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hat does NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and South Jordan have in common? The answer: John Mack, who competed in his second season on the reality television show. Mack’s run through the obstacle course aired on July 11, for which he earned $10,000 for climbing to the top of the “mega wall.” With so much talent among his competitors, Mack was able to create a game plan by watching them all run the obstacle course prior to his run. A great warm up left him feeling strong and ready, with adrenaline going through him all the while. “I knew I had to go fast and be efficient on the obstacles,” Mack said. “My strategy was to get on and off an obstacle as quick as possible.” Although he does not have the typical ninja warrior build, the average ninja being 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds, Mack says that his 6 foot 5, 190-pound build gives him an advantage, allowing him to make moves others can’t necessarily make, being able to reach further and longer, also giving him a longer stride over certain obstacles. “I’m kind of an outlier,” Mack said. Outlier may be the perfect way to describe Mack, who at a young age experienced a lot of physical and emotional trauma. Like most kids, Mack was involved in lots of different sports, football being his favorite. His football career didn’t last long, however, as he suffered a lot of physical trauma due to head concussions. Doctors at that time advised Continued page 4
John Mack said his height of 6 feet 5 inches often gives him an advantage when doing certain obstacles on the ninja course. (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
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Continued from front page that contact sports were no longer the best for Mack. Mack and his dad happened upon an episode of America Ninja Warrior on TV and the rest is history. Father and son took the next step and began building obstacles in their backyard. It was through ninja warrior courses that Mack was able to work through the emotional trauma of losing his dad to suicide. Mack said that what is now his passion, helped get him through some of his lowest points. “It was hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through,” Mack said. “Ninja warrior was my outlet.” Mack would take to his backyard obstacle courses to help work through the grief, going for hours and hours, until he was able to gain even the slightest amount of clarity. Since they discovered ninja warrior together, every obstacle Mack does, on screen or off, he does in memory of his dad. “I miss my dad every day,” Mack said. Despite the loss of his dad, Mack has received incredible support from his mom. Immediately following the death of his dad, Mack and his mother became very close and relied on each other so much for emotional support as Mack is the oldest of four children. “She taught me how to work hard and how to do things even when I don’t want to do them,” Mack said. “If I was never taught that lesson, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Not only did support come from family and friends, it also came from Karson Voiles, owner of Ninja Warehouse and past competitor on several seasons of American Ninja Warrior. The two met when Mack was 13 years old, after the passing of his dad. “All of us use ninja as therapy in one way or another,” Voiles said. “Ninja has a funny way of building confidence.” The confidence needed to work through loss and also prepare to be on national television is something Mack committed to when he was hired at Ninja Warehouse in 2019.
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The episode of American Ninja Warrior featuring John Mack of South Jordan aired on NBC on Monday, July 11. (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
The opportunity to train and work with the younger ninjas is something Mack uses as motivation to be better inside and outside the gym. A mentor in his own right, Mack looked up to Voiles the way some young ninjas look up to Mack now. Voiles said he has seen his relationship with Mack come full circle, first as mentee, now as mentor. Seven-year-old Emmet Gibson began attending Ninja Warehouse Summer camp in
August of 2021. He enjoyed it so much he asked his mom, Leigh Gibson, if he could take more classes once summer camp ended. He now sees Mack at the warehouse weekly. “Coach John is always motivating me to do better and telling me stuff I can do to do better,” Emmet said. Emmet and his family watched the first episode of the past season of America Ninja Warrior featuring Mack at the nearby Megaplex. Joined by other families and ninjas
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in training, they were all cheering for their coach. With the money he won, Mack plans to continue working towards an MBA and eventually open his own ninja warrior gym. Mack is currently enrolled at Salt Lake Community College. For more information about Ninja Warehouse visit www.ninjawarehouse.com. l
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Cub Scout Pack 7 offers skills, friendship and leadership Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
“D
o your best.” That’s the motto of the Cub Scouts, the group of children ages 5 to 11, who attend weekly pack meetings and learn new skills and gain new experiences with others their age. But it’s more than just learning to tie knots and how to pitch tents. It’s also about making friends, helping others and reinforcing positive attributes. That is why South Jordan residents Kevin and Vivian Nichol have continued to be involved in scouting for more than 20 years. Their most recent effort has been concentrated on the Cub Scout level, specifically Pack 7, which they formed in January 2021. “During the Cub period is when they begin to comprehend that they are part of something bigger,” Vivian Nichol said. Often times scouting is associated with all things outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing and so on. While all these outdoor activities are a big part of scouting, they are not the main focus, rather a means by which characteristics may be instilled, such as being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Currently there are 22 registered Cub Scouts in Pack 7, ranging in ages from kindergarten to fifth grade. The pack is also divided into “dens,” which are smaller groups based on age. Those den meetings have their own adult/parent leadership and they have been able to meet at the Daybreak Community Center weekly on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. As the scout motto suggests, “do your best” is meant to be taken into any activity or skill the kids learn, especially when it comes to leadership. “The children that we work with are really the future leaders of tomorrow,” Nichol said. The Nichol’s have confidence in the kids and in their potential and that confidence has been met enthusiastically by the parents of the Cub Scouts, some of whom have started to take on leadership roles themselves. The parental involvement has made all the difference for the Nichol’s, as more hands make for light work. “We’ve got great parents,” Nichol said. “It’s important for the leaders to set the expectation upfront that it’s a family organization and that the families are very much involved.” Audrey Burrie and her 7-year-old son Jonathan began attending Pack meetings in March. After searching on the scouting.org website for a Pack in their zip code, they were able to find the Nichols and Pack 7. “We were looking for some activity or place that our son could learn and experience new things that he might not have had the opportunity to otherwise,” Burrie said. Although she started off as a parent bystander, offering parental support of her son
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A new experience for most, Cub Scout Pack 7 participated in the parade at the South Jordan Summerfest in early June. (Photo courtesy of Mark Henrichsen)
during weekly activities, Burrie applied to be a full-on scout volunteer at the beginning of July. She is now an assistant den leader. “We love how the program is structured and our son gets to see how hard work and effort can pay off by earning patches and belt loops,” Burrie said. Daybreak resident Lance Butler also wanted something for his 5-year-old son Henderson to be a part of where he could make friends in his area and experience new things. He too found Pack 7 through the scouting.org website and connected with the Nichols. Avid fans of the outdoors, Butler said that he and Henderson had monthly camping trips prior to joining scouts. In early July, Pack 7 attended a two-day family camp at Camp Fife outside of Collinston, Utah, that included all the things one might expect at a scouting camp: hiking, archery, bb gun shooting and older Scouts lending a hand to the younger Cubs. Butler plans to add himself to the adult leadership in the future. “It was really fun, just all the different activities and also having the positive role models in the 15- and 16-year-old scouts,” Butler said. Henderson Butler indeed has older kids in the pack to look up to. Ten-year-old Alex VanLeuven has been in the Pack for the past eight months. His mother, Jamie VanLeuven, is an assistant den leader, a role she shares with her husband and one other parent. Alex doesn’t attend school in his immediate area, and joining the Pack has helped him get to
Weekly den meetings at the Daybreak Community Center include reciting the Scout Oath and Law. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Nichol)
know more of the kids his age who live close to him. VanLeuven said working with the Nichols has been great and that Vivian will step in to help in a variety of ways. “She’s got something good going on,” VanLeuven said. “The kids know her so well.” The VanLeuvens also attended family camp and it was by far the favorite activity that Alex has participated in with Pack 7. Pack 7 was set to host an event on July 28 at 5:30 p.m. on the green space just east
of the Daybreak Community Center. All children and families are invited to come and participate in the games, such as rain gutter regatta and water bottle rockets, and activities such as stilt walking. The Cub Scouts are also looking forward to the Pinewood Derby event on Oct. 1. For more information about finding a Cub Scout pack visit www.beascout.org. l
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Four South Jordan educators shine for dedication to students By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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our area top educators in Jordan School District were recently surprised as they were honored in front of their peers and students for their teaching excellence. South Jordan Elementary teacher Patricia Gotberg had walked in the school’s multi-purpose room with her class as the choir teacher was directing the audience in a song. “I remember thinking this choir assembly was really spur of the moment,” said the 35year veteran teacher. “It seemed to take a bit for the choir to begin, so I thought, ‘They’re stalling for something.’ I thought about sneaking out and going back to my classroom to work on something. Then Bryce (Eardley, the principal) came in and cameras were following him, so I thought, ‘Wow, he’s winning another award’ because he had just won some award over in Tooele (School District) where he had just come from. So, I was clapping when I saw my family follow Bryce. I remember thinking, ‘Why are they here?’ And all of sudden, it dawned on me.” Each year the Jordan Education Foundation honors an outstanding teacher in each of the 67 schools in Jordan School District. Each educator was surprised — ambush-style — at their school, in front of their classroom and peers, letting them know they are the 2022 JEF Outstanding Educator from their school and were given $500 and a crystal award, said Anne Gould with the Jordan Education Foundation. The top 12 of those educators along with the outstanding principal, and JEF student scholarship recipients, were honored at a banquet held in their honor and given $1,000 and a crystal award, she added. Gotberg, along with River’s Edge’s Carnell Cummings, Elk Meadows’ Tracy Huish, and Bingham High’s Braxton Thornley, are the four South Jordan educators that were recognized amongst the top 12. Other South Jordan teachers of the year include Mindy Carroll, Aspen; Amanda Lankford, Daybreak; Katie Shaw, Eastlake; Chris Lyon, Elk Ridge Middle; Stacie Thompson, Golden Fields; Melissa Cumming, Jordan Ridge; Tracy McCurdy, Monte Vista; Karlee English, Mountain Creek Middle; Kim Player, South Jordan Middle; and Carolyn Smith, Welby. Jordan Education Foundation’s outstanding educator awards committee chairperson Tina Rothe said the experience from reading the nominations submitted by each principal with the assistance of peers, students and parents to making the heart-warming pop-in visits is rewarding. “Every year we like to surprise some of those wonderful teachers who lift and inspire their students every day,” she said. “All year long they go above and beyond to make sure that their classrooms are a safe place, spend-
