Sandy Journal | October 2022

xperts agree that water conversation will be an ongoing discussion as the state continues to struggle with drought. Sandy City officials shared conservation ideas and tools at the Sego Lily Garden Fall Fair in September.

In conjunction with the Trans-Jordan Landfill, Sandy City Fire, Utah State Universi ty, Tracy Aviary, and Sprinkler World, the fall fair at Sego Lily Gardens (1472 Sego Lily Drive) provided education about how to keep the city’s water system clean and plen tiful.

“This fair is a way to ed ucate the public,” said Nik ki Wyman with Sandy City Public Utilities. “We’re an gling more toward water con servation because we’re in a drought. We suggest people water less often and change to a drip irrigation system.”

Dawn Barbee, Sandy

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

City’s storm water quality co ordinator, is asking pet owners to pick up dog waste in yards, parks and watershed areas,

where dogs aren’t allowed. Watershed areas in Sandy in clude Bell Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon and resi

dents can be fined for bringing dogs to these protected areas, since it directly impacts drink

Dawn Barbee, Sandy City’s storm water quality coordinator, attended the conservation fair to educate residents about keeping the city’s watershed and stormwater areas clean. (City Journals)

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

Matthew

Alta kicks off theater season with Shakespeare, ‘The Addams Family’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Alta High alumna, and now Southern Utah University alumna, Lindsey Nelson has returned to the Hawk’s nest to team up with her high school theater teacher Linze Struiksma to help create and put into produc tion a Shakespeare ensemble piece this fall.

Alta High students will perform a com pilation piece that addresses equality of gen der in Shakespeare’s pieces for the 46th an nual high school Shakespearean competition, Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 in Cedar City.

“We’ve looked at a bunch of the women in Shakespeare’s pieces who are made to por tray or be men and looking at the language,” Struiksma said. “Shakespeare constantly talks about the disparity of women asking, ‘Why are they the weaker sex or the gentler sex all of those things?’ We’re looking at why are we putting so much focus and weight on a gender to address a work or the contributions that somebody could make that shouldn’t be based on if they’re a man or if they’re a woman? We examine ‘how do we allow all genders to have equality’ as the essence of the show. It’s Shakespeare’s words, but we just strung different scenes together to create it.”

The two spent this summer collaborating pulling from “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night,” Joan of Arc in “Henry VI” and “Merchant of Venice” amongst others.

“We have a great message we’re portray ing and understanding that the message is im portant. If we leave people with that, then I’ll be proud,” said Struiksma, who said that she’s had the idea to write this piece for a long time.

“It’s been awesome to team up with Lindsey on this. She studied Shakespeare at SUU and I said that I’d like another set of eyes on this. We looked at which stories were going to help us tell the message best and really narrowed everything down we had compiled, then we put it together.”

In addition to the ensemble piece, Alta will take students to perform scenes and

monologues at the competition. The theater students were to hold a Night of Shakespeare Sept. 28 at Alta to showcase their events for the community.

Soon after beginning to rehearse Shake speare, students also were learning their lines, music and blocking for “The Addams Fami ly,” which will be directed by Lindsey Cline, who joined the faculty last year.

The musical, which will have about 120 students participating, will open at 7 p.m., Nov. 16 and run through Nov. 19 and again on Nov. 21 in the school’s performing arts center, 11055 S. 1000 East. The night of Nov. 17 will feature the understudies. Tickets are $9 in ad vance in the school office or $10 at the door.

Cline, who studied musical theater under Terrence Mann at Western Carolina Universi ty, was in New York City when Mann reached out and was able to make arrangements for her to see the preview and final dress rehears al for “The Addams Family” when it opened on Broadway in April 2010.

“That was so cool; I just love ‘The Add ams Family,’” she said. “I love that this is a fun and unique show with these iconic char acters that span several generations. A lot of folks are familiar with ‘The Addams Family’ in some way, but this musical is a cool twist on the characters in the story, which is real ly fun for actors. I also really love it is very much an ensemble piece and they are very involved throughout the show.”

Once the show is cast, she plans to have students study different adaptions of “The Addams Family,” including the television series, “to help them with their research of character development. We may look at sev eral things from the Broadway show as well. I sometimes steer away from showing them other productions because I want them to make their own character decisions. I want them to feel they have that freedom to explore and create their own version of the character

because that’s one of the most exciting things to see is their creative process.”

Cline brings in her professional ex perience when working with students. She worked about seven years, based out of New York City, for different companies across the country. When she learned a position opened up at Alta, and at the same time was earning her master’s degree in theater education, she thought it would be a good fit. She started working at the high school in August 2021.

“Our students are pretty much in rehears al in one show or another from about the sec ond week of school until the end of school, and they’re just, they’re incredible. I can’t say enough good things about the students in our program,” she said. “They step up and take leadership roles, in several ways, like with our improv team. Typically, they plan and hold club meetings and it’s a great way to kind of hone your improv skills, hone your theatre skills and also have that really won derful social connection.”

The fall lineup will conclude with a mur der-mystery dinner written by the school’s improv captain, senior Alex Liljenquist. The

shows will be at 5 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 9 and will serve as a fundraiser for the program to help with sets, productions or bringing in speakers.

“She wrote it over the summer and as soon as we strike the set for the musical, it will be cast and they’ll have two full weeks of intense rehearsal days to perform it on that Friday night,” Struiksma said. “They’re really excited about it.”

The theme of the murder mystery won’t be announced until November, after students post clues about it during October.

“There are usually around 30 kids in volved and it’s open to anyone to audition. We’ve had our improv club, or sometimes the ones who aren’t musical kids or Shakespeare, so it involves some students who aren’t in all our shows,” Struiksma said.

The rest of the season’s shows have yet to be released, however Alta will compete in the region one-act plays March 9 at Jordan High and then, the Hawks will host the region individual acts on March 23. State competi tion is in April. The season will conclude with student-directed one acts on May 10. l

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Alta High students will perform “The Addams Family” on their school stage in November. (Linze Struiks ma/Alta High)

Sandy Youth Council members are ready for an exciting year

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Representing 11 different high schools across the valley, the 23-member Sandy Youth Council was sworn-in at city hall Sept. 6. It’s the first time since 2018 that the youth council has been installed, and city leaders are happy to have it back.

Chairing the SYC this year is Henry Stue ber, a 17-year-old Alta High student. It’s the first time he’s been involved with the youth council but he’s looking forward to the experi ence of working with his fellow council mem bers and city officials.

“I’m happy the youth council is back up and running and I would encourage any in dividual in high school to seriously consider serving on some sort of council,” he said. “In volvement with our leaders who run our local areas is something people need to really con sider doing when they’re in high school.”

The SYC is made up of Sandy residents in grades 9-12, supervised by youth council advi sors Chris Edwards and Liz Theriault, and San dy City Council liaison Brooke D'Sousa. The student-led program meets once a month and participates in city service projects throughout the year.

So far, the SYC has helped with the Fourth of July parade, the Balloon Fest 5K, and the city’s Healing Fields and Heritage Days. Youth council members will also volunteer at Trunk or Treat, Light up the Cairns, Sandy’s Beautifi

cation Day and more.

Along with providing service, the SYC will work with the Sandy Council and get a close-up view of local government at work.

“I believe everyone should be educated on how our government works and how it’s built to ultimately fulfill the will of the people,” Henry said. “We need an educated population to ultimately create the change we need in so ciety.”

On the evening the 2022-21 SYC was installed, the city council presented a special recognition to Marsha Millet for 24 years of dedication and service to the youth council as a leader and mentor.

“I had so many wonderful youth when I was there, in fact, one of them is in the audi ence and that’s my daughter, Jessica,” Millet said. “I feel blessed to have known so many wonderful people in our city. We have the best city and the best youth.”

Henry’s goals for the SYC include talking to other high school students about taking a role in government. He is interested in how policy is created and implemented at a local level and is excited that he gets to see the inner workings of Sandy City.

He hopes his example, and the example of SYC members, will encourage more youth to step up as leaders in their schools and com munities.

“A leader is more relatable than anything. It can be difficult when a leader sees them selves as a figure people should look up to and it makes it very hard to relate,” Henry said.

“It takes responsibility to present yourself as approachable and be someone they can share ideas with.”

Members of the 2022-23 SYC: Kate An dersen, Jacob Baird, Sara Baird, Sarah Barnes,

Eliot Barrett-Caston, Kelsianne Baxter, Park er Bettinson, Aurora Clare, Cameryn Coffey, Charlotte Hauser, Olivia Hauser, Abhimanyu Iyengar, Lasya Jonnalagedda, Rachel Lowe, Marianne Lui, Aditya Nallur, Rudra Patel, Daniel Smith, Henry Stueber, Vineet Subra manyan, Maia VanDenBerghe, Nola Williams and Emmaline Young. l

New Sandy Arts program teaches singing skills to elementary age kids

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

Sandy Arts Guild is starting a fall program for kids that focuses on music and vocal skills. Singing Adventure for Kids opened registration for their six-week-long course in September. The workshops are geared toward kids in first through fifth grades.

“The idea for this came about because we were looking at the arts programs we have in Sandy. There’s youth theater in the spring and a showcase in the summer. But we had a hole in the calendar for fall, so this was a perfect fit,” said Allison Klippel Dodge, director of the new program.

Dodge sees a lot of kids who love music and performing, but are still learning the skills necessary to perform in community shows.

“They don’t quite have the experience be cause they’re so young. This program was cre ated to provide that opportunity,” Dodge said.

Workshops are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. from Oct. 4 to Nov. 10. A per formance for families will be Nov. 12. All practices and the performance are held at the Theater at Mount Jordan Middle School, 300 E. 9400 South.

“This will be like a class, but also just a fun program. Kids will learn about the basics of singing on their own and in groups. They will get to prepare songs to perform for their families on Nov. 12,” Dodge said.

The music includes Broadway show tunes, Disney songs and fun pop music. Reg istration is through the Sandy Arts Guild web site, though the program is full at the time of writing.

The cost is $40, with need-based schol arships available. There is a mandatory atten dance policy due to the short six-week run.

For possible wait list openings, informa tion about next year’s program, or other ques tions, email sagshows@gmail.com.

Dodge knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up loving music and wanting to perform. She started in youth theater in 2012 and per formed in many community theater produc tions, including Sandy’s recent production of “Crazy for You.”

Ten years on, she has a degree from Utah

State University in vocal performance. She’s active with the Sandy Arts Guild and has moved into production and directing in addi tion to performing.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this new program. I’ve been coming back to Sandy Arts for years because I love it. I know the kids will love it, too,” Dodge said.

The Sandy Arts theater world is compet itive. But this program aims to create a safe environment where no previous music experi

ence is necessary and kids can register regard less of ability.

