April 2019 | Vol. 5 Iss. 04
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GRANITE PARK JUNIOR HIGH RECEIVES AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO HONORING VETERANS By Lindsey Baxter | l.baxter@mycityjournals.com
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hat started with the discovery of a bronzed plaque in a storage closet has turned into a tradition at Granite Park Junior High School — one that has now earned national recognition. The memorial plaque, a gift from Granite Junior’s Class of 1948, led to a Veterans Day production honoring the 22 fallen alumni whose names appeared on it. But that’s not the end of the story. “The Veterans Day event awoke our students to a pride in their country and respect for those that serve,” said Aaron Wilson, principal of Granite Park Junior High School of two years. He added, “It also connected our school with the surrounding community in ways we never had before.” The most touching moment of their production, Wilson continued, was having current Granite Park students stand in the place of the young men who died in war in a “Principal’s Roll Call.” The weeks leading up to the event, students in the school had studied the biographies of these young men and had even written letters to their surviving family members who would be in attendance that day. Part of the project was having all teachers in the social studies department tasked with having their students write a letter of gratitude to each of the family members. Curtis Jones, an eighth-grade United States history teacher who has been at Granite Park for 22 years said, “Ninety-nine percent of my students wrote letters, and I told Aaron this that it was the best assignment I have ever given.” The tradition has continued with Granite Park students honoring another group of alumni the following year. An additional memorial wall was created and unveiled during their 2018 Veterans Day production, honoring school alumni who died in Vietnam War. Similar to the year before, students learned about previous students at Granite Park who served during a period of war. And just as before, had learned about these men who fought their country, inviting their surviving family members to be honored. “This tradition will continue for as long as I am principal here,” Wilson said. Representing his students and faculty, Wilson accepted a national award from the Utah Chapter of the Freedom Foundation. The George Washington Medal of Freedom was given to Granite Park Junior High School, acknowledging their commitment to honoring veterans. It was presented by Governor Gary Herbert and is now on display at the school. The mission of the Freedom Foundations of Utah is to educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
Governor Herbert, Aaron Wilson, and member of the Freedom Foundation of Utah. (Courtesy of Aaron Wilson)
acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved. The vision is that all Americans actively engage in our democracy by celebrating our heritage, defending the Constitution, and protecting individual freedoms. “Last year, we had an assembly for the veterans of World War II, and we honored around 20 veterans that had gone to Granite Park Junior High School. Wilson and a former principal (Danny Stirland) found a plaque in the school with these former students (names on it) who had gone to World War II and died. The plaque was in a closet somewhere and they were walking through and the other principal stepped on it,” Curtis said. “They said we need to do something for these guys that went here and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The plaque is now in the front office area. They invited the families to the assembly to honor them. In my opinion, I
thought it was the best assembly I had ever been to. It was really emotional and very informative, it was incredible,” Curtis said.
Famous singer Alex Boye and Granite Park Junior High Principal Aaron Wilson during the award ceremony. (Courtesy of Aaron Wilson)
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Salt Lake Valley’s epic pranksters show us ‘how to April Fools’
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C ITY OURNAL The South Salt Lake City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Salt Lake. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
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By Jennifer J. Johnson | j.johnson@mycityjournals.com
F
rom placing a pair of live lobsters in the glove box of a paramour’s car to endorsing their boss as a disco-loving ninja on a global career website, to punking fans of the third-largest professional sports league in the world, Utahns know how to April Fools. The City Journals wanted to get up close and personal with some of the pranksters and the pranked in a sort of hall of fame. Look forward to hearing more of your stories, in the comments and for next-year’s piece. Food and fools: Lobsters, an imposter waiter, and under-the-table pranking Long-time radio and web celebs Todd Collard and Erin Fraser (“Todd and Erin”) involve one particular type of food, lobster, as an ongoing April Fools’ staple. One year, Todd, recalls, he actually placed the lobsters in the glove box of Erin’s car. There were no fatalities to report. Rather, the frenetic lobster game is part of the ongoing love affair of Salt Lake City area’s longest on-air-turned-over-web morning personalities. The imposter waiter… Dean Pierose is owner of Cucina wine bar, restaurant, and deli in The Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Pierose is long-term best friends with comedian Pat Mac. An April Fools’ prank provided the perfect opportunity for Pierose to meet his best friend’s wife. But a simple meet-and-greet is not Pierose’s style. Instead, Pierose convinced a fellow restaurant owner to let him stand in and wait the table that Mac and his wife occupied the night of April 1, 2011. Prepped about the woman being a teacher and her having attended the University of Idaho, the imposter waiter set out to be as insulting as possible, first complaining that the table’s former customers, “who must have been teachers,” stiffed him for a tip. On another visit by the table, Pierose slammed the University of Idaho, the woman’s alma mater, making fun of the college’s “Joe the Vandal” mascot, and identifying himself as identifying with the rival “Broncos” of Boise State. “He hit every button he could, to set her off,” laughed Mac. “Dean is a master prankster.” A little Disney’ll do ya, on April Fools Disney Channel actor, writer, and voice talent Jerry Straley just celebrated 30 years with Disney. “My goal is to make 10 million people laugh,” he shared. Straley estimates his role on the “Good Luck, Charlie” sitcom got him about halfway there, with more than five million views of the sitcom’s four seasons. Holladay-dwelling Straley routinely pokes fun at the area’s wealthy, and says
When not loving on her husband and on-air/over-internet personality Todd Collard, Erin Fraser’s go-to food is lobster. Not surprisingly, Todd has turned it into an April Fools’ go-to that enhances the couple’s relationship. (Photo Credit: ToddandErinDailyStream.com)
April Fools’ jokes include replacing upscale Grey Poupon whole-grain mustard with plain-yellow mustard at hoity-toity Holladay restaurants and making early-morning prank calls, indicating peoples’ butlers are taking the day off. Getting paid ‘under the table’ Saralynn White, a Cottonwood Heights copywriter and creative director/chief storyteller/owner of Salty Dog Marketing, recalls hijinks from now-defunct, but ever epic ad agency Dahlin Smith White. “They taped a sandwich under his desk and it started to reek,” she recalled, “but he couldn’t find what was smelling up the place because of where it was.” Writing the April Fools’ playbook Writer White has not only been pranked, but has pranked upon. One year, colleagues posted “disco” and “ninja” expertise as some of her unique skills on the LinkedIn professional website, comprising 500 million members globally. Professional colleagues of White can still find these skills on her profile today. Another year, White could not get her computer to respond to her keystrokes. Absolutely frustrated at the technological stalemate, she dialed in corporate 911 – the IT or information technology department. Who she credits as “ingenious” colleagues had taken a screenshot of her computer desktop. Pranksters made it so that every keystroke the increasingly frustrated White entered did nothing more than ping a static image, doing absolutely nothing to engage the computer’s functionality. April Fools’ Day: A Team Sport For the Utah Jazz franchise, April Fools’ Day has been good to the Jazz, with the team winning 65 percent of the games played April 1 over the past 33 years, including last year’s 121-97 blowout over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This year, at 7 p.m. on April 1, the Jazz
square off against the Charlotte Hornets in hometown Vivint Arena. The team’s best prank came a few years ago, in 2015, when the Jazz punked fans, commentators, and even readers of the National Basketball Association by launching a new “look-and-feel” three-quarter-length pant. The news went official, with a mock press release and photo featuring Rudy Gobert (27) and Derrick Favors (15). April Fools’ DNA Brothers Jamison and Truman Carter grew up with their prank-playing family first in the Avenues and then Herriman. The two now reside in Salt Lake’s Marmalade neighborhood. The brothers recall stories of their mother’s receiving an April Fools’ Day bouquet of already-dead flowers from high-end florist Every Blooming Thing. Knowing that the bouquet likely cost her then-husband at least $50, their mother called in to complain. Right at that moment, while on the phone ripping the prank-engaging florists who were emphatically denying her description of the bouquet, an incredibly stunning, much bigger and more expensive arrangement arrived from Every Blooming Thing, with the same delivery person. Order restored. The Carter sons were pranked themselves, waking up one April Fools’ morning to a breakfast of meatloaf, gravy, and mashed potatoes. Luckily they tried the odd meal. Their mother, this time, was the prankster, having made Rice Krispie treat “meatloaf” with butterscotch “gravy” and ice-cream “potatoes.” And regarding our last set of pranks? Confession time: I am the mother of the Carters, recipient of dead bouquets, and chef of dreamy April Fools’ breakfasts. Even though it sounds like it could be, that is not a prank. Happy April Fools’ Day, Salt Lake County!
