October 2026 | Vol. 26 Iss. 10
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Sandy
Parents have a voice
Joining school community councils allows more input Page 10
Pumpkin colors
What the color code of Halloween porches might mean Page 21
Sandy runner lands a first-place spot at America’s Finest City Half Marathon By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com Morgan Jensen is training for the U.S. Olympic marathon team trials in 2028.
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organ Jensen crossed the finish line in first place at America’s Finest City Half Marathon but that victory was part of a much bigger plan: making the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team. Her win at the San Diego event was seismic. Jensen’s time of 1:13 was nearly three minutes ahead of the second-place runner. It was the confidence boost she needed. After years of training and dedication, she has qualified to compete at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in March 2028 in St. Louis, Mo. “Everything is kind of in preparation for that now, so the marathons are the bigger piece,” she said. “But I really enjoy the half marathon. It goes much faster.” The Sandy resident started running at Indian Hills Middle School, where she played soccer. In gym class, participants
Sandy resident Morgan Jensen takes first place in the women’s division at America’s Finest City Half Marathon in August, three minutes ahead of the second-place finisher. (Photo courtesy of Jensen)
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had to wear heart rate monitors and their grades were based on keeping their rate in a certain zone. Jensen would sprint around the gym, trying to keep her heart rate up, and decided she enjoyed running. She went on to set a record for the school’s mile-and-a-half fun run and raced for Alta High in track, cross country and swimming. After high school graduation, Jensen earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah and competed in track events for the school for five years. The 24-year-old works as a school-based mental health therapist while training for her Olympic dream, with every race getting her closer to the starting line of her ultimate goal. The win at the half-marathon in San Diego made up for her performance in the Deseret News 10K, where she developed a cramp in her diaphragm and couldn’t finish. “I was eager to race again,” she said. “My husband used to live in San Diego and I lived there for a little bit after we got married. It was nice to know the area; I knew where I was and felt comfortable. So that was a plus.” Jensen runs between 50 and 70 miles each week, a distance she said is actually low for marathon training, with most women running 85 to 90 miles per week. Eventually, she will build up to those longer distances for training, but for now, Continued page 6
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COMMON GROUND
A Vote of Confidence
Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together. For two years, I’ve worried that the president will interfere with, postpone or even cancel the midterm elections, although that’s never happened in the history of our country. But before we go all Y2K on this election and panic-buy underground bunkers, let’s talk about how Utah is handling this situation. Contrary to what cable news would have you believe, the president does not oversee America’s elections. State officials handle that, and Utah has done a phenomenal job. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson serves as the state’s chief election officer, earning a badge of courage as she stands against an administration demanding our voting rolls. It’s been refreshing to see someone in Utah’s leadership tell the president “No.” While the president continues to bang the “Stolen Election” drum (which is ironic since his administration was in charge during 2020), he says election integrity is a thing of the past. So what is election integrity?
SANDY TEAM
The Sandy Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Sandy. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2026 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
Peri Kinder
Common Ground
Has it gone the way of the pterodactyl? Here’s the Election Integrity Checklist. • Eligible voters cast a vote. • Ineligible votes are disregarded. • Ballots are secured. • Votes are accurately counted in a transparent process. This leads to an outcome we have to abide by, even if the results don’t turn out the way we’d like. Election integrity is NOT about making the voting process so cumbersome that it limits how many people can cast a ballot. There are some people who love going to their local polling place, casting a vote and getting their “I Voted” sticker. There are also people who can’t make it to a polling location. Maybe because of work schedules, maybe they’re caring for family members, maybe they’ve lived in an underground bunker since the Y2K scare.
PUBLISHER
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
EDITOR
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
The point is, Utah’s vote-bymail process has gone swimmingly well. Mail-in voting doesn’t favor any one party; in fact, it gives more people a voice. Isn’t that what we want? I’d rather have an election with massive participation, even if my candidate loses. Isn’t that better than one side that wins because people couldn’t vote? But the federal government is acting like we’re handing out voting ballots willy-nilly, like Oprah giving away pajama sets at Costco. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require voters to show proof of citizenship when voting, which you can’t do with a mail-in ballot. A federal judge blocked the president’s executive order that created a plan to regulate mail-in ballots. Now the administration, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Supreme Court are in a race against time to change the mail-in ballot system. What could possibly go wrong? All of the president’s policies have gone off without a hitch. Right? Republican leaders make it
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sound like elections are being bombarded by illegal votes, but a Utah audit found nearly 100% of voters were U.S. citizens. Out of 2,069,640 voter records reviewed, 27 alleged noncitizen voters were found. That’s 0.0013%, for all you math nerds. Elections don’t belong to the president. They don’t belong to Republicans or Democrats. They don’t belong to cable news, TikTok influencers or the guy on Facebook who shares questionable memes. Elections belong to us: We the People. Election integrity boils down to this: protect the right to vote and ensure ballot security. We don’t want ineligible people to vote, but we also don’t want to make the process impossible for eligible voters. The system has worked for 250 years. Throughout this country’s history, no U.S. election has been postponed or cancelled nationwide. But the president’s interference implies you don’t have to cancel an election if you get to choose the voters.