“The kids will learn a variety of songs in a group, while gaining skills and experience to boost their confidence and prepare for future musical opportunities,” Dodge said. “This is a great place for kids to learn new skills and make new friends. Once we posted on social media that we were starting this program, par ents were excited to have something for their younger kids.” l

The 2022-23 Sandy Youth Council was installed Sept. 6 at Sandy City Hall. The 23-member council are all Sandy residents and represent 11 different high schools in the county. (Courtesy of Justin Adams/Sandy City)

Singing Adventure for Kids aims to help Sandy’s elementary age kids learn vocal skills to help them enjoy singing. (Graphic/Sandy Arts Guild)

Sandy Arts has a long history of involving youth and kids in music; Singing Adventure for Kids is the newest part of their program. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

Historic Sandy neighborhood sees horses on the streets again

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

Horses proudly trotted historic Main Street in Sandy on Sept. 10. The horse parade was a tradition brought back by Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski, an avid equestrian. A clas sic car show, food trucks and live music at the Main Street Park all followed the parade as part of the Heritage Festival.

“I brought back the horse parade in Sandy to honor our city’s rich agricultural heritage. It has been 15 years since we held a horse parade and the city has changed so much in that time,” Zoltanski said.

The event was well-attended by the neigh borhood. The route started at 90 E. Main Street (8720 South). Riders led their horses up Main Street to Center Street, then circled around the route again and ended at a church parking lot on 220 E. 8670 South where they stored their gear and horse trailers.

The parade had been held in other loca tions in earlier years, but Zoltanski liked the idea of the historic neighborhood.

“Sandy’s historic neighborhood is the heart of the origins of Sandy. We knew the Heritage Festival was the perfect place to hold the first horse parade because the neighbors love and appreciate the fact that Sandy City started as a farming and agricultural center of the valley,” the mayor said.

The boundaries of Historic Sandy are roughly 8400 South to 9000 South and State Street to 700 East. Several of the houses are on the Historic Register. Sandy City has specific plans for the area, which include creating “a sense of belonging and community pride” in the neighborhood.

“We would like to hold more events in the historic district to bring the whole city down to the area. It’s a great reminder of the past and a place of pride for all residents, not just those who live there.

“The architecture of the homes and busi nesses, as well as the history and the commu nity are a unique corner of Sandy. They should be appreciated and preserved,” Zoltanski said.

The Davies family of Sandy are friends of Zoltanski’s. She asked their daughters Priya, 13, and Lydia, 9, to help in the parade by car rying a banner ahead of the horses. She even gave them duplicates of her signature red cow girl hats to wear.

“This was really fun. It was the first time I’ve been in a parade, but I’ve been around horses before. Monica (Zoltanski) has invited us to her house to ride horses. I’ve ridden lots of different ones and I like all of them,” Priya said.

“She (Zoltanski) used to have a tiny horse, a little baby one that I liked to ride. It was so fun!” Lydia said.

Both girls hope they can be involved in the parade again, this time riding horses.

“It was amazing to see how excited the kids were to see horses walking down their street which is becoming a rare sighting in the valley. The kids and parents gathered around

the horses after the parade to see these magnif icent creatures up close,” Zoltanski said.

After the parade, families made their way to the Main Street Park. Tables and chairs were set up so people could enjoy the live music, wander the booths and get something to eat from the food trucks.

There was also a lineup of classic cars on display. Mike Burn of Sandy brought his 1949 Plymouth Business Coupe. There was also a 1928 green and black Ford Model A, a black 1941 Cadillac, a bright red early model Ford and plenty of muscle cars.

Zoltanski said the Heritage Festival is an important part of honoring the roots of the people who came before us in Sandy. She said neighborhoods with an agricultural focus on farming and urban homesteading are an im portant part of the local economy.

“We are already planning to make next year’s horse parade bigger and better and con tinue the proud tradition for years to come,” Zoltanski said. “The horse parade drew in creased attendance at the Heritage Festival, so we felt like it was a huge success!” l

A 1941 black Cadillac was one of several classic cars on display at Sandy’s Main Street Park during the Sept. 10 Heritage Festival. (Heather Lawrence/ City Journals)

After the horse parade, festivities moved to Sandy’s Main Street Park. Food trucks, tables, booths, live music and classic cars were all part of the free Heritage Festival Sept. 10. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

The Horse Parade came down Historic Sandy’s Main Street Sept. 10. Sisters Priya and Lydia Davies of Sandy were given red cowgirl hats to wear while carrying the banner for Mayor Monica Zoltanski. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

At the end of the horse parade everyone gathered with their animals and flags for a group picture before heading to the Main Street Park. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

Looking into Utah’s judicial courtrooms: A former court watcher’s observation

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In this November’s general election, Utah voters will take to the polls to determine if judges should be retained. Currently, there are 63 judges who are eligible to stand for retention.

Utahns determine whether judges should remain on the bench on even-num bered years through a simple yes or no vote. If the majority say yes, the judge is retained. Utah is one of a handful of states that use elections to determine this process.

However, not all voters are aware that through the Judicial Performance Evalua tion Commission, Utah residents, who are unidentified to judges, have evaluated those judges who are currently eligible to stand for retention.

These volunteer observers or court watchers provide voters with information about each judge’s performance, which also is shared with the judges to improve the quality of their judiciary. The commission’s report is designed to provide accountability of the judge while ensuring he or she acts as an independent branch of government.

While House Bill 40 proposes to change the language in the report to indicate wheth er a judge “passes minimum performance standards” versus “recommends” retention, the material that has been gathered each year provides information to allow voters to de termine judicial retention, said former Ju dicial Performance Evaluation Commission member Becky Overacker.

Overacker was a courtroom observer for four years, filing her last of about 120 reports on judges six years ago. She is one of the 293 volunteer observers who served or is serving since the commission was es tablished.

She stepped into the position after hear ing on the radio about a need for civically minded people who wanted to learn about the courts and attending a meeting. The Ju dicial Performance Evaluation Commission, established in 2008, after piloting the ob servation program, asked for volunteers in 2010.

“It piqued my interest; they said this is

a new thing and we’re just getting started,” Overacker said, despite having worked in the chemistry field before retirement. “It’s a benefit (that she didn’t work in the civ ics field); because they want lay persons. If you’re going to be taken to court, it can be a scary thing; it can be the worst day of your life. So having a lay person in their eyes, say ing ‘this is a safe place,’ is a valuable thing.”

While serving the commission, Over acker entered courtrooms from Logan to St. George, Vernal to Tooele and she has observed judges rule on traffic offenses to criminal cases to family situations. She wit nessed courtrooms where judges ruled on stealing hot dogs to child abuse.

During her first two years as a court room watcher, Overacker said she learned two critical things early on.

“I learned two very important things within that first year I was doing this: One, if someone is ever in trouble, I would get a lawyer because they know the system and know what they’re doing. The second thing I learned is the judges in Utah are really good,” she said.

Overacker said that Utah has a system of appointing judges different from most states, which hold elections for judges so it can be partisan. In Utah, the governor ap points a commission to review applications to be judges and they’re chosen by merit, in cluding education and service, she said.

“They’re already at the top of their field by the time they get to be judges,” she said, adding that it’s then up to voters to determine their retention on the bench.

Overacker said the Utah Legislature recognized that initially very few voters have the time to observe court proceedings, so they didn’t know how to enter their re tention vote. Thus, a commission was estab lished with court observers who usually en ter an assigned judge in a courtroom across the state to quietly take notes for a two- to three-page report they would file afterwards.

“I tried to be very discreet. I don’t want anybody to know who I am. I just wrote what’s going on the whole time, who did

what and I tried to get direct quotes from the judge, the dissent and everyone to put in the report that I later wrote,” she said, adding that she did carry a letter from the commission explaining who she was if she was ever questioned.

As a court observ er, Overacker discreetly watched for basically three points: “Voice — does the judge allow ev erybody to speak equal ly?; neutrality in not taking sides; and respect — just being respectful to every party that’s there and having eye contact.”

She said that most judges met those criteria.

“Every judge I saw, would usually always say, ‘Do you have any thing else to add? Is there anything I need to know?’ Most judges are really good. There are judges that will look at their monitor the whole time people are talking and sometimes I know they’re busy and could be looking for history on the case or at precedents, but it’s really important to look up and face people when they’re talking to and not interrupt,” Overacker said.

She once did observe a judge that was “concerning to me. I wrote in my report that he was so favorable to the prosecution, everything they asked for, they got, and I thought if I was a defendant in that court, I would be really nervous. I was asked to ob serve that same judge a couple years later, and I was hesitant, but he had changed. He was much more open.”

However, most of the times, the judges were fair. Overacker remembers observing an Ogden judge who realized a defendant on his third public defender wasn’t getting a fair

shake when that lawyer asked for a contin uance. The judge listened to the defendant as he grumbled saying he already had served the maximum time in jail for that offense and the judge shortened the amount of time be fore the trial.

After sitting in courtrooms and having time to reflect, she wants people to know about the commission and information it provides so they can make informed deci sions when it’s time to vote on judicial re tention.

“Our system really does work and there are really good, honest people who are try ing their best to make things fair to people,” Overacker said. “Our judges are good. Attor neys are invaluable. I learned this by watch ing how people listened, how people reacted and how people were taken care of. Utah has a good system.” l

Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission court watchers provide information about judges’ performance to help voters’ make informed choices about judicial retention. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

League of Women Voters dedicated to educating, registering voters

Many voters have paged through a book let of candidates and chances are, it came from the League of Women Voters. Perhaps a great number of voters also signed up to vote with the help of one of the League’s volunteers.

“The League of Women Voters has been around for more than 100 years; we came into being around women's suffrage when the founders of the League of Women Voters fought hard to get women the right to vote,” said Shauna Bona, Salt Lake County’s chap ter president. “We take the rights and the need of all people to vote very seriously. Our biggest issue is access to the vote. We want to educate voters, register voters and moti vate voters. Our mission is really about em powering voters and defending democracy.”

While those early suffragists paved the way for women today to vote, Bona said that their mission isn’t over.

“We look at issues and study them, and it can be a local study or a state study or a national study. Then we lay the information out for our members, and we discuss it in small groups until we reach consensus on the issues, if this is a good issue for us to support. We do have positions around hav ing a clean, healthy environment to live in and to raise children and definitely we think women should be in the Constitution with the Equal Rights Amendment. When we do take a stance, we really work hard to help ed ucate the public and our lawmakers in hopes of really doing things that are right by the people,” Bona said.

She also pointed out that while their main message is to empower voters to make a better democracy, the League isn’t restrict ed to women members.

“We’ve had men in the League for de cades. In fact, we were going to change our name to not be the League of Women Vot ers, but the problem was that if we would have let go of the name of League of Women Voters, that we would have lost our history,” Bona said. “We have members of every sex ual orientation, of every background. What’s important is that we have this history to our nonpartisan commitment of voting rights.”

Among the issues the local chapter has reviewed are voting by mail, health care, census and immigration.

“Our members hold an annual meeting, and they say, for example, ‘Hey, we think that we should study abortion.’ So, we did a study recently about abortion laws and it wasn't taking a stand particularly, but it was a study just to understand the abortion laws in Utah. Sometimes those studies are to educate our members and then, they come up with their own personal opinions on it. Sometimes the study is a consensus study, when we're really trying to come up with a position. We're cautious and we're careful. We really want to make sure that we're not

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

making rash positions, but have our posi tions based on study,” she said.

