Riverton Journal | November 2021

November 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 11FREE

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SILVERWOLVES MAKE HISTORY WIN SCHOOL’S FIRST GIRLS SOCCER STATE TITLE Photo by Travis Barton

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The Riverton High girls soccer team made history on Oct. 22 with its first ever state championship capping a 19-1 season. The Silverwolves defeated Skyridge 3-1 to claim the title after a playoff run that saw them defeat Fremont 4-1, Mountain Ridge 3-0 and Layton 2-1 in overtime. Next month’s edition will feature a recap of Riverton’s memorable season.

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November 2021 | Page 3

Riverton native returns with Disney’s ‘Frozen’ bringing Broadway back to the Eccles Theater

By Tom Haraldsen | tom.h@davisjournal.com

D

isney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, and Zions Bank Broadway at the Eccles are presenting “Frozen,” the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, in an exclusive 3 -week engagement at The Eccles Theater from Oct. 26 to Nov. 13. Opening night was set for Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Among the ensemble cast is Riverton native Michael Milkanin, who plays both Oaken and Bishop in this production that marks the return of Broadway Across America to Eccles after an 18-plus month hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Milkanin can’t wait to get back to his home state, both as a performer and a Utahn.

“This is a magical production, and we’re all so happy to be back on stage and performing before live audiences again,” he said during a telephone interview from Minneapolis, where the musical will close on Oct. 20 before heading for Utah. “It kind of feels like I’ve come full circle from my days in middle school and then at Riverton High School, and I’m so grateful for the chance to come home and perform in front of friends and family.”

This production was shut down in March of 2020 in Portland, and the cast finally resumed rehearsals last August before resuming the tour in Buffalo in September. Now the cast, crew and 18 semi trucks of costumes, sets, and props will make their way to Salt Lake City.

“Frozen” stars Caroline Bowman as “Elsa” and Caroline Innerbichler as “Anna,” the sisters at the heart of the joy-filled musical. Joining them are principal cast members Austin Colby (Bowman’s husband) as “Hans,” F. Michael Haynie as “Olaf,” Mason Reeves as “Kristoff,” Robert Creighton as “Weselton,” Collin Baja and Evan Strand alternating as “Sven,” as well as Natalia Artigas (“Young Elsa”), Olivia Jones (“Young Anna”) and real-life sisters Natalie Grace Chan (“Young Elsa”) and Victoria Hope Chan (“Young Anna”).

“Frozen” has been created for the stage by an award-winning team and features the songs you know from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. By the end of 2021 there will be five productions of “Frozen” around the world, including Australia, Japan, Lon-

Journals T H E

Caroline Innerbichler, left, as Anna and Caroline Bowman as Elsa with the company of Disney’s ‘Frozen,’ opening at Eccles Theater on Oct. 26. (Photo by Deen van Meer for Disney Theatrical Productions)

don and Hamburg. The musical completed its Broadway run in March 2020 after breaking four house records at The St. James Theatre.

“When we first closed down in Portland, we were told that maybe we’d be back in about four weeks,” Milkanin recalled. “We thought it was like an expanded vacation. But obviously it grew way beyond that.”

Many cast members and crew were forced to figure out their own paths, as Broadway performers were classified as “non-essential” by the government.

“Some pivoted into real estate or other professions where they had skills or interests,” Milkanin said. “I was fortunate enough to teach dance at Utah Valley University as an adjunct professor. We were all so overjoyed when we got the call to return to rehearsals and resume our tour.”

Milkanin worked at Lagoon in their productions, as well as studied Musical Theatre at BYU before heading to New York City in 2014. He performed on Broadway in “Kinky Boots,” as well as on tours of that show and “Bat Out of

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Hell.” He was also on regional tours for “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Who’s Tommy.” It took him four months of lengthy audition processes to hook up with Disney Theatrical, performing as a singer, dancer, and screen actor. He truly loves “Frozen” and the cast he’s a part of that’s coming to Eccles.

“Everyone loves Caroline Bowman as Elsa and Caroline Innerbichler as Anna—we call them CB and CI,” he said with a laugh. “It’s a blast to be part of this and connect with the whole cast.”

And in the audience during the Eccles run will be many who he said “have been there for me all along the way. My high school teacher, my middle school dance teacher, and of course my family. The gratitude I have for the people who’ve helped me--I’m dedicating this show to them. It’s a great way to say thank you.”

“Frozen” will perform through Nov. 13 with evening shows and some weekend matinees. For information, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook and Instagram. l

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Riverton City Journal

Local non-profit fighting to preserve the Oquirrh mountains

I

n a state that includes such natural wonders as the Wasatch front, the Uintas and a host of national parks, the Oquirrh mountain range sometimes gets overlooked and forgotten, even by those who live in its shadow.

But one group is trying to help more people realize that the mountain range is worth exploring and worth protecting.

“Most people just don’t even know what they have to offer, because no one knows where they can go legally. People don’t know how great they are,” said Bennion Gardner, founder of the Oquirrh Foundation.

The foundation was founded in 2020 to educate people on “the importance of preserving open space in and surrounding the Oquirrh Mountain Range.”

Gardner grew up in Taylorsville, then spent years living in Magna, but now resides in South Jordan. Over the years he’s seen how development has slowly crept closer and closer to the base of the mountains.

“Living in the west side of Salt Lake County, I’ve watched as development has crept closer and closer west, closer to the Oquirrhs. There hasn’t been much planning about what will happen once that development runs into the Oquirrhs,” he said.

RivertonJournal.com

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com According to Gardner, Salt Lake County is working on a general plan for the west bench, which has included proposals for developments not only going right up to the edge of the mountains, but extending up through its canyons. The foundation has been in communication with the county to let them know of their concerns about how such developments would impact the ecosystem, among other things.

“You have pristine wilderness, it’s the last stop for wildlife as they migrate through the Oquirrhs. We feel like that could become the centerpiece for a major conservation area, and the county’s plan right now calls to develop it. We’re very concerned about that. We don’t think that’s the most appropriate use for that land,” Bennion said.

Another challenge for the mountain range is its complicated legal boundaries.

Much of the land is owned by the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine. Much of Butterfield Canyon is technically off-limits for that reason. Other parts of the range are even more closed off.

“In the north, it’s barbed wire fences everywhere. It’s off limits,” Bennion said.

Recently, progress has been made on that front, as the county has worked with the Bureau of Land Management and Ken-

Members of the Oquirrh Foundation gathered at the Yellow Fork trailhead to clean up the popular hiking destination earlier this fall. (Courtesy of Bennion Gardner)

necott to build new trails, including some that would connect Butterfield Canyon to Yellow Fork Canyon.

In addition to its policy advocacy and education efforts, the foundation has also begun organizing regular service projects. In the spring, a group of volunteers cleaned up sections of Butterfield Canyon.

This fall, they tackled Yellow Fork Canyon, which included the difficult task of hauling out several rain-soaked couches that had been left along the popular hik-

ing trail. The event drew 30-40 volunteers, some of whom serve on the foundation’s board.

“The board is made up of ordinary citizens on the west side of the valley. We all work full time and have jobs and families that we take care of and then do this in our spare time,” Bennion said.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the foundation’s work can is welcome to join. Visit www.oquirrhfoundation.org to learn morel

November 2021 | Page 5

Riverton High’s unified soccer team poses before playing in the state consolation finals. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Riverton’s two unified soccer teams play in state tournament, brings opportunities of friendship to school

R

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

iverton High senior Alex Shields stepped up and hit the ball square on to send it flying into the goal during a penalty kick in his play-off game at Rio Tinto, which hosted the state unified soccer’s consolation finals and finals.

“Soccer is fun; I bring a lot of joy to our victories,” said the second-year player before the state qualifying tournament.

“I like to play defense, but my favorite is scoring goals. I hope we win today so we can play at Rio Tinto stadium. That will be epic.”

Despite the soggy weather Oct. 8 for the qualifying games and again on Oct. 9 on the stadium field, Riverton’s two unified soccer teams showed their resiliency, grit and positive attitude as they cheered on one another – and their opponents — and took part in the parade of athletes. Their head coach, Alexis Brown, took the coach’s pledge on behalf of all coaches at the tournament.

Playing alongside Shields was senior Easton Horton, a hockey player who hadn’t played soccer since he was a youngster. He is a peer tutor at the school for a number of his school’s student-athletes.