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October 2026 | Page 5
Midvale buys land in preparation for canal trail
Continued from front page she’s happy with her routine. She adheres to the advice of her college coach, who told her to never try something new during the week of a race; to do what she would normally do and perform at her best. But she also has the ability to adapt to things beyond her control. “I look at running as this thing that has taught me so much,” she said. “It’s the best way to start my day. Running has taken me places that I would have never gone. It’s hard not to see myself running because it’s integrated into my life.” As a member of the Run Elite Program, Utah’s premier pro-running club, and an ASICS-sponsored athlete, Jensen has the support she needs to accomplish her goal. Her ASICS partnership keeps her equipped with shoes, which she goes through really fast. “I feel like I’m up-and-coming, so my name is not really out there quite yet. I’m still pretty young. I hope to be able to keep competing and getting better and one day be one of those top marathon runners. “I hope to go into the Olympic trials and run with no fear. I’ll put all the training, put everything into the race, and really go for it. But I still have some time to get ready.” To follow Jensen’s Olympic journey, find her on Instagram @morgan. jensen.weber. l
Sandy City sold Midvale a parcel near a segment of the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal for $15,000. By Giovanni Radtke g.radtke@mycityjournals.com
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idvale City leaders approved the purchase of a plot of land from Sandy City on Aug. 18 to secure access for the planned Midvale Canal Trail. The parcel located at 7033 S. Greenborough Road is near the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal and falls within Midvale City limits. Sandy City sold the property for $15,000, more than $3,000 below its assessed value, according to a summary report of the agreement. Acquiring the canal corridor property gives Midvale more control over the long-term development and maintenance of the planned trail network and eliminates the need to purchase additional property surrounding the canal segment in the future, the summary report states. “[City] staff believes that it would support this long-term vision to have a continuous regional trail
that would connect Midvale with Murray to the north and Sandy to the south,” Kate Andrus, Midvale’s Redevelopment Agency director, said in August. “It would provide us with direct ownership and control over a future trail segment. And it also helps to advance our recreation and active transportation opportunities.” Construction on a small stretch of the Midvale Canal Trail stalled last year. But the engineering firm Consor North America continues to develop a blueprint for the regional trail system, which will encompass two multiuse paths along the East Jordan Canal and the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal. A feasibility study published in 2023 estimates the canal trail project will cost around $18.5 million. Funding for the entire project has not yet been secured; however, a recreation grant from Salt Lake County is funding Consor’s design work. Shortly after the feasibility study was released, Midvale made a formal offer to Sandy City to purchase the parcel in October 2023, according to the summary report. The property transaction must be completed within 30 days of both cities’ mayors signing off on the deal, per Map of the property near the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal. (Courtesy of Midvale) the interlocal purchase agreement. l
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Intermountain Healthcare launches self-scheduling for mammograms October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the IHC team encourages people to schedule their annual mammogram. By Cassie Goff c.goff@mycityjournals.com
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ctober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Intermountain Health is making it easier for people to take care of their breasts by making mammogram scheduling convenient and fast. In Utah, breast cancer screening rates are 6.3% below the national average, according to research from the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University in 2023. Intermountain Health aims to increase this statistic by making women’s healthcare more accessible. Patients can now self-schedule their mammogram screenings. “All of this is to help improve access and availability,” said Dr. Eugene Kim, radiologist and system chief of breast imaging at Intermountain Health. Media Relations Manager Glen Beeby describes the new software akin to OpenTable. “You can look at the times available, and it’s as easy as booking a restaurant reservation.” “Patients can now schedule a
mammogram when they’re thinking about it,” Kim said. “You used to have to go through a phone line or leave a message and that added a lot of headache to scheduling exams.” Intermountain Medical Center Women’s Center offers patients more than routine mammogram screening, which Kim thinks perhaps sets them apart. In addition to 2D and 3D screening mammograms, Intermountain Medical Center Women’s Center can provide diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasounds and MRIs. “The experience isn’t just screening; it’s more comprehensive,” Kim said. “The screening and diagnosis sides are two separate areas.” Typical daily staffing includes four technologists working on the screening side, and eight to 10 technologists working on the diagnosis side alongside four radiologists. During a self-scheduled screening mammogram appointment, patients may individually interact with only a few of these technologists. “A technologist will do the exam and the doctors will examine monitoring screens in the background,” Kim said. “Patients won’t necessarily see the doctors face-to-face.” During a screening mammogram, the technologist and radiologist team will be looking for any signs of breast cancer. “Some early subtle signs we see on
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screening mammograms before the cancers become symptomatic,” Kim said. “We can detect things so early before they become harder to treat. That’s what we are looking for.” Once screening is complete, patients can return home and the team will analyze the screening data. Patients will then be notified of their results either through MyChart, their electronic medical record, or by mail within a few business days. Kim clarified that this step is different with a diagnostic appointment as a radiologist will likely share results with patients then and there. If there is a high risk for a patient, they may be asked to do an MRI during a second exam. Kim noted the pairing of a mammogram screening and MRI exam is the most powerful way to detect cancer early.
“We can see earlier signs on MRI,” Kim said. “It shows slightly different things than the mammogram.” Intermountain Health recommends women of average risk of breast cancer get annual mammogram screenings after age 40. However, patients with high risk can start annual screenings as early as age 30. High risk factors may include a family history, genetic mutation or previous biopsies showing anomalies. “If you’re a woman with breast tissue, we will see you,” Kim said. “We see women age 30 all the way into their 80s – all ages, all ethnicities, all socioeconomic statuses.” Outside of an annual mammogram, Kim recommends “be aware of your breast tissue” — notice any nipple discharge, palpable lumps or pain. l
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October 2026 | Page 7
Waterford theatre program grows across grade levels
From kindergarten through high school, students have expanding opportunities to learn, act, create, design and take part in productions throughout the year. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ment,” he said. “We have a vertical curriculum that takes the kids all the way from lower school through middle school into the upper school program.” The growth has happened gradually. Waterford began expanding its middle school theatre offerings about five years ago and established a full middle school program two years ago under the direction of teacher Riya Sahasrabudhe. The lower school program also has expanded, and theatre is now a part of the curriculum in kindergarten and grades three through five under Cherie Gallian. Tanner said the school plans to eventually include classes in first and second grades. As students grow, so do their opportunities. The middle school theatre club typically
hakespeare is taking center stage at Waterford School this fall. About 25 middle school students began rehearsing early September to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to audiences in mid-October while about 20 upper school thespians will follow with “Macbeth” in mid-November, starting a season of theatre productions. Acting is only one way Waterford students can become involved in theatre. “It’s quite a robust program,” said Javen Tanner, Waterford’s upper school theatre director, who is in his 21st year at the school. When Tanner joined the faculty, there was an upper school program and a parttime middle school theatre teacher. Now, the program now reaches preschool through Waterford thespians high school, giving students opportunities to will present “Macdevelop their skills. beth” this NovemTanner said that kind of progression is ber. (Image courtesy something he has wanted for years. Waterford School) “It’s been a major, major accomplish-
has about 10 students who help with whatever a production needs, from preparing spaces to setting up chairs and risers. A separate costume club generally includes 10 to 15 middle and upper school students. Last year, eighth-grade students designed and built costumes for the upper school’s production of “Twelfth Night” under Gallian. This year’s costumer is Michelle Walling. Students also can explore technical theatre and production management. Technical director Lee Wright works with students on the technical side, while Sahasrabudhe, a professional stage manager, has built production-management opportunities into the middle school curriculum. That expansion has progressed the focus Tanner can teach in his upper school classes. “The nice thing is with the change in our curriculum, we’ve been able to teach things earlier, so we can intensify it more in the upper school,” he said. Students can begin learning how to use their bodies and voices and study basic acting fundamentals at younger ages. By the time they reach upper school, Tanner can move into more advanced material. The curtain doesn’t close after the fall productions. The upper school will have another show in mid-February, followed by the
middle school production in late April and another upper school production in mid-May. A separate upper school student production takes place in early spring and is entirely student-directed. Additionally, there will be a production for third through fifth graders in the spring directed by Sahasrabudhe and a kindergarten show in early spring under Gallian, who also teaches preschoolers dramatic play. Tanner said the program’s growth gives students a chance to discover their passion for theatre and to continue developing it through their primary and secondary years at Waterford. “This may be their thing,” he said. “Now, those kids have a program to take them all the way through from lower to upper school.” l
Waterford School fall theatre season “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — 7 p.m., Oct. 16 and 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., Oct. 17 “Macbeth” — 7 p.m., Nov. 13 and 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., Nov. 14 The productions will be held at the Waterford School, 1480 E. 9400 South in Sandy.
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Page 8 | October 2026
Sandy City Journal
Union Middle School students boast the most checked out print library books from August through February last school year as every class regularly visits the library/media center. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Check it out: Union Middle students love their library Union Middle School students lead with the most print library book checkouts at a Canyons School District middle school. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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nion Middle eighth-grader Whitney Graham looks forward to the regularly scheduled visit to the school library. She loves checking out books, where she’s always looking for something different to read. This visit, she likes “books about monsters and mummies” and found “The Big Book of Monsters.” She checked it out so her “dad can read it with voices” with her. Her enthusiasm for books is contagious at Union, where students checked out more than 6,600 print library books from August through February last school year, more than any other middle school in Canyons School District. Districtwide, students checked out more than 282,300 print books during that period, including 33,779 by middle school students. Union averaged 7.2 checkouts per student. Teacher librarian Elaine Zhang said the library is for every learner. She makes sure students have a reason to come through the library doors. “I want to build on the momentum from the elementary schools,” Zhang said. “I talked to the teachers and invited the classes to come in.” Students regularly rotate through the library. Zhang connects library activities and book recommendations to classroom learning. “I try to connect with their curriculum,” she said. “If they’re studying ‘Charlie the Chocolate Factory,’ for example, I do fantasy books, or what entails fantasy.
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If they’re doing a poetry unit, I pull those books. When eighth graders are reading ‘The Giver,’ we do dystopian activities. It deepens their understanding.” The invitation includes special education students. During their half-hour library sessions, Zhang reads a picture book and pairs it with an activity or craft. Last spring, it highlighted leprechauns and a craft; another day’s activity included an Easter egg hunt hidden amongst books. “I love they get to do an activity with the librarian,” teacher Emma Clark said. “I love the activities she does with them because they’re fun and they enforce literacy.” For students who may not have a natural interest in books, she said those activities can be a gateway. Clark said students also learn responsibility by checking out a book, keeping track of it and returning it themselves. They can choose books connected to their interests, giving teachers another way to learn what excites them. Peer tutors add another layer. Students who cannot read independently have peers read their chosen books with them, reinforcing literacy while building relationships with schoolmates. Seventh-grader Damian Estrada is one of those tutors. “I enjoy helping them,” he said, adding that being a peer tutor has helped him become a better student. Damian also has his own library favorites: playing board games to checking out dragon books “because they’re fun to read.” While Union’s checkout statistics may tell the story in numbers, that isn’t the full story. “When we have students looking forward to coming to the library to check out books and discover the joy of reading, it’s just awesome,” Zhang said. l
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October 2026 | Page 9
Parents have a voice in how School LAND Trust dollars help students
School community councils help determine how funding can address each school’s needs. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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t one Utah school, the priority might be reading intervention. At another, it could be additional classroom support. A third school might decide educational software is what students need most. Who sets the priorities? In Utah, parents have a voice and a vote through school community councils. For the 2026-27 school year, $134 million in School LAND (Learning and Nurturing Development) Trust funds will be distributed to Utah district and charter schools, benefiting more than 658,000 students at more than 1,000 schools. School allocations are largely based on enrollment. For parents who want a greater voice in their children’s education, serving on a school community council can be one of the most direct ways to make a difference, said Jessie Stuart, assistant director of the School & Institutional Trust Beneficiaries’ Advocacy Office. “I feel like the trust lands story is one of the coolest stories out there,” she said. “These lands are put in trust to generate revenue for public schools.”
Utah’s trust lands were established when the state entered the Union. Revenue is generated from trust lands through activities such as oil and gas, mining, solar power, real estate development and other uses. The money is invested, with earnings distributed to beneficiaries. “The beneficiaries of these trust lands are the K through 12 school kids who these teachers are teaching every single day,” Stuart said. When funding is distributed to schools, parent involvement in the local decision-making becomes critical, Stuart said. At Draper Elementary, Principal Scott Jameson starts by explaining the LAND Trust program to council members — parents, employees in addition to himself. “We start with data, identify our highest needs, then we develop goals and come up with an action plan,” he said. “We can put that money toward meeting our highest needs.” Draper’s 2026-27 plan includes goals to increase mathematics and literacy proficiency by 1% to 3%. “The greatest power of this whole thing,” he said, “is all that money is based on what the school needs.” Principal Suzie Williams, of Columbia Elementary in West Jordan, said LAND Trust dollars often support paraprofessionals who provide interventions and classroom assistance. “We typically use it for support staff so
we can provide intervention and individualized instruction for students with instructional aides and classroom aides,” she said. “We can provide rotation teachers to give our teachers planning and collaboration time.” Principal Justin Pitcher, of Cottonwood High School in Murray, said last year’s council determined the $265,000 LAND Trust dollars would support instructional coaching, assessment coordination, additional teacher periods and educational software. “We need parents to be involved in our school community councils, so we can appropriate the funding in ways that will benefit our students with the parent input,” Pitcher said. Parents bring a perspective educators may not always have. “Parents themselves give input and insight to a school which we don’t always see,” Jameson said. “Educators are experts in instruction. They’re experts in working with large groups of kids, but parents help us to hone down to individuals.” Pitcher said SCCs bring together those perspectives. “The power of a council allows us to be able to work through really hard decisions, and come to a consensus,” Pitcher said. That parent voice has a long history in Utah. Utah PTA members began advocating for reform of the trust-land system in the 1980s. “Today, those efforts bring millions of
dollars every year to Utah’s schoolchildren,” Utah PTA President Julie Cluff said. “What’s even better is that it’s not just today’s kids who benefit, it’s tomorrow’s kids too.” That’s an important lesson: the LAND Trust fund isn’t simply money to spend. “They are an investment in students and school community councils that give families a voice in determining how that investment can have the greatest local impact,” said Williams, who served on a LAND Trust committee for three years. “Parents do not need to be education experts. They simply need to know their community, care about students and be willing to participate.”
Local School LAND Trust distribution 2026-27 Canyons District $6,039,052 Davis District $12,599,737 Granite District $10,227,609 Jordan District $10,473,694 Murray District $1,269,968 Salt Lake District $3,505,362 All Charter Schools $17,295,728 Source: School Children’s Trust Office, Utah State Board of Education. As required by law, estimates are based on October 2025 enrollment data. l
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Page 10 | October 2026
Sandy City Journal
Re-Elect Clint Okerlund House District 42 Lower Taxes with More Accountability
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October 2026 | Page 11
Jordan theater gets a major upgrade — and slates a season full of swashbuckling, Shakespeare and student creativity Jordan High School’s theater program is entering a new season with a renovated auditorium, a new black box theater, upgraded technology and a packed performance schedule.
March 13, 2027, state one-acts April 15-16, 2027, and state individual events April 17, 2027. A March 8, 2027 showcase for the community will be free. The season concludes with a Theater 2 showcase as well as student-directed one-acts in May. Through it all, DuVal said the department’s focus will be “creativity, craftsmanship, collaboration.” “With our new stages and technology, our students will have plenty of opportunities to put those in practice and in our performances,” she said. l
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
he curtain is rising on a new era for Jordan High School theater, where Shakespeare, pirates and student creativity are getting some impressive new digs — upgrades the program has been waiting for. After years of working with aging sound equipment, dying microphones and outdated lighting, the Jordan theater program is entering the new school year with a renovated auditorium and a brand-new black box theater. The auditorium received an entirely new LED lighting system, new sound equipment and microphones, along with a hearing-assistance system for audience members. The upgrades are especially exciting for theatre teacher Suzie DuVal, whose students have spent years performing in productions with needed upgraded equipment. “I’m really excited, first of all, to have working equipment,” DuVal said. “We have not had our sound system. Our speakers died about three years ago, so we’ve had these temporary speakers on sticks that were not great.” Now, students will get hands-on experience with technology more closely resembling what they will encounter in college and professional theaters. “I’m excited for my students to get to work with current technology and be learning the technology that the real theaters have,” DuVal said. The new black box theater, expected to open this fall, may be an even bigger game-changer. With seating for about 200,
Last spring, Jordan High’s region team took third place in sweepstakes and the cast of the one-act play, “Antigone,” pictured here, won third. (Photo courtesy Suzie DuVal)
the flexible room has no traditional stage. Instead, the floor itself becomes the performance space, allowing seating to be arranged in a variety of configurations. DuVal said that flexibility was intentional. “I said I would like less seating and more flexibility in how we can use the space, so it was designed that way,” she said. The black box will become DuVal’s primary classroom, giving students room to move, experiment and perform. It will provide a dedicated home for student-directed one-acts, which previously were staged in the choir room. The program also added a new ensemble dressing room with individual stalls, mirrors and lights. It’s another upgrade DuVal said will make students feel more like they’re in a professional setting. The season begins with Shakespeare. New assistant coach Bailei Belnap, a
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recent Southern Utah University graduate, will direct “Macbeth” and co-direct the musical, “The Pirates of Penzance,” with DuVal. Belnap is excited to tackle Shakespeare’s tragedy and “see if we can do something different and funky and make it our own.” The school’s Night of Shakespeare was designed to give audiences a preview of the school’s Shakespeare competition entries before students headed to the 50th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival’s high school competition in Cedar City. The season will include a “Night of Broadway,” which will benefit the students’ trip to the Utah Theatre Association festival at Weber State University in January, where students will take part in workshops alongside thespians from across the state. In the spring, Jordan will host state individual events and compete in regional and state competitions, with regional one-acts March 11, 2027, regional individual events
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October 2026 | Page 13
Union Middle School’s cultural night showcases a world of traditions
Student performances, cultural displays and shared recipes turned Union Middle School into a celebration of the cultures represented in its community. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
F
abrizio Negron wanted visitors to leave Union Middle School knowing one thing: Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. The eighth grader proudly stood beside his cultural display during Union Middle School’s “Union United” cultural night, ready to explain the food, history, geography, traditions and people of his native country. “I want to represent my culture and my country, because I’m proud I’m Peruvian,” Fabrizio said. “I want people to know more about Peru, what it’s like, who we are, what’s important, not just what’s it’s famously known for.” Fabrizio was born in Peru and lived there for 11 years before moving to the United States three years ago. His display included information about Peruvian dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado and pachamanca, along with information about Peru’s regions, holidays, dances and landmarks. He shared Peru’s diverse cultural
Union Middle students perform a Venezuelan dance during the school’s “Union United” cultural night. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
influences, but he said his favorite part of Peru is its people. “They’re really hard-working and warm and welcoming,” he said. Fabrizio’s enthusiasm for his heritage is one example of the purpose behind Union United, an evening that brought students,
families and community members together to celebrate the many cultures represented at Union Middle. Union Community School Facilitator Dinitri Jackson organized the event, now in its third year. She said the idea came to her when she realized the school’s cultural diversity.
“I always had this perception that Sandy was not diverse until I started working at Union Middle School and realized there is so much culture,” Jackson said. “We’re rich with it, and I wanted an opportunity for the students to celebrate their cultures and their individuality.” The event has evolved each year. In the beginning, community organizations provided most of the performances. The second year featured a large presentation by dual language immersion students and a few individual performers. This year, more students stepped forward with performances of their own. “They could present poems, dance, sing or give a presentation they were comfortable presenting,” Jackson said. “I told them, ‘The sky’s the limit. You tell me what you want to do, and if it’s OK, and we’ll make it work.’” Seventh-grader Marcella Olmos was among the dancers performing at the event, her second time performing at the cultural night. “I performed a salsa dance from Venezuela,” she said. “I’ve been practicing for two weeks. It’s fun to dance with my friends.” The evening also included student performances in multiple languages, cultural displays, traditional clothing, recipe sharing and other activities. l
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Sandy City Journal
Eastmont eighth graders get crash course in adulting
Eighth-grade students traded backpacks for budgets as Eastmont Middle School’s Reality Town provided a hands-on preview of jobs, bills, families and the occasionally painful cost of being a grown-up. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
W
hen Eastmont Middle School eighth-graders entered Reality Town last spring, they got a glimpse of their future with mortgages, minivans, surprise expenses and a whole lot of paperwork. However, they also may have learned more about high school classes to take for their future goals and careers. Organized by school counselor Megan Gebhard, Reality Town gives students a hands-on lesson in money management before they head to high school. “We teach them about what is a budget,” she said. “We teach them about what is income tax, what is gross salary versus a net salary.” Students were assigned careers, salaries, spouses and children, then sent out into the simulated world to make decisions about housing, transportation, childcare, insurance and other expenses. Eighth-grader Aidan Rich was assigned a career as an orthodontist. “I got big money,” said the “husband” and “father” of two kids. “I have $8,000 monthly. The only person who makes more than me makes $9,000 and they’re a doctor, so legally required to be rich.” Andrew Shore, assigned to be a surveyor, had a more modest $3,000 monthly income, along with a spouse and three children.
Eastmont eighth graders get a taste of adulthood during the school’s Reality Town. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
“I’m a surveyor, I get $3,000 monthly income so pretty average with everyone,” he said. The simulation also gave students a chance to make choices about their housing. These students planned to share a house to cut costs and not have pets because they’re “unnecessary costs.” Parent Rebecca Leick volunteered to watch her daughter navigate the experience. Her eighth grader, an audiologist, apparently landed a lucrative career along with a husband. “She has a husband who apparently works part time, so she’s the sugar mama,” Leick said. Leick’s daughter also planned to house friends and their families. “She’s buying a big house because her friends are living with her to save money,” Leick said. “When her older sister
did Reality Town, she took the bus to save money on transportation. This teaches them the value of money.” Reality Town included plenty of opportunities for students to earn extra money, too. Speaking a second language, dressing up for the event, visiting CTE programs and learning about military benefits could all affect their bottom lines. Students also learned unexpected expenses can arrive at exactly the wrong time, a lesson reinforced by volunteers handing out “life cards” with surprise financial events. However, the goal wasn’t simply to see who could finish with the most cash. “The best thing in Reality Town is it’s student-centered and hands-on,” Gebhard said. “They make their own choices and they get to see the consequences of those choices, good or bad.” Qwade Rondeau was one of 30 Jordan High students who volunteered with the event, helping younger students learn money management and life skills lessons he missed because COVID-19 interrupted his own eighth-grade year. “I hope my sister learns about the value of money here,” he said. Jessica Giachino lives out of town, but she volunteered so she could spend time with her eighth-grade cousin. “I’d like for her to learn to save money and know where you want to spend it like on a house or a vehicle, or any big purchases,” she said. “It’s smart, good advice to be established first before having a family.” Leick agrees the importance of learning money management during the simulation because “you don’t want to be broke and homeless.” For Eastmont’s eighth graders, that lesson may be the reality of Reality Town. l
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October 2026 | Page 15
Crescent Elementary gets bear-y exciting news
Students were asked to give their beloved cub mascot a new name and they did — sort of. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
he familiar bear is back in the spotlight at Crescent Elementary and students are already giving him plenty of love. The school recently asked students to vote on a name for its mascot. After all the ballots were counted, a paws-itively twist appeared as the name was announced: Cosmo. Cosmo was the mascot’s original name. The name won after students voted on grade-level choices such as Cubby, Smoky, Jazzy, Chocolate Chip and Lucky. Cosmo was added to the mix, but it was unknown to students it was the Cubs’ previous mascot name. Second-grader Janie Jensen was happy with the result because she thought it was a nod to Brigham Young University. “I’m a BYU fan and voted for Cosmo,” she said. Third-grader Nora Bates also voted for the name Cosmo. Fourth-grader Pierce Platt didn’t cast his vote that way. “I would have voted for Swoop, but it
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wasn’t a choice, so I voted for Chocolate Chip because I love food,” Pierce said. He also had another favorite: “I wanted John Pork, which my friend Isaac suggested, but our grade suggested Cubby.” However, the winning announcement still brought plenty of excitement. “They told us on the announcements there would be an assembly where they would tell us our mascot’s name, so when our mascot walked in and it was said the mascot’s name is Cosmo, there was a lot of cheering,” Nora said. Janie, who said Cosmo was a good dancer, added: “Everyone was going yelling, ‘Cosmo, Cosmo, Cosmo.’ It got so loud, I plugged my ears.” Principal Kierstin Draper said Cosmo disappeared for a few years and thought it was time for the Cub to return. She said the renaming of the mascot with the same name was especially meaningful for Cosmo’s return for the 2026-27 school year since it’s the 50th anniversary of the school. While the girls hope to hug the mascot, Pierce had other ideas for the new school celebrity. “Maybe Cosmo’s going to pass out BitO-Honeys because he’s a bear, or maybe Swedish Fish since bears like fish,” Pierce said. “If Cosmo comes by without any, I’ll Crescent Elementary students vote to retain the name Cosmo for their beloved cub mascot. (Photo courtesy Kierstin Draper) still give him a high-five.” l
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Sandy City Journal
A world of culture at Beehive Academy
Students share food, traditions, stories and family connections during the school’s annual International Day. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
T
he aroma of spices and sweets filled the halls at Beehive Science & Technology Academy as students traveled the world without leaving school. For the school’s annual International Day, students in grades six through 12 transformed tables into colorful displays representing countries from around the globe. They created informational boards, dressed in traditional clothing, brought family memorabilia and offered classmates samples of foods connected to their featured countries. “It really does something for their spirits,” said Kayden McInnis, a language arts teacher and National Honor Society adviser. “It’s part of our tradition.” The event has been held for at least 15 years and showcased some of the 48 countries which are represented within the Beehive Academy community, McInnis said. Some students selected countries because of family heritage while others chose places they simply wanted to learn more about. Sixth-grader Omayra Rodriguez selected Puerto Rico because she has long been fascinated by the island and hopes to visit someday. “I’ve always thought of how cool it is,” she said. “I haven’t had the chance to go there, but I want to go there and Bad Bunny, who’s my favorite artist, is from there as well.” Her display included information about Puerto Rico’s history and geography and she had prepared arroz con gandules or Puerto Rican rice and pigeon peas for classmates to sample. For sixth-graders Valentina Lancas and Amran Farah, Somalia had a more personal connection. Farah’s family is from Somalia, and the students shared information about its history, language, clothing, music and food. They brought samosas filled with ground beef, carrots, vegetables and spices, along with traditional memorabilia. “Somali culture is rich with music, poetry, dance, stories,” Amran said. “Somalia is known for the spice trade and the land of poetry.” Eighth-grader Bohdan Bil’s presentation on Ukraine also came from personal experience. He lived in Ukraine before moving to Utah in 2021. His table featured Ukrainian embroidery, traditional Easter decorations, handmade dolls and information about Ukrainian customs. He shared homemade Ukrainian marshmallows. “Ukraine is a big part of me,” he said. “I was born there and lived there for 10 years.” Sophomore Eganth Vasanthakumar
S andy Journal .com
country and what it has to offer,” Eganth said. Juniors Ruby Hatch and Luciana Casas represented Ireland, a country with family connections for both students. Their presentation explored Irish culture, language, landscape, music and storytelling. They shared Irish shortbread. Students visiting the stations participated in a passport activity, collecting a stamp each time they listened to a presentation. Ten stamps earned them an opportunity to enter a drawing for prizes. National Honor Society members help organize the non-graded event, including setting up displays, facilitating activities, judging presentations and cleaning up afterward. Students can compete in categories such as best presentation, poster, dress, food and overall display. For Halis Kablan, Beehive Academy’s secondary school principal, the event’s greatest strength is the opportunity for students to learn directly from one another. “Usually students are really proud of their heritage, of their backgrounds, and they Beehive Science & Technology Academy students showcase different countries during the like to present it,” Kablan said. “They serve school’s International Day, which has been a tradition for at least 15 years at the charter as guides of the countries they present.” school. (Julie Slama/City Journals) McInnis said that is what makes the tradition meaningful. “It’s the pride students feel and the sense He offered jalebis, a traditional Indian showcased India, sharing facts about its hisof it unifies school spirit,” she said. “This tory, geography, languages, religions and sci- sweet, for students to try. “I wanted to teach people about the helps to connect everybody.” l entific achievements.
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Karen4Canyons.com October 2026 | Page 17
Celebrated Brighton girls lacrosse coach steps down
A year after BYU tapped her to lead its new women’s lacrosse program, Melissa Nash has decided the balancing act of coaching three teams has run its course — but she’s not going far. By Jerry S. Christensen j.christensen@mycityjournals.com
S
ince Melissa Nash took over the Brighton girls lacrosse program in 2018, Freestone Field has become one of the sport’s proving grounds in Utah. That run came to a close this month when Nash informed the Brighton community she is stepping away as head coach, closing the book on a tenure that turned a fledgling club team into a fixture near the top of the 5A standings. The decision comes a year after BYU hired Nash away last August to build the university’s first women’s lacrosse program in the Rocky Mountain Women’s Lacrosse League. At the time, Nash said she planned to juggle both jobs — BYU practices in the morning, Brighton in the evening — with help from assistant coaches on both sides. But after a season spent splitting her attention among BYU, Brighton and Utah Elevate, the club program she also directs, Nash decided something had to give.
Coach Melissa Nash built Brighton girls lacrosse into one of Utah’s most decorated 5A programs, compiling a 96-41 record over nine seasons as head coach. (Photo courtesy Brighton High)
“Over the past year, balancing coaching at BYU, Brighton and Elevate was challenging,” Nash wrote in a letter to the Brighton lacrosse community. “Each of these things are high priorities to me, and I want to make sure they all got the time, energy and
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attending the Sandy Club for 5 years, in that time she has learned to show people kindness & be grateful for what you have. Rafaella is 10 years old: she wants to become an artist, she has been attending for 4 years, in that time she has learned to be kind & help others. Gwen is 7 years old: she wants to become an aquarium worker, she has been attending for 2 years, and in that time, Gwen has learned about caterpillars & butterflies. Cataleya is 6 years old: she wants to become a teacher, she has been attending the club for 1 year, and in that time she has learned about the Earth.
Congratulations! We are so proud of you all! Page 18 | October 2026
commitment they deserve.” Nash also served as the USA Lacrosse Utah representative. Nash called it one of the hardest decisions of her career. “Brighton lacrosse has been such a giant part of my life since 2014!” she wrote, a reference that predates her time as head coach, when she first came on staff as an assistant. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach this program for so long and am so proud of the program we’ve built with the help of so many players, parents, coaches and incredible admin support.” The numbers back up that pride. Over nine seasons as head coach, Nash guided Brighton to a 96-41 overall record, three third-place finishes at the 5A state tournament (2022, 2023, 2024). Her rosters produced 32 All-State selections, 44 All-Region honorees, nine USA Lacrosse All-Americans and 14 USA Lacrosse Academic All-Americans. Five of her players won the USA Lacrosse Jackie Pitts Award, given to just one player per state each year — Baylee Bruce (2020), Mary Stubben (2023), Ayla Cole (2024), Emma Henderson (2025) and Cameron Gomez (2026). Zoe Heffernan (2022) and Sophie Nielsen (2026) were each named Utah’s lacrosse Player of the Year under Nash. Players who spent years under Nash’s direction described a coach whose influence outlasted their time at Brighton. Morgan Harris, who played for Nash before going on to captain the University of Utah lacrosse team, said Nash’s imprint on the program is inseparable from its identity. “Nash truly defines Brighton girls lacrosse for me and hundreds of other girls and women who had the privilege to play under her guidance and leadership,” Harris said. Addi England, who played for Nash
before continuing her career at Southern Virginia University and is now the head coach at Highland High, said Nash is the reason she pursued the sport at all — and later, coaching. “Her passion made me fall in love with lacrosse, and her support made me believe in myself more than I thought possible,” England said. “Because of her, I went on to play throughout college, and she inspired me to become a coach myself and continue sharing that love and knowledge of lacrosse. I consider Nash a close friend now and she has been there for me through so much. Truly a one of a kind human!” Heffernan, the 2022 Player of the Year, credited Nash’s influence beyond the field. “Nash is someone that everyone looks up to, because of the positive impact she has on everyone around her,” Heffernan said. “To be coached by Nash was such a privilege and I know she’ll continue to inspire wherever she is in life.” Nielsen, this year’s Player of the Year and one of the seniors who closed out Nash’s tenure, put it more simply. “Nash is hands down one of the best coaches that I have ever had the privilege playing for,” Nielsen said. “She doesn’t just know the game insanely well, but she is such a kind and caring person. The four years that I played with her were the best four years ever, she is the best!” For Nash, though, the record book was never the point. “I am incredibly proud of those accomplishments, but the relationships are what matter most to me,” she wrote. “The best part of coaching has been getting to know the players and watching them grow.” She pointed to the college graduations, mission farewells and homecomings, and weddings she’s attended since 2018 — and to Heffernan, who has since gone on to compete internationally as a lacrosse Olympian. “The lives and accomplishments of our players, families and coaches are the true legacy of this program, and I am so thankful for every person who has been part of the Brighton lacrosse family.” Nash told Brighton administrators she intends to stay involved through the transition to a new head coach. She has already been working with the team’s seniors to organize a fall Super Sevens tournament and has kept preseason planning on schedule. “I’ve been doing everything to set up the season as I normally would — nothing is out of the ordinary,” she wrote. Stepping away from the sideline doesn’t mean stepping away from the program, Nash made clear. Her husband, Matt, and daughter, Parker, have long been fixtures at Freestone Field on game days, and she doesn’t expect that to change. “You can’t keep me away from Freestone Field at sunset,” she wrote. “We hope that one day we’ll be there cheering for Parker too. Once a Bengal, always a Bengal. Go Bengals — with love and gratitude!” l
Sandy City Journal
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The City Journals, a conglomerate of community newspapers, has been bringing your hyperlocal news directly to your mailbox (for free!). That means we are sitting through city council meetings, following school boards and local elections, and covering high school sports, neighborhood issues, new businesses and the people doing interesting things down the street. Hi, I’m Cassie. You’ve likely seen my byline before, or at least flipped through something I’ve reported on. I’m an individual part of the bigger team of writers here who has been bringing you the local news you love. I started at the City Journals in 2015 and, even though an 11-year career may seem like a good chunk of time, it’s nothing in comparison to the rest of our editorial team. Our Salt Lake County Editor, Travis Barton, has been with us for just as long; our Davis editor to the north, Becky Ginos, has been monitoring the pulse of Davis County since the pandemic; and our humorist extraordinaire, Peri Kinder, has been bringing the laughter for decades. For more than 35 years, the City Journals have delivered community newspapers free to readers. Today, our 38 reporters produce roughly 190 to 220 original local stories each month across 15 communities in Salt Lake and Davis counties, each are embedded within the communities we serve. Oh! My colleagues would be upset with me if I didn’t mention the majority of us are award-winning journalists. “It’s amazing how you can turn some handwritten notes into a full, beautiful story,” said our account executive Marc Davis. It’s not unusual for a City Journals reporter to be the only journalist in the room at a local government meeting. That kind of reporting isn’t glamorous, but we think it matters. We want to keep doing that—and do more of it. Like local news organizations everywhere, we’re figuring out how to sustain and expand our reporting as the way people get their news changes. We want to publish more frequently online, spend more time on stories that deserve deeper reporting and continue putting reporters in the rooms where decisions about your community are being made. That takes time and resources. We’re asking readers who find value in the City Journals to consider supporting our work. If one reader in each household contributed even $2 to $5 per month ($24 to $60 per year), it would give us more resources to put directly into local journalism. There’s no paywall attached to this request. We’ll keep delivering the City Journals and reporting the news of our communities. We’re simply asking those who are able—and who believe local reporting is worth having—to help us do more of it. Your support won’t go unnoticed. Because we’re reporters, we think you should know what happens next. As this effort grows, we’ll report back to you about what reader support has allowed us to accomplish. To support your City Journal, visit donate.thecityjournals.com or scan the QR Code on this page. We welcome your direct communication. Please keep talking to us. Tell us what we’re missing. Ask us questions. The relationship between our reporters and the communities they cover is what makes this kind of journalism possible. From the entire City Journals team – With dedication to informing and, most certainly, celebrating our communities, Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Sandy City Journal
Teal, purple and red pumpkins: The color-code of Halloween porch pumpkins explained
Painted pumpkins are meant to bring awareness and spark conversation about health and safety topics.
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Teal Pumpkin Project “I Spy” display from 2025. (Anna Nielsen/City Journals)
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By Anna Nielsen a.nielsen@mycityjournals.com welve-year-old Charlotte has celiac disease, and her friend and neighbor Liv has a nut allergy. The girls love trick-or-treating together each year, but so many of the treats they bring home on Halloween eve they can’t eat. They tend to relinquish a large portion of their stashes to friends. But, when they spot a house with a teal pumpkin out front, their eyes light up with excitement, because this signals that there may be inclusive options for them there. The Teal Pumpkin Project was started in 2012 by the director of FACET, a Tennessee-based food allergy group, Becky Basalone. Now, Food Allergy Resource and Education promotes the annual activity of offering nonfood items on Halloween across the US and beyond, citing on their website that one in 13 children have food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities, and encouraging participants to paint a pumpkin teal, put out a sign, or “get creative and add some teal lighting.” Teal was chosen for its bright, easy recognizability from afar. In addition to being displayed on porches, some children may carry teal totes/candy baskets to signal that they have a food allergy. Charlotte says the people who participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project make her feel included. “When I was younger, sometimes kids would bring cupcakes or cookies or doughnuts to class for their birthday, and I felt so bad seeing everyone else eat theirs while I had to watch with nothing. I was little enough that sometimes, it was so hard to resist that I would eat one too because I felt left out. I knew it would make me so sick, but it’s hard to resist when you’re a little kid, and I didn’t want to feel so sad and alone or different,” she said. When fall rolls around, her neighborhood goes all-out with elaborate decorations.
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Participants painting purple pumpkins at Epilepsy Foundation Utah’s Purple Pumpkin event last October. (Epilepsy Foundation Utah)
Getting in the spirit last year, Charlotte’s family set up an “I Spy”-themed trick-ortreat trading table for their version of the Teal Pumpkin Project. “Everyone was excited to come to our house, it had the neighborhood talking all night. People thought it was so fun and different from what they’d seen before. My friends told me they thought more people should do things like this more often,” she said. “I think pumpkin projects are a good way for people to consider others and show support for each other, and you can get creative,” she said, adding that she looks forward to another fun display this year. 2012 was also the year another pumpkin project for awareness and consideration began: the Purple Pumpkin Project. Started by Ron Lamontagne in Connecticut for his son with epilepsy, the display of painted purple pumpkins are meant to prompt the question: “Why is your pumpkin purple?” and start a conversation about epilepsy awareness. Purple is the official color of epilepsy awareness, as of 2008 with the founding of Purple Day by a girl with epilepsy named Cassidy Megan. Purple was her favorite color, and lavender as a symbol has an association with things that are hidden or overlooked, such as epilepsy in this case. The Purple Pumpkin Project is now an annual tradition by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and has spread to other countries. The Foundation encourages participants to join their local pumpkin-painting event and tell their individual stories (sharing them on social media, too) when asked “why is your pumpkin purple?” 2012 was a big year for pumpkin projects and also saw the creation of the nonprofit The Pink Pumpkin Project, an effort
for breast cancer awareness based out of New York with the motto “Giving Hope to Fighters, One Pumpkin at a Time.” October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2018, Mothers Against Drunk Driving designated red pumpkins as a talking point for awareness around Halloween being one of the deadliest DUI holidays, with marketing stating: “Join us by displaying a red pumpkin as a reminder to designate a sober driver this holiday season. Red pumpkins create a conversation as a unique way to encourage the public to talk about these issues and make them think.” Dark blue pumpkins are another symbol of Halloween, one for autism awareness. There is not a clear origin story around an organization for this effort, but for several years, dark blue buckets have grown in popularity through social media for trick-or-treaters who may be nonverbal or potentially have a sensory-processing disorder, with the hope that the blue bucket will provide recognition for them to be welcomed without proclaiming “trick-or-treat!” Promoters of the blue pumpkin/blue bucket aren’t looking to start a conversation, but simply to help people receive patience, understanding and accommodation. Another more informal piece of pumpkin symbolism comes in the color white. Many within the pregnancy and infant loss community opt to remember their babies who have passed away with a white pumpkin on their porch during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in October. Rounding out the rainbow, yellow pumpkins were chosen to represent childhood apraxia of speech (which may also prevent a child from being able to say “trickor-treat) by mother Laura Slatter, who cites the Teal Pumpkin Project as inspiration. l
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October 2026 | Page 21
Could your home be exposing your child to lead? Children can look healthy while lead poisoning quietly causes harm.
Salt Lake County wants families to consider their risk of lead exposure. (Photo courtesy of the CDC)
Page 22 | October 2026
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
A
s public health agencies prepare for National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this fall, Salt Lake County health officials are reminding parents that childhood lead exposure can be difficult to detect and may come from more sources than many families realize. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week will be observed Oct. 25-31 with the 2026 theme “Keep Kids Safe from Lead.” The annual campaign, coordinated nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizes learning about potential lead hazards, testing children who may have been exposed and identifying lead sources in homes. The issue has particular relevance in Salt Lake County because of the age of some of its housing stock. According to Gabriel Moreno, partnerships manager with the Salt Lake County Health Department, more than 30% of homes in the county were constructed before the federal government banned consumer use of leadbased paint in 1978. “Many parents assume they’d know if
their child had been exposed to lead,” Moreno said. “In reality, kids can look healthy, active and happy while lead quietly affects their learning, behavior and development.” That concern is consistent with CDC guidance. Most children with lead in their blood do not show obvious immediate symptoms, and a blood test is the best way to determine whether exposure has occurred. The CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels have been associated with developmental delays and difficulties with learning, attention and behavior. Older paint remains a well-known potential source, particularly when it deteriorates into chips or dust. However, exposure can also occur through contaminated soil, some plumbing and water fixtures, certain toys and consumer products, and dust created during renovations. Lead can also enter a home indirectly. People working in occupations involving lead can carry contaminated dust home on clothing, shoes, tools or other items. Moreno said jobs such as construction, auto repair and plumbing may present potential exposure risks. Because symptoms alone are not a reliable indicator, health officials encourage parents who believe their children may be
at risk to discuss blood lead testing with a health care provider. “A blood test is the only way to know for sure, and right now, too few children in our community are getting tested,” Moreno said. Medicaid covers blood lead testing for enrolled children, and many private insurance plans also cover testing. Salt Lake County offers free testing to qualifying families. Testing is only part of the county’s prevention effort. When lead is detected in a child’s blood, the Salt Lake County Health Department’s Lead Home Visiting Program can help families identify possible sources and determine ways to reduce further exposure. Qualifying households may also receive assistance through the county’s Lead Safe Housing Program to address lead hazards. The goal, health officials emphasize, is to identify risks before they cause further harm. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week encourages families to learn about lead hazards in their surroundings, consider whether their children should receive a blood lead test and determine whether older homes may contain lead hazards. Salt Lake County residents with questions about testing or lead exposure can call or text the county’s Lead Poisoning Prevention line at 801-382-8877.l
Sandy City Journal
W
hat if your worst day became your villain origin story? The day you lost your temper at Walmart. The day you kicked the office water cooler. The day you screamed at your partner in the grocery store and became a viral sensation for all the wrong reasons. What if your greatest shame or embarrassment became your legacy: forever. I’m afraid we’ve judged Disney villains too harshly. What if they were normal people having a tough day? What if their bad decisions defined them for generations? Take Ursula the Sea Witch. She ran a powerful, women-owned business, granting people their heart’s desire. What did she get? Impaled on the bow of a ship and labeled as a fast-talking, predatory loan officer for eternity. Were her tactics questionable? Of course. But she was also an octopus. What about Snow White’s Evil Queen? She bought into the idea that youth is everything and had a questionable relationship with mirrors, but one poison-laced apple and suddenly she’s a witch. Maleficent’s curse on Sleeping Beauty was an overreaction to not being invited to a baby blessing. Cinderella’s stepmother just wanted Cinderella to do some damn chores. Does that make her evil? Cinderella could have at least unloaded the dishwasher instead of dressing up her mice. Maybe these villains were all having a
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terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But understanding why someone acted badly isn’t the same as excusing that behavior. We’ve all been there. We’ve said things we’ve regretted. We’ve hurt people’s feelings. We’ve done stupid things. Hopefully you didn’t try to skin 101 Dalmatians, but really, who hasn’t wanted a coat as soft as a pile of puppies? Who hasn’t gone all Queen of Hearts and yelled, “Off with his head!” during a stressful work meeting? No one? Just me? Was Beauty’s Gaston intentionally terrible? Maybe his father never taught him to respect women and never scolded him for putting his disgusting feet on the table. His public humiliation seemed to push him into “Kill the Beast” mode, but that’s no excuse for his villainous behavior. The way we treat each other matters. How often have we made someone the villain? The driver who honks immediately after the light turns green was obviously raised
by feral wolves. The woman having a meltdown at Starbucks becomes a “Karen” and is publicly shamed on TikTok. The neighbor who disagrees with you politically becomes your nemesis. And now our bad days can be recorded, posted, commented on by strangers and picked apart by internet trolls before we even figure out what happened. Life feels so prickly. We’re walking around like a cactus, trying not to stab someone in the thigh. I don’t think anyone wakes up and thinks, “I’m going to be an incredible jerk today.” Well, except some politicians. Who hasn’t felt rage, hopelessness or fear? Humans act irrationally. Sometimes we’re exhausted, sometimes we’re at wit’s end or sometimes we just can’t hear our co-worker chew his sandwich for one more minute. We are so quick to judge, so fast to condemn. Trolling has become a favorite pastime for many people, and I don’t mean the ones who live under bridges. I’ve often fallen into the role of villain. I’ve posted rage-bait; I’ve gauged a person’s character by the color of their hat or by the number of American flags stuck to their Ford F-150. We need to remember that everyone is carrying a heavy load, even the people we want to push off the castle. I know I’ve been the villain in someone’s story. Haven’t we all?
Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She also hosts the Life & Laughter podcast. Peri can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com.
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