While more than 300 local members gather annually, smaller groups study the issues monthly. “We also have our commit tees, such as the voting committee, and those committees might meet weekly because we have so much work we do. We work to reg ister voters; they go out to educate voters.

In the past, we have taught high schoolers about the importance of voters and register them; we have gone to naturalization cere monies and helped them register as new citi zens,” Bona said.

Currently, they’re updating Vote411 (vote411.org), a personalized voting web site, which after entering a residential ad dress, voters can explore their candidates’ information, learn about upcoming elections and how to register and find out polling loca tions. The site covers local, state and nation al election information.

For example, currently the website states that voters need to be registered by Oct. 28 for the next general election on Nov. 8.

“We have groups of people, men and women, all over the country, including here in Salt Lake, formulating questions for our candidates for every race and every elec tion,” she said. “It’s one of the only places that candidates can answer these questions. We do not edit what they write. It’s com pletely nonpartisan. There's no ‘gotcha’ questions. Every candidate has the opportu nity in their own words to answer questions. You can pick a question and put the candi dates’ views side by side to compare their answers. They can put in YouTube videos so it’s educating voters and it’s completely fair to the candidates. It’s really just to inform the voters.”

The League of Women Voters also sponsors debates or candidate forums “so that voters can hear from the candidates,” Bona added.

As part of the League, some members called Observer Corps (see page 10) attend local city meetings.

“Our goal is that we have a League of Women Voters observer at every city coun cil meeting, at the racial equity and policing commission meeting and at the planning meetings just to hear what's going on and to take notes and report back to our members what is happening because local govern ment is incredibly important,” she said. “Of tentimes, people are busy in their lives and things get overlooked so our Observer Corps is doing that work for us. We’ve done a lot of great things like finding out ranked choice voting and about the gravel pit in the canyon and letting people know when the council was going to be discussing issues and en couraging people to contact their council members. Our Observer Corps believes in

transparency and accessible government, so we go and find out what they’re doing and report back so our members can follow their own conscience and reach out to their lead ers and let them know what they think.”

Many issues are shared on their website and in their weekly email briefings.

Education is an issue “what our mem bers are passionate about,” Bona said. “We cover every single school board race and make sure that we’ve researched it and have good questions to ask the candidate. We cov er the school board races and make sure all citizens are educated about the issues, par ticularly in K-12 education in Utah. There

are serious issues related to inclusion, issues related to all kinds of things in education. We’re focusing on educating to make sure people know who the different candidates are on the local school boards, what’s moti vating them, why they’re running and what their intentions are. That is incredibly im portant right now. We’re not saying, vote for this candidate or that candidate. We believe in empowering voters. We ask questions. We have candidates answer those questions, and the voters read those and how they decide who is the best to represent them and their options. It doesn’t matter to us how they vote. It’s not our business. We just want them to be educated and to vote.”l

Salt Lake League of Women Voter Services Director Helen Moser registers a new citizen at a naturaliza tion ceremony Aug. 25 at Bryce Canyon National Park. (Photo courtesy of Peter Densmore/National Park Service)

Norma Wills, the natural resources director for the League of Women Voters of Utah, volunteered at the recent Salt Lake festival at 9th and 9th to register voters. (Shauna Bona/League of Women Voters)

Margie McCloy, a Salt Lake League of Women Vot ers member and volunteer, talks to the community about the League and the importance of voting. (Shauna Bona/League of Women Voters)

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

“My feet feel like they're on fire.” “Each step feels like I'm walking through wet paint. ” “I live in constant fear that I’ll fall.” “I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night.”

What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It's estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.

Dr. Stephanie Scott of Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic in Sandy shares this belief. “I’ve been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for over five years and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis. They saw one of my print ads, or read the testimonial of another patient and say to themselves, ‘hey, I feel the same thing’.”

Frankie M. of Draper testified to this. “I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious I just kept thinking ‘I would give anything just to walk again’. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed."

Fortunately Frankie would eventually hear from a friend, who was experiencing similar symptoms, about Dr. Scott and how she offers a real solution at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. "I just knew I had to see her. She was my last hope.” “Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Frankie's. They've been everywhere else. They've been told there's no hope. They've been told 'it's just part of getting older’,” shares Dallin, a Patient Care Coordinator at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic. “It just breaks my heart but I know how much we can help people like Frankie, so I'm always so happy when they walk through our door. ”

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve. Which is why Dr. Scott and the staff at Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic pride themselves on being ‘the last resort with the best results’.

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow in the hands and feet. A lack of blood flow results in a lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. “In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing," shares Dr. Scott. “This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread.”

So how exactly is Dr. Scott able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? “Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the affected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. This is tech that was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing."

“I just can't say enough about Salt Lake Acupuncture Clinic,” Frankie shared through tears of joy. “My husband and I moved here three years ago and he's gone hiking almost everyday. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I went hiking with him!

And next week we're starting ballroom dance lessons. I am truly living life these days.”

According to Frankie’s test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients,” shares Dallin. “But more important than those test results

is the joy she's expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she's able to do because she feels great!”

By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions, Dr. Scott has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy. She starts each patient with an initial consultation, during which a sensory exam is performed.

“This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred,” explains Dr. Scott. “This is important because if a patient has suffered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I'm familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine.”

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery.

If you or someone you love is suffering from chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling or ‘pins and needles’ or you've recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it's important to know that there are options.

There is hope!

Call (801) 477 7966 to schedule an initial consultation or visit SLCacu.com.

Observer Corps helps residents engage with important issues at council meetings

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

During the Sandy City Council meeting on Aug. 16, Kirby Croyle introduced fellow resident Robyn Palmer, who has stepped up as the new Sandy City Council observer for the League of Women Voters in Salt Lake.

Croyle, who is chair of the League’s Salt Lake County and Local Government Committee and leads the Observer Corps, most recently held the role.

“Our mandate is to make sure voting is accessible, that voters are protected, and make sure voters have access to the informa tion they need to make rational, reasonable decisions based upon their wishes and their desires,” Croyle said.

Observers are volunteers with the League who take notes at public meetings. According to the League’s website, the ob server corps aims to demonstrate to local officials that residents care about the issues.

“The observers each have their own designated councils,” Palmer said. “The ob server will attend the meetings in person, on Zoom, or even watching a recording after wards. But I’ve found it great to be there in person. The council notices your participa tion in a different way. Being accountable feels very different when people show up.”

After each meeting, the observers share their notes with the League.

“The notes are in a secure site, internal

just to the League in Utah — we don’t send it elsewhere — and all the observers that cover our local and county government committees activity,” Croyle said. “Some of the things we identify may cause a study to happen. If there’s an area of concern that comes up in various communities we’ll do a study and take it to different councils or the state legislature. So the hard part is we’re trying to be open-mind ed, nonjudgmental and nonpartisan, and yet still hold our government accountable for the areas they are responsible for.”

The League of Women Voters was orig inally formed in 1920 to help women take a larger role in civics after winning the right to vote. The League is now open to men and operates at the local, state and national level across the United States.

“Not all Leagues have observers,” Croyle said. “Our county is so full of vibrant, busy city councils so it’s been very inter esting. Also there’s lots of folks here in the mountain region who are good at presenting themselves so there’s lots of comments and input, which I think is pretty remarkable.”

Palmer is a relative newcomer to the area. Originally from California, she moved to San dy to be near family in 2021. She has been following the League for nearly a year and formally joined a few months ago after being impressed with their focus on voter education.

“I think some of my newness allows me to ask questions,” Palmer said. “So my ig norance is actually helping me, I think. Kir by told me if it feels important to you, it’s going to be important to other people in the League. That gives me more confidence to write up those notes.”

The League also promotes policy deci sions in alignment with its goals. According to Palmer, introducing ranked choice voting is one of the issues the League has had an im pact on recently. Ranked choice was first im plemented in Sandy City elections last year.

Above all, the League just wants resi dents to vote.

“We trust that voters will know which way to vote,” Croyle said. “We tell you if you’re eligible, when to vote and what posi tions to vote on.”

Cyndi Sharkey, a Sandy City Council member at-large since 2020, has also vol unteered with the League. Several years ago she served as an observer during a Utah State Legislative session.

“I was concerned about the divisive state of partisan politics,” Sharkey said. “I just won dered if volunteering with the League and hav ing some involvement with state politics would help me feel like I was doing something.”

Sharkey was a planning commissioner at the time, and ultimately decided to run for a position in local government.

“I appreciate the League of Women Vot ers and always welcome their involvement in Sandy City Council meetings,” Sharkey said. “Their legacy as the original suffragettes and their continued dedication to voter engage ment and education deserves respect.” l

Kirby Croyle introduces Sandy resident Robyn Palmer, a new member of the League of Women Voters observer corps, to the Sandy City Council Aug. 16. (Screenshot image courtesy Sandy City)

Robyn Palmer began observing Sandy City Coun cil meetings on behalf of the League of Women Voters in August. (Screenshot image courtesy Sandy City)

ing water.

Barbee also reminded fair visitors that stormwater pollution can be avoid ed by using garden chemicals sparingly, never washing cement waste into storm drains, keeping gutters clean and not washing waste into the street.

“Keeping water clean is so neces sary,” Barbee said. “Stormwater isn’t treated. Everything just washes into the Jordan River, and you wouldn’t want to drink that water.”

Jill Fletcher, Trans-Jordan Landfill’s public and community education coor dinator, hosted a presentation that listed items that don’t go into recycle bins in cluding glass, styrofoam, food waste and wrappers, and napkins.

“The biggest mistake people make is putting all their recycling into a plastic bag and tying it shut,” she said. “Those items won’t be recycled. It’s better to drop them into the bin loosely.”

Sego Lily Gardens promotes water

wise plants and residents can visit the gardens from April through September to get ideas about how to reduce their wa ter footprint. This year, the fair offered a plant swap to encourage residents to use drought-tolerant foliage.

Danielle DesRosier, a gardener at Sego Lily Gardens, said it’s easy to get discouraged when saving water can feel overwhelming, but even a little bit of con servation can make a difference.

“I’ve seen a lot of people with dirt yards where they’ve dug up their lawn,” DesRosier said. “If just 5% of the people just conserved 5% of water they normally used, we’d save a gazillion gallons.”

Visitors at the fair were encouraged to participate in the Utah Pollinator Pursuit, an initiative to protect bees and monarch butterflies. Residents are asked to record encounters with pollinators by uploading photos and location information on the site. For more information, visit utah.gov/ monarchconservationinutah/get-involved.

l

not a

Council should be

people

Suzanne Harrison is a doctor at Riverton Hospital and represents Sandy and Draper in the state legislature. She has devoted her life to helping our community and has always put progress and fiscal responsibility above politics and partisanship.

Jordan High theatre students excited for upcoming performances

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Jordan High’s theater program is gaining mo mentum after the dark COVID-19 days, with about 70 students heading to compete in the 46th annual high school Shakespearean competition and at least that many taking part in their fall mu sical, “Once Upon a Mattress.”