Page 6 | August 2022
ing money out of their own pockets to enhance their classroom activities and making sure their students feel loved. As an award committee we have the privilege of reading all of these nominations. Trust me, we are usually in tears before we are finished reading every one of them. We are always in awe that the teachers continue to stand firm with the promise they have made to have each student leave their classroom every day knowing that they are valued.” Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes agrees: “It is a special opportunity to be part of this committee that gets to walk in the classroom and thank them for what they do and the impact they’re making on our students. Every one of them is overwhelmed they are being recognized for what they do.” Gotberg Gotberg, who is in her 14th year teaching sixth grade after spending 21 years educating first-graders, incorporates hands-on learning activities in her classroom lessons. This spring, she led her students in a play about the American Revolution. Gotberg sewed more than 25 costumes for her students, created backdrops and directed each student to have a speaking part in the play that introduced stories of Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, King George, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Alexander Hamilton, the Second Continental Congress, the Militia Recoats and the Constitutional Convention. Through the play, Gotberg said her students learned history, theater skills, leadership, self-advocacy and supporting one another. Her hands-on lessons aren’t limited to productions; they also occur daily with interactive science experiments. “I let them figure out if matter changes when you do different things to it. A favorite one the kids like is figuring out if you add up all the parts if it’s going to be equal amount of mass as if they were separate. We do that by making this Twinkie bug and they have all the different parts they weigh first. Then they determine if it’s going to be the same once it’s together,” she said. “Parents really like how the kids are getting to learn by doing these hands-on activities.” Even with her experience, Gotberg said the key to her instruction is that she doesn’t teach the same thing year-in and year-out. “Every year I’m reinventing the wheel to try to make it better. Instead of just having a file I pull it out to do the same lessons, I try to meet the needs of the kids,” she said. “Sometimes the lessons need to be altered depending on the needs of the kids and so that’s why I go home exhausted. I don’t just sit in my chair, I’m always out and about and helping them learn.” Cummings
South Jordan Elementary teacher Patricia Gotberg, who made costumes for a class play, was selected as an outstanding educator for Jordan School District. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Elk Meadows’ Tracy Huish was surprised to learn she was selected as an outstanding educator for Jordan School District. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Education Foundation)
Cummings is a teacher specialist at River’s Edge, one of the District’s three special education schools. In Cummings’ nomination, he is described as a “teacher specialist extraordi-
naire” who connects with and supports students while attending River’s Edge as well as when they attend a mainstream class or enroll in the post-high program Independent University, which he oversees.
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“His priority is to reach each and every student and to provide a safe and positive learning environment,” the nominator wrote. “Carnell embodies our motto ‘Every Day is a New Day.’ He comes ready to connect with the students and support the teachers, regardless of the daily behavioral challenges we navigate as a staff, which are often quite significant.” Huish It was after lunch on a Monday when Huish was helping a student with a math problem, her back to the classroom door. “All of a sudden, my door opens and a ton of people came screaming through my door,” she remembered. “I turned around and screamed out loud. It was a complete shock. I saw Dr. Godfrey in the back, and they were saying, ‘Congratulations’ and I still didn’t know what was happening.” Huish taught for six years, then put her career on hold for 25 years to raise her own children. This is her fourth year back in the classroom. “There’s nothing similar to what it was like 25 years ago. It has been an adjustment,” she said – adding that the COVID-19 pandemic was an additional adjustment. So, Huish didn’t have any expectations for an award. “It was just so touching, but there is no way in my entire life I expected that,” she said. “I work hard, and I try to do a good job with the children. It’s nice to know that someone has seen that effort. What meant the most is that your hard work pays off in a way. There are many others that could receive the same award and maybe they haven’t had someone take notice.” Huish’s nomination included some “very sweet little clips from parents and clips from other teachers that were very nice and very thoughtful.” She finds delight in watching students learn. “There’s something to watch when all of a sudden, they can explain something new and hear them explain it,” Huish said. “We were doing a science experiment sprouting seeds and they were so excited when they saw the first sprout come out. You’d think they’d won $1 million when simply a seed sprouted. I thought, ‘Man to be like a child again, you find such joy with even the littlest things.’” Huish originally planned to pursue business, but while in school, she realized she wanted to teach children. She stayed in college another year to earn her early childhood education degree with a minor in law. “My grandma taught school from the time she was 18 till she retired at 65 and I grew up seeing that,” Huish said. “Maybe that had something to do with me wanting to teach. Honestly, I can’t tell you what made me slip into elementary ed., but it was it was a good thing for me. It’s so rewarding knowing you can make a difference with children. It’s a privilege knowing that
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Bingham High’s Braxton Thornley, seen here at the unified track meet, was honored as a Jordan School District outstanding educator. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Superintendent Anthony Godfrey congratulates River’s Edge’s Carnell Cummings as a Jordan School District outstanding educator. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Educaton Foundation)
their parents share their kids with me during the day.” Thornley Not only is Thornley an English teacher, he also serves as Bingham’s technology coach. So, when he was asked by a vice principal a week before educators were to meet for ACT training, he didn’t think anything of it. But, he didn’t like it was during his lunch. “I said, ‘I really don’t want to come down during lunch; I need my lunch.’ That’s the one time I have during the day, so I was kind of resistant to her. She said she didn’t really have the ability to reschedule because of the district’s timeline. I just told her, ‘I’m not going to come but if you need me, feel free to run up to my room if anything pops
up.’ That’s where we left it. A week later, she came to my room and said, ‘Remember that training? We really need you down there.’ So, I walked with her and when we reached the auditorium, all my students were in there cheering and yelling, and my wife and daughter were there clapping. At that point, I realized it wasn’t an ACT training.” It was the second recent award his students got to celebrate with him. He also received the Utah Jazz Most Valuable Educator Award for making an impact in his school and community and for being an inspiration in the lives of his students. With the award, he was given a $1,000 classroom grant. In college, Thornley changed his major from computer science and graphic design to become a teacher.
“I wanted to do something that I felt was a little bit more meaningful. I actually went back to my high school and talked with one of my teachers. All he said was you just need to find something that matters in some way. I decided that teaching was the thing that mattered for me. I can help students and make a lot of impact.” That impact and caring of students was part of his nomination. His colleague, special education teacher Kari Ortiz, co-teaches a class with Thornley. “She said that she rarely sees teachers who care so much about students and that’s probably the thing that I’m most proud of,” he said, adding that the idea behind the class “is that when you integrate special education students into the general education classroom, it improves the special education students’ performance” and at the same time, it doesn’t detract from the general education students’ learning and it may teach them more about being inclusive. “I do really like working with students who have more needs than just the average student.” That love of inclusion has been part of why Thornley also has served as Bingham High’s unified sports coach, a program that pairs up special education student-athletes with their peers on the field, court and track. It’s an extracurricular position he has held since 2020. “I’m doing a lot; I teach four sections of classes and I have three periods that are dedicated to supporting teachers in improving their use of technology. Every week I send out training videos on different technology tools, and I hold monthly trainings and do one-on-one coaching,” he said. “I was working on things so that’s why I was telling her that I needed my lunch, but I’m glad I went. It would have been unfortunate if I didn’t.” l
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Bingham High students’ art shines in shows, creativity encouraged in classes By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ifty years ago, the Utah All-State High School Art Show was created to honor the best high school artists for their talent, originality and enthusiasm. The exhibit at Springville Museum of Art continues, expanding to digital submission and online jurying to review all 1,063 entries from 108 high schools. Junior Hailey Oepping was one of the 335 students who had work exhibited; Oepping used digital media to show the severe impact of global warming. Bingham High art teacher Phil Jackson said opportunities such as Springville, Jordan School District’s art show and even the school’s art show give students a chance to have their artwork shared. “These are great opportunities for our students,” he said. “I have a number of students who have artwork they’re putting in. There are some oil paintings, those students have done some incredible work, and our ceramic stuff is pretty amazing this year.” Each year, a couple pieces at the school’s art show are purchased to display around the school. “It’s a super cool opportunity if the student’s art is chosen and then displayed it in the library or around the main office,” Jackson said.
