From math to meaning: AAI students build birdhouses to support older adults’ mental health
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Birdwatching, a popular hobby, has been found to provide lasting improvements in mental well-being.
Ten older adults from South Jordan received handmade birdhouses from 27 students at the American Academy of Innovation, and those adults’ faces lit up with smiles.
It was more than just a gift; it was an hour of conversation and bonding over a shared affection of birds.
In their math classes, the students had learned about various bird species and their symbolic meanings. They then applied their math skills to craft 10 birdhouses that would attract specific types of birds.
Jamie Anderson, the South Jordan Community Center manager for senior programs, explained the project aimed to foster connections across generations and improve mental well-being.
“I love that students researched how birdwatching benefits mental health,” she said. “It’s particularly important for seniors, a group often overlooked in mental health discussions.”
The connection between birdwatching and reduced stress was highlighted by mental health researchers in the United Kingdom in their 2022 study titled “Smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment Reveals Mental Health Benefits of Birdlife,” published in “Scientific Reports.”
The study, which involved nearly 1,300 participants between April 2018 and October 2021, found that “everyday encounters with birdlife were associated with lasting improve-
ments in mental well-being.” Birdwatching offers benefits for both healthy individuals and those with mental health conditions, like depression.
May, recognized as National Mental Health Month since 1949, brings attention to the fact that one in four adults will experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year, accord-
ing to John Hopkins Medicine. Birdwatching, a hobby enjoyed by more than 70 million Americans, is believed to help reduce stress by allowing people to spend time in nature and find calm, ultimately lowering anxiety. The study found that the positive effects of birdwatching could last for up to eight hours.
the
“This connects you with older people and by partnering with this community center, we’re focusing on mental health; the bird you pick to attract to the birdhouse might help them,” he said.
Before beginning their birdhouses, eighthgrade students reviewed formulas related to triangles, including the angle sum theorem, the Pythagorean theorem and the exterior angle theorem.
Landon Leak, an AAI math teacher, spoke with his students before they started building
birdhouses.
An American Academy of Innovation eighth-grade student assembles a birdhouse which was given to a South Jordan older adult to foster connections across generations and improve mental well-being. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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• South Jordan City Fire Stations 61, 62, 63, 64
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• West Jordan City Fire Stations 54 and 55
• Unified Fire Authority Station 103 (Herriman)
• Unified Fire Authority Station 115 (Copperton)
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Thursday, May 25 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Unified Fire Authority Station 120 (Riverton)
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• Unified Fire Authority Station 123 (Herriman)
• Unified Fire Authority Station 124 (Riverton)
• Gold Cross Ambulance
• Bluffdale City Fire Stations 91 and 92
• Riverton City Police Department
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• South Jordan City Police Department
• West Jordan City Police Department
Horticultural therapy is a natural fix
Blooms, sprouts and tasty produce can aid mental health according to master gardeners.
By Laura Spendlove Crapo l.crapo@mycityjournals.com.
Horticulturaltherapy is the biggest non-surprise form of therapy for those seeking calm, joy and satisfaction. Human beings have naturally been drawn to growing plants and trees that provide food and smell good for satisfaction and sustenance. This applies world-wide with different cultures producing different foods and smells. Tropical scents and air purification are additional benefits.
“Absolutely, gardening is great for mental therapy,” said certified Master Gardener
Continued from front page
Meanwhile, sixth-grade students applied math by calculating the area and volume needed for the birdhouses.
“I try to pick projects with service because I think it not only helps them learn the math, but like it's teaching things that will carry them throughout their life,” Leak said. “Helping others is huge.”
Eighth-grader Lexie Fischer enjoyed the real-life application of math skills.
“I like taking these theorems and applying them to make something,” she said. “I like how our teacher has us do something we can learn it and how we’re going to make the older people happy and help them with their mental health.”
Her classmate Jessica Jensen agreed: “Learning about angles is better when you're getting to apply it to something else, not just doing a worksheet. This is useful and rewarding and it’s going to be helpful paying it forward.”
At another table, Alfred Estrella, already was applying the theorems.
Faun Turley. “I gardened outside after my husband died. He was the love of my life and I would go outside and tend my plants and cry until it was too dark to continue.”
Gardening to help beautify and improve landscaping is absolutely helpful to mental health. Turley found additional benefits in serving to help others. It allowed her to meet other like-minded people and learn more from them.
South Jordan is home to Laguna Nursery and Progressive Plants. They are both nurseries and greenhouses with a large variety of plants and trees. While they don’t offer specific mental therapy classes, they teach basic maintenance to produce healthy and thriving plants.
“Gardening is very therapeutic,” said
“I'm excited to make a birdhouse, especially knowing it's going to help the elderly with their mental health,” he said. “I have more motivation, and I like that each bird represents something so maybe seeing it will make them feel loved.”
After proving the theorems, the eighth graders crafted the birdhouses and wrote reflections on how the formulas helped in the design process. A third element of the project had students creatively explain which bird they were aiming to attract and the symbolism behind it.
Leak encouraged students to select a bird to attract with their birdhouses. Using the school’s tools, he cut the wood for the project.
“The idea behind choosing a bird is that many people believe certain birds carry messages from loved ones,” he said. “I love this project because it’s hands-on and meaningful. I focus on social-emotional learning because I struggled in middle school and want these kids to have a better experience. Helping others has helped me, and I hope it does the same for them.”
Ryan Schmidt, owner of Schmidt Greenhouse. “Customers come in, especially in winter to enjoy the plants and flowers. They find the bright colors and smell very comforting.”
Gardening can involve children, parents, grandparents in family gardens. Community gardens can also result in friendships and a strengthened neighborhood feel of family. There’s proof that horticultural therapy supports individual health and wellness.
Getting out in nature is therapy. Seeing the energy of growing plants, hearing birds chirp, feeling a breeze, smelling herbs and flowers, and eating what you grow are tremendous things to do. Enjoying all the senses helps people feel good, positive and strengthened. l
The project was a hit among the students. Eighth-grader Ellie Holjeson was creating a poster for her group as they picked hummingbirds for their birdhouse project.
“They’re fun to see in the wild,” she said. “I like helping other people and applying what we learn.”
Her classmate, Ace Korogi, agreed: “It’s rejuvenating to me; it makes me like there’s a purpose.”
Before delivering the birdhouses, the students painted them for the older adults.
At the community center, older adults were nominated to receive the birdhouses.
“We wanted people to be able to receive it who could really benefit from it,” Anderson said. “We had nominations for seniors, whether it was someone who likes to bird watch, or if it was somebody who was homebound and it was giving them something to look forward to.”
The 10 older adults were matched with their birdhouses, and students shared details about the birds they wanted to attract and the symbolism behind them. For instance, seeing
a robin might represent a loved one, Anderson said.
“It was cool to make that connection. There was one for prosperity and one for new beginnings and good luck. It can mean different things to different cultures through folklore,” she said.