Before the Sept. 29 through Oct. 1 com petition in Cedar City, students were to take the stage in late September to perform for their com munity all their Shakespeare pieces, including vignettes from “Richard III,” dance and choir pieces and various scenes and monologues. Jordan’s stage tech crew also was scheduled to compete in Tech Olympics.

Director Suzie DuVal said that she was looking for an ensemble piece to showcase stu dents and found it in “Richard III.”

“I have a lot of really talented senior girls this year and I was looking for something that really showed them off and that they could be really powerful in and ‘Richard III’ fit; and Rich ard is a great role for a guy so I really like it and think it’s really cool,” she said, adding that the Shakespeare team members are from her audi tioned Advanced Theatre class as it is with the auditioned choir classes under JP Kentros and dance classes, under Sloane Love.

However, the school musical, which will be at 7 p.m., Nov. 3-5 and again on Nov. 7, is open to any student who auditions. It will be per formed in Jordan’s auditorium, 95 E. Beetdigger Lane.

“We did ‘Once Upon a Mattress’ eight years ago, but it just seems the right fit for this group this year. There are lots of role opportuni ties and I’m pretty excited about it. For example, the jester could be someone tall, someone short, could be a girl or a guy. It gave us a lot of flexi bility,” DuVal said.

With a cast of about 40, and another 10 to 15 students in the pit choir, plus a pit orchestra and tech crew, DuVal is working with students’ schedules to involve as many as possible.

“We’re doing a pit choir because we had some kids that really wanted to do the show, but they couldn’t commit to the full rehearsal sched ule. They’re going to sing backstage with mics and help fill out our sound. We’re excited about giving them more experience and opportunity and it’s a way we can pull in more students,” she said, adding that Eastmont Middle School students also will be included in this year’s pro duction.

While DuVal and Nicole Lopez are direct ing the show, the musical director is Kentros and the conductor is Jordan Wright. Choreography is by Taylor Sibley Meredith.

Tickets are $6 at the door or through the HomeTown Fan App.

Following the musical will be the theater department’s “Night of Broadway” 7 p.m., Dec. 15. Tickets will be $5.

“It’s an evening of Broadway music that serves as a fundraiser for our trip to UTA’s (Utah Theater Association) conference in January,” she said.

Jordan then will perform in their yet-to-beannounced school play Feb. 23-27, 2023, before hosting region one-act plays March 9. Then, the Beetdiggers will travel across town to Alta High on March 23 for region individual acts. State

competition is in April.

Those competition pieces will be show cased at 7 p.m., March 6 for the community.

The Beetdiggers’ final performances will be a Theatre II showcase at 7 p.m., May 9 and student-directed one-act plays at 7 p.m., May 17-18; both performances will be in the school’s choir room, to “provide a more intimate” experi ence, DuVal said.

“I hope to have a bunch of student-written pieces that we’ll produce,” she said.

Jordan High also will have their improv team perform several times during the year; the first show is scheduled for November.

“Our team is a drop in and is open to any body in drama club so they can just come if they want to perform in the show,” she said, adding that students come to rehearsals beforehand and are part of the school drama club. “Sometimes we’ll have 20 students, sometimes we’ll have 30. We really like having the opportunity; it’s been a great place for students who want to per form and maybe can’t make a full commitment to a show. I really think it helps build skills of my younger performers as they’re getting more opportunities to perform.”

In addition to supporting the improv team, the school drama club provides students with social occasions, service through middle school workshops, and opportunities to attend profes sional theater shows. l

RICHARD SNELGROVE

• Supports well funded Police for safe neighborhoods

• Received the prestigious "Taxpayer Advocate" award from the Utah Taxpayers Association in recognition of efforts to avoid tax increases and improve efficiency

• Believes in bipartisanship in working with Democrat and Republican colleagues

• Widely recognized as a trustworthy, dedicated and hard working public servant

• Baseball coach and Boy Scout leader

• Graduate of The University of Utah...go Utes!

• Married to JoLynn Turner and are parents of 4 children with 9 grandchildren

• Business executive. Founder and President of Snelgrove Travel Centers Inc. Celebrating 30 years in business

Jordan High students rehearse music under the direction of choir teacher JP Kentros for their upcoming production. (Suzie DuVal/Jordan High)

Paid for by Friends of Snelgrove

Indian Hills Middle: Where Everyone Belongs

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ducing them to teachers and staff, giving them a tour of the campus and navigating their way to their classrooms on their school schedules and even giving them insider information on how to open their school lockers.

Before school began this fall, the hallways at Indian Hills Middle School were filled with students.

It wasn’t just a place where these young teens were hanging out. Rather eighth-grade students were being trained for 10 hours to prepare and welcome this year’s sixth-grade class as well as learning how to handle certain situations, how to direct sixth-graders that may need help, and how to develop leader ship skills.

These 70 eighth-grade leaders are part of the WEB — Where Everyone Belongs — program and in August, they were mentoring 400 incoming sixth-grade students by intro

“The big thing about WEB is that these eighth-graders remember how it feels to be new to the building, so they’re here to help smooth the anxieties that these new students may have,” said Kerry Butcher, who along with Aarica Hamilton and Gage Pulsifer over see the program. “We have many sixth-grad ers who are scared to come to middle school; they have this preconceived notion of what middle school is going to be and how these eighth-graders are going to be these big, bad, scary people. When they come here on Friday before school starts, they come in very timid and very scared. After we’ve done all of these activities, we see this calm come across our sixth-graders, because they know what to ex pect. They’ve seen the school, they know that the eighth-graders aren’t big and scary that they are there to help them and they’re much more at ease.”

The program isn’t just an orientation day. On the first day of school, the mentors sit with the sixth-graders at lunch.

“We want everybody to have somebody to sit with that first day,” Butcher said. “Then, after that when we have activities. Often, we

see sixth-graders gravitate back to their WEB leader to check in with them and get advice and help. I like how this intergrates the rela tionships, provides sixth-grader students with mentors and it gives those eighth-graders a sense of ownership and responsibility and they’re better advocates and representatives for school.”

Teacher-librarian Marissa Merket has seen the program expand since its inception 2015 under then Principal Floyd Stensrud. Often, she said, the eighth-grade WEB lead ers plan several activities during the year to do with the younger students.

“Through WEB, we want to be ensured our sixth-graders are comfortable, making sure that they have a successful start at school and then, continue that with having our eighth-graders at a lot of activities,” she said. “I’ve worked at other campuses where sev enth-graders, who were the youngest, were just scared and they didn’t even open a locker and they didn’t know the building at all. The WEB program gives them a chance to feel welcome and at home.”

Butcher said this year WEB leaders have planned a Halloween carnival in October fol lowed by a hot chocolate scavenger hunt. In the past, eighth-graders have written notes and given candy to the sixth-graders for Val entine’s Day and have had festivities in the

cafeteria on St. Patrick’s Day.

“The eighth-graders prepare the games and activities beforehand and then they make sure that the sixth-graders know where to go and are having a good time,” she said. “I think this really brings together a sense of commu nity between our students. When you take the kids out of the classroom, which is so struc tured, and give them just a little bit more free time in a safe environment to make those rela tionships with other sixth-graders, who might not be in their same classes, or to solidify the relationship friendship with the eighth-grade mentor, it’s a good thing. It’s also good to have those eighth-graders with them through out the year and just to let the sixth- graders know that there is still somebody out there who’s thinking about them and who wants them to have a good year.”

Merket said she’s seen the eighth-grad ers become empowered and feel a sense of responsibility and ownership for the program.

“Those eighth-graders wear a shirt that’s given to them with the WEB design and the words, ‘Warriors Stick Together’ and it really brings out that these eighth-grade students are kind and loving and want to help their peers and help them understand that they’re safe here,” she said. “It really is giving these stu dents leadership skills and realizing the im portance of connection.” l

Indian Hills eighth-grade WEB team welcomes sixth-grade students to their new school. (Marissa Merket/Indian Hills Middle)

Waterford to begin theatre season with ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ ‘The Tempest’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Waterford

School will open its theatre season with plays from arguably the greatest playwright, William Shakespeare.

“Shakespeare is very much the foundation of Waterford’s theatre department,” theatre director Javen Tanner said. “In the upper school, we perform Shakespeare every year as one of three plays we put on each year. The middle school doesn’t always do Shakespeare, but there was a middle school Shake speare camp this summer, and they studied ‘The Tempest.’ Then, they went down to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and saw the production there, so they’ll be performing it this term.”

Waterford’s middle school will perform “The Tempest” at 7 p.m., Oct. 14-15, as well as at 3 p.m. on Oct. 15. The per formance, directed by Riya Sahasrabudhe, is free.

The upper school will perform “Romeo and Juliet” at 7 p.m., Nov. 11-12, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Nov. 12 in Water ford’s black box theatre, 1480 E. 9400 South. Tickets for the free show are available on the school website.

“The thing that makes this fall really special is that I’ve been in Waterford now for 16 years and I’ve directed 18 Shakespeare plays in that time, but this will be the first time that we ever done ‘Romeo and Juliet,’” said Tanner, who hopes to someday direct all of Shakespeare’s plays. “This just felt right. I looked at the kids that I have and how they matched to the play. I love the play; I often teach the play. It’s such a masterpiece, but it just has never felt like the right one

and the right moment. This year, it’s right. I’m really excited to dig into ‘Romeo and Juliet.’”

The upper school’s cast will be about 25 students and is expected to begin rehearsals in early October.

“The thing that’s fascinating about ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is that they’re teenagers and you get that sort of teenage angsty love a lot with ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ And these high school kids, they’re the age of the characters, which is not the case in most of the Shakespeare that we do,” he said.

The performance will be set in the 1960s.

“I just want it to have a very sleek, clean look, a mini malistic look with beautiful costumes from that era,” he said. “It’s a time when the gender roles existed and were still pret ty traditional. So, you can get a lot of the angst that comes from that out of those lines. I didn’t want to do the sort of typical Elizabethan piece and look because we’ve done so much Shakespeare at Waterford that I want the kids to see that you can really play around with space and time when you do Shakespeare….”

While the play is part of the seventh-grade reading, Tan ner plans to teach it in his dramatic literature class.

“We’ll start reading it right around the performance so a lot of the kids will already know it and we will start talking about it in class,” he said. “‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a play that is so iconic. The name of it is so well known and it’s been adapted in so many ways. In some ways, it can be easy to kind of just to discount it in a way to think that ‘Oh, it’s just this love story. It’s not as important to play as say ‘Hamlet’ or ‘King Lear.’’ But that is incorrect. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a masterpiece from top to bottom. It is so well written. The

At Sandy Music Academy, we teach a variety of instruments and disciplines, accepting students across all ages and abilities.

Located in Sandy, Utah and online, our teachers are warm, encouraging and EXCITED about their instruments! We ensure our teachers carefully personalize each 30 minute lesson to the specific needs and passions of the student.