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Teens express themselves at Teen Open Mic By Bill Hardesty | B.Hardesty@mycityjournals.com
“
Before you see the setting sun see the ones you love because they are the fun.” These are the concluding lines from a poem entitled “One Day” written and read by Derrick, 14, during the second Teen Open Mic event held at the Commonwealth Performing Arts & Youth Entertainment Center (commonly called Commonwealth) on Feb. 28. Commonwealth is part of the Promise South Salt Lake afterschool programs and is located at the Hip Hop Education and Resource Center (The HERC) at 2505 S. State St. This time students from Historic Scott School, Commonwealth, and Granite Park Junior High School participated. Students read poetry (mostly written by them), told riddles, played the ukulele and rapped. Derrick Derrick’s poem was written about his 17-year-old sister who died unexpectedly in 2017. “One day she was here and next day she isn’t,” Derrick said, explaining the title of the poem. At the first Teen Open Mic, Derek read another original poem written about his mother who left the family in 2016. In that poem, Derrick express his feelings of not having a mother in his life. “Writing is my therapy. It is where I turn to when I feel sad,” Derrick pointed out.
Derrick has suffered through tragedies in his young life. At times, he is a bit shy, but he is also very mature in his observations. When he is not writing poems or short stories, he enjoys video games, reading (his favorite poet is Emily Dickinson), playing basketball and baseball. He confessed that he is a “pool shark” and loves that the Historic Scott School afterschool program has a pool table. Sonia Sonia, 14, performed and was the emcee for the event. The staff asked for a volunteer and Sonia raised her hand because “it sounded like a lot of fun.” The word fun describes Sonia. When asked why she comes, she replied, “It is fun to be here.” She has attended Commonwealth since the beginning of the school year. She enjoys the many clubs such as street art, dance, voice, Afrobeat (a music genre that combines elements of West African musical style), fine art and music. Her favorite is voice. Before performing, Sonia announced, “I am a singer aka a rapper.” She rapped to a clean version of Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” She selected this song to honor the artist and “it is fun song to rap to and the lyrics are fun to sing.” Love Love, 14, performed two songs on the ukulele. She likes the ukulele because “it is
small and easier to play.” However, Love is an accomplished violinist. She has played both classical and fiddle since the age of 10. Love played “House of Gold” by Twenty One Pilots and “Riptide’ by Vance Joy. She selected the songs because “I knew them really well and the tune sounds interesting.” Love is also involved in the jazz dance club at Commonwealth. The thing that prevents her from her artistic pursuits – homework. The history of Teen Open Mic Teen Open Mic grew out of an Anti-Slam event held in conjunction with the Commonwealth Fall Festival 2018. In turn, the Anti-Slam grew from the work of the Promise Collective which encourages kids to interact with the spoken word through such mediums as poetry, writing, singing and other artistic forms. The Promise Collective is part of the Promise South Salt Lake City Initiative. The next Teen Open Mic will be held March 28 at the Her Ner Moo Community Center (2531 S. 400 East).
Love, 14, smiles after singing at the Teen Open Mic. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
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Participants and attendees at the second monthly Teen Open Mic held as part of the South Salt Lake City Promise afterschool programs. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
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Calvary Baptist Heritage Choir Concert presents the color of love
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Page 6 | April 2019
hen we think of a choir, many of us envision matching robes, a reverent, tightly structured program with printed programs, and, most importantly, melodious, inspirational music. Salt Lake’s Calvary Baptist Church’s Heritage Concert, held Feb. 24, euphorically focused on delivering the third: melodious, inspirational music. The jubilant concert delivered a lot more, too, and the focus was not on the performances, but on song, movement, and dance all being forms of worship. “Love” was the concert’s theme, based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, the 13th chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Not just a ‘concert’ “You call it a ‘concert.’ We call it worship,” Rev. Robert Merrill told the congregation. His comments were met with loud applause. Applause is an aspect of this congregation’s worship that may be unfamiliar to many people across the Salt Lake Valley. “Neighbor, I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, but I’m gonna get my praise on,” the smiling reverend said. Merrill is aware that the Heritage Concert brings a lot of guests to the 1,000-person church hall, where services are held weekly at 8 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. A Calvary greeter helped late-arriving guests find timely, orderly parking. The color of worship The concert is as colorful as the fabrics adorning choir members, many of whose colors and patterns represent aspects of African heritage, as well as other spiritual intentions. The many faces in the audience are also colorful — the blackest of black, the whitest of white, varying degrees of color among them. Most smiling, many singing along, some shouting out throughout the concert, even during the invocation or opening prayer and as lines of scripture are read from the pulpit. The concert is as colorful as what adorns many of the heads of those faces – colorful African-style headdresses, traditional American Sunday-go-to-meeting hats, and a variety of “kufi” or African skullcaps. “The diversity of the audience was so heartwarming,” said Lakeysha Austin Mapps, a West Valley City-based customer service agent. “I thought to myself, ‘This is what Heaven is going to look like. It’s going to look like this audience.’” Expanding ‘Black History Month’ to include our diverse heritage Veteran musician Laura Eady-Popwell is the music ministry leader. Eady-Popwell said she has seen an increase in diversity in the choir and the overall church membership since moving crosscountry to Utah in 1994. “There were a few Caucasians in the membership, but I cannot remember a whole lot of diversity,” she recalled. Today’s choir, she said, includes Mexican immigrants, African refugees, and white and other contributors, as well as the core African-American or black congregation.
Salt Lake City soloist Hope Washington, worked it, electrifying the audience, from the stage and among the crowd, where the gospel singer liberally circulated, microphone in hand. (Jennifer J. Johnson/City Journals)
Eady-Popwell also explained the Heritage Concert used to be more related to Black History Month and now is celebrated every year during the month of February as Heritage Month. “We include more people than just black Americans,” she explained. “We celebrate our heritage, no matter what color we are.” The Calvary Dancers, the God Squad, Angel Choir, Praise Singers, and other worship teams The concert opened with music and dance honoring African roots of the choir’s predominantly black congregation. The Calvary Dancers file in from the back, finding their way to the floor in front of the pulpit, where they dance in unison. Many wear small-to-medium dots of bright face paint, which symbolize hope, purity and light. As opposed to a performance, where the strongest dancers are traditionally strategically aligned to be front and center, The Calvary Dancers are more of a true ensemble, with an overall impression of strength and beauty. The Angel Choir, comprising youth age 3 up to 12, follows the dancers, with young men dressed in black, with bowler hats. Choreographed dancers are accompanied by musical youth soloists and the backup musicians comprising a keyboardist, bass and lead guitarists, a grand piano player and organist, a drummer, and multiple percussionists. A standing ovation – in church? The congregation gives a standing ovation when a young boy and girl each sings solos in the “I Want To Be an Influencer” number. A young man dressed as stylishly as America’s popular musician, Bruno Mars, solos in a young adult-group’s sharing of “Reckless Love” and “Love Theory.” He is none other than Dieudone M. Sangano, from the African Congo and now living in Herriman. When veteran performer James Anderson kicks of his contribution to the Heritage Concert, many would, perhaps, feel more familiar with this type of song, gospel music, in the church setting. “We going way back home, way south,” the jubilant Anderson declared, prefacing a “God Is My Everything” tribute where the singer trembled in belting out the song’s words, inviting amped-up background music and clapping. Also amazingly high-energy is the “God Did It Again” rendition, where veteran soloist Hope Williams of Salt Lake City boldly sang from the stage, then made her way around the audience. Her interaction with Calvary Choir Director Brian Hesleph appears joyous. Hesleph accompanied numerous songs on the grand piano. ‘These aren’t songs just to sing’ Lakeysha Austin Mapps credited the role of Calvary Baptist, in both her spiritual, as well as cultural identity development.“This church gave me my spiritual foundation. I was molded and shaped into the strong African-American woman I am today because of the religious foundation I acquired at Calvary Baptist Church,” she said. “Some of you may think of this as performance,” Rev. Merrill reminded the audience a second time, toward the close of the concert. “It is worship. These aren’t songs just to sing.”
S outh Salt Lake City Journal
International Women’s Day events support, celebrate women By Jennifer J. Johnson | J.Johnson@mycityjournals.com
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arch 8, the official “International Women’s Day,” is ever-growing in international and social-media buzz, and prompted a flurry of local activity on par with the weather happening that day. City Journals presents a recap on several Salt Lake Valley-based activities and commemorations of Women’s Day. First-time celebrators — for the youngest of young — Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. Nearly 900 members and guests of the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum were treated to a celebration of women’s social, cultural and political achievements, through the lens of gender equality. On March 8, children up to age 11 learned “the amazing things women can do,” recounted marketing coordinator Anna Branson. Children used unique materials and media to create artistic renditions of historic and current women leaders, including the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, anthropologist and conservationist Jane Goodall, and human rights advocate Malala Yousafzai. All received “Believe in Girls” stickers and had the chance to walk through a unique kaleidoscope, featuring all of the wonderful possibilities for girls and women. Rising up, lifting up at the U of U – for college students, staff, faculty and community. At the University of Utah, the “day” has become a week-long celebration of women. The Women’s Leadership Summit, themed “Rise Up, Lift Up” was preceded by the “Empower U” Symposium, where president Ruth Watkins provided the keynote address. The Women’s Leadership Summit, now in its fifth year, offered a resources fair, with everything from women’s health information to voting engagement. The fair was presented in booths lining a wall of windows in the Ray Olpin Student Union building. The university assembled a roundup of nearly 20 breakout sessions, dealing with topics as edgy as navigating shame culture to as vanilla as financial-planning strategies for women. “It was truly a day of learning, engagement, and idea sharing,” shared Jessica Lynne Ashcraft, co-chair for the event and associate director for student leadership and involvement at the U. Ashcraft indicated 200-plus women attended the event, “due to the wonderful range of topics presented and the excitement to engage on topics that are so salient for women right now.” Women in international business as a theme… World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) leveraged one of its trademark strengths — partnering — to commemorate International Women’s Day, and, like the U of U, made the celebration into a full week of activities, versus just a day. On March 8, WTC Utah co-hosted a
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A University of Utah student created this mosaic of the beauty in women’s diversity. International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world and across Salt Lake Valley on March 8. The University of Utah turned it into a week-long celebration. (Photo Tina Dirmyer/University of Utah)
sold-out luncheon, in collaboration with the Women’s Business Center of Utah and the Salt Lake Chamber. “WTC Utah would like to be a part of the solutions that address the challenges facing women as they pursue global economic opportunities,” said Suzette Alles, chief operating officer of WTC Utah. “Increasing international trade, and supporting women in their efforts to do so, helps companies grow, create wealth and become more resilient. This, in turn, bolsters economies on a local, national and global level.” … And as an honor and an inspiring thought of global contribution March 7, the day before the official day of commemoration, WTC participated in the 10th-annual Women in International Business Conference. This power-packed day included perspectives from 30 business, gov-
ernment, and education leaders representing various facets of Utah’s diverse economy. At the half-day conference, Dr. Mary Beckerle, CEO of the Huntsman Cancer Institute, was named International Woman of the Year. In her role at Huntsman, Beckerle oversees a cancer research laboratory focused on fundamental cell biology and Ewing sarcoma, a type of bone cancer that typically affects children and young adults. All that, an incredibly important role, and yet, Beckerle shared with City Journals deeper insight into the awesome responsibility and opportunity she and other women and men like her bear. “I believe that cancer researchers have a role in advancing global partnerships and understanding,” she observed. “In a sense, we serve as volunteer diplomats as we travel the world to share our results and work together
to advance human health.” More than a day, or even a week… a month? Women Techmakers Salt Lake and Miss Nations of the World both identified March 23 as the day for their respective International Women’s Day Celebration event. The Women of the World held its ninth annual fashion show just a few days before the official date. Snowy weather on March 8 scrubbed or severely limited celebratory efforts from Sandy’s Miller Center to downtown Salt Lake’s Capitol demonstration. Regardless of the stormy weather, the message at all events was clear. Women — and girls — are to be encouraged, mentored, and celebrated all day, all week, all month, all year, whether officially or unofficially.
April 2019 | Page 7
Community development budget request reduced by city council By Bill Hardesty | B.Hardesty@mycityjournals.com
South Salt Lake City Council discussed the pending budget amendment for fiscal year 2019. (Bill Hardesty/ City Journals)
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ith about three months left in fiscal year 2019, the city staff presented a budget amendment to the city council during a work session and regular meeting on Feb. 27. The amendment involved both the general fund and the capital fund. The amendment was also discussed during a regular meeting on March 6. At this meeting, the amendment was changed and passed. General fund The general fund portion of the amendment consisted of three items. The first two parts involved moving funds and the third part was an accounting change. As a result of the building boom in South Salt Lake City, the building permit fees doubled in fiscal year 2019. The budget projected $400,000 in building fees but year to date, the city has collected $847,000. This provides an option for the city to move some funds. The amendment called for $23,500 of the surplus to pay for funeral expenses related to Officer David Romrell’s death. This
part passed with no discussion. The second part was far more controversial. The city staff asked for $200,000 to be transferred to Community Development to start the process of updating city ordinances ($120,000) and hire third-party help to reduce the community development project backlog ($80,000). Three staff members, Hannah Vickery (Deputy City Attorney), Alex White (Planning Division Manager), and Dennis Pay (City Engineer) spoke to the council. White reported that a comprehensive review of Title 15 (Land Development) and Title 17 (what you put on the property) hasn’t been done for years. Vickery added that, “It not acceptable to be out of compliance with state law.” The group pointed out that having outdated ordinances causes a bottleneck for processing development requests. It hampers the process. A group of council members led by
Councilman Mark Kindred and Councilman Shane Siwik questioned the request wondering why this request could not be part of fiscal year 2020. “We would like to start the process. It will take time,” White replied. Pay added, “We want to take a bite out of it.” Siwik wondered if the money would be better spent on capital needs such as storm water. In the end, the council struck this part of the amendment. If an ordinance review is done, it will be a fiscal year 2020 action. The discussion moved to the remaining $80,000 for the backlog. The two big concerns of the backlog are the library project and the Tracy Aviary project. It was pointed out that the library project review work was already funded from community development funds ($24,000$25,000) with the expectation that the developer will reimburse the city by paying the expedite fees. Members of the city council pointed out that developers are paying an expedite fee (see article in this issue about expedite fees) which should resolve the backlog. “The backlog is being translated by the public that the city staff is against community focused projects, which is not true. We have found a solution,” Mayor Cherie Wood stated. Pay added, “You are asking us to process projects without giving us the resources. Let’s get through the backlog.” Councilman Ray deWolfe observed, “When staff comes with a solution and we shoot them down, that is a morale issue.” His comment brought claps from the audience. Siwik pointed out that as of Jan. 31, there appears to be $101,000 in professional services not yet spent. He suggested the problem is lack of staff rather than lack of funds. “If hiring people was the only solution, the problem is a tight job market,” the mayor
shot back. Councilwoman Sharla Bynum, who presented the budget amendment, kept trying to find a comprise position. Councilman Ben Pender said, “It was bad policy to pay fees for private companies.” But he could agree to using some of the funds to get the Tracy Aviary project unstuck. The mayor pointed out that she was given a drop-dead date of May 15 from the county to begin work on the Tracy Aviary site or lose it. In the end, the council agreed to move $15,000, which is the typical expedite fee charged developers, to Community Development earmarked for the Tracy Aviary. Capital fund The amendment listed two changes. The city has received a grant to assist in creating the Teen Tech Center. They also received a grant from the State for trees at Fitts Park. The city council approved these changes without discussion.
South Salt Lake City City Hall. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
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How the city uses an expedite fee By Bill Hardesty | B.Hardesty@mycityjournals.com
One of many construction projects in South Salt Lake City is the Liberty Crossing townhome-style apartments being built between Main and State streets. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
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hen is a fee not a fee? When it is a expedite fee. This is a fee routinely paid by developers to help the city move their project through the city approval process. It is common for cities to charge this fee and to developers it is part of the cost of doing business. “It is not a fee. It pays for actual costs,” Hannah Vickery, deputy city attorney, reminded the South Salt Lake City Council in a recent meeting. The use of the expedite fee has been discussed much in city council and planning commission meetings. Members of both bodies have voiced concern that the fee is one of the stumbling blocks for community-focused projects like the Salt Lake County Library or the Tracy Aviary. The opposite is true. How it works An expedite fee does not work like the FASTPASS at Disneyland. It does not move a developer to the head of the line, but rather a developer can move their project out of line and create a new line.
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Currently, South Salt Lake City’s Planning Division is processing more than 18 projects involving conditional use permits, ordinance changes, and zoning changes— the result of a strong economy. All this work is done by two planners. In the past, a small staff worked for the city because the number of development requests was much lower than now. Not only are application numbers higher, the projects are more complex requiring multiple steps including general plan changes, zone changes, and amendment to Title 17 (what you can put on a property). Each of these steps requires a great amount of time by the small planning division staff. This added work results in a backlog of work and projects get caught in the approval jam. By applying the expedite fee, the city can hire third-party engineers to evaluate the requests. This allows projects to move forward to the planning commission, if needed, or be approved administratively faster. All work completed by third-party vendors are subject to the planning division oversight.
fee holding out until a zoning change allowing the high-density housing is approved. Mayor Cherie Wood directed her staff in February to fast track the project in the absence of the expedite fee. In a blog post on SSLC.com posted on March 5, the Mayor said, “As Mayor of South Salt Lake and as a clear advocate for a new county library in our community, I feel the need to address the flurry of rumors and blatant misinformation about the status of the Granite Library. My entire administration and I are working for a new library for South Salt Lake – and we will get a library for South Salt Lake. “It’s important to note that this planning process is unprecedented and complicated, requiring the oversight of our planning, legal and public safety staff. We have two talented planners on staff managing hundreds of millions of dollars of development projects in South Salt Lake. I want to thank them for navigating this unique process.”
Another way to look at the current project list is like the shopping rush during the holidays. Stores bring on temporary employees to handle the large amount of volume and, when the rush is over, the store goes back to its former staff size. Currently, South Salt Lake City is experiencing a development rush, but like all rushes, it will end. By using the expedite fee, the planning division can hire additional help without increasing longterm employee count and running the risk and cost of layoffs later. Expedite fee and the library Regarding the library proposed for part of the remaining Granite High School property, an expedite fee was never charged to the Salt Lake County as some have indicated. Salt Lake County Library is not the applicant. Wasatch Residential Group, proposing to build 113 townhomes on part of the property, is the applicant. An expedite fee was Construction of the Granite Legacy homes, located at charged to Wasatch Residential Group and a south end of the old Granite High School property, verbal agreement to pay was made. However, continues. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals) Wasatch Residential Group has yet to pay the
April 2019 | Page 9
First domino falls as townhomes, library move closer By Bill Hardesty | B.Hardesty@mycityjournals.com
Draft design of the north 11 acres showing townhomes on the east and the library on the west. (Courtesy of Salt Lake Library)
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t the end of the March 7 South Salt Lake Planning Commission meeting both the audience and commissioners cheered and clapped. The commission had recommended approval of the revised ordinance amending the general plan concerning the north 11.6 acres of the Granite High School property. The recommendation and future passing of the ordinance by the city council, which could occur at their next meeting on March 27, is only the first step in a three-step process to make the Granite Townhomes and a new library a reality. Right before the voice vote, Commissioner Jeremy Carter said, “The information shared in this meeting and the action taken tonight shows what can happen when the applicant and city staff work together. Thank you. Everyone has smiles.” Previous meeting At a previous working meeting and regular planning commission meeting both held on Feb. 21, the Community Development staff presented their analysis. In addition, public comments were also taken at the regular meeting. As Alex White, planning division manager, worked through the presentation many unanswered questions arose. In addition, some information was needed. The Wasatch Residential Group (the applicant), the Salt Lake County Library, and the city agreed to meet in the following two weeks to resolve issues surrounding the eight considerations presented by the city staff. For each consideration, the concerns from the Feb. 21 meeting are reviewed below and how they were jointly resolved in the presentation on March 7. Consideration #1 – Traffic This consideration focused on two issues. How would the proposed developments impact the traffic and if there is a need for a right turn lane on 500 East. While two Traffic Impact Studies (TIS)
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were done as of Feb. 27, neither combined the impact of the library, Granite Townhomes and Granite Legacy developments. A third study was commissioned looking at all three developments and the preliminary results show the impact are within acceptable standards. The new study looked at Millcreek and 500 East (Service Level A), 500 East and 3300 South (Service Level C – like it is today), and 3300 South and 700 East (Service Level E – like it is today). Service Levels are a qualitative measure way to look how traffic flows. The ratings go from A (free flows) to F (traffic jam). On Feb. 21, there was concern about building a right turn lane on 500 East resulting in removing approximately 11 of the 110-year-old trees. The third TIS indicates the queue length at peak time would be about 250 feet (roughly 10 cars), which is acceptable. “I don’t see a reason for the right turn lane,” said Dennis Pay, city engineer. He also said, “Yes, there will be impacts but not significant ones.” Consideration #2 – Design standards During the Feb. 21 meeting, this topic was well discussed. There were differing opinions how current design standards apply to the development. After two weeks of work, an agreement on exceptions to current design standards were agreed upon for both the townhomes and library. The exceptions for the townhomes include a minimum of 20 percent open space, enhanced sound proofing between units, 9-foot-high ceilings, upgraded counter tops and cabinetry, recreational amenities, decks and patios that wrap around end units, upgraded brick and stone, no vinyl or aluminum siding, and a maximum height of 42 feet. The exceptions for the library include a minimum of 30 percent open space, significant gateway emphasis at the corner of 500 East and 3300 South, minimum floor area of 29,500 square feet, minimum lot street front-
age of 300 feet, maximum structure height of 42 feet and minimum of 20 feet, exterior materials shall be brick, concrete block, stone or marble, stucco may not exceed 20 percent of the façade, minimum 40 percent windows on each façade, minimum 70 percent transparency of all street level windows, and a book drop-off location. Consideration #3 – Site design and layout In between the meetings, Wasatch Residential Group, Salt Lake County Library, and the city revised the ordinance requirements. These revisions break down into three groups (trail/sidewalk/fitness trail, second access off 3300 South, and storm water management). A 10-foot sidewalk and 8-foot parking strip along 3300 South will elongate the existing Millcreek Trail. A 10-foot fitness trail will encircle the library preserving the historical recreational use of Granite High School. The applicant has proposed a second access off 3300 South to meet public safety concerns and help with traffic within the townhomes. This second access is subject to UDOT approval. In case UDOT does not approve the second access, the county library has agreed to allow open access to the proposed emergency access between the parking lot and the townhomes. Even though the applicant has not provided grading and drainage plans for the project, they are aware of the ordinance requirements. The Planning Commission will have to approve such plans during the subdivision plat as phase 2 of the application. Consideration #4 – Condo capable Even though Wasatch Residential Group’s primary business is development of rental properties, they have agreed to make the townhomes condo capable, which will allow individual purchasing and selling.
is and how much should it be incorporated in the library. The county recommended an 8-foot by 8-foot display case not including the Granite High School seal or “the rock.” The staff and commissioners were concern that this was not adequate. The city has now asked the county to house and manage all memorabilia owned by the city and the Granite School District. In turn, the county has asked that details of such an arrangement be done in a separate agreement. Consideration #7 – Paying homage to Granite High in design characteristics Even though preliminary drawings were shown during the first meeting, some commissioners were struggling seeing the Granite High School homage in the design. In the March 7 meeting, Rob Beishline, primary architect from MethodStudio walked through a more detailed presentation. The theme is to “Honor the Past – Look to the Future.” On the south façade, they have taken a great deal of effort to match the color of the high school’s brick. There are vertical columns of different widths reminiscent of Granite. The column tops are not capped but are staggered like it was at Granite. Regarding the future, the library’s north façade will be a wall of glass providing a welcoming view. The west side will also have windows, but also shading fins that will reduce the glare of the setting sun. Consideration #8 – Parking In both meetings, there was little discussion about parking. Both designs meet current parking regulations. However, a technical review by the city will need to be done during the building permit process. Dominos are starting to fall With the approval recommendation from the Planning Commission the first domino has fallen. Once the ordinance is approved by the city council, Wasatch Residential Group will execute the purchase contract with the Granite School District. Once that has closed, they will execute the purchase agreement between themselves and Salt Lake County Library. It appears the projects are on their way.
This consideration was mentioned during the public hearing on Feb. 21. Penny Choedon, a future resident of the Granite Legacy neighborhood, pointed out that South Salt Lake has a 62 percent rental rate and she urged leaders to promote home ownership. This concession by Wasatch Resident Group will do just that. Consideration #5 – Permitted use or conditional use During the Feb. 21 meeting and the March 7 meeting, the city staff recommended the library be given a permitted use permit. However, during the first meeting the county library asked that Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) requirements be removed from the ordinance. This was acceptable since the current CEPTED requirements found in Title 17.21 (what can be put on a property) applies. Consideration #6 – Granite High School memorabilia In the first meeting, there was a lot of un- This row of 110-year-old trees is safe for now. (Bill knowns about how much memorabilia there Hardesty/City Journals)
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Asian-American high school students encouraged to tap ‘superhero’ potential Story and Photos By Jennifer J. Johnson | J.Johnson@mycityjournals.com
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Motivated” was a common word AsianAmerican high school students across the state felt, after attending the 20th-annual Asian-American High School Conference Feb. 28 at the University of Utah. This year’s theme — “Shaping Superheroes; Creating Positive Change” — was a powerful one, providing context to the keynote and breakout sessions. The conference seeks to help Asian-Americans high school students be prepared for collegiate success, and, even more importantly, be prepared to embrace their everyday, figurative “superhero” potential as community leaders. “When a student is passionate about something, their drive is extraordinary,” informs the conference brochure. “As such, students will learn about issues facing the Asian and Asian American communities and how they can use their passions and educations to create critical, sustainable, and positive changes in their own communities.” Students treated to ‘Who’s Who’ of Asian, Asian-American scholars Students attending the conference received academic resources, including scholarship guidance, admissions counseling, and opportunities to meet and connect with university faculty, staff, and students. Graduate students, professors, and university administrators from not just the University of Utah, but also from Salt Lake Community College and Westminster College participated in the event. Distinguished academicians, including a Rhodes Scholar and a Guggenheim Fellowship winner, politicians, and successful entrepreneurs also participated in the event. Academic disciplines represented
Students attending the conference and their university hosts were encouraged to dress in either semi-formal or cultural attire.
ranged from electrical engineering to ethnic studies; from history to humanities; from medicine to music education; and from art history to Asian studies. Asians as Superheroes, through world history and mythology … “Our Asian identity is not something to be ashamed of,” advised Matt Wong, a self-described “Cantonese American” who attended Salt Lake Community College and now works at the university. In a breakout session, Wong recounted stories of historical and mythical Asian superheroes and challenged students to liberal-
With a playful, larger-than-life-size blowup bottle of the popular Thai sriracha sauce in the background, members of the University of Utah’s Asian-American Student Association greet conference attendees.
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ly share their own family history and stories, particularly “if your family is recent immigrants.” He cited Ishikawa Goemon, “A Japanese Robin Hood” from the 1800s and another figure from that century, the Hindu queen Lakshmibai who led troops to battle for independence against British colonization. He also shared his family’s reverence for the contributions of Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China and the forerunner of democratic revolution in the People’s Republic of China, which overthrew the last Chinese imperial dynasty. In more recent history, Wong cited what he considered heroism of the “No-No Boys” of World War II who protested America’s unconstitutional treatment of 110,000 Japanese Americans who were placed in internment camps, yet were, themselves, asked to serve in the military. … And, today, as comic book characters – and creators Following up on a subtheme of the conference — that Asians can be stereotyped and must move beyond those stereotypes — Dr. Paul Fisk shared with students a vibrant future outside of what people consider or even uniquely recommend as careers for Asians (e.g. careers limited to science or engineering). Marvel Studio’s upcoming “Shang-Chi” will be its first superhero movie featuring an Asian protagonist. The film has signed a Chinese-American writer and is considering a variety of Asian and Asian-American directors, with the goal being to “introduce a new hero who blends Asian and Asian American themes, crafted by Asian and Asian American filmmakers.” Those are jobs that students could look forward to in the future, Fisk indicated. Inspiration and challenges
Students attending the conference looked forward to applying what they learned. A student from Taylorsville wants to take the inspiration and tools to help coach her younger sister through school. Other students shared challenges in negotiating their Asian history with being raised in “white communities” and, for biracial students, the everyday anguish of and not having “white relatives” honor or appreciate their Asian roots. One young woman indicated feeling like a literal alien. On the difficulty of being Asian in predominately white schools, a student from, arguably, the state’s most diverse high school, West High School in Salt Lake City, observed, “When your parent has an accent, they look down on you.” West’s studentbody represents students from homes where more than 120 different languages are spoken. Students attending the conference appreciated being able to bond with so many in similar circumstances. “I am really glad I came,” shared a student from Granger High School in West Valley City. “It feels like I need to do more,” said a West High School student, who felt inspired to study Asian and Asian-American history and seek to serve as a role model. The Asian and Asian-American population at the U of U and in context with Salt Lake City metro Asian students comprise 5.82 percent of the university’s student population. Biracial students account for another 5.13 percent of the studentbody. According to the 2018 U.S. Census Bureau statistics, this is about twice as significant a population as within the Salt Lake City Metropolitan area, where Asians comprise 2.6 percent and those of two or more races are 2.5 percent of the overall population.
High-school students from throughout Salt Lake Valley (and the entire state) received valuable information about scholarship opportunities and other tools for success after high school.
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April 2019 Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.com
South Salt Lake City Council Members Ben B. Pender, District 1 801- 580-0339 bpender@sslc.com Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.com Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbeverly@sslc.com Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.com L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.com Mark C. Kindred, At-Large 801-214-8415 mkindred@sslc.com Ray deWolfe, At-Large 801-347-6939 rdewolfe@sslc.com
City Offices Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 801-483-6000 220 East Morris Ave SSL, UT 84115 Animal Service 801-483-6024 Building Permits 801-483-6005 Business Licensing 801-483-6063 Code Enforcement 801-464-6712 Fire Administration 801-483-6043 Justice Court 801-483-6072 Police Admin 801-412-3606 Promise 801-483-6057 Public Works 801-483-6045 Recreation 801-412-3217 Utility Billing 801-483-6074 Emergencies 911 Police/Fire Dispatch 801-840-4000
CITY NEWSLETTER
The State of the City Address and Best of South Salt Lake 2019 Annually, we look back at the past year and celebrate our accomplishments as a City. I continue to Invest in People with the help of hard working staff, citizens, businesses and partners. Together we are building a stronger community. Each of the individuals, groups and businesses highlighted in this newsletter were honored with an award, as they are the Best of Mayor Cherie Wood South Salt Lake! State of the City is also my opportunity to share my priorities for the coming year. My three key priorities for 2019 are to: 1. Create a sustainable funding source for public safety 2. Continue quality economic development that benefits our residents 3. Update needed infrastructure that residents use every day Margaret Wheatley says it best “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about” we know that caring for people makes SSL strong. The full text transcript and video presentation of the State of the City Address can be found on Mayor’s page at sslc.com
Citizens of the Year The Massey Family Codie and Travis Massey chose SSL as their home in 2009 because they liked the location, central to everything. As outdoor enthusiasts they knew they could be sailing on the Great Salt Lake or rock climbing in the mountains within 20 minutes. The Masseys have made their community a high priority as a family, and are always ready to give back. They assist with PAL Thanksgiving Meals and rally neighbors for monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings. They led our resident volunteer efforts for the KaBOOM! Playground build and their children Lucy and Johnny affectionately refer to the new Lions Park playground as their playground!
Legacy Family of the Year The Laws
Rich Laws purchased their home on Truman Avenue in 1973. Rich and Tonya married in August of 1977, and have four children Raina, Ryan, Tory & Jeromy – and eight grandchildren. Tory began working for the city 18 years ago and has risen to the prestigious position of Wastewater Division Manager – not a job many of us could handle, but he does so with a beaming smile. Jeromy has worked for the city for 14 years and is our Fleet Shop Foreman, he keeps over 250 vehicles running smoothly. When not keeping our City on the Move, this family enjoys drag racing. Collectively with their kids they can be found on the track racing their 4 dragsters.
Education Leaders of the Year Principals - Christine Christensen, Woodrow Wilson Milton Collins, Lincoln Elementary - Malynda Cloward & Valerie Bergera, Roosevelt Elementary State School Turnaround is an improvement program designed to help schools improve performance. In 2015, Woodrow Wilson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Elementary schools were identified as turnaround schools. Based on 2017-2018 results, the Utah State Board of Education announced that all three schools raised their grades and met the criteria to exit school turnaround! We cannot think of a better way to invest in people and ensure the future success of our community. The many hours of hard work and commitment from the administration, faculty and staff of these schools is admirable. These efforts reinforce a thriving educational culture for our community and bright futures for South Salt Lake Youth. Thank you to these dedicated educators for a job well done!
State of the City 2019 Best of South Salt Lake
SSL City Council Meetings 220 E. Morris Ave., 2nd Floor Wednesday, April 3, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m.
SSL City Planning Commission Meetings 220 E. Morris Ave., 2nd Floor Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.
New Resident CORNER
Rent a Pavilion at Fitts Pavilions are ready to rent for your next party, family reunion or company event at Fitts Park. Reservations are available April 1st to October 25th. Renting our beautiful pavilions is easier than ever! Reserve online at www.sslc. com on the Public Assets page under Facility Reservations. Please call 801.483.6020 with any questions.
Young Leader of the Year
Council Champion
Abdul Bari Ayubi
Ray deWolfe
Abdul Bari is a senior at Cottonwood High School and active in our Promise Afterschool Program. Abdul and his family moved from Afghanistan just over a year ago and Abdul has not only adjusted to the challenges of resettlement and learning a new language, he has excelled and thrived in all areas of life. He leads the MESA (Math, Engineering and Science Achievement) Team and the FIRST Robotics Club at Cottonwood; volunteers each week mentoring refugee youth and assists with a robotics club for 4th-8th graders. Abdul will be graduating this spring and we cannot wait to see where his leadership abilities and determination take him!
Ray deWolfe began his service on the South Salt Lake City Council in January of 2018. Prior to this he served on the Planning Commission. From day one, his commitment has been to community and progress. Ray doesn’t just say this, he lives it! Each and every day he looks for ways to better our City. Ray donates every penny of his City Council salary to nonprofits and those in need. Last year he donated $11,425 to local charities and needs in our community. He and his supportive wife Megan are continually investing in community! Ray seeks creative, thoughtful solutions to the challenges we face. He is an advocate for residents, contributes to valuable discussion, and frequently brings compromise to multifaceted issues.
United Way Promise Partner of the Year Chevron Three years ago, United Way introduced Chevron to the Promise South Salt Lake Meadowbrook STEM Center, which focuses on Science Technology Engineering and Math activities. Chevron now provides funding to promote high quality STEM activities citywide at all the afterschool programs. Now, more than 50% of youth surveyed each year report greater knowledge and skills in STEM and more than 75% report greater interest in pursuing a STEMrelated education and career. Thank you for your support of our South Salt Lake Youth!
Stormwater
South Salt Lake is committed to keeping our stormwater drains clean and free of debris. Stormwater is not treated! Everything that goes down your storm drain ends up in Mill Creek and the Jordan River. You can help keep our waters clean by: • Reporting Illegal Dumping 801-412-3245 • Disposing of pet waste properly • Repairing leaking vehicles • Disposing of hazardous materials properly Together we can keep our waterways clean!
Employee of the Year Leonela Robles Leonela began working for Promise four years ago and has since moved to Urban Livability as a Code Enforcement Officer. She quickly made an impression on employees, residents and businesses alike. She can make the most tedious task lively and tackles difficult projects with a smile! She assists departments throughout the city. She cleans the Animal Shelter on weekends, hauls debris for the police department and picks up leaf bags for the Streets Division. She continues to go above and beyond her job duties to ensure that our City is clean, safe and beautiful!
Volunteer of the Year Brynley Graham Our youth Recreation programs are successful because of the dedication of volunteer coach Brynley Graham. Not many moms can raise 4 little boys and still find time to coach sports. Brynley has been a volunteer coach for the past 4 years and has invested over 100 hours in our youth. She is frequently requested by parents to coach their kids. She positively engages youth and adults alike. Her husband Dean also coaches when time allows. Thank you Brynley for supporting our Youth!
Community Builder Lesly Allen, SSL Arts Council Lesly started with South Salt Lake in December of 2014 as our Arts Council Coordinator. Working part-time hours with no budget and no committee, she started from nothing, as all real artists do. She has since recruited an Arts Council Board, raised the annual budget to over $100,000 a year, and started new events that are the envy of the local arts world. South Salt Lake is now recognized for its Creative Industry Zone, Mural Fest, new breweries and distilleries, creative place making, and a thriving arts scene. Lesly has created opportunities for local artists to teach, create and perform. Art is alive and well in South Salt Lake because of Lesly Allen!
Equity Champion Michelle Love-Day Michelle is currently the Associate Director of Education Equality for Granite School District and has been an educator for 16 years. Michelle champions equity initiatives in South Salt Lake and across the district. Most recently, she organized a special event celebrating Black Excellence in our schools where youth joined their unique voices together in a celebration of student accomplishments. She helps to organize a monthly gathering between district and city staff and refugee-serving organizations to build greater connections for refugee youth and families. When she’s not championing equity in our schools, she’s doing it on stage. Michelle is an actor with the Salt Lake Acting Company and has appeared in countless productions.
Best of South Salt Lake 2019 Best Business Volunteer
Best Small Business
Swire Coca-Cola
As U Wish Events & Catering asyouwishnow.com This local business embodies what you hope for in a small business. Friendly, fair and always exceeding expectations. They can fix you up for an outdoor BBQ or bring the Prime Rib when the occasion warrants. Seldom will you find a business who can feed 250 people with less than 48 hours’ notice. Following Officer Romrell’s death in the line of duty, our police department and the Romrell family needed an opportunity to mourn together. The As U Wish team served up delicious comfort food and might we add they did so at cost. They saw the need in our community and stepped up in an amazing way!
Led by Brian Small and Brenda Brown, since 2013 Swire crews have given in enormous ways. They have tackled residential revitalization and public green space all over the city. They paint, build, landscape and haul debris, stopping only for brief lunch breaks. We have watched them transform properties -- they dig in, get dirty and don’t quit until the work is done!
Monday & Wednesday Modified Yoga 12:30 p.m.
Bjorn’s Brew, 2165 South State
Best Creative Industry Beehive Distilling, 2245 S West Temple Nothing says Creative Industry like – small batch & hand crafted. Beehive is passionate about their craft and started with the notion that gin wasn’t being given the love it deserved. Beehive distilling launched the state’s first gin distillery since 1870. They landed on West Temple next to the S-Line in South Salt Lake. The work of three friends: Matt Aller, Chris Barlow and Erik Ostling have settled their business in the heart of our Creative Industry Zone. The owners come to distilling with skills in advertising, photography and woodworking. Their space features a 450-gallon still and they will soon be offering distillery tours.
2531 South 400 East South Salt Lake, Utah 84115 • 385-468-3340
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays - 9:30 a.m. EnhanceFitness
Best Coffee There is a new aroma in town thanks to our newest local, familyowned coffee shop, Bjorn’s Brew. Looking to expand into a second location, they found the perfect spot on State Street and transformed a vacant fast food building into an attractive, community business. In true communal, small business fashion a portion of each sale is donated to local animal charities. Hit the drive-thru if you’re in a hurry or settle in for a cup in their café. Either way we can guarantee you will enjoy Bjorn’s Brew and the Best Coffee!
Columbus Senior Center Highlights
Tuesdays - Tai Chi 10 a.m.
Best Bakery Délice Bakery & Café, 2747 South State A true delight has made its way to South Salt Lake. This bakery and café has been the talk of the town since in landed in midNovember. A previously abandoned restaurant on State Street has been brightened with this fully remodeled, charming café. Open from breakfast until dinner – this is the perfect stop for a morning pastry, lunch with friends or business meeting. One look in their display case and you know you simply must come back or take a treat to go! Chef Jean-Jacques “JJ” Grossi was trained as a chef in France before coming to Utah in 1977. He now owns the café with Masoud Abbasi and Akbar Matinkhah.
Best Local Art Advocate Derek Dyer As the Executive Director and founder of the Utah Arts Alliance, Derek has helped establish art facilities and events all over town. As an artist himself, he has incorporated his passion into his daily work. Derek serves on the South Salt Lake Arts Council Board and helped launch the SSL Mural Fest. Local art and supporting local artists has always been a priority for Derek. He works on a large scale, in fact he has even been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for his World’s Largest Disco Ball art Piece.
Tuesdays & Thursdays U of U Exercise Class 9:45 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - Pickleball Wednesdays Movie w/ Popcorn 10 a.m. Fridays - Line Dancing 10:30 a.m. Daily Lunch - Noon $3 suggested donation Come check out what the Senior Center has to offer! See us on Facebook: Columbus Senior Center
City News Welcome from Interim Fire Chief Addison
Monday, April 29 at 4:30 p.m. hosted by Pro Recycling Group 575 West 3615 South. A recording with updated information on Neighborhood Watch Meetings can he heard by calling 801-412-3668.
www.sslchamber.com
Délice Bakery 2747 S State on Wednesday, April 3, 9 - 10 a.m.
It’s my great honor to lead your community fire department into a new and exciting chapter. For the past 23 years, I’ve humbly had the opportunity to serve this great city in numerous capacities within the fire department, most recently as Deputy Fire Chief since 2014. As we prepare for big changes with the incredible growth South Salt Lake is experiencing, we have recommitted to the foundations that build strength in our members and community. Our department’s mission is to protect lives and property with dedicated people providing exceptional service
to our community’s diverse needs. In support of our mission, we focus on the strength of our firefighters to develop proactive, safe, and exceptional emergency responders. We’re looking forward to our continued participation in community events and engaging with citizens. On behalf of the fine men and women of South Salt Lake Fire, I personally thank you for the incredible support you show us day in and out. Respectfully, Terry Addison, Interim Fire Chief
South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary
Full agendas, minutes, handouts and video recorded meetings available at: sslc.com/city-government/council-meeting Date Agenda Item Subject Action 2/27/19 An Ordinance amending title 17 of the City Code An Ordnance amending Title 17 and rezoning 1.69 Approved to rezone 3 parcels and 441 E 3900 S from acres located at 441 E 3900 South from Commercial General Planned Commercial to High Density to High Density Residential and from Commercial Residential and from Commercial Corridor to Corridor District to new Granite Lofts Multifamily New Granite Lofts Multifamily Townhome District Townhome District 2/27/19 A Resolution Adopting a Policy Regarding Gender A Resolution adopting a policy in which the City no Approved Pay Equity longer asks for past salaries on employment applications 2/27/19 A Resolution approving an interlocal agreement An Interlocal Cooperation agreement between Moved to Unfinished between the City and Salt Lake County for the County South Salt Lake and Salt Lake County for the County Business for March 6 to conduct Primary and General Elections for 2019 to conduct the 2019 Primary and General Elections 2/27/19 Public Hearing regarding proposed amendment Public hearing and discussion of proposed Moved to Unfinished to the 2018/2019 fund budgets amendments to the 2018/2019 fund budgets Business for March 6 3/6/19 A Resolution approving an interlocal agreement An Interlocal Cooperation agreement between Approved between the City and Salt Lake County for the County South Salt Lake and Salt Lake County for the County to conduct Primary and General Elections for 2019 to conduct the 2019 Primary and General Elections 3/6/19 A Resolution adopting Amendments to the Discussion regarding proposed amendments to the Approved Budget for Fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 2018/2019 fund budgets
Next Step No Further Action
No Further Action Further Discussion Further Discussion No Further Action No Further Action
Community Happenings
LUNCH on the Move Smoke-A-Billy BBQ Wednesday, April 17 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. SSL City Hall 220 East Morris Ave Discover a new food truck each month and stop in to see what’s new at City Hall!
Mother and Son Game Night
Friday, May 3, 2019 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Central Park Ball Field 2797 South 200 East In the event of rain: Columbus Center, 2531 S 400 E $3/couple, $1/extra son Games, Food, and loads of fun!
Community Happenings
Monoprinting with Artist Laura Sharp Wilson Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 & 30 6:30-8:30 p.m. Columbus Center 2531 S 400 E #102 The image making possibilities of monoprints are endless. In this workshop each student will create a portfolio of prints using a gelli plate. Creative Arts for Life classes are free to SSL residents and Senior Center clients. $40 for all others. Supplies included. Registration is required by calling 801-412-3217 or emailing jhedin@sslc.com.
Get a Taste of College Life this Summer with Westminster Youth Camps Keeping children busy and engaged over the summer is a breeze with youth camps right in your neighborhood at Westminster College. Westminster offers a variety of exciting college experiences and sports camps for youth ages 5–18. Your kids can dribble, cheer, science, create a stock portfolio, fiddle or sing their hearts out.
SporTS CampS
Westminster College offers athletic camps for elementary, junior high school and high school students. Griffin athletic camps are held in top-notch facilities such as the Behnken Field House, the Dolores Doré Eccles Health, Wellness, and Athletic Center, Dumke Field and Payne Gymnasium. Westminster College’s athletic coaches provide a challenging and exciting experience for every camper. Choose from basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volley or cheer and dance. Girls Sports and Recreation Camp at Westminster builds girls’ self-esteem and confidence by provides girls with a chance to try out a variety of different sports in a fun, supportive setting. The goal of the camp is to introduce girls to as many sports and recreational opportunities as possible. Possible activities include: volleyball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, golf, rock climbing, aquatic activities, fitness fun, hip-hop, yoga, pickle ball, track and field and martial arts. This camp is for ages 6 – 14 and held June 17 – 20, 2019.
SCienCe Camp for GirLS
The AWE+SUM Camp (Attend Westminster—Explore Science—Use Math) at Westminster is held every summer and is open to current 7th and 8th grade girls. Students spend 4 days on the Westminster campus, enjoying hands-on math and science workshops and other activities. The camp supports girls’ interests in the sciences and shows them the amazing variety of careers in science fields. This camp is held June 17-20, 2019.
moneY 101
Money 101 is camp for youth ages 13–17 to learn the basics of money management, how credit is established and maintained and the basics of investing. The camp is held in the Westminster Center for Financial Analysis that simulates a trading
floor for securities. Participants will create a stock portfolio that can be tracked all summer long. The camp also covers many of the requirements for the scouting Personal Management merit badge. The next Money 101 camp is June 24–28, 2019.
STrinGS Camp
The Florence J. Gillmor School of Music’s Westminster Strings Camp is open to high school students who play violin, cello, or double bass. Accepted students receive a full scholarship for this week-long immersion in the art of solo and collaborative strings performance. Strings Camp will be held June 10–14, 2019.
SummerSonG
The Florence J. Gillmor School of Music at Westminster College hosts the SummerSong Music Festival, a music camp for talented high school singers and pianists. Thanks to generous funding by the Florence J. Gillmor Foundation, 25 singers and 10 pianists are invited to stay on campus and receive a week-long immersion in the art of singing and piano performance. High school juniors and seniors who participate in all lessons, classes, and activities of SummerSong will receive a Westminster College transcript for two college elective music credits, transferable to any college or university. The next SummerSong is June 17–21, 2019. For more information on all of Westminster’s 2019 summer camps, visit www.westminstercollege.edu/camps.
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April 2019 | Page 19
Cottonwood baseball opens 2019 season with a shutout win By Brian Shaw | brian.shaw@mycityjournals.com
W
ith many predicting Cottonwood baseball will get back to where it belongs in 2019—on the podium after winning the 5A state title—head coach Jason Crawford continues to preach the same mantra to his team: one game at a time. On March 11, the Colts wasted no time getting back to business, blasting Davis 7-0 to open the 2019 preseason. Cottonwood scattered just four hits over seven innings, using a four-run fifth inning to break open what was a close game. The Colts next game against Timpanogos, likely a preview of a 5A state playoff matchup at some point, turned rout for the team as it shellacked Timpanogos 11-1. Cottonwood then traveled to Arizona for the Scott Boras Classic in late March. After falling well short of even their lofty expectations in 2018, the Colts are loaded. Junior Ross Dunn and the Hodge brothers, Dalton and Porter, return from that 25-5 team that saw their season end prematurely at the hands of Skyridge and Murray in the 5A quarterfinals. The Hodges and Dunn were
also named All-State in 2018 after Porter and Dunn combined to go 14-2 on the mound and Dalton hit for an incredible .462 batting average—tops in the entire state of Utah. Out of Cottonwood’s projected starting lineup, no fewer than six seniors—including outfielder Jason Luke, pitcher Dylan Reiser, and infielders Daniel Gonzalez and Cade Perkins—along with the junior Dunn make up what could arguably be not only the deepest Cottonwood squad in years, but also the most talented. As it always goes in Region 7 though, the Colts will need every single piece they can get out of their team, and then some. Defending 5A champions Jordan will be right up the road with its collection of college-bound talent, as will Brighton, Alta and Corner Canyon. Cottonwood will not get a day off in this region nor will any of the teams playing the Colts when region play begins in early April. It stands to be an exciting year for Cottonwood students, alumni and faculty as the Colts contend for not just a region crown, but the 5A state title.
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Ross Dunn eyes an incoming fastball against Timpanogos. Cottonwood would win 10-run the T-Wolves with an 11-1 victory. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
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Cottonwood boys soccer ready to improve on a difficult 2018 season By Brian Shaw | brian.shaw@mycityjournals.com
T
he Cottonwood boys soccer team is itching to take the next step in their development, according to head coach Dominic Militello. As soon as the team was able this past winter, he said the team captains were busy organizing offseason workouts, ensuring that they got a nice head start on their competition. “The seniors set up an [off-season] training program and committed to be fit for tryouts... and they did and are ready to roll,” added Militello. One year after the Colts endured a threewin 2018 season, they enter the 2019 season ready for bear, as the old saying goes. In their case, however, the proverbial bears consist of Alta, Corner Canyon, Jordan, Timpview and Brighton—all members of their region. Considering the Colts stomped all over three of the aforementioned six bears— Timpview, Corner Canyon and Jordan—in region play last year though, you’d be a fool to count out Cottonwood this year. The Colts bring back 10 returning players, eight of which are seniors, added Militello, who said his team is small in stature but from a skill standpoint, very talented. “[They are] not very big, but they seem to be technically pretty sound, quick and they seem to like each other,” he said. Above and beyond all the individual and team goals, according to Militello, the end
goal is to get back to where they feel they belong—the state tournament. Last year, the Colts finished with a 3-7 record in region play—one game out of a playoff spot. But with the care applied to this team by its leadership, Militello feels that attention could take care of itself. “Our aim is to continue to get better as a program first, and team second. If we take care of the program as a whole, the program will take care of the whole team. Of course, we aim to win more games this year than we did last year and get into the tournament. We always expect to win it all,” he said. Of the 10 returning players, Mohammed Abdalla, Hassan Gabo, Dave Dietz and Bryce Harvest are a few kids to keep an eye on, according to Militello. Gabo is a sophomore, he added, while the rest are seniors. Cottonwood opens region play on April 9 at home versus Corner Canyon. But, before the Colts enter the gauntlet that is Region 7, they will play six preseason games beginning with a tilt at Riverton on March 12 and ending Head coach Dominic Militello speaks with his captain during halftime of a region game last year. Militello and with a home contest against Box Elder April 2. his players will be hoping to improve upon last year’s three-win season. (File photo City Journals) “We will know more of course once we get into competition,” added Militello. “As coaches we are always excited to see who we are now and who we will become by the end of the season.”
Under new head coach, Cottonwood softball guns for return trip to state By Brian Shaw | brian.shaw@mycityjournals.com
W
hen one talks about tradition and supremacy in Cottonwood High School sports, all you need do is refer to the baseball and softball programs at the school. The baseball program, which tasted a state title just two seasons ago, is well known. The softball program is lesser known. But, if the 2018 season was any indication of the softball team’s ability to play with anyone and cause a few headaches for opposing teams, 2019 will be a step above last year. Cottonwood’s girls not only won a state tournament game in 2018, they nearly won a second game before succumbing. After spending several years building up this program though, former head coach Alissa Smith departed to focus on her family. And so, years of watching Smith cultivate players like pitcher Carlie Roberts, outfielder Kaysie Polad and Savannah Hoffman come to fruition in 2019 as all are seniors—along with five others. Jen Riches—also the school’s business and marketing teacher—steps in to replace Smith and takes over a stacked Colts roster featuring eight returning seniors. Of the three key seniors on this
S outh SaltLakeJournal .com
squad, Roberts is the ace on the mound for Cottonwood, having posted a 15-8 record in 2018 with an ERA of 4.80. She also threw 20 strikeouts and only allowed 11 walks. Roberts played both ways for the Colts and had one home run for Cottonwood last season. Hoffman hit .405 for the Colts last year, appearing in all 26 games. She smacked four homers to lead Cottonwood in that category and hit 23 RBI. Polad is also one of Cottonwood’s most reliable hitters, having slugged .400 for the Colts last year. She played in 15 games for Cottonwood but dealt with some injury. In 2019, however, the Colts expect to have her at full strength to play her role on what should be a balanced team. Cottonwood dominated Hillcrest 16-4 in its March 11 opener. The Colts followed that up with a 2-3 run at the March Warm-Up Classic in St. George before wiping out Jordan 21-0 on March 19 for its region opener. The team will be trying to improve on their 7-3 region record from a year ago. The big question is whether or not the Colts will be able to reach the state tournament for the second consecutive year and that’s something to be learned as the season rolls on under a new head coach and a veteran roster.
Sophomore Jocelyn Lujan hits the ball down the left field line during region play last year. The Colts hope to build on its successful record from last season. (City Journals)
April 2019 | Page 21
Maximize that government paycheck
T
by
CASSIE GOFF
he due date for taxes is quickly approaching. The Internal Revenue Service wants all taxes filed by April 15. As many are still trying to file their taxes, either with a consultant or at home with online services, the question bouncing around in frontal lobes is: how can I maximize my tax return? Hopefully, you should have already prepared for this. Sometime last year, you should have ensured your W-4 was correct, checking that it was set to withhold the right amount. A common mistake professionals in the tax industry see is not withholding enough during the year; making it so you’re paying money back to the IRS in spring, instead of receiving money in return. So, if you haven’t checked up on the withholding amount prescribed in your W-4 for a while, now would be a good time to do so. One of the most effective ways to maximize your tax return is to claim dependents. In other words, have some minis. For tax purposes, the more children the better. However, if you’re not the paternal type, you might be able to claim your spouse, parent, or friend as dependent, depending on the situation, and the necessary evidence. Those dependents will probably need some shelter. Another way to maximize your return is to buy a house. Mortgage insurance is deductible! In fact, there are many items that are deductible including: charitable donations, med-
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ical costs, prepaid interest, and education expenses. Remember when that clerk asked you if you wanted to round up your total to the next whole dollar, so the change could be donated to charity? Find that receipt. Even those small donations can be deducted. (I’ll be dumping out my shoebox of receipts all over my house, anyone else?) Go back to school! Refundable education credits can deduct up to $4,000 from tax liability. Additionally, families can deduct up to $2,500 on student loan interest. (That may not make up for rising tuition prices, but right now we’re only focused on maximizing that return!) That “credit” word. Pay attention to those. Tax credits subtract directly from your tax bill, while tax deductions reduce your tax bill in proportion to your tax rate: they lower the amount of income the IRS can tax. In other words, tax credits are independent. While you (and your recommended tax professional or software) are weighing out the credits and deductions, you might weigh standard tax deduction and itemized tax deductions as well. It may be the case that itemizing your deductions can help you get a bigger refund. Keep banking on that retirement. If you’re contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) or/and an IRA, that can help reduce your taxable income, maximizing your refund in return.
Lastly, make sure you make it to that retirement. Contributions to a health savings account (HAS) can also maximize your refund. As with any important documentation, check, re-check, and triple check. Make sure you’re submitting paperwork before April 15. Make sure everything, especially names and addresses, and spelled correctly. Take the time to read over all the paperwork one last time to ensure everything looks correct. You know, cross those t’s and dot those i’s. No one wants the dreaded phone call or letter from the IRS. Thank you to everyone who gave me guidance for this article! Wishing you energy and clarity to make it through the end of busy tax season!
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Page 22 | April 2019
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S outh Salt Lake City Journal
Life and Laughter—Hang me out to dry
A
fter happily drying our clothes for a decade, our dryer hit its tweenage years and started giving us the silent treatment. It would only work when we said magic words or used pliers to wrangle it into submission. I wasn’t ready to plop down several hundred bucks for a new dryer, so I suggested we string a clothesline in the backyard for fresh, sunny, natural drying. But with all the snow and the rain and the wind and the snow and the snow, I finally gave in. One weekend, the hubbie and I got in the car, girded our loins (I think that means we buckled our seat belts) and drove to the gargantuan furniture/appliance store where we were immediately attacked by suit-coated salespeople. They swarmed from everywhere. I thought, at first, they were zombies and impaled a couple of them with the leg of a kitchen chair before I realized my (understandable) mistake. One of them valiantly latched onto us, and the rest of them staggered back into the bowels of the store. Our salesperson/creature had mainlined 17 Dr. Peppers and hopped around us like a crazy ding-dong until we reached the appliance center. There were washers and dryers as far as the eye could see, which isn’t far because I’m pretty nearsighted. But trust me, there was a huge dryer selection. Mr. SalesCreature launched into his spiel. “I want you to have the dryer that your future washer will adore. Not the washer you have now, but the one you’ll want in two years.”
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I explained we weren’t looking for an appliance matchmaker, but he continued. “You don’t want a dryer that will be mocked by your future appliances,” he said, as if he weren’t talking nonsense. “You want a dryer that will raise the standard of your home.” He’d obviously never seen our home. He guided us to the Drying Machines O’ The Future, detailing all the dryer features we never knew we needed. Throwing out terms like Wrinkle Shields, Quad Baffles and All Major Credit Cards, he described a Utopian laundry room where unicorns came to raise their young and clothes never smelled like mildew. We then learned about laundry pedestals; the crazy 12-inch tall invention that raises your washer and dryer by, well, one foot. “Why do I need my laundry machines on $300 pedestals?” I asked. “That seems like it’s setting a bad precedent for other appliances in my home.” “You won’t have to bend over to get your clothes,” he said, jumping in place. “They even have pedestals with a tiny washing machine to wash small loads, or to store cleaning products!” “Wouldn’t I have to bend over to reach that?” I asked. He blinked, then started again with the benefits of appliance pedestals, but I interrupted. “Look,” I said. “We have $300 in cash, $200 in collectible stamps, $123 in Kohl’s
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cash and $67 in pennies. What can we get with that?” His face fell. He waved his hand in a vague direction that could have been behind him or downstairs, then walked away. We wandered until we found a machine that could dry our clothes. We purchased it and ran from the building, making no eye contact with any sales-zombies in the area. The new dryer is beautiful. It’s shiny. It’s not coated with lint-covered laundry detergent. It actually seems kind of haughty, so I’m glad we didn’t buy it a pedestal. We assure our old washing machine that it’s still a valuable part of our family. We hope positive attention will keep it working for a few more years, but it’s also in the tweenage stage, so I’m expecting tantrums and/or the silent treatment at any time.
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April 2019 | Page 23
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GRANITE PARK JUNIOR HIGH RECEIVES AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO HONORING VETERANS By Lindsey Baxter | l.baxter@mycityjournals.com
W
hat started with the discovery of a bronzed plaque in a storage closet has turned into a tradition at Granite Park Junior High School — one that has now earned national recognition. The memorial plaque, a gift from Granite Junior’s Class of 1948, led to a Veterans Day production honoring the 22 fallen alumni whose names appeared on it. But that’s not the end of the story. “The Veterans Day event awoke our students to a pride in their country and respect for those that serve,” said Aaron Wilson, principal of Granite Park Junior High School of two years. He added, “It also connected our school with the surrounding community in ways we never had before.” The most touching moment of their production, Wilson continued, was having current Granite Park students stand in the place of the young men who died in war in a “Principal’s Roll Call.” The weeks leading up to the event, students in the school had studied the biographies of these young men and had even written letters to their surviving family members who would be in attendance that day. Part of the project was having all teachers in the social studies department tasked with having their students write a letter of gratitude to each