Students also have entered shows on their own or even contests like the Congressional Art Show or PTA Reflections. While some students do it purely for the enjoyment, others seek college credit. Advanced Placement ceramics students created and submitted portfolios this past spring. In addition to ceramics, Bingham offers commercial art, drawing, calligraphy (which includes bookbinding), painting (watercolor and oil), printmaking, photography, digital photography and more. “We have a lot of choices for the arts,” he said. “Then there’s also the music side of things and a whole bunch of offerings. They even have electronic composition class where you can create music on the computer, and guitar and then there’s all the multimedia stuff like video editing and like 3D design. It’s an impressive offering for our students.” Students take advantage of those courses, Jackson said. “Every beginning class fills and Drawing II classes almost always fill. Our teachers could teach and fill every one of the because there is the demand for it. Our students like to do art here,” he said. “We want to give our students some different opportunities. I might have a student say, ‘I’m not good at drawing, but I can write you know, so I’ll try calligra-
Bingham High junior Hailey Oepping’s digital painting was selected for the 50th Utah All-State High School Art Show. (Julie Slama/City Journal)
phy’ and they’ll hear from their classmates it’s fun. We do the traditional dip pens with the ink, so they all think they like Harry Potter and they get excited about that.” In ceramics, they may make masks, using skills they’ve acquired. In drawing classes, students can practice realistic techniques, create a portrait or try their hand at mandalas. “I have had students just get up on a desk
and pose,” he said. “In calligraphy, we just finished circular writing. We have some creative projects; one of the favorite projects is I’ll bring in records and we’ll do paintings and lettering all over the records. It’s really fun.” Jackson said that some students appreciate the time during the day to be creative. “We keep the atmosphere a little laid back, you know, turn on music during class
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when they work and they can talk, so, the environment we kind of create here is welcoming and fun,” he said. “Some students say, ‘I don’t want anyone to tell me what to draw,’ which I understand. I respect that. But I don’t want any of them sitting there for a day and a half, trying to figure out what to draw, so I try to give them some broad themes and they’ll come up with awesome things, really creative. They have so much creative energy.” Jackson believes creativity is important for all people, not just art students. “I understand when they come to my class, there’s a small percentage that are going into art as a career,” he said. “So, what I tell them is if you take anything out of this class, creativity is going to be the one thing that will really serve you throughout your life. Creative people stick around when others get laid off because they can see different ways around problems, they can think of ways to be more efficient, market better, they can think outside the box. People who are creative are going to be a lot more valuable in whatever they choose to do. I tailor my lessons around that and teach them ways to brainstorm for their projects, where they’ll come up with more unique ideas rather than just drawing the first thing that comes to their head. We spent a lot of time on developing creativity.” That principle can be applied to most any career from engineering to accounting. “Creative thinking can help with problem solving, and thinking of a way to do something
Students could display their work at Bingham High’s annual art show. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
better, improve on ideas — it doesn’t have to look like creating art. It may look like ‘how do you solve problems that seem hard to solve?’” he said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he has
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seen more people practice creativity. “We, as teachers, had to adapt everything, go online, and think of new creative ways to reach our students and connect with them. That right there was a huge exercise in creativity,”
Jackson said. Bingham has been known for its art. In Springville’s museum, a section of the high school art show was dedicated to former art students who have gone on to become professionals. Bingham alum Greg Newbold, whose student work was exhibited in the show from 1983-85, was one of a handful who were highlighted. As an illustrator, he has worked for high-profile clients, illustrated for children’s books and exhibits his art in galleries in Salt Lake and Tucson, Arizona. In the exhibit, Newbold shared: “The more tools you have in your toolbox, the more options of expression you will have. As a result, your ability to create exactly what is in your mind will not be limited.” In addition to alumni, other guest artists have shared with Bingham students their advice, techniques and ideas. Before the pandemic, the art department offered an optional art trip to San Francisco to take in art and architecture. When students submit their artwork for shows, they draw from their experiences or observations. “It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their work; we don’t make it a requirement,” Jackson said. “It’s a chance for them to be recognized for their hard work and to be valued.” l
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August 2022 | Page 9
‘The Music Man’ brings new ‘phraseology’ to South Jordan By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
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he Tony Award-winning production of Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” was reimagined for the South Jordan and surrounding community July 7 to 13. Sponsored by the South Jordan Arts Council and performed at the South Jordan Community and Senior Center, “The Music Man” tells the story of Professor Harold Hill, a con man who ventures to small town River City, Iowa in 1912 with the intent to charm, persuade, and cheat the residents into joining his youth band, even going as far as to sell them instruments and uniforms. Playing the role of Professor Hill was Nate Hallet, who despite having five years of experience in musical theater, had never before been cast in the leading role. The father of four first got started in musical theater at the request of his then 12 -year-old daughter. “I’ve been able to do a handful of productions with that same daughter and absolutely loved it,” Hallet said. Hallet admitted that of all the scenes, his favorite to perform was act two, scene three entitled “the Paroo Porch” in which Professor Hill and Marian Paroo, played by Amy Garrard, have a “determine the relationship” moment on Marian’s porch. Hallet said that his previous roles leaned more toward a goof-ball type character, and that this
Page 10 | August 2022
First time performer Ethan Warren, pictured center right, was cast in the role of Winthrop Paroo. (Photo by Jill Lash)
scene was outside his normal. “That was really a lot of fun, and it was kind of a stretch for me,” Hallet said. Originally from Price, Utah, Amy Garrard was cast in the role of Marian Paroo, a role she had long waited to come her way. Garrard had previously directed “The Music Man” at Murray High School in Fall of 2020.
“I’m glad this was my Marian experience,” Garrard said. Garrard grew up watching musicals with her family, and her grandfather’s favorite was “The Music Man.” Her favorite scene took place in act one, where Garrard sang “My White Knight” in which Marian Paroo describes what she is looking for in
a suitor: “All I want is a plain man All I want is a modest man A quiet man, a gentle man A straightforward and honest man To sit with me in a cottage somewhere in the state of Iowa.” A University of Utah graduate with a de-
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gree in choral education, Garrard teaches private vocal lessons from her home in addition to being a mom to her 3-year-old daughter. Garrard also took on a mentoring role, working with first time performer 9-year-old Ethan Warren, who was cast in the role of Winthrop Paroo, the brother of Marian. In the story, Winthrop Paroo has a lisp and is shy. As the story goes on, Professor Hill spends a lot of time with the young Winthrop and helps him to overcome his speech impediment and social awkwardness. Garrard said that she would squeeze young Ethan’s hand, whether during rehearsals or during the actual performance, as a way to reassure him. Ethan, who will be a fourth grader at Monte Vista Elementary, said that he was nervous at auditions but that once cast, he had a lot of confidence as all the performers began rehearsing together. Helping to add to that confidence was dad Ryan in his first ever musical theater performance, who was cast as the conductor, constable and farmer. “I think he [Ethan] was feeling nervous and excited,” said Ethan’s mom Melissa Warren. Ethan admitted that when he auditioned, he just wanted to be a part of the cast, not knowing he would be cast as such an important character in the story. He said that while this was his first time performing, he has enjoyed musicals before as an audience member. His favorites include “Seussical,” “The Secret Garden” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” “I love theater,” Ethan said. Returning to direct the production was Shawn Kidd, who has more than 19 years of musical theater experience. Kidd also directed “The Sound of Music” in 2019 and “Once Upon a Mattress” in 2021 in collaboration with the South Jordan Arts Council. Kidd spend a majority of his directorial tenure in Farmington, New Mexico where he taught choir and theater at the high school level.
In act one, scene seven, Professor Harold Hill, played by Nate Hallet, and Marian Paroo, played by Amy Garrard, as well as the ensemble of teens of River City, Iowa dance and sing inside the library. (Photo by Triana Ord)
“I like directing because I really like seeing how all of it comes together,” Kidd said. As Professor Hill poignantly said to Marian Paroo while
he is trying to encourage her to seize the moment in front of her, “pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays…” l
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August 2022 | Page 11
Merit Medical celebrates completion of xeriscaping project By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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outh Jordan’s Merit Medical Systems just completed a xeriscape landscaping project at its headquarters at 1600 Merit Parkway, reducing water intensive plantings by nearly 75%. The extensive project replaced nearly three acres of grass with more than 1,100 tons of decorative rock, 250 boulders and native drought-resistant plants and shrubs. The landscaping also includes a new drip irrigation system, designed to prevent water evaporation, and 56 new trees. “Merit takes corporate citizenship seriously,” said Fred P. Lampropoulos, Merit Medical’s chairman and CEO. “Our xeriscaping initiative is one of several projects Merit is undertaking to reduce our environmental impact. Utah’s drought conditions make the need to protect our water resources urgent, and Merit is excited to be part of the solution.” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and local officials joined Merit Medical in recognizing the green initiative that will save four million gallons of water each year. A celebration in late June honored the completion of the xeriscaping that was part of the H2Oath, a waterwise pledge to encourage water conservation efforts by families, businesses, cities, government agencies and statewide
Merit Medical Systems in South Jordan celebrated the completion of an extensive xeriscaping project that replaced nearly three acres of grass with decorative rock and drought-resistant plants. (Photos courtesy Merit Medical)
organizations. The Utah Division of Water Resources launched the H2Oath program in 2016. “Thousands of people and organizations have taken the H2Oath,” Cox said. “Merit’s xeriscaping initiative is an example of a company doing what is right. This progress is encouraging, and I hope others continue to
follow their example.” Founded in 1987, Merit Medical Systems is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of health care technology, employing more than 6,500 people worldwide. South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey also attended the landscaping celebration and reiterated the urgent need to save water.
“South Jordan has citywide initiatives to make our community eco-friendlier,” she said. “Merit’s xeriscaping initiative helps to protect Utah’s natural resources and supports our community’s needs. The positive feedback and appreciation we have received from the South Jordan community has been phenomenal.” l
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Daybreak offers templates for waterwise park strips By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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outh Jordan City, the Daybreak Community Association and Larry H. Miller Real Estate have partnered to create water conservation easier for residents in the master-planned communities of Daybreak. “Water is a precious resource and we take water conservation in South Jordan very seriously,” said South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey. “Providing more options for more residents and doing it in partnership with businesses is an important part of a concerted effort to conserve water in our city.” Brad Holmes, president of LHM Real Estate, is excited about the partnership with the city to integrate water conservation into the Daybreak community’s landscaping guidelines. Instead of lawn in park strips, the guidelines suggest a mixture of drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials, boulders and groundcovers to add interest and beauty to neighborhoods. “We are excited to partner with our residents and South Jordan City to increase water conservation and support our sustainability goals through waterwise landscaping,” Holmes said. “We encourage residents to take advantage of South Jordan’s rebate program and work with the Daybreak Community Association to select a waterwise template for their park strip.”
