With school starting, the South Jordan Police Department reminds the public about e-bikes, scooters and electronic motorcycles.
sales of e-bikes have more than tripled over the past five years, according to a report published in the Wall Street Journal. Teens are increasingly choosing e-bikes over cars due to affordability and convenience, as well as environmental reasons, and there’s been a decline in teen driver’s licenses–down 8% over the past two decades–in part due to the adoption of e-bikes.
With that change in e-bike popularity and usage have come challenges for safety and the need for more law enforcement involvement. So two members of the South Jordan Police Department spoke with the media at an event at Hangar 15 Bicycles to address those challenges as the new school year is set to begin.
“There’s a lot of confusion related to e-bikes, scooters, and more importantly, electric motorcycles,” Sgt. Eric Anderson said. “We’re seeing a lot of property damage from people riding some of these bikes off the road. We’ve seen multiple injuries, including one this past week when someone was hit on the Jordan River Trail. We want people to ride safely, treat e-bikes like a regular bicycle to yield to pedestrians and ride in a manner that doesn’t injure people or damage property.”
Anderson said there are three categories of e-bikes, show-
continued page 4
South Jordan Police Sgt. Eric Anderson discusses the rules of safety for riders of e-bikes during a media event at Hangar 15 Bicycles. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
September 25 | Alta View Hospital
October 2 | Riverton Hospital
October 7 | Intermountain Medical Center
September 25 | Alta View Hospital
October 2 | Riverton Hospital
October 7 | Intermountain Medical Center
October 9 | LDS Hospital
Join us for Ladies Night Out at Intermountain Health! We invite you to gather your friends for a night of fun just for the ladies. You’ll meet local providers, learn more about our services to empower you in healthcare decisions, taste delicious food and enjoy interactive activities.
Join us for Ladies Night Out at Intermountain Health! We invite you to gather your friends for a night of fun just for the ladies. You’ll meet local providers, learn more about our services to empower you in healthcare decisions, taste delicious food and enjoy interactive activities.
• Women’s heart health
• Women’s heart health
• Labor and delivery services
• Sports medicine programs
• Sports medicine programs
• Cancer care
• Pediatric care
• Labor and delivery services
• Pediatric care
• Mental health education
• Mental health education
• Cancer care
• Nutrition programs and healthy recipes
• Nutrition programs and healthy recipes
• And, many more medical specialities
October 9 | LDS Hospital Scan the
• And, many more medical specialities
ing examples of all three during the press event. Classes 1 and 2, which look very similar, have working pedals and can’t exceed 20 miles per hour. No one under the age of 8 can legally ride those bikes, and if you are 14 and under, the rider has to have
“I would suggest parents reach out to their local police department and just talk
to an officer if they have questions. They are well versed in all the rules and laws associated with electric bikes, scooters, and e-motorcycles.”
— Eric Anderson
a parent monitor or supervise them. Class 3 e-bikes are larger and more powerful, with the ability to go up to 28 miles per hour. They are also pedal-assisted, and no one under age 16 can ride them. You are also legally required to wear a helmet on a class 3 e-bike if you’re under age 21.
“Of course, we recommend that anyone riding an e-bike of any kind should always wear a helmet,” Anderson said.
There have been incidents where an e-bike has hit a motorist as well, with the rider subject to paying for damages. Anderson also referred to the increased usage of electric motorcycles, sometimes confused as e-bikes but clearly different.
“We see a lot of these, and they are illegal to ride on sidewalks and trails,” he said. “If it looks like a motorcycle and has pegs instead of pedals and exceeds 28 mph,
it’s probably an electric motorcycle. Those have to be registered, insured and the driver needs to have a license. They can be ridden on trails in the mountains, but not in parks or like the Jordan River Trail.”
He said parents need to pay attention to what they’re purchasing for their kids, and understand the rules and laws associated with those particular bikes. “Otherwise, it could result in injury or even some sort of legal action,” he said. Bicycle dealers can help customers distinguish between the three classes of e-bikes and the electronic motorcycles.
Sgt. Mark Squire also spoke at the event, talking about legal ramifications for e-bikes, scooters and electronic motorcycles that are used improperly.
“In very extreme cases, there could be arrests that are made if someone ends up injuring another person,” he said. “It’s comparable to riding a motorcycle recklessly. The motorization of a bike and someone not building a skill set and having the capability to ride very quickly is what we’re seeing as getting people in trouble. Where they’re riding e-bikes well beyond what their capabilities are on public streets, sidewalks and areas where there’s more pedestrian traffic as opposed to going out on a trail.”
He said many of these e-bikes are very quiet and can come up from behind someone with them being unaware.
“Pedestrians need to know that even if they have the right of way, it’s best to check and stay cautious when walking around these e-bikes,” he said. “They are heavier now that they have a motor and a battery, so you’d have a larger or heavier device potentially hitting a pedestrian or a car.”
Anderson added, “I would suggest parents reach out to their local police department and just talk to an officer if they have questions. They are well versed in all the rules and laws associated with electric bikes, scooters and e-motorcycles.” l
South Jordan’s Seasons Chorale group invigorated by international summer trip
Seasons Chorale, part of SoJo Choral Arts, recently returned from a prestigious 10day music residency in Sweden, where they had the honor of performing under the baton of world-renowned British composer Sir John Rutter.
“It was a life-changing experience to sing under the direction of such a musical icon in some of the most beautiful and historic venues in Scandinavia,” Executive Director of SoJo Choral Arts McKell Scanlan said.
The tour, organized by Mid-America Productions International, included two major performances: the first at the historic Kungsholm Church in Stockholm on July 8, and the second at the stunning Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrka) on July 11. Chorale members, joined by other vocalists from the U.S. and Sweden, performed sacred works including Requiems by Rutter and Fauré, accompanied by the Stockholm Concert Orchestra.
“I was swept away by the beauty
of Stockholm, and being able to deepen friendships within our choral organization while working with and befriending other like-minded people from across the U.S. and Sweden was a truly incomparable experience,” Choir Manager Michelle Hillsaid.
Now back home, Seasons Chorale is preparing for its beloved Sounds of the Season concert this December, a benefit event supporting local causes. Rehearsals begin Thursday nights in September, and the choir currently has openings for new singers. Practices:
Rehearsals begin Thursday, Sept. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at a church located at 1540 W. 10400 South in South Jordan. The group will practice on Thursdays until the performances and on most Saturdays in November. Website:
For more information and to register for the upcoming season, please visit the website sojochoralarts.org. l
The South Jordan Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan.
9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 PHONE: 801-254-5974
SOUTH JORDAN TEAM
Jordan School District opens learning center in former retail space
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
“It’s hard to believe this was an old WalMart; it looks nothing like it.”
Jordan Education Foundation Executive Director Mike Haynes has toured the new Jordan Learning Center multiple times, but he still marvels at the transformation.
The 41,000-square-foot building at 3706 W. 9800 South—across from Elk Ridge Middle School—is set to open with the new school year. It will house the Childhood Development Center, Jordan Credit Center, three virtual schools and the Foundation, each section distinguished by unique color schemes.
Renovation began 10 months ago after the district purchased the former retail space and its five-acre property. According to a LoopNet listing, “The $31 million will be paid from the (Jordan school) board’s capital fund over five years, with interest-free installments of 1/5 of the total annually. This arrangement saves the district an estimated $5 million in financing costs.”
“It is an exciting new addition to Jordan School District,” Superintendent Anthony Godfrey said in a podcast, “using a cost-efficient approach to provide a growing number of essential and specialized educational services to families in a centralized location.”
The renovation cost $10.8 million, a fraction of new school construction, which ranges from $264 to $500 per square foot, said Ian Roberts, the district’s capital outlay manager.
“One good thing about this — Walmarts are big empty shells so we saved quite a bit of money by being able to renovate something that’s existing,” Dave Rostrom said, district director of facility services. “It’s been cheaper than tearing it down and rebuilding it — and we get five acres in a prime location.”
In early August, the parking lot was repaved and crews were finishing the entrance, which now features wood-like panels and a steel canopy to provide lighting and shelter, said Scott Hansen, project manager with Engaged Contracting.
Inside, work continued on wiring, flooring, painting and other finishes.
“We put up every single wall, did electrical, thermal work, doubled up some trusses, added a new back-up generator, cut 16 skylights, 26 rooftop (heating and air conditioning) units, did everything — security, lighting, power, fire safety – right down to
the exterior walls,” Hansen said, noting collaboration with MHTN Architects.
The CDC, now relocated from Kauri Sue Hamilton School, offers early intervention and preschool for students with special needs. Located on the west side of the building, it includes several large classrooms, office space, nursing stations, dedicated testing facilities and a fenced outdoor play area.
“The program itself is exploding so this will give them a dedicated space and free up some space at Kauri Sue,” Rostrom said.
Near the CDC is the Foundation’s office, featuring fluted wood walls, workstations and a conference room. But Haynes is especially excited about the new warehouse at the north end.
“We’ve never had the ability to have a central drop off/pick up warehouse that we could store items,” he said. “Right now, we’re scattered in six different places throughout the district. This is going to be so much nicer to have a centrally located building off of Bangerter and 9800 South.”
The warehouse includes ceiling-height shelving, a dock door and a donation pullthrough entrance.
“Last year, on National Day of Service at West Jordan High School, we had 50 cars lined up to drop off food packs and they occupied all these rooms at the high school. The problem was we didn’t have a way to get them out of the high school and we didn’t have anywhere to put the donations,” he said.
The Foundation has previously turned away donations due to lack of space, even scrambling to store $1 million in toys last year before the holidays. The new space not only has storage, but it will allow for assem-
bly of items and student volunteer work.
“We often have groups come and assemble food backpacks or other essentials for our students and now that we’re across from Elk Ridge Middle School, it will provide the students there a convenient way to volunteer to give service,” he said.
At the center of the building is a flexible multi-purpose room with expandable partitions, large screens and floor plug-ins.
“This is a treasure; it’s hard to find a large space available in the district’s buildings,” Haynes said.
Hansen added the room can be configured in multiple ways for meetings, luncheons or trainings.
To the east are classrooms and a science lab for virtual schools—Rocky Peak Elementary, Kelsey Peak Middle and Kings Peak High—which host in-person sessions for art, STEM and field trips.
“This is going to make a difference with virtual schools,” Haynes said. “It’s something a student can be proud about to be a part of it. It’s so much different than working out of a portable or a shared school.”
Nearby are rooms for coaches, teachers and an employee break room. Much of the area has skylights and fabric-like architectural baffles which manage air, sound and light, Engage said.
In the southeast corner is the Jordan Credit Center, which offers students options such as competency tests, grade replacement and credit recovery to help them graduate.
Haynes believes the new center delivers on its promise: “This space is beautiful and will accommodate and support the needs of our students, programs, schools and community.” l
Jordan School District’s new Jordan Learning Center is slated to open the beginning of the school year and house the Childhood Development Center, Jordan Credit Center, three virtual schools and the Jordan Education Foundation. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Home Run Derby X finals set for The Ballpark at America First Square this month
Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby X Championship coming to the Salt Lake Bees’ ballpark Sept. 19 and 20.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
There’s a big push to get a Major League Baseball franchise awarded to Salt Lake City, and while that may be several years away, some prominent MLB players are coming to town this September.
The league has selected The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan as the final stop in the 2025 Home Run Derby X competition, where a new champ will be crowned following a two-day event Sept. 19-20.
MLB Home Run Derby X is a new 3-on3 baseball format built around power hitting and athletic catching. It combines the most exciting elements of the 9-inning game into a 30 minute format, specifically designed as a coed format that allows male and female athletes to compete together.
Launched in 2022, the format has already demonstrated success in attracting new, younger, and more diverse audiences, including a significant increase in female fans. Home Run Derby X is part of MLB’s broader leaguewide effort to expand access to baseball and softball and grow the game both domestically and globally.
This year’s competition was held in six cities starting in July, with the winning squads from those events invited to Utah vying for a $200,000 prize.
“We are thrilled to host the finals for MLB’s Home Run Derby X at our brand new ballpark,” Michelle Smith said, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment. “The Ballpark at America First Square is a world-class venue and we can’t wait to welcome baseball fans of all ages from across the state to watch these incredible athletes in action.”
