Sandy opens a wetland oasis near Grandpa’s Pond
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
“The first law of ecology is that everything is connected to everything else, and this principle resonates deeply within the context of a wetland, because they are not just bodies of water. They are vibrant ecosystems teeming with life,” said Sandy City Council Chair Aaron Dekeyzer at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the new wetland area at Grandpa’s Pond (9600 S. 900 West).
City officials, staff and VIPs gathered to celebrate the wetland’s relocation and expansion from Centennial Park, a small detention pond that was determined to be too low-functioning to be an effective wetland area. Geese were frequently seen sitting on the blacktop parking area of the nearby mall and crossing busy streets.
The new wetland includes more than six acres of new and restored habitat that will serve as a natural domain for migratory birds, local plants and wildlife. Located near the urban fishery and the River Oaks Golf course, the wetland is intended to be a place where residents can enjoy the natural world while keeping the ecosystem safe.
“This was a great answer to a problem that was developing near the South Town Mall, a great solution in expanding the enjoyment of life and the quality of life in Sandy, a great solution to balance environmental protection with our quality growth,” said Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski. “We are very dedicated as our city grows, as our city builds, to be very mindful of our environment.”
Working with Bowen Collins & Associates, an engineering firm specializing in water and natural resource-related fields, city leaders decided on the area near Grandpa’s Pond, due to its proximity to the Jordan River.
The site was cleared of invasive species, like Russian olive trees, to make way for the new wetland. Cattails, cottonwood trees, rushes and other marshy plants were introduced to enhance the area’s biodiversity. The wetland will attract herons, mallards, blackbirds, songbirds and migratory birds looking for a place to rest during their journey.
Jamie Tsandes, vice president of administration at Bowen Collins, said the project was a finalization of work started in 2011 that included the realignment and beautification of Dry Creek.
Once those projects were completed, officials turned their attention to relocating the wetland in 2018. The seven-year, $1.5-million project culminated on May 8 as the site was opened to the public.
“Why are wetlands important?” Tsandes asked. “They slow flood waters, they create biodiversity and improve water quality.
Wetlands act as a filter, almost like the filter in your dryer. They capture particles before they are allowed to go back into the atmosphere and the wetlands do the same thing. Wetlands capture sediment, nutrients and pollutants from the surface water before it’s returned to the Jordan River.”
The next step is maintaining the area, which takes time, money and dedication from the community and city leaders. The site is considered to be an intentional investment in the future, providing cleaner water and safe habitats.
Dekeyzer said moving forward, there must be a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship to keep the wetland vibrant and a healthy part of the city’s ecosystem.
“This field reminds us that our own mental well-being is deeply connected to being part of nature, and it is in the embrace of nature that we often find solace and clarity and connection,” he said. “Bird watchers and photographers can enjoy their hobby and we can all come to find peace in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.” l
The new wetland area near Grandpa’s Pond in Sandy (9600 S. 900 West) will serve as a safe habitat for migratory birds, native plants and wildlife, fish, frogs and other species. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski speaks at the grand opening of the new wetland, a project that took seven years to complete. (Peri Kinder/ City Journals)
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Zoltanski, Sharkey currently running for election; three council seats up for grabs
Districts 1, 3 and an at-large seat are up for reelection on the council side as the official filing period to run for election falls June 2-6.
By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The first woman elected as Sandy’s mayor will be running for a second term in 2025.
Mayor Monica Zoltanski, the city’s 27th mayor in its 132-year history, recently announced her reelection campaign, highlighting the important era Sandy finds itself.
“Sandy is at a moment of economic renaissance,” Zoltanski, a former Sandy City prosecutor with experience in business and public advocacy, wrote in her announcement press release. “This is our time to think big with our people empowered and at the center of key decisions for our future.”
The press release pointed to Zoltanski’s first term as proof of her leadership skills with a new fire station, a new operations fleet maintenance facility for public works that will open this July and commence a rebuild of the aging Alta Canyon Sports Recreation Center.
“I offer proven leadership and successful collaboration necessary to join our residents, businesses, government leaders, and our invaluable city employees to work together to complete major growth projects and plan for even more ahead. Sandy has a reputation for excellence in all we do. My Number One Goal is keeping Sandy a safe, thriving, connected community we’re proud to call home,” she wrote.
While Zoltanski seeks her second term, she’ll be challenged by Councilmember Cyndi Sharkey.
Sharkey has served on the council
since 2020 when she was elected to her atlarge seat on the council and then won reelection in 2024.
Sharkey, who has worked in corporate leadership in the IT industry before opening her own executive recruiting practice, outlined her three priorities as safe neighborhoods, parks and open space and low taxes.
According to her campaign website, Sharkey states why she’s running for mayor is an easy question to answer.
“I love Sandy and respect the residents, employees, and businesses who’ve made it into the great community in which we live, work, and play,” she wrote. “From safe neighborhoods and beautiful parks; to recreation, entertainment, shopping and dining; to thriving employment, great schools, and engaged residents; we have all the elements for a prosperous and enjoyable quality of life in Sandy City.”
She pointed to her experience on the city’s planning commission and city council as preparation for the mayoral role. “My understanding of municipal organization, policy, budgets and practices gives me a valuable perspective. I broadly and thoroughly consider all issues before me, contemplating all viewpoints before rendering a decision. I’m known for persistently asking questions and collecting data.”
As of press time, those were the two who had announced their candidacy.
Three other council seats will be up for election this year. District 1, currently occupied by Ryan Mecham, is the westernmost area of the city, running along most of 700 East and north to approximately 8500 South.
District 3, currently held by Zach Robinson, covers the northwest portion of the city, east of approximately 1700 East, north of Dimple Dell up to Creek Road.
Sandy has seven council seats with
four districts and three at-large seats. One of those at-large seats, currently held by Brooke D’Souza, will be up for reelection this year. District seats represent specific areas while at-large seats represent the entire city.
The 2025 election will look very different to the last time these four were elected in 2021 when Sandy ran its elections through ranked choice voting where voters rank the candidates until a majority is reached for the winner.
Mecham defeated Katie Johnson in 2021 by less than 100 votes after two rounds (the third candidate was eliminated after the first round). Robinson’s victory lasted one round as he accumulated 52% of the vote.
D’Souza’s race featured six candidates and lasted five rounds with her emerging by about 700 votes.
The mayoral seat was the most tightly contested as Zoltanski nosed ahead of seven other candidates to win election by 21 votes.
Sandy will return to the traditional voting method this year, the election will be held Nov. 4 and, if necessary, a primary will be held Aug. 12.
Anyone interested in filing for candidacy must do so in person with the city recorder office at Sandy City Hall (10000 S. Centennial Parkway) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. between June 2-6. l
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Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski recently announced her intention to run for reelection. (Photo courtesy Zoltanski campaign)
Community Heroes: Roller skating coaches bring heart and soul to the sport
Meet the coaches directing artistic skaters one glide at a time.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Dougand Diane Adams are the unsung community heroes behind the scenes of Utah Skating Academy. Whether teaching wobbly beginners or mentoring professional roller skaters, the couple have influenced the sport for more than 50 years. Together, they have coached more than 50 national champions and their artistic roller skating teams have won top spots in the Southwest Region and Pan American International competitions.
West Jordan resident Steven Geoghan nominated the duo as City Journals Community Heroes. The 70-year-old roller skater thought they deserved attention for the good they do for their students and the sport.
“Even when I left this morning, they were trying to encourage me and tell me I did a good job, even though I have my own thoughts about that,” Geoghan said. “They’ll work with anybody and it’s been good for me.”
The Adams are more than instructors. They are advanced certified coaches with USA Roller Sports and the Society of Roller Skating Teachers. As cheerleaders on wheels, they help
skaters of any age build confidence and learn to enjoy the art of skating.
The Utah Skating Academy is based at Classic Fun Center (9151 S. 255 West) in Sandy, where they’ve been coaching since they moved from Ukiah, California, to Utah in 2017. The academy provides multiple artistic skating lessons each week for beginners of all ages and more experienced skaters with figure, loops, freestyle, dance and show.
“There were some surveys done back in the early 60s with teenage girls and skating was the most popular sport in the country. Today, things have changed a little bit,” Doug Adams said. “We’ve got something for all ages. My wife is really good at coming up with promotions and fun ideas.
Thanks to the 2024 TV series “Roller Jam,” the Utah Skating Academy has seen a resurgence of interest in the sport. The show features roller-dancing teams from across the country and one of the Adams’ former students, Josiah Bishop, competed on the show.
On Saturday mornings, the academy offers four classes: freestyle, dance, figure/ loop and one-star/two-star. On Wednesday afternoons, another one-star/two-star class is offered, along with skills and drills. Mondays and Tuesdays are reserved for travel team practice.
In 1961, Doug started skating in Walnut Creek, California. He skated as an amateur for 10 years, before turning professional in 1970. Later, he returned to Walnut Creek to operate the rink then moved to Ukiah where he owned and operated a roller rink for 30 years. That’s where he met Diane. Her parents were former rink operators and had retired in Ukiah. Diane went to work for Doug and they were married two years later.
“We are an artistic skating club, which means figures, loops and freestyle, which is jumping and spinning, and dance,” he said. “I used to coach roller derby and I’ve coached hockey, so I’ve kind of done everything in skating that there is to do. We prefer the artistic and we’ve got a nice artistic club. We’ve got about 45 skaters here and our program is four days a week.”
For more information about classes, competitive teams, events and skating packages, visit SkateCityUkiah.com.
“We do what we do because we love it. We have a big love for the sport,” Doug said. “Not only have I been in it all this time, but I’m honored to be able to give back. We love giving back to the community.”
To submit your Community Hero, email hero@thecityjournals.com. l
Astrid Ojeda was the Utah Skating Academy’s 2023 skater of the year. She works with artistic skating coaches Doug and Diane Adams. (Photo courtesy of the Adams)
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Quail Hollow students step into shoes of legends for wax museum exhibit
Wax museum teaches history, research, writing, confidence and public speaking to third graders.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
It may be a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.
Imagine George Washington standing alongside Jane Goodall, JK Rowling, Helen Keller, Neil Armstrong and Lionel Messi—an extraordinary collection of influential figures throughout history. This remarkable moment was brought to life by the third-grade students at Quail Hollow Elementary, each embodying a historical figure for their wax museum project.
“We got to pick who we wanted to learn about,” said third-grader Jamison Thomas who portrayed Jackie Robinson. “I like baseball and learned as the first African American to play major league baseball he played in six all-star games and also was the first athlete at UCLA to letter in four sports.”
Classmate Ellie Salmon researched Sally Ride.
“She was the first American woman in space and she also built a robotic arm and was the first woman to operate it for satellites in orbit,” she said.
Third-grader Eva Rlose portrayed Phoebe Snetsinger, an ornithologist who documented more than 8,000 different species.
“She documented more than anyone else in history at that time, including some rare species,” she said.
Classmate Bentley Castleton focused on Lane Frost, who was just 10 years old when he won at his first rodeo.
“I want to be a miniature bull rider this year,” he said. “Lane Frost was the toughest rider. He died from a bull who charged him and so the bull-riding vest was created in his honor.”
Indica Osness chose to learn about Australian wrestler Rhea Ripley, a twotime women’s world champion.
“She’s my favorite wrestler,” the third grader said. “She’s really strong, and I want to be like her when I grow up.”
Classmate Millie Clegg read the book, “Who is Chloe Kim?” to prepare for the wax museum.
“At age 18, she was the youngest female gold medalist in snowboarding and she also set a record for the fastest-selling cereal box in Kellogg’s history,” she said. “She worked hard for her dream and believed anything is possible. I love snowboarding; I want to win like her.”
Millie said the wax museum taught her more than just about her heroine.
“I learned how to write and to speak with expression,” she said.
This hands-on learning experience aimed to engage the 75 third-grade students in more than dressing as their historic figures.
“They read a book on someone they're interested in learning about,” third-grade teacher Amy Ebert said. “We sticklers that it has to be a book. They can't just Google it. They have to read the information which gives them an opportunity to read different kinds of texts. We do encourage them to get books at their level so they can read by themselves.”
After reading the books, students completed a questionnaire about their famous person, she said.
We got to pick who we wanted to learn about. I like baseball and learned as the first African American to play major league baseball he played in six all-star games and also was the first athlete at UCLA to letter in four sports. Jamison Thomas
“Then, they create a poster with interesting facts, questions they may have if they got the chance to meet them and a drawing of the famous person,” Ebert said. “At the wax museum, they dress up as that person. We push a button and they share facts they learned about their research. It’s a fun event that ties in with our third-grade standards.”
This is the first year Quail Hollow has had a drama teacher thanks to the Beverley Taylor Sorenson grant program. With the help of specialist Nicole Lopez, the students rehearsed their greetings and facts, gaining confidence to present themselves.
“They practiced the facts on their note cards with me with each other, boosting their confidence, and learning about good, clear speaking skills,” she said. “Some of them did it in character and had a lot of fun with it. A lot of them memorized their cards. It helps with their public speaking skills in state standards and also with the
four key theater standards — create, respond, perform and connect. They're connecting to something personal to them; they're responding to each other when they watch each other's performances; and they are creating their characters for their performance.”
Third-grade teacher Natalie Day said through this project, students gain an understanding of people who have impacted society.
“They’ve learned to feel comfortable in their own skin, not just learning to research, write and present,” she said. “We’ve had students highlight some different people through the years and it’s really cool to see people who we necessarily wouldn’t study. It’s good for them to focus on someone who's made a positive impact and it’s just not our classes learning about them, we invite every class to walk through the wax museum — and families and the community.”
Ebert said it’s a memorable learning project because siblings, cousins and friends remember who they highlighted and what they learned in previous years.
“It’s good they explore what qualities they admire about that person and how they helped the world,” she said.
Day added: “They can be proud of what they accomplished.”
Third-grader Iver Prax learned about decorated World War II combat soldier Audie Murphy, who received the Medal of Honor and France’s highest military award, The Legion of Honour.
“My mom told me about him, so I wanted to learn more,” he said. “He was brave, saved a bunch of lives. I want to be a Navy SEAL.” l
Third-grader Eva Rlose portrayed Phoebe Snetsinger, an ornithologist who documented more than 8,000 different species, in Quail Hollow’s wax museum. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Third-grader Iver Prax learned about decorated World War II combat soldier Audie Murphy and told others about how he received the Medal of Honor at Quail Hollow’s wax museum. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Sandy City and summer events go hand in hand as a vibrant array of community activities are scheduled for the warmer months. Music, culture, local flavor, fresh produce and family-friendly recreation make the city an exciting place to celebrate the summer.
Monday Food Truck Nights
Monday Food Truck Nights at Sandy Amphitheater Park (1245 E. 9400 South) run through mid-October, with the Food Truck League bringing a variety of local chefs to provide visitors with favorite menu items.
Several themed events coincide with Monday Food Truck Nights, including a movie in the park on July 21 and the city’s Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 4. May 12 was Animal Night at the event and residents were invited to meet Mayor Monica Zoltanski’s horses and get free microchipping for their dogs and cats from Sandy City’s Animal Services.
Zoltanski’s newest horse is a 6-week-old
filly whose name, Biscotti, was selected in a contest with city residents. Zoltanski loves the name since Biscotti’s mother is named Tiramisu.
“It’s important to have good experience with large animals and agriculture is part of our city’s history,” Zoltanski said. “We’re here to promote our animal services, encourage pet adoptions, and encourage people to adopt and not shop.”
Sandy Farmers Market
For residents looking for fresh produce, Sandy’s farmers market runs on Saturdays from June 7 through Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandy Amphitheater (1300 E. 9400 South). The farmers market is a collaboration between Sandy City and Empowered Community Markets, providing home-grown produce, delicious foods and unique crafts.
Concerts at the Sandy Amphitheater
An impressive concert lineup is scheduled for the Sandy Amphitheater’s summer schedule, including performances by Lord Huron, Jenny Oaks Baker, Lyle Lovett, Dwight Yoakam, Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls, Air Supply and Chicago. For information about dates and tickets, visit SandyAmp.com.
Yoga in the Park
Bring the family to Alta Canyon Park’s west ball field for free yoga classes throughout the summer. Starting Tuesday, June 3, from 7:30-8:30 p.m., stretch those sore muscles and find inner peace with the community yoga class geared to all levels and abilities.
Sandy Fourth of July
This year’s Independence Day events in Sandy are touted to be the biggest celebration in Salt Lake County. Along with the Sandy Classic Fourth of July 5K, there will be a Sandy Fire Department truck display and water spray, a youth craft fair, inflatables, activities and food trucks, plus the hometown parade at 6 p.m., a free concert with the Salamanders at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
For 18 years, this colorful balloon festival has been a highlight of the summer. This year’s event will be held Aug. 8-9 at Storm Mountain Park (980 E. 11400 South), with a Saturday evening balloon glow (weather permitting) from 7-10:30 p.m. on the city promenade (10000 S. Centennial Pkwy.) and a drone show at 10 p.m.
Stay up-to-date with events, cancellations and schedule changes at sandy.utah.gov.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Pablo Picasso-inspired masks to engaging in a vibrant Peruvian Andes folk dance, Silver Mesa Spanish dual immersion students shared cultural activities during Carnival, a pre-Lenten festival which is celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski and her 6-weekold filly, Biscotti, attended Monday Food Truck Night on May 12. The event focused on animal services in the city. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
(Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Waterford’s nature lab sparks students’ curiosity, ignites future passions
One student turned bones and bots into his biomedical pathway.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
AWaterford
senior’s unique path
This month, Jack Khachatryan will graduate from the Waterford School after enrolling for 13 years there. But what sets him apart from most graduating seniors nationwide is a unique experience he gained in his final year: articulating a tortoise skeleton.
As part of a yearlong independent study in the Mark Bromley Nature Lab, Khachatryan spent countless hours identifying, sorting and reassembling bones, immersing himself in hands-on anatomical study. His work involved not only physical reconstruction, but also scientific deduction. Using size, weight, and other features, he determined the tortoise was likely a 50-pound female.
“I’ve learned not everything's on Google and there are not too many tortoise skeleton guidebooks,” he said. “We have pictures from similar species, and I can use those to piece together some. There are similarities of other species and I use that to guide my work.”
To assist with the technical aspects of the project, Khachatryan worked with Lee Post, known as the “Bone Man,” who is a renowned skeleton articulator from Alaska and author of specialized manuals; along with his mentor, Bekka Joslin, who oversees the nature lab.
“We recently got a book which is helpful, but with it, there are more than 100 vocabulary words that we need to learn,” she said. “What we've realized is finding diagrams of skeletons of animals is a lot harder than finding diagrams of skeletons of humans. The comparative anatomy piece has been part of the fun in this project.”
The evolution of the lab
The nature lab itself has deep roots at Waterford. It was started by science teacher emeritus Mark Bromley, who designed the collection in the early 1980s to serve as a hands-on teaching tool. He was Waterford’s first hired teacher.
“It helped me teach biology and the main thing now, is when the school opened this science building, they made room for it so there is a bigger, better space for the guts of the collection,” he said.
With the opening of the lab in 2023, it allowed all Waterford students to see the variety of taxidermy and skeletons—from elephants and moose to sea turtles and dolphins to drawers of the tiniest insects.
Designed to engage students through observation and analysis, the lab allows students to compare anatomical structures and explore evolutionary adaptations.
“This isn’t just an opportunity to look at the animals mounted or pull out a drawer to admire; it’s a teaching collection. A lot of the collection was donated from Bob Irvine, who wanted it to be used,” he said.
Among the specimens are skulls of beavers, crocodiles and hippopotamus—which he used to illustrate how animals adapt to their aquatic environments.
“You can go the other direction, too, and take a common ancestry and put them in dissimilar environments. Let's say you have a mammal that runs, like the black bears, who run with their hands flat more like a badger,” he added.
Donations from educators and collectors—including more than 200 mammals from the Irvine family and a fossil collection from retired Logan High teacher Paul Jameson— have helped the lab grow.
Bromley, himself, has added specimens— often collected in unusual ways.
“I always make time for stopping at road
kills. I call it, ‘opportunistic scavenging,’” he said.
A place for every discipline—and every student
The lab’s influence reaches far beyond science. Students use the collection for photography, art, English literature and Science Olympiad competitions. The interdisciplinary approach is by design.
“Recently, an English class explored the idea that ‘The Odyssey’ itself is like a fossil,” Joslin said. “It was dug up and was interpreted. We don't have the whole story, but we're interpreting what we do have. So, they took a fossil, this ammonite, and they had to write about it in media res, or in its present form, when it was alive. Waterford is a liberal arts school, so this provides an opportunity to find a crossover of disciplines and across the grade levels.”
The lab also incorporates natural history; for example, students prepare 12-order insect collections.
“As long as a specimen can tell a story, we're really interested in it. And it turns out, these all tell a story,” Bromley said.
Younger students get hands-on opportunities, sitting at tables Bromley has made, each with an inlaid fossil.
“Pre-K (4 year olds) was just here learning about Arctic animals and the adaptations animals have in polar regions, and that's part of the curriculum. They don't just learn about it by watching a video; We looked at the musk ox, and we wrapped them up in the bison cape so they could feel the warmth. They learned ermine hides change color with the seasons,” Joslin said.
Sixth graders study fossils, using hammers and chisels to uncover fish specimens which were acquired at the American Fossil Quarry in Wyoming.
“The goal of that unit is to build interest
in paleontology,” she said. “This is one way we can pique their interest and give them that experience that they are the first human being to ever see that animal which now is 52 million years old.”
The nature lab also supports advanced study in human evolution. On one wall, skulls of primate skulls and replicas of hominins line the shelves.
“One of my favorite units for students to learn is human evolution. We have great apes other than humans and we're reaching back in time to get replicas of some of the oldest hominin fossils that have been found to extend the timeline we have for students in our understanding of human evolution,” she said.
Her curriculum includes stories of pioneering scientists such as Jane Goodall and the Leakeys.
Louis Leakey was Bromley’s inspiration. “In high school, I wrote a letter to him,” he said. “I wanted to be in the field with him in Africa.”
Going forward
In addition to his work in the nature lab, Khachatryan, who is a member of Waterford’s robotics team, worked alongside his teammates on adaptive technologies for children with mobility challenges.
“I’m hoping to combine my interest in robotics with my passion for the nature lab and study biomedical engineering in college,” Khachatryan said. “This independent study has been a good way for me to experience the nature lab’s breadth and also its depth from assembling gray whale skulls to sorting the carpals of the tortoise. It’s a unique opportunity and something I’m glad I got to explore. I shared this experience during my interview with Duke University; I’m pretty sure I'm the only high school student they talked to about articulating a tortoise skeleton.” l
Waterford’s Jack Khachatryan spent much of his senior year articulating a tortoise skeleton in the school’s nature lab. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Waterford science teacher emeritus Mark Bromley, whom the school’s nature lab is named after, appreciates the collection as a teaching tool for students to explore. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Hands-on learning: Union students tackle money in simulation
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Eighth-grader Ivy Mower bought a bird for her three children. Her friend, Lola Jeppeson, already threw a party.
Both girls were participating in Reality Town, an interactive program designed to teach students budgeting, checkbook balancing and career skills.
“I thought it would be boring, but I’m chilling,” Ivy said. “I’m a PR specialist and make $59,000 before taxes. I know how much I need to save for a house and car; this is stuff I’ll have to know and do when I’m older.”
Lola, whose assigned career is a psychologist earning nearly $60,000, was in the insurance line with Ivy.
I also got a bird,” she said. “We know we have responsibilities, but we have to have a little bit of fun.”
The girls and their classmates rotated through dozens of stations, ranging from the bank to personal care and donations. The stations were run by parents, community volunteers and 18 students from Hillcrest High School.
School counselor Nichole Reid explained before participating in Reality Town, students were briefed on the experience.
“We explained about their job and their family situation and how they needed to ensure their income could be calculated for all the required elements of Reality Town,” Reid said. “They had to choose their housing and transportation, for example, within their budgets. They had to meal plan, whether it was buying groceries or eating out; they had to choose between thrift or moderately priced clothing versus designer clothes. They had to plan for childcare — all kinds of adult responsibilities.”
Reid said many students were discovering how to earn extra money to cover their expenses, as their budgets were often tight.
“I’m hearing how they’re problem-solving, getting someone to watch their kids or asking, ‘How do you adults do this every day,’” she said.
Some students brought notes from their parents or guardians saying they’d care for their kids, while others received extra income for dressing professionally, having family volunteer or knowing a second language.
School counselor Julie Sasouda also overheard students discussing their experiences.
“I heard one student say, ‘Three kids is too many because kids are expensive,’” she said. “The jobs are based on their GPAs so
they’re making connections on how they’re doing now in school and choices they make now may impact their future, even in eighth grade, it matters.”
Cyprus Credit Union Assistant Branch Manager Heather Barnes enjoys volunteering with Reality Town events at the middle schools.
“They’re learning things aren’t free and how things like childcare are expensive, it starts making them think and realize they need to plan before you graduate,” she said.
She paused to explain to a student how to invest his pretend money in stocks.
“The information we give them is basic. Three-fourths or more of the students take this seriously and then there is always one who just says, ‘Let’s take all my savings out; I’m going to go gamble it.’”
Hillcrest ninth-grader Jumana Raheem volunteered at the financial counseling station.
“I’m advising them where they need to go and what to do if they don’t have enough money,” she said. “A lot of them are trying to live with more expensive lifestyles than their means, so I advise them to save it by purchasing less expensive choices, but also, which stations they can go to earn more money.”
Eighth-grader Christian Stout had almost
visited every station.
As a historian making $71,700 annually, he’s the sole provider for his spouse and two children. He budgeted for a five-seat Nissan Sentra and a three-bedroom mobile home for his family and pet dog.
“I’m trying to go to everything so I can be the best adult I can be in the future by getting the full range of experiences now,” he said. “I learned groceries are extremely expensive. Our house payment isn’t that bad, and I need to check my budget, so my car payments are covered within it. It’s doable; I just need to plan.” l
Cyprus Credit Union Assistant Branch Manager Heather Barnes explains to a Union Middle School student how to invest his pretend money.
(Julie Slama/City Journals)
No student should go hungry: One parent’s mission to end statewide school lunch debt complements new state law
Teen donates portion of college fund to help local elementary students eat lunch debt-free.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Starting July 1, about 40,000 students in Utah will receive free school meals, thanks to House Bill 100, the Food Security Amendments. This legislation eliminates reduced-price lunches, making them fully free for students who previously qualified for the reduced rate.
Sponsored by state Rep. Tyler Clancy, the new legislation aims to address food insecurity and promote share tables to reduce food waste. It guarantees free school lunches for eligible students — from kindergarten through 12th grade — at any school participating in the National School Lunch Program.
Darrell “DJ” Bracken, a West Jordan parent and community advocate, believes the new law also will help tackle Utah’s growing school lunch debt, which reached $2.8 million last year.
“I was just down at the capitol yesterday when Gov. (Spencer) Cox signed the bill,” he said. “I was a part of the coalition along with The Policy Project and Utahns Against Hunger; we advocated for it for about eight months. I think it was very hard for legislators to directly reject the idea of feeding kids at school. I think it's something everybody can get behind.”
Bracken was shocked when he first learned the extent of lunch debt in his local school district.
“I thought that was impossible. I called Jordan School District and they confirmed to me not only is that number true, but there's $88,000 in debt in elementary schools alone within my district. I was just completely blown away,” he said.
Motivated to act, Bracken began by paying off Bluffdale Elementary’s $835 lunch debt himself. That experience led him to start the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation to ensure no child in Utah schools goes hungry or accumulates meal debt.
“I thought other people would be just as upset as I am that this exists — and I was right,” Bracken said.
His foundation is designed as a temporary solution to a systemic problem.
“I didn't want to fill a role I personally felt the government should already be filling so it's in our charter we will exist until we have gone one full calendar year without any school lunch debt in the state of Utah. This bill is a great solution. It does many great things, taking the group of kids who are getting reduced lunch into getting free lunch. But there's still going to be lunch debt. I view this as kind of a steppingstone toward healthy
school meals for all; that has been passed in a lot of other states. I would like to see that passed in Utah,” he said.
Bracken’s efforts gained momentum after a single Facebook post in July 2024.
“That got a lot more response than I expected, and we've been paying off schools ever since,” he said.
By mid-April, UTLDR had raised more than $51,000. The foundation has cleared meal debt at several schools: Bluffdale, Oakcrest and Aspen elementaries in Jordan School District; South Kearns Elementary in Granite School District; Liberty Elementary in Murray School District; Butler, Quail Hollow and Sandy elementaries in Canyons School District; and more schools in Davis, Provo, Carbon and Duchesne school districts.
Bracken’s goal is to pay off meal debt at an elementary school in every district statewide.
“We're well on our way to doing that,” he said. “It’s mostly individual people finding our website and deciding to donate on their own, but we have had a couple partnerships with businesses. It's really been an amazing thing to see how many people care about this.”
Some donations come from individuals moved by the cause. One is 17-year-old David “Van” Hafner, who contributed $2,500 toward paying Butler Elementary’s $6,050 lunch debt. Lunches in Canyons School District cost $3.“I had my own college saving fund and I dipped into that, plus savings from my many summer jobs and money I saved from the stock market,” he said. “I had a lot of money saved up different ways, so I pulled it all together. I like the idea of doing philanthropy, and I thought this was perfect.”
The Alta High junior also volunteers at a West Valley City daycare and plans to join a humanitarian trip this summer. He was honored with the Smith’s Zero Hunger Award and intends to continue helping schools.
“It's important I’m doing this because kids at a young age need to learn to help the community, to help other people. I wanted to make an example of that by giving my money to kids who can't pay for their own lunch. The main concern is kids eat, especially a growing little kid,” said the student who hopes to become a doctor.
His generosity left a lasting impression at the Cottonwood Heights elementary.
“The people at the front desk were very thankful and the kids were excited. They said, ‘That's a lot of money,’ and ‘That's really cool.’ It made me feel great. That's why I want to donate to another elementary school,” Hafner said. “Between this and the West Valley City daycare, it feels like I'm making a difference.”
Butler Principal Tracy Stacy said she was both surprised and grateful for the donation.
Another community member contributed; she encouraged her gym members to get involved and raised money to help pay off Sandy Elementary’s lunch debt, Bracken said.At Aspen Elementary in South Jordan, Bracken’s foundation donated $2,100. However, debt stemming from $2 per lunch continues to be a recurring issue, said Principal Suzie Williams.
“We’re grateful for the donation, absolutely, and we’ve used it, but we don't want it to be a crutch for people either,” Williams said. “We want to help them navigate how to pay or qualify for lunches. When he came, he tried to reach out to a bunch of families and educate them about filling out forms for free and reduced lunch and that helps, too.”
She noted despite the efforts, debt remains a challenge.
“His donation helped, but we got back up to $3,000 deficit (in late March). When you hit $50 in Jordan School District, then it goes to collections. We called several people today and told them that — and it's awful. Our lunch debt is down now at $1,700 (as of late April); there always is a debt,” Williams said.
At Liberty Elementary where school lunch is $1.90, Principal Shana Mondragon echoed similar concerns.
“We are consistently in the negative. We're constantly reaching out to families asking, ‘Do you need help? Have you applied for free and reduced lunch? Do you qualify?’” she said. “I think families are struggling. The responses I get when I call range everywhere from ‘I totally forgot to pay’ to they don't know how to fill out the form, or didn't know there was a form. There’s also everybody ate lunch for free during COVID so the assumption is it’s still going. I do appreciate in Murray, regardless of what their balance is, students have the option to get a full lunch every day. It doesn't fix the budget side of it, but the kids will always get a full meal. Mur-
ray District’s top concern is that the kids eat. We'll figure everything else out later, but we need to make sure the kids have food. “
Mondragon praised Bracken’s dedication to helping families and spreading awareness.
“DJ was helping to educate the families, making sure they had access to the information. He really wants to fix the problem. It isn’t a new problem. If anything, it just keeps getting worse. So, making sure there's funds, making sure there's accessibility to the resources and knowing what to do is important,” she said, adding Bracken was honored for his $560 donation to pay off the lunch debt as well as his contribution toward fixing the issue during a “hidden hero” school assembly. “The banner for his foundation is on our website and on our fence to recognize what he did.”
Bracken said the foundation continues to expand its outreach.
“There are many great causes in the world. I have a 7-year-old daughter so this was easy for me to picture a world where there's some kid out there who's worried about getting school lunch, and how are you supposed to learn if you're worried about being in debt instead of focusing on things like fractions?” Bracken said. “It struck me as a failure of the system. These are kids who are accruing debt for the right to eat at a place they have to be —– and we all want them to learn. We all want them to succeed. I was just completely aghast this could even exist, and it turns out most people are too. I couldn't stand for it. Someone had to do something; I'm glad it's made an impact so far. Hopefully we can make the full impact and make it so no kid ever has to worry about where they're getting their lunch again.”
To support or learn more about the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation, visit utldr. org. l
Alta High junior David “Van” Hafner, seen here with Butler Elementary students, contributed $2,500 toward paying the school’s $6,050 lunch debt. (Photo courtesy of DJ Bracken)
Inspiring future innovators: Utah STEM Expo highlights power of science education
Beehive Academy’s Utah STEM Expo showcases innovative handson exhibits inspiring attendees to explore science beyond the classroom.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Amidst rows of booths and a crowd of visitors at the 12th annual Utah STEM Expo, Noah Miner sat strumming his electric guitar. As people approached, he took the time to explain the science behind his music.
“These are pick-ups; it's a little magnet with wire wrapped around it so when you strum the string, it reads the vibration and it goes out into the amp, which amplifies the sound,” he said.
Beside him, Jonathan Barnhart eagerly shared how his acoustic guitar operates, using the guitar's body shape to capture the vibrations from the strings, which resonate inside the instrument.
“With all this new AI stuff, science will help you understand what you're doing, like you can bend the sound of the electric guitar as much as you want, but with acoustic, it's very limited,” Barnhart said. “I love music, and I like to share my knowledge so people understand more.”
The two Beehive Academy juniors were stationed near a variety of booths, including one that demonstrated a ping-pong ball cannon and another showing the effectiveness of soil.
“I liked being able to bring my hobby into this event and being able to explain the mechanics of the instrument,” Miner said. “It helps improve the sound when I play.”
Beehive annually holds the schoolwide event to showcase elementary through high school students’ work at the free public event. Each year, students show their original project, make a webpage and a video of the project. The core of the projects explore science, math, engineering and computer science, but some also relate to art and music.
Among the visitors from throughout the Salt Lake Valley was 8-year-old Theodore Rakowski, who attended Utah STEM Expo with his 6-year-old sister Genevieve, along with their mother and grandmother. The family had already explored exhibits featuring dry ice bubbles and growing geodes.
“I want to learn as much as I can about science,” Theodore said. “I want to build a potato cannon. I want to be a scientist or be in the army.”
His mother, Andrea, who homes-
chools the children, expressed her gratitude for Beehive Academy’s free Utah STEM Expo.
“I want their eyes to be open to all the
science possibilities beyond what you can learn in a classroom, and I think a really cool feature here is kids learning from kids. It’s a beautiful opportunity.” l
concerts, comedy shows, outdoor movies and more this summer at America First Square
At the 12th annual Utah STEM Expo, Noah Miner and Jonathan Barnhart explain the science behind guitars as attendees check out several booths. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Buxton, Laarman headline Jordan boys tennis in successful season
Jordan boys tennis players JT Buxton and Julian Laarman were two of the top-ranked players in Class 4A this season.
By Josh McFadden
Asa team, the Jordan boys tennis squad faced some stiff competition at the Class 4A state tournament, May 15–17. But at least two Beetdiggers were among the favorites to capture individual titles.
Sophomore JT Buxton and junior Julian Laarman led the way for Jordan this season, racking up wins and qualifying for the state tournament with high seeds. Buxton entered the 4A state tournament as the third-seeded player at first singles, while Laarman was the No. 1-ranked second singles player in 4A. Both players secured first-round byes with Laarman capturing the state title in second singles and Buxton finishing third in first singles.
Last season, neither player advanced in the state tournament. However, both players came back in 2025 with renewed confidence and resolve to play better. The duo was outstanding during the regular season. Buxton said he has worked hard on the fundamentals of the game and has developed skills that have given him an edge physically and mentally. “My serve and groundstrokes are probably my best physical part of my game,” he said. “My mental game is pretty good with being able to control myself and creating a good game plan on the court.”
Laarman said his serve and forehand are the most effective parts of his game, though he will go into his senior season with the goal of getting better with consistency and staying more focused on the court. Buxton said he “could learn to get some better touch.”
Both Buxton and Laarman are experienced tennis players who got into the sport largely due to family members. Buxton’s father and older brother Charlie got him interested in playing tennis 11 years ago. At age 5, Laarman picked up a racket and started playing at the encouragement of his father. Laarman sees playing tennis as a way to measure improvement. He also loves to go up against opponents, whether in practice or in matches.
“I like competing because it’s fun to win, and I keep doing it because it’s a good way to track your progress,” Laarman said.
Though Buxton is also a fierce competitor, he said developing good relationships is what he likes most about playing tennis. During the season, Jordan faced fellow Region 10 foes Cottonwood, Hillcrest, Murray, Park, Stansbury and Tooele, giving Buxton and his teammates ample opportunities to get to know other student-athletes. In addition, Jordan competed in matches against other 4A teams as well as schools from across the state.
“My favorite thing for me about playing is making friends from matches and getting
to know people from tournaments,” he said.
Buxton and Laarman have been strong players, and their leadership has meant a lot to the Jordan program as well. Head coach Matthew Bell can’t say enough positive things about the duo.
“JT and Julian are very strong players,” Bell said. “Having them on top sets a great tone for the rest of the team.”
Being a Jordan Beetdigger is something both players are proud of. Buxton and Laarman appreciate their teammates and coaches. They also recognize the encouragement they have gotten from their fellow students and others in the community in general who have watch Jordan’s matches and who have rooted for the Beetdiggers.
“My favorite part of the Jordan High team is the teammates and friends I have on the team with me,” Buxton said.
“You always have people supporting you, and it won’t get boring,” Laarman added.
Working hard to overcoming challenges isn’t easy, but the players have seen growth and maturity in their efforts to get better. Buxton said simply spending more time on the court has contributed to his ability to conquer these roadblocks.
“I think that one of the hardest aspects of tennis is overcoming pressure and nerves,” Buxton said. “After playing a lot of matches and tournaments, I have been able to get better with my mental game.”
Laarman acknowledged that not every day on the tennis court is a successful one. The key to success is being able to shrug off a loss or a missed hit and then bounce back for the next round or match.
“Some days, you just play badly, and it seems that nothing is working,” Laarman said. “But to stay successful even on those days, you need to keep pushing and playing.”
Laarman has just one season remaining as a Jordan Beetdigger, though he is already thinking about what will come next. He doesn’t plan on hanging up his racket after he graduates. Rather, he wants to give the college level of competition a try. Meanwhile, Buxton still has two more years left to hone his skills and contribute to the program’s success. Once he finishes high school, Buxton intends to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his two-year serve, he plans to attend college. l
Julian Laarman (far left) and JT Buxton (far right) join Jonas Sorensen (middle) as leaders for the Jordan boys tennis team. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Bell)
Working together to plan for the future
Utah’s Wasatch Front is growing faster than almost any other region in the nation, and nowhere is that more evident than here in Salt Lake County. Today, more than 2.8 million Utahns—over 80% of our state’s population—live along the Wasatch Front and Back. By 2050, we’re on track to nearly double that number, reaching around 5 million Utahns. Protecting the quality of life that drew families, businesses and adventurers to our valleys and mountains in the first place means making smart, coordinated choices right now.
Utah was recently recognized as the best state in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year. While we have so many great things going for us—a strong economy, volunteerism, social capital and incredible people—one of the things that helps with our success is our willingness to work together.
When it comes to planning for the future, it’s vital that we collaborate at each level of government. I’m proud to be a board member for a planning body that does just this. Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) brings together elected leaders and staff from the state, counties and cities across our region. WFRC ensures that transportation investments, land-use decisions and economic development strategies all align with a shared vision—what we call the Wasatch Choice Vision.
The Wasatch Choice Vision is organized around four key strategies:
1. Real Transportation Choices - Expand travel options beyond the single-occupancy vehicle. By investing in transit, bike networks, sidewalks and more efficient roadways, we help everyone—from commuters to families running errands—get where they need to go safely and affordably.
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3
2. Housing Options for All - Encourage development patterns and zoning that support a wide range of housing types—single-family neighborhoods, starter homes, workforce apartments and townhomes—so that people at every stage of life can find a place to call home that’s close enough to jobs, schools and services.
3. Plentiful Parks and Open Spaces - Preserve and enhance parks, trails and open land for recreation, environmental protection and community gathering. These green assets keep our air and water clean, support mental and physical health, and maintain the outdoor lifestyle Utahns cherish.
4. Vibrant City and Town Centers - Strengthen walkable downtowns and neighborhood hubs where people can live, work, shop and play. By focusing growth in these centers, we relieve pressure on suburban and rural areas, reduce drive times and foster stronger social connections.
No two communities are identical. What succeeds in Sandy or South Jordan might look different than what works in Murray or West Valley City. That’s why WFRC’s member jurisdictions—from the state Department of Transportation to Salt Lake County and its constituent cities—work side by side to adapt the Wasatch Choice Vision’s strategies to local circumstances, ensuring each community charts its own course while staying connected to its neighbors.
Putting the Wasatch Choice Vision into action will have concrete impacts right away—and pay dividends for decades: more jobs, conserved open space, less water used, billions saved in infrastructure costs, and reduced household budgets through more housing and transportation options. This translates to stronger communities, healthier families and a sustainable economy that can thrive even as we welcome more neighbors—along with our children and grandchildren—to our mountain valleys.
None of this would be possible without the active partnership of the state, county planning commissions, city councils, transit agencies, business associations and civic groups. Through WFRC, these diverse interests come together at the same table—an inclusive forum where big-picture goals align with local aspirations.
I’d encourage you to learn more about the Wasatch Choice Vision. Our region’s future quality of life depends on informed, engaged residents—and on leaders who listen, collaborate and act. Visit wfrc.org to see the Vision and learn more about how to stay informed. l
5 habits to start in June for a healthier summer
Get your mind and body in summer mode to enjoy the season.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
June is the perfect time to refresh routines and build healthier habits. Prioritizing well-being will lift your energy and allow you to enjoy activities during the summer months. Starting habits now will create an enjoyable summer where you feel vibrant, engaged and ready to get the most out of every sunshine-filled day.
When starting new habits, start small, stay consistent and be patient. Create a supportive environment and notice the wins. Even accomplishing one goal is a reason to celebrate.
Prioritize hydration. As boring as it might sound, staying hydrated offers myriad benefits. Water increases brain function, assists digestion, alleviates headaches, regulates body temperature and enhances physical performance. Average guidelines show drinking 8-10 cups of water each day is optimal for body and brain function.
To build this habit, purchase a reusable water bottle and set a reminder to drink throughout the day. For added flavor, infuse water with lemon, berries or cucumber. Get a metabolism boost by drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning.
Create a morning movement routine. When you start your day with exercise, the benefits last all day. Morning movement has been shown to raise energy, boost your mood, increase productivity, reduce the risk of disease and
manage weight.
It doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. A 10-minute walk through a local park, a 15-minute online yoga session or five minutes of dancing can set you up for success throughout the day. If you take the practice outside, you get a bonus of sunlight exposure to raise vitamin D levels.
Incorporate fresh foods. Eating fresh produce has to be a conscious choice. Luckily, farmers markets are open again, so finding local food is much easier. Fresh foods are packed with nutrients, lower the risk of chronic disease and taste better than processed foods.
Visit Utahfarmersmarketnetwork.org to find a farmers market near you, then stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables. Experiment with easy recipes like smoothies, salads and grilled veggies. Work your way up to having half of each meal dedicated to fresh produce.
Create recovery time. As summer activities fill our calendars, we often overschedule our time and end up fatigued. Quality rest is essential to overall well-being, aiding in physical recovery and increased mental health.
Schedule a couple of hours each week where you can do something you love. Maybe it’s hiking, reading, napping or gardening, make sure it’s something enjoyable and not a chore. If you have kiddos, maybe swap a couple of hours of child sitting with a neighbor or family member so you can enjoy a breather without distractions.
Put down the screens. We give our teens grief for scrolling on their phones, but we’re often doing the same thing. Studies show that limiting screen time reduces stress, enhances creativity and enhances focus. We all want to record the fun summer events, like celebrations and va-
cations, but looking at the world through a phone screen creates a barrier to real life.
Start small. Make a no-phone rule during meals or family activities (you can take ONE photo if you must), practice having real conversations with people around you, use app blockers, timers and trackers. Summer goes too fast to spend it staring at a phone.
BONUS TIP: Play outside! Warm days call for drinks by the swimming pool, a sunset bike ride, a breakfast picnic, outdoor readathons, pickleball games, paddleboarding, dancing on the patio, fishing in a river and discovering new hiking trails. Slather on the sunscreen and get outside. l
Utah’s mountains have hundreds of hiking trails. How many can you explore this summer? (Canva stock)
Competitive Gatti grateful for experiences on Jordan baseball team
Senior infielder has finished his career with the Jordan High School baseball team. Gatti helped lead the team to the super regionals in the Class 4A state tournament this season and a fourth-place region finish.
By Josh McFadden
In his 12 years at the helm of the Jordan High School baseball team, head coach Chad Fife has seen a lot of players come and go. He’ll surely miss Noah Gatti.
The senior signed off on May 15 in a 14-3 setback to the Orem Tigers in the super regionals of the 4A state tournament. Before that season-ending defeat, he played a big role in Jordan’s two-game sweep of Roy on May 9 and 10. The Beetdiggers defeated the Royals of Region 5 14-1 and 12-2 to advance. In the first win, Gatti batted in three runs.
For the season, Gatti had 34 RBI along with two home runs, three triples and seven doubles.
Reflecting on his career, Gatti is grateful for the opportunities he had to play the game he loves. He also enjoyed playing alongside good teammates.
“The best parts of being on the Jordan
baseball team has to be the opportunities it has given me to play and grow with my friends,” Gatti said. “When I was a sophomore, I had a brother who was a senior, and I was fortunate enough to win a spot as an underclassman and play with my brother on the same field. That experience was amazing, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
Being a good baseball player requires skill, talent and effort. Gatti has displayed all three. He loves the sport because of its competitive nature.
“What I enjoy most about competing is the constant grind it takes to be successful, and I love the whole process of baseball,” he said. “I continue to do it simply because I love it, and there is nothing else I’d rather be doing than playing ball with my boys.”
Gatti started playing at around age 4 after watching his older brother and a cousin play. He was drawn to the sport and wanted to emulate his mentors.
“I thought they were the coolest people ever when I was that young so, that was my draw to baseball,” he said.
During his career, Gatti showed excellent batting and fielding skills. He was also an important leader for the Beetdiggers, helping younger players with his example of hard work and resilience. This season, Gatti focused on his hitting power and his speed.
Like many high school athletes, Gatti wanted to end the season and his career with a state title. Though he didn’t achieve that, he was pleased to say that he didn’t withhold any amount of effort.
“Individually I want to look back at the season and know that I got better and gave everything I had every day,” he said.
For his returning teammates and other people who play or want to play baseball at a high level, Gatti has some advice. He acknowledged it’s difficult to perform consistently throughout the season, but having the right attitude can help you overcome this challenge.
“One of the most challenging things for me is consistency throughout the whole season,” he said. “The season is long, and being consistent day in and day out is tough. But that’s where you have to know how much you love the game, and you learn when things get tough to just grind it out.”
With this chapter in Gatti’s life and career over, he’ll soon move on to the next one.
After graduation, Gatti will attend the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. Not only will he continue his education there, but Gatti will be a part of the college’s baseball team.
“I’m super-excited to get there,” he said. l
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Noah Gatti connects with a pitch in a game this past season. Gatti had a solid year for the Beetdiggers and will play at the next level next spring.
(Photo courtesy of the Gatti family)
Congratulations to our May Members of the Month, Bryan Flores Ramos, Leilani Guzman, & Valeria Gonzalez! Bryan is 6 years old: Bryan wants to become a Sandy Club staff member when he grows up, Bryan has been attending the Sandy Club for 9 months, in that time he has learned how to make friends. Leilani is 11 years old: she wants to become an airline flight booker, she has been attending for 5 years, in that time she has learned to be kind & helping people feel included. Valeria is 9 years old: she wants to become a makeup stylist, she has been attending for 4 years, and in that time, she has learned how to be safe, kind, & responsible as well as making new friends. She has also learned how to be nice to staff and others. Congratulations once again, we are so proud of you all!
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A Puppet Regime
It took decades, but Ronald Grump finally found a way to evict the residents of 123 Sesame Street. Grump (played by Joe Pesci) visited the TV show in 1994 with plans to demolish the beloved neighborhood to build Grump Tower.
Sesame Street doubled-down in 2005 when a selfish, orange-haired muppet, Donald Grump, tried to hire an apprentice to help with his trash empire. In the episode, Oscar the Grouch sings about Grump, “Whose name equals trash, to you and to me?”
Maybe he holds a grudge, but a U.S. president with a similar name signed an executive order to cut funding for PBS, a nonprofit provider of educational shows like Arthur, Elmo’s World and Sesame Street.
The move could throw the Muppets into the gutter. Bert will have to sell his paper clip collection, Elmo will be forced to pawn his tricycle and Count von Count will have to join an accounting firm.
From the beginning, Sesame Street championed diversity, equality and inclusion: three things the current administration is gleefully destroying. Humans on the show included Gordon and Susan (a Black couple), Maria from Puerto Rico, Luis from Mexico and the elderly Mr. Hooper, who was Jewish and ran the corner store.
The multicultural cast attracted big guest stars. Carol Burnett, Stephen Curry,
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Robert De Niro, Billie Eilish and James Earl
Jones are just a few celebrities who visited Sesame Street, proving you’re never too famous to be silly.
Not only does the show teach children basic reading and math, it also teaches cooperation, respect and kindness. It’s tackled divorce, same-sex marriage, racial literacy, anger, sadness and even has a Muppet whose parent is incarcerated. The show never talks down to children.
When Will Lee died, his Mr. Hooper character died with him, leaving Big Bird distraught as his friends tried to explain the concept of death. That episode won an Emmy, one of more than 120 Sesame Street has collected.
Sesame Street has its furry finger on the pulse of American culture. The show is as much for parents as for kids. My favorite characters are the loveable Grover and Guy Smiley, the enthusiastic gameshow host.
I can still sing the show’s theme song,
along with “Rubber Duckie,” “I Love Trash,” “Doin’ the Piegeon” and hundreds of tunes from the show. I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite skit but I always loved the baker falling down the stairs. That remains my level of humor maturity.
The show is iconic. Big Bird is an international star. He visited Michelle Obama at the White House, made the cover of Time magazine, has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his picture on a postage stamp. I spent several months cross-stitching Big Bird’s face on a Christmas advent calendar our family still uses nearly 40 years later.
Maybe it’s because Muppets don’t vote. Maybe it’s because Oscar started teaching kids about recycling. Maybe it’s the Sesame Workshop’s mission statement, “Helping
children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.” Maybe the president just doesn’t like watching people have fun. My husband and I paid thousands of dollars in federal taxes this year, but if funding is cut for things I value, like PBS, science, national parks, higher education, Head Start programs and world health initiatives, maybe I don’t have to pay taxes anymore. I mean, seeing all these tax-free billionaires… tax evasion isn’t a crime anymore, right?
Sesame Street promotes kindness and community, while the president seems to only find value in wealth and power. As he said in 2011, “Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.” For anyone who’s ever loved Sesame Street, beauty has a much deeper meaning.