South Jordan’s Flip the Strip rebate program provides opportunities for city residents to apply for funds to cover the cost of transitioning from lawn park strips to waterwise plants and drip irrigation. Residents can earn up to $300 rebate when grass is removed from the park strip and replaced with drought-resistant plants, irrigated with a drip system. Drip system conversion kits are available through the city and include everything a resident needs to convert from spray heads to drip irrigation. A park strip that utilizes waterwise plants and watering systems can reduce water use by more than 80%. For more information about the rebate program or conversion kits, call 801-253-5203 ext. 502. Waterwise templates have been created for Daybreak and include a Great Basin Prairie park strip filled with ornamental grasses, a Utah Cottage Garden park strip composed of perennials and shrubs, and Wasatch Heritage, an area of plants accented by landscape boulders. South Jordan City Public Information Officer Rachael Van Cleave reminds residents the waterwise rebate program is available for any home in the city, not just Daybreak.
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“South Jordan offers hundreds of dollars in rebates and water-saving assistance through our water conservation program,” Van Cleave said. “There are rebates available for waterwise plants, rock mulch, concrete and curbing to help any South Jordan City resident flip their park strip and reduce the amount of grass they have in their yards.” Daybreak’s waterwise design standards can be found at mydaybreak.com/community
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A park strip in South Jordan went from lawn to xeriscaping as part of the city’s park strip rebate program. (Photo courtesy of South Jordan City.)
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City Journals recognized multiple times at the 2022 SPJ awards (Society of Professional Journalists) HERE ARE THE WINNERS FROM DAVIS:
Front page design First place – Anna Pro and Roger Tuttle • Honorable mention – Anna Pro Best single page design • Honorable mention – Anna Pro Best photographer • Honorable mention– Roger Tuttle Humor/lifestyle • Third place: – Peri Kinder • Honorable mention – Peri Kinder Best newspaper reporter • First place – Becky Ginos Medical/Science • First place – Becky Ginos General news • Third place – Becky Ginos
and Roger Tuttle Military • Third place – Becky Ginos Sports • Third place – Tom Haraldsen Military • Honorable mention– Tom Haraldsen
HERE ARE THE WINNERS FROM SALT LAKE:
Sports • First place – Julie Slama • Second place – Carl Fauver Personality profile • First place – Julie Slama • Second place -- Sarah Morton Taggart • Third place – Sona Schmidt Harris Religion/values • Third place – Sarah Morton Taggart
Medical/science • Second place – Julie Slama • Third place – Shaun Delliskave Military • First place – Julie Slama Education • Second place – Jet Burnham • Third place – Jet Burnham • Honorable mention – Jet Burnham Environment • Second place – Deb Hafner Diversity and equity • First place – Julie Slama COVID-19 investigative • First place – Cassie Goff Continuing coverage • First place – Cassie Goff
Business/consumer • Second place – Sarah Morton Taggart Arts and entertainment • First place – Julie Slama Best newspaper reporter • Second place – Carl Fauver • Third place – Cassie Goff
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Police shortage continues as Salt Lake County finds ways to keep you safe County Council Women Aimee Winder Newton
I
n Salt Lake County our top priority is to keep you and your family safe. That's why over 70% of our general fund budget is allocated to criminal justice as we operate the jail, handle prosecution and indigent defense, run behavioral health programs and fund the sheriff's public safety bureau. One of our challenges has been a shortage of officers to work in the jail, and I know many of our cities are struggling to hire enough police officers for their communities. The past few years have been tough for our men and women in blue, and morale has taken a hit. That's why public safety has been a huge focus for me as I serve on the council. This fall the Sheriff’s office was faced with a very small pool of new recruits and public safety agencies across the valley were competing for officers. In order to support effective recruiting we must fund competitive wages and benefits which is why I voted to support the Sheriff's compensation request providing a structural pay adjustment for all sworn Correction and Public Safety Officers. The county jail houses around 2,000 inmates and operates its own healthcare system. Inmate medical needs range from basic general care to specialized treatment including dental and mental health, which the jail is constitutionally mandated to provide. In addition to seeing a shortage of sworn po-
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3
lice officers, we are also seeing a shortage of healthcare workers. This spring the County Council voted to increase the pay rate for medical staff at the jail. In addition, I led efforts to add a $5,000 hiring bonus for medical staff who remain working at the jail for two years. Staffing shortages contribute to increased wait times when officers are booking an individual into jail. As law enforcement agencies across the valley face their own recruitment and retention efforts it is my priority to focus on reducing this wait time so officers are back out on the street quickly, keeping your neighborhoods and their fellow officers safer. As we look at ways to better improve public safety, I believe investment in Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) is critical. MCOT teams work alongside our police
when mental health crises arise. The team is made up of highly trained licensed mental health clinicians and certified peer support specialists. Right now, we only have about half the number of teams necessary to help our officers and the public. I am on the State’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Commission, and we are pushing for additional state funding to fully operate these MCOT teams.
Addressing staff shortages requires bold and steady leadership. I maintain my commitment to you that every vote I cast as a county councilmember comes after thoughtful consideration of how it will impact the county overall, as well the constituents whom I represent in this role. I am committed to safe neighborhoods by focusing my attention on the county’s public safety efforts. l
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LHMFordDraper.com August 2022 | Page 15
What’s your legacy?
Career opportunities give middle school students chance to explore, learn By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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camera man hoisted a television camera on a student’s shoulder while a dental hygienist showed a plaque remover to another student. Students lifted heavy plumbing wrenches, took control of mini robotic construction cranes and directed them around the media center or climbed aboard an ambulance to explore. This was Elk Ridge Middle School’s tool day, one of several opportunities area middle schools gave to students to learn about careers from professionals. Other middle school students at Elk Ridge, Mountain Creek and South Jordan middle schools learned about college and career awareness through lessons, speakers or tours ranging from JTEC opportunities to job shadows to industry tours. The experience not only can help shape their futures, but maybe even a chance to dip their feet in the profession this summer. Eighth-grader Rachel Millerberg was one of about 450 South Jordan Middle students learning about possible job options as she shadowed a couple writers during the week. “I’m wanting to learn about the different kinds of writing careers because I like to write and read a lot,” she said. Counselor Kelly Graham said students like Rachel can select the profession and reach out to someone in the field to shadow for four to eight hours.
“We encourage them to pick an occupation or place that is of interest to them,” she said. “We see it as a learning opportunity in two different ways. When a student spends time with this professional and learn and see what they’re doing, they can say that was awesome and when I’m a little older, I’d like to even learn a little more about that. Or they can say I didn’t enjoy that so much. I’m glad I found out now instead of spending time and money on a four-year degree and doing something they don’t like that much. We still feel that the final answer is very worthwhile for our students.” While several students shadowed their parents, which Graham said, “what they see is often a lot different than what they might hear about,” some students reached out to other careers ranging from a law office to a fire department. “They might be there to see one job in particular, but they’re probably going to view a dozen more different types and how they interact. They’ll be able to see if it’s a computer-based job or if they work alone or how they interact with people,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity for our kids just to start thinking about future occupations. The more we can show them during these career opportunities, and let them observe, the better decision they can make down the road for themselves. The kids come back with all these fun stories. They’re so excited to
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At Elk Ridge Middle School’s Tool Day, students were able to check out a television camera as well as tools of other professions. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
S outh Jordan City Journal
share their story. And some kids occasionally will come in and say something like, ‘Hey, can we talk about a computer offering what do you have?’ I want to know what my options are because I found something I’m interested in.” Elk Ridge invited professionals to come with “tools” of their trade to engage students as they rotated through the stations that ranged from police to deconstructive testing. Seventh-grader Catherine Brandenstein had learned about careers in coding — “I did Python last semester;” in cosmetology – “there’s a lot more complicated tools with hair than I realized,” and being a camera operator — “that’s pretty cool to see how they film on TV.” Career and Technical Education teacher Angela Hardy said the idea was to give students a range of careers to explore. “The more they get to know, the more hands-on opportunities, the more excited students are to look into careers,” she said. “We’re hoping one of these will spur their interest. They’re being exposed to a range of careers and seeing some of the concepts in the core classes apply to the real world.” Firefighter and EMT Max Doddridge said he was there to inspire a new generation. “I want to help them understand what we do, give them the ins-and-outs of the profession,” he said. His captain, Jared Velez, said that classes in writing and math are important as it provides the crew with communication and
problem-solving skills. Class group projects translate to working together as a team, he added. Entrepreneur Brian Whitmer gave students a hands-on opportunity to explore CoughDrop, a communication tool that helps students with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and others. Looking at a certain word or picture displayed on the iPad, students were able to communicate, the devices, which are personalized, already are in Jordan, Alpine and Salt Lake school districts so mostly non-verbal students can communicate with teachers and therapists, he said. “We’re wanting to find ways to allow everyone to be able to communicate, participate in class discussions, and tease their siblings and friends,” he said, adding that it was his own daughter who inspired him in 2015 to create the device. “It’s giving a voice to all students.” Career and technical education teacher Megan Rees said she appreciated the diverse careers that were shared. “This has to be the coolest experience,” she said. “They students are getting to see some of the newest tools and talk to professionals in the community instead of just listening to a stiff presentation. They’re asking questions they’re interested in and having a more intimate engagement.” She wasn’t surprised after asking her class, “What do you think of tool day?” “It’s awesome.” l
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August 2022 | Page 17
Sports Day gives elementary students chance to shine through friendly competition By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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outh Jordan Elementary sixth-grader Trent Corum was pretty excited about getting a chance to win some ribbons at Sports Day. “I like running short races,” he said. “I’m faster than my teacher and I can probably throw farther too.” Trent, his classmates and other elementary students with special needs around Jordan School District came together for Sports Day, an opportunity to display their skills they learned in adaptive PE classes while having a fun competition against others the same age and the same ability. His teacher, Kelli Sundell, said it was an event some of her students looked forward to while others didn’t even remember it. “It’s been a couple years since we’ve been able to hold it for all schools to get together because of COVID,” she said, pointing out the pandemic safety and health protocols restricted the District event. “That’s a long time in a young child’s life, but we’ve talked about all the fun we’ll have together and the fun way we can exercise with friends.” Fifth-grader Lili Mattson remembered competing before and was pumped to run and throw a softball. “I have a lot of ribbons from before
South Jordan Elementary’s Monroe Tyree finishes the 400-meter race at Jordan School District’s Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
on my bedroom walls – blue, green, red, orange; I want pink this year,” she said. “We’ve been practicing for Sports Day. We run laps around the school field, and I try to outjump my friends because I want to win. Winning is fun, but I need to remember to just do my best.”