Our instructors are University-trained and/or have professional performance experience. Although we value education and skill, the ultimate assets we ensure our teachers possess is kindness, patience and a fun approach to learning. Our instructors have access to continual training. This provides our students with motivation, variety, up-to-date industry trends and above-standard technique.

our students with motivation, variety, up-to-date

Sandy Music Academy welcomes a diversity of people and maintains a profanity-free, non-smoking and alcohol-free environment.

Waterford will present William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” this November. (Courtesy of Waterford School)

characters are fascinating. Every time I read it, every time I see it, I’m reminded just what an astonishing work it is. It’s not a surprise that Shakespeare wrote this tragic master piece about the same time he wrote the comic masterpiece, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ as the two plays are connected. Both plays are two of the most performed plays in the history of the world because they’re so well written and so good. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is not some fluff play. It is truly one of the greatest pieces of theatre ever written.”

The upper school students also will perform in two yet-to-be-announced shows during the school year, and they will have the opportunity to work with Tanner and The Sting and Honey, a residential company at the Eccles Theatre, with a December nativity story told through poetry, mask and music.

“I cast my students in various appropri ate roles for them with the company. They get an opportunity to work with the profes sional actors who work with us in the Salt Lake Valley and kind of dip their toe in the professional theatre world here in Salt Lake,” he said.

While many public comprehensive high school theatre programs put on musicals and go to competitions, Tanner said that is not the direction of Waterford’s theatre program.

“We do straight plays. We do comedies, dramas and tragedies, all kinds of different plays, but always straight plays. And some times, we’ll do some very silly and over

the top like, I love to do a farce, but I di rect straight theatre,” Tanner said. “We are an acting-focused program. Waterford has an intensive acting training program that pre pares them for the college level.”

Students’ study ranges from different mask techniques to the tradition of clown and the commedia dell’arte tradition.

Waterford theater core curriculum cov ers movement; voice, diction, and articula tion; and the fundamentals of the Stanislavs ki approach to acting or various techniques that encourage actors to create believable characters and put themselves in the place of a character. Elective classes include dramat ics theory, dramatic literature, and a specific course on Shakespeare. l

OCTOBER – NOVEMBER

IN THIS ISSUE:

Z News 1

Sandy Arts: Spelling Bee 2

American West Symphony 2

Code Enforcement Corner 2

Alta Canyon Sports Center 3

River Oaks Golf Course 3

Community Flag Contest 3

Parks & Recreation 4

Healthy Sandy Champion 4

Sandy Service Ambassador 4

Domestic Violence Awareness 5

Honorable Judge Paul C. Farr 5

HR Jobs Corner 5

Water Conservation By the Numbers 6

Hazardous Waste & Reuse Facility 6

Bulk Waste Rules 6

Calendar of Events 6

Dear Sandy Resident,

Last month, UDOT released an Environmental Impact Statement announcing a recommendation for a phased approach before a gondola is built for Little Cottonwood Canyon. It is a mixed bag result and I would have preferred UDOT had dismissed the gondola proposal altogether in favor of enhanced busing, but the decision to recommend a phased approach rst, is prudent. is will allow time to implement sensible, cost-e ective solutions like enhanced buses, mobility hubs, parking improvements, and tolling before incurring massive public cost to build out infrastructure if other strategies work well.

Now is the time for residents, environmental groups, ski resorts, developers, and elected o cials to work together to deliver real progress to manage user demand for the canyon we all love and want to protect. Last year we saw immense success in Little Cottonwood Canyon when Alta implemented its parking reservation system. We need real-time, on-demand technologies that o er free market

incentives like preferred parking for large group carpools, surge tolling for peak travel times, and lift ticket pricing based on rolling start and end times before the public is tapped for investment. Convenient apps and reservations could go a long way to help customers know how to plan for an enjoyable, a ordable day in the mountains. ere’s a lot that can be done.

It is my hope that with the time we now have to develop interim strategies, we can make substantial improvements to reduce headaches and safety concerns while meeting UDOT’s goal of reducing vehicle tra c by 30% without road widening. I’m con dent we can do this by focusing the time, talent, innovation, and resources of the broad groups who are united in our love of our majestic canyon.

ere are many decisions still to be made, including how this will all be funded. Utah residents can make their voice heard, in this EIS process and also at election time. Please take time to read the nal EIS and make sure to leave your public comment by October 17th, even if

you have already done so earlier in the process.

e ght for protecting our natural resources will never end and I ask everyone to continue to engage on the EIS. Take public transit or carpool when you head up the canyon. is is the time to demonstrate that local people will bring the best solutions to solve our tra c problems without destroying the natural beauty of the canyon or emptying the public purse.

I want to thank all the citizens for weighing in on this process and thank UDOT for incorporating the diverse voices and stakeholders. As Sandy City Mayor, I am committed to working together to protect our air quality, watershed, and recreation opportunities for Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Don’t forget about the mayor’s public o ce hours for residents every rst ursday of the month from 2pm until 4 pm. To schedule a meeting to discuss any issue with me, please contact Cortney Kuntz at ckuntz@sandy.utah.gov.

e focus of my e orts as Mayor are transparency and sharing important messages with our community, so people in Sandy are the most informed and up to date. Sign up for Sandy My Alerts to be contacted via text, email and calls during an emergency at sandy.utah.gov/myalerts. For all of the ways to connect with us, visit sandy.utah. gov/CitizenConnect

You can always connect to our City websites sandy. utah.gov and SandyNow.com and by accessing our social media channels Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for daily updated information @sandycityut. To reach me directly, please send an email to mayor@sandy. utah.gov. To request a meeting or appearance with the mayor, ll out the meeting request form at www.sandy. utah.gov/mayor

Yours in Service, Mayor Monica Zoltanski

Photo contest winner: Kari Boyd-Peak

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Code Enforcement Corner

How does Sandy City’s snow removal program work?

Sandy’s snow removal program is designed to help keep the City’s roadways as safe and accessible as possible during and after snowstorms. A snow removal operation will run continuously until the roads are safe to travel. In some cases, it will run around the clock until complete. Since safety is the rst priority, school zones and main roadways are plowed rst.

When these areas are clean, then collectors and arterials are plowed, followed by subdivision streets, cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads. If the storm is continuous and heavy, the plows will continue to open the main roadways, and school zones as necessary, returning to the lower priority streets as soon as possible. is snow removal plan focuses both in the areas that carry the majority of the tra c in the City, and the areas where safety is of the utmost importance.

An eclectic group of six tweens vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, they spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soulcrushing, pout-inducing, life un-a rming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, e 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Content note: is show is recommended for ages 12 and up due to innuendo and some language.

How long will it take to get my streets plowed?

During a normal snowstorm, all of the streets within the city can be cleared in approximately 24 hours. As main roadways and school zones are completed, the plows will move into the collectors, arterials, and subdivision areas. In order to provide access to all areas as quickly as possible, a snowplow will rst make a single pass through a subdivision area, then with all areas open, the truck will return and widen out the plowed path. is method of snow removal helps to open up all areas of the city in the shortest possible time.

Storms with greater than average snowfall or duration will take a longer period of time to clear. In circumstances where larger amounts of snow have accumulated either in one storm, or through a series of storms, placement of the snow becomes more critical and may take a longer period of time.

When do I have to clear the sidewalk of snow?

Sandy City ordinance requires that all property owners clear adjacent sidewalks of snow within 24 hours after the end of the storm.

Can I park my vehicle on the street during the winter?

Between November 1st and April 1st, vehicles may not park overnight on City streets. While the restriction only limits vehicles to overnight parking, Sandy City encourages vehicle owners to keep the streets clear when snow is on the ground.

Parking on the street after a snowstorm makes it di cult for snowplows to clear the streets. It also makes for hazardous driving for other vehicles trying to maneuver through the deep snow. If a car is plowed-in following a storm, the snow may freeze making it nearly impossible to move the car.

What will happen if I do park my vehicle overnight?

e Police Department may issue a parking citation, and/or have vehicles that are parked on the street impounded (towed), especially during or shortly after a snowstorm.

THE AMERICAN WEST SYMPHONY

Joel Rosenberg, Music Director

Berlioz: Roman Carnival Overture

Beethoven: Symphony No 7

Saturday, October 8th at 7:30 pm

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

8575 S 700 E Sandy

Tickets: $10 (adults), $8 (students), $5 (youth, 7-5)

Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 pm

Libby Gardner Concert Hall, 1375 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City

Tickets: $12.50 (general admission) $6.50 (faculty, sta , seniors, non-U of U students) $0 (U of U students)

Tickets available at the box o ce.

The snowplows push snow into my freshly cleared driveway. Isn’t there a better way to clear the streets?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a better way to clear streets. e snow has to go somewhere, and to make our roads safe, that somewhere is the side of the road.

Snowplow blades are designed to push snow to the side of the road. e driver has no other option as to where the snow goes. Homeowners are asked to wait until the street is cleared prior to cleaning out the drive approach.

How can I help with snow removal?

ere are several ways that citizens can help the snow removal e ort to proceed quickly and smoothly. First, be aware of the snowplows that are working in your area, and where you are driving. Be careful not to follow too closely, or to block their path. If possible, let the plow pass before you enter an intersection. Second, as you shovel your sidewalks and driveways, do not place the snow in the street. Not only is this against the law, but if it freezes in the street, it can damage the plow and slow the snow removal operation. ird, when it is snowing, or if a snowstorm is coming, remove your vehicles from the street. If vehicles are left in the roadway, the plow must plow around them. is slows down the snow removal operation, increases the chance of accidents, and will increase the amount of snow that you will need to shovel in order to move your vehicle. Vehicles not removed from the roadway may receive a citation or be towed away.

As wintertime approaches, here are some reminders about the city’s snow removal process and what citizens can do to help.

9565 S. Highland Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092

HALLOWEEN HOURS

Monday, October 31

5:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

No PM Aerobics classes

PLAY & LEARN PRESCHOOL

September 6 – May 26

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Children will enjoy their day at Play & Learn Preschool with a variety of games and activities! ere is playtime, class time, lunch, and more playtime. Our teachers work hard to make learning fun and engaging.

New for 2022: Extended hours with additional fee available. See website for more information.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL (K-5TH GRADE)

Your child deserves a better way to go to and from school. Our services make it easy for you by providing a safe, reliable way to get your kids where they need to go. We also provide crafts, snacks, and games while they are with us. Give your child the best!

Schools: Brookwood, Granite, Park Lane, Quail Hollow, Silver Mesa, and Willow Canyon. Sign up online.

NOW HIRING

If you are looking for a fun and exciting job, this would be perfect!

• Free Center Membership.

• Build your resume.

• Make new friends & meet new people! Check it out at: https://jobs.citysuitehr.com/sandycity

PERSONAL TRAINING

Do you want an experienced personal trainer to help you get t and motivate you in the process? If so, then our personal trainer is perfect for you! With over 20 years of experience, she is up to date on the latest tness trends and knows how to design a training plan that will suit your needs.

Email tess@fuz tness.com to set up an appointment.