The MLB legends scheduled to participate combined for 47 All-Star Game appearances, 23 Silver Slugger Awards, 26 Gold
Glove Awards, 12 World Series championships, one Roberto Clemente Award, one World Series Most Valuable Player Award, two batting titles, one Cy Young Award, one Most Valuable Player Award, one Rookie of the Year Award, and one Home Run Derby championship. These MLB legends include Rick Ankiel, Jake Arrieta, Lorenzo Cain, Michael Cuddyer, Ian Desmond, Jonny Gomes, Alex Gordon, Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Howard, Andruw Jones, Daniel Murphy, Manny Ramirez, Nick Swisher, Adam Wainwright, Ryan Zimmerman and Ben Zobrist. More MLB legends may be added.
The MLB legends will once again be joined by current and former stars of collegiate softball and women’s baseball who have a combined 27 College World Series appearances, 16 National Championships and 17 First-Team All American selections. They include Jocelyn Alo, Reese Atwood, Jocelyn Erickson, Hannah Flippen, Kinzie Hansen, Alex Hugo, Tiare Jennings, Ashton Lansdell, Amanda Lorenz, Elizabeth Mason, Ali Newland, Jessica Oakland, Ella Parker, Kasidi Pickering, Sydney Romero, Taylor Schumacher and Katie Stewart.
HRDX is a Home Run Derby with defense. A single game takes about 30 minutes. Each player gets one at bat of two minutes thirty seconds. During an at bat the opposing team is in the outfield to make catches. Teams earn offensive points for home runs and defensive points for catches. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins. Bonus points are earned by hitting home runs through a centerfield target. During each at bat, batters can call for a hot streak of five swings where everything counts double. In the final minute of an at bat, batters can tag in a teammate to finish with a flourish.
The competition has continued for several weeks, and who the finalists will be is still being determined. Fans can follow @homerunderbyx and visit mlb.com/homerunderbyx for more details.
Tickets remain on sale at www.milb.com/ salt-lake/events/home-run-derby-x l
The Ballpark at America First Square will host a special Home Run Derby X competition Sept. 19-20. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Passing the torch at Mountain Creek Middle and other SoJo schools
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This past summer, Mountain Creek Middle School students and staff said goodbye to the only principal they’ve ever known.
Principal Mike Glenn, who oversaw the school’s construction and opening in 2019, has transitioned to Sunset Ridge Middle School. Taking his place is Glen Varga, stepping into his first principal role.
“Mike has been one of my mentors; he was my principal when I was at Oquirrh Hills; before that, his children were in my Oquirrh Hills classroom,” Varga said. “When I did my administrative internship, I did those hours at Herriman High School with Mike as he was an assistant principal when the school first opened. He has been a point of contact for me since I started teaching so this will be a smooth transition.”
Varga brings experience as assistant principal at West Jordan Middle, Copper Hills High and most recently, Riverton High.
His appointment is part of several administrative changes across South Jordan as schools reopened in late August.
Varga said the move reflects his own drive to keep learning.
“After doing one thing for so long, I’d start to question whether I want to keep growing or not,” he said, stating this is why he got into administration after teaching. “I wanted to change because I have a constant need to learn, to grow, and that speaks to why I got into education to begin with and that is to help others learn and grow and become the best they can be. After three to five years, I start to get a little complacent. I need that drive to continue learning and doing new things.”
That passion for growth led Varga through a diverse academic path—from science to linguistics—before settling on an English major, earning his bachelor’s from Brigham Young University, a master’s from the University of Phoenix and an administrative license from Utah State University.
Raised in Cedar City, Varga dreamed of being a professional athlete and played five varsity sports in high school. He credits his former teachers for shaping his educational values.
too much. Maybe we’re fine, but let’s look at it. Even within our classes, it can’t be ‘OK, guys, welcome to class. Pull open your Chromebooks, the lesson’s there. Go to work. Let me know if you need any help.’ That’s not a teacher’s role. The most effective teaching methods in class aren’t always technology driven; you don’t have to be connected to a device,” he said.
The lover of sports, including Frisbee golf; of music (a drummer and singer); of radio-controlled planes; of woodworking and construction, Varga is excited to work in South Jordan.
“All of our four kids have gone through Jordan School District or are in Jordan Schools; We’ve been a Jordan district family for the last 20 years,” he said. “This is my home; I want to be an advocate for this community.”
“Lenora Roundy was my high school English teacher and my academic hero. She gave me a baseline model for what a teacher should be. She cared about kids. She cared about her subjects. She wouldn’t hesitate at any point to let us know how she felt about our progress, and was truly a genuine, all-around individual,” Varga said. “My fourthgrade teacher, Barbara Beckstrom, was another one of those individuals who had an impact in my life.”
Varga praised Mountain Creek students for high academic performance and applauded the faculty’s openness to innovation and improvement. He also values the school’s inclusive spirit, especially its unified activities and sports and hopes to expand unified academic programs.
“Unified is so amazing at this school; we want to be supportive and expand where possible. We want to provide more opportunity for them to have equal access. Sometimes they’re just overlooked because they are perceived as not having the requisite skill to succeed, but that can’t be the determining factor for their eligibility for participation. Success isn’t always defined the same,” he said.
Varga also plans to evaluate student use of Chromebooks.
“We want to make wise decisions about them; are we using them too much, too little, appropriately? There is a need to be more aware and conscientious of how much is
Other new administrative assignments include South Jordan Middle Assistant Principal Kami Taylor to West Jordan High; Copper Mountain and Mountain Creek middle schools’ Assistant Principal Jody Deland to full time at Copper Mountain Middle; Bingham High Administrative Intern Ivie Erickson to South Jordan Middle as assistant principal; Aspen Elementary Assistant Principal Heather Handy to Sunset Ridge Middle; Mountain Creek Middle Assistant Principal Wendy Harmon to Hidden Valley Middle; District Teaching and Learning Math Consultant Amy Kinder to Mountain Creek Middle as assistant principal; and Hidden Valley Middle Assistant Principal Amber Zdunich to Elk Ridge Middle.
Elementary school appointments include Welby Elementary Principal Aaron Ichimura to Falcon Ridge Elementary; South Jordan Elementary Principal Bryce Eardley to Mountain Shadows Elementary; Bastian Elementary Assistant Principal Kasey Dahl to Welby Elementary as principal; Ridge View Elementary Assistant Principal Beth Pollock to South Jordan Elementary as principal; Welby Elementary Assistant Principal Janae Young to Oakcrest Elementary as principal; Elk Ridge Middle Assistant Principal Danielle Hanson to Westvale Elementary; Rosamond Elementary Assistant Principal Teresa Rossetti to South Jordan Elementary; South Jordan Elementary Assistant Principal Adrienne Yancey to Mountain Point Elementary; Jordan Ridge Elementary Administrative Intern Aimie Rizzuto to assistant principal at the same school; and Elk Meadows Elementary Administrative Intern Stacie Thompson to assistant principal at the same school.
New administrative internships in South Jordan are Laura Visaggio at Bingham High; Angela Crawford at Oquirrh Hills and Mountain Creek middle schools; and Lara Stout at Welby Elementary. l
With years of administrative experience and a lifelong drive to grow, Glen Varga is ready to lead Mountain Creek Middle. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
The Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health: What You Need to Know
Prostate health may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a crucial one for men’s overall well-being. As men navigate their 40s, 50s, and beyond, understanding and prioritizing prostate health becomes increasingly important. This guide covers the essential things every guy needs to know about this small but vital gland’s role in male reproductive health.
As men age, the prostate can undergo changes, leading to various health concerns, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, and Prostate Cancer.
Recognize the Symptoms – Don’t Ignore the Signs
Being aware of potential symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of prostate issues. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
“If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. Regular prostate exams are vital, especially as you get older. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Screening typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Blake Johnson, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake.
BPH Treatment Options
The goal of BPH treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Treatment strategies vary based on the severity of symptoms.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can be effective, including reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, following a healthy diet, and exercising, especially pelvic floor exercise.
Moderate symptoms often require medications that either relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck or shrink the prostate gland.
For more severe or persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery.
• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):
This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the enlarged areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink over time.
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift): Small implants are placed in the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra.
• Water-induced thermotherapy: Uses heated water to remove the extra prostate tissue.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences.
“For low-risk prostate cancer that is slowgrowing and hasn’t spread, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, digital rectal exams, imaging (for example MRIs) and possibly biopsies, without immediate treatment,” said Dr. Leland Rogers, radiation oncologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Cancer Center. “If the cancer is more aggressive, we have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation treatment or hormone therapy.”
Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This can be done through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically, using smaller incisions and a camera.
Radiation Therapy:
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), uses high-energy beams that are targeted at the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells.
• Brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate gland to deliver radiation internally.
Hormone Therapy reduces the levels of male hormones like testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
“Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your prostate health is an investment in your overall well-being,” Dr. Johnson said.
If you have concerns about your prostate health, schedule an appointment with a urologist by visiting www.mountain. commonspirit.org/care-and-health/urology. For all healthcare needs, schedule a consultation with a primary care physician or a specialist at mountain.commonspirit.org.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Holy Cross Hospitals have been trusted by Utah families since 1875. Treating your whole family tree.
For 150 years, Holy Cross Hospitals have cared for Utah families in their most tender, powerful, and vulnerable moments. From newborn checkups to post-op recoveries, we’ve seen generations through their highest highs and hardest days.
We’ve done it all with one purpose: to treat people, not just patients. We care for every person with personalized treatment powered by compassion and respect.
Our belief that we all hold the power to heal helps us provide care that spans generations and stands the test of time.
Learn more at mountain.commonspirit.org/holycross150
South Jordan Elementary students make lasting memories on stage
From golden tickets to shining moments, “Willy Wonka Jr.” draws praise in annual musical tradition
By Julie Slama
j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Although auditions are still months away, South Jordan Elementary’s fourththrough sixth-graders are already buzzing with excitement for their spring 2026 musical, “The Wizard of Oz.”
The school’s musicals are a beloved annual tradition, voluntarily led by fifth-grade teacher Diane Witt-Roper and second-grade teacher Matt LaFluer. Last spring, 92 students performed “Willy Wonka Jr.,” based on Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” to packed audiences over four nights.
“I loved this show and this cast,” Witt-Roper said, who first directed the show 16 years ago at Bluffdale Elementary. “I love putting on musicals for kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This is a free, after-school, engaging activity for students, and every student who auditions is cast in our musical.”
Sixth-grader Hadley Clark, who played Mrs. Gloop, said it was her third musical at the school.
“I want to be a famous actor when I grow up, to be in movies or on Broadway,” she said. “The part of Mrs. Gloop is a lot of fun; her German accent is fun. I was happy he got Augustus, because we’re the perfect pair, we’re confident and we have fun singing together. It’s my first solo, which is exciting.”
Fifth-grader Timothy Pacini played Augustus, Mrs. Gloop’s chocolate-obsessed son.
“It’s super fun being in a play with friends,” he said, adding his older brothers also have been in South Jordan Elementary productions. “It’s been fun to perform with Hadley and our costumes are awesome.”
Fifth-grader Jane Shirley portrayed Violet Beauregarde, who is fixated on chewing gum.
“I thought it would be fun to act as the bratty kid,” she said. “I’d get to be snotty on stage, and I wouldn’t get in trouble for it. But turning into a blueberry was my favorite part. It’s fun because it’s such a fast costume process and I’m happy because it turns out so well and it looks amazing.”
Sixth-grader Navy Miller, who played Violet’s mother, is a third-year performer.
“It’s fun but challenging to play the part where my daughter blows up in front of me,” she said. “I love how many friends we make in the shows.”
Navy added, “Sometimes, it can be hard and exhausting, but when you get to perform, it’s so fun.”
Jane agreed: “It is so much work and dedication. We are here for hours, but it’s worth it. When you can see the people smiling and clapping, and you get the standing ovation, there’s nothing like it.”
Fifth-grader Kellan Cordova played Mike Teavee, a television addict.
“I like I get to perform and basically wear normal clothes,” he said. “My favorite scenes are when they interview me and in the chocolate factory, but seeing it all come together is the best.”
His on-stage mom, Mrs. Teavee, was played by sixth-grader Whitney Park.
“Mrs. Teavee has a lot of lines, but she has a fun personality,” she said. “I like we get to sing a song together. It’s a complicated song and we practiced it lot.”
Witt-Roper praised the cast’s commitment.
“We ask the kids to do hard things. We ask them to push themselves beyond their comfort zone, and sometimes it’s hard for them, but they meet that challenge,” she said. “We ask them to do things we know they can do, and when they accomplish those, then they’re proud of themselves.”
Auditions were held in December, with each student singing the same song and reading from the script. They submitted a three-page form and signed a contract
committing to attendance, behavior and academics. Parents also attended a meeting outlining expectations.