Afterward, the students talked with the older adults and enjoyed bird-themed treats made by the community center’s kitchen staff. Eighth-grader Tim Facente found the experience fulfilling.
“It was cool to explain what we did,” he said. “The lady who picked ours said her birdhouse broke the day before, so she saw ours and smiled. That’s the best part, helping people.”
Anderson said the birdhouse partnership will continue and will benefit both generations. She also said she has collaborated with Brady Swainston and the AAI high school students in his college and career awareness class, who have helped older adults with their cell phones, planted trees for Arbor Day and served lunch at events like Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. l
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Shoppers choose their plants at plant shops. (Photo courtesy Darrin Crapo)
Hooked on giving: Middle schoolers use crochet to make difference
Mountain Creek students stitch to support others, creating connections, comfort and compassion.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
When ninth-grader Katie Perry launched her school’s crochet club last fall, her goal was simple: to enjoy a hobby with friends.
“I’m self-taught and thought I could teach other people to crochet then we could give what we make to people who don’t have as much; maybe they’d like something handmade,” she said. “I thought maybe it would be for the homeless, people in hospitals or even for animal shelters.”
As the group meets every week for an hour after school in Mountain Creek Middle School’s cafeteria, the club has evolved into something bigger.
“It’s built into a community where people can come and talk about things while we crochet,” Katie said. “Crocheting has skyrocketed in popularity recently as people have gotten back in the hobby. The newer generation picked it up, probably partly because of COVID, and it’s way more popular nowadays.”
Experts agree there has been a resurgence in various household activities like baking, knitting, cross-stitch, sewing and journaling, many of which gained traction during the pandemic. Additionally, teenagers’ growing fondness for thrifting and trends like crochet fashion—popularized by celebrities such as Taylor Swift—has helped crocheting trend on social media. As a result, social media platforms are exposing more people to these hobbies, encouraging others to try them.
A recent six-week survey by the National Institutes of Health found “crochet offers positive benefits for personal wellbeing with many respondents actively using crochet to manage mental health conditions and life events.”
The finding further supports what Katie has experienced firsthand — it’s an accessible and affordable skill, where they can create unique, sustainable handmade items.
Katie also values the sense of community the club fosters, where members can share ideas and patterns while creating together, all while learning a life skill. She and her classmates appreciate that crochet is relaxing and stress relieving, as well as a bonding activity.
“It gets my mind off things. It’s nice to focus on something else; I don’t have to worry if I mess up as I know I can fix it,” she said.
For ninth-grader Aaron Vatcher, crocheting is calming.
“It’s relaxing and while you’re crocheting, everything else slips out of your mind,” he said.
It was ninth-grader Ace Silver’s first time crocheting.
“I’m honestly interested to meet new people because I struggle with social anxiety,” he said. “I start having panic attacks, so this helps. It’s low key, low stress and I can meet people slowly. I also like to create things. I sew; I’ve made beanies and mittens before and I’ve made blankets.”
Ace also appreciates the community service aspect of the club. He has made and donated items like sweaters, blankets and quilts to Primary Children’s Hospital.
Katie said this is a way middle schoolers can engage in community service.
“Sometimes, it’s hard to do service when we can’t drive yet, but we can make things that are helpful or can cheer someone up,” she said.
Katie was crocheting little mushrooms — “they’re cute and fun” — but hoped to finish a blanket before the end of the school year to donate.
“I realize I have a lot, and other people don’t have as much as me. I’m just very fortunate to have what I have, and I don’t think that it’s necessarily fair that I have all this, and a lot of people don’t,” she said.
In the seven years that Katie has been crocheting, she has made bags, flowers, cat toys and animals — “Did you know crocheted animals have their own word? It’s amigurumi; isn’t that cool?” — for friends and family. She hopes to create a life-sized dragon one day.
I’ve noticed that when the kids are together, it’s a release for them. It’s almost like ‘textile therapy.
Allyson Swett
Others have also shared their creations, including two crocheted octopi, which were made by the school’s secretary.
Allyson Swett, the school hall monitor, also joins the group and crochets hot pads for wedding gifts. Her mother taught her how to crochet.
“I was impressed kids want to crochet and have a club,” she said. “It’s nice that the kids get to see me in a different light because I am the mean, strict person during the day. Now they can see me as a real person after school as someone who chooses to be at middle school and has an empathic shoulder to cry on.”
Swett believes the club provides therapeutic benefits.
“I’ve noticed that when the kids are together, it’s a release for them. It’s almost like ‘textile therapy,’” she said.
Katie agrees: “Sometimes, kids our age aren’t the nicest of people and there’s overwhelming gossip, so this is just a chance to forget it all and chill.”
The crochet club benefitted when Katie received a yarn donation from Premier Yarns.
“I emailed them, told them about what I want to do with my club, and they
said, ‘We’ll send you a box of yarn if you pay for shipping.’ Then, my mom bought a bunch of hooks for everyone to share,” she said. “A lot of people show up and don’t know how to crochet, so I’m teaching them.”
Katie prefers crocheting to other crafts.
“I love cross stitch and embroidery, but those take a lot of effort to get ready and require more materials so there’s more cost related to them,” she said. “I’m learning to knit right now, but that’s a lot more complicated than crocheting.”
Aaron took up crocheting when he was bored.
“I searched it up on YouTube. The easy part is doing a project that I’ve started, the hardest part is starting a project because it’s like art, where I can get a block and I don’t really know what to make, or which project to do, or maybe I don’t have the motivation to start something. But it’s fun once I’m making them. I like being able to express my interest and myself in what I create,” he said, adding that he is crocheting a big cat for his room as well as a scarf to donate.
He joined the club after Katie approached him.
“I saw him crocheting in the middle of our TA period, which was funny, because I wanted to crochet, too. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to recruit that kid,’” she said. “That’s really the best part of all this. It’s having friends to share hobbies with and being able to help the less fortunate.” l
After school once per week at Mountain Creek Middle, students and staff share their hobby, crocheting. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Crocheting gives Mountain Creek students an opportunity to relax, share their passion and make items to share with others in need. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Eggs, animals and dunks: SoJo’s Spring Spectacular
The Easter Bunny was on hand as kids and families participated in the egg hunt, pet animals and watched high-flying dunks.
Photos by Travis Barton
Fire restrictions now in effect for areas of South Jordan
City council approves restrictions for fireworks and other burning materials as the hot summer months near.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
With the approaching summer season, and inevitable fireworks celebrations that accompany it, South Jordan’s City Council has approved a resolution prohibiting use of any ignition source in certain areas. Those include fireworks, lighters, matches, sky lanterns and other smoking materials.
Fire Chief Chris Johnson told council members that certain wildland areas of the city have limited access to fire suppression and are vulnerable to fires. The Utah Code allows the legislative body of a municipality to prohibit ignition sources in wildland urban interface areas.