“I really enjoy playing and spending time together,” Horton said. “They’re so excited and are always talking about it. Unified soccer means a lot to them.”

Unified Sports is a UHSAA-sanctioned program supported by Special Olympics Utah that joins high school-age students with and without intellectual disabilities together, playing side-by-side on the same

Page 6 | November 2021

sports teams. In soccer, five players take to a smaller-sized field. This year, high school teams from across the state played in either competitive or player development divisions.

Through playing Unified Sports, students build friendships and inclusiveness as well as improve sports skills, said Unified Champion Schools manager Courtnie Worthen, who hopes all students are supported in their community to succeed and belong.

“We hope this helps to create lasting friendships,” she said. “When you’re approximate to someone who’s different than you, you learn that they are people too. You learn why they are different, and you can appreciate their differences and you can understand your similarities.”

This year’s state tournament consolation finals and finals in each of the four divisions were held at Rio Tinto for the first time, promoted by Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s statewide “Show Up” initiative.

After a player and coach oath, an athlete, accompanied by her highway patrolman father and Gov. Spencer Cox, lit the torch. The First Lady and other community leaders had previously announced the desire to introduce the Unified Sports program to more schools – from 40 across the state to 100 by the 2022-23 school year — and expand it from soccer, basketball and track to more sports. Jordan Education Foundation, Salt Lake Bees, South Jordan and Mountain View Village (Riverton) Chick-fil-A franchises and the Joe and Renae Ingles family

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were the first to pledge their support.

Worthen said the program isn’t just for high schools, some of which also have Unified Sports PE classes. There is also a young athletes’ program in elementary schools, and unified programs are being introduced at the college level.

Boston Iacobazzi, Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator, was a partner athlete for his high school and was then instrumental in establishing and subsequently playing for the RSL unified program, is now reaching out to higher education institutions to support the program.

“When partners and others get to know the athletes and become more involved in accepting them at their lunch tables and proms, it changes the climate and culture,” Iacobazzi said. “I gained friendships and never had so much fun on any sports team or as SBO president than I did with Unified Sports. It is so much fun, so high energy and we just cheer, sing and dance and want everyone to succeed.

Having the tournament at Rio Tinto gives these teams the same opportunities as the boys’ and girls’ high school soccer teams being hosted there.”

Riverton’s program has grown from nine participants last year to two teams this year, one finishing fourth in the competitive division and the other placing fifth in the player development division, with five athletes and four partners on each team.

“Last year’s athletes and peer tutors told all their friends how fun it was, really advocated how much they liked it and told people, ‘hey, you should come do this with us,’” Brown said about both her athletes and partners who were recruited from the school’s hockey and football teams as well as peer tutors in her classroom. “Everyone knows it’s the athletes who dominate the show and the partners are there to support them.”

Brown, who had a brother participate in Unified Sports and who herself became a partner when she was in high school, brought Unified Sports back to Riverton, with the support of the school administration. She wanted to allow

her athletes the chance to participate in the program.

Her teams prepared for the state competition with practices and scrimmages as well as competed in a regional tournament. Ball control, shooting, dribbling and passing were amongst skills she wanted them to improve upon on the field.

“We split up ourselves by saying this half are the Silverwolves and this half is Riverton, but we’re all the same team, cheering each other and celebrating our successes, on and off the field,” she said.

However, the bigger picture, Brown said, is inclusion at the school, pointing out that even their mascot came to support the team at the state tournament.

“The biggest goal overall is to build relationships and bonds with each other,” Brown said. “We want them to know what it feels like when they’re more of a part of the school, having lots of fun, being proud of themselves and what they’re doing.” l

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Riverton High’s unified soccer team warms up at Rio Tinto stadium before the consolation finals of the state championship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

801-790-2400 11052 Grapevine Cove Riverton High’s unified soccer team matched up against Hillcrest High in the Oct. 8 qualifying game, only to meet them again in the state consolation finals the next day at Rio Tinto stadium. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Sandy, UT 84070 November 2021 | Page 7

The Three Musketeers’ is one play for all

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

M

ountain Ridge High School presents Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers.”

Nov. 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $8 adults, $7 students/seniors.

This adaption of “The Three Musketeers,” based on the novel written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844, centers on the wannabe hero D’Artagnan (played by David Oliphant) who is determined to become a musketeer like his father. With enthusiasm and youthful confidence, he sets out for France where he meets three seasoned musketeers—Athos, Porthos and Aramis (played by Liam Owens, Cole Barton and Sterling Lund)—and immediately becomes entangled in multiple conflicts, both personal and political.

Oliphant said the production has something for everyone—comedy, drama, action and romance.

“There’s not a lot of places doing ‘Three Musketeers’ all the time, even though it’s a pretty well known story, so it’s a lot of fun seeing the characters on stage,” he said. “Every character is highly entertaining, we’ve got great actors—it’s definitely a must-see!”

Multiple storylines and conflicts weave together, with both comedy and drama, for an entertaining and inspiring story, Lund

said.

“D’Artagnan is coming from nowhere and he’s getting somewhere,” Lund said.

“Even in the face of adversity, he keeps working towards that final goal, and because of that constant persistence, even though he didn’t come from somewhere with a bunch of status and privilege, he’s able to get to where he wants to be.”

The play consolidates an entire novel into a running time of just under two hours which cuts a lot of the characters’ backstories, said Owens. But the parts of the story that made the cut are action-packed.

“Three Musketeers’ has the visual aspect—you can see what’s going on,” Owens said. “And the way we’ve choreographed things, you can see the power levels each of the characters have.”

All 17 cast members are involved in some kind of physical comedy, stage combat or swordplay (choreographed by Anton Moss.) Each of the three musketeers has their own fighting style that shows their personality.

“Aramis is the respectful gentleman,” Barton said. “Athos is definitely the more confident, better fighter—all of his moves have precise movements. And Porthos is more comical, taunting, with lots of fancy

The lead actors of Mountain Ridge High School’s production of “The Three Musketeers” are Sterling Lund, Jill Thomas, Liam Owens, Cole Barton and David Oliphant. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

jabs and swings that distract people to get an upper hand.”

This story adaptation includes a new main character—D’Artagnan’s sister Sabine (played by Jill Thomas), who accompanies her brother to France, hoping for more adventure and romance in her life.

“She’s really energetic and curious and ready to take on life,” Thomas said. She said the interactions with the musketeers onstage is a lot like messing around with her own three brothers—the teasing and playful

shoving comes naturally.

The production is directed by theater teacher Bradley Moss, who said the cast and crew have exemplified the musketeer motto of “One for all, and all for one!” as they’ve prepared for this performance.

“We start off working in smaller groups,” he said. “But as we start to pull it all together, everyone is working all together.

We see the work that other people are doing and we get to build off of it. That’s where it comes together as a cohesive whole.”l

Comcast makes a $1 billion commitment to digital equity

C

omcast Corporation, the global media and technology company, connects people to moments that matter. In fact, over the last 10 years, Comcast has connected more than 160,000 people in Utah to low-cost, high-speed, in-home internet services.

Now, the company is doubling-down on its commitment to help low-income families in the state gain access to the internet.

“Utah is one of the most collaborative states we work with across the country when it comes to helping its citizens gain digital equity,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Leaders from the state, county and city are working together as we open more free WiFi Lift Zones, connect more families to the Internet at home, and increase speeds for businesses and families across the state.”

Comcast has pledged $1 billion to establish WiFi-connected safe spaces, or Lift Zones, in 35 community centers in Utah, and more than 1,000 zones across the country. These centers help students participate in online learning and will connect more than 8 million low-income people to the internet.

The COVID-19 crisis put low-income students at risk and Comcast’s Internet Essential Partnership Program is focused on creating digital equity, allowing students to continue their schooling, even when they can’t attend class. Just this year, Comcast estimates students across America will complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened.

“We are delighted to work with such outstanding corporate partners, such as Comcast, as we connect more Utahns to the Internet,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah is regularly lauded for its innovative vision in numerous categories, and increasing our digital access helps everyone, including families, students and businesses.”

Page 8 | November 2021

The Comcast investment includes laptop and computer donations, more than $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Utah nonprofit community organizations, and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said Comcast is advancing the county’s effort in supporting economic prosperity throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The county is responsible for launching unique digital equity initiatives to connect its community.