KARATE:

Dedicated to teaching Shotokan Karate, IMA is a family-oriented dojo o ering classes to children and adults of all abilities and levels.

Friday night class at Alta Canyon Sports Center from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. www.imautah.com

River Oaks Golf Course

9300 South Riverside Drive, Sandy, Utah (801) 568-4653

Sandy.utah.gov/golf

BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN GOLF AT RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE!

Come enjoy one of the valley’s most beautiful golf courses. To reserve your tee time visit us online at sandy.utah.gov/golf or call 801-568-4653 to book your tee time.

e Banquet Facility located in the River Oaks Clubhouse is one of the most popular venues in the valley. Our friendly sta will make your special event memorable and worry free. Family dinner, receptions, weddings and golf tournaments will enjoy a fabulous view of our pristine, golf course along the heavily wooded Jordan River. Adjacent to the banquet room, the River Oaks Café o ers excellent grilled food and golf fare. We cater all events on location and o er a large variety of menu items.

For more information, call Kelly Christensen at 801-231-5250.

North Range facility is open all month for late season practice. Come down and hit a bucket of balls or use our practice green and bunker to improve your short game!

PARKS & RECREATION

NOW HIRING

Sport O cials/Referees/Umpires

Youth $12.00 - $16.00/hour

Adult $16.00 - $24.00/hour

Must be 14 years old to apply Sandy.utah.gov/jobs

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Registration deadline is October 2. Leagues for Girls 5-6 & 7-8 grades. Games begin Saturday, October 22. Cost: $60. More detailed information available at sandy.utah.gov/registration

JUNIOR JAZZ BASKETBALL

Registration deadline for the 2022–23 season is November 13. Boys & Girls leagues for PreK-12 grades. Practices begin in December 2022 with games starting January 2023. Cost: $50-85 depending on grade. More detailed information available at sandy.utah.gov/registration

TURKEY TROT 5K RUN

Register now for our Annual Turkey Trot 5K on November 12.

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Lone Peak Park (Gazebo) - 10140 South 700 East

Registration Fee: $25/individual or $20/family or groups

Registration Deadline: In person Wednesday, November 9 at 5:00 p.m.

Online Registration: Closes on ursday, November 10 at 7:00 a.m.

Packet pick-up: Friday, November 11 from 8 am – 5 p.m. - 440 E. 8680 S.

Late Registration: November 11-12 in person only!

Late Registration Fee: $30/individual or $25/family or groups

Day of race registration at Lone Peak Park from 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

To register or for more information visit sandy.utah.gov/registration

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Spring Soccer & Adult Softball Registration begins Tuesday, January 17, 2023 (for returning Sandy 2022 spring & fall teams)

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR ALL PROGRAMS: sandy.utah.gov/registration

PARKS & RECREATION

JOB OPENINGS: sandy.utah.gov/jobs

In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sandy City and the Sandy City Police Department want to help educate the community about some of the misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse.

Because domestic violence is traditionally cloaked in shame and fear, a lot of misinformation exists. Some conclusions about domestic violence that are prevalent in society are grossly inaccurate and extremely harmful to survivors. One way that our community can help address this issue is to challenge these misconceptions through education. The less society perpetuates these myths, the harder it is for the abuse to continue.

Some of the most common myths about domestic abuse include:

MYTH: Domestic abuse always involves physical violence.

Domestic abuse takes many forms because it is centered around power and control. It can manifest in physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, harassment, stalking, or online/digital abuse.

MYTH: Women often lie about abuse.

False reports of domestic violence are extremely rare. This myth can be very damaging because the fear of not being believed deters victims from reporting the abuse. Abusers help perpetuate this myth because they do not want the victim to be believed.

MYTH: The victim can always just walk away from the relationship.

There are many reasons that a victim may not be able to leave a relationship including fear, lack of a safe place to go, and the inability to financially care for themselves or their children. Threats of violence/harm keep many victims trapped in abusive situations as the most dangerous time for a victim is when they attempt to leave the relationship or if the abuser thinks they have made plans to leave.

MYTH: Alcohol or substance abuse causes domestic violence.

Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate violent individuals, but they are not causes of domestic violence. They can lower the inhibitions of already violent people. Often, the violence gets blamed on the substance and not on the person committing the abuse. Abusers themselves often use their drug or alcohol abuse as an excuse for their violent behavior.

MYTH: People who are religious do not abuse their partners and are not victims of abuse. It doesn’t happen in my community, neighborhood, or religion.

Domestic violence happens to members of every race, religion, and age group. It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Abusers and victims can be religious people and many survivors have deep religious beliefs, which may keep them in abusive relationships because they want to keep their families together.

MYTH: Domestic violence only happens in poor or uneducated households.

Domestic violence does not discriminate, it occurs at every socioeconomic level. Unfortunately, women with fewer financial means are more vulnerable to abuse and are less likely to have the financial resources to leave. Abusers exert financial control across all socioeconomic levels to keep their partners dependent, and the more financially dependent a person is, the more abuse they will likely experience.

MYTH: Domestic violence is an anger management or impulse control issue.

Domestic violence is not an anger issue. Anger is just one tool that an abuser will use to get what they want or stay in control. Abusers exhibit extreme control by being able to stop the abusive behavior when there is a knock at the door or the phone rings; they often direct the abuse to parts of a victim’s body where injuries will not be seen; and they do not abuse everyone that makes them angry but wait until they are alone with the person they claim to love.

For more information about domestic violence and how you can get involved in prevention and intervention, please visit the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at: udvc.org. If you, or someone you know, is in an abusive relationship and need help, please contact an advocate with the Sandy Police Department at 801-568-4627, 801-568-4628, or 801-568-7283. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition also offers a 24-hour domestic violence crisis line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).

To volunteer with the Sandy Police Department as an advocate, please contact Aubrey McKnight at 801-568-4628 or amcknight@sandy.utah.gov.

The Honorable Judge Paul C. Farr has been serving in the Sandy Justice Court for over 10 years and has been a sitting Judge for the past 12 years. Currently, Judge Farr is the Presiding Judge in both the Sandy City and Town of Alta Justice Courts and serves the State Judiciary as a member of the Justice Court Board of Judges, the Utah Judicial Council and Management Committee.

Judge Farr was born and raised in Oakley, Utah and graduated with an A.S. in History from Dixie State University, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Weber State University and a J.D. from Brigham Young University and is a member of the Utah State Bar.

In 2017, Judge Farr was awarded Judge of the Year by the Board of Justice Court Judges and in 2018 was awarded the Quality of Justice Award by the Utah Judicial Council. Judge Farr also currently heads the Committee on Justice Court Reform.

In his free time Judge Farr enjoys spending time with his family and competing in Cowboy shooting competitions.

“Judge Farr really takes the time to do the job right and serve the people of Sandy City. His work on the Judicial Council and the many committees shows his commitment to the ideals and mission of the courts to improve the quality of life in our communities and protect the rights of those who are brought before him,” said Melisse Stiglich, a Sandy City Court Administrator.

The Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission evaluates judges in Utah to inform citizens of the competency and effectiveness of Judges across the state. In 2020, Judge Farr was evaluated by volunteer courtroom observers, attorneys who appear before him and staff in the Sandy Justice Court. Below is an excerpt of what they found:

“Respondents and courtroom observers, alike, suggest that the judge exemplifies procedural fairness, putting people at ease through his understanding nature and listening skills. They say that he ensures understanding of the process and his decisions through explaining clearly the laws and procedure. Survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Farr is particularly capable and open-minded. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Farr’s court.”

You can find an interview with Judge Farr as part of our Sandy Cityology series on our YouTube channel.

Public Utilities Water Conservation BY THE NUMBERS

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Household Hazardous Waste & Reuse Facility

Sandy is a joint member city of the Trans-Jordan Land ll, located in South Jordan. e land ll o ers a unique program that bene ts Sandy residents while protecting the environment. In partnership with Salt Lake County Health Department, the Trans Jordan Land ll provides collection of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) for free. HHW are items that SHOULD NOT go in your garbage can such as paint, rechargeable batteries, oil, gasoline, uorescent light tubes, antifreeze, pesticides, and fertilizer. e HHW program sorts and processes these materials in a safe manner to eliminate exposure to the environment.

New or slightly used products are transferred to a Reuse Shed. Items in the Reuse Shed are available for free to the public on a rst come rst serve basis.

Items frequently found in the Reuse Shed:

• Insect spray & repellant

• Latex paint

• Household cleaners

• Motor oil

• Weed Killer

• Antifreeze

• Fuel stabilizer

• Stain and wood sealer

• Fertilizer

Sandy residents are encouraged to take items from the Reuse Center and use them for the purposes they were originally intended. Everyone saves! Sandy residents are not charged for the reused items and the HHW Facility avoids costly handling and disposal fees associated with more traditional management options.

Trans Jordan HHW and Reuse Shed

10473 S. Bacchus Hwy • South Jordan, UT 84009

Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Transjordan.org

sandyarts.com

sandyarts.com

sandyarts.com

sandyutah.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

americanwestsymphony.com

sandyutah.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

sandy.utah.gov/1430/Trick-or-Treat

sandyutah.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Students begin school year in three new school buildings

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Thousands of students began the 2022-23 school year in new Sandy school buildings.

Challenger opened its doors for preschool through eighth-grade students on its new cam pus, a couple blocks west of its former location on the former Reams grocery store site near

10600 South and 700 East.

The former Beehive Science and Tech nology Academy secondary school expanded to include primary students and moved to the former Shopko location near Highland Drive and 9400 South.

Glacier Hills Elementary sits on the for mer Edgemont Elementary campus and com bined White City students who attended both Edgemont and Bell View elementary schools. It features colors and lights that are reminiscent of aurora borealis and rippled textures that re

semble ancient ice throughout the school.

The former Bell View school building now has been remodeled and is the home of Diamond Ridge High, an alternative to large, comprehensive high schools, and Entrada, its sister school for adult education. l

Beehive Academy Principal Hanifi Oguz gives Sandy Mayor Monica Zoltanski a tour of the new school that can serve about 900 kindergarten through 12th-grade students. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Hundreds of supporters turned out at the ribbon-cutting of the new Beehive Academy and were greeted by the school mascot. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Tours of the new school building were given during Challenger’s open house on April 5 before the school year began. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

S andy C ity J Pournal age 26 | o C tober 2022 The new Glacier Hill Elementary’s media center has a commanding view of the Wasatch Mountains to the east. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Members of Atlas Internal Medicine benefit from:

• Same day appointments

• Longer, unhurried visits

• Dr. Willesen’s personal cell phone for direct communication after hours

• Coordination of care with specialists

• Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment

• Telemedicine upon request

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At the heart of our concierge, or membership, medicine practice is our commitment to limit the number of patients we see. By keeping our practice small, we are able to provide convenient, proactive and exception ally personalized care to each patient.

Patients pay an annual membership fee to join Atlas Internal Medicine, and be assured of care by the doctor who knows them best.

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Brightly colored rugs are part of inside younger students’ classrooms in Chal lenger’s new school building. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Hundreds of prospective students and their families as well as community members packed the sidewalk outside of the Glacier Hills Elementary for a chance to walk through the new school building after its ribbon-cutting. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Excited to move into their first actual building from portables and rooms at Canyons Technical Education Center, Diamond Ridge and Entrada officials cut the official ribbon in the 103-degree heat to make the former Bell View Elementary their new home. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Canyons Board of Education Vice President Steve Wrigley told the community that Diamond Ridge and Entrada has been a “school of choice” as they help “students achieve and graduate” and “are living up to Canyons District’s promise of college- and career-readiness for all students.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Double, double toil and trouble for witches of yesteryear

By Annabelle Larsen | a.larsen@mycityjournals.com

What’s a witch? Throughout human history, the defini tion has changed. Witches have been defined as peo ple casting spells or calling upon spirits for help, or to bring about change. Many witches were seen as pagans doing the devil’s work. Others were known as simple natural healers and called wise women. Mostly, this choice of profession or life was simply misunderstood and societal fear took over.

The prosecution of witches took hold in Europe during the mid-1400s when many people confessed, often under torture, to a variety of witch-like behaviors. Within the next century witch hunts were common, and most of the accused were executed by burning at the stake or hanging. Women, who were single, widowed, and those who lived on the margins of society, were the usual targets. Between the years 1500-1660 there were about 80,000 suspected witches that were put to death in Europe; 80% of them were women. Germany had the highest witchcraft execution rate while Ireland had the lowest.

What started this witch hunt and the witch hysteria that followed was in part caused by the publication of a book “Malleus Maleficarum,” which was written by a German Catholic clergyman in 1486. The book usually translates as “The Hammer of Witches,” and was essentially a guide on how to identify, hunt and interrogate witches. The book labeled witchcraft as heresy, and became the authority for Protestants and Catholics at the time trying to flush out witches living among them.

Although the witch hunt was far larger in Europe than it was in the Americas, most Americans are familiar with the Salem Witch Trials more so than what happened in Eu

rope. The New World, at the time, had fallen under many hardships and trials including a war between the French and British, a smallpox epidemic, and the ongoing fear of attacks from Native American tribes. The tense atmosphere was ripe for finding scapegoats, and these tensions are one of the reasons historians suspect led to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692-93 in Massachusetts.

The witch trials initially began when 9-year-old Eliza beth Parris and 11-year-old Abigail Williams began suffer ing from fits, body contortions, uncontrollable screaming, and odd behavior. As more young women began to exhibit symptoms, hysteria ensued. Three women were accused of witchcraft as an explanation to this problem. The three women were Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba In dian, an enslaved woman owned by Parris's father. Tituba eventually confessed to being a witch, but she then began accusing others of using black magic on June 10, 1692. Bridget Bishop became the first accused witch to be put to death during the Salem Witch Trials. Between 1626 and 1730 there were around 150 people who were accused of witchcraft and 18 were put to death. While women were the main victims, there were six men who were also convicted and executed during this time.

Massachusetts wasn't the only state in the Thirteen Colonies to be obsessed with witches and witch hunting; it also spread throughout the rest of the colonies, but it was most prevalent here. Historians speculate that much of the hysteria and the reasons for the fits, body contortions, and uncontrollable screaming first displayed by the two girls could possibly be from a poisonous fungus, found in the

eastern U.S., that causes spasms and delusions.

So as people go about this year’s Halloween season and make-believe (or real) witches are safely out and about, it’s interesting to remember a time when this wasn’t so. l

USA Wheelchair Football League to highlight amazing athletes

Move United is the largest grassroots adaptive sports pro gram in the world. Based in Maryland, the nonprofit part nered with the National Football League and the Bob Woodruff Foundation to create the USA Wheelchair Football League, the first-of-its-kind league for adults with disabilities.

Working with Salt Lake County, the league will host a wheelchair football tournament Oct. 22-23 at the Salt Palace Convention Center (100 S. West Temple St.) with nine teams, 20 games and dozens of athletes. Games will be held on three fields from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Admission is free.

“We use adaptive sports to push what’s possible for peo ple with disabilities and show all the ways that people with dis abilities can integrate into society, just like everyone else,” said Karalyn Stott, Move United senior program manager. “We’re excited to be coming to Salt Lake to spotlight all of our athletes and highlight the amazing things they’re able to do on the foot ball field.”

Salt Lake County adaptive recreation manager Taylor Smith has been an official with the league since they announced the program in May 2020. As the only female official, she’s worked at tournaments in Tampa and Chicago, and is excited to help bring the USA Wheelchair Football League to Utah.

“The NFL and the Bob Woodruff Foundation donated funds to make this program start happening for those veterans who wanted to stay competitive and continue doing things they love, even after they were injured,” Smith said. “[Being an of ficial] is stressful but it’s really fun and amazing. These guys try so hard and they really want to be there. You can’t ask for anything more of people who just want to play.”

Many athletes participating in the tournament are military

veterans, excited to participate in a team sport. This event high lights the athleticism of the sport which is competitive and fastpaced.

“So many of them lost that team feeling when they were injured overseas so they’re excited to feel that brotherhood and family again,” Stott said. “Others played the sport as a kid and got injured and now get to get back to a sport that they didn’t think they’d be able to play again.”

The wheelchair football tournament is one of the ways Salt Lake County is bringing adaptive sport programs to the state. Other adaptive recreation opportunities offered through the county attract people from all over Utah, and even Idaho and Wyoming, to take part in the athletic events.

With the popularity of pickleball, the county just an nounced an adaptive pickleball program that will run from Oct. 29-Nov. 19 at the Copperview Recreation Center (8446 Harri son St.) in Midvale.

The six-week program includes 90 minutes of instruc tional-based practice along with scrimmages and matches. For more information, visit slco.org/adaptive.

“This will be a new sport that we’re bringing in,” Smith said. “We haven’t done adaptive or wheelchair pickleball in the past. It will be our first one and we’re really excited about it because most of the population have really gotten involved in pickleball and we want to bring it that to the adaptive world.”

Salt Lake County has offered its para programs for 20 years and Smith said no one else in county recreation is offer ing adaptive programs, although several private companies do wheelchair sports.

The county has two groups, one for intellectual disabili

ties and one for physical disabilities because sports are played differently based on the population. Adaptive sports are open to all ages, but most wheelchair programs are geared to ages 5-15.

“It’s available for anyone who is open to playing, we’ll bring them in with open arms,” Smith said. “I think sports is valuable to anyone in the world. You learn communication skills, learn how to calm yourself down, you’re learning how to work hard and persevere through challenges in your life, so I think sports are vital in how you’re dealing with everyday sit uations.” l

o C tober 2022 | Page S29 andy J ournal . C om By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

An artist’s rendition of the trial of a suspected witch. (Courtesy of History.com)

Members of the USA Wheelchair Football League will compete at the Salt Palace Convention Center Oct. 22-23. (Photos courtesy of Move United)

Specializing in mind body

At Wild Sage Acupuncture, Megan Sewell, LAc. specializes in holistic endocrinology, functional medicine, and chronic pain. Restore hormonal balance or eliminate pain with holistic and 100% natural therapies.

• Acupuncture

• Cupping Therapy

• Chinese Herbal Medicine

• Diet & Lifestyle Coaching

Megan Sewell, LAc.

• Chronic Pain Relief

• Auto-immune Disorders

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2258 E Fort Union Blvd Suite B6 Cottonwood Heights 801-849-8312 wildsageacupuncture.com

Megan Sewell always felt called to be a healer. In her 20s, she studied yoga and meditation in India before turn ing her attention to Eastern medicine practices. In 2010, she graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle with a Masters in Science of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and in 2015 she opened Wild Sage Acupuncture to help people struggling with hormonal issues, autoimmune disease and chronic illness.

“I always knew I wanted to work in the field of med icine, specifically mind-body work,” she said. “The acu puncture program drew me in. It provided a holistic frame work to treat all sorts of illness and disease.”

Located at 2258 E. Fort Union Blvd., Suite B6, in Cot tonwood Heights, Wild Sage Acupuncture is a place for women struggling with PCOS, endometriosis, adrenal fa tigue, weight issues, menopause or infertility. Sewell also offers cupping therapy, a treatment to help resolve chron ic muscle tightness and pain, and she uses Chinese herbal medicine and key supplements to treat or prevent disease.

With her recent training in the field of 5 Element Func tion Medicine, Sewell’s treatments encompass a whole-sys tems approach to create a framework for easy-to-follow treatment plans that create true and lasting change. She has helped women suffering from disease and illness ranging from digestive issues to migraines to acute pain or injury.

Wild Sage Acupuncture also treats men, who have their own unique wellness needs. Sewell works with men strug

gling with prostatitis, tension, low libido, insomnia, anxiety and stress.

“In my clinic, I always offer free consultations so that we can meet and discuss the problems needing attention, to get to know one another, and see if I can help. This is a chance as well to ask any questions someone may have about our approach.”

The concepts and acupuncture techniques she uses helps the body heal by reducing the disruption of the nat ural healing force. The acupuncture treatments strengthen the signal the cells are receiving to repair and regenerate,

reducing inflammation, removing toxic buildup, improving sleep and more.

Sewell said the changes in the body happen at the lev el of the neuro-endocrine axis, the way the nervous system talks to the hormones. For people who might be needle-hes itant, she uses fine needles and said most people find the treatments very relaxing. All procedures are designed for comfort so the body can relax and heal.

For more information about Wild Sage Acupuncture, or to schedule a free consultation, call 801-849-8312, email care@wildsageacu.com or visit WildSageAcupuncture. com.

Sewell and her life partner Dr. Shawn Postma, a na turopathic physician, often discuss healing medicines and practices in their home. She started Wild Sage Acupuncture as a venue to teach patients about soulful healing and is con fident in the results of her therapies.

“My medicine is to show compassion to people who are struggling and also provide hope and inspiration to those that are suffering in the mind and in the body.”

Our customized golf instruction includes custom club fitting and unlimited practice. We use the best available technology to help achieve your goals at the highest level. This includes FullSwing simulators that show your ball data, 4D Motion that reveals the biomechanics of the swing, Swing Catalyst that allows us to record lessons for online review, and Capto Putting software to analyze up to 50 parameters in your putting stroke. Come in and get your Swing Analysis to find out what it takes to reach your goals in golf!

Beehive Academy repeats ranking as Utah’s best public high school

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

When Beehive Science and Technology Academy opened its doors to its new expanded campus in east Sandy this fall, school officials already knew it was ranked as the best high school in Utah for the second year in a row.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, which reviewed nearly 24,000 U.S. public high schools, the free charter school topped the 163 Utah schools that made their ratings.

Beehive Director Hanifi Oguz credits students, alumni, staff and parents who make the school “incredible.”