By definition in the ordinance, “fireworks” means any item or device which produces noise, smoke, showers of sparks or movement by combustion or explosive materials, including all classes of fireworks. Wild-
land Urban Interface means the line, area or zone where structures or other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or land being used for an agricultural purpose. This restriction is similar to others that South Jordan City has implemented in the past.
Locations under restriction in the city include brush-covered and dry grass-covered areas; places within 200 feet of waterways, canyons, washes or ravines; all South Jordan City owned properties and facilities; and limited locations readily identifiable that are available to the public through a map of closed areas. The only exception will be for public events that are granted permits by city and fire officials.
A map showing the South Jordan Fireworks Restriction Areas can be found on the city website at City Council | South Jordan, UT and looking at the minutes from the March 18 council meeting.
At the same meeting, council approved an amended interlocal agreement with the Metro Fire Agency related to its operation and budget. l
Hundreds of kids participated in each age group of the candy scramble at South Jordan’s Spring Spectacular.
Children could pet baby animals like goats, mini horses and pigs.
The Salt Lake Bees mascot jumped in the fun with the dunk team.
City council approves restrictions for fireworks and other burning materials as the hot summer months near. (Stock photo)
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Stroke from Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Stroke Team
By Dr. Rebecca Reiser
We know how important it is for patients and their families to find a hospital and a care team that you can trust - especially when emergencies, like stroke, happen. That’s why our team at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley is so incredibly proud to be a certified primary stroke center with thrombectomy capability. Recently, our stroke care team was recognized by the American Heart Association and received their Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award with Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
This award means our facility met or exceeded the national recommendations for stroke care for our patients and it highlights our hard-working, talented stroke care team for providing excellent patient stroke care!
To start, we work closely with our EMS partners to help them recognize patient stroke symptoms while they are out in the field. They are trained to let us know when they are on their way to our hospital so we can be ready for stroke patients before they even arrive. Our team is then able to evaluate each patient quickly and thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment. We have medications to help break up blood clots in the brain and a team of highly
trained vascular neurosurgeons who can remove a blood clot from the brain, also known as a thrombectomy. An important note - Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley is the only hospital on the west side of the valley that has the capability of performing these state-of-the-art thrombectomies!
So, what are the signs and symptoms of stroke that you should be aware of? The easiest way to remember what to look out for is through the acronym, BEFAST:
● Balance changes
● Eye or vision changes
● Facial droop
● Arm weakness
● Speech difficulty
● Time
reduces disability among stroke survivors by 4%! That’s because about 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke until blood flow is restored. It is important that if you see someone showing the signs or symptoms of stroke outlined above, call for help immediately.
When you or your loved ones come to Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for stroke care, you can expect state-of-theart stroke treatment and compassionate, healing care fueled by humankindness. From the teams in the ER to the stroke care teams to the physical, occupational and speech therapists that help care for patients throughout their rehab journey, and to the neurologists that assist in care decisions from the start, you are in good hands at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley!
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
It is important to recognize the above signs and symptoms because time matters! Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but it is the leading cause of long-term disability. Studies show that every 15 minutes saved when a patient is experiencing stroke symptoms,
Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Dr. Rebecca Reiser Neurologist and Stroke Director CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital
After one year at Salt Lake Community College, Bingham’s own Shelbee Jones has that Ute spirit on her new softball team
The Miner alum used her freshman year at SLCC to excel in many areas en route to a Second-Team All-America honor, and is taking full advantage of that experience at her “dream school” University of Utah.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Despite being unable to wear the No. 22 jersey for the first time since she played at Bingham High, and the only Utahn on the Utah Utes’ pitching staff, Shelbee Jones stepped on the circle in relief when her team was tied 0-0 with Minnesota in Tempe, Arizona Feb. 8 in the top of the seventh.
“Shelbee is a powerful righty pitcher who can tuck it under the hands of the hitters at a good clip,” Utah head coach Amy Hogue said. “And yet her changeup is what sets her apart from most. She throws it in any count and generally for a strike, so you can’t sleep on that pitch. She is also an infielder who hits for power, so she pretty much does it all.”
In just 53 pitches that morning in Arizona, Jones recorded her first win at the University of Utah before she’d eaten lunch. She struck out four Gopher batters, allowed
one hit and walked one. The Utes’ bats warmed up enough to take a 2-0 victory over Minnesota.
It wasn’t the first time Jones battled a bit of adversity and won.
When the Utes already had someone wearing that 22—sophomore outfielder Reese Lee—the freshman Jones accepted No. 17 without a peep. Perhaps she felt a bit different about it in private, but her omnipresent smile wouldn’t show that, and neither did the effervescent spirit behind Jones’ colorful shades she wears between the metal slats of her mask.
Jones would appear twice more that February day in Arizona, and as the heat blared in the afternoon so did the runs for the other teams. All told, Jones would give up three runs apiece in six innings of work to California and Maryland, as the Utes coaches were figuring out how best they could use her many skills and talents at this preseason tournament.
The next morning, Jones entered the circle once again in relief, wearing a different color of shades to go with her mask, entering the game against Miami [Ohio] in the top of the sixth inning. This time, her Utes were trailing 3-2. Though the Bingham Miner gave up three runs, the 5-foot-7, 155-pounder also struck out six batters. Jones’ Utes teammates provided enough help at the plate to hand her a 7-6 win—the Miner’s second win in four tries.
That’s how the season has been for Jones, who currently has a 6-10 overall record on the circle as a Utah pitcher. In Big 12 Conference play, however, she has a respectable 3-1 record with a 4.08 ERA.
Jones’ skill and talents were evident well before the moment she ended her time at Bingham High. Jones’ three straight All-Region First Team awards, in addition to three more 6A First-Team All-State honors, earned the then-Bingham senior interest from several schools, including the University of Utah.
That was her first choice—to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps, attend the U, her dream school, and play for a Utes squad that reached the College World Series two years ago.
There was a catch.
First, Jones would be attending Salt Lake Community College for at least one year, a dream deferred. In her first game at SLCC, Jones lost as a Bruins pitcher in January 2024. From that point forward, she only lost three more games and won 14. Jones also had a .468 batting average when playing in SLCC’s infield, helped the Bruins win the Region 18 title and was named a Second-Team All-American.
Not long after that, the Utes announced that Jones would be joining their squad for the 2025 season, Hogue’s only in-state commit out of seven women.
From the time Jones was a student at
Summit Academy Jr. High and her softball team took first place, to when she arrived at Bingham High and led the Miners to a 6A state championship in 2023, there has always been this desire inside of her to achieve more and be more for all of her teams.
In high school, this included Jones’ old club team SLC Elite for two years and her most recent, Utah Fastpitch Club, when she was coached by Bingham/BYU softball legend and state record-holder Tori Almond for the final two years of her high school career.
For Jones, it’s a certainty she’s living out her dream—in real time. l
How Your Dog’s Day of Play Can Change the World
When your pup comes home happy, tired, and freshly bathed from a day at Dogtopia, you already feel the value. But did you know that your dog’s fun is also funding life-changing programs for humans in need?