South Jordan Elementary students, like many other schools, received a clap-out and good luck wishes before boarding a bus for Herriman High, where teams from across Jordan School District came together to parade in front of family, friends and Utah First Lady Abby Cox, who was a former special
education teacher. “I want you to be a friend and I want you to make sure everyone feels a sense of love and belonging today,” Cox said. “That’s what today’s all about. It’s about helping each other and loving each other.” River’s Edge students carried the American flag in the stadium. “They were excited to be asked,” 20year special education teacher Melissa Munson said. “Our kids are excited to show their parents and audience the skills they’ve practiced all year in their adaptive PE classes. Some of them are more excited for that than the ribbons.” Photos of Sports Day are included in the school’s yearbook, so students get to relive the excitement of the day, she said. After the parade, many parents came onto the field to cheer on their student-athletes as they rotated between events. The competition began with the 400-meter dash. Then school groups, dressed in matching team shirts, rotated between the softball throw, a long jump and a 50-meter dash, many of the events coordinated by volunteers. Aaron Simpson was on the field supporting his first-grade daughter, Ansley, who attends Antelope Canyon.
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“She loves being active,” he said. “She’s constantly running up and down the street, asking to do things with me. She was pretty excited for this day.” After throwing the softball, Ansley started dancing in celebration. “She’s just having so much fun,” her dad said. That’s what Michele Couvertier, a
teacher at Daybreak Elementary for 19 years, appreciates about Sports Day. “It’s a special day for students because they’re at the center of attention, showing the skills they’ve learned to their parents,” said “It’s just such a fun family day where we all get to celebrate together.” l
Above: River’s Edge fifth-grader Keaton Green competes in the long jump at Sports Day. (Julie Slama/ City Journals) Below: An Antelope Canyon student races against an Oquirrh student during the 50-meter dash at Jordan School District’s Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Above: Ariana Clark of South Jordan Elementary was excited to receive a ribbon after her race at Sports Day competition at Herriman High School. (Julie Slama/ City Journals) Left: West Jordan Elementary’s JonDavid Watkins shows off his medal from Sports Day. (Julie Slama/City Journal) Below: Terra Linda Tigers cheer as they walk in carrying their banner at the Sports Day parade of athletes.
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
August 2022 | Page 19
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Area high school students honored with Aspirations in Computing awards By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
M
urray High School senior Mary Seeley knows a thing or two about science and technology. She has been part of a five-time first-place underwater robotics team; learned about making computer chips, coding, circuits, wiring, ethics, personal privacy and other aspects of cybersecurity at Brigham Young University camps; competed with VEX robotics and Science Olympiad on her high school team; been involved with Murray High’s tech club; was named Murray High’s Sterling Scholar in computer technology; served as a SheTech statewide student board member; started a SheTech club at her school; and has interned with both SheTech and Murray School District’s CyberCorp. The 4.0 soon-to-be Spartan graduate recently was honored as a state award winner of National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing. She was one of 60 area high school students honored at the April 30 ceremony held at the University of Utah. “This award highlights all of my activities that I’ve done in tech, in STEM and computing,” said Seeley, who plans to attend BYU in the fall to study for a possible career in software development. “It showcases all the hard work I’ve put into it. It means a lot as I really enjoy the opportunities tech has given me and
Murray High senior Mary Seeley was one of 60 area high school students recently honored for their computing-related achievements. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
those opportunities have opened up a lot more. This year, and last year, there were some amazing women who spoke (at the ceremony) and really inspired me.” The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors ninth- through 12th-grade students for their computing-related achievements and interests, and encourages them to pursue their passions. Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience, computing-related activities, leadership experience, tenacity
in the face of barriers to access, and plans for post-secondary education. Other area students who were honored include: Rachel Arlen, Cottonwood High; Daniella Black, Herriman High; Delaney Borg, Herriman High; Izabelle Davis, JATC; Annie de Bry, Brighton High; Joselyn Gardner, Herriman High; Taya Ginn, Herriman High; Acacia Hansen, Kearns High; Sage Hardman, Herriman High; Victoria Hollingsworth, Herriman High; Kailee Kim, Herriman High; Grace Ivers, JATC; Ashley Larson, Herriman High; Zoey Later,
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Herriman High; Casey Lumley, Herriman High; Micaela Madariaga, Hillcrest High; Katherine Numbers, Alta High; Leonardo Rivas, Olympus High; Madelyn Sadler, Bingham High; Abigail Slama-Catron, Hillcrest High; Katrina Snelgrove, Herriman High; Angelina Stokes, JATC; Adelina Trionfo, JATC; Allison Williams, Hillcrest High; and Julia Young, Herriman High. Since 2007, nearly 20,000 students have received an Aspirations in Computing award and are then inducted into the AiC Community—a network of 20,000 technical women, genderqueer or non-binary individuals who work in universities, companies, nonprofits, and government organizations and are working to increase the influence and meaningful participation of girls and women from every community. According to its website, NCWIT was chartered in 2005 by the National Science Foundation and is a nonprofit community that convenes, equips, and unites change leader organizations to increase the influential and meaningful participation of girls and women— at the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and disability status—in the field of computing, particularly in terms of innovation and development. l
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S outh Jordan City Journal
New chapter for Hawthorn Academy
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By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
fter 38 years as an educator, the past 13 as principal and director of Hawthorn Academy charter school, Dr. Deborah Swensen has retired. “I cannot imagine Hawthorn Academy without her,” teacher/curriculum coach Shannon Zobrist said. “She was there before there was a school. She has been part of everything Hawthorn has been for the past 13 years.” Swensen, a recipient of the Circle of Excellence Lifetime Achievement award from The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, was instrumental in opening the K-6 Hawthorn Academy West Jordan campus in 2009 and the K-9 South Jordan campus in 2015. She began as principal at West Jordan and later became lead director over both campuses. Charter board members handpicked Swensen to implement their charter and were soon impressed with her passion, dedication, organization and perseverance. “She took our vision and dream and ran with it and made it better than we could even imagined,” board member Jamie Dickson said. Hawthorn Academy Communications Assistant Halley Miranda said, “She really has been the backbone of Hawthorn, pushing the school upward and onward. She helped us achieve and maintain one of the highest credit ratings for charter schools in the state and led hundreds of teachers and thousands of students throughout what could arguably be 13 of the most tumultuous years in education.” Swensen’s leadership was always student-focused. “I went into education because I could make a difference in the lives of kids,” Swensen said. Swensen began her career in public schools and ended it at a charter school. “I have come to appreciate the strength of the public charter schools and the culture of acceptance and support within a small community,” Swensen said. “And it’s also helped me to better understand the power that can be achieved in education when it’s truly a partnership with teachers, administration, board, and parents and kids.” Swensen enjoyed working with board members and mentoring her staff members, who were quick to praise her. “I have never met or worked for a more kind, caring and selfless person,” thirdgrade teacher Autumn Sutton said. “Her love for education, her employees/teachers, is breathtaking.” “Dr. Swensen is very educated and shared with us her knowledge about discipline, how to motivate students, and how to love those challenging students,” fourthgrade teacher Sherry Powell said. “She also made herself available to us at all times.”
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Dr. Deborah Swensen, a beloved administrator at Hawthorn Academy, retired in June. (Photo courtesy of Halley Miranda.)
“She is the most organized woman you will ever meet,” middle school teacher Alisha George said. “She is an advocate for her teachers and has our backs. She is approachable and genuinely listens to her teachers and staff. Her ability to balance the many hats she wears is admirable. She has left her mark and we hope to continue her legacy for many years to come.” Even in retirement, Swensen will stay involved in education, reviewing schools for accreditation. She and her husband plan to do some traveling and to serve a service mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Swensen’s replacement as director at Hawthorn Academy is Floyd Stensrud, who has 34 years of experience in education, 26 as an administrator. Stensrud is excited to join the Hawthorn Academy family and to work in a school that uses an International Baccalaureate curriculum at all grade levels. “I’ve just been impressed with that philosophy and the fact that they were forward-thinking enough 13 years ago to incorporate that in their charter,” he said. “I think that was really what got me excited about this particular school.” Stensrud, who believes that the focus of education should be on the learner, plans to create a professional learning community in which teachers and students collaborate to improve learning. “It can’t just be a community that is isolated to just the teachers or just the students, it’s got to be a cultural shift,” he said.
