with the exception of Salt Lake City and Sandy. Once an emergency phone call is received, it is VECC who gathers all the critical information, assesses the situation and determines which units need to respond.

In addition to receiving 911 calls, VECC has instituted is an Emergency Notification System (ENS) used to alert residents and businesses that are impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, emergency or disaster. This service is often referred to as a reverse 911, because the communication is being sent from local authorities as opposed to being sent to local authorities.

These alerts come by a phone call, text message and/or email notification and deliver critical information and instructions immediately, such as shelter locations or specific actions one may need take.

However, because the system uses the region’s 911 database, only land-line numbers are automatically added into the system. If you have

a cellphone, and would like to be notified via that provider, you must register those telephone numbers. Similarly, if you would like to receive an email notification, you must register the email addresses at which you wish to receive the notification.

Please note that this system only serves addresses that fall within the boundaries of Salt Lake County. We encourage all residents to register for this free service at slvecc.com/registration/#phone or scan the QR Code below.

Weekly Lawn Watering Guide

The Utah Division of Water Resources publishes a weekly guide for how often lawn should be watered, based on weather conditions that week. Riverton residents are encouraged to follow the lawn watering guide on a weekly basis.

conservewater.utah.gov/ weekly-lawn-watering-guide

Since mobile phone numbers are not automatically added to the “reverse 911” register you must add your phone number by visiting the website listed to the left.

Riverton Public Safety Night

Wednesday, August 2, 6-8 p.m. | Riverton City Park

Bring the family and come learn more about the Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority. There will be activities, demonstrations, and lots of fun! Free and open to all.

• FOOD TRUCKS • CONCERTS

VENDORS • MOVIES

EVERYFRIDAYNIGHTINAUGUST

Friday Fun Nights in Riverton are a blast! With several events all happening at beautiful Riverton City Park, bring the family for a casual night out. Food trucks, summer market and vendors from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and the outdoor movie begins at dusk. There are also three playgrounds and a splash pad at the park.

2023 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP

August 4th

• 6 p.m. Sam and Josh Duke

• 7 p.m. Goodnight Richard

August 11

• 6 p.m. Copper Kettle Band

• 7 p.m. The Truman Brothers

August 18

• 5:30 p.m. Voices Elevated feat. Alex Elggren

• 7 p.m. Yesterday’s Heroes

August 25

• 5:30 p.m. Bluegrass Thunder

• 7 p.m. Steven Bosco

Public Safety Night Register: Flag Football

Registration for Flag Football ends on August 1. Children in 1st-6th Grade are eligible to participate. Register online rivertonutah.gov/recreation

• League Begins Tuesday, September 6

2022-2023 Utah PTA Reflections Exhibit

Riverton Quilt Exhibition Register: Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament

The Riverton Police Department and Unified Fire Authority have a great family night with food, games and fun planned at Public Safety Night!

• Wednesday, August 2, 6-8 p.m., Riverton City Park

Come see original winning art pieces created by dozens of young Utah artists, all age 18 and younger, that were submitted at this years art competition.

• Ends August 19, Old Dome Meeting Hall

Calling all quilters! Consider entering your work in the Riverton Quilt Exhibition, a non-judged event. Find entry details rivertonutah.gov/exhibits.

• Entry Deadline: August 21

The Fall Classic Pickleball Tournament features a pool bracket, various divisions and players from all over Utah. Register at rivertonutah.gov/pickleball

• September 15-16, Riverton City Park

RIVERTON REVIEW | JULY 2023

MOVIE

Sentinels reach semis in best season yet

Photos by Pat McDonald

Head coach Brock Whitney signals Tahj Henrie as he rounds third. Henrie was one of Mountain Ridge baseball team’s most consistent performers. The senior’s final season saw the Sentinels go 21-10 and reach the 6A semis. Right: Junior Jaxon Reiser was one of Mountain Ridge’s primary offensive threats on the year as he led the Sentinels in home runs, stolen bases, runs scored, RBIs and slugging percentage.

Sophomore Grayson Riding led the team on the year with a 1.02 ERA for a Sentinels team that finished second in Region 3 and earned the No. 4 seed for the 6A playoffs. The Mountain Ridge baseball team celebrates a Jaxon Reiser home run at Utah Valley University during the 6A championship bracket.

ServingFamiliesSince1885

LARKIN MORTUARY HONORS FAMILY PIONEER HERITAGE

Larkin Mortuary is one of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885. Today, with six generations of history serving Utah families, four mortuaries, cremation facilities and two cemeteries, Larkin Mortuary remains locally owned and family managed.

Larkin’s vertically integrated services also provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures.

Larkin Mortuary - Downtown 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781

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

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

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

Ribbon cutting opens Bingham Creek Regional Park

When completed, Bingham Creek Regional Park will be the largest park in Salt Lake County. At 160 acres, it will surpass Sugar House Park’s 110-acre space. Local government officials gathered on June 22 to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the first phase of the park that includes multi-purpose sports fields, playground equipment and the start of an extensive trail system.

Located at 5000 W. 10200 South, the park will serve residents on the southwest side of the Salt Lake Valley. The much-anticipated park was the result of collaboration between Salt Lake County and the City of South Jordan.