“We have one of the most forward-thinking counties in the country and having such a robust partnership with leaders in government and community organizations means we can connect the pivot points quicker and more securely for all involved,” Wilson said. “We’re committed to digital equity. Our Salt Lake County libraries have more than 300 hotspots and 150 Chromebooks in circulation to assist residents with digital needs in their homes.”

As Salt Lake County collaborates with Comcast, the country’s largest internet provider, programs in the area will benefit from the partnership.

Comcast recently gifted Neighborhood House with 300 computers and laptops to help clients in its programs, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake was awarded a financial grant to support its mission to empower youth and guide them toward success.

“We are very grateful for this timely grant from Comcast,” said Amanda Ree Hughes, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. “Comcast is a 360-partner because they give more than just dollars for computers and programs. Their employees bring skills, experience and knowledge to create a whole solution in providing access and technology to help our kids succeed.”

Keller commends Utah for its “can-do attitude” and the willingness of state and county leaders to create long-lasting collaborations that will benefit students and impact Utah’s prosperity.

“Together, we have been able to connect tens of thousands of Utahns to the power of the internet at home and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides,” Keller said. “Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure the next generation of students in Utah has the tools, resources, and abilities to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

“Whenever we can help our community neighbors connect to reliable, high-speed internet access, we work to do that. It helps keep us all moving forward one family, one organization, and one community at a time.” l

Riverton City Journal

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November 2021 | Page 9

Mountain Ridge football finishes 8-2, earns first-round bye in state playoffs

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

A

s junior running back Cade Uluave plunged into the end zone from one yard out, it wasn’t just a game-winning touchdown against a cross-town rival on senior night; it wasn’t just the final play of an 8-win regular season that earned the Sentinels a first-round bye in the playoffs; it was the culmination of a three-year-long journey defined by overcoming adversity.

As a brand new school three years ago, the Mountain Ridge football team was full of underclassmen—sophomores and even freshmen who started on varsity. The result? The Sentinels didn’t win a single game that first year.

Last year, the team improved to 4-4 in a shorter COVID-impacted season.

Entering 2021, the Sentinels had high expectations for themselves. The sophomores from that first difficult year were now seniors, playing with the advantage of more accumulated experience than your average senior class.

“Those guys, they’ve had to endure more than what a lot of other teams have had to endure,” said head coach Mike Meifu. “I think that’s helped shape who they are. They know how to compete as hard as they can, even when they come up short.”

“I think that [first season] matured us

The Mountain Ridge defense celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Olympus earlier this season.

(Justin Adams/City Journals)

early and got us ready for what we’re doing today,” echoed senior defensive back Demarco Brimmage, who led the team in tackles this season.

The team’s collective ability to bounce back from hardship has been evident over the course of this season, and even within a single game.

In the third game of the season, the Sentinels made the trip to Heber valley to take on Wasatch High School. They trailed 24-7 as

they entered the fourth quarter. A lot of teams could have given up at that point. But Mountain Ridge outscored Wasatch 33-6 in the final quarter to secure a 40-30 win.

Senior quarterback Ayden Helm also pointed to two overtime games against West Jordan and the season finale against Herriman, as examples of when the team had to draw on its experience of overcoming adversity.

“Because we got our butts kicked for a

long time, that built up some mental toughness. So now when we’re in those tight games, we came through and we played well,” he said.

Racking up the wins this season has also helped to change the team’s mentality, according to Uluave.

“I think our biggest improvement this season has been our mentality,” he said. “I think we all flipped the switch and said, ‘This is our time.’ With everyone’s mindset being higher, it raises everyone’s game.”

As for the team’s mentality as they head into the state playoffs, they’re just taking it one week at a time.

“Our mentality is the same as it is every week. We just want to be 1-0,” said offensive lineman Nick Lober.

The Sentinels secured a five-seed in the state playoff bracket, based on the state’s RPI system which ranks teams based on their record and strength of schedule. The high seeding means they’ll have a first round bye, before playing Syracuse (who beat Pleasant Grove) on Oct. 29.

“It’s a good thing that we have a firstround bye. It’s a credit to them and the schedule they played,” Meifu said. “It’s nice because we have some guys who are beat up.”l

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November 2021 | Page 11

Riverton resident featured on No. 3 seeded Team Utah’s PGA Jr. Championship

O

ne appearance was all it took for Team Utah to win their first National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship. Team Utah, consisting of the top eight 11–14-yearolds from the state, took their No. 3 seed into the tough weekend tournament, where they defeated Team Connecticut 7.4-4.5 to win the title; Team Oklahoma (whom they beat that very morning in order to take on Connecticut) defeated Team Florida 7.5-4.5 to capture third place. Both Utah and Florida made their debuts at this event and carried two of the top four seeds in the tournament.

One of the junior golfers, 14-year-old Jaxon Erickson, is a Riverton resident and teamed with Jordan Ofahengaue, 11, from Lehi. The duo swung the match in Utah’s’ favor on the par-3 16th hole, when Ofahengaue rolled in a 15-footer to put them one up. The championship started to look a little out of reach after Connecticut took the opening match of the finals, but fortunately, Utah would win the remainder to seal the deal.

Utah Pro Golfer Tony Finau, who is cousins with Ofahengaue’s father, Kelepi, cheered on his “nephew” during the match. “My man Jordan balled out to help Utah win! Proud of him,” Finau tweeted.

When the ball of Austin Shelley, 13, from Salt Lake City, had found the water

By JJ Thomson | j.thomson@mycityjournals.com outside of the green, all hope may have seemed lost. That is until Ryder Huish from Highland stepped up to the fairway on the 18th hole. Huish, and the rest of Team Utah, needed perfection in order to capture the title, and that is exactly what Huish gave them. With his 5-iron in hand, and 180 yards away from a title, Huish stepped up and hit the ball with everything he had. The ball kept carrying and carrying until it finally came to rest within 10 feet of the pin. A couple of minutes later, they were able to birdie on the 18th to seize the victory.

“When I saw Austin’s ball in the water, I cried inside,” Huish, 11, joked. “I said, ‘I have to hit a good shot here or it’s over.’ I pulled out my 5-iron, I felt confident, and I executed well.”

Utah Captain Tele Wightman, PGA, stated after the match, “Oh my goodness, it was just amazing. You’ve got Oklahoma, Florida, Connecticut … such good teams, but we really believed in ourselves and felt like we had a team that could get it done.

Then you are watching it and you think, this could be happening. The shots they pulled off towards the end, it’s amazing.”

After the match Wightman said “I feel really good, I feel like, I think it is crazy

Team Utah celebrates a match victory. (Photo courtesy Troon Golf)

because there is like 64,000 kids, and 10 of us (including their coaches) are all here, and we won. So that is really crazy.”

The National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship was held in Scottsdale. Arizona at the Grayhawk Golf Club.

This was the ninth PGA Jr. league tournament, after vacating the 2020 event due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Grayhawk has hosted the event since 2016, and will also host the 2022 event before a new venue is selected.l

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Riverton City Journal

NOVEMBER 2021

RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Salute To Our Veterans

By Mayor Trent Staggs

On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., armistice was officially called marking the end of World War I. Having been deemed “the war to end all wars,” people from all around the world rejoiced and celebrated. Shortly after, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11 as Armistice Day. Then in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day to honor all those who have

served and are serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Today, there are approximately 19 million U.S. veterans which represents less than 10% of the U.S. adult population. These brave men and women selflessly place their lives on the line for our freedom, often leaving their families and comforts behind.

They recognize that sacrifice and struggle is necessary to protect the American way, freedom, and our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. While we give thanks and honor their service, we must also be willing to continue their fight and share in the responsibility of protecting freedom here at home. We can do this by voting in elections, providing service to others, and speaking out against those that would undermine our

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2021

American culture, our Constitution, and the ideals upon which this great country was founded.

As a sign of reverenced appreciation to our Riverton veterans, the city has recently established a veteran’s memorial at the Riverton City Cemetery.

The name of every veteran buried there has been indelibly etched into these magnificent granite markers. Additionally, each year we pay tribute to those who have served our nation in our annual Veteran’s Day program. It will be held this year on November 11 at 7 p.m. at the Sandra N. Lloyd Community Center. In recent years, we have started a new tradition by participating in the Wreaths Across America program each December.