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Elk Ridge PTSA students learned to speak up, work together from elected officials By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
I
t was more than a civics lesson. It was a life lesson in becoming involved and working together for a common goal. That was a message 28 Elk Ridge Middle School student body officers and PTSA ambassadors heard while visiting the capitol and meeting with Rep. Susan Pulsipher and Sen. Derek Kitchen. Pulsipher explained to students about “some of the things that she’s putting through to help education and about that process,” said Elk Ridge teacher and PTSA adviser Steve Pollock. He said that her message of teamwork and finding common ground was important. “It was good for her to talk to the kids about how to work with other people even though you’re not always the same political party,” he said. “She told them, ‘You have to keep a good relationship because maybe down the road on a different bill, it will be important to have their support. It’s really important because sometimes kids think, ‘If I don’t like what you’re doing right now, you can’t be my friend,’ but I think they understood when she said, ‘You always got to be working for what’s best for Utah.’” Kitchen echoed that message. “Sen. Kitchen invited us in the senate chamber when they were in session and said, ‘I want you to listen to the language how we talk to each other because we never call each other by our first names. We always call each other the good senator.’ He told the kids that they need to respect one another because they need to work together, regardless, if they have different views,” Pollock said. Eighth grader Navina Devarajan noticed the proper manner. “It’s all very formal,” she said. “There’s no like personal grudges when they’re voting. They address the speaker when they’re telling their points. They don’t really look at each other and argue; I thought that was interesting.” Both elected officials told students they can become involved in decision-making right now, said ninth grader Malik Lucero. “Rep. Pulsipher told us people reached out to her to advocate and vote for certain things,” he said. “She then will research and make an informed decision on what is best for Utah. She told us that we, as students, and our families, can reach out to her and email her about what concerns we have, which is kind of cool. I didn’t know we had this much of a say. We learned our voice matters.” Navina agreed. “We have a say in things, we are not left out,” she said. “We can talk about issues and make a change.” Pulsipher told them she’s working to make the transition to Utah’s education system smoother for refugees, who often arrive without the required birth certificate and other documents.
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
“We learned from her how different representatives and senators work with their districts on local needs that need changing, like the influx of new immigrants coming to schools and how new processes need to be made to make sure they learn English, learn customs and can be immersed and not thrown to the wolves,” Malik said about the former Jordan School District Board of Education member who now sits on the House Education Committee and on the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Kitchen, a graduate of Elk Ridge Middle School, acknowledged the students from the Senate floor. “We were able to stand up and wave, and that was really pretty cool,” Navina said. Malik said Kitchen told them how Elk Ridge and in high school impacted his future. “Sen. Kitchen started getting a feel for politics when he was a SBO in eighth grade, and he told us how that was important in his life,” he said. That’s important to Malik as he hopes the skills—“teamwork and learning how to work independently, but know when to ask for help”—he has learned as a PTSA ambassador will help him attend an Ivy League school where he’d like to study to become an astrophysicist. Elk Ridge’s PTSA already has helped with Red Ribbon Week, the Halloween school carnival, posters for school events, teacher appreciation and the Angel Tree service project. They’re also looking into starting a movement for kindness at their school. “We advocate for kindness, and if someone is sitting alone at lunch or not having someone to hang out with, we can reach out,” Malik said. “We want to include everyone and have them know it’s a safe place and make new friends. As leaders, we feel we should be kind so others can choose to do that also.” Navina said “bringing people together in making a difference” is something she has learned from PTSA. “With my career goal of becoming an orthodontist, I’ll need to be able to strike conversations with patients and make them feel comfortable and that’s essentially what we’re doing with PTSA,” she said. “We’re interacting with students, making them feel comfortable at school, and if they have any problems, they can talk to us about it.” Their capitol visit also included a docent-led tour, where the guide pointed out the symbolism of the building. “Our guide pointed out all the paintings and their significance and some of the features in the house and senate; it was really cool.” Navina said. “She talked about how they constructed the capitol and about how they recently made it earthquake safe.” Malik was impressed with the Gold Room.
State Sen. Derek Kitchen talked to Elk Ridge Middle School students about how being an Elk Ridge Middle studentbody officer spurred his interest in serving the people in the legislature. (Steve Pollock/Elk Ridge Middle School)
“I went in there and it was like, ‘Whoa,’” he said. “It was just so lavish and beautiful. Our tour guide told us all the important meetings happen there. The whole
capitol is so big and beautiful. I didn’t realize how much history there is in every little detail of it and how much history is being made there every day.” l
August 2022 | Page 25
Football summer camps bring new opportunities, new challenges for coaches By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
I
t’s that time of year when high school football coaches around Utah try to figure out what they have at their disposal for the coming season. For two coaches in particular who are good friends off the field and are also on opposite ends of the coaching spectrum, the feeling is similar in some aspects going into 2022. Bingham head coach Eric Jones is optimistic. Despite never having been a high school head football coach, he is excited about his team’s prospects going into the 2022-23 season. Summer camp moved right along in his estimation and the learning comes with the job. “Camp is going well. Making lots of mistakes but that’s good. Gives us something to coach and improve on. We’ll get there,” Jones said. In his first season at Bingham after having been a longtime assistant at Roy under the legendary Fred Fernandes—who later followed Jones to Bingham at Jones behest and became the Miners offensive coordinator— Jones brings expertise on the defensive side of the ball, in particular. The new Bingham head coach and his staff welcomed approximately 165 kids June 21 to Ron Thorne Stadium. Each of the 165 will be assigned to one of four Miners teams
Page 26 | August 2022
Bingham High football helmets await the 165 kids ready for summer camp. (Photo courtesy Eric Jones)
(freshman, sophomore, JV and varsity) after that camp is over and after the kids have been evaluated by Bingham’s coaching staff. On the other side of the valley, nestled
up against the Wasatch Mountains is Cottonwood High School, home of the Colts, where head coach Casey Miller is dealing with a completely different kind of problem: numbers. The fourth-year head coach is also optimistic he’ll have what he needs when his camp begins July 11 and he is banking on that all of his players will be attending. “There are only 60 kids in the program,” said Miller, who added that like Bingham, his Colts will be doing the camp at school and not at an area college. “We’ll practice in the morning, we’ll have meetings and team building throughout the day, and practice again in the evening.” For an independent that was on the brink of having its football program fold several years ago for the first time in school history, and since that time has been consistently improving its product on and off the field, Miller has been doing everything in his power to keep Cottonwood High School football afloat. The Cottonwood coach is fighting like crazy to not only keep the program solvent during difficult times by holding fundraisers around the clock. Miller was urging his kids to keep their grades up this past semester so that he can have enough guys on the field to actually play a game when the Utah high school football season officially begins July 25. Last year, that was a problem for the Colts, who in several games were only able to field about a dozen players on varsity— something that forced Miller to have to play nearly all of his players both ways on offense and defense for the entire game. And, some had even played the JV game the day before,
he added. In order to fuel their bodies properly during the two-a-day camp, however, Miller has had to get creative—to the point that he and his wife pay for four meals worth of food out of their own pockets for all four days of the Cottonwood football camp and cook it all the day before camp gets underway. “A lot don’t get them at home,” Miller said. “It’s important they get shown it’s possible to have good food three times a day and it isn’t just Pop-Tarts and Takis.” Miller added that by doing things this way, he’s keeping costs well below what it would be to go to a camp and gives the kids more freedom to do more activities. “It all means more work for my wife and I, but it’s fun,” Miller said. That’s a different kind of problem than that of Bingham who has so many kids that the real problem comes not in finagling enough nourishment for the players, but in figuring out the final 10% of kids who will be playing on the varsity team. “We’re constantly evaluating practice drills, practice reps, and scrimmage reps through the use of film,” said Jones, who will dress 80 to 85 kids per varsity game. “The actual players on the field getting the majority of the reps would be between 35-40.” For the scrimmages, Jones was able to line up several local high schools to play against two days of the week—the majority from Davis and Weber counties. “I had a hard time finding others to participate with us. Had Farmington originally but their helmets aren’t back from painting,” Jones said. “So we ended up with Layton, Copper Hills, and Roy. We scrimmaged all three of them the [third day of camp] at Layton. On the [final day of camp] we scrimmaged Layton and CH at our place for about an hour each.” Jones is taking over a Bingham team that lost over 40 players to graduation so he’ll have some holes to fill. Above and beyond that, the Miners have a new offensive coordinator, a new defensive coordinator and new head coach so there will be a heavy learning curve as well. “It’s a long process,” said the first-year Bingham head coach. “These kids are on their third OC in three years and second D.C. That’s hard from a learning perspective. The kids are improving and getting better with it though.” That said, another trend in Utah high school football may be developing, because for both coaches, holding summer camp at their own high schools is not as cost-prohibitive. For Jones, the reasons are simple and threefold. “I don’t like going out of town for three reasons: too expensive, I can’t pay my assistants for their time unless we stay home, and we get more done at home.” l
S outh Jordan City Journal
Youth coaches receive crash course education from some of state’s football greats By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
F
or just $125, a youth football coach could go to high schools, hotel conference rooms and training facilities in cities across Utah this summer and learn more about their craft from some of the state’s football legends — guys like former Utah Utes, East High standout and NFL veteran Sione Pouha. In two separate sessions at the Great Coaching 101 Training and Certification seminar, those youth football coaches who completed a one-day course in person and an online training course received a certificate of completion and were given access to a digital team manual and a playbook and proper coaching procedures via an online portal. Other former players and coaches with well-known names taught at the in-person classes offered in various Utah cities like Ogden and South Jordan and West Valley, even all the way down to Cedar City and St. George from July 9 to August 6. What’s more is that some of the names of the instructors are people you’d probably recognize: former Weber State and NFL standout Ben Moa, and former Utah Utes and NFL veteran Jeff Kaufusi — as well as former Utah Utes coaching legend, Coach Mac, Ron McBride. At each of the two training classes, the youth football coaches learned three keys