“We do not do call backs,” she said. “We had five minutes per kid for 92 kids. Then we get together as directors. It took us four to seven hours to cast parts. Then, we called to offer the main roles to 15 to 20 students.”
Witt-Roper directed, LaFluer choreographed, and music teacher Luke Durbin oversaw vocals.
“All of us volunteer to do this because we love our craft and we want to put on musicals here at the elementary,” Witt-Roper said. “Between our parent volunteers and us as directors, we put in more than 1,600 hours.”
Students noticed their dedication.
Timothy said he wanted to thank the directors because “they worked super hard,” while Hadley added, “they’re amazing and providing us a chance to make memories with our friends.”
The school PTA funded the production, covering licensing and, with fundraiser support, expenses such as mic tape and batteries — totaling about $2,000.
Amongst the reasons the show was selected were the messages shared, such as Oompa Loompas singing about following directions or when Willy Wonka praises Charlie for being honest about breaking the rules
in the chocolate factory, Witt-Roper said.
“The lesson is when you make mistakes, own up to them and move forward. Messages like that from Roald Dahl’s writing stand the test of time,” she said.
Witt-Roper said casting younger students in lead roles can be a gamble, but fourth-grader Cy Danes landed the title role of Charlie with a standout audition.
“What surprised us is one month into rehearsal, he not only had his full script memorized, but he had most of everybody’s part memorized,” Witt-Roper said. “I used that as motivation for other cast members, joking, saying ‘You need to get your part memorized, otherwise Charlie is going to do it for you.’ We were pleased he put in the work and was so enthusiastic about doing the show.”
By the final rehearsals, students embraced their characters.
“The kids were really developing the characters and taking all the directions we have offered to them,” she said. “I’m not just talking about the main cast; I’m talking about that candy kid, that Oompa Loompa, or a squirrel doing a basketball routine. They all took that moment to smile and shine and see people who came to support them. This is an opportunity we can give them to have moments to shine and be proud of themselves.” l
South Jordan Elementary students performed “Willy Wonka Jr.” not only for their classmates but for multiple nights for the community to a packed auditorium. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
More than 90 fourth- through sixth-grade South Jordan Elementary students performed in “Willy Wonka Jr” last spring. (Photo courtesy South Jordan Elementary)
South Jordan Elementary fifth-grader Timothy Pacini, playing Augustus, and sixth-grader Hadley Clark, portraying his mother, sang with German accents in the school production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Pets
What’s your pet thinking? This animal psychic knows
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is happy, your lizard is upset or your bird is mad at you, Jennafer Martin could help you find the answer. Martin is a pet psychic with years of experience communicating with animals, getting to the root of what’s bothering your furry, feathery or scaly pet.
By tapping into an animal’s emotions, Martin offers insight into their behaviors, fears and level of contentment. She first realized she could communicate with pets when she received a Teddy Bear Hamster for her 14th birthday.
“For three days, she was happy, playful and delightful, but on the fourth day, I felt she was sad,” Martin said. “She wasn’t sighing heavily, or anything like that, I just felt like she wasn’t happy…Two days later, she had 13 babies. I would think if you’re gestating 13 of anything, you wouldn’t be very happy.”
It was the first time she realized she could pick up on things other people couldn’t. It was easy for her to read the emotions of the animals and share that insight as a way to create better understanding between humans and pets.
Martin had been a tarot reader and energy worker for several years before she decided to become a professional pet psychic in 2013.
“Even if I’m reading for animals, I’m still reading for people, so they understand how interesting their animals are,” she said. “I’ve read for reptiles, rodents, fish and large animals like ostriches and horses.”
Whether it’s decoding a bird’s persistent squawking or helping a rescue dog settle into a new home, Martin said her work bridges the gap between human and animal hearts.
Most animals have the mental capacity of a 2- to 5-year-old and she doesn’t receive fully-formed guidance from the
pets. Instead, she feels their emotions, sees images or has an intuitive sense about what’s going on in the pet’s mind.
While reading for a French Bulldog, Martin said the dog kept sending her an image of something orange and puffy, and the dog didn’t like it. The owners couldn’t think of any blanket or clothing item that would cause her such annoyance until they remembered a Halloween costume from the previous year. They’d dressed her as Nemo, from “Finding Nemo,” made with orange, puffy fabric. Martin had picked up on the dog’s irritation with the costume, which the owners promised never to use again.
Holly Esch regularly reaches out to Martin for help with her six lizards and she believes it’s kept them healthy and happy. After her lizard’s partner died, Esch asked Martin how her lizard was coping with the loss and if he was open to meeting another lizard. When Esch was trying to hatch lizard eggs, she asked Martin to do Reiki energy work to keep them from dying off.
“I ask relationship questions about them because they’re kind of like humans,” Esch said. “They bicker, they fall in love, they have their own little dramas and they have their own little different personalities. [Martin] just knows a lot of things and offers another perspective.”
When a family’s rescue tortoise kept trying to escape, Martin let them know he was looking for a mate. She discovered why an anxious cat had stopped using its litter box and why a puppy wouldn’t use the bathroom outside if he was alone. When Martin’s sister had a cat dying from cancer, Martin let her know when it was time to relieve its suffering.
Martin is often met with skepticism and is sometimes “tested” by pet owners when she’s asked to work with an animal, but she’s fine with that. She said it’s not her job to convince anyone that what
she’s doing is real.
“It’s fine to come with a sense of curiosity or a sense of skepticism,” she said. “At the end of the day, hopefully you know a little bit more about why your pet thinks or feels or behaves the way they do. You don’t have to buy in on what I do, as long as you resonate with the message that I give.”
Animals don’t always see the world the way humans do. Martin hopes her ability to communicate with pets helps owners become more patient and un-
derstanding with “naughty” behavior, especially when the animal is trying to be heard.
“I’d say 90% of the time, they’re not trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to get their needs met,” Martin said. “Sometimes, they’re just a little misguided or misunderstood…If you understand your animal better, then you feel like you can take care of them better, and then everybody’s happy.”
To schedule an appointment with Martin, visit readingsmorebyjennafer.com.
Jennafer Martin is a pet psychic in Salt Lake County who works with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and reptiles. She’s shown here with Rosey. (Photo courtesy of Martin)
A Paw-sitive Legacy: Humane Society of Utah Marks 65th Anniversary
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Sixty-five years after opening its first shelter in a modest West Valley City facility, the Humane Society of Utah marked its journey from humble beginnings to becoming the state’s largest open-admission animal resource center. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary with a free community birthday party at its Murray location on Saturday, July 12.
“We are throwing a fun-filled all ages welcome birthday party!” the organization stated in a press release prior to the event. “Enjoy activities such as a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and more.”
Founded in 1960, HSU has operated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations, without government or state support. Its mission has remained consistent for more than six decades: to protect and improve the lives of animals across Utah.
“This summer, the Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to celebrate 65 years of saving pets and supporting families in Utah,” the release stated. “As we celebrate this special birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, and the generous community support that made this milestone possible.”
HSU opened its first facility in West
Valley City before relocating in 1992 to its current Murray site, the Janice R. Johnson Center for Animals, funded by a request from Utah schoolteacher Janice Johnson. The larger building allowed the organization to expand its services and later add specialized adoption areas, including Kitty City, Bunny Bungalows, Dawgville, Tiny Town, and Critter Country.
“In 1972, HSU opened the first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the Intermountain West,” the release noted. “This essential milestone helped to prevent overpopulation in the area, and gave countless pets the chance for a healthier, happier life.”
The Murray facility also continued to offer a range of services through its integrated clinic, including low-cost spay/ neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, wellness exams, and heartworm testing. Specialized programs such as CATNIP, a community cat spay/neuter and trap initiative, and SNIP, a spay/ neuter incentive program for pet owners experiencing financial hardship, were developed to address specific needs.
In 2020, HSU opened a second clinic in St. George to expand access to affordable veterinary care in southern Utah. In 2024, wellness exams were added to its
Murray clinic offerings. “These preventative care services are vital to protecting pet health and wellness,” HSU stated. “They allow pets and families to enjoy longer, healthier years together.”
In 2023 alone, HSU reported placing 5,529 homeless animals into new homes and assisting approximately 1,189 community-owned pets through its retention and diversion programs. The organization emphasized an education-focused adoption process and a policy of no time limits for healthy or treatable pets awaiting adoption.
Staffing included 53 full-time employees and numerous volunteers. Community engagement extended through adoption events, humane education, foster programs, rescue and transfer initiatives, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing animal cruelty and addressing the root causes of pet homelessness.
“Donations from our caring community have been the backbone of every expansion, every new program, and every life-saving effort over the years,” the release stated. “It is inspiring to see how our community has stepped up to the plate, generously giving love and hope to local pets in their time of need.”
As part of its anniversary message, HSU highlighted plans to modernize its facilities and expand collaboration with other organizations. “Caring for pets does not exist in a vacuum. Protecting vulnerable pets begins with supporting our human neighbors,” the release said.
While reflecting on its past, HSU also
pointed to the future. “We have accomplished so much together in 65 years,” the organization stated. “We cannot wait to see what the next 65 years will bring for pets and families in Utah.”
For more information on the Humane Society of Utah’s programs, adoption services, or volunteer opportunities, visit utahhumane.org.
at the Humane Society of Utah in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
The Humane Society of Utah celebrated 65 years of caring for animals. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
Pet advocate opens her own Nonprofit spay/neuter clinic
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Temma Martin’s personalized license plate reads “PETLADY.” As it should. For nearly 30 years, she has been the voice for pet protection in Utah, both before and after they’re born. Her latest efforts are part of the new nonprofit she has founded and created, “Operation Pawpulation” in Millcreek.
The clinic focuses on spay/neuter services, coming at a time when the numbers of dogs and cats in animal shelters have been increasing. She has championed adoption for decades, but has turned her efforts into prevention of unplanned litters for dogs and cats. Martin first became involved in this world while she was in college, concerned about animal welfare but not really thinking it would become her career.
“I didn’t start in any other area or direction,” she said. “When I was finishing my senior year of high school in Colorado, I got a little bit involved with animal rights stuff, like protesting research labs and more like actual animal rights than animal welfare. So I was sort of interested then, but when I moved back here, I worked at several businesses. When I worked at Golden Swirl’s corporate office, I saw an ad in the paper for a job posted at the Humane Society of Utah in 1993 for an education director.”
She worked for them for four years but felt she wanted to do more public relations, so after a short stint with the American Heart Association, she became media specialist for Salt Lake County Animal Services.
In that role, Martin appeared on every local TV morning program — news or lifestyle shows — bringing dogs or cats on air who were waiting for adoption from the shelter. She brought on an estimated 5,000 animals over her career, and her name and face became synonymous with pet adoption in the Salt Lake market. It often meant going to the shelter in very early morning hours, waking up a pet to take them to a station, and all four local TV stations had segments with her regularly.
A countywide reduction of force led to her leaving the post in 2008. She was quickly approached by the Utah Animal Adoption Center, where she worked for one year, then joined Best Friends Animal Society.
Her messages about pet adoption helped. When the No More Homeless Pets coalition started in 1999, Utah shelters were alarmingly still killing almost 40,000 pets a year. But by 2020, with more and more nokill shelters coming online, that number had fallen to 829.
Good news, with numbers headed in the right direction toward making Utah a nokill state. Then COVID arrived, and things changed. Today, an average of 2,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Utah.
“The numbers of animals killed has steadily increased, not just in Utah, but across the country,” she said. “People are watching what feels like a pretty major backsliding of progress, and some of the reasons for that are there’s a shortage of veterinarians. A lot of veterinary clinics are being bought out by corporations and private equity firms, and prices of all veterinary care have risen at a rate much higher than the rate of inflation.”
Two years ago, she left Best Friends to start her own nonprofit using her own money. She bought a storefront in Millcreek that was once a boat repair shop to create a clinic offering spay/neuter services to pet owners at very reduced costs, a service that she says has “gotten outrageously expensive in a lot of places.” She said the universe had something else in mind for her.
“I made some phone calls to clinics in Salt Lake County, and some of them are places I either am or have been a client,” Martin said. “A cat neuter is the lowest. They’re the least expensive and quickest surgery. And so on the low end, I believe it was just less than $300 for a cat, but on the high end, for a large dog spay, one clinic
said that it could be more than $2,000. Most people can’t afford that — it’s a mortgage payment, a rent payment. So for a lot of people it’s out of reach. And for some reason, even nationally, a lot of animal welfare organizations have shifted their focus away from spay/neuter, which is largely why I felt like I needed to go off on my own.”
Shelter Animals Count, a trusted source for animal sheltering data, has reported that 28% of the 2.9 million dogs entering shelters in the U.S. were puppies under 5 months old. That was an increase of more than 31,000 from the year before. More than half of the felines entering shelters were under five months old as well — 1.7 million. Those are signs of unwanted or unplanned litters of young animals given up to shelters.
“We can’t solve this problem after all the pets are born,” she said. “There will always be people who choose to buy pets, but there are so many pets in need outside of shelters. The only way we can get back on track is getting pets spayed or neutered and prevent the downstream that creates animals in need.”
Martin is proud of the 5,000-plus animals she took on TV for adoption, but “we can help a much larger number of ani-
mals by preventing them from being born. Coupled with the shortage of veterinarians, we need to refocus on spay/neuter as a normal part of pet ownership.”
Operation Pawpulation is open on Thursdays. Call 801-509-8334 to set up an appointment or get more information.
Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick offers her veterinary services to Operation Pawpulation on Thursdays each week. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Operation Pawpulation offers low cost spay/neuter services to pet owners. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Petapalooza is back, where rescue animals take center stage
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Join Salt Lake County Animal Services for a celebration of our furry family members at Petapalooza. This free, family-friendly event turns Wheeler Historic Farm into a haven for animal enthusiasts with pet adoptions, free microchips for licensed pets, food trucks and local pet-friendly vendors.
The two-day event will host hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats and small animals from local rescues and shelters. Friday’s experience is mostly for pet adoption, while Saturday features a full range of activities.
Guests can get a photo of their pet, talk with dozens of vendors dedicated to helping animals and visit with pet psychic Jennafer Martin for insight into their pet’s emotions and health.
“This event helps clear out not only the shelter and rescues, but also allows more eyeballs on these pets, even if people are not looking for a pet,” said Ashley Bales, Salt Lake County Animal Services communications coordinator. “People show up and support what we do. They visit the vendors, too, because typically these vendors are in the local communities. They’re local businesses, small businesses and family businesses.”
Attendees can also donate to Salt
Lake County Animal Services and learn about No-Kill Utah, an initiative led by Best Friends to end the killing of animals in Utah shelters. Learn more about animal services at saltlakecounty.gov/animal-services.
Petapalooza will be held at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S. 900 East) on Friday, Sept. 12 (3-7 p.m.) and Saturday, Sept. 13 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.). The event is sponsored by Salt Lake County Animal Services and No-Kill Utah.
“Our photographer will also be there,” Bales said. “Once a month, she goes into the shelter and donates her time to do photos for all of our dogs. It’s proven that shelter dogs with a better photo have a higher adoption rate. So she volunteers her time, and she’s been doing it for like 10 years. It’s great to have her at the event to do photos for dogs in the community.”
Summit Veterinary Urgent Care Offers Emergency Services
Summit Veterinary Urgent Care was founded in October 2024 by Dr. Taylor Howard (DVM) & Cassie Czerny (CVT). We o er expert, walk-in emergency services for pets in the Salt Lake Valley. We provide immediate, compassionate care when your pet needs urgent attention— no appointment necessary.
What products and services do you o er?
We provide walk-in and same-day appointments, especially for situations that need immediate attention. We also o er
medical transportation for those who have limitations, like a small vehicle or a large dog. For pets recovering from surgery, or needing to be transferred to an overnight facility, we are wellequipped to help our clients.
What else do you provide?
We have in-house medication and an online pharmacy to ensure your pet gets treated quickly. We do on-site laboratory diagnostics, including advanced imaging with state-of-the-art ultrasounds and radiology. Our fully equipped surgical suite at Summit Veterinary is designed to provide advanced surgical care in a clean, comfortable, and sterile environment.
What sets your company apart from your competitors?
We are a privately owned and woman-owned business that supports these wonderful furry pets and the people who love them. Summit Veterinary provides quality medicine and reasonable pricing in a compassionate, caring location. Our team is welltrained and dedicated to helping your pet live its healthiest life.
Does your business solve a problem for your customers?
At Summit Veterinary, we know an unexpected vet visit can be expensive. While we keep our prices as low as possible, we o er di erent payment options to help ease that burden.
If you come in with a pet emergency, we will work with your regular veterinarian to communicate all treatments, plans and medical records. We want your pet to feel its best and get back on the road to health and wellness.
What else would you like our readers to know about your business?
We welcome everyone, two-legged or four-legged, furry or not! Summit Veterinary is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no appointment necessary. As the number of pets increases in the Salt Lake Valley, the demand for our type of service is also on the rise. It’s good to know there’s a trustworthy vet nearby, with the knowledge and experience needed to help your beloved animal. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @ summitveturgentcare.
Because pets don’t wait for appointments—and neither should you.
Summit Veterinary
Petapalooza at Wheeler Farm showcases hundreds of adoptable pets while introducing visitors to local animal-focused vendors and services. The two-day event will be held at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S. 900 East), Sept. 12-13. (File photo Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Petapalooza, seen here in 2023 (right) and 2024 (far right), is an annual event at Wheeler Farm showcasing hundreds of adoptable pets. (Shaun Delliskave and Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Thinking about getting a pet? Here’s what you should know first
By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com
Bringing a pet into your life is more than just welcoming a furry companion— it’s a commitment that can enrich your home and heart in ways you may not expect. Whether you’re considering a playful pup, a curious cat, or even a serene fish, pet ownership is a journey of responsibility, patience and deep connection.
Before you adopt or purchase a pet, it’s important to think beyond the cuddles and cute photos. Pets rely on us for their care, safety and happiness—and that takes preparation.
Deanne Shepherd, former director of Marketing and Communications at the Humane Society of Utah, outlines three essential things to consider before bringing a new animal into your home:
1. Do Your Homework
Choosing the right pet starts with understanding your lifestyle. Ask yourself:
• What type of animal fits your living space and daily routine?
• What’s the animal’s lifespan, and are you ready for that long-term commitment?
• Can you afford the time and money required for food, veterinary care, and other needs?
• Are there pet restrictions where you live?
Don’t choose a pet based on appearance or breed trends. Instead, research the animal’s temperament, care requirements, and compatibility with your lifestyle. The more you know, the more likely you’ll find a pet who thrives in your care—and vice versa.
2. Explore Your Adoption and Purchase Options
If you’re buying from a breeder, make sure they’re reputable:
• Visit their facility.
• Meet the animal’s parents.
• Confirm that veterinary care is part of the breeder’s practices. However, adoption is another meaningful route. Shelters are full of an-
imals looking for a second chance. Many are already vaccinated, spayed/ neutered and microchipped – making the transition easier for you and safer for them. Avoid buying pets from parking lots or unverified online sources, as these often come with health or behavioral risks due to poor breeding practices. Pet scams are common, so always verify the legitimacy of the seller or organization.
3. Be Ready for the Commitment
Routine is vital for pets. From feeding schedules to exercise and bathroom breaks, animals feel safest and behave best when they know what to expect.
Think through:
• Who will be the main caretaker?
• How will children participate in pet care?
• How will your current pets adjust to a new addition?
• Extras: pet insurance, boarding, training, or emergency care.
A pet is a long-term investment—both financially and emotionally—but one that often pays off in joy and love. It’s not just about responsibilities—pets give back in powerful ways. According to Forbes, pet ownership can:
• Increase physical activity and outdoor time.
• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
The companionship pets offer is often irreplaceable, especially during life’s more challenging moments. Sometimes, despite best efforts, a pet may not be the right fit. If challenges arise that you can’t manage, it’s okay to reach out to a shelter or rescue group
for help rehoming the animal. It’s far more compassionate than letting the situation worsen—for either of you. Looking for more tips? Check out Season 2, Episode 10 of Holly’s Highlights podcast for expert advice on pet nutrition, toxic human foods, lifespan expectations, the truth about pet insurance, training techniques, managing pet allergies and more.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Google Podcasts, or at www. hollycurby.com. Bringing a pet home is a beautiful decision—but only when done thoughtfully. With the right preparation, you and your new friend can enjoy a rewarding bond that lasts a lifetime.
Adopted dog finds comfort in forever home. (Holly Curby)
No more bribing: Mobile Veterinary Options brings the vet to the pet
By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Do you know where the closest veterinarian is to you right now? Or how you’d get your pet there? Sometimes, getting our non-human family members in to see the doctor can seem like a daunting task. That’s where Dr. Kate Swain has Salt Lake County residents covered. Swain is the owner and operator of Mobile Veterinary Options: a mobile veterinary service. Yes, you read that right – a vet van.
After working in two clinics for over 12 years, Dr. Swain noticed how the animals that had bad experiences in the vet’s office wouldn’t come back. When dogs and cats would get panicked on the way into the vet’s office, they’d react based on their fear instincts.
“It’s also a lot of stress on the owners,” said Swain. “It’s stressful when you know taking your pet in isn’t going to go smoothly. It makes people just stop taking their pets in.”
Dr. Swain wanted to provide better options for pet-owners as, just like with us humans, yearly exams are important for animal health.
“We are trying to get ahead of diseases,” Swain said. “If animals can get in once per year, same as with people and our yearly exams, we can catch things early with bloodwork.”
Mobile Veterinary Options travels throughout Salt Lake County to visit dogs, cats and horses outside of an office environment. During an appointment, Dr. Swain can either come into the animal’s environment or walk the animal out to the van.
“Some dogs are protective of their own space; some do better when we come to them. It’s really variable,” she said.
Swain shared how visiting the animal’s environment can help to provide some insight into what problems may exist. For example, one of the top three
issues she visits clients for is allergies. Peaking into the animal’s environment who is experiencing allergy symptoms can help her deduce if they’re suffering from food or environmental allergies.
Together with Veterinary Technician Stacie Moseley, Dr. Swain offers a variety of services for dogs, cats and horses throughout the valley. They can conduct wellness, emergency, and quality of life exams as well as mobile surgeries including dental surgeries, general surgeries and spay and neuter. They’re also equipped and prepared for home hospice and end-of-life care services including qualify of life examples, pain management and euthanasia.
“It’s just the two of us and we love it,” Swain said. “We get to go on beautiful drives. It’s, overall, so much better for my personal wellbeing to be out.”
Moseley grew up in upstate New York and has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years. Her areas of interest include animal behavior and training, feline diseases, surgery and pain management. She is a certified dog trainer, pet
sitter and gardener.
“Stacie is one of the best techs I’ve ever worked with,” Swain said. “I don’t know what I’d do if she quit. She’s irreplaceable.”
Dr. Swain studied veterinary medicine at Glasgow University for five years before returning to Utah to continue her education and career and be close to her family. Her areas of interest include surgery, dentistry, acupuncture and rescue medicine.
Mobile Veterinary Options also offers their four-legged clients options for acupuncture and laser therapy services. Acupuncture benefits include relaxation, endorphin release and response from tight muscles (especially in the backs of horses).
“Laser therapy is an option for animals who can’t have more pain medication,” Swain said. “It’s really easy to do without touching them.”
Mobile Veterinary Options has a class 4 laser that can penetrate to the bone—which can help with things like bone fractures, ear infections, and bladder stones.
Swain mentioned that chronic pain in animals is more common than many pet-owners realize. Chronic arthritis in older animals, as well as soft injury tissue in horses, is a common occurrence in their day-to-day.
“When they see their dog or cat everyday, they just don’t see that their animal is in pain,” said Swain. “A lot of animals are living with chronic pain.”
Dr. Swain highly recommends for all residents with pets to invest in
pet insurance.
“It’s super helpful for people to have pet insurance because we can do more for the animals,” she said.
In addition, Swain thinks we’re still catching up on spay and neutering, even in 2025. She would like to see more education throughout the County on spay and neuter.
Mobile Veterinary Options celebrated their two-year anniversary on Aug. 14. Dr. Swain’s and Moseley’s next big step in their business is to acquire a full body x-ray machine—which costs roughly $80,000.
Besides equipment, Dr. Swain has noticed a huge need for large animal vets in the area. About once per week, she gets a call about a goat, pig or cow and has to decline. She’s also noticing an increasing call volume for chickens.
Mobile Veterinary Options is currently traveling to take appointments throughout Salt Lake County: between West Valley and the Pointe of the Mountain. Routine check-ups and exams can be booked out for about two weeks as Swain and Mosesly plan to leave room in their daily schedules for emergency calls.
Find information and news about pet-care through their socials on Facebook and Instagram at @mobileveterinaryoptions.
To request an appointment through Mobile Veterinary Options call: 801-200-3607.
Or visit their website at: www.mobileveterinaryoptions.com.
Dr. Kate Swain offers “at your home” acupuncture and laser therapy! These services are especially helpful for horses and their back muscles. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
No more having to wait in a lobby of nervous animals, Mobile Veterinary Options comes to you! (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
This gentle giant (155 lbs.), Tootsie Bear, did amazing for his exam with Dr. Swain! Any guesses on his weight? (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Pet Photo Contest!
WINNER
Pet Name: Sam
Description: Sam’s the kind of cute that makes your heart melt—fluffy, soft, and effortlessly photogenic, with a blissful little smile that says he knows exactly how adorable he is. His luxurious coat and regal posture make him the definition of majestic charm.
Human: Submitted by Dani Williams
Pet Name: Nikki
Description: Nikki is a spunky lady. Always following around wherever we go, yowling for attention.
Human: Kelly Dam | Graphic Designer
2ND PLACE
Pet Name: Finn
Description: Finn loves all things snuggles and is as sassy as can be!
Human: Submitted by Mindy Martin Tamburrion
3RD PLACE
Pet Name: Dax a Doo
Description: Dax is our baby boy. We call him our BGB. Big Giant Boy. He’s a snuggle boy and best little brother to Xico.
Human: Submitted by Kristi Dancer
STAFF PET PHOTOS
Pet Name: Zoya
Description: Too smart for her own good, Zoya knows a handful of tricks. Her favorites are fetch and dance – and her least favorite is stay. If she could do anything for a day, it would be chasing squirrels and birds with no idea what she would do if she caught either. Zoya is a 7 year old Weimaraner who loves cuddles and barking at anything.
Human: Cassie Goff | Editorial Staff
Pet Name: Bentley
Description: Now pushing 15 years young, “Crazy Boy” has long been the affectionate nickname for this four-legged whirlwind, rescued from the humane society. Named after Snowflake Bentley, the famous snowflake photographer, he clearly took his name to heart by becoming a full-time snow sprinter and part-time icicle connoisseur. He is a devout enthusiast of both the trail and the beach, never tiring of either. His superpower includes turning complete strangers into lifelong friends in less than 10 seconds. Basically, if joy had a fur coat and four paws, it’s Bentley.
Human: Julie Slama | Writer
Pet Name: Binx Katherine Wallet Crayon People Sink Andreasen
Description: Meet Binx, our very first kitty and the queen of our hearts! With her fluffy coat, tufted ears, and Maine Coon charm, she’s a mix of elegance and playfulness. She’s endlessly curious—especially about water—and never turns down a good cuddle.
Humans: Lindsay | Advertising Specialist and Emmie & Gracie
Pet Name: Luna
Description: Luna is a princess and always sits upright and proper. She loves to talk and is very loud! She is shy with strangers but cuddly with those she knows. She has opinions and will let you know!
Human: Stacey LaMont | Graphic Designer
Pet Name: Cash
Description: Cash is so loving and has a playful nature, often acting as my best friend and companion. Cash thrives on interaction with me but also loves my kids and their families. Human: Yvette Newton | Marketing Strategist
Night Out Against Crime a success in South Jordan
South Jordan’s Night Out Against Crime brought together police, fire and medical personnel to show the public what they had to offer.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Families and friends gathered on Aug. 5 for South Jordan City’s annual Night Out Against Crime, a chance to meet local law enforcement and emergency service providers up close and personal. And there was plenty to see outside the Gary L. Whatcott Public Safety Building.
It began with the arrival of an AirMed helicopter from the University of Utah Health Department, always a crowd favorite. AirMed personnel were there to answer questions as visitors looked inside the chopper. It landed adjacent to numerous police vehicles and equipment, including a command post truck, a SWAT vehicle, motorbikes, a K9 truck (and later a demonstration), vehicles from DARE and VECC, South Jordan Fire Department vehicles including its tall ladder truck, and lots of demonstrations. Those demonstrations involved investigations, evidence, training, victim advocates and recruitment.
Drones were also on display, with demonstrations that evening. Adults and children could participate in seeing lots of equipment used by law enforcement and emergency service providers. There was even a dunk tank to give the public a chance at soaking volunteer officers.
City officials said the annual event helps promote police-community partnerships and makes the city safer and a more caring place to live and work. l
More Than Just Glam: Why Dog Spa Services Matter for Your Pup’s
After a summer full of hiking trails, splash pads, and sunsoaked adventures, it’s the perfect time to give your pup a little TLC. While Spa services help your pup to look their best, they’re also an essential part of their wellness routine. With back to school on everyone’s mind, it’s also a great time to refresh your pup after all of your summer fun. Here’s how:
• Nail Trims: Keeps nails at a healthy length after summer adventures, reducing joint stress and posture issues.
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Families were offered free demonstrations and giveaways by emergency responders at the South Jordan City Night Out Against Crime.. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
The AirMed helicopter from University of Utah Health was a popular attraction for families at the South Jordan City Night Out Against Crime. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Benches built for belonging
“Often, those kids can go unnoticed so now, the buddy bench between our two playgrounds can serve as a meeting place for kids to engage and create friendships,” he said.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
This school year, more Jordan District elementary students may be playing with new friends thanks to “buddy benches” built by Jordan Applied Technology Center students.
Twelve schools, including Monte Vista, now have benches installed on their playgrounds. The goal: help kids make friends and feel included.
On the first day the Monte Vista bench was installed, student council fifth grader Ellie Miller saw it in action.
“I heard it had been installed so I went out to look and I saw a little girl go sit on the bench,” she said. “Then, another girl came up to her and asked if she wanted to draw with her. It was just really heart touching.”
Fifth-grader Addison Olsen, who also is on the student council, said she would use the bench to reach out to others.
“My hope is that my friends would join me and then, everyone can become friends and play together,” she said. “Even if you have friends, you can always have more.”
All 800 Monte Vista students learned how the benches were made and how to use them.
“We know that it is to be used, instead of throwing your coat there,” Ellie said. “They also talked about how some of them felt lonely sometimes so now that we have a buddy bench, people who feel lonely won’t be lonely anymore. We want everyone to feel included.”
More than 120 JATC students worked on the benches and were led by a student leadership team, beginning with a prototype in the fall. JATC welding instructor Blair Jensen said students from welding, construction and teacher education programs all contributed.
“Once my welding students had the prototype done, we ordered metal to build them and they cranked them out in January and February. In March, they went off to powder coating. While that was happening, the construction trades program was going around each of the schools and doing the concrete pads and the teacher education students scheduled assemblies. They taught them powerful lessons on how to use the buddy bench so they don’t have to be lonely and they can find a friend to play with.”
The $7,500 project was funded mostly by a Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Community Impact Grant.
“They have a community impact grant for meaningful service projects that will benefit our community,” said Jensen, who was the 2022 recipient of Harbor Freight’s Prize for Teaching Excellence. “Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is very passionate about supporting career and technical education.”
Jensen secured the grant in October 2024 and offered elementary school principals the free benches, selecting the first 12 which responded, including Bastian, Blackridge, Daybreak, Falcon Ridge, Heartland, Majestic, Mountain Point, Mountain Shadows, Oakcrest, Oak Leaf and Oquirrh elementaries in addition to Monte Vista.
Jordan Education Foundation contributed some funds to the project as well.
“This needed to be a student-driven project,” he said. “I want students to learn the value of giving back; it’s one of the biggest things for me — if you want to be successful in life, you got to support others.”
Along the way, students gained real world, hands-on experience.
“They got to learn what it’s like to work with different contractors to fulfill a contract and be able to communicate and gain leadership experience,” he said. “It was good to see such diverse kids who came together on this common project.”
Students from all eight Jordan high schools worked on the project. The student leadership president had personal motivation.
Assistant Principal Andrew Lovell praised the benches’ impact.
“One of his closest friends is somebody who he befriended on the buddy bench in his elementary school. He knows the buddy benches make a difference,” Jensen said, who plans to apply for the grant again in hopes of having students construct and install more benches around the district this school year. “Now, with benches at 12 schools, that’s about 7,000 children who will benefit and build a culture of kindness and belonging. Our students are looking forward to doing this project again.” l JATC students
Jensen felt strongly that it wasn’t his project, but rather one students could learn from and do.
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JATC students designed, built and installed a dozen buddy benches, including this one at Monte Vista Elementary. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Back to School with a new look at South Jordan Middle
Students return to revamped classrooms, new fitness room, new restrooms and improved facilities.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
When students and staff return to South Jordan Middle School this fall, they’ll notice significant updates to the 36-year-old building.
The art and ceramics rooms have been remodeled and relocated. New restrooms were added near the cafeteria—an area previously lacking facilities—and the faculty lounge was moved. Construction also is underway on a new fitness and weight room, along with a full kitchen renovation.
“We’re making improvements,” Dave Rostrom said, Jordan School District director of facility services. “The building is in good shape. We try to build our buildings to where they have a life expectancy of 60 to 80 years, with kind of a midlife renovation to bring them up.”
The $5.18 million project is being completed by MHTN Architects, who designed the original school, and Judd Construction.
A key part of the renovation involved installing a grease interceptor behind the building to meet sewer district regulations. That led to a complete overhaul of the kitchen.
“It’s a full-blown kitchen renovation with new equipment, new hoods, new expanded serving lines,” he said.
Since the kitchen won’t be ready by the first day of school, meals will be prepared at nearby schools and brought in until mid-September.
“Students will eat in the cafeteria, but food won’t be
prepared at South Jordan Middle School, but at neighboring schools,” Rostrom said.
The kitchen expansion also allowed for other upgrades: in the art rooms — improved lighting, AV equipment, floor drains — and three single-occupancy restrooms near the cafeteria.
“It’s always been a complaint in that design, that you have all those students eating lunch and there’s really no restrooms in that vicinity. We did this design at Oquirrh Hills (Middle School) a few years ago, and it’s worked out well,” Rostrom said.
Crews also are installing LED lights in the gym and cafeteria and adding acoustic material to reduce noise in the cafeteria. Seismic upgrades were made to bring the building up to current safety standards.
“We were constantly looking at doing seismic studies to make sure our buildings are safe in the event of an earthquake. South Jordan Middle was in good shape, but we had to do a little bit of work in there to help bring it up to today’s standards,” he said.
Bingham High Adds Parking
Nearby, Bingham High School is gaining 146 new parking stalls as part of a $1.06 million project. Light poles will be added in late fall.
“There’s always a lot of students parking on the road, so our goal is to get a lot of those cars off 2200 West. We took out some grass areas that aren’t used for student activities or sports and turned them into parking lots,” Rostrom said. “We’ll also install a sidewalk from 2200 West into the north parking lot. It’ll be a safer walking route for our students who are walking to school from that direction.” l
Photo: Don Polo Photography
In July, crews were working on expanding Bingham High’s parking lot, adding 146 more stalls. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Crews work on the $5.18 million renovation at South Jordan Middle, which includes a full kitchen renovation, a new fitness and weight room, remodeled art and ceramics rooms, new restrooms and more. (Photo courtesy Kraig Williams)
Solved: The case of Welby’s missing song
South Jordan mom Bonnie Fisher never imagined the song she jotted down in 1986 would echo through Welby Elementary nearly four decades later.
By Julie Slama
j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Bonnie Fisher’s husband was reading the July issue of the “South Jordan Journal,” when he read an article about Welby Elementary’s school song he knew would interest her.
The song, once a staple in Welby Elementary’s early years, had nearly faded into obscurity. Though it was still taught to kindergartners, it hadn’t been performed schoolwide for years—until the current choir teacher decided to bring it back. At the time, no one seemed to know who had originally written the song.
Fisher perked up. The South Jordan resident knew.
“I wrote this song in 1986,” she said. “I was the PTA Reflections contest chair and we wanted to have an assembly. I asked if there was a school song, but people said ‘no.’ I wanted to drum up excitement so kids would enter. I was in my bathtub when the song and the words came to me. I wrote it by hand because back then, I don’t know if they even had a (computer) program to write music.”
For the Reflections assembly, Fisher and other volunteers put on a spirited performance. The Welby cat mascot made an appearance, joined by other characters. Fisher herself took the stage dressed as Miss Piggy to energize the crowd.
“I borrowed a snare drum from Mr. Cook, the band teacher at the junior high in Copperton so I could have that beat and got the kids clapping. I approached (former Welby) Principal (Kirk) Denison and told him, ‘I’ve got a part for you to play’ and he played the trumpet, then I’d play the drums. We’d play it through once, so kids got the beat. Then they’d sing and clap the second time. It was like a pep rally,” she said. “The idea was the Welby cat was sad and didn’t have any confidence. We built up his confidence by singing the song to him.”
Denison recalls being part of the lively performance.
“It was fun, and the students liked it,” he said. “We sang the song to start every assembly. It brought a lot of school spirit.”
At the time, Fisher had no idea the song would live on beyond that event.
“I didn’t think anyone would really care beyond the assembly, but then, my own kids kept singing it at school. If I would have known it would be around 40 years later, I would have written it better, but I was trying to keep it to one page for the assembly,” she said.
Though she signed the original handwritten copy, the song has evolved since its debut. Initially, Fisher didn’t know the school’s official colors, so when it was adopted as the school song, the lyrics were updated to reflect them. Later, when students selected new school colors, the lyrics were revised again.
There also have been edits to the wording over time.
“I enjoyed learning all the interpretations of it,” she said. “I know things in society have changed, and this song reflects that, but it remains a song to boost kids’ confidence and doing their best. I’m really happy about that.” l
Bonnie Fisher, who volunteered at Welby Elementary, wrote a song for a Reflections assembly, which turned into being the school’s song. (Photo courtesy Bonnie Fisher)
Welby’s school song, written in 1986, has gone through many edits, but still encourages students to have confidence. (Photo courtesy Bonnie Fisher)
League coaches pick Bingham to win Region 2 despite the loss of more
Miners have brought in a half-dozen highly touted transfers and promoted another 20 kids from sophomore/JV teams to varsity.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
On offense, the Bingham Miners lost their starting quarterback, their starting running back, one starting receiver and a starting tight end.
That’s starting to sound like a broken record, and yet such is the way of this new world of name, image and likeness.
The other change in this new landscape is that as soon as one roster heads out the door—the other one comes in.
And, that’s precisely what happened with the Miners O that went from “Oh No!” to “Let’s Go!!” when the guys lost transformed to guys gained in a big way.
That’s important, since Bingham’s coaching staff led by Josh Johnson had to replace a dozen starters on offense and more than that on defense.
Who returns for the Miners?
Some good news, first: Boston Singley is slated to return as quarterback for the Miners. The 6-foot-1, 178-pound senior threw for 183 yards and ran for 18 yards as a junior. A name to watch here would be Teki Finau, who is expected to start at running back for Bingham but may be able to play quarterback in a pinch, and did last season when he threw for 87 yards.
Those outgoing boys will have their roster spots filled by Finau, along with three new players in the Miners backfield: one running back and two fullbacks. In addition to Finau, who rushed for 171 yards and one TD on the ground, Owen Peterson returns to Bingham’s varsity for his senior season after a two-year absence. At fullback, Cayson Jensen is in the same boat as Peterson,
having played on varsity as a frosh. And, JayLee Thompson is a junior fullback who would be unlike the other two newcomers to Bingham’s varsity: he played on the Miners’ freshmen and sophomore teams and has zero varsity experience.
Where you’ll see the most change, however, is with the offensive line. The Miners are bringing in five offensive linemen— three seniors and two juniors. Lucas Neidig, Noah Christensen and Camden Snow will team up with senior Moli Toia up front for their final year of Bingham football, and junior Elias Fineanganofo is back for his second year on the varsity. The final newcomer on the O-Iine is Kearns transfer Samson Tongolei.
Out wide, you have probably the most experience returning for Bingham, and that is great news. John Kulimushi and Jordan Thurman are both senior receivers. Kulimushi finished his junior year with 363 yards receiving and three touchdowns, while Thurman had 80 yards receiving and another 46 rushing last season.
The Miners defense only has three players returning from last year’s 6-6 squad that allowed just 19 points per game, third best in 6A. The three players returning from 2024-25, however, can all pack punches—and two are seniors.
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than two-thirds of their roster
Defensive back Denzel Peoples is back for his final year at Bingham. He averaged 2.8 tackles per game last season and finished his junior season with 17 solo tackles. He’s expected to join forces with several guys who have minutes on varsity. Along with two highly touted transfers, this Bingham secondary is stacked: in comes Summit Academy transfer Jayden Cumbee, who is already nationally ranked at safety, and perhaps one of the most intriguing on this year’s squad in Hank Hausia who arrives from Dimond High in Anchorage, Alaska where he was an All-Conference safety.
Hank’s brother Karltrick is expected to play linebacker for a Miners corps that returns senior Judd Bowen (11 tackles, eight solo) and junior Monson Tukuafu (4 tackles in three games). The transfer at this position to keep your eye on is Golden Masina, who arrives from West High School in Salt Lake City where he had 10 tackles and two sacks as a junior on a team that nearly upset Orem in the second round of the 5A state playoffs before losing, 35-27.
The position where you’ll really find a lot of new blood though, is on the defensive line. There are no returning starters for the Miners, however, there are five newcomers including lone senior Tillman Ki, who played sparingly on last year’s varsity squad that went 6-6 and finished 4-1 in Region 2. Coached by Dave Revill, the Miners defensive front will also bring in two sophomores. Stan Iopu and Sila Maumau have worked their way up from the sophomore team to the varsity, and they will team up with freshmen Leo Tafuna and Tali Lautaha.
By the time you read this, the Miners will have finished playing three games in August. They’ll then be on the road at nationally ranked Corona (California) Centennial Sept. 6 and will return to Utah for a home game against a Herriman team that is expected to have improved greatly. Region 2 coaches currently have Bingham winning Region 2 in their preseason poll. l
Bingham football were picked to win the region championship this year. (File photo Pat McDonald)
After many years of having the same head girls soccer coach, a new one is at Bingham
Josh Maxfield takes over the main headlamp as head coach, replacing Tennille Vance
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Anewleaf in the book of Bingham High girls soccer has been turned.
Josh Maxfield takes over for Tennille Vance, who departs the Miners having coached them to a 92-91 overall record and several state playoff appearances.
The Miners finished summer conditioning that went through June three days per week and continued with twoa-days from July 7-11, as well as morning workouts the following two weeks of that month until tryouts got underway July 29-30.
Then the girls were at Skyridge to open the preseason Tuesday, Aug. 5. Following a scoreless first half, the Miners got a goal from junior Mikelle Walker and a nice surprise when freshman Ada Smith also scored. London Pace, a junior, and senior Tessa Firmage assisted and yet that effort fell shy of a victory in a 3-2 loss.
The Miners really showed what they could do in their next preseason game at Highland, Thursday, Aug. 7. They scored once in the first half and twice in the second for their first win of the season. Bingham got goals from three different players, including junior Brizzy Cottle and seniors Marley Porter and Bergan Anderson in a 3-0 blanking. Walker and Smith returned the favor for their teammates, recording an assist apiece. Sophomore goalkeeper
Natalia Saechao recorded her first shutout for the Miners.
Game three was Bingham’s home opener, Tuesday, Aug. 12 against Springville. It was a result that didn’t go the Miners’ way, as they lost by the score of 3-1. Senior Sofia Davis scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Porter.
The Miners will continue their preseason with a game at Juan Diego, Thursday, Aug. 14, their last nonleague contest according to their latest schedule.
They’ll play their first Region 2 match against Mountain Ridge at home Friday, Aug. 22, and continue with a game at Copper Hills, Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Salt Lake Academy visits the Miners for a Friday, Aug. 28 contest to wrap up the month.
To kick off the month of September, a new member of Region 2 heads over to South Jordan and Ron Thorne Stadium Wednesday, Sept. 2. Westlake visits Bingham at that time, and then the Miners head over to Cedar Valley,
their other new Region 2 foe, on Friday, Sept. 4.
The first Rivalry Week kicks off for Bingham when Riverton invades South Jordan Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Herriman heads down the hill to BHS for a Friday, Sept. 11 showdown.
As Bingham moves into the second half of the season, this Miners team hits the road for their first two games following those rivalry tilts.
The Miners travel to Mountain Ridge on Wednesday, Sept. 16, and host Copper Hills on Friday, Sept. 18.
Bingham hops on the yellow bus for two contests the following week, at Salt Lake Academy Wednesday, Sept. 23 and at Westlake, Friday, Sept. 25.
Then the Miners wrap up the month of September with a home game against Cedar Valley on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
For October, Rivalry Week Part Two arrives with all the expectation and suspense as it ever has, when the Miners travel to Riverton for a Friday, Oct. 2 battle.
Bingham lost both contests against the Silverwolves last year. With a new head coach in Maxfield, there will obviously be some talk about those setbacks and how this Miners team can avenge 3-1 and 2-0 losses.
The Miners finish the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 7 with a showdown at Herriman. Things got heated last year when the two rivals first met in a 4-2 penalty kick shootout win for Herriman at Ron Thorne Field. The return away match was a 3-0 Herriman blanking.
For this Miners team, a message to all of Region 2 that Bingham is on its way back may come during the last Rivalry Week of the 2025-26 season. l
Bingham great Viliseni Fauonuku joins Utah Islanders football program as a Defensive Line Coach/Co-Defensive Coordinator
He joins a staff filled with former Utah Utes, some of whom were teammates, as well as some ex-Miners.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Viliseni Fauonuku is used to firsts.
Bingham students gave him a nickname after he transferred to the school from Euless High in Texas, helping Euless win a state title in 2007. That’s when he turned his level up another notch and helped Bingham win back-to-back state championships in 2010 and 2011.
Fauonuku went on to play 45 games for the Utah Utes. In his final game at the 2015 Las Vegas Bowl, he closed out his collegiate career with five tackles and a sack in an overtime win against BYU.
After having his own family and becoming a first generation cattle rancher who is now known as “The Tongan Cowboy” online, it is time for Fauonuku’s third act in the sport of football: coaching.
“We’re excited to announce Viliseni Fauonuku as our Defensive Line Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator,” said the Utah Islanders in a statement. “Coach Fauonuku
brings toughness, energy and a deep understanding of the game to our defensive unit. He’s a leader who holds his players to a high standard. Why? Because he has done everything he will ask his players to do and he knows how to get the best out of them. With him guiding the trenches, we’re expecting a fast, physical and disciplined brand of defense this season.”
Fauonuku will join a plethora of former Utah Utes players with defensive knowledge: co-defensive coordinator Brian Blechen, General Manager Trevor Reilly and Steve Savoy, who will oversee wide receivers, on the Islanders coaching staff. Former Snow College standout Ethan “EZ” Wright is returning in 2025-26 as Islanders head coach.
Utah’s newest after-education development football program, as it prefers to be called, not only helps athletes prepare for the next level thanks to a recent partnership with Salt Lake Community College—they provide an avenue for coaches like FauonukuSeni, too.
“Our focus is not limited to athletes alone. The Utah Islanders also provide a platform for those aspiring to careers in coaching, front office roles and other sports-related fields where real-time expe-
rience is invaluable,” said a statement on the Islanders website. “This approach ensures that we are not just developing players but preparing future leaders and professionals in the sports industry.”
For the son of Tevita Fauonuku and Gena Newton, a child who was the first in his family to receive a high school diploma and has now forged a career after studying sociology at the U, the Islanders probably feel pretty close to home for Fauonuku.
The Islanders roster is currently dotted with ex-Bingham players as well as current state champions from Skyridge as well as Wright’s American Fork High School and many other Utah cities and areas across the Intermountain West.
A la the Miners and the Utes, the Islanders that will play their home games at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman plan to fear no one, and as an independent, have put out a schedule that would make the hardest football enthusiast blanch.
By the time you’ve read this article, the Islanders will have opened the season at home and played Snow College in the Fire and Ice Bowl, Saturday, Aug. 23. A 10-hour Fan Fest from noon to 10 p.m. will precede the season opener at Zions Bank Stadium. Last year in Ephraim, the Badgers
thumped the Islanders 56-0, a defeat that Utah will certainly remember heading into this showdown.
The schedule, as mentioned, is daunting. There are zero creampuffs on this slate filled with junior college programs and prep schools. After the Islanders’ game against Snow, they’ll hit the road for a game at La Verne College of California Friday, Aug. 29.
The month of September doesn’t let up one bit; the Islanders head to Lewiston, Idaho to take on Lewis and Clark College Saturday, Sept. 6, and then head to northern California for a Saturday, Sept. 13 showdown at Community Christian College in Redlands, California.
On Saturday, Sept. 20 the Islanders will play what could be their only in-state game, against the St. George Eagles at Zions Bank Stadium.
The month of October has two games currently scheduled: Saturday, Oct. 4 at Air Force Academy Prep in Colorado, and at Pacific Northwest Christian College in Kennewick, Washington to close out the regular season.
After that, this “Tongan Cowboy” will turn his attention toward his other passion: cattle ranching. l
As the Kendzee Cloward Era begins,
Bingham girls volleyball schedule opens with Skyridge
Falcons were the same team that eliminated Miners in last year’s 6A consolation round of the state playoffs.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Anytimea new coach arrives on Bingham High’s campus, there is a moment of excitement followed by a dose of reality.
The Miners girls volleyball team are already eating that bitter pill after a season-opening 3-0 loss at Skyridge Tuesday, Aug. 12.
And yet there are many games ahead for Bingham, who saw Reed Carlson step down after two seasons at the school.
Where Carlson went is unimportant, but retaining your players is.
For a Bingham program that has lifted state titles, and plenty of them long before Carlson arrived and led the Miners to a Region title and State Finalist finish in his first season here, the luster seemed to wear off some in season two and so he left after a 19-12 finish.
In this day of name, image and likeness, and kids in high school receiving lu-
crative endorsements through sponsorships and the like, Bingham was no different—it had to try and protect its student-athletes from tampering.
Who could blame them?
Certainly not the athletics department in charge of so many things you’d think it was a college program.
And so the Miners, for the second time in recent memory, turned to an alum who played a little in college, Kendzee Cloward.
With an inability by the UHSAA to do anything to stop this tampering problem at present, and with no end to transfers in sight, a decision was made to limit the information media received on the girls, the roster and the overall state of the program this season.
For a team that lost 12 seniors and is clearly retooling, the Miners have an interesting schedule ahead.
They’ll welcome Olympus, a team that went 7-22 last season and just hired a new head coach, to The Pit for the home opener Thursday, Aug. 14.
Bingham (0-1) isn’t scheduled to play another game until Thursday, Aug. 21 when it travels to Weber to continue their slate of
preseason matches.
An even longer gap between games happens when the Miners open their Region 2 season Tuesday, Sept. 2 at Copper Hills.
The Miners are then scheduled to play in a three-day tournament, Sept. 4-6.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, Bingham returns to Region 2 play and will play a new league foe at Cedar Valley.
Rival Riverton comes to The Pit looking for revenge Tuesday, Sept. 16; the Miners swept and shut out the Silverwolves in 2024-25.
Bingham will head to Mountain Ridge Thursday, Sept. 18 and then will call The Pit home for the rest of September, into October.
They will welcome Westlake, another new league foe, Tuesday, Sept. 23 and will host Herriman Thursday, Sept. 25.
Copper Hills will visit in this homeand-home series Tuesday, Sept. 30 to close out the month of September.
As October arrives, so will another home game: a Tuesday, Oct. 7 showdown against Cedar Valley.
And so as a fall chill hovers over the Salt Lake Valley, and those southerly winds
pick up, so does the race for the 6A state playoffs.
A rivalry game at Riverton on a Thursday night takes place Oct. 9.
The following week will see Bingham hit the road for a second straight rivalry matchup Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Mountain Ridge. They were a team the Miners played three times last season. Counting the state playoffs second round game that Bingham won, the Miners went 2-1 against the Sentinels.
And then the Miners will be away for their final two games of the regular season, according to how the schedule is currently constructed.
Bingham will be at Westlake Thursday, Sept. 16, and are scheduled to close out the 2025-26 season with a game at rival Herriman Tuesday, Sept. 21. l
Superintendent Hart’s first test: Navigating uncertainty in week one
State’s top educator remains agile during shifts in education reform.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Week one didn’t go as expected.
Utah’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart faced an unexpected challenge when President Donald Trump’s administration froze education funds that were set to be dispersed.
“It was surprising he froze funds that had already been approved through Congress,” she said. “I was anticipating changes, but I was anticipating them moving forward. So, when those changes happened a week into my tenure, it threw a wrench in the kickoff.”
Hart, who previously served as executive director of Summit Academy Schools for two and one-half years, hadn’t planned to follow in the footsteps of former superintendent Sydnee Dickson, who served for nine years. At Summit and as vice chair of the Utah State Board of Education, she felt she had found her place—working directly with students and leading through change.
“When opportunity comes, you got to answer the door,” said the veteran educator from Sandy. “I didn’t ever really see myself leaving a school setting where there were kids and I could be involved in an actual school day. I thought I hit the sweet spot, but opportunity knocks and to make a difference at this level, and to make things happen, how do you turn that down? It’s an exciting opportunity.”
It’s now been two months since Hart, a former teacher who served as principal at Mt. Jordan and Albion middle schools, was sworn in as state superintendent. She and Dickson collaborated to ensure a smooth transition in June into the K–12 summer break.
“I stay moving from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I haven’t even unpacked all my boxes. It’s back to school for USBE, just as it’s back to school for schools,” Hart said.
City Journals posed questions to Hart about key initiatives and pressing issues in education.
What was it like when the government froze funds?
The president was clear about his priorities all the way along. We did eventually get those funds, so districts are able to pay their summer programs’ and afterschool programs’ people.
A central tenet of Trump’s plan is to eliminate the federal department of education. Is it going to impact some of the programs, such as Title I schools and others?
There are three big federal education programs: the free and reduced lunch program, the Title I program and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or special education. USDA already co-manages the lunch program along with department of education. The plan for the others, at one
point, was to move them to other agencies, and the funding was to continue in some form. But other Title programs, like Title II (supporting effective instruction), Title III (language instruction for English learners and immigrant students) were the ones that were frozen. We’re now looking at the budget process moving forward for when we get federal funds. There are a lot of different timelines that intersect, and the U.S. Senate pushed back against some of the president’s proposals, so it’s just an evolving story with a shifting landscape. We have to stay agile, consider the information we have at any given time and be ready to improvise.
If the federal department of education fades away, is Utah OK to run our education system?
Many people don’t think it will completely fade away. The department of education may still exist, but it could be much smaller in size and scope. It would take congressional action for the department to “disappear.” Saying that, it was nowhere on my bingo card that funds would be frozen. And, there was nowhere on my bingo card that those funds would be unfrozen. What’s extraordinary about these times is the different paths and the uncertainty of the next action. The best thing I can do is help others prepare for contingencies. Utah is well positioned to manage and keep consistent educational opportunities for kids. The problem is always where the money comes from, when the money comes, and how the money comes, so whether it comes from the state or from local, or from federal, and how it comes, what kinds of strings are attached, what kinds of choices we get to make, and how it’s administered. It’s a new game — and all those spaces are changing at the same time. At the end of the day, our teachers and principals are going to open schools this fall, and they are going to give students the best education out there.
Share your top priorities.
It’s important to me that we get the various constituents together. There’s been a fracturing of communication in education, and we’ve become very polarized needlessly. As state superintendent, I can bring disparate groups of people together and create synergy. It’s important the USBE is responsive, efficient and meeting the needs of the various stakeholders and also, communicating accurate data and information to the legislature, to the field and throughout the agency. It’s important we find ways to increase student achievement and knowledge and students come away knowing how to solve problems and knowing how to meet the needs of communities in the future. That is our goal and it’s important to me that stakeholders come together and keep that in our sights. We’re an agency of the government. We serve the people. We are servant leaders. We need to do that efficiently and without wasting resources, and we need to do it transparently.
Utah has 70,000 students. Many teachers and principals are concerned about low attendance. How can USBE help?
Attendance is one of those things that can’t be solved with any one single approach. We’ve got to engage families and parents and understand why students aren’t coming to school and figure out where that disconnect is, and work on the experiences in school so that it’s a place students understand the need and
what they get out of being there. It’s got to come from not just the education community, but communities at large and at the individual level. It is individual students and their parents making a choice each day whether or not they’re going to attend. We’ve got a toolbox to support districts as they identify barriers and work to remove them. As a former principal, I do know there’s a lot a school can do, but I also understand the limitations of what a school can do and where a district or a state agency or the legislature or a community agency can have considerable impact on student rights and attendance rates. One thing we can do is look at schools at higher attendance rates and figure out what’s different between those and schools where attendance is an issue. There’s just a lot packed into attendance. It’s not simply missing a resource like a textbook. We need to look at everything. Does it have to do with transportation? Does it have to do with illness? Does it have to do with online learning? Is it a family priority or is there a barrier? Could it also be a data issue? There are a lot of questions to be answered.
What are some challenges facing our students in schools?
The changing workforce and what the workforce is going to need and what students are going to need to be prepared for the workforce is a challenge. Education spends a lot of time working with workforce, higher ed and workforce services industry partners to understand their needs, what they’d like to see our graduates be equipped with. A couple years ago, students were studying computer programming or data science and there were 1 million jobs. Well, here comes AI, and maybe some of those pieces can be outsourced, and the data scientist needs to have a whole different set of skills. That rate of change is accelerating, so it’s always a moving target. There’s a lot of movement of students geographically and making sure students information get from point A to point B safely, so there’s continuity in services and students can pick up where they leave off, pick up in one place where they leave off in another. That’s a challenge as well.
You have said as an educator, you love hearing from parents, getting feedback and having those conversations. How are you going to do it now?
I’m working on creating listening groups and listening tours. As the school year gets started, I’ll be traveling around, coordinating and attending focus group meetings, along with state board members and legislators and community partners and districts, intentionally hearing those (parents’) voices and asking those questions. My plan is to ask the local legislators, the local board members and the state board member to be part of it and make sure as many people want to attend, can attend. There would be two meetings in the same community —
Seen here as principal of Albion Middle in 2023, Molly Hart plans to make it a point to listen to families, teachers and others as state superintendent of instruction. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Molly Hart, now the state superintendent, received directions how to drive the excavator into the former Mt. Jordan school building to make way for a new school. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
one to listen to parents and hearing what they have to say, and then a second, listening to teachers and educators to get feedback there. (Once set, the schedule will be posted on the USBE website and communicated through local districts and through school community councils.)
Utah spends less than $10,000 per student (ranked last in the country). Is more needed? If so, how are you going to get more and what is it needed for?
That is a huge question. We have to live within our means and if that’s what we get, then that’s what we get. We can’t spend more. Of course, we could use more, but it’s government money, which means it came from the people, so every time we ask for more, we’re asking people for it from their wallet. What’s most important is that we’re using the money we do have in the best way possible. I can ask, ‘What are we getting for the money that we do spend? Are there things we’re spending more on, that maybe were needs of the past, but are not current needs?’ We need to make sure money is going to the right places. We want to use the money we do have in the best way possible for the best outcome to set up our students for success, whatever success looks like for them and their families.
Utah students are pushing graduation rates close to 90%; how does that compare to national standards?
It’s amazing. When I go to national activities or conferences or gatherings, Utah has the envy of a lot of states. At a national conference, one of our staff members shared our teacher retention rate (91% average retained in a single year) and people in the room gasped. We are doing really great things in Utah and I’m proud of the work we do in our communities and at our state level, but you just don’t settle. You just don’t. We’re going to keep on doing great things for our kids and as new situations and new realities emerge in our communities and in our workforce, then we adjust our practices accordingly. We keep looking forward for those opportunities and those teachable moments.
Utah is ahead of the national average on test scores. Can Utah students do better?
I’m very proud of the work our families and students do. Of course, we can do better, and, of course, I want them to do better and I’m going to push them to do better. There’s always room to grow. I like to be a little relentless with pushing everyone to be better; we don’t ever quit on kids. We keep moving forward and putting one foot in front of the other. I’m never going to say, ‘We’ve arrived’ and ‘It’s good enough.’ l
With a history of involving all stakeholders, Molly Hart shares final plans for the new Mt. Jordan Middle School in 2013. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Show Up for Teachers uplifts 2,500 Utah educators
From massages to mental health strategies, the conference blended fun, purpose and professional learning for Utah’s educators.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
During a break between sessions at the Show Up for Teachers conference, Altara Elementary fourth-grade teacher Clifford Lowe stopped by the STEM Action Center booth—one of 120 offering curriculum ideas, resources and giveaways.
“The STEM Action Center booth was awesome; I got some cool stuff from them that I’ll incorporate into my classroom,” said the Canyons School District dual immersion teacher. “The community here is really big in helping and supporting teachers and I’ve been networking with teachers from other districts, getting to know things they’ve done.”
Lowe also took advantage of a free massage and a coconut Creamie while gathering ideas for his classroom’s calming corner.
The full-day event, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, featured keynote speakers, 40 breakout sessions, and an exposition hall filled with businesses and organizations celebrating and supporting teachers. Session topics included classroom engagement, personal finance, nutrition and sleep, stress management, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Afternoon keynote speaker Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, addressed the crowd, while local authors signed books and the “Superintendents of Rock”— including Jordan School District Superintendent
Educators had the opportunity to listen to superintendents, including Jordan District’s Anthony Godfrey in the center, in a different format — through music – as they performed at the conference. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District)
Anthony Godfrey—performed live.
Attendees earned re-licensure points from the Utah State Board of Education or could opt for university credit from Southern Utah University. The free event was sponsored by The Clark & Christine Ivory Foundation, the Robert H. and Katherine B. Garff Foundation, Capita Financial, Zions Bank and Western Governors University.
The exposition hall featured giveaways and discounts from organizations including Thread, Chatbooks, Beehive Meals, University of Utah Wellness Hub, RC Willey, Operation Literacy, Salt by Sabrina, Albion Fit, Symbol Arts, Felt Right, Beddy’s, Hogle Zoo and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
At the BYU Arts Partnership booth, educators learned about the Native American Curriculum Initiative.
“It’s an initiative that partners with the eight sovereign nations in Utah to co-create authentic and accurate lesson
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plans that teachers can teach to students in their classrooms,” said program coordinator Brenda Beyal. “We go to these sovereign nations and ask them, ‘What would you like the children of Utah to know about your tribe?’ All eight sovereign nations have said they want people to know they’re still here, they’re thriving, they’re resilient, and they continue to work to better their communities.”
Each nation then wanted to spotlight other points: the Paiutes highlighted their fight for federal recognition, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone shared traditional songs, and the Navajo Nation emphasized the historical “Long Walk.”
“All these nations have stories or things they want people to know and we use the arts to help tell those stories — and teachers can use the lessons we’ve created on our website along with podcasts and other resources,” she said.
Nearby, the Special Olympics Utah booth promoted Unified Champion Schools. Boston Iacobazzi, college-growth coordinator, said at least five colleges, 85 high schools, 25 middle schools, and 35 elementary schools participate in programs pairing students with and without disabilities.
Special Olympics Utah CEO Scott Weaver said teachers were enthusiastic about the inclusive programming.
“We have gotten some positive feedback from teachers who currently have the program,” he said. “We just had a teacher in her second year rave about the leadership program with youth engagement and a lot of these teachers see the value for their students, both for special education and regular ed students. It’s becoming a regular part of the school culture from reading together in elementary to playing sports, taking classes and becoming school leaders together. It’s rewarding to hear how inclusion is becoming part of the schools’ cultures.” l
Huntington Learning Center Helps Students Succeed
Huntington Learning Center has helped students with academic success since 1977, with the Draper location opening in 2008.
Mandilyn Johansen, franchisee and director of the Huntington Learning Center in Draper, said many parents see a decline in public education and aren’t sure where to get their students help. With an increase in ADHD and ASD, parents need an expert to help their students succeed.
What is your background, Mandilyn?
I worked at Huntington as a teacher in 2019, then as Assistant Director, and then as Center Director. I bought the business in January of 2023. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Linguistics, and a certi cate for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
What services do you o er?
What sets your company apart from competitors?
With our K-12 skill-building tutoring program, we start with a comprehensive evaluation to gauge where each student needs support. We then tailor tutoring to each student to help them reach the appropriate grade level in math, reading, writing and study skills.
We ensure students have foundational skills to set them up for academic success and meet with parents regularly, so everything is transparent. We provide tutoring for most subjects, including math through college level, science, history, ELA, AP classes, etc.
Do you o er test prep?
Yes, we have a program for the ACT, SAT, preACT or PSAT. We start with an evaluation using a full-length ACT or SAT to give us a breakdown of what concepts are missing. Then we create a program to help students reach their goals.
Our individualized approach is based on an original assessment and we are committed to our students. We connect with schools and teachers, so what we do with students is seen in the classroom as well. We are accredited through the Middle States Association and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We undergo the same accreditation process as other schools and universities, meaning we meet or exceed established standards of educational quality.
Does your business solve a problem? If homework time is a dreaded part of the day or your child is bored in school and wants to get ahead, we take some of the burden o parents. Often, students hate school and lose motivation because it’s too di cult and they aren’t sure how they’ll catch up. We start students at a comfortable place to build con dence in their abilities. Parents worry their student will refuse tutoring, but the majority of students notice the changes in their skills and learn to value tutoring.
How do potential clients normally choose between you and a competitor?
We often have students enroll after working with one of our competitors. We don’t waste time on concepts students have already mastered, which is a common complaint I’ve heard about some competitors. Our accreditation sets us apart from private tutors and other smaller tutoring companies.
What factors should potential customers take into account?
Our average ACT score increase is six points. Our SAT score average increase is 229 points. That can make the di erence in getting into a dream college or earning a scholarship. The K-12 students enrolled in
our skill-building program move up an average of two grade levels in reading and math in three months. It’s good to get students in for tutoring as soon as you see the signs. They start to lose con dence in their ability as school continues to get harder.
Are you running any specials or events?
Currently, $100 from the Assessment Fee will go toward enrollment. Come visit us at the Chill Act event at the Mountain America Expo Center on Sept. 27. We also have free webinars with education experts throughout the year. We accept the Utah Fits All Scholarship.
What is your service area?
We service the Salt Lake Valley and o er online tutoring for students anywhere they live. We can do 100% virtual for any student, or create hybrid programs for students who are nearby, with online tutoring and in-person tutoring.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
I am a success story of Huntington Learning Center. My siblings and I attended Huntington for ACT or SAT prep throughout our high school careers. I was able to raise my score and get into my dream college, the University of California San Diego, studying marine biology. My brothers got into the colleges they wanted or received scholarships. I wanted to help others reach their goals, so I came back to work here and now own it.
Huntington Learning Center
684 E 11400 South, Ste. C | 801-810-2759 huntingtonhelps.com/locations/draper-ut FB @HLCDraperUT
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Hope takes center stage at the Healing Utah Success Summit
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
For those impacted by addiction, the journey to recovery can seem overwhelming. People experiencing substance misuse often feel hopeless, as well as the family members and friends trying to help them.
The Healing Utah Success Summit is a safe space where individuals in recovery can share their stories. HUSS co-founder Al Richards said being open and vulnerable fosters a sense of community, resilience, purpose and hope.
“We bring in so many different people to share their stories,” Richards said. “We talk about mental health and we talk about those on the other side of addiction. We talk to family members and the event helps them understand a little bit more about addiction and what their loved one is going through, because it affects everyone.”
Richards and co-founder Malory Jacob will host the fifth HUSS on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Miller Free Enterprise Center (9740 S. 300 West) in Sandy.
Featured speakers include Joe Valentine, Manny Lopez, Alan Fahringer, Cap Summerhays, Brooke Rushton, Tina Erdmann and Amber Kay. They each will share experiences to help break the stigma of addiction and provide a lifeline for those who are struggling.
Kay spent years living on the streets before starting her journey to recovery. She will share her story at HUSS for the first time in the hope it will encourage others to get the assistance they need.
“Being part of this community helped me begin to see my worth, even when I couldn’t feel it,” Kay wrote on her Facebook page. “It pushed me to face my fears, to lean into the uncomfortable spaces and to believe that healing was possible, not
just for others, but for me too.
“I’ll be speaking at the Summit, sharing a part of my story I’ve never spoken out loud. It’s terrifying. It’s freeing. It’s real. And for the first time, I’m walking in my whole truth, without shame, just raw, honest hope.”
Each speaker will discuss the life changes that took them through addiction into long-term recovery. Many speakers were involved with gangs, spent time in prison, endured the foster care system and carried the shame of those experiences. Richards said HUSS is about releasing the shame and regaining power by showing up.
“You will get something out of it, you will have an aha moment somewhere in that event with possibly more than one aha moment,” he said. “If we could just change one person’s life, just one, the ripple effect will be so huge.”
Richards, who hosts The Other Side of Addiction Podcast, understands that substance misuse recovery can feel overwhelming. He advises baby steps for those looking to regain control of their lives. Taking life one moment at a time, breaking it into achievable steps, makes the process achievable and long-lasting.
“When you find yourself where you’re struggling, there are so many people you can call,” he said. “It’s just putting your mind in a different mindset and then learning how to fire stronger, better neurons and get involved in the community and have good people around you. That’s what makes a big difference.”
Family members are invited to attend the summit to help gain an understanding of the battles their loved ones face in recovery. Enabling behaviors can keep someone dealing with substance misuse from facing consequences or accepting accountability. Families and friends are given resources and tools to help their loved ones work through difficult issues that lead to healing.
Richards said a lot of recovery is learning to feel emo-
tions. Using numbing tools, like drugs or alcohol, can keep a person from fully engaging in life. HUSS encourages honesty, emotional intelligence and compassion to build a community focused on healing, recovery and second chances.
“Life’s not always great,” he said. “Life hits us and it’s one of the hardest fights we have ahead of us. But you learn certain skills and certain habits to allow yourself to feel those emotions.”
HUSS tickets are $25 and can be purchased at healingsuccesssummit.com. Group discounts are available for groups from recovery centers. For more information, email hopeandabundance@gmail.com
“I’ve interviewed over 300 people on my podcast,” Richards said. “So many of them have said, ‘When I started my recovery, I didn’t think I was going to make it’…They all said, ‘You know, it was a struggle, but it was worth it.’” l
(From left) Joe Valentine, Manny Lopez, Malory Jacob, Alan Fahringer, Al Richards, Cap Summerhays, Amber Kay, Brooke Rushton and Tina Erdmann will speak about addiction recovery at the fifth annual Healing Utah Success Summit on Oct. 4. (Photo courtesy of Richards)
It’s barely September and social media pages are already flooded with autumn recipes, pumpkin hacks and tips on how to dress for sweater weather. For Utah, sweater weather in September is just dumb because it’s still 90 degrees in the shade. Wear a cute, fall pullover at your own risk.
Instagram influencers suffer from September insanity, bizarrely excited to roam through corn mazes (nature’s escape room), decorate porches with scratchy hay bales and crooked scarecrows, and stage family photo shoots at apple orchards with everyone grumpily dressed in red and black flannel.
In September, you’re legally required to wear a wool scarf when ordering at Starbucks, where each drink has a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, from pancakes to deodorant, popping up out of nowhere like political yard signs and herpes.
These aren’t necessarily bad things. I love me a plaid shirt and fresh-baked apple crisp, but until Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:19 p.m. (MDT), it’s still summer and I will behave accordingly.
Here’s what shouldn’t happen before Sept 22: high school sports, pumpkin patches, hay rides, the NFL. None of those are summer activities. Nada.
Even if the temperature drops to 45 degrees by mid-September (which it won’t), I’ll still wear flip-flops and gym shorts as
Stop Pretending it’s Autumn
my casual work outfit. Well, flip-flops only if I’m going somewhere fancy, like Dollar Tree. I might as well not own shoes during the summer.
After going barefoot since April, my feet have reached the hardened leather stage where I could safely walk across a lava flow. My granddaughter recently poked my heel and asked, “What happened to you?” I tried to explain the development of callouses due to traversing 110-degree asphalt with no shoes, but she’d already turned her attention back to Roblox.
Even Mother Nature betrays me as the Wasatch Mountains start to turn a brilliant red, orange and gold. Sunset gets earlier each night, disappearing a little bit at a time, like when I’m trying to sneak out of a networking event. The air takes on a distinctly “autumn” glow, but that might be arsenic floating over from the Great Salt Lake. Living in Utah is exciting.
Farmers’ markets are still open, but
the options quickly turn from juicy, sweet peaches to…umm…squash? Who eats squash? Raccoons? Hardened criminals? I use pumpkin for cookies, bread and carving, but no one actually EATS pumpkin. That’s like saying someone actually eats rhubarb. I don’t have time for your nonsense.
One good thing about September is that Michaels no longer sells Halloween items (which they started promoting in May) but is now decked out for Christmas.
Believe it or not, I love fall, but only when seasonally appropriate. Summer flies by, so I must savor every sunny moment before Salt Lake sinks into six months of cold,
gray darkness, like Persephone descending to the Underworld.
On the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, not Sept. 1), I’ll drape fall garlands around the kitchen, light apple-scented candles, put on cozy socks (an easy transition from being barefoot) and make a big pot of stew that no one will eat because it has onions.
Within a few weeks, my social media pages will display photos of squirrels gathering nuts, my grandkids bickering at a harvest festival, Tom refusing to eat apple cider donuts and my fire-orange pedicure hidden inside a cute pair of fall boots. But only in appropriate autumnal timing.