It provides residents with the

opportunity to sponsor decorative wreaths that will adorn the gravesite of every veteran buried in the Riverton City Cemetery. If you’d like to sponsor a wreath for a veteran’s grave, visit rivertonutah.gov/ wreaths.

As Veterans Day approaches, and as we enter the holiday season, I pray that we can all reflect on our blessings and freedoms which are protected by those that have served in the United States Armed Forces.

It is on their watch that we are able to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy peace.

To all the veterans that call Riverton home, and even those that don’t, thank you for the sacrifices you have made. You are owed a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Your services have not been forgotten and they shall never be.

God bless you all.

PAGE 1

COUNCIL MESSAGE

Participation in Local Government 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 801-208-3129

CITY OFFICES City Hall ................................801-254-0704 Administration ......................801-208-3129 Animal Control......................801-208-3108 Cemetery ..............................801-208-3128 Code Enforcement ................801-208-3108 Development Services ..........801-208-3138 Fire (UFA) ..............................801-743-7200 Justice Court .........................801-208-3131 Recreation & Events .............801-208-3101 Police ....................................385-281-2455 Public Works .........................801-208-3162 Recorder ...............................801-208-3128 Utility Billing .........................801-208-3133 Water....................................801-208-3164

FIND US ONLINE! @rivertonutahgov

By Councilmember Tish Buroker Greetings fellow residents. What a beautiful fall we have enjoyed. I hope you have all had a chance to walk in your neighborhoods, or on one of the trails we have here in Riverton and relished in the beautiful area in which we live.

the majority – we have government by the majority who participate…

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” Therefore, I encourage you to vote as an active step in government participation. Next, if you are interested in being more involved, please contact your councilmember either by phone, text or email and let them know of your most pressing concerns or to share ideas for the coming four years.

Each year at the mayor’s You should have direction, we received your meet for a full ballot for City day of discusCouncil members sion creating a in Districts 3 and strategic plan 4, and for Mayor. for the coming You will notice year (the public that myself, counis invited to cilmember representing District observe). Some of the topics we 4, Councilmember McCay, reprewill discuss, which we would love senting District 3, and Mayor Trent your feedback on, are as follows: Staggs are all running unopposed.

What is your opinion regarding our Though there parks and is not a choice trails? Do we in who to vote need more?

“We in America do not have for on your Should more government by the majority ballot, Thom– we have government by the money be as Jefferson spent to mainmajority who participate… provided the tain them?

All tyranny needs to gain a correct course How about of action with foothold is for people of good our roads? these words: conscience to remain silent.” Are they well “We in America maintained?

- Thomas Jefferson do not have What about government by our storm

water system? Is it doing the job where you live? I know in my district there are some areas which would benefit from improved drainage.

What about the city’s current IT connectivity. Should we invest in a fiber optic network? These issues and more will continue to engage and challenge your elected officials and city employees.

It continues to be a pleasure to serve. Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe holiday season.

Upcoming City Meetings CITY COUNCIL • Tuesday, November 16, 7 p.m.

PLANNING COMMISSION • Thursday, November 18, 6:30 p.m.

www.rivertonutah.gov PAGE 2

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2021

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

Medic Ladder 121 Serving Riverton

By Chief Wade Watkins Medic Ladder 121 serves Riverton City daily and responds from Riverton’s Fire Station 121 at 4146 W 12600 S. This piece of equipment is extremely important in effectively addressing the challenges of responding to the community’s needs. Staffed four-handed with a captain, engineer, paramedic, and firefighter/EMT, the ladder truck is a moving solution for many different types of emergencies to include fires, medical, and everything in between.

Typically, ladder trucks like Medic Ladder 121 have specific responsibilities on fires. Responsibilities include to perform truck company size-ups, force entry for search and engine operations, perform any immediate rescues, interior search, ventilate for engine company operations, ladder for access, egress, and ventilation, open up and overhaul for the engine company (including salvage work) and cover the utilities based on need. One of the main

4

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EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

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

TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS features of the tiller truck is its enhanced maneuverability.

This specific style of ladder truck is known as a tractor-drawn aerial, tiller ladder, or hook-and-ladder truck. It has a specialized turntable ladder mounted on a semi-trailer truck. Unlike a commercial semi, the trailer and tractor are permanently combined and would require special tools to separate them.

It has two drivers, with separate steering wheels for front and rear

wheels enabling it to navigate apartment complexes and other narrow roadways. Next time you see Medic Ladder 121 driving around Riverton watch the engineer and tiller operator work in concert to safely travel the roadways. Unified Fire Authority takes great pride in serving Riverton and doing so with this amazing piece of equipment helps equip the firefighters with the right tools to be effective. Please don’t hesitate to take a closer look when you see Medic Ladder 121 in the community.

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RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2021

PAGE 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

RIVERTON REVIEW

Santa’s Arrival

Holiday Donation Drive

Christmas Card Contest

Bring the kids to see Santa Claus arrive in Riverton! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the park on a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa to make their Christmas requests and also write their letter to Santa that evening.

There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, crafts, and entertainment.

Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for The Christmas Box House – an organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter to children in need. Donations will be accepted from November 8 to December 10 at Riverton City Hall.

Donated items must be new and unwrapped.

Riverton City is again holding a design contest to select the city’s official Christmas card! Children enrolled in an elementary school in Riverton OR who are of elementary school age who live in Riverton are invited to submit a card design in the contest.

Monday, November 29, 6:30 p.m.

Riverton City Park For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/santa

What to Donate: • Baby Wipes & Diapers • DVD Movies (G/PG) • Children’s Clothes • Children’s Sneakers

• Alarm Clock Radios • Educational Toys • Hair Brushes • Body Lotion

For a list of more items to donate, visit: rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations

The creator of the winning Christmas card will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.

Submission Deadline: November 18, 2021 For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/christmascard

‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas

Christmas Night of Music Concert

Register: Mission Slim Possible

Register: Start Smart Basketball

Come walk through Riverton City Park to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and see the fun lights! Free and open to all.

Come enjoy all your favorite Christmas songs at Riverton City’s annual Christmas Night of Music Concert! Free and open to all.

Join Riverton City’s Mission Slim Possible weight loss challenge to lose weight and start next year off right. Register online.

Children ages 3-5 learn the basic skills needed to play basketball in a fun, positive environment. No equipment necessary. Register online.

• November 30 - December 31, 6-9 p.m., Riverton City Park

• Monday, December 6, 7 p.m.

Riverton High Auditorium

• Begins Wednesday, January 5, 2022

• Begins Tuesday, January 11

For details or registration information, visit rivertonutah.gov/recreation

PAGE 4

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2021

Elective lit classes attract fans of fantasy, history, movies

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

H

igh school students are diving into literature that they love, with a variety of elective language art classes offered at local high schools.

“It is a really fun way for seniors who might feel like the traditional language arts model is a bit stale to mix things up and get a new experience,” said Connor Bertoch, who teaches a scifi/fantasy literature class at Mountain Ridge High. Students earn a senior language arts or elective credit while reading books by Tolkien, Bradbury, Sanderson, Steinbeck, Le Guin and Butler.

“Science fiction and fantasy as genres often deal with high concepts and big questions, and some of the most thought provoking and talented writers of the last century have been doing phenomenal literary work exclusively in those genres,” Bertoch said.

The class is designed to be more discussion-based than a traditional language arts course.

“Most of the learning and work we will do will be to prepare for and make the most of class discussions related to the texts we are reading, so we can come to some dialectical conclusions as a class,” Bertoch said.

Erin McGuire, who teaches the sci-fi/fantasy literature class at Riverton High School, said the genre is very appealing to high school students who love the elements of fantasy, magic, creatures and the possibility of becoming an unlikely hero.

“Usually the protagonists are in their age group, so that is one big connection with them,” she said. “They can connect to them—they’re the same age, they’re thinking the same things but they’re overcoming these enormous obstacles.”

McGuire’s students read about characters in their fantasy worlds and then bring them into the real world. One assignment is for students to create a song playlist for one of the characters

in the novel they’re all reading. Another is to create social media posts a character would share at a certain point within the novel.

Students also build a character and a world, draw a map and write a short story set there. They have fun writing a b-movie screenplay and then filming it. Students who take the class in the first semester celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday in September by enjoying the Hobbit tradition of eating second breakfast during class.