The Great Coaching 101 banner. (Photo/Keiti Pouha)
to sharpen their coaching skills, the most effective way to build a player’s character and leadership, ways through which you can increase your player’s football IQ, and how to best build a better understanding of your football operations and organization and develop it to its utmost capabilities. What’s unique about this particular course is that not only did the youth football coaches have access to these coach and player legends during the one-day course in
South Jordan’s Embassy Suites Conference Room on July 9 and July 30 and at other area locations, they’ll also receive visits throughout their upcoming season from these big name football players and coaches who will continue to provide these youth coaches, new and veteran, with transparent evaluations and feedback. If you can envision Coach Mac or former New York Jets standout Sione Pouha coming to your son’s or daughter’s little
league football game, well, that dream might just become a reality — if your son’s or daughter’s coach attended this Great Coaching 101 seminar at any of the five Utah locations. Other tools that youth football coaches who attended this seminar were given included access to weekly webinars, continued training and up-to-date learning via the online portal, and will receive permission to join both of Great Coaching 101’s Facebook and Discord communities. l
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August 2022 | Page 27
ears
Local speech therapist offers new hope for stutterers By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
I
t is common for children between the ages of two and seven to develop a temporary stutter. “Some kids are short term and we can fix those really quick,” said speech language therapist Jayna Collingridge, M.S., CCCSLP. “But if it's an ongoing issue, stuttering, for the most part, isn't curable. So it's going to be a lingering issue in somebody's life.” About 1% of the world’s population has a stutter, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder. With traditional behavioral approaches, speech therapy for stuttering could last for years. But with the Palin Parent-Child Interaction therapy, which is a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused brief therapy, children and parents learn how to positively live with the disorder. Collingridge loves that the new method invites children and their families to talk openly and positively about stuttering. “If you are going to have to deal with something throughout your life, wouldn't you want to have the most positive outlook on it?” she said. Collingridge was just one of 21 speech language pathologists worldwide invited to learn the Palin Parent-Child Interaction stuttering therapy this June at a workshop sponsored by The Stuttering Foundation and
nal Care
niors
Did you know? • About 1% of the world’s population has a long-term stutter. • People with a stutter don’t usually outgrow it. • The frequency of stuttering for a person varies, depending on a wide variety of factors. • Stuttering has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence. Boston University. As the head of the speech therapy department at Providence Hall charter school, Collingridge has a caseload of 120 students, K-12, who have a range of speech and language challenges. This year, eight of them are stutterers, more than she’s ever had in one year, which inspired her to seek out additional training. “If there's something that I think might help my students, then I absolutely want to learn it,” she said. “If there's something more that I can do to help them have a better life, then I absolutely will do it.” The Palin PCI approach is a much different method than she’s been using for the past 24 years as a speech language pathol-
ogist. “It has changed the way that I think about stuttering in general,” she said. “I have to consider the child, what their needs are, what the desires of the family are, but I absolutely see this being possibly life changing for certain families.” She has already begun to implement it with clients in her private practice. “I think this, for some people, might be all that they need,” Collingridge said. “Maybe it's just a piece of the puzzle, maybe it's something that'll be helpful, or it might be the end of someone's need for therapy. Once parents change their interaction styles, they've learned that they now have the tools to help the child communicate as effectively as possible, and it doesn't necessarily require ongoing therapy.” Parents are a vital part of the Palin PCI method. In her private practice, both parents are required to attend every session. However, that kind of parent involvement isn’t feasible in a school setting. While implementing the method at Providence Hall will be more challenging, Collingridge is confident that she’ll be able to incorporate many aspects of the method and invite parents to be more involved. Collingridge has also reached out to colleagues who work in public school districts
to let them know about the new approach. Public and private schools offer free speech and language services for students. Parents who want speech services for their child should contact their school administrator. Pre-K speech and language testing, preschool and therapy is offered for Jordan District area residents through Kauri Sue Hamilton School. Private speech therapy is also an option. Local private practice speech and language pathologists can be found on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s website. Collingridge said because stuttering is not a high incidence disorder, it may be more difficult to find a speech therapist that specializes in stuttering. Children need speech language therapy for a variety of speech challenges. Collingridge said some children just need to be made aware of their speech patterns and learn some strategies. Others may need longterm speech therapy to practice strategies. “Really, the ultimate goal is to have the child be able to communicate confidently to say what they need to say,” Collingridge said. “And if they can do that, be effective and confident with what they want to say, then, goal met, they're an effective communicator.” l
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Speech and Language therapist Jayna Collingridge applies a new approach to stuttering therapy in her private practice. (Photo courtesy of Jayna Collingridge.)
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Suzy Butler (top left corner), program coordinator with the Millcreek Senior Center, has students share images during the virtual senior center’s acrylic painting class, one of the centers most popular courses. (Photo courtesy of SLCounty Aging & Adult Services)
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By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
W
hen COVID closed senior centers around the state, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services created virtual senior centers that allowed patrons to stay connected from the safety of their homes. Started in August 2020, the virtual centers were an innovative concept that earned Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services the 2022 USAging Aging Innovations and Achievement Award, presented at USAging’s annual conference in July. “Through the Aging Innovations and Achievement Awards, we salute our members’ outstanding accomplishments and hold up their programs in the hopes that doing so will seed replication and additional innovation by their peers around the country,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. Senior centers have been proven to help older adults stay active and engaged in life. The psychological boost of regular interaction with other seniors helps alleviate feelings of loneliness. When the centers closed to the public, aging services employees created the virtual platform to offer crafts, exercise programs, educational courses and ways to socialize. “I want to thank the dedicated employ-
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ees and volunteers whose work resulted in this recognition. This award highlights the innovation and thoughtfulness of our senior center staff,” said Paul Leggett, division director for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services. “I’m proud of the way that our team utilized technology to continue engaging with older adults during the worst days of the pandemic, and so it’s fitting that we are receiving this achievement award in the technology category.” Criteria for the award included the ease with which other agencies could replicate the program in their communities. The 2022 USAging Aging Innovations Awards honored traditional and new strategies in a range of categories, including advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion, elder abuse prevention, healthy aging, home and community-based services, nutrition, social engagement and workforce development. “We applaud our members for their tireless efforts to creatively develop vital services and support for older adults,” Markwood said, “as well as their caregivers and people with disabilities in communities nationwide.” l
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Seek shelter from the heat at county-owned facilities By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com
T
riple-digit temperatures and excessive heat warnings have become common during the summer in northern Utah. These conditions can be deadly to those without reliable access to air-conditioning. Thanks to a partnership between Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services, Salt Lake County Library Services and Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation, anyone can seek shelter from the heat in one of 36 county-owned facilities. Adults age 60 and older can use an additional 18 senior center locations. The Cool Zone locations are air conditioned and open to the public. Anyone can cool off, hydrate and learn about other resources and programs. Loriann Warner, manager of the Midvale Senior Center, reports that older adults come to the center who either don’t have air conditioning in their home or the unit they do have is not working. “If a senior is staying at home in a house with no ability to cool the space, temperatures escalate above 100 degrees and if the senior is not drinking enough water they can become dehydrated and ill,” Warner said. “Dehydration due to excess heat can negatively impact the health of a senior.” Warner recommends coming to the center for a class, staying for lunch, and following that with time to exercise to take advantage of the facility during the hottest hours of the day. Most senior centers are open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Libraries and recreation centers are open on weekends and have longer hours—as late as 9 p.m. at some libraries and 10 p.m. at some recreation centers. Libraries are free and open to all. Recreation centers may require fees to participate in programs or activities, but anyone may sit in the lobby or entryway to cool off. “Two weeks ago a homeless gentleman visited the River’s Bend Senior Center to escape the heat and rehydrate,” said Afton January, communications manager for Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services. “Staff showed him around the center because he is over 60 and eligible to visit and participate in the programs there. It also happened to be the date of the primary election, so he was able to register to vote for the first time.” The Cool Zone program started in 2014 in response to concerns about older adults’ vulnerability to heat-related illness. “Aging and Adult Services case managers and front-line staff recognized a need among our older population, namely that a lot of lower-income older adults don’t have air conditioning at home to help manage hot summer temperatures,” January said. “Our teams mobilized and started two initiatives: one to distribute fans and portable AC units to our homebound clientele, and the cool zones, which are aimed at people who can
Page 30 | August 2022
Whitmore Library is one of 36 county-owned facilities where anyone can cool off and find respite from hot summer days. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)
leave home and are mobile enough to visit a senior center, library or county recreation center.” Sean Bailey, communications and public relations manager for the county, was with the Department of Aging & Adult Services at that time. “At the inception, we realized that we needed to offer more locations as to not limit the program to people 60 years or older,” he said. More information can be found at www. slco.org/aging-adult-services/cool-zone/ or by calling 385-468-3200.