At Dogtopia, we believe dogs have the power to change lives—and we’re inviting our entire community to be part of it. Every photo day, treat sale, and themed activity helps support the Dogtopia Foundation, which funds service dogs for veterans, therapy dog training programs for schools, and job opportunities for adults with autism. That means your dog’s treat day does more than delight your furry friend—it fuels real change.
We are proud that one of our locations, right here at Dogtopia of Holladay, with the help of our pups, has been able to sponsor Dean, a service dog in training who will soon provide life-changing support to a veteran in need. We’re also preparing to launch local therapy dog teams to bring calm and connection into our communities, schools, local events, and more.
Being part of our Dogtopia family means your everyday choices—like booking a bath or celebrating your dog’s birthday—contribute to something greater. That’s feel-good pet parenting at its finest.
To learn more about how your business can get involved, please reach out to our Area Marketing Manager, Myhriah Young at Myhriah. Young@dogtopia.com.
Shelbee Jones in 2023, her senior year at Bingham before moving on to the college ranks. (File photo Travis Barton/City Journals)
The Ballpark at America First Square opens at new South Jordan location
Salt Lake Bees’ new stadium in South Jordan dazzles the crowd with a huge opening night celebration and victory.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Excitement was already in the air when the first pitches were thrown out at opening night for The Ballpark at America First Square on April 8. South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey joined Thayne Shaffer from America First Credit Union and Greg Miller from the LHM Group to toss ceremonial first pitches in pregame activities. Then the action began.
With a crowd of about 7,000 in attendance, the Salt Lake Bees ushered in their new home with a 13-10 victory over the Reno Aces. And the celebration began early. The first four Bees all reached base, with shortstop Zach Neto scoring the team’s first run. Then designated hitter J.D. Davis slugged a grand slam to give the Bees a 5-0 lead with still no one out. Salt Lake eventually built that lead to 10-1 after three innings following home runs by Niko Kavadas and Neto. Things were on cruise control after that, even after the Aces scored five times in the ninth to make the score respectable.
The six-game homestand that ended on April 13 included giveaways of pennants, t-shirts and towels, plus face painting, lawn games (including mini golf) and photos with the team’s mascot, Bumble. Fans walked around the perimeter of the park, observing not just the stadium that was built with private funding, but also a glimpse of construction sites for things to come as the development of Downtown Daybreak takes place. The stadium features a very unique set of seats behind home plate that put fans closer to home plate than the pitcher’s mound.
Concessions include chicken classics, staples like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn and ice cream, Mediterranean bowls, Philly cheesesteaks, bratwursts and smokehouse BBQ. Churros, soft pretzels and shaved ice will be available in coming weeks, and there’s a grab-and-go market utilizing smart technology. The Bees are also offering Sunday Brunch for every Sunday game.
“We’re excited to welcome fans to the Salt Lake Bees’ brand new hive, The Ballpark at America First Square,” team GM Ty Wardle said. “We will have a season of openings this summer. Please pardon our dust as we get settled into the new ballpark and continue to build out America First Square.”
Several Bark in the Park events are
planned for nine games, along with three Abejas nights, a country-themed weekend and a Superman night. Fireworks and drone shows are also planned this season.
New TRAX station opens in South Jordan
This is the Bees’ 25th season as the Triple-A affiliate for the Los Angeles Angels. More information on future activities and tickets can be found at slbees.com. l
The newest station on the TRAX line will help bring families and individuals to Salt Lake Bees games and future development in Downtown Daybreak.
By Tom Haraldsen
t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
It was the first of what promises to be a lot of ribbon cuttings in South Jordan over the next few months. Mayor Dawn Ramsey joined with other local dignitaries at the opening of a new TRAX station on the system’s Red Line that opened on March 27.
The South Jordan Downtown Station is located at about 11000 S. Grandville Ave., right next to the entrance to the Ballpark at America First Square, new home of the Salt Lake Bees. They played their first game in the stadium on April 8. More importantly, the TRAX stop comes at a time of rapid development in that corner of southwest Salt Lake County, with the initial development of Downtown Daybreak getting underway.
Ramsey told the crowd at the ceremony that the station has been planned for by
the Utah Transit Authority in the future— as much as a decade away. But as Daybreak has grown and development has accelerated in the area, UTA moved the construction and opening of the station forward.
the community grow and prosper. She said the new TRAX station allows residents to travel to the community for games and future shopping and entertainment without having to use their vehicles, and praised the collaboration of businesses who helped make the station a reality, particularly UTA and the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.
Carlton Christensen, who chairs the UTA board of directors, used the metaphor that the new station “is just a baseball throw away” from the Bees’ stadium, which it literally is. He saluted the growth of TRAX in particular, remarking how the transit system has grown since its inception in 1999. Christensen said his agency’s ridership numbers have grown to more than 40 million passengers in 2024.
Among those speakers at the ceremony was Steve Starks, CEO of the LHM Group and also a resident of Daybreak. He said that when he first saw the ballpark lights being tested earlier this spring, he was reminded of the line from “Field of Dreams” that said, “If you build it, they will come.”
She said her family has lived in South Jordan for more than 21 years, watching
“This is more than a transit stop,” Ramsey said in her remarks. “This is a symbol of progress, economic growth and our commitment to creating a connected and thriving community.”
Now, as further development of the area continues, those who do come will have a TRAX train to ride to their destination. l
Salt Lake Bees’ J.D. Davis awaits this pitch which he hit for a grand slam in the Bees’ 13-10 win over Reno on the opening night of The Ballpark at America First Square. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Dignitaries welcomed the opening of the South Jordan Downtown Station on the TRAX line at a ceremony on March 27. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
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Comcast RISE to award millions in small business grants
Utah
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Getting a small business off the ground, or scaling to the next level, takes more than hustle and passion. It takes resources. A small business grant can be the difference between success and failure, and Comcast is investing in success.
The Comcast RISE program will award comprehensive grant packages to 100 small businesses in Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, West Jordan and White City. Through May, Comcast will accept applications from small business owners who are committed to growing their companies, lifting their communities and inspiring the next generation.
“The Comcast RISE program will deliver innovative and impactful resources that will make a lasting impact on small businesses in Utah. Supporting small businesses is crucial for economic development and ensuring that the backbone of our communities can thrive,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president of Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “Among the many
things we all love about Utah is our vibrant small businesses and Comcast’s commitment to supporting them.”
Each grant includes a technology makeover (with digital services for one year), access to online entrepreneurship courses, coaching sessions, a business assessment and $5,000. Grant recipients will also receive a professionally produced TV commercial and media strategy consultation.
Scott Cuthbertson, president/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, said small businesses are the foundation of the state’s economy. More than 90% of companies in Utah are considered small businesses, run by families, friends and neighbors. He said it’s essential that these businesses succeed.
“Comcast is such a valued partner,” Cuthbertson said. “They make critical investments in our infrastructure and we think they’re exemplary about how they invest back into the community, in particular, through this RISE program that provides needed support to our small business owners.”
Andrea Benitez is the fundraising manager at Suazo Business Center, which offers resources for economically disadvantaged businesses. Through education, workshops, and access to capital, the center has helped launch hundreds of small businesses, generating millions of dollars in revenue.
area. For us, honestly, we would love that opportunity.”
Benitez’s clients include minority and underserved populations who need direction for creating a business. They might not qualify for a loan or don’t want to go into debt to fund their dreams, so the Comcast RISE program could be a game changer for these struggling entrepreneurs.
“This Comcast grant is just a great opportunity for them to apply and help their business grow,” Benitez said. “We have lots of clients in that part of the valley and we’re going to help them apply for this grant.”
Diana Lopez owns Cakes by Edith, a popular bakery with two locations in the Salt Lake Valley. As a small business owner, she understands the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs and the many hats they have to wear to keep their businesses running.
As Cakes by Edith grows, Lopez hopes to expand to a third location where she can continue to carry on her family’s legacy. She said if she’s awarded the Comcast RISE grant, she’ll use the funds for marketing and equipment.
“There are so many trends in the baking industry and we’re trying to stay current with everything in the baking world,” Lopez said. “This opportunity with Comcast would provide for businesses in the
The southern end of Salt Lake County has seen significant growth during the last decade and is geared for more expansion. The South Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Salt Lake Community College, offers a 10-week entrepreneurial program to help small business owners find resources for success.
Jay Francis, president/CEO of the South Valley Chamber of Commerce, said small business owners face myriad challenges as they try to get an idea off the ground and that this Comcast RISE program could give them the momentum they need to create something big.
“If a business is fortunate enough to be able to receive one of these grants, I think that’s huge. It’s a real lift and a real boost,” Francis said. “I appreciate Comcast and I think more opportunities need to be afforded to small businesses. This fits in really well with things that we’re focusing on as a Chamber.”
Utah is one of five regions to receive 100 Comcast RISE small business grants this year. Recipients from Salt Lake, Boston, Grand Rapids, Nashville and Seattle will join the 14,000 entrepreneurs nationwide who have been supported through the program since it launched in 2020. For more information, visit www.ComcastRISE.com. l
Small business owners in Salt Lake County can turn possibility into progress with help from a Comcast RISE grant. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
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MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
A publication covering local mental health and wellness around the Salt Lake Valley
Students lead the charge for mental health awareness at Mountain Creek Middle
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Through the Say Something Squad, Mountain Creek Middle students transform mental health conversations.
At Mountain Creek Middle School, three ninth-grade students are leading a movement to raise awareness about mental health and prevent tragedies such as suicide and violence.
They are part of the Say Something Squad, a national initiative created by the families affected by the Sandy Hook tragedy, which trains students to recognize warning signs in others who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others and to alert trusted adults.
“This is teaching students how to tell people when there's a problem,” said Jada Marrott, who along with Madison Searle and Eliza Wootton, help lead their school chapter.
Since the Sandy Hook tragic school shooting in December 2012, more than 11.6 million people across the country have pledged to protect children from gun violence.
At Mountain Creek, about 40 squad members have committed to “say something” to support their peers and to prevent future tragedies.
“It was two years ago when a student, who was struggling with suicidality, came back from a mental health hospital and asked, ‘Why isn't there more suicide prevention stuff around the school?’” said school therapist Nicole Nelson. “Say Something has a free curriculum and is evidence-based. I like that it stems from family members who felt it in school and are directing it for schools nationwide to prevent any school tragedies from happening.”
The three girls decided to join the squad after attending a school assembly two years ago when a classmate shared his personal struggles.
“When (the classmate) shared his story and how he was feeling, I related so much
that I wanted to join this club and be a part of that experience of how he got better and I wanted to get better too,” Jada said.
Madison said everyone listened intently to the classmate.
“It was touching. I've never seen an assembly where it was so quiet; everyone walked out of that assembly more aware,” she said.
This spring, the Say Something Squad contributed to the school’s mental health week and an assembly where students experienced a simulation showing how the loss of a peer affects an entire community.
“It showed how one person committing suicide can affect so many people; it doesn't have to be your best friend for you to be impacted; it was powerful,” Madison said. “A lot of people feel they are lifting others burdens by ridding them of their life, but it’s not.”
Jada said the Say Something Squad can help in those situations.
“We learned you have to say something to a trusted adult. You could tell someone all day long you love them, that you don't want them to die, because it's going to hurt so many people who love them. They might not think they're loved, but they are. In their brain, they think that person who says they love them is just lying to them. That’s when a professional can help,” she said.
The Say Something Squad has been trained to develop empathy, belonging and social awareness and to help people struggling with mental illness find support. Those trainings are held throughout the year, Nelson said.
“We talk about how to prevent social isolation and look for loneliness, because those are the people who have been shown through data that they might bring a gun to school and might be a school shooter,” she said. “We talk openly in our trainings. I intentionally say, ‘suicide prevention,’ because the word ‘suicide’ is a stigma in Utah; we don't want it to be, so we talk about it open-
ly. The curriculum also talks about anti-bullying, empathy and compassion.”
Besides social isolation, the girls said signs such as sleep deprivation, refusal to eat, absenteeism and speaking negatively about oneself prompt them to reach out to classmates in need.
They’ve learned one of the key lessons of the Say Something Squad — reaching out to trusted adults when they notice signs of someone struggling; whether it’s joking about suicide or withdrawing from friends, speaking up could save a life, Madison said.
Eliza said teachers display posters in their classrooms to let students know they’ve been trained to help. The squad also encourages peers to turn to other trusted adults, such as parents or coaches.
The girls encourage students to use
the SafeUT app — a crisis chat and tip line which connects users with real-time crisis intervention for students, parents, educators and others — or call or text the 988 suicide and crisis hotline number.
“The important thing is to find someone,” Madison said. “In Utah, suicides are higher than it should be, especially our age. March, which is why we just had our mental health week, is the month that has the highest suicide attempts. We learned in our assembly that’s when most people are feeling lonely, sad and depressed.”
Eliza said mental health awareness is critical.
“We need to talk about suicide prevention, so people aren't afraid of it, because if
Mountain Creek Middle School ninth-graders Eliza Wootton, Madison Searle and Jada Marrott, standing by a poster made for Hello Week, are leading the Say Something Squad to raise awareness about mental health and prevent tragedies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Building awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thousands of Utahns suffer in silence, struggling with anxiety, depression, stress or burnout. Societal or self-imposed barriers often stop them from getting help but by shining a light on mental health challenges, more people might be open to taking the first step toward change.
May’s Mental Health Awareness campaign is meant to inspire crucial conversations, break down stigmas and challenge misconceptions. Psychologist Magenta Silberman, Ph.D., works in Young Adult Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment at Huntsman Mental Health Institute (501 Chipeta Way). She said issues like anxiety and depression are more prevalent than people realize.
“Mental diagnoses and psychiatric conditions don’t discriminate,” she said. “Regardless of your age, gender, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, etc., you can be impacted and some are impacted in disproportionate ways. I think there is this misperception that it only happens to a select few but there’s a spectrum of what psychiatric symptoms can look like.”
Signs vary by individual but withdrawing from friends and family, having no interest in favorite activities, changes in sleep patterns, low energy or thoughts about self-harm are all examples of potential mental health illness.
Silberman said social media has changed the perception of mental health. On the plus side, people on social platforms might relate to someone going through depression and decide to get help themselves. On the other hand, sites that promote the
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anyone is struggling, you don't want them to be too scared to talk about it,” she said.
Jada said they want to break the stigma which comes with talking about mental health.
“In the past, if you had a mental illness, you were considered crazy and that's why they didn’t tell anybody. At the assembly, we let them know it’s normal and they're not crazy. They can talk to somebody,” she said.
Madison agrees, pointing to the need to shift people’s perception.
“Suicide ideation and depression aren't talked about enough because people are afraid if they talk about it, suicide rates will go up. But it really is the opposite. If we never talk about it, it just becomes a bigger problem and we’ll never find a cure; we're never going to get better,” she said.
Jada understands what some of her classmates may be experiencing.
“I was severely depressed during seventh grade. I felt like I had no friends. There
idea that mental health is a matter of will can be detrimental and even dangerous.
“This sort of misunderstanding, at times mischaracterizing it as a lack of willpower, can create a lot of stigma,” she said. “If you had type 1 diabetes, that would be a life-changing piece of information. You have to make lifestyle changes and take medication, and you can live a fulfilling life. The same is true for individuals with more serious, persistent mental illness.”
For those worried about family members or friends, don’t hesitate to ask questions about what they are going through. Open discussions, without judgment, can be a powerful tool. Even when we think we know what’s best for a loved one, they might not be ready to ask for help. Being self-aware can also spur us to notice mental health challenges in our own lives. Silberman listed behaviors that shouldn’t be ignored.
“If you feel like you’re not living the life that you want to live…or things aren’t bringing you joy like they used to. You’re feeling on edge and anxious, you are not feeling in control. Thoughts or feelings are interfering with your friends, your job and just living the life you want to live. That's when I would definitely get support.”
Therapeutic modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness-based therapies and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Dr. Thomas Rayner is a psychiatrist at NeuroHealth in South Jordan (10437 S. Temple Drive). He’s dedicated to finding the best treatment for his patients and said TMS has
were people around me, but I felt I was isolated in a crowd. I would go home and not want to do anything. I wouldn't eat. I just wanted to sleep. It was rough, because of my panic attacks. I was worried I wasn't good enough; I felt I had to live up to so many expectations of my parents, my family and my friends. I felt I had to be the perfect person for everyone else, and I realized later I just needed to be good enough for myself, because if you're not good enough for yourself, you can't be good enough for anybody else,” she said.
Talking to professionals and knowing she wasn’t alone helped.
“I'm going to have depression and anxiety. I'm going to have panic attacks. But that's OK because it's something I can use to become more empathetic to others. I don't want anybody to go through what I did, so I'm going to try to help everyone the best I can,” Jada said.
The club began the school year by building connections during Hello Week, fostering inclusivity through lunchtime activities, games and pledging to “say some-
been a game changer in the battle against treatment-resistant depression.
“TMS changes brain function in key areas that are implicated in major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions,” Rayner said. “The ability to effectively treat the symptoms of depression without the barriers and side effects of medication is a giant leap forward for the field of psychiatry.”
Everyday practices like eating well, drinking water, exercising, getting enough sleep and interacting with friends can help keep mental health stable. Most people experience sadness, fear or anger, but if those emotions last too long, it could be time to talk to a professional.
For those struggling with day-to-day challenges, like getting out of bed, cleaning the house or going to work, Silberman
thing.”
Then, the squad held an anti-bullying week. The girls said prior to the week, it had been common to see slap fighting, name calling, vaping and other mean things happening at the school.
Madison said they are combating bullying through small acts of kindness such as saying hi or paying a compliment.
“I feel people can be kinder. Simple things can change somebody’s whole entire perspective on their day,” she said.
Looking back on their leadership roles, Eliza said she’s glad Say Something has made an impact at the school.
“Say Something has raised a lot of awareness; people have a better understanding of what mental health is, what a person with anxiety is dealing with, or what is going through the mind of someone dealing with depression. People have become more empathetic in understanding others,” she said. “Something good did come out of something bad.”
Jada remembers when she once masked her feelings and felt alone.
suggested taking small steps. Put away two cups, fold one towel or straighten up one corner of the room. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Creating community can also boost mental health
“We’re social beings at our core and even for those of us that are less social, having access to people gives us new ideas,” Silberman said. “We get out of our shell and rhythm of doing the same thing that we're feeling stuck in. Just leaving the house and getting outside is helpful. Natural social opportunities can be a two-for-one to be outside and have some connection.”
For more information, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness at NAMI.org. l
“It wasn’t until that spring when we had that assembly about mental illness when I realized I needed help,” she said. “People didn’t know the warning signs and that's why it's important to raise awareness. We need to continue to talk about this.”
With more than 34,000 schools involved nationwide, Madison said students are playing a critical part in saving lives. She said since its inception, more than 700 suicides have been prevented and 18 school shootings have been averted.
Jada said tragedies happen when people who struggle don't know how to cope with it and show up at school.
“It's really a sad thing, but it happens,” she said. “We shouldn't have to grow up with it. It shouldn't be a thing, but it is. It’s our reality. It happens. It’s ours to own, to educate people, to prevent. We’re all part of it and it’s up to all of us to say something.”
Eliza added: “That’s why it’s important to deal with mental health; it might prevent future tragedies. It’s up to all of us to speak up and support each other — because every life matters.”
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has addressed the challenges of living with a mental illness. This month, people are encouraged to share stories, advocate for change and break the stigma around mental health disorders. (Canva stock)
Music hits a special mental note
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com
“Even in the 10 years that we've been open, I have seen such a shift, just in the social climate of our students,” said Sarah Davies, The Piano Place founder. “I love that music is making them slow down, unplug and really tap into what's going on inside of them.”
It wasn’t until later in life that Sarah Davies, founder of The Piano Place, realized how much music could do for not only her mood but for her mental health. It’s something that she now incorporates into her teaching philosophy.
Davies grew up like a lot of us in Utah, taking piano lessons that required practice outside of the actual lesson weekly, which some of us grew to resent rather than love.
After taking piano lessons for several years, she decided to quit lessons in the sixth grade, but never actually quit the piano. She said her mom “would often say, ‘Why do you want to quit piano when you're always playing?’”
“During that time, I actually felt like a shift within myself — I felt like I didn't have a creative outlet,” she said. “And so it was really crazy, because I kept turning to music and even though I wasn't in lessons, my mom said I would just still constantly be playing.”