Popular books like the “Percy Jackson” series have inspired young peoples’ interest in mythology, which is both historical and fictional, said Brianne Anderson, who teaches a Mythology class at Mountain Ridge High. She introduces students to mythologies from around the world—Greek (Pandora, Hercules, Perseus, and the Trojan War), Norse (Thor and Loki’s exploits in Asgard), Aztec and Latin American and Ancient Egyptian.

“A lot of mythology was passed down orally for generations before it was written down- it’s cool to hear stories from centuries ago that are still relevant to us today,” she said.

After they’ve studied a text, Anderson often shows students the movie based on the story. Many of the books students read in the alternative language arts classes are so popular among teens, they have inspired movie adaptations.

Students in Cassie Astle’s Film to Lit class watch a movie for each of the novels they read. After reading fairy tales, they watch “Shrek” and “The Princess Bride.” They study historical fiction novels “The Help” and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” and then compare them to the films.

“We look at archetypes and how they are represented in each novel and film,” Astle said. “We look at the choices the directors make while filming a scene. They compare and contrast the book and the movie and ultimately have to determine who did

After reading “The Book of the Dead”, students create their own cartouche with authentic hieroglyphics. (Brianne Anderson/Mountain Ridge High)

it best. Students have to show an understanding of the complexity of the original work and their interpretation of the movie. They must back up their opinion with textual evidence, which teaches them to think critically and provide support for their opinions.”

Astle hopes students learn to love the art of storytelling and develop a critical eye as they read books and watch movies. Creative assignments for the class include writing a fractured fairy tale by changing the setting or flipping a character from antagonist to the protagonist. As part of the study of “Guernsey” the students write pen pal letters to sixth grade students in the district.

Teachers choose books and movies for their classes based on what they think will be compelling for students. They choose from those that are approved by the district and also request parent permission. l

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Jordan Education Foundation, Chick-fil-A franchises, others pledge support to schools’ unified programs

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

S Spamalot!

Nov 12th - 27th 2021

Steep Canyon Rangers Dec 2nd - 5th 2021

The Lettermen Christmas Show Dec 9th - 12th 2021

Park City Holiday Spectacular Dec 17th - 19th 2021

Kurt Bestor Dec 22nd - 25th 2021

Cornell Gunter’s Coasters Dec 26th - 27th 2021

The Platters Dec 28th - 29th 2021

The Drifters Dec 30th - Jan 1st 2022

Page 18 | November 2021

core!

Not only was it the state unified soccer semi-finals and finals where teams from Bingham High and Riverton High took to the field and scored goals, but many of Jordan School District’s scored with the announcement being made at a press conference at Rio Tinto stadium.

Jordan Education Foundation pledged $20,000 to aid unified sports in 10 of its schools, supporting Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s statewide “Show Up” initiative to introduce the unified sports program to more schools – from 40 across the state to 100 by 2022-23 school year — and expand it from soccer, basketball and track to more sports.

Jordan Education Foundation President Dawn Ramsey made the announcement.

“We are really excited about this,” she said. “Unified sports gives opportunities to students who may not have those same opportunities to be on a team in another way. We are very excited to be able to provide this partnership with Special Olympics Utah to provide an opportunity for these kids to be included. It helps to foster empathy, where each of these athletes have a buddy who plays with them.

This is just such a great opportunity to experience joy, to learn to play together, to include everyone in opportunities and to meet the needs of these students.”

Unified sports, such as the state soccer tournament where Bingham won its division and Riverton scooped up fourth and fifth places with its two teams, is a UHSAA-sanctioned sport supported by Special Olympics Utah that joins high school-age students with and without intellectual disabilities playing side-by-side on the same sports teams. Through playing unified sports, students build friendships as well as improve sports skills, said Unified Champion Schools manager Courtnie Worthen, who hopes all students are supported inclusively in their community to succeed and belong.

South Jordan and Mountain View Village (Riverton) Chick-fil-A franchise owners Becky and Scott Pickle, the Renae and Joe Ingles family and the Salt Lake Bees also pledged their support, totaling 25 additional teams.

“I just love that this creates opportunities for kids to connect; it creates opportunities to learn empathy and compassion; to learn teamwork; to learn how to handle disappointment and situations of so many social and emotional skills,” said Becky Pickle, adding that her franchises also have provided several thousands of meals for Special Olympics athletes, coaches

At the unified soccer state championships, Jordan Education Foundation President Dawn Ramsey announced that Jordan Education Foundation is pledging $20,000 to aid unified sports in 10 of its schools. (Photo courtesy of Dawn Ramsey)

and volunteers. “We really want to support this initiative, this idea for them to be the first district to lead out on this and grow it in their district. I really wanted to support that and match what they were doing so they can take it further.”

Ramsey, who has been on the Jordan Education Foundation for nine years, learned about the program from Worthen and the First Lady and brought it to the attention of the Foundation. Supporting unified sports was a unanimous decision at the Foundation’s Sept. 16 annual meeting.

Ramsey, who also serves as South Jordan mayor, said that the school district’s goal is to “Every Child, Every Day” and the Foundation’s is to engage the community to provide support to help build success in Jordan District.

“This is a perfect match and it’s a way we can help,” she said. “We’ve chosen to step up and raise the funds to be able to provide this program to the schools in every community in Jordan School District.

This will strengthen every community in the District.”

Those schools will include all six high schools as well as four middle schools: South Jordan, Mountain Creek, Joel P. Jensen and South Hills.

The Pickles pledged $20,000, which should help an additional 10 schools that have yet to be determined.

This was the first time Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey has attended a unified sports tournament.

“It’s really exciting to be a part of this initiative right from the start, and to have so many schools out of the chute; I have no doubt that this program will continue to spread,” Godfrey said. “Thanks to the enthusiasm of our families and employees. We’re overwhelmed of the show of generosity for our students, both from the Foundation and Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is always a great partner and the Foundation is always looking for ways to help support student opportunities and this is the best kind of student opportunity. It allows students of all abilities to be part of activities at their schools.”

Miller, who also serves on the Foundation, said it was her first time watching unified sports as well.

“I love that we have athletes of all abilities working together,” she said. “The feeling of empathy and inclusion that is created is really neat. It’s a great concept and a neat experience to witness. I was all choked up watching; it’s just a special thing.” l

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West Granite Composite rider Archie Wiley finished his lap at the Eagle Mountain course in 56 minutes.

Riders in the series race to improve each time they get on course. The league is trying to make the series available to everyone. (Greg James/City Journals)

Riders of all abilities race in high school cycling league

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

E

levate is the program in the Utah High School Cycling League for special needs students. In its eight years of existence, they have helped several student athletes participate just like every other rider in the program.

“We wanted to bring more inclusivity into this league,” league director Dallen Atack said. “We wanted to make it available to special needs athletes.”

This season the league has had about a dozen special needs student athletes participate. They are each members of individual teams across the state. They include riders that are legally blind, deaf, autistic or missing limbs.

These riders participate just like the rest of the members of the team. In some cases, they may race a small loop near the start finish line, but other kids race a normal lap, and spectators would never know the difference.

“It is based on the capacity of the team.

If they have the ability to work with these kids we can get them to practice and the races,” Atack said.

Each participant can be individually supervised as needed.

“We had an athlete that was deaf and rode a little slower so we had a parent ride behind her so that the oncoming racers knew to steer around her,” Atack said.

“Another was legally blind. A coach rode in front of him to keep him safe. He could not see in front of him very well, but he was fast and usually had a small tumble during a race, but we made sure he stayed safe.”

The league provided training for its coaches with the National Ability Center in

RivertonJournal.com

Park City. The NAC draws from decades of experience working with people of all abilities, using special equipment as necessary and techniques and teaching methods within its 1,900 volunteers.

“They helped us learn to work with the athletes and taught coaches skills for each individual athlete,” Atack said. “They have also helped acquire bikes with special equipment as needed.”

The league has 6,300 participants this season. They raced in four regions across the state and are scheduled to hold the state finals Oct. 28-29 in St. George.

“Our league grew more than we expected this season. In some of our race venues we are bursting at the seams. We also had a tough weather year with several lightning delays and rain. We will be headed to St. George for the finals with approximately 2,100 riders who have qualified,” Atack said.

The league culture is different than most people have experienced.

“Mountain bike culture is different than a lot of the other sporting cultures. Everyone helps each other. They are racing for a team, but also for themselves. The only way to get better is for you to get better.

Everyone races, no one rides the bench,” Atack said.

The riders race in divisions of skill and must pass levels of ability to advance.

“These Elevate riders are part of the team. It is a really neat program. We have had lots of fun with it,” Atack said.

The league begins its season in July.

Its teams practice two or three times a week and welcome riders of all abilities. l

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Advisory services are offered through Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Utah. Tax services offered through Wealth Management Tax Solutions, an affiliated company. Insurance products & services offered through Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC, an affiliated company. Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, Wealth Management Tax Solutions & Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Jeremy Lindquist and Kelly Purser are not securitues licensed.

For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call (801) 599-1393, TTY 711.

Page 22 | November 2021

Riverton City Journal

How does your city know how much property tax to collect?

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

E

ach year, Salt Lake County sets a new property tax rate for each city. First, a city will receive the same dollar amount as the previous year. If they received $15 million from property taxes in 2020, the city will receive $15 million from those same property owners in 2021.

The property tax rate then calculated is set based on the values of all the properties in that city. If values go up, the tax rate decreases. If values go down, the tax rate increases.

If there has been any population growth, the city will receive extra.

“New growth adds to the city revenue at the same property tax rate as the other properties and becomes part of the calculation the next year,” West Jordan Finance Director Danyce Steck said.

If a city collects $15 million in 2020, they may collect $15 million and an additional $200,000 if there is new growth in 2021. Then 2022 would bring the city $15,200,000.

Any time a city wants to do a different rate than set

by Salt Lake County, a truth-in-taxation meeting that involves the public is required. The rate change can only happen once a year.

Because the property tax rate, the percentage, changes year to year, if the city “raises taxes,” the percentage owners will pay is not always higher for the residents than it was in the past.

Councils usually consider adjusting the rate when the income of the previous year is not enough to pay for what is needed in the next year.

The rate of property tax a city gets remains stable from year to year, unless there is a truth-in-taxation meeting. (Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels)

For example, West Jordan performed the truth-in-taxation process this year. Last year their tax rate was 0.1899%. The county then set the new rate for this year at 0.1732%. The council raised this year’s rate by 3.2% and properties will now pay 0.1788%.

Residents pay less than commercial property owners.

“All property’s value is set by Salt Lake County, but residential properties receive a 45% discount. This discounted value becomes the taxable value and is used to calculate the property tax bill,” Steck said. l

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November 2021 | Page 23

STEM learning is magical at Foothills Elementary

S

elena Berg will never forget the lesson when students gave her a standing ovation.

She was teaching about light refraction using a laser and a prism.

“I would bend the light or I’d shine it on my ring so it would sparkle and I got a standing ovation,” Berg said.

That’s the kind of enthusiasm Principal Cherie Wilson wants students at Foothills Elementary to have about science, technology, engineering and math. Through daily rotations, students participate in fun, hands-on, experiential learning activities that reinforce STEM concepts.

This type of discovery learning fits with the current science teaching standards which teach kids to think for themselves and develop a problem-solving mindset, Wilson said “It’s not about the teacher up there saying, ‘This is what you’ll find, this is what you’ll see,’” she said. “The kids are able to participate in activities where they’re discovering and exploring.”

Berg said students love the engineering challenges, coming up with their own design ideas and solutions for activities such as creating a bug catcher out of pipe cleaners and string. If students complete the day’s activity, she gives them a harder challenge.

Drama specialist Jodi Howell teaches

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com during art rotations, using drama and physical movement to reinforce STEM concepts.

When the third graders were learning about gravity, she had them act out fairy tales on various planets. Students had to consider how the gravity of Jupiter or the moon would affect the way their character moved.

“When they’re using different parts of their body, it helps to solidify what they’ve learned, because they’re experiencing it, instead of just reading about it,” Howell said.

“It allows them to communicate in a different way that is more open-ended. It allows them to explore it and not worry so much about a correct answer.”

Howell also uses drama to reinforce math concepts, such as having students act out math story problems.

“I think when you make it into a story, which is really a real world application, it actually brings it to life,” Howell said. “And isn’t that what STEAM is all about, bringing it to life, and problem solving and working together? That’s why it’s so important because the jobs of tomorrow, that we don’t even really know what they are, some of them, they’re going to have to work with other people to collaborate, they’re going to have to problem solve and make solutions to problems we don’t even know about yet.”

A student participates in Paul Brewer’s magic assembly created to excite kids about STEM. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Wilson believes elementary school is the time to give kids a head start for their future careers.

“Their brains are developing so fast,” she said. “These kids really need STEM in order to develop that way to think, that way to question and wonder and explore and decide what will work.”

Families have always been very supportive of the STEAM program at Foothills. The

Community Council holds an annual fundraiser to purchase materials for rotations and fund the family STEAM night held each spring.

Wilson jumped at the chance to bring STEM on Stage-- the Magic of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math assembly to students in October. Provided through Utah’s STEM Action Center, the assembly is being offered at no cost this year, thanks to local tech companies who are investing in their fu-

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Riverton City Journal

Comcast makes a $1 billion commitment to digital equity

C

omcast Corporation, the global media and technology company, connects people to moments that matter. In fact, over the last 10 years, Comcast has connected more than 160,000 people in Utah to low-cost, high-speed, in-home internet services.

Now, the company is doubling-down on its commitment to help low-income families in the state gain access to the internet.

“Utah is one of the most collaborative states we work with across the country when it comes to helping its citizens gain digital equity,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Leaders from the state, county and city are working together as we open more free WiFi Lift Zones, connect more families to the Internet at home, and increase speeds for businesses and families across the state.”

Comcast has pledged $1 billion to establish WiFi-connected safe spaces, or Lift Zones, in 35 community centers in Utah, and more than 1,000 zones across the country. These centers help students participate in online learning and will connect more than 8 million low-income people to the internet.

The COVID-19 crisis put low-income students at risk and Comcast’s Internet Essential Partnership Program is focused on creating digital equity, allowing students to continue their schooling, even when they can’t attend class. Just this year, Comcast estimates students across America will complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened.

“We are delighted to work with such outstanding corporate partners, such as Comcast, as we connect more Utahns to the Internet,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah is regularly lauded for its innovative vision in numerous categories, and increasing our digital access helps everyone, including families, students and businesses.”

The Comcast investment includes laptop and computer donations, more than $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Utah nonprofit community organizations, and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said Comcast is advancing the county’s effort in supporting economic prosperity throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The county is responsible for launching unique digital equity initiatives to connect its community.

“We have one of the most forward-thinking counties in the country and having such a robust partnership with leaders in government and community organizations means we can connect the pivot points quicker and more securely for all involved,” Wilson said. “We’re committed to digital equity. Our Salt Lake County libraries have more than 300 hotspots and 150 Chromebooks in circulation to assist residents with digital needs in their homes.”

As Salt Lake County collaborates with Comcast, the country’s largest internet provider, programs in the area will benefit from the partnership.

Comcast recently gifted Neighborhood House with 300 computers and laptops to help clients in its programs, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake was awarded a financial grant to support its mission to empower youth and guide them toward success.

“We are very grateful for this timely grant from Comcast,” said Amanda Ree Hughes, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. “Comcast is a 360-partner because they give more than just dollars for computers and programs. Their employees bring skills, experience and knowledge to create a whole solution in providing access and technology to help our kids succeed.”

Keller commends Utah for its “can-do attitude” and the willingness of state and county leaders to create long-lasting collaborations that will benefit students and impact Utah’s prosperity.

“Together, we have been able to connect tens of thousands of Utahns to the power of the internet at home and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides,” Keller said. “Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure the next generation of students in Utah has the tools, resources, and abilities to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

“Whenever we can help our community neighbors connect to reliable, high-speed internet access, we work to do that. It helps keep us all moving forward one family, one organization, and one community at a time.” l

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With masks they created themselves, students act out animal behaviors in a short drama based on what they learned in science class. (Jodi Howell/Foothills Elementary)

ture workforce by sponsoring the assembly.

Foothills was one of the first to schedule the assembly which fits right in with their STEAM focus.

Paul Brewer, who has been mixing education and magic for 47 years, in eight countries and three languages, provided an engaging assembly (which he co-wrote with his daughter) to get kids excited about STEM and familiar with the terminology and concepts.

With impressive props, a live rabbit, fun music, jokes, lasers, and plenty of audience participation, Brewer explained magic and

RivertonJournal.com

illusion using STEM concepts, following the scientific method and encouraging students to ask questions and make hypotheses. He showed students that STEM is used by everyone-- even artists and magicians. He explained how math is at the core of all his favorite things-- music, dance, juggling and even cookies.

“I learned to juggle because of math, and we have cookies because of math,” he said.

“Math made me magic.”

Requests for the free assembly can be made at utahmagic.com/stem.l

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November 2021 | Page 25

Riverton captures region title Photos by Travis Barton

The football team comes out of the tunnel for its first-round playoff game against Cyprus. The Silverwolves finished the season 7-3, capturing the region title over Bingham via their head-to-head victory.

The special teams celebrates a touchdown by Jackson Riddle off a blocked punt against Cyprus. After a region-opening loss to West Jordan, Riverton ran the table the rest of the way to earn the region title.

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Leading rusher Sau Tafisi breaks a tackle to earn enough for a first down. Tafisi’s 11 rushing touchdowns this season helped Riverton to a 7-3 record.

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The Riverton defense was tenacious in its first round game against Cyprus, whether that was getting a safety (above left) or celebrating tackles behind the line of scrimmage for a loss (above right).

Page 26 | November 2021

Riverton City Journal

RHS’s performance of ‘Mamma Mia’ will have audiences singing in their seats

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

R

iverton High School presents “Mamma Mia” written by Catherine Johnson, music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA. Nov. 18, 19, 20 and 22 at 7 p.m. Singa-long on Saturday.

Tickets are $9 adults, $8 students/senior citizens, and are available for purchase at rivertonhigh.jordandistrict.org. “‘Mamma Mia’ is an ABBA concert with a storyline built behind it,” said Dylan Elliot, a senior. He plays Harry, one of three possible dads (the two others are played

by Camron Kunz and Alex Oyler) that 20-year-old Sophie (Elizabeth Longhurst) has invited to her wedding, unbeknownst to her mother, Donna (Kylie Hallet.) With her two best friends (Lillian Richins and Jenna Murdock) as backup, Donna dances and sings her way through various emotions when her three ex-boyfriends show up at her resort. The story is told through the lyrics of ABBA hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Chiquitita,” “The Name of the Game,” “SOS” and “Take a Chance on Me.” Hallet is thrilled to be part of what she calls an “over-the-top, almost farcical ABBA compilation.” She said she knew from the moment the play was announced that she wanted to play the role of Donna.

She is inspired by the character’s resilience and determination.

Hallet said it is a fun production to be a part of, with a fun-loving and talented cast.

“There’s not a single weak link, every single person on stage can hold their own,” she said.

The talented students’ performance is elevated by top-notch choreography by Summerisa Bell Stevens, an accomplished actress who previously played the lead role of Sophie in a professional production of the show. Her unique insights and professional experience have inspired the actors to step up their performance, just as other guest choreographers with impressive resumes have in past RHS productions.

Elliot said it makes a difference working with a professional choreographer who treats the students as professionals. Their expectations elevate the performance of the cast collectively and individually. He said all of the cast members have been willing to step up to the challenge.

The Saturday night show will be a sing-a-long, with the lyrics projected onto the auditorium walls so that audience members can join in during the musical numbers.

“We want the people there to have a good time, not just watching the show, but

The leads in Riverton High’s “Mamma Mia” take in blocking and acting advice from professional actress and choreographer Summerisa Bell Stevens. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

experiencing the show and being a part of it,” Elliot said.

He has enjoyed being a part of this production. He even grew a beard for the role.

His favorite scene is “Last Summer” when he reminisces about the time he spent with Donna during a carefree summer of their youth.

“We talk about how it was simpler then when we didn’t have any responsibilities

and we just got to enjoy each other’s company,” he said.

It’s a sentiment he can relate to as he savors his last year of high school and the possibility that this is his last musical production ever. “Twenty years from now, these are the moments we’re going to be singing a song or telling the stories about,” he said.l

Utilizing your tax dollars in the best way possible Every fall, Salt Lake County goes through its annual budget process. As the government entity with the second largest government budget in Utah (coming behind only the state budget itself), there are a myriad of programs, services, and expen-

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Council | District 3

RivertonJournal.com

ditures that comprise the now roughly $1.5 billion budget.

On October 21st, Mayor Wilson presented her proposed budget to the county council. In subsequent weeks council members have the opportunity to review all new budgetary requests, ongoing expenditures, and any reinstatement of funding previously cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year the County will also review budgetary requests for funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Salt Lake County is a direct recipient of these federal dollars provided to support COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost public sector revenue, support immediate economic stabilization, and address systemic public health and economic challenges.

One of the most important parts of being an elected official is acting as a steward of taxpayer dollars. Residents entrust those who run the government to judiciously use their tax dollars to perform essential functions for the community, and as such residents expect that every dollar spent by the government will be carefully scrutinized.

Here are some key principles I prioritize during the budget process, this year included.

First and foremost, tax dollars don’t “belong” to the county. The funds are

yours. Taxpayers entrust the county, or any

government for that matter, with a portion of their hard-earned money because they expect that entity to provide essential services for society to function.

Second, I believe that all government functions should be viewed in two different categories: “need to have” and “nice to

have.”

The “need to have” list includes things that are statutorily required of the county to perform, think constitutionally mandated services such as criminal justice and election administration. I also consider public safety to be in this category, since keeping our residents safe is a core function of government. However, just because they are essential does not mean they are above scrutiny. Efficiencies can still be found.

The “nice to have” list includes quality of life services the county provides, as well as any other program or initiative that can easily be described as a benefit to county residents, but not necessarily considered essential. Libraries and open space are some of the things in this category.

Lastly, I review each aspect of our budget and ask, “Is this the proper role of county government?” There are many programs or services that are better suited to other government entities, nonprofits, or the private sector. It is always important to review each program, service, or expenditure and ask that question again and again.

I’m confident that these principles are the essence of good budgeting and fiscal discipline, and I will always advocate for this approach any time the government is entrusted with taxpayer dollars.

November 2021 | Page 27

Scouting continues to influence young men, young women even when facing challenges

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

I

n late 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made an announcement that it would no longer be a chartering organization for the Boy Scouts of America for the 11- to 17-year-old age range. Known for its emphasis on “duty to God, duty to country,” the BSA, now called Scouting BSA, still continues to meet locally.

Scouting for both young men and young women has continued to play a role in teaching young people the 12 values that are part of the Scout Oath and Law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, brave, clean and revenant.

“We are around,” said Bruce Chapple, a charter organization representative in troop 3851. “This is still a good organization, and we’re big into service.

Even while performing service, some troops have encountered challenges. The greatest of which has been locating a chartering organization, or a sponsor, and also a safe environment in which to hold weekly meetings.

When The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided it needed a more global and diverse program for ages 11 to 17, troops no longer had access to indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.

Troop 3851 in South Jordan is chartered by the Firefighter’s Union, which doesn’t have a physical location for the troop to meet in. This challenge is felt

by Scoutmaster Glen Thorne, whose troop meets every Thursday, and has provided service back to the Fire-

fighter’s Union, helping wash fire trucks when possible.

“The community doesn’t know how to support Scouting,” Thorne said.

Thorne admitted that ultimately, he wants to see the boys in his troop take care of each other and learn to follow the Scout Oath and Law. He hopes his troop will learn to become good citizens.

“We want these kids to know how to make decisions in life that measure up to the Scout Oath and Law,” Thorne said.

For troop 1111 in South Jordan, however, security was found in their charter American Heritage School.

Scoutmaster Clint Bennion, who began forming the troop in September 2019, had the good fortune of establishing a partnership with AHS after learning that school board members Elsha and Steve Yorgason had a former scout in their family.

For Bennion, the challenge has not been places to meet but people to help. Without the adult support that once came from callings extended by the church to help guide the youth, it has been challenging at times finding adult leaders. However, Bennion admits that seeing the older youth step up and take on leadership roles and model that behavior for the younger Scouts, is what makes scouting so worthwhile.

Troop 7092 hiked Three Sisters Lake above Brighton in August.

(Photo courtesy of Autumn Jennings.)

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“You want the youth to get that leadership experience,” Bennion said. “For the older boys [or girls] who have been doing this a while, they can become better leaders in the future.”

South Jordan resident Stephanie Johnson is a current Scout mom to son Brigham and past Scout mom to Eagle Scout Logan.

She has seen firsthand how beneficial the scouting program has been for her sons.

“I love the program,” Johnson said.

“I love what it teaches the youth; these are values every human needs.”

Johnson acknowledged that Scouting has given her son and other young men a chance to be responsible for lots of aspects of Scouting, including planning activities, carrying out meetings and so forth. Johnson serves as troop treasurer as well as fundraiser chair for troop 3851.

While many feel that the decision to allow girls to participate in scouting is what led the church to withdraw from the Scouting BSA program, many current scouting leaders feel positively about the decision, many of whom are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“If people took the time to understand, they would realize that this is a cool thing,” Bennion said.

Despite girls being allowed to join Scouting, Scouting BSA troops for ages 11 to 17 years are separated into boy led troops and girl-led troops; they are not co-ed the way the Venturing program is.

Nearby girl-led troop 7092 was formed in April 2019. Although listed in West Jordan, there are approximately 20 girls spanning from Magna to Herriman participating.

The troop is chartered by the Flying Tigers Parents Association.

Julie Bendixen is a committee member over advancement for the troop and also mother to 12-year-old daughter Sierra, who grew up with older brothers and witnessed them participating in scouting. Bendixen admitted her daughter would attend all

scouting activities with her brothers, even participating in some merit badge certifications. She now can earn recognition and badges for her efforts.

Not just earning merit badges, the girlled troops are held to the same standard of conduct (Scout Oath and Law) as the boyled troops, which Bendixen said should not be gender specific.

“Why should only boys be taught these values?” Bendixen said.

Scoutmaster for troop 7092 Autumn Jennings said that despite having plenty of adult support, they too have faced the challenge of a place to meet often times using leader’s houses. Prior to COVID, the troop met at Summit Senior Center, providing a place to meet physically and plenty of opportunity to do service for the residents and the facility.

Jennings, a Sandy resident, and her 12-year-old daughter Ellie, make the weekly trek across the valley to attend scouting meetings every Thursday. The troop also does a monthly campout as well as outdoor weekend activities when possible. For Ellie, the friendships, the outdoors and the activities have left quite an impression.

“I want my daughter to stay excited about scouting,” Jennings said.

During the month of September, troop 7092 spent time working towards an archery merit badge. The troop has also advanced three girls to date to the rank of Eagle.

To achieve the sought-after Eagle, a Scout must complete 21 merit badges, 13 of which must include:

• first aid

• citizenship in the community

• citizenship in the nation

• citizenship of the world

• communication

• cooking

• personal fitness

• emergency preparedness

• lifesaving • environmental science or sus-

tainability

• personal management

• swimming or hiking or cycling

• camping

• family life In addition to earning merit badges, a Scout must be active in the troop for six months as a Life Scout, which is someone who lives the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday life and is recommended by someone who has observed their behavior.

A project must also be completed, in which a potential Eagle Scout must plan, develop, and give leadership in the form of service to the community.

Johnson’s son Brigham chose to collect

items to benefit the Forever Young Zone at Primary Children’s Hospital. Not only a project to get him to the rank of Eagle, Brigham has seen just how much good the hospital has done to help his own family. In the past four years, his two younger sisters have had eight surgeries between them. He set a goal to collect 500 items by Sept. 30.

“Our family has come to appreciate that facility very much and the work that they do there for children,” Johnson said.

To find a troop to join near you, visit beascout.scouting.org/, or for more information about opportunities to support Scouting, visit www.utahscouts.org/donatenow. l

Girl-led troop 7092 visited Tracy Archery range in May where the girls learned not only archery but rifle shooting. (Photo courtesy of Autumn Jennings.)

RivertonJournal.com

November 2021 | Page 29

Some Holiday Prices May Not Be Merry, But Utah’s Economy Looks Bright

By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist

T

here are many reasons to be cheerful about Utah’s economy heading into the holiday season. While pandemic-related challenges – including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and inflation – could make your holiday shopping a bit less merry this year, the overall economic picture looks bright.

Utah’s economy now has 47,000 more jobs than it did at its pre-pandemic peak in February 2020. There’s only one other state – Idaho – that is above its employment in early 2020.

And Utahns are ringing in the holidays with more economic optimism than the rest of the nation. The University of Utah’s Consumer Confidence survey was 83.0 in September, compared to 72.8 for the University of Michigan’s national Index of Consumer Sentiment. Both surveys use similar questions and methodology.

Consumers stepped up their spending in the fall, which is good news for customer-facing businesses after a summer of weakening demand. The winter season should bring an additional lift to Utah’s retailers, with the average shopper spending nearly

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$1,000 on holiday purchases like gifts, food and decorations, according to the National Retail Federation. That’s on par with 2020 holiday spending, though holiday budgets won’t stretch as far this year. Consumer prices are up 5.4% compared to one year ago – the highest we’ve seen in 20 years.

Meanwhile, producer prices – selling prices received by domestic producers for their output – have jumped 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. That’s an indication that inflation may stick around for a while.

In addition to higher prices, holiday shoppers may deal with longer-than-usual lines and wait times because of the labor shortage, and out-of-stock items because of ongoing supply chain problems.

This “everything shortage” we are seeing right now presents real challenges and is causing real struggles for families in Utah and around the country. It is a continual reminder that we remain in a COVID economy. As the pandemic transitions into an endemic, these temporary effects should dissipate – but it will take some time.

However, Utah remains an example of economic success and strength. The state’s economy was not immune to the impacts of the recession, but it has recovered well and is again the envy of the nation. This should

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Talking Turkey One cool November morning, mom twisted my blonde hair into two braids and painted my face with orange and blue stripes.

I put on a fringed vest made from a paper grocery bag (decorated with stick figures and animals), donned my construction paper headband with its fake feathers and walked uphill (both ways) in the snow to school.

Along the way, I met up with friends dressed as Indians or outfitted in Pilgrim attire, with black, buckled hats or kitchen aprons. We were heading to our second-grade class party, unaware we were perpetuating a myth handed down for generations regarding the First Thanksgiving.

We’d been taught the feast was a celebration of friendship, that the Indians didn’t want their BFFs to starve during the winter.

We didn’t know Pilgrims were the guests that never leave, who end up stealing your bath towels and giving you smallpox.

We also didn’t know ancestors of the Wampanoag Nation hadn’t been invited to the feast, but responded when they heard Pilgrims firing guns, and thought the settlers were under attack. But the Pilgrims were just shooting their rifles into the air, celebrating a successful harvest, like ya do. Have Americans always been gun lunatics?

Our school Thanksgiving dinner consisted of turkey-shaped sugar cookies, banana bread, orange soda, candy corn and other

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forms of sugar, because that was one of the main food groups in the ’70s. Our meal was nothing like the first Thanksgiving where lobster or eel was probably the main course, not turkey. I don’t know how they stuffed an eel, but I’m sure it wasn’t pretty.

The teacher told us to write down things we were grateful for. My list included my family, Nancy Drew mysteries and apple pie.

We also brought offerings for a food drive where some lucky family in the neighborhood received 25 cans of cranberry sauce, four boxes of Stove Top stuffing and a case of olives.

Maybe the Pilgrims also made gratitude lists, including finding a land so completely devoid of other humans that they could take whatever they wanted and build a country.

Did they think the people native to this continent were just visiting? Lost?

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ed in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln was so tired of the Civil War, he just wanted a piece of pumpkin pie. Since then, in typical American style, the holiday evolved into a food orgy, consisting of overcooked turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes and nine different Jell-O salads. My food tracking app usually starts to smoke during dessert.

Although it’s true Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving, those observations usually involved fasting and prayer, not gluttony.

These “thanksgivings” often occurred after a massacre of Native people. For instance, in 1637, Massachusetts Colony Governor John Winthrop called for a day of thanksgiving after hundreds of the Pequot tribe were massacred.

Not really something you celebrate with grandma’s homemade rolls and jam.

Along with your holiday celebration, maybe you can learn about the challenges still faced by Native Americans including poverty, domestic violence, healthcare and the continuation of harmful stereotypes.

As a 7-year-old, I didn’t know cultural prejudice or appropriation was a thing. I didn’t realize the Disneyfied version of the first Thanksgiving wasn’t accurate, with its cartoonish Pilgrims, smiling Natives and bouncy soundtrack. But now I do. When you gain wisdom, you get to make better choices.

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