“I know that many of you who have been a part of this for 15 years feel like this took forever, but I feel like it was only yesterday when [South Jordan] Mayor [Dawn] Ramsey and I were here during Covid, socially-distancing in masks, on dirt, looking around thinking this is going to be something one day,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said.

The park is an $18 million investment, with the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts and Parks program contributing $13.2 million, $1.5 million from the county’s general fund and $3 million from the City of South Jordan.

Bingham Creek Regional Park is only one-third complete. Once the park is finished in a few years, it will include a splash pad, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, and a connective network of trails.

The park is owned and operated by the Bingham Creek Regional Park Authority, an interlocal agreement created to establish effective governance. The seven-member board will consist of residents and merit employees to initiate rules, manage the park’s budget and create long-term planning.

“You should all know that it’s kind of a big deal,” Ramsey said. “It’s significant that every one of you has representation in how this park will grow and be managed and function because of the unique partnership of a Park Authority Board.”

The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony in the afternoon with additional events in the evening including food trucks, lawn games, a scavenger hunt, kite flying, face painting and a solar telescope.

Noticing the anticipation and excitement on the kids’ faces at the event, Wilson expressed her own enthusiasm for the future. “It’s not just about what they’re experiencing today, but what they’ll experience next week and the months and the years to come,” she said. “And that’s especially exciting.”

Visit BinghamCreekRegionalPark.org for more information. l

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

New playground infrastructure is a highlight to the first phase of Bingham Creek Regional Park plan. A grand opening held on June 22 featured a ribbon cutting in the afternoon followed by food trucks, games, face painting and more at an evening celebration. (City Journals)

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson joined South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey and other city and council officials to cut the ribbon opening Bingham Creek Regional Park. (City Journals)

Members of the South Jordan Fire Department stop to engage with some of the playground attractions at Bingham Creek Regional Park. (City Journals)

One-year-old Jones enjoys the new swings at Bingham Creek Regional Park. (City Journals)

Walk for Strength raises funds to cure rare genetic disorders

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Heidi

Wallis knew something was wrong with her daughter, something her medical doctors were missing. It took more than five years to finally get a diagnosis. It turned out Samantha had a creatine deficiency that could have been addressed and treated at birth if GAMT detection had been part of her newborn screening.

Wallis, a Bluffdale resident, is the executive director for the Association for Creatine Deficiencies, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the three Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndromes: Creatine Transporter Deficiency, GAMT deficiency and AGAT deficiency.

ACD has worked to get GAMT detection included in newborn screenings and the test was recently approved earlier this year, but Utah has screened for GAMT for several years.

“Utah was the first state in the United States to screen for this disorder, before the federal government said you should do this. So they really are trailblazers,” Wallis said. “It's been kind of amazing how Utah has been the center for creatine deficiencies and very appropriate that this is where we ended up starting our first research center.”

In March, ACD announced the launch of the new Creatine Deficiency Research Center at the University of Utah. ACD has pledged

$240,000 to put toward this multi-year initiative, in conjunction with ARUP Laboratories, that seeks to discover new diagnostic tools and therapies for CCDS.

On June 10, the Wallis family joined two other local families to participate in the annual Walk for Strength at Bluffdale City Park. The event raised funds to support research looking for a cure for CCDS. While the genetic disease is rare, newborn testing has already paid off for

the Tribe family from American Fork, whose son Woodward, or Woody, was born with GAMT in 2020.

Woody’s body doesn’t make creatine, but when he tested positive for GAMT as a newborn, doctors were able to provide supplements that make up for the deficiency and allow him to live a normal life.

“It was so strange because he was a perfectly healthy baby,” Woody’s mom, Becky

Tribe, said. “He even got discharged from the hospital early because he did great on all his other tests. It was because, in utero, he was getting creatine from me. So the first few days of his life, his creatine levels were pretty good and normal. And then they started dropping after he was born.”

Five children in Utah have been diagnosed with CCDS. Now ranging in age from 2 to 19, the children have different outcomes, based on when they started treatment. GAMT causes developmental delays that are often misdiagnosed. As treatment is delayed, it causes a buildup of toxins in the brain that create seizures and developmental delays.

Two of the children, brothers, have Creatine Transporter Deficiency, which has no treatment or cure. The brothers will need daily assistance for the rest of their lives. That’s why research is so important to these families, and others struggling with CCDS.

“[Walk for Strength] is a way for all of us spread out around the world with these rare diseases to feel like one community,” Wallis said. “We share our pictures and we see each other and we know we're all fighting for the same purpose, to raise awareness and increase research for these disorders.”

For more information, visit creatineinfo. org. l

The community rallied around five children in Utah struggling with Cerebral Creatine Deficiency Syndromes. The Walk for Strength in Bluffdale was a fundraiser to support research at the new Creatine Deficiency Research Center at the University of Utah to help find treatments and cures for the genetic deficiencies. (Photo courtesy of Association for Creatine Deficiencies)

TheUtah Days of ’47 Rodeo has something to entertain the whole family for as little as $17, plus you have great views of the mountains and downtown Salt Lake City from the Days of ’47 Arena. Come early and experience the FREE Frontier Fun Zone area that will feature shopping and food, pony rides, petting zoo, mechanical bull rides, live music and much more. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. daily with the rodeo starting at 7:30 p.m. sharp.

The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1847. The rodeo, and other Days of ’47 events, commemorate the day – July 24, 1847 – when a determined company of Mormon pioneers real-

Let’s Ride Utah

ized their dreams upon entering the Great Salt Valley. The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo is a private, non-profit, volunteer, charitable organization. Our mission is to honor Utah’s pioneer heritage and educate Utah’s kids.

The Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City takes pride in setting the Gold Standard in rodeo and in 2023 they will bring that standard to the ranks of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA).

The 2023 event will payout an estimated $750,000 and will play an important role in determining Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifiers and eventual world champions. Not only will contestants have

a chance to walk away with a pocket full of cash, but they will get the opportunity to win a gold, silver or bronze medal, a staple at this rodeo since 2017, making it the only Gold Medal Rodeo in the world.

“We are excited to once again partner with the PRCA, WPRA and their members that dream of qualifying for the NFR in Las Vegas each year,” stated Dan Shaw, Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo President & CEO. “It is our hope we can make that dream come true for a number of contestants, while also bringing world class rodeo action to our fans here at the Days of ’47 Arena. July has always been a profitable month for rodeo athletes, and we are honored to now elevate that even more and put Utah on the map among

top paying ProRodeos.”

Beginning in 2023, the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo will be the largest paying professional rodeo in the State of Utah.

The 2023 Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo presented by Zions Bank, is slated for July 19-22, 24 and will take place at the state-of-the-art Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark (155 North, 1000 West), custom designed and built for rodeo. The venue—an outdoor arena located in the heart of Salt Lake City—features over 10,000 stadium-style seats.

For more information on the event and to buy your tickets visit www. utahdaysof47rodeo.com.

R.C. Landingham captured the 2022 Gold Medal in the bareback riding. Photos by Ric Andersen.

AlthoughI don’t like crowds, parades or people, in general, when my husband suggested we attend the Pride Parade last month in Salt Lake, I painted a rainbow on my face, donned my “More Love” shirt and jumped in the car.

After a year of devastating anti-gay and anti-trans legislation across the country, we wanted to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community, even if that meant standing in a crowd of more than 50,000 parade attendees singing at the top of their lungs.

Because how do you fight hate? With a celebration of love.

The theme was “Queer Pride is Unapologetic” and that message rang throughout the parade. When the crowd saw the first rainbow banners a block away, it burst into applause and continued cheering for two hours. I sang out loud to every Lizzo anthem. I chanted until I lost my voice. I clapped until my shoulders hurt. I danced in ways that completely embarrassed my husband. I smiled until my face was sore.

Love was palpable. It brought me to tears more than once as I watched the support, kindness and joy being showered on this parade by thousands of people, of all ages, faiths, races and gender identities.

It was an event of unrestrained joy with enough sequins, bright colors, sky-high wigs, hella high heels and drag queens to

Take pride in love

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

bring a smile to RuPaul’s face. Couples were holding hands, hugging, kissing, smiling, dancing and lifting a big middle finger to oppression and hate.

It was great to see nearly 200 businesses and organizations put on their rainbow best to spread the love. Entries included Delta Airlines, Westminster University, Intermountain Health, the Cougar Pride Center and ABC4 Utah.

The Salt Lake City Public Library had a large group of participants, because librarians are on the front lines, defending free speech every day and fighting book bans with humor and flair.

I’ve never been to a better parade. I’ve never celebrated a better message. With suicide rates rising for LGBTQ+ youth, hate is not acceptable. Intolerance is not acceptable. The only thing that’s acceptable is inclusion, joy, kindness, grace and love.

After the parade, we walked through

the festival, talking with vendors, enjoying live music and eating tasty foods. We learned about drag queen bingo at a local church, chatted with a BYU student who wrote a book about coming out as gay and took pictures for lots of happy couples.

We watched people get tattoos, we bought new T-shirts, we smiled at strangers, we stood in line for lukewarm BBQ. We visited with friends. We saw bravery. We saw community. We saw free mom hugs. We saw compassion. We saw gay Darth Vader. We saw celebration. We saw dogs in tutus. We saw love.

Threats against the LGBTQ+ communi-

ty have quadrupled over the last few years, and organizers spent extra money for heightened security at the parade and festival. State leaders, churches, communities and individuals should be careful about comments, rules and legislation that contribute to these dangers. Be careful who you exclude, it could be someone you love.

For the LGBTQ+ community, continue living unapologetic. The world needs more dancing, more sequins, more hella high heels, more bright colors, more sky-high wigs, more connection, more dogs in tutus, more rainbow T-shirts and more love.

“Dozens of doctors told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to be in a wheel chair. I went from the top 1% in the army Special Forces to being in so much pain that I could not tie my shoe or hold my new daughter. I did physical therapy and pain killers for years, but nothing worked. Finally, I went to Dr. Smith and I improved exactly as he told me I would. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.”

—Steve M., Army Special Forces

CSCS Chiropractic Physician