I feel like a lot of times I would play, depending on my mood,” she continued. “If I was frustrated or feeling antsy about something, I would go and I'd play fast songs, and I'd want to get all my energy out that way, and sometimes I'd be feeling more calm and wanting to be inspired.”
Davies restarted lessons in 10th grade and with more enthusiasm than before. Every Saturday morning at 6 a.m. for the next two years, her mother would drive her 30 minutes to visit her piano teacher and play.
Her journey from that point set her in motion on a path of music where she played professionally at The Roof Restaurant in Salt Lake City on the 10th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building before teaching lessons out of her house.
“As it was a good outlet for me, I don't think I was aware of what power music could play in someone's mental health, until I actually started teaching piano,” she said. “It was with my very own students that I began to see how important it is, especially for kids, to have an outlet to turn to.”
She noticed that music could be a positive influence on her students’ mental health in a world saturated with “social media and different things like that, that kids are going through a lot when it
comes to friends and socially.”
Music, the invaluable and unlikely tool
“Even in the 10 years that we've been open, I have seen such a shift, just in the social climate of our students,” she said. “I love that music is making them slow down, unplug and really tap into what's going on inside of them.”
“They've got to dig deep. They've got to learn to sit in the heart,” she said. “And I just love that music is the venue that they can explore all of those amazing things.”
With technology on the rise, Davies expressed concern about AI in addition to the tech already flooding the world.
“I don't think we want to find out what happens mentally when we don't have the influence of music in our lives, and instead, just turn it over to technology to fill in the gaps,” she said.
Music therapist of 18 years, Camille Savage, has worked with a range of ages from children to adults. She said that the type of music we choose to listen to usually has a lot to do with our emotions and our memory.
Mostly working with those with dementia, Savage said music uses a part of the brain that can stimulate memories and emotional responses from different periods in one’s life.
“Music hits the memory, the parts of the brain where the memory is,” Savage said. “Dementia patients may not be able to form a whole sentence anymore — that's a different part of the brain — but they can sing a whole song with me.”
It works the same for children, she said. For example, a mother singing to a child that makes them feel safe and secure could help the child later in life feel that same emotion when they hear that same song.
Different instruments can be different outlets depending on the needs of the student, Savage said. For instance, drumming can be a form of stress relief or an outlet for aggression, even for deaf students.
She called music “motivating” for people, even students to learn math.
“Music is definitely powerful,” Savage said. “The more that we're able to express in healthy ways, I think the healthier mentally that we can be and using it as a means of expression.”
At The Piano Place, concerts have always been a big part of building positive attributes such as confidence and resiliency.
“As a parent, there is nothing better than seeing your kid accomplish something hard, or stand up on a stage and
be brave,” she said. “Those moments are just absolutely priceless. And so that's one thing at The Piano Place we really emphasize.”
Davies called the ages before 12 years old as the “critical years” when laying the foundation for children to develop musical skills is the most important, with the ideal length of five years.
She said that important time is for more than just building musical talent, it’s to build resiliency and “a refuge that they can turn to and build confidence.”
In 2016, The Piano Place was built on the “core of the mission is to just figure out a way to make music fun enough and engaging enough that kids will want to stick with it.”
“For us, we are trying to help families recognize the importance of investing in a music education,” she said. “We get that it's not easy, we get that it's hard, but it is so valuable for these kids.”
The Piano Place has 12 locations in Utah and is part of a larger parent company, One Music Schools, with 12 more national locations, that employs 320 music teachers.
“Even if somebody doesn't know how to play an instrument, I think it would be important to be able to spend some time in looking over at the things that we listen to, the concerts that we go to, and really be aware of how that all does affect us,” Savage said.
Sarah Davies plays the piano as a form of keeping balance in her own life. (Photo courtesy of The Piano Place)
Live music, especially performing at concerts, can be especially good for building skills like confidence and improving mental health. (Photo courtesy of The Piano Place)
Jordan Ridge choirs ‘light’ up the stage
Two teachers hit the right note, starting the elementary school choir 10 years ago.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
On May 22, the Jordan Ridge community may put a little “light” in their step with choral music.
At 6 p.m., the fourth- through sixthgrade Eagles and the second- to third-grade Eaglets will take to the stage to present a series of songs centered around the theme of light. The performance will feature tunes such as the 1920s African-American song, “This Little Light,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from the movie, “Mary Poppins,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” from the movie, “Song of the South,” and “I See the Light” from the movie, “Tangled.”
The younger choir is led by volunteers Nicole Kerr and pianist Michele Hollist, while the older choir is directed by teacher Corrine Fiso, with pianist and teacher Cindy Epperson providing accompaniment. The choir program was established about 10 years ago.
“I would really credit Cindy Epperson with the starting of the choir,” Fiso said. “I started it with her, but she was the one who
was saying, ‘Let’s do this.’ She is invested in making sure the kids have opportunities, especially choir because it’s beneficial and community-building.”
The two upper grade directors collaborate, with Epperson selecting the music and finding additional performance opportunities beyond the school. While Fiso brings her experience in choir to her role, having participated in music throughout her life.
Over the years, the choir has performed at events including the Festival of Trees and sung the national anthem at Salt Lake Stars basketball games.
“A lot of avenues opened from music,” Fiso said. “My high school choir got to travel to China in 2008 right before the Olympics, so we were part of some of the pre-festivities. I sing with the South Jordan Choral Arts Choir, and we do a performance the first Saturday of every December at Bingham (High School). I’m part of a smaller break-off group that travels so we got to sing at Carnegie Hall.”
Fiso channels her passion for music when guiding the Jordan Ridge choir, which meets weekly before school. The choir begins as a large group of about 100 students to rehearse some joint songs, before splitting into the two separate choirs.
The students typically perform twice
a year—once during the holiday season and again in the spring—exploring a range of themes from Disney to Broadway. The Eaglets often incorporate movements into their performances.
“They get to learn a lot of different songs, some classics, some newer. We teach them the music and to have fun with it. We do at least two parts for most songs, so they sing melodies and harmonies and we talk about that,” Fiso said. “My hope is they find enjoyment in the music. It’s fun for them to get a little bit of an intro to some skills they would use in any performing class and to be more comfortable being in front of a crowd or a group.”
Fiso said choir helps students develop focus.
“They have to pay close attention to what’s going on so they can’t be talking to friends or looking everywhere, waving to their family when we’re about to perform,” she said.
Additionally, Fiso points out choir fosters connections across grade levels.
“They love getting together and getting to know one another. They get excited and they’ll come into class after choir, singing and humming the songs,” she said. “But they don’t always love waking up in the morning for choir practice — although they have fun once they’re here.” l
Challenge
Bingham students compete in Utah regional competition
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
t the 2025 Utah regional FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, robotics competition, 40 high school teams competed in a three-day event showcasing their skills. Amongst those was Bingham High’s “8-bit Miners,” with robot 7436.
The competition is designed to inspire and encourage high school students to engage with science and technology, pushing them to apply their STEM and teamwork skills in designing and programming robots to tackle various challenges. Each year, the competition takes on a unique theme; this year’s game was titled “Reefscape.” l
For about 10 years, teachers Cindy Epperson and Corrine Fiso have been directing Jordan Ridge’s choir before school. (Photo courtesy Corrine Fiso)
The last two years have been golden for Bingham swimmer Lincoln Hymas
The BHS senior capped a high school career with two more golds to add to the one he won last year at the 6A state swimming championships.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
In the eyes of Bingham head coach Clint Sorensen, the last two years of competition for senior Lincoln Hymas on his school’s swim team have been just as memorable—if not somewhat different from most kids Sorensen said he comes across.
“Lincoln is driven to win,” Sorensen said. “He has a fierce competitive spirit and puts the work in to be successful.”
This fight was apparent during his junior year at those 6A state swimming championships in 2024. Hymas glided into the wall in first place in the preliminary event. And yet Hymas finished only .23 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Skyridge’s Mason Hemmert.
Then came the final of the 200 free.
Hymas and Hemmert dueled like Ricky Bobby and Cal Naughton Jr. in the pool, moving back and forth over the 10 laps at the BYU Natatorium into the first-place position. After several lead changes, Hemmert and Hymas touched the wall within a second of each other for the second time in as many days.
In swimming, results often happen within hundredths of a second.
That’s what occurred here, as Hemmert touched the wall one-second-andsix-hundredths of a second earlier than Hymas—who had to settle for the silver medal in last year’s 200 free at state.
Determined not to let that happen again, Hymas glided into the wall in the 200 freestyle prelims a full four seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Nate Moir of Skyridge.
Would a Skyridge swimmer ruin Hymas’ moment once again?
Moir was even with Hymas for most of the 500 free, and yet the Bingham swimmer launched his body towards the wall .23 seconds earlier than his Skyridge opponent. This was Hymas’ first gold medal at a state championship race—he finished fifth and sixth in the same two races in 2023’s state competition as a sophomore.
What’s more is that as a junior, Hymas started his 2024 6A state run winning a preliminary event by just .23 seconds and he finished it the same.
In 2025, Hymas was a young man
possessed. The Bingham senior won everything in sight, including a Region title. He then captured his 2025 state preliminary in the 200 freestyle race by more than one second over his nearest competitor from American Fork, Sam Petersen.
In the 200 free state final at the BYU Natatorium, the senior Hymas pushed past Petersen, a sophomore, with ease and won by more than two seconds—1:41:46 to 1:43.84—his first state title in the event.
Now came the next debate: would Hymas repeat his state championship in the 500 freestyle race? American Fork was muscling in on everyone in nearly every boys’ race, reclaiming their spot as the top team in 6A.
This was an individual race—one that Hymas was obviously taking a lot more personally than last year as he made no mistake as to who won the 200 free.
Winning any race by more than two seconds in the sport of swimming is considered a blowout victory—particularly when the event is being contested in shorter lengths of the pool.
For Hymas, who is ranked No. 18 by Utah Swimming and a respectable 393rd nationally in the 500 free, another individual trophy would add to the dozens he’s
won at four different clubs throughout his seven-year competitive swimming career.
This race was his best one.
Again it would be American Fork’s Petersen, the Hilltop Aquatic Team’s sixth best swimmer, facing off against Hymas— not listed among Utah Valley Aquatics’ top 25.
Would that slight factor in?
Hard to say, but Hymas literally blew the doors off the BYU Natatorium, increasing his lead so much with each of his 10 laps in the preliminary race that the Bingham swimmer finally touched the wall in 4:40.47.
Petersen followed Hymas six seconds later.
With a shot at another state individual title in the 500 free on the line, Hymas took his place and tucked into position.
Four minutes and 37 seconds after leaping into the pool, Hymas emerged from the water as a back-to-back state champion in the 500. In the eyes of assistant coach Aubrie Johnson, Hymas was one of a kind.
“Lincoln has been an incredibly dedicated athlete that set high goals for himself... and showed everyone that he was willing to work hard to reach all of them.” l
Bingham High senior Lincoln Hymas won the 200 and 500 free at this years 6A state finals. (Photo courtesy Shauntel Banasky)
I was born with the fashion sense of a platypus: lots of assorted parts coming together but nothing cohesive, nothing you could call style.
It’s not that I haven’t tried to dress nice. I even did some fashion research and read an article that said I should find clothing that fits my personality to feel confident about my wardrobe. My personality is a cross between a hibernating bear and a librarian, so I guess I should wear furry blankets and mustard-colored cardigans? Done.
The article also said to implement different colors and patterns, and not to be afraid to get out of my comfort zone. But my comfort zone is so comfy. Hence the name.
For a long time, my fashion palette consisted only of black; or gray, if the occasion called for levity. Walking through the grocery store, I was often mistaken for a murder of crows, but that might have been because of all the flapping and squawking.
So, I banned black from my closet, except for 13 black blouses because you never know when you’ll attend a My Chemical Romance concert. Then I decided any new clothes I purchased couldn’t be black. Now my closet is filled with a rainbow of dark navy, charcoal, espresso and eggplant for when I’m feeling whimsical.
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
Out of Style
The article suggested trying different styles. Trendy boxy tops look adorable on the pages of fashion magazines but turned me into SpongeBob. Maybe I should stop wearing striped socks with squeaky black shoes and white laces.
I just don’t know how to look effortlessly stylish although Vogue breaks it down into 79 manageable steps. I stopped reading after the one step suggested I wear one thing that scares me. Crocs are the most frightening thing I could think of. Nope.
Once, I was working at an event and was given a T-shirt to wear. I threw on a pair of shorts and called it good. My coworker showed up in her T-shirt matched with cute capris, colorful espadrilles and a rakish beret. I felt like Gollum standing next to her.
If I have to attend any social event, I get fashion paralysis, completely incapable of choosing an outfit. If the event is really fancy, I’ll spend at least 47 days riddled
with anxiety about what to wear. My husband says, “Go buy something new,” but that makes it even worse because trying on clothes is a torture device invented during the Spanish Inquisition.
First, the options are overwhelming. Second, what if I choose something too dressy? I don’t want to look like a wedding cake if the event calls for shortbread. Third, I want my clothes to feel comfy, which is the complete opposite of style. No wonder fashion models always look so angry.
The one area in fashion that I do shine is footwear because Chuck Taylors can be worn with anything. Barefoot is also an option I employ from May through October. (By Halloween, the soles of my feet are as tough as a Kevlar and as grungy as a music festival’s porta-potty.)
Oscar Wilde, my style guru, said, “Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.”
If every fashion trend comes back again, I’ll just stick with what I love: clothes that hide salsa stains and are super soft. Anna Wintour would have some disparaging glances to throw my way but it’s better than my platypus fashion that looks like I just crawled out of a swamp.