“We hope that the cool zones offer two things to our community—a safe place to cool off from the sometimes extreme temperatures we experience in the summer and an opportunity to learn more about the things Salt Lake County is offering in your neighborhood,” January said. “Whether you visit a library, recreation center, or senior center, you can expect to be treated with respect and invited to participate in programs and activities designed to keep you healthy, happy, and engaged.” l
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Low-cost dental clinic helps transform smiles for children and adults By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com
I
n 2019, the Charitable Health Clinic operated by Midvale Community Building Community (CBC) was busy: an average of 200 medical or dental visits per month. A few months into the pandemic that number increased, and now the number of total visits has doubled. “June (2021) is when we started getting absolutely slammed,” said Mauricio Agramont, the executive director of Midvale CBC. “People started being ready to go back to get medical and dental services. Everybody who had delayed treatment for so long, they all came. A lot of people lost their job or their insurance.” A few months later, Dr. Priscila Bautista began volunteering. Originally from Brazil, Bautista came to the United States with her husband and three children in 2016. Though she graduated from dental school more than 20 years ago, Bautista needed to complete a two-year residency and work 6,000 hours to be fully licensed to practice dentistry here. “I’m an international dentist,” Bautista said. “I need to build up hours working as a dentist and the only way I can do this is as a volunteer. It’s amazing helping those people who need it. So I decided to stay here full time, every day, all day long. Some Saturdays, some nights.” Soon after Bautista arrived, the clinic was also able to upgrade the dental equipment. “We used to work with portable dental units,” Agramont said. “Now we have four full working chairs with a vacuum pump and compressor. We’ve improved our electronic medical records system and that has really changed the quality of the experience. Before, our capacity to serve wasn’t as great. We had to develop X-rays. Now we are digital. That is improving the experience of our volunteer dentists.” The clinic offers all the services of a private clinic: fillings, root canals, extractions, implants, even cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers all for less than half the price. Clients do not need to have insurance, but they do need to provide proof of income. “Patients save 60% of the costs. The community said we don’t want free services, we want affordable services,” Agramont said. “They would live with an impacted tooth for a year. Deciding to start the dental clinic came from horror stories, people coming in with a broken tooth because they tried to extract it themselves. We serve working families who would delay care for themselves, but not for their children.” One in five children in Utah have untreated dental decay and need immediate dental care, according to the Utah Department of Health. With a $5,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, the clinic has been able to expand low-cost preventative dental services to treat more low-income, uninsured Latino children in Salt Lake County. “This is one of those key initiatives that we really want to support,” said Tiffany Erickson, the media relations manager at Rocky Mountain Power. “What we know is that when kids are hungry, they don’t go to school. When they have medical issues, they don’t go to school. We want to support organizations and initiatives that are helping lower those barriers and make sure that kids have opportunities just like anybody else.” Often, families have some children who were born in the United States and others who weren’t. The younger siblings can qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program or Medicaid, while their older siblings don’t. “We have families where one of the children qualifies, but others don’t because of where they were born,” Agramont said. “As a parent, they don’t want to favor one child.”
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Priscila Bautista was a full-time volunteer dentist at Midvale CBC for nearly a year. (Photo courtesy Priscila Bautista)
For more than a decade, the clinic has offered dental services mainly to adults. Now they have one pediatric dentist, Dr. David Stewart, but they need more. The clinic relies on state funding, donations and volunteer providers. “It doesn’t work if the right pieces don’t fall into place,” Agramont said. “You can have the funds, but not the dentists, or the dentists but not the funds. Like teeth in a smile: if one is missing, it’s not pretty. A local dentist who can donate a few hours a week or month will make a big difference. You can choose the schedule that works best for you.” Bautista completed her required hours in July and began working at a private clinic in Murray. She has every intention to continue volunteering at Midvale CBC, but can no longer do it full time. Word of mouth alone keeps the clinic busy. Patients have come from as far away as Tooele and Wendover. Virtually all of the adults who seek care at the clinic are first-generation immigrants from Latin American countries who work full-time, yet are underinsured or have no insurance at all. They often put off dental treatment as long as possible to avoid missing work or facing costly bills. Most employees at Midvale CBC are fluent in English and Spanish. “When I say ‘buenos días’ instead of ‘good morning’ I can see their relief,” said Bautista, who’s native language is Portuguese. “I’m learning both English and Spanish, and the assistants and staff help.” “All of the dentists make that effort to communicate,” Agramont said. “They learn that basic vocabulary and always have dental assistants that speak Spanish and can step
in. When the dentist makes that effort to communicate, that’s the spirt of this clinic.” “You are here to help, but you can learn, too,” Bautista added. “It’s a learning environment because you can take your time. You can do a procedure that is a little bit more complicated, but you can have an hour, two hours per procedure. We can do really nice dentistry.” Tiffany Velasco is the dental manager for the clinic. She has also completed the education necessary to become a dentist, but needs to obtain her license from the state. “My goal is to do the same process as Dr. Bautista,” said Velasco, who is originally from Peru. Velasco coordinates the volunteers, schedules patients, buys supplies, helps maintain dental records and steps in as an assistant when necessary. The volunteer dentists are also supported by a team of volunteer dental hygiene students from Salt Lake Community College. Bautista has been the supervising dentist this past year, working at the clinic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. “Most need a deep cleaning,” Velasco said. “But that’s so expensive. You have to pay out of pocket if you don’t have insurance. It feels great, but $400 is a tough sell for our community. Here you pay $17.” Midvale CBC’s dental and medical clinic are located at 49 W. Center St. in Midvale. “It’s a nice place to work,” Bautista said. “We are like a family here. The environment is special. For me it’s so nice, for the people that would never be able to afford a private practice, we change their smiles.” l
August 2022 | Page 35
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Utah’s farmers seeking more legal employees during employment crisis By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com
‘
Labor shortage’ is a common statement from businesses, and farmers are crying the same. On June 30, the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, the Salt Lake Chamber and the American Business Immigration Coalition held a press conference to bring awareness to a bill they are lobbying to pass in the Senate to help with the open jobs they struggle to fill. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act in 2021, but the agricultural industry needs more. The Act established a Certified Agricultural Worker status for aliens that; worked over 1,035 hours of agricultural work during the year before, was previously living here illegally, and had been living in the United States continuously. CAW grants legal residence for five and a half years to the individual, along with dependent spouse and children. The press release stated the organizations are working for “much-needed improvements on the House’s solutions” and want the process to move forward faster into the Senate. “We (agricultural farm owners) are facing a massive labor shortage,” the press release states. “Agriculture is important. Not
Enrique Sanchez, Intermountain State Director for the American Business Immigration Coalition, introduces the speakers for the press conference. (Image/ABIC)
only for keeping food on the shelf for Americans but it is one of the foundational engines of our state’s economy. Sixth generation farmer and president
of the Farm Bureau Federation, Ron Gibson, said the unemployment rate in Utah is so low, it is hard to find legal workers. “We have a less than 2% unemployment
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rate in the state of Utah,” Gibson said. “It’s simply changing the way we do business.” He and other farmers are looking to immigrants to fill the employment needs. “This really isn’t about Hispanics or non-Hispanic, it is about the fact we have to have people that can work here in the agricultural industry,” Gibson said. The hope of the new bill is to allow immigrants to get legal status quickly so they can work safely. “We have to make our borders something that people can come legally and work and live and pay taxes and have a life,” Gibson said. President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber, Derek Miller, said that it is too hard for people to immigrate to the United States. “It is true that we often hear that our immigration system is broken, but the even sadder truth is that is understating the problem. It is not just a system that is broken, it is a system that is upside down and backwards. “Utah should always be a place that welcomes people of goodwill. Treat people humanely, especially in circumstances that many did not choose. [This is] not quality of life, it is life itself. Everyone needs food… and farmers need workers,” Miller said. l
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Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
To infinity and beyond
N
early one million miles away from Earth, the James Webb Space Telescope is gazing into space with the intensity of a teenager watching TikTok. The most powerful observatory ever launched (Hubble orbits a measly 340 miles away from Earth), the JWST navigated to its location and deployed its mirrors, telescopes, solar panels and antennas, unfolding like a Transformer in the middle of space. NASA (Nerding About Space Again) was unsurprisingly geeked about the first images from the JWST and organized a live event to reveal the pictures to the world. I’m an astronomy fangirl, so it made my nerdy
heart happy to see the images unveiled on July 12 during the NASA production. I couldn’t help but appreciate that Hollywood hadn’t produced the reveal show. It would have been completely different, with movie stars turning it into a literal song-anddance. It would have included a Gorgeous Galaxy red carpet event before the Beautiful People, dressed in sequins and velvet, highlighted the space pictures “right after these messages.” Instead of talking to actual astrophysicists, the Beautiful People would have interviewed actors like Matthew McConaughey and Tom Hanks, asking them what it was
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and black holes and cosmic cliffs and binary stars, which I don’t think are legal in Utah. It showed a universe teeming with galaxies never seen before. At least not by people on Earth. The telescope can see through space dust, asteroid rubble and alien trash to get the clearest pictures ever created. Scientists once thought there was only one galaxy in the universe, but one JWST image showed thousands of galaxies in a teensy bit of sky. Hopefully, this will prove to politicians that the world does not revolve around them. Webb’s mission is to search for light from the first stars and galaxies that formed the universe after the Big Bang, unless you don’t believe in the Big Bang. In that case, you can sit next to those who think the moon landing was fake, the earth is flat, evolution is a fraud, the Mars mission is bogus, the moon is an alien spacecraft, that it’s NASA’s job to create space hoaxes and we’ve never crossed the Van Allen Belt. But if you’re a star-nerd, like me, watching something so vast is mind-boggling. We’re a tiny, blue marble floating through the enormity of space, doing our best not to fall into a black hole or get vaporized by a meteor. So many evolutionary steps had to happen for us to even be here. What a rare gift. Let’s stop messing it up. l
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“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.” —Steve M., Army Special Forces
Comprehensive Spinal Exam, Consultation (X-rays if needed) & 2 Pain Relieving Treatments for $27
(801) 302-0280 AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES ARE 100% COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE