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December 2021 | Vol. 21 Iss. 12

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SANDY COUPLE RAISES FUNDS FOR VETERANS WITH 2,600-MILE BIKE RIDE By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

andy residents Dean and Lorri Zenoni love each other, the outdoors, veterans and a challenge. They combined their love of all four this summer when they rode mountain bikes across the Great Divide from Canada to Mexico. The ride is an ongoing fundraiser for veterans through Semper Fi & America’s Fund, with a fund match through Dec. 31. “I like to put something on my calendar that I call a ‘good stressor’; a challenge with a deadline that I can work towards. It’s good for my mental health,” said Dean, a USMC veteran who served 24 years in the military. His career was cut short when he was injured in Fallujah, Iraq. The traumatic brain and cervical spine injuries changed everything. He found himself working with the Wounded Warrior Unit, where he was introduced to the Semper Fi Fund. “I was assigned a case manager who listened to my story. They were instrumental in my transition from active duty to going to school to find a next career. And they addressed my mental and physical health,” Dean said. One of Dean’s priorities was to continue being athletic. “I found out that Semper Fi had a sports program. I learned the best ways to keep my body active. They’ve supported me since I retired in 2011,” Dean said. Dean’s wife Lorri doesn’t have a military background, but like Dean she loves to be outdoors. Dean and Lorri Zenoni at their home in Sandy after completing the fundraising bike ride this summer that stretched from Canada to Mexico. Continued page 8 (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News with permission)

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After a year break, the tradition continues for Sandy’s ‘Nutcracker’ ballet By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

Top Left: The finale of the 2018 “Nutcracker” production, with cast Abbey Phillips as Clara, Bailey Phillips as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Travis Chant as the Sugar Plum Cavalier, and the English Toffee, Russian and Spanish dancers. This year’s production has two casts and 250 dancers from 57 different studios. (Mountain West Ballet) Top Right: “The Nutcracker” showcases beautiful costumes and beautiful dancers. In this picture from 2014, Alex Waddell waits offstage for her entrance as the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Mountain West Ballet) Left: The last performance from Mountain West Ballet was in 2019. That year’s Snow Queen Elizabeth Monson and Snow King Christian Tippets hold perfect form while the snow sprites dance behind them. (Mountain West Ballet)

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Instantly recognizable for its costumes, story, music and varied cast, “The Nutcracker” is a must-see for many people during the holiday season. Mountain West Ballet, formed in Sandy in 1984, is “thrilled to be performing it once again” after a pandemic break last year. (Mountain West Ballet)

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SERVICES: • Trusts • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Medical Directives • Probate • Estate Administration • Veterans Benefits • Special Needs Planning • Medicaid Planning Top Left: The magical dream begins as the some of the smallest dancers wake up Clara in a scene from the 2010 production. Mountain West Ballet is supported in part by the Sandy Arts Guild, ZAP and the Utah Arts Council. Top Right: “These dancers come from 57 different studios all over the valley and rehearse for months,” said Kate Johnson, president of Sandy-based Mountain West Ballet. See these dancers from the 2021 production in the fight scene. “The Nutcracker” plays selected dates Dec. 14-21 at the Mount Jordan Middle School Theater. Tickets are available at www.mountainwestballet.org. Bottom Left: An Easter egg at Christmas: In the opening party scene from 2019, founding board member Wallace Jackson had a cameo as the butler. The coveted role of Clara was played by Kaidence Vance, who competed in the Youth America Grand Prix 2021 competition. Bottom Left: Maddie Brown and Phillip Riskin perform as the Snow Queen and King against a snowy backdrop in 2018. The dancers in Mountain West range from six years old to college age, and nearly two-thirds come back year after year to audition and move up through the roles. (Mountain West Ballet)

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December 2021 | Page 5

Measuring the impact of ranked choice voting

his election cycle, multiple cities in the Salt Lake valley opted to take advantage of a pilot program for ranked choice voting, made possible by the state legislature. As opposed to a traditional election, where voters must select one candidate, RCV allows voters to rank any number of candidates according to their preference. Proponents of the method point to the benefits of making the switch, from encouraging more candidates to run and increasing voter turnout, to making elections more fair and less antagonistic. While some of these benefits aren’t easily measured, some of them can be. So, how did this round of RCV experimentation turn out? To get a sense of how much RCV impacted local elections this year, The City Journals took a look at the numbers for a few key metrics. First reporters compared the number of candidates and voter turnout to the same races held in 2017. Then reporters asked the question: did RCV actually change any of the election results? Number of Candidates There were eight cities which took part in the RCV pilot: Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Draper, Midvale and Bluffdale. Riverton would have but only had one candidate for each election. Within those cities, there were 17 races that utilized RCV. (A couple races would have used RCV, but it ended up not being necessary because there were only two candidates.) There were 73 combined candidates who ran in those 17 races, an increase from 63 candidates who ran for those same positions in the primary stage in 2017. However, that increase is almost completely accounted for by one city, Sandy, which saw an increase of three to eight candidates in its mayoral race and from two to six candidates in its race for an at-large seat on the city council. Cottonwood Heights was another city that saw an increase in candidates, with five candidates competing in both its mayoral race and one of its city council races (compared to three in each race from 2017). Salt Lake City saw the biggest decrease in its number of candidates, with two fewer candidates vying for its second district seat and three fewer candidates vying for its seventh district. Voter Turnout How about voter turnout? Does giving people the chance to rank multiple candidates encourage more people to participate? Not according to this year’s races. Of the 17 races we looked at, there was a total voter turnout of 115,851. That’s up just a little bit from 2017’s turnout of 115,008. Recognizing that there are a number of possible variables that can impact turnout for a given race, here are a few of the outliers in this category. Remember, this is comparing 2017 to 2021. A Bluffdale race for two seats on its council increased from 1,418 ballots counted to 3,344. Salt Lake City’s first district race saw an increase from 1,621 to 3,381. Despite having seven candidates vying for two at-large seats, Draper’s voter turnout dropped 20%, from 10,853 to 8,610. Even in Sandy City, which had a hotly contested and crowded mayoral race, turnout decreased from 23,007 to 21,246. Did it impact results? Under RCV, the ballot counting process takes place over several rounds. After the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their ballots then revert to those vot-

Page 6 | December 2021

By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

Election assistant Becky Overacker helps first-time voter Zyon Bruce in Draper where they held ranked choice voting for the first time. (Mimi Darley Dutton/City Journals)

ers’ second choices. This creates the possibility that whichever candidate receives the most first-place ballots, won’t actually win the election. You might have a candidate who receives the third-most votes in the first round end up winning the election because they built a broad base of support and was able to win the majority of the second place votes. So, did that happen in any of these elections? For the most part, no. In almost all the races, the candidate who received the most first-place votes went on to win the election. The one exception being Millcreek’s District 2 race, in which Jeremiah Clark held a narrow lead after the first round of votes, but ended up losing to Thom Desirant by nine percentage points. So what? Based on this initial look at some of these metrics, it might seem like RCV made a huge impact on this year’s elections. But Stan Lockhart, a spokesman for Utah Ranked Choice Voting, said that it’s too early to draw long-term conclusions about the effectiveness of RCV. “Twenty-three cities in Utah used ranked choice voting this year, and it was the first time for 21 of those 23 cities. We need to be careful in extrapolating too much,” he said. In regards to measurables like number of candidates and voter turnout, Lockhart said those have always been driven more by local issues. If there’s something controversial that’s taken place at the city level, like a tax increase or a land use decision, that’s more likely to drum up interest in an election than a change to RCV. A better measure of RCV’s success, according to Lockhart, is how voters felt about the process…a question that Utah RCV teamed up with Y2 Analytics to help answer. “I think the most important metric that we should focus on is voter satisfaction. How did the voter feel about the experience of ranking their vote. And the survey vote shows as high as 90% of the voters thought it was easy to use,” Lockhart said.

Additionally, 62% of poll respondents said they liked voting with a ranked choice ballot. Learning curve Lockhart acknowledged that there can be a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to RCV, both for candidates and voters. For candidates, the implementation of RCV opens up another component of campaign strategy that they normally wouldn’t think about: coordinating with other candidates and forming coalitions. For example, a group of two or more like-minded candidates can encourage their voters to rank them in the top three spots. Lockhart said he didn’t see a whole lot of such coordination in the races which used RCV. One exception was for one of the council races in Salt Lake City, where two candidates jointly paid for a postcard advertisement, where one candidate was featured on one side, and the other candidate on the flipside. There’s also a learning curve for voters, who might not realize the power they have by taking advantage of the ranked choice feature. If a voter only ranks one or two candidates and those candidates get eliminated, that voters’ ballot becomes “inactive.” In a close election, a large number of inactive ballots represents voters who could have potentially swung the election one way or another. That’s exactly what happened in Sandy, where the top two candidates for mayor were separated by just 21 votes. However, there were over 4,000 inactive ballots (voters who had chosen to not rank either of the two finalists). If voting is all about using one’s voice, Lockhart suggested that fully ranking every candidate on the ballot is voters’ best way to maximize that voice. “If those voters had ranked more candidates, they would have been more relevant in that round,” he said about that Sandy mayoral race. l

Sandy City Journal

Sandy woman cheers on stranger who completes Utah marathon with canes By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

ike a marathon course, life is full of ups and downs and winding roads. It can also present surprising and breathtaking views and experiences that never would have happened—or been as sweet—without the hard work and challenges that it took to get there. This was the experience for two strangers, Nicolé Hillary of Sandy and Dr. Bryon Soelberg of San Diego, who met on Sept. 10 at the Big Cottonwood Canyon Marathon. They both signed up for the marathon hoping it would give them an outlet for their challenges. “I’ve worked the med team at the marathon for years. I’m a ‘catcher’—I stand at the finish line and watch for signs of dehydration. And if people fall across the finish line, I catch them,” said Hillary, who works as an OB scrub tech at Alta View Hospital. In addition to being a hospital worker during the pandemic, Hillary was dealing with the loss of her husband of 37 years, Del. Del died in July 2020 after a motorcycle accident, and Hillary, who describes herself as usually “up” had been feeling low for over a year. “I had been in a really dark place. We donated his organs, which was an amazing experience. We have four kids and 10 grandkids, but they’re all on their own. I just had to go back to work and I’d come home and there was the loneliness. It changed me,” Hillary said. Soelberg was dealing with challenges of his own. In 2000 he was diagnosed with a congenital spinal disorder. He was born without an odontoid, a bone that provides pivoting motion for the skull and the C1 neck vertebra. An injury to the area can be fatal. Nearing 60, he is thought to be the oldest living person with the disease. Hillary signed up to work the marathon as she had for so many years, thinking that it might do her spirit some good. About four hours in she saw Soelberg nearing the finish line. “I saw this guy coming towards the finish line with a cane in each hand, and he’s basically being held up by braces. I didn’t see anyone waiting or cheering for this guy,” Hillary said. So she went onto the course to walk the final steps with him. “I started walking with him and he smiled. Soon we were talking and laughing,” Hillary said. Then Hillary asked who was here with him. “Absolutely no one,” he said.

S andy Journal .com

Looking more like old friends than perfect strangers, Nicolé Hillary of Sandy and Dr. Bryon Soelberg of San Diego have their picture taken at the finish line of the Big Cottonwood Canyon Marathon on Sept. 10. (Courtesy Nicolé Hillary)

Soelberg is well-known in California and has finished marathons all over the world. He’d completed 219 at the time of this writing. He has a great support system, but it didn’t work out for any of them to come to Utah this time. Hillary crossed the finish line with him and congratulated his achievement. “I told him Utah is a special place, and there are people here who love to help, even if we’re strangers. “Then I had other people to attend to at the finish line, so I made sure he was OK and yelled out, ‘Thanks for coming to Utah!’ and left,” Hillary said. Soelberg stayed on Hillary’s mind. “I had been in this dark place. But Bryon came along and said, this is how it’s done. When you’re faced with a challenge that should have killed you, this is how you make it positive. I thought, ‘Look at what he’s doing. What am I whining about?’ “It was just a little moment, but it lifted me, and I stayed lifted. It pulled my heart out a little further, and I’ll always be grateful for it,” Hillary said. Soelberg was touched, too. He stayed back at the finish line, watching how the “not shy or quiet” Hillary cared for other athletes. “He came over to me and had someone take our picture. There was snow that day and I was soaking wet, but it was a great moment. He said that

no one had ever done that before; no stranger had ever treated him with that much kindness,” Hillary said. And then it was over. Soelberg was on to his next marathon and Hillary was back at work. Then one day Hillary got a call from administration at Alta View Hospital. They told her someone was trying to track her down, someone from the marathon, and he had a picture for her. It was Soelberg. “We were able to exchange contact information and he sent me the picture of the two of us at the finish line. He called me his Utah Angel, and it’s the greatest picture!” Hillary said. Hillary said meeting Soelberg is a moment that she’ll always remember, not because of what she did for him, but because of what he did for her. “We forget that when we’re serving people, we’re doing something for ourselves, too,” Hillary said. The experience made her think of her husband. She wished he had been at home that night and she could have told him all about it. Since his loss, this is the kind of moment she appreciates more deeply. “I would have told Del about meeting Bryon, and Del would have said, ‘Nicolé, it doesn’t surprise me at all that you did that. It doesn’t surprise me at all,’” Hillary said. l

December 2021 | Page 7

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Continued from front page “Protecting our freedoms is a core value for me, so I am highly supportive of anything that helps my husband or any other vets. There are a lot of programs out there, but people just don’t know about them,” Lorri said. In 2020 Dean was having a rough time and didn’t feel very motivated. So the Zenonis decided to put a “positive stressor” on the calendar: a 2,600-mile, 59-day, cross-country bike ride to raise funds for Semper Fi & America’s Fund. The Zenonis found organizations to match the funds they raised. Utahbased company doTERRA matched funds through Nov. 30. The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation will match donations through Dec. 31. Go to www.thefund.org/ Match and search Zenoni to donate. Combining a fundraiser with the ride was a win-win. “Getting outside and moving is so therapeutic for me, for so many people. You have a goal to meet, and you start to feel better. I’ve realized it’s a critical part of my mental health,” Dean said. Dean dove into researching the ride. Planning the route played into his strengths from military training. He saw the journey as a patrol order, and he knew the distance, supplies and logistics of each leg of the ride. “I made digital maps for the entire

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bike route of the Great Divide. It’s similar to the hiking trail, but there are some wilderness areas where you aren’t allowed to ride. It’s all deep roads or forest service roads,” Dean said. “I never talked about mental health while on active duty. You have to be stoic, the ‘nothing affects me’ type. But going public with this fundraiser meant I could get the word out about organizations that are here to help,” Dean said. The Zenonis trained in southern Arizona in the winter and spring. They packed up their bikes, each with 70 pounds of gear and supplies, and started at the Canada/Montana border on June 11. They posted their progress on social media. Friends and strangers followed their adventure on social media and were inspired. Their trip meant camping most nights. They met people who wanted to ride stretches of the route with them. They drank from streams and carried bear spray. They stayed in a hotel six times, and used the stops to shower, do laundry and restock. One experience they’ll never forget happened in Colorado when a huge thunderstorm came out of nowhere. “We found a safe spot, got our tent up, and there was intense thunder and lightning. These big drops just start to fall and all hell is breaking loose! Lorri was scared and I was having a great time,” Dean said. Though their ride was a big undertaking, the Zenonis say their message is that anyone can get out there, set a goal, and start moving and healing. “It sounds extreme biking from Canada to Mexico, but the roads are all accessible. Someone who wants to could go for just a day or two and have vehicle support on the roads,” Lorri said. The Zenonis also found a spiritual component to the trip. “It’s different on a bike. Someone we were riding with had an audiobook on, and we had to kindly ask them to turn it off. It was ruining the experience of being in nature,” Dean said. They also inspired others. “A veteran we worked with in a Utah bike race program reached out to us and told us that following our adventure inspired him to get back out on his bike. He told us he’s riding and feeling less depressed now,” Lorri said. Inspiring people is just another win for the Zenonis on this adventure. “We want people to get out in nature, particularly our veterans and especially the wounded ones. You’re out there riding a bike because you like to do it. But then when you’re outside, there are benefits and byproducts, and you’re improving your outlook on life,” Lorri said. Dean and Lorri are looking for a new adventure, another positive stressor to put on their calendars for 2022. “Maybe extreme golf?” Dean suggests. l

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December 2021 | Page 9

Record-breaking soccer star leads Waterford to state title By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

he most important goal of Seven Castain’s season for Waterford was the game-winner she netted with five minutes to play in the 2A state championship game against Rowland Hall recently. It was the Draper resident’s 71st of the year and put a stamp on a new Utah state record, breaking the previous mark of 68 goals set 32 years ago. “That was a highlight moment in my soccer career,” Castain said. “All the pieces of our game came together—my teammate gave me an amazing pass, the field was perfect and my confidence was exactly where it should’ve

been. Scoring in that moment felt like the biggest achievement because it just proved that if you give your all despite the score of the game, good things will happen.” Head coach Kimi Miyashima noted some coincidences with the Ravens’ state title and her star player and the number that matches her name. “Seven had all of our goals in the championship game and there were seven goals total scored in the game. She also scored seven goals against Rowland Hall this season,” Miyashima said. “And the fact that this was our seventh championship is also fate.”

Waterford’s only two losses in 17 games this season were to the Winged Lions—a 2-1 defeat in the sixth game of the year and a 5-2 setback Sept. 30. The 4-3 win in the state title game also avenged a 7-0 loss to Rowland Hall in the 2018 state title game. “Winning state was one of the most amazing feelings simply because all the hard work my team had done finally paid off,” Castain said. “We’d worked so hard all season and had lost to them several times, but we took extra time and made a commitment to show up early and come up with a strategy to beat them. We chose to put our hearts in the game and keep fighting for that final win. Personally, I think our commitment to doing this is the reason we won. It was even better to be able to do it with so many people I love and cherish in my life.” The daughter of Heidi and Daren Castain of Draper averaged more than four goals a game this season, including another state-record nine goals against North Summit Sept. 23 to tally more than 100 goals during her high school career. The two time All-State player, who will be on the field for Texas Christian University next year, also recorded 18 assists on the year. “Seven is an exceptional player and person,” Miyashima said. “Technically and tactically, it is obvious that she is an exemplary soccer player and brilliant on the field. What

Waterford’s Seven Castain set a Utah record with 71 goals scored this season while leading the Ravens to the 2A state title. (Photo by Kelli Evans photography)

Page 10 | December 2021

distinguishes her as a teammate, player, and person, however, is her approach to the game off the field.” Castain said that her parents struggled to select a name for her when she was born. “They decided to name me ‘Seven’ because it means ‘lucky, completion and perfection,’” she said. “I’ve always wanted to live up to the name of perfection as closely as possible.” She began playing soccer when she was three years old and was involved in a variety of athletics but ultimately chose soccer simply because she didn’t want to stop playing. “I couldn’t imagine my life without soccer,” she said. “I love playing with a team and seeing the ball ping around my teammates on a perfect play. Soccer is a game of mistakes that are waiting to be capitalized on, and I’ve always liked that about soccer.” In addition to playing for the Waterford program, she has also been playing for the Utah Avalanche. Her current coach, Jimmie Powell, said Castain has been an important part of the club for years. “She is a great kid and an incredibly hard worker,” Powell said. “She is a leader by example and is always striving to be her best. We will miss her as she moves on to the college level.” Castain said she has internalized many life lessons over the years from playing soccer. “I’ve learned a lot about failure and hard work as I’ve been cut and passed over, but I always let those moments be the fuel to my fire,” she said. “I’ve learned to prove others wrong and always believe in myself because failure is the best way to learn. I’ve also learned that hard work and commitment are what make people great. You have to have the desire and commitment to hone talent and add to it.” Miyashima said, “I’ve known Seven as a player since she was young and she has always had a hunger to get out and play, to continue to learn, to find ways to improve, and to push herself in every aspect of the sport because she simply loves soccer. Her indisputable passion for playing inspires me, her teammates, her community, and everyone she encounters.” The senior, who will represent the West in the All-American game Dec. 11 in Knoxville, Tennessee, will realize her childhood dream of playing collegiate soccer this fall in Fort Worth, Texas. “TCU is the perfect fit for me,” she said. “The soccer program is growing and working its way to a national championship and I want to be a part of the group that helps them get there. I’m extremely excited to play at the next level despite knowing it will be hard. I want to be the best player I can be and being in an environment with players who are just as good as me or better is going to push me to become better so I can’t wait to see what I can do in a program with such amazing people and players.” l

Sandy City Journal

Original musical experience ‘King of Kings’ coming to Alta High Dec. 11 By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

n 2019, Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society premiered a new Christmas musical experience, “King of Kings.” Written by two young Draper composers, Tyler Teerlink and Jake Lives, the piece tells the full story of the Christ child’s birth through contemporary music. In the wake of last year’s canceled performance due to the pandemic, Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society is pleased to be presenting “King of Kings” on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Alta High School Concert Hall in Sandy and on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City. “We commissioned this work,” explained artistic director and conductor Sherri Jensen. “Our goal is that one day people all over the world will perform it. Our goal is to get it out to the world.” The aspect of “King of Kings” that sets it apart from classical sacred works, apart from the style of music, is the story that it tells. Jensen spoke of how the piece tells “the full story of the Christ child’s birth.” “We wanted to share the humanity of it,” she added. For example, “King of Kings” imagines Mary’s reaction to being told by the angel that she will bear the Son of God as well as Joseph’s great inner conflict when he learns that his betrothed is with child. When the angel comes to Joseph in a dream to explain that the child is the Son of God, Joseph is relieved and asks Mary’s forgiveness. “There is a whole back story that we don’t think about,” Jensen said. “King of Kings” brings the Biblical story in all of its intensity to life through music. “There are songs about the birth of the Savior, but this shows the miracles that preceded His birth,” said Jannalee Hunsaker, a soprano in the Choral Society. “It’s magical how it all comes together and tells this epic story.” Trombonist Dave Clark commented that “King of Kings” presents “an opportunity to think differently about the reason for the season.” Clark, who has been playing with Draper Philharmonic since 2017, explained that a good part of the reason he enjoys it so much is because of the focus on Christ-centered music and patriotic songs. “We play a lot of good music,” he said. “It’s fun, uplifting and inspirational.” “Our group is very dedicated to God,” Jensen said. “This is our gift to the community.” No tickets will be sold for the Sunday performance at Abravanel Hall. Seating will be first come, first served. “We’re inviting people who don’t get to go [to concerts], people who might not go out otherwise, but would like to,” she added. Both performances of “King of Kings” will be preceded by a 30-minute program of holiday songs performed with a bell choir, the Bells of Joyful Sound. The Saturday program will include favorites such as “Ring Those Christmas Bells,” “Sleigh Ride” and “We Need

S andy Journal .com

a Little Christmas.” The program on Sunday will be more spiritual and will include songs such as “Mary, Did You Know?,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “The Little Drummer Boy.” Mary Moffett, the director of Bells of Joyful Sound, is looking forward to the performances. “To put all those sounds together— bells, vocals, orchestra—we’re really excited,” she said. Bells of Joyful Sound is an adult community hand bell choir that was founded in 1997 and has members from all across the Wasatch Front. They performed with Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society for the first time in 2018. “We had such a wonderful time playing with them,” Moffett said. “Their quality is topnotch.” Moffett described this month’s evening of music as “a Christmas concert that will give you the real reason for the season as well as the joy that comes with Christmas music. It’s a beautiful way to feel the meaning of Christmas.” For tickets and more information, visit draperphilharmonic.org. The Bells of Joyful Sound will also perform their own separate Holly Jolly Christmas Concert Dec. 20 at the Midvalley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville. Visit bellsofjoyfulsound.org for more information. l

Serena Mackerell as Mary and Zack Grob as Joseph in Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society’s “King of Kings” in 2019. (Photo courtesy Sherri Jensen/Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society)

December 2021 | Page 11

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Page 12 | December 2021

Serving Local Families Since 1885 COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL PLANNERS During one of life’s most diﬃcult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect. 4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781

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

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

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

www. LarkinCares .com Sandy City Journal

DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022 IN THIS ISSUE:

Connect With Us! sandy.utah.gov/citizenconnect

BRADBURN BRIEF Dear Sandy Resident, When I came into office in January of 2018, I focused on three main pillars to guide our efforts. Those pillars were citizen-centric, smart solutions, and value-driven innovation. Citizen centric meant that everything we did needed to revolve around greater customer service, better communication, and a high level of accountability to the citizens. One of the first actions of my administration was to push for live streaming of the city council meetings to give residents the ability to watch council meetings from the comfort of home. My administration also utilized social media more aggressively to give you information about the services our city departments provide. We partnered with a local software company to develop the Sandy CityServe app that enables you to take a picture of an issue like a broken streetlight or a pothole that needs to be filled. We then tracked the response time to make sure your concerns were being resolved in a timely manner. The second building block we focused on was “smart solutions.” Some of the smart solutions we utilized were the digitizing and posting of historically paper documents via web-based document management systems. Going “paperless” meant that we save tax dollars but also made it easier to complete permits, licensing, and building reviews from your phone or computer. We hired a quality improvement specialist to work with all of our departments to identify and analyze processes that could benefit from greater efficiencies, freeing up staff time to focus on being more citizen-centric. Finally, we implemented smart city technology to improve emergency management responsiveness. In the case of an emergency, we will be able to get you information in real time via our Civic Plus platform. The last building block of the foundation we focused on was value-driven innovation. All city departments led initiatives that met the criteria of increased quality services, improved resident satisfaction, and decrease costs. Programs such as the LED streetlight conversion, glass and cardboard recycling, clean fleet transition, and traffic light synchronization all increased the quality of service we can provide while saving tax dollars, staff and resident time, as well as decreased the city’s environmental impacts. These are just a few examples of some of the improvements we made during the last four years. It is extremely gratifying to look back and see how these first guiding principles shaped the focus of our efforts and how much we were able to accomplish in such a short time. I am confident we are leaving the city in a much better place and I look forward to what the next administration will accomplish. Please remember that you can always connect with us to get more information by going to our City websites sandy.utah.gov and SandyNow.com and by accessing our social media channels Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest information. To sign up for emergency notifications, visit sandy.utah.gov/citizenconnect.

Bradburn Brief ..................................... 1

A Classical Holiday Concert .................. 3

Historic Sandy Walking Tour .................. 1

Parks & Recreation .............................. 4

Winter Holiday Safety ........................... 2

December Jobs Corner ........................ 4

Dropping Temps = Rising Auto Theft ...... 2

Making Roads Safe During Winter......... 5

Mountain West Ballet: The Nutcracker ... 2

Christmas Tree Recycling...................... 5

Alta Canyon Sports Center.................... 3

Public Utilities Water: By the Numbers ... 5

River Oaks Golf Course ........................ 3

Calendar of Events............................... 5

Historic Sandy Walking Tour Did you know that there is a walking tour that will lead you through some of the original story for our great City? Sandy has a diverse history starting with the Mormon pioneers in the 1860s, becoming a mining boom town in the 1870s, and incorporating as a city in 1893 with an original population of just over 1000 people. Today, Sandy has grown to nearly 100,000 people and has been many things, from a mining town to a quiet agricultural community, a booming suburb of Salt Lake City to the strong economic and activity hub it is today in the southern Salt Lake Valley. To learn more about the City’s evolution, download the “Preservation Utah Tours” app from the app store and click on the “Sandy, Utah Historic Area” tour (Apple or Google – links below). This tour is a casual 90-minute walk with 10 stops throughout the original square mile of the City. If you have further questions about Historic Sandy, please visit the Historic Preservation Committee website at sandy.utah.gov/610/Historic-Preservation-Committee.

Have a Merry Christmas! Mayor Kurt Bradburn I S S U E # 88

D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 – JA NUA RY 2022

P A G E

Dropping Temperatures = Rising Vehicle Theft As winter approaches and temperatures fall, don’t become a victim of vehicle theft! Every year Sandy Police sees a sharp rise in auto thefts as colder temperatures appear. Nobody likes to climb into a freezing cold car on a bitter cold day. Of course, it’s tempting to get that car nice and toasty before you leave for work, but NEVER leave your running vehicle unattended. Car thieves know it’s cold too. They know your aversion to driving around in a cold car. They are ready to take advantage of you. Vehicles left running present a prime opportunity for a thief to steal your vehicle in seconds. Even with locked doors, a window can easily be broken allowing access to your vehicle. Criminals often use stolen vehicles to commit crimes. Insurance companies may not cover losses where negligence is a factor. Many newer vehicles are equipped with auto-start features that help reduce theft however, these features should still be used wisely. Additionally, warming up your vehicle for long periods of time is bad for the environment. It is also illegal in Sandy City. Help improve air quality in the valley by refraining from idling your vehicle. Idle-Free (Ordinance) Passed March 27, 2018, Sandy City's idle-free ordinance was aimed at educating residents about how they can help improve Utah's air quality by turning off their cars more often. Ordinance 18-10 amended the city's traffic code by adding a section on idling cars, which reads, “No driver shall allow a vehicle's engine to idle on public property or on a private property open to the general public within the corporate limits of Sandy City.” Reduce Theft. Reduce emissions. Don’t idle your vehicle! M O U N TA I N W E S T B A L L E T P R E S E N T S

CRACKER DECEMBER 4-21, 2021

THE THEATRE AT MOUNT JORDAN | 9400 S. 300 E. SANDY With Artistic Directors Linda Fenton, Masie Lancaster, and Christy McQuaid |Ticket prices start at $12. Reserved seating in Premium, Priority, and Regular seating available. Tickets available on our website, and the Theatre at Mount Jordan one hour prior to performances. For more information, please visit our website at www.mountainwestballet.org.

P A G E

River Oaks Golf Course 9300 South Riverside Drive, Sandy, Utah (801) 568-4653 Sandy.utah.gov/golf

9565 S. Highland Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092 HOLIDAY HOURS

• Thursday, Dec. 23 Building Hours 6 a.m.–1 p.m. (select morning classes) • Friday, Dec. 24 Building Closed • Saturday, Dec. 25 Building Closed • Friday, Dec. 31 Building Hours 5:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (select morning classes) • Saturday, Jan. 1 Building Hours 8 a.m.–7 p.m. (select morning classes)

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOLF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

If you want to hit a hole in one with your present buying, we offer the best gifts for golfers to suit every budget. We always have a large selection of brand name golf clubs on sale. Choose from Titleist, Taylor Made, Callaway, Ping, and many other golf club manufacturers. In addition to golf club, we also offer golf range finders, golf bags, golf balls, golf hats, golf clothing, and golf club accessories. B A N Q U E T R O O M AT S A N D Y C I T Y

D R I V I N G R A N G E AT S A N DY C I T Y

NORTH RANGE TEACHING ACADEMY

Gift Certificate Available: Four 18-holes with cart for $180 (savings of $36.00)

RACQUETBALL CHALLENGE NIGHT

We are hosting Racquetball Challenge Nights on Wednesdays from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Players of all skill levels can meet up & compete with fellow players. Members: No additional fee. Non-Members: Pay the day pass at the front desk when you arrive.

PRESCHOOL (AGES 3-5)

Through free play, group learning, and outdoor play, we offer a variety of activities to help children learn and grow as individuals. We provide a safe learning environment that allows children to be creative and build confidence. Sept. 7, 2021 - May 20, 2022 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. with scheduled class time. For more information, visit our website altacanyonsportscenter.com

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL (K-5TH GRADE)

We provide transportation to and from school. We also provide care all day for children when off school. Children enjoy games, arts and crafts, field trips, homework time, snacks, and many fun activities throughout the school year. Call to see if there is room for your child(ren) at (801) 568-4600.

KARATE:

WINTER “INDOOR” GOLF LESSONS

Wintertime is a perfect time to make big swing changes that will give you big results in 2022. All winter long, 2016 Utah PGA Teacher of the Year, Ryan Holt, will be teaching indoor lessons at River Oaks Teaching Academy. Using high-speed video analysis, a pressure pad, and sensors that measure weight transfer. Ryan can get the most out of your swing. Whether you want big changes or just to keep the rust off, Ryan can help you. If you are looking for holiday gifts, we match and beat any price in the valley for golf equipment. Anything from soft spikes to full sets of golf clubs. We do advanced fittings for FREE with the purchase of the equipment. Gift certificates for lessons and fittings are also available. Email Ryan at ryanholtgolf@gmail.com or call 435-840-3102.

Dedicated to teaching Shotokan Karate, IMA is a family-oriented dojo offering classes to children and adults of all abilities and levels. Friday night class at Alta Canyon Sports Center from 5-6 p.m. imautah.com

TUMBLING

Ages 4–18 Beginner through Advanced. Twice weekly, 4–5 p.m. Contact Whitney at (801)-440-8505 Follow Us on Social Media for Updates

A Classical Cla las la assic ica ic cal al Holiday Hol Ho oli lid ida day ay Concert Con onc on nce cer ert rt Friday, Dec. 10 at 7:30pm Eastmont 10100 S

I S S U E # 88

D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 – JA NUA RY 2022

Middle School 1300 E, Sandy

P A G E

BARRY HECKER WINTER BREAK BASKETBALL CAMP The camp is for girls and boys, grades 4-7. During the camp, participants will be taught the basic fundamentals of foot work, passing, dribbling, and shooting. Dates: Time: Cost: Location:

Dec. 27 - 29 9-11 a.m. $75 Sandy City Parks & Recreation, 440 E. 8680 S.

NOW HIRING Sport Officials/Referees/Umpires Youth $10.00 - $16.00/hour Adult $16.00 - $22.00/hour Must be 14 years old to apply Sandy.utah.gov/jobs

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Spring Youth Sports Registration for Soccer, Girls Softball, Boys Baseball, & T-Ball/ Coach Pitch begins Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022

PARK S & RE C R EAT I O N

Adult Softball Registration begins Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 (for returning 2021 spring & fall teams)

DECEMBER JOBS CORNER

37TH ANNUAL MEN’S SNOWBALL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT Come join us for our 37th annual Snowball Softball Tournament. Grab your friends, co-works, family members, and neighbors. Form a team and come play softball in the winter. Double elimination format. Games played with field conditions as is, rain or snow. Dates: Feb. 4 - 5 Deadline: Jan. 25 by 5 p.m. Cost: $290/Team Location: Bicentennial Park–530 E. 8680 S. Quarry Bend Park–9020 S. Quarry Bend Parkway

JR. JAZZ BASKETBALL Registration for Jr. Jazz has passed. Please visit sandy.utah.gov/registration for availability.

BASKETBALL FUN SHOT COMPETITION! Each participant will have two, one-minute rounds to score as many baskets as possible from five different shooting spots. Each shooting spot will have a different point value ranging from 2-5. Top two winners from each division advance to the regional competition. First place winners from a regional competition advance to the finals held at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Divisions will be Boys 3&4th, 5&6th, 7&8th, 9-12th, Girls 3&4th, 5&6th, 7&8th, 9-12th. Please sign up under the grade division. We will separate boys and girls. Date: Time: Cost:

Saturday, Dec. 11 For specific time frame for each division visit sandy.utah.gov/registration Free (pre-registration required)

I N P E R S O N R E G I S T R AT I O N : Sandy Parks & Recreation - 440 E. 8680 S. Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (801) 568-2900

O N L I N E R E G I S T R AT I O N :

sandy.utah.gov/registration (available for most sports & programs)

P A G E

Full-Time/Part-Time, Benefitted • • • •

Engineer - Public Works Professional Building Inspector Street Maintenance Worker Drainage Maintenance Worker

Part-Time, Non-benefitted • • • • •

Crossing Guard Custodian Official/Referee/Scorekeeper Recreation Site Supervisor Camp Counselors

APPLY AT: sandy.utah.gov/jobs

Christmas Tree Recycling

Making Roads and Neighborhoods Safe During the Winter During the winter months, travel conditions can change quickly during a major snowstorm. Oftentimes, just getting to and from destinations like work and school can be stressful. Icy conditions can cause delays and be very dangerous. It is a priority of Sandy City to minimize the danger and to make all public areas including parks and roads safe and passable as quickly as possible. • The Public Works Department has crews prepared 24 hours a day in the event of a storm. Their priority is to make all main roads passable for schools, hospitals, fire stations, and commuter traffic. If the snow continues to fall, the city’s first goal is to keep the main roads clear. In such instances, it is unlikely that residential roads will be reached immediately because main roads must be repeatedly plowed. After main roads are cleared, they can move to other roads and residential streets depending on the size of the storm and the amount of snow fall. Please keep in mind that it could be 12-18 hours after a storm ends before a plow enters your neighborhood. • The Parks Division maintains over 90 locations for snow removal. Their priority is to clear sidewalks near city buildings and school walkways. Crews can clear snow from all paved sections of trails and jogging paths as soon as all other priority locations are safe. Depending on the size of the storm, crews may not be able to reach a location for a couple of days. • The Police Department strives to keep city streets safe during a snowstorm. They would like to remind drivers that there are parking restrictions on residential streets during the winter months from Nov. 1 through April 30. This is for the safety of the residents in that neighborhood and for the snowplow drivers who must clear the streets. Police officers can either cite vehicles or During a snowstorm, if you would like to see have them towed if they are parked on city streets during the locations for the Sandy City snowplows, a storm or within 24 hours after a storm. please go to sandy.utah.gov/plowtracker • The Fire Department asks that residents clear areas around fire hydrants. Time is of the essence when a structure is on fire, and someone needs assistance. Hydrants are in every neighborhood and delays can come when snow or other debris blocks hydrants. Taking just a few minutes to clear around a hydrant may mean life or death in the event of a fire. Other tips for making your neighborhood safer: • Clear snow from your sidewalk within 24 hours of a storm. • Do not create a hazard by blowing or pushing snow into any city street. • Clear common areas in neighborhoods such as mailboxes, fire hydrants, or sidewalks for children walking to school. • Help the elderly or infirmed by shoveling their areas. It is our goal to clear the snow within a reasonable timeframe and quickly resolve any safety issues. For questions regarding snow removal, please call: Streets – Public Works: (801) 568-2999 Private sidewalks – Code Enforcement: (801) 568-7254 Parking issues – Police Dispatch: (801) 799-3000 City buildings, trails, sidewalks, and parking lots – Parks & Rec: (801) 568-2900

SANDY CITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sandy City will have areas identified at the following locations for the collection of Christmas Trees from Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, until Tuesday morning, Jan. 18, 2022 • Storm Mountain Park 11400 S. 1000 E. • Bell Canyon Park 11400 S. 1700 E. • Flat Iron Mesa Park 8600 S. 1700 E. (Lower west parking lot) • Highpoint Park 7800 S. 1000 E. • Crescent Park 11000 S. 230 E. • Wildflower Park 9939 S. Wildflower Rd. • Parks & Cemetery Shop 9120 S. 700 E. Please ensure that all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and garland are removed from the trees as well as stands. Trees that have been flocked should not be taken to any of these locations since they are not recyclable. Flocked trees can be cut into pieces and placed in your waste container. Finally, bulk waste, garbage, yard waste, and commercial dumping of trees are not acceptable. If you have any questions, call Public Works at (801) 568-2999 or Parks and Recreation at (801) 568-2900.

HOLIDAY WASTE COLLECTION

Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Saturday, there will be no changes to your waste collection services.

Public Utilities Water Convervation BY THE NUMBERS Water saved: • 1,360,850,000 gallons of water saved compared to this time last year (end of October) • 17% reduction in water consumption compared to this time last year (end of October) Conservation calls: • 114 calls or emails received from residents concerned about water use in Sandy • 114 efforts made by PU staff to address water use concerns Rebate Opportunities YTD: • Watersense Toilet Rebates: 95 applications • Smart Irrigation Controller Rebates: 360 applications • Flip Your Strip: o 5 completed projects w/payments processing or processed o 48 projects in process o 91 applications total • Localscapes: 8 projects in process – 22 applications total

DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022

DEC 1

First Aid, CPR and AED Class

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Station 31: 9010 S. 150 E.

sandy.utah.gov/fire

DEC 4-21

The Nutcracker

Times Vary

The Theatre at Mount Jordan 9400 S. 300 E. mountainwestballet.org

DEC 6-19

Sandy Snowman Scavenger Hunt

Virtual

Facebook / Instagram

sandy.utah.gov/1395/Snowman-Scavenger-Hunt

DEC 8

First Aid, CPR and AED Class

6 - 10 p.m.

Station 31: 9010 S. 150 E.

sandy.utah.gov/fire

DEC 10

American West Symphony and Chorus 7:30 p.m. "A Classical Holiday Concert"

Eastmont Middle School: 10100 S. 1300 E.

americanwestsymphony.com/upcoming-concerts

All events subject to change due to COVID-19. Go to sandy.utah.gov for more events. I S S U E # 88

D E C E MB E R 2 0 2 1 – JA NUA RY 2022

P A G E

Immerse yourself in art at new Leonardo exhibit By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

here’s a new way to experience classic works of art at the new IDEA space at the Leonardo museum in downtown Salt Lake City. The acronym stands for “Immersive Digital Exploratory Art.” Occupying a large chunk of the museum’s second floor, the new space may seem sparse when the lights are on—large blank walls, a few mirrors, some benches and cushions for visitors to sit on. But turn off the lights and fire up the dozens of projectors strewn across the ceiling, and suddenly you’re flying through Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or are nestled peacefully in Monet’s lush gardens. Each scene of artwork transforms seamlessly into the next with animations that bring each piece to life. Accompanying the artwork is an occasional voice-over that provides context for the artwork, but more often a piece of music; from classical music for the Romantic period to jazz music for the post-modern. The exhibit, Immersive Art Series, was created by Universal Exhibition Group and has previously been shown in Moscow, Dubai, Belgium and Switzerland. The Leonardo will be its first home in North America. The series consists of five shows, each centered around a different era or theme. The first show being played at the Leonardo is ti-

Page 18 | December 2021

tled “Monet to Kandinsky” and features the work of “10 artists who revolutionized the art world.” The next show that will be added to the rotation focuses on the Italian Renaissance. “[The Leonardo] is the perfect space for this because it’s all about science, technology and art and that’s exactly what this is all about,” said Steve Boulay, COO of Magic Space Entertainment, a local company who partnered with the Leonardo to build the IDEA space and bring the Immersive Art Series to Utah. Although he’s surrounded by world class entertainment throughout his career of bringing Broadway productions to cities around the world, Boulay said there’s something “different” about this exhibit. In fact, he said he spent three hours just sitting in the space and enjoying the show all by himself. Although the IDEA space was built with the Immersive Art Series in mind, Boulay and the Leonardo envision many other uses for their investment. “If we have the space, we can also curate local content. We’re going to be able to do things like have shows based on Utah history or shows that highlight Utah artists,” he said. “I think you’re going to see shows here for a decade, which is fantastic.” The new space is also a perfect addition to the Leonardo as the country slowly

Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” fills the walls (and even the floor) of the Leonardo’s new IDEA space. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

emerges from the pandemic, said Executive Director Alex Hesse. “This new space is very open, it’s ‘no touch,’ and we can also restrict how many people are inside. It’s a very COVID-friendly experience,” she said. “It

also feels joyful, inspiring and uplifting and that feels very important to all of us at this time.” Tickets for “Monet to Kandinsky” are now available through the Leonardo’s website, www.theleonardo.org. l

Sandy City Journal

Schools celebrate diversity, learn meaning of Día de los Muertos By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ight streams into the room near the entrance to Summit Academy’s middle school in Draper, capturing the colorful decorations placed upon a table as a makeshift ofrenda, or altar or offering, for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a multi-day holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and in parts of Latin America that honors loved ones who have died. Eighth-grade English-language arts teacher Kelly Jeppson coordinated Summit Academy’s commemoration. “We are always looking for ways to discuss diversity and inclusion in our classroom, as well as celebrate different cultures,” Jeppson said. She said that students tied into their language arts’ skills of reading and writing as they read an article, watched a short video and then designed an ofrenda to remember a family member, friend, pet, or even character from a book. “It was meaningful to many of the students, and a good opportunity to get to know each other in a different way,” Jeppson said. While many people may view death as a time filled with sadness and grief, Horizon Elementary teacher Miriam Luna said it’s a time for remembrance of deceased relatives. “It’s a way to remember them in a good way,” she said. “Día de los Muertos is a time to celebrate and to respect the culture. Ofrendas are an appropriate way for everyone to participate in the celebration.” Students in her Murray classroom had made a classroom ofrenda, bringing pictures of family members who had died. A second ofrenda was created in the faculty room. Both ofrendas have bright flowers, which are believed to attract souls to the ofrenda. Many ofrendas have marigolds, known as the “flowers of the dead,” which Luna said their scent reminds her of “good memories of those people.” The creation of the ofrendas have evolved over time and are intertwined between Aztec culture and Catholic traditions into two days, Nov. 1 being All Saints’ Day, which celebrates the children who have died, and Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, which honors adults. On Día de los Muertos it is believed that the souls of those who have departed return to visit their loved ones and family. The holiday coincides with the Monarch butterflies’ migration to Mexico for the winter. Many locals believe that the butterflies are the souls of their loved ones. “While learning the language, it’s important to understand the culture and holidays. Students are more engaged when they have this understanding,” said Luna, who on the second day of the celebration planned to paint her face in the style of a calavera or skull. Luna, who’s family also has an ofrenda at home, was teaching Spanish dual immersion students about what the celebration means to

S andy Journal .com

the culture as they were to color skull drawings, symbolic of sugar skulls, which are made of granulated sugar, meringue powder and water and decorated with bright colors. Having skulls be made of sugar, known as the “sweetness of life,” further challenges the idea that death is frightening and somber. “They’re really sweet,” said Silver Mesa fifth-grader Alexis Sutherland, who’s heritage is part Mexican; she helps her family make them annually. The Spanish dual immersion student said she has helped to decorate at school for the celebration. “The holiday has flowers, bright paper that we cut in patterns and designs, food, photographs and lots of colors. It’s a happy not sad occasion,” she said. The intricately cut paper is believed to allow ancestors to travel through the slots to connect with their relatives. The paper also is symbolic of the fragility of life. Her classmate Elizabeth Rigby liked learning about Día de los Muertos. “It’s a chance for us to learn about it, appreciate their culture, and have fun,” she said. Their principal, Julie Fielding, said students are learning that it’s a holiday when they can recall memories of good times they had with decreased relatives and show their respect. At nearby Mt. Jordan Middle School, students also paid their reverence by decorating sugar skulls. They also offered a brightly colored display outside of a Spanish classroom. At Midvale Elementary, students could contribute to the ofrenda created by the dual immersion teachers and then, they walked to the nearby cemetery to clean up leaves and trash as a way to serve. Afterward, they sampled pan dulce or sweet bread. On the ofrenda at Sandy Elementary, there also is bread, albeit a plastic version. The bread is designed to mimic the shape of skull and crossbones and is placed to share with those who have died. Some of the more famous people whose photographs were on the altar included Helen Keller, Albert Einstein and Anne Frank, giving students a way they could commonly identify. Candles were placed among the photographs as a symbol of love for deceased relatives and as guiding lights for their spirits. Sandy Elementary’s ofrenda was created by adult students in their Family Learning Center, who gave a presentation to students, including listening to Jorge Eliecer Garcia play “La Llorona” folk song on his violin. “We do this so everyone can be part of it,” said student Maria Doriman Hernandez, who grew up with ofrendas and continues with them with her family today. “We all come from different countries, but we can bond together and get to know each other through this holiday. It’s a way we can

Silver Mesa students color skulls as part of the Día de los Muertos celebration. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Midvalley dual immersion teacher Eva Bonilla instructs first-graders in Spanish about the holiday. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

become knowledgeable about each other’s countries and have that understanding.” Casssady Daynes, Family Learning Center director, said it provided her adult students, who also come from Iraq, Sudan, Spain, Colombia, Venezuela and other countries, a chance to practice their English and become involved in their children’s school while learning themselves about the holiday and sharing why it is special. “It brings us together and we can remember those we have loved in positive ways,” she said. At Midvalley Elementary, in Midvale,

dual immersion first-grade teacher Eva Bonilla gave instructions to her students in Spanish, so they were learning vocabulary as well as why and where the celebrations take place. “We’re making connections with the students so they’re learning from their maestra (teacher) about the importance of the holiday and culture,” said Bonilla, who painted her face to look like a calavera. “The best thing is that the kids love and are willing to learn, see and are open to celebrate and understand why people honor those they loved.” l

December 2021 | Page 19

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For Alta View second-graders, math night’s sums equal educational games combined with family By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

econd-grader Liam Johnson was at school all day, but that didn’t stop him from returning that evening. Alongside of him, were Trak Johnson and Natalie Brun. Together, they helped him adhere colored square stickers onto a black sheet of paper. It looked like a building with colorful windows, and even more so like one, when it was posted alongside other second-graders’ papers. Yet, Liam counted, by twos, the number of windows he created on his building and recorded the number of each color window he had. It was Alta View Elementary’s fourth annual math night, designed and prepared for second-graders to have time with their parents or guardians, as a chance to learn math activities that will help their skills, said second-grade teacher Tami Malan, who added each student received a bag with a set of cars, two dice and directions for 40 different math games they could play at home. “The whole idea was to give the families things to go home and practice with math so that the kids can make growth and can feel successful in doing something that they’re learning and practicing math facts,” she said, about the idea she came up with years ago

after having a frustrating week at school. “I came back to school Monday and told my team, ‘how about a math night?’ I had everything planned out. It’s such a fun thing, because it is just the kids and they’re excited because it was just mom and dad and no other siblings; it was just them.” While the COVID-19 pandemic may have had an impact on all students’ learning, Malan said this night wasn’t aimed at catching up from that year, but rather it “is an emphasis we are trying, to bring our math scores up schoolwide.” However, it wasn’t like sitting in desks, adding up sums. Alta View’s math night was in the school’s gym, which was set up with activities that go along with the second-grade curriculum. About 60% of the second-graders came to have an opportunity to estimate the number of candies in a jar; or adding numbers from five cards drawn from a deck to a roller coaster dice multiplication game where students would roll dice and multiply the two numbers. There also was a mental math strategy game where the object was to roll dice and try to get as close to 101 without exceeding it.

“It was just really fun to watch the families doing them and then, they took them home so now they have activities to do for math practice every night if they desire,” she said about the games they researched and collected over their teaching years. Malan said one game, Roll the Dice, would challenge students against their parents, determining who could add up the six dice rolled fastest. “It was just fun to watch and the parents were amazed how well the kids were doing and how quickly they were able to get it. The kids were excited and we had really good comments from the parents about how much fun it was for them to sit down and spend time with their kids.” Brun, who played many of the games before with her daughter after attending a previous math night, said they plan to play them with Liam this year. “Having the games at home or having a math box is something that we can pull out and play and have fun, yet know he is learning at the same time,” she said. Liam’s father, Trak, said that he likes the simplicity of the games and the variety,

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instead of just reviewing flashcards that “may get kind of mundane.” “Hearing that you’re playing math games sounds intimidating, but there’s actually simplicity in all these games,” Johnson said. “They’re all very unique and it just shows how just doing simple things like this really works with them to cognitively do the steps that are involved in mathematics without realizing that they’re doing it. They’re just playing a game as far as they’re concerned. And they’re (the games) very nice, simple, quick and easy. I like being able to have these as a way to take a break and play again. Then, it becomes a whole lot less intimidating that way.” Liam remembers an Ancient Egypt game like “tic, tac, toe” that he played at math night where he moved his yellow game pieces along the nine dots, without skipping any spots, to create a row of yellow and to win. “I like math sometimes, like easy math, but sometimes I don’t because it’s hard to do,” Liam said. “Then, I do it more, like these games, and I get better at it, and it becomes easy and it’s just fun.” l

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Page 22 | December 2021

Sandy City Journal

Two Sandy City Council members bid farewell By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

Why did you choose to run for mayor rather than running to keep your seat on the council?

• Correcting pay scales for our firefighters and police officers without raising taxes. Christensen: • Kuwahara rezoning • Creating and implementing the South Valley Sports & Tourism Committee. • Adjusting public safety staffing and pay scales to current levels. • 2021 National Day of Service Project. • Working on so many committees (CDBG, Historic, PUAB, Senior Center, Jordan River Commission, ULCT, I-15 projects, South Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hale Centre Theatre). • Main Street Park remodel. • So many sidewalk projects.

his election cycle saw quite a shake-up to the Sandy City Council. Here’s a cheat-sheet to help keep it all straight.

Nicholl: My 11-year tenure in public service under two administrations prepared me very well to be the mayor. I felt that I could be more beneficial to the city and the citizens working as the mayor to improve city services and our responsiveness to the citizen’s needs. Christensen: I have absolutely loved serving District 1—it has truly been an honor. I ran for mayor because I wanted Sandy residents to have the option to vote for an experienced, conservative voice that supports our public safety and focuses on the core functions of government. I didn’t see that option from the candidates running so I threw my What has been the most rewarding part hat in the ring.

of being on the council? District 1: Seat currently occupied by Nicholl: The friendships I have made Brooke Christensen, who chose to forego What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned and the opportunity to give back to the running for re-election in favor of running from your time on the council? Nicholl: I learned the true definition of public service. Christensen: If you take the time to listen, you can come to a compromise that benefits our city.

community I was raised in. Christensen: Working with community partners, residents, and city employees to find creative solutions to issues. I have worked on issues from chicken and rat concerns to affordable housing projects and I What specific accomplishment(s) are have enjoyed them all.

you most proud of from your time on the What’s next for you? council? Nicholl: • Making the Sandy (Animal) Shelter nokill. • Removing the gas chamber from Sandy’s Animal Shelter. • Putting solid protections in place to preserve Sandy foothills and Dimple Dell Park. • Amending archaic animal code regulation.

Sandy City Councilwoman Kris Nicholl has represented the city’s third district since 2013.

S andy Journal .com

Nicholl: Being on the City Council has broadened my skill set and created new opportunities for me specifically in land use and land use policy. I plan to put my entire skill set to good use and plan to stay involved. Christensen: I’m not sure. Probably kids activities, PTA, Arthritis Foundation, church service, etc. But I know I won’t stop being involved in Sandy issues. l`

for mayor. Seat won by Ryan Mecham. District 2: Elected for the first time in 2019, Alison Stroud will continue representing District Two through 2023. District 3: Seat currently held by Kris Nicholl, who was first elected in 2013. She also opted to run for the open mayor’s seat, leaving her council seat to be won by Zach Robinson, currently an at-large council

member. District 4: Seat held by Monica Zoltanski since 2019. She also ran for (and won) the mayoral race, so her seat will need to be filled in 2022. At-large: One of the at-large seats currently held by Zach Robinson was vacated by him in order to run for the District 3 seat. That spot was won by Brooke D’Sousa. At-large: The second at-large seat is currently filled by Cyndi Sharkey, whose first term will be up in 2023. l

Sandy City Councilwoman Brooke Christensen has represented the city’s first district since 2017.

December 2021 | Page 23

Flight simulation, balloon launches, flying drones: Beehive’s class engages students with hands-on learning By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ixth-grader Aaliyah Miller wonders what it’s like to be in zero gravity and float in space on the International Space Station. That’s why, when her Beehive Science and Technology Academy teacher said they needed to record the ISS flyover, she didn’t mind getting up at 5 a.m. Learning about the ISS and the celestial sphere and measure angles where the ISS will appear and how long it will be in view, as well as some of the science projects that have been conducted on it such as developing a water filtration system, was part of what sixth-grade students have learned in the Flight and Space course this term, teacher Daniel Bryant said. “We do a lot of NASA-based projects, so they tracked down the International Space Station, we tune in to NASA TV a few times every week to see what the astronauts are doing up on the ISS and hear questions students ask,” he said, adding that Beehive students have yet to be chosen to ask questions. “We have quite a few sixth-grade kids who dream of being an astronaut. There might be some who study biology or pre-med or engineering or want to be a pilot; I know NASA is always looking for brilliant scientists to be on board.” It isn’t just an opportunity to dream. Bryant uses the assignment to learn about Newton’s three laws of motion and Bernoulli’s principle, which directly influences how an aircraft achieves lift and gets up into the

air.

“The kids are very enthusiastic about building new projects, learning about aerospace vehicles and how to fly them, and launching other aircraft during our class,” said the teacher who has instructed at Beehive for 12 years and recently was recognized by the Air Force Association’s Salt Lake City Chapter (Elementary) Teacher of the Year. “The students are technically elementary students, but they’re getting a very technical load with a program like Flight and Space which is a nice exposure for them and prepping them for undergrad studies well ahead of the time.” The course, in its fourth year, follows the Project Lead the Way national curriculum and is hands-on with projects featuring hot air balloons, fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft and designing airfoils and wind tunnels. The semester-long course is a supplement to their normal general science class. In October, after a classroom discussion, the students walked to nearby Bear Park where “the kids fly the drone themselves and that’s a nice way to have some kinesthetic learning and be activity engaged in the concepts they’re learning,” Bryant said, adding that they have a flight plan with set GPS goal points. “We’re trying to make it as project-based as possible and we use an inquiry-based approach to where students are hypothesizing and asking questions.” Sixth-grader Thomas Holt was one of

Beehive Science and Technology Academy teacher Daniel Bryant gives his sixth-grade students hands-on learning in the Flight and Space course with operating a drone. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Page 24 | December 2021

Sandy City Journal

the students who took the drone’s controls. “It was very fun,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to go that fast. I didn’t want it to crash. It’s like learning about space, and I’ve learned some things I haven’t done before, like the four forces of flight. I like that we’re learning by doing, that it’s an interactive class.” His classmate, Yasmine Hassen, also likes that they’ve learned about living organisms in space to having interactive lessons. “It’s great going outside and being involved in what we’re learning,” she said. “We’ve mapped out the planets, we’ve learned about flight, we discovered the moonlight reflecting on the ISS. It’s very engaging.” As every student will learn how to fly the drone, they’ll also learn yaw and pitch control and how to change elevation when in control. As the term moves along, students will move from a simple drone to a more complex rotorcraft and then, they’ll be experimenting with aerospace communication and learning to fly prop planes and fixed wing aircraft, Bryant said. The Microsoft flight simulator is an opportunity for students to take controls on a PlayStation4 or XBox controller and use live air traffic at any airport, adjust to weather conditions and discover what lateral thrust is needed to achieve lift, he said. This winter, when the weather cools, students will launch a 4-foot by 2-foot hot air

balloon from the campus. “As teams, they’ll build their own hot air balloon using an engineering design progress and then, they will refine the balloon and make iterative improvements as they’re building it. Students will have exposure to the design process and what they’ll be using as engineers in the future. They get to see the success of their labor and efforts when they have a successful launch,” he said. Through the launch, students also take into consideration humidity, lateral wind velocity, precipitation and temperature differential in the balloon versus the ambient temperature. Before holding an Estes model rocket launch to test Newton’s third law from Big Bear Park in January, Bryant said that students also will design their own gliders. “They’ll change the shape of the airfoil, so that it achieves more, or less, when they launch their rockets. They will need to take time and care to piece it together and follow the instructions carefully. We angle the launch slightly to compensate for the wind using some algebra and measuring local wind velocity and considering the air pressure at our altitude,” he said. “Through this class, they’re learning there’s a lot of value in building something with their hands and then adjusting it, refining it, and improving on their own design and seeing the progression of something they build and taking pride in it.” l

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December 2021 | Page 25

Grace Lutheran collects toys, used PCs, school supplies for Navajo Nation By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

arly this December, many of the 90 Grace Lutheran schoolchildren will arrive with their arms full of brand new toys to give away. The holidays are a time where many children look forward to opening new toys and that is the point behind Grace Lutheran’s students’ effort. “As a school we have collected school supplies and sent them to the Navajo Nation for those kids down there; this is another way we can give,” Principal Shelly Davis said, adding that the annual school supply drive will be in late January. Their toy drive is extended to the community as they will have a collection point Dec. 3 at Grace Lutheran’s 15th annual Christmas of the Nighttime Sky firework display, which is free and open to the public. The Sandy school and church is located at 1815 E. 9800 South. “We will have tents set up with both church and school family volunteers where people can drop off toys, then park and watch the fireworks,” she said. Last year, they donated about 2,000 toys for the Navajo Nation. Grace Lutheran students have learned A Navajo Strong trailer at Grace Lutheran School and Church has been a drop-off location for the community to donate toys, school supplies and used PCs. (Julie about conditions on the Navajo Nation from Slama/City Journals)

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Utah’s unemployment rate hit the lowest level ever recorded in October. The Utah Department of Workforce Services’ most recent jobs report, released in November, shows that only 2.2% of the state’s workers are unemployed and actively looking for work. This historic low comes only 18 months after the state’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 10.4% in April 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Utah’s job recovery from such a massive disruption has been impressive. Our state’s two-year job growth leads the nation at 3.7%, compared to a 2.2% job decline nationally. The state has added 58,500 jobs added over the past two years, with the construction; financial activities; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors growing the fastest. This job growth is limited, however, by the lack of available labor. Utah, like the rest of the nation, is struggling to find workers to fill job openings. A recent analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts found that the ratio of jobs-to-jobless in Utah is more than

Utah Unemployment Rate at Record Low 13.0% 12.0% 11.0% 10.0% 9.0% 8.0% 7.0% 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% October 2.0% 2021 1.0% 2.2% 0.0% 1/1/00 1/1/02 1/1/04 1/1/06 1/1/08 1/1/10 1/1/12 1/1/14 1/1/16 1/1/18 1/1/20 Source: Utah Department of Workforce Statistics

2 to 1. Many residents who dropped out of the workforce during the pandemic have not returned. Even so, the labor force participation rate – an estimate of what percent of the state’s population is working or looking for a job – is the fifth highest in the nation. Labor force participation remained steady from September to October at 67.9%, though still below the 68.6% of two years ago in October 2019. The very tight labor market continues to cause wage pressure. Nationally, average hourly earnings were 4.9% higher in

October, compared to one year ago. This wage inflation, which is a welcome trend for workers, is placing more strain on employers, who are facing both the labor shortage and continued supply chain struggles. Despite these challenges, Utah’s economy – and the U.S. economy – continue to improve and recover. More people are returning to work as the latest wave of the delta variant of the Coronavirus subsides, vaccination rates increase, and the impact of enhanced unemployment benefits ends. l

Sandy City Journal

volunteers from the church and school who have donated time and supplies. “They’ve told them about families and how they live, this is what it looks like, and this is how we want to help them,” she said, adding that the same happens when volunteers help their sister school in Haiti. “Whether it’s the Navajo, Grace (school) in Bouyaha, Haiti, or even picking up trash in our own yards, we want them to learn service, and helping others, it’s more than them just being helpful. It’s about our faith and because God gives so much to us, that we then turn around and give to others.” Grace Lutheran’s pastor, Anthony Masinelli, is one who has shared his experiences with Grace Lutheran students. “I show them this is why education is so important and how education can lift you out of poverty,” he said. “We are so well off, we tend to take all this for granted, but that’s not a given for them.” While on the reservation, Grace Lutheran volunteers learned that few computers are on the reservation, so they’re asking for donations of people’s used PC laptops and are seeking help to learn the Linux operating system. The goal is to use that free operating system on the PCs that can be placed in community centers where children can come in and use the computers to do their homework. “During the pandemic, education was shut down. They weren’t doing online learning at home. There’s no electricity so they

just lost a year and a half of their education, so that’s what we’re trying to address,” he said. Masinelli made the connection to Bud Frazier, who after leaving the reservation and gaining an education, established the nonprofit, Navajo Strong. “Bud started Navajo Strong during the (COVID-19) pandemic, to bring cleaning supplies, sanitizer and things related to the pandemic because he knew they didn’t have those things; and then it expanded into food and diapers and other baby supplies,” he said. “It grew and grew rapidly, and as they would get local churches and other organizations to gather supplies, he would drive his own personal vehicle down to Blanding and distribute these on the reservation.” Masinelli, who now is a Navajo Strong board member, said as more people wanted to help, Frazier, out of his own pocket, rented a trailer to deliver the supplies, which for a while, were stored in a former Shopko in Blanding (until Utah State University bought the property for a satellite campus) as a staging area for the reservation. “That’s when Discovery Channel’s producers and Mike Rowe learned about it, and they have a show about paying it back to people who give back to their community. They couldn’t do a show, but they were interested in Navajo Strong, so Mike Rowe personally bought him a brand new truck,” he said, adding that the truck and its new trailer have

been stored on Grace Lutheran’s property as a donation collection point for Navajo Strong. “The Navajo are the largest indigenous population in the U.S. with over 300,000 and 40% of them don’t have electricity or running water. The vast majority of Navajo are completely rural; they can barely get access to groceries. So, they certainly can’t get presents for their kids and even if they could afford it, they don’t have access to them. That’s the nature of poverty there. So, when we saw people lined up, some people waited for three hours to get a Barbie for their child for Christmas, it was really touching,” Masinelli said. “The kids get to pick out exactly what they want, and you see their faces; they’re super joyful.” He also remembers one family arriving and the grandmother asked if she could have a blanket. When one was given to her, she thanked them and said, “I really need this because it snows in my house.” When questioned if she meant it snows outside her home, she said, “No, it snows in my house; my windows are broken, and I have a hole in my roof.” “We fixed her up with way more than a blanket. It’s the kind of stuff we see there,” Masinelli said, adding that as Grace Lutheran volunteers learned more, they realized they could do more to help than just bring down supplies. Navajo Strong also has shifted its focus, transitioning more into helping fam-

ily by family, so Grace Lutheran adopted a three-generation family that fell on difficult times, he said. The family of seven that Grace Lutheran volunteers help was hit hard by the pandemic. They had left their single trailer before the pandemic and moved to Tucson trying to get a start away from the reservation. “Then, the pandemic hit, and they all lost their service jobs. They lost their apartment and had to move home (to the reservation). While they were gone, squatters had broken into their trailer, busted windows and were cooking meth in it, and ended up setting fire to the inside of a third of it. They came home to find the squatters had pulled all of the copper wiring to get drug money, so they had no heat, no air conditioning, open windows and it was the dead of summer,” Masinelli said. On top of that, the grandfather fell off a roof and ended up in a hospital where he learned he had COVID-19 and died, leaving the grandmother, her kids and young grandkids to cope, he said. “We jumped in and we’re in the process of designing a traditional Navajo Hogan and we’ll give them a home,” Masinelli said, adding that in the meantime, the church and school purchased the family two RVs to live in so “they’re safe and they’re not out in the elements. We’re not only doing these drives to help out school children, but we’re helping these families and the community to have a better life.” l

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December 2021 | Page 27

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In late October, several local schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week, the largest drug-abuse prevention campaign for school children. However, Silver Mesa Elementary not only had fun dress-up days, as many schools offered, they also hosted their annual egg drop. “I believe it originally had something to do with your brains and being on drugs and how it’s damaged more when you do drugs,” said PTA President Ashley Backman, referring to the 1987 Partnership for a Drug-Free America public service announcement “This is your brain on drugs.” “I think it’s just evolved over the years to be an exciting activity to go along with Red Ribbon Week.” The tradition dates back to 2013 when the school’s Red Ribbon Week coordinator Amy Kirby showed the popular PSA to students and tied in the egg drop. Principal Julie Fielding said that at least 30% of the students and their families have fun in the optional activity, trying to engineer packaging to ensure the raw egg won’t break when dropped from the school’s roof. The creativity in packaging ranged from sticking the egg in peanut butter or popcorn or a split tennis ball to packaging peanuts in plastic cups, Halloween pails or paper bags with a homemade parachute or balloons to a contraption made of straws that reminded one of a spacecraft’s lunar module. Students then quickly spied to see if their eggs survived. Pictured here, kindergartners and first-graders excitedly watch the eggs being dropped. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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to past clients, present clients and fellow associates for making real estate a success for me. I deeply appreciate your support and referrals. A very warm Merry Christmas wish to one and all. May 2022 bless you with Healing, Comfort, Peace, Happiness & the very best of everything. Congratulations to our November Members of the Month, Beta Lopez, Luis Torres, & Luca Grama! Beta Lopez isMembers 14 years old: sheMonth, wants toMareli become a lawyer when she Congratulations to our October of the Gonzalez, Daniella grows up, she has been attending the SandyisClub for 5 old: years, inwants that time she has a Betancourt, & Liam Casper! Mareli Gonzalez 13 years she to become learned kind. Luis Torres is 8 years wants become athe blacksmith, he for 3 famous singertoorbedancer when she grows up,old: shehe has beentoattending Sandy Club has been attending for 3 years, in that time he has learned to be respectful and to years, in that time she has had nothing but good experiences here at the club and has met listen to his staff. Luca Grama is 7 years old: he wants to become a musician, he has many incredible people. Daniella Betancourt is 9 years old: she wants to become a singer, been attending for 4 months, and in that time, he has learned to be respectful and she has attending for 5 months, in thatwe time has learned to be responsible and to been be kind. Congratulations once again, are she so proud of you all!

kind. Liam Casper is 6 years old: he wants to become a construction worker, he has been attending for 2 months, and in that time, he has learned to make friends. Congratulations Page 28we| are December 2021 once again, so proud of you all! If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please call 801-561-4845.

35+ Years of Experience “Real Estate Joe” Olschewski • 801-573-5056

Sandy City Journal

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destroying the planet. Maybe since wind power is a sustainable coal alternative, Santa can bring naughty people a stiff, gusty breeze. We’re living in a heightened state of fear, and fear is the opposite of what we should feel this time of year. This season of love and light and joy has been co-opted by those who would divide us. The farther apart we get, the less we are able to see each other. Here’s an idea. What if we put all talk of politics on hold for December? That would be one month of no talking heads and finger-pointing and dire social media memes. What if we vowed to share only positive stories and heartwarming videos, and ban all holiday music featuring Alvin

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