“I have never seen so many passionate people willing to give of their time, talent, and knowledge to ensure that each student learns and grows to their potential,” he said. “I feel that when a student is ready to grad uate, they are ready to take on the world and make a mark wherever they go. I am hum bled at the recognition we continue to get for the work of our students and staff members, in making us the No. 1 best high school and to compete on a national level ranked 305. It is always a welcome surprise because this report is done independently, and there is no opportunity to present our school in a posi tive way, but obviously, they have found out what we already know, we have an amazing

and wonderful school here, at Beehive Acad emy.”

The scorecard included evaluating Bee hive’s graduation rate, at 100%; mathemat ics proficiency, at 83%; as well as the num ber of students taking at least one Advanced Placement exam and passing at least one AP exam.

“Another academic achievement that goes in line with the ranking is the ACT scores,” Oguz said. “Beehive Academy’s average ACT score is 25.2 and that makes Beehive the highest average ACT score in the state.”

Beehive, which expanded to include primary students, served students sixth through 12th grade at the time of the review. Forty percent of the students are identified as minority with Asian and Hispanic compris ing of the majority. The male to female ratio is 62 to 38.

Other area schools that were ranked in the Utah top 10 include Academy for Math Engineering and Science (AMES) in Murray at fourth; Itineris Early College High School in West Jordan at fifth; Corner Canyon High in Draper at seventh; and Skyline High in Salt Lake City at eighth. l

Beehive Science and Technology Academy recently opened a new campus and gave tours after its rib bon-cutting Aug. 10. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Comcast and the USDB Foundation partner to help unique students

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Serving more than 5,000 students statewide, the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and USDB’s Educational Support Services provide education and ac cessibility technology that make a real difference in a child’s life.

Comcast, the largest home internet service provider in the country, has provided grant funding to the USDB Ed ucation Foundation so these unique students can have the technological needs vital for their education and growth.

Assistive devices and digital learning provide sight and sound that connect children to the world and improve their overall communication. Use of these assistive devic es gives students a higher chance of success as a confident and independent adult.

“Comcast has been a really great community partner this year,” said Amy Zaharis, USDB Education Founda tion executive director. “They gave us funds that support the students with assisted technology. There’s a lot of awesome technology our students can use that helps them, and they need a lot of different things, and those things are expensive.”

While the state provides funding to cover the basics for the campuses and programs at USDB, sometimes families need help procuring hearing aids, glasses, white canes, magnification devices, unique technology and other assistive devices. With Comcast’s donation to the program, several deaf and hard of hearing students, and children who are blind and visually impaired can get the resources they need.

It is imperative that students have technology and

assistive devices to help bridge the gap caused by their hearing or vision loss.

“If you can believe it or not, hearing aids are not cov ered by insurance,” Zaharis said. “We do assist families with children who are hard of hearing. Hearing aids are really expensive and we help some kids with purchasing those.”

The national grant from Comcast supports digital lit eracy training to help students with the technology. Stu dents who are blind can learn how to access apps and soft ware, plus have access to smart glasses equipped with an HD camera to magnify a computer screen or classroom.

The USDB provides overhead and administrative re sources for the foundation which allows 100% of dona tions to go directly to students.

There are campuses in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Springville, and a classroom in St. George. In addition to the campuses, education for the majority of these unique Utah students is offered by USDB teachers who travel to schools across the state through outreach programs.

“Everyone deserves to have the same advantages and many of the children the foundation supports might not be able to,” said Ioana Platon, Comcast community impact specialist. “They might not be as likely to pursue educa tional or career pursuits they don’t think they can do. With our grant, we help provide tech and assistive devices used to bridge the gap.”

Comcast is focused on accessibility and providing the highest possible experiences for all of its customers. This grant will help students learn how to use the different

technologies and help them live better lives.

For more information about the USDB Foundation, visit www.usdbfoundation.org.

“We love to have community partners and Comcast has been such a great community partner for us this year,” Zaharis said. “It’s great to have community support, just to help our kids with the extra needs they have. We wel come Utah businesses and individuals alike to make dona tions to the foundation.” l

As DA I will prioitize the prompt screening of

assault

will coordinate survivor peer networks to guide victims and survivors through the criminal justice system.

I reject the adoption of de-prosecution policies as they are stronly correlated with increased homicide rates.

Students at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind receive assistive devices and training through a Comcast community grant. (Courtesy of Todd Keith)

Fall

Event

Nature’s Virus Killer

Copper can stop a virus before it starts

By Priscilla Schnarr www.copperzap.com

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Users Say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen airline flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays.

The kids all got sick, but not me.”

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented

As thousands more tried it, some found other things they could use it against, including: Colds, flu, new viruses and variants, sinus trouble, cold sores, canker sores, strep throat, nighttime stuffiness, morning congestion, nasal drip, skin infections, thrush, warts, styes, and ringworm.

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact.

Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

Scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill Keevil.

Tarnish does not reduce how well copper works, EPA tests showed.

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For many students, Aug. 26 was a day like many other at the start of the school year when they’re getting to know their teachers, subjects and routines at school.

But for some kindergartners, it may have been historical. These young students had a chance to dress up as future profes sionals and share about their goals as part of Canyons School District’s annual college and career ready day.

School board officials, administrators and others came to elementary schools to observe the start of their education.

“They were sitting in circles and most of them were dressed as what they wanted to be,” Canyons Board of Education Vice President Steve Wrigley said, adding the top careers amongst the young students at Alta View and Willow Canyon, where he visited, were police officers and firefighters. “The kids were just really cute. They were talking about their hopes and dreams. I remember thinking that sometimes, people end up in other careers to put the food on the table and we don’t get to do what we want to do. These students have some really neat ambitions so I’m hoping they will get to be what they want to be.”

While Wrigley acknowledged not every student will grow up to become doctors and

for future careers starts in kindergarten

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

veterinarians, or even go to college, it’s the school district’s mission to prepare students for their future.

“Our hope is to have every kid college ready. They can choose whether or not they want to go to college, but our goal as a dis trict has to have every kid college ready so they can go to college, if they choose to do so. We give wristbands, with graduating class of 2035, to keep that as a reachable goal and achievement in their education,” he said. “We want every kid a kid to aspire to be what they want to be; this day gives a purpose for going to school. You know, from day one, when they’re in kindergarten say, ‘Someday I’m going to grow up to be a doctor,’ then, they make that commitment then and will grow up to be a doctor. That’s going to affect what classes they take in school — and if they take AP (Advanced Placement) courses, if they take the concurrent enrollment cours es. If that’s really something that they want to do and aspire to, that will change their whole educational direction.”

At Alta View, Wrigley shared with kin dergartners about his careers. Students also learned how education helps people prepare for careers and they identified what tools go with which career, such as a mixing bowl to a baker or a fire hydrant to a firefighter, said

Principal Scott Jameson.

At Willow Canyon Elementary, Wrig ley said students learned about careers by

listening to teachers read books about differ ent jobs as well as took part in activities. l

Kindergartners sit in a circle sharing about the careers they chose to dress up as with first-year teacher Corie DePola. (Scott Jameson/Alta View Elementary)

THE SANDY CLUB

“A Safe Place for Boys and Girls” Members of the Month

Congratulations to our September Members of the Month, Melany Dominguez, Sebastian Arellanes, & Osiris Retano! Melany Dominguez is 14 years old: she wants to become an esthetician when she grows up, she has been attending the Sandy Club for 1 month, in that time she has learned how to make friends, cook, and make an oven out of a cardboard box. Sebastian Arellanes is 8 years old: he wants to become a police officer, he has been attending for 1 year, in that time he has learned to be nice. Osiris Retano is 7 years old: he wants to become a fireman, he has been attending for 1 year, and in that time, he has learned about what we do here at the club.

Congratulations once again, we are so proud of you all!

Congratulations to our September Members of the Month, Wyatt Adkins, Heleena Rasul, & Oliver Schott! Wyatt Adkins is 10 years old: he wants to become a football player when he grows up, he has been attending the Sandy Club for 2 years, in that time he has learned to be kind and respectful. Heleena Rasul is 8 years old: she wants to become an actress, she has been attending for 1 month, in that time she has learned kindness. Oliver Schott is 6 years old: he wants to become a paleontologist, he has been attending for 1 month, and in that time, he has learned to make friends. Congratulations once again, we are so proud of you all!

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please call 801-561-4854.

here are lots of people in this world who scare me, like toddlers, Christian nationalists and the barista who always compliments my shirt, even when I’m wearing a blood-stained hoodie.

But dentists! Dentists are a higher level of fear. I'm sure they get tired of being compared to the sadistic den tist in “Little Shop of Horrors” but if the tooth fits…

My dentophobia is rooted in an experience when I was 5 where many of the details are still slumbering in my subconscious, waiting to burst when I’m least expecting it. The only thing I remember was the dentist was not my friend.

Peri Kinder

and Laughter

I start ed dreading my annual checkup.

Mom would write our dentist’s name on the bathroom mirror in red lipstick, so she’d remember to schedule the appointment. But every time she wrote it, I’d take a wet washcloth and wipe it off. I’m sure she never noticed the smeared lipstick or the dripping-wet mirror.

Now that I’m older, I should be braver, right? I should be grateful I don’t have a medieval dentist who also works as the village butcher, barber and blacksmith. I’m lucky I’m not Tom Hanks in “Castaway” when he uses an ice skate to knock out his abscessed molar. Modern dentistry

It’s like pulling teeth

is a privilege.

My rational mind knows all those things, but I’ve never left a dentist’s office thinking, “Hmmm. That wasn’t too bad.”

I recently had my first root canal, which didn’t ease my fears. At all. I was upfront with the endodontist and told him I didn’t like him very much.

“I understand,” he said.

“No, really. I loathe you,” I said.

“Yeah, I get that a lot.”

We went from there. He offered me nitrous oxide be cause if I’m going to be root-canaled, I’d rather be float ing somewhere near Venus. After I was nice and drifty, he told me I’d feel a little pinch as he numbed my mouth. Then he proceeded to nail my face to the chair while the nurse handed him a Black & Decker drill. He laughed ma niacally, donned a hockey mask ala Jason Voorhees and started excavating my back teeth.

At least, that’s how I remember it.

After the root canal, I had to make an appointment with my dentist to put a crown on my tooth. I called the receptionist who said I could schedule time on Sept. 12 at 2:30 a.m. or wait until June 2023. Typical.

I don’t know why I’m still terrified of all things den tal. The smell of a dentist’s office makes my stomach roll. The sound of a drill makes my jaw clench, which makes it really hard to work on my teeth. When it was time for my crown appointment, I sat in my car for a good 15 minutes, giving myself a pep talk.

“You’ve got this,” I said. “You’re a big girl.”

“Nope. I’m going to Starbucks,” I responded. “No, you’re not. You’re going to act like an adult

and walk in that office.”

I stuck my tongue out at myself and went to get my crown. Not a cool crown like a Dutch sapphire tiara but a porcelain crown that I’m afraid to chew with. I’m pretty sure my dentist has a hook for a hand and he proceeded to stab my gums repeatedly, probably just for the fun of it. And then it was over. For now.

I’d rather face a zillion zombies, a multitude of mum mies, a van full of vampires or a ton of toddlers before seeing the dentist again. He’s the scariest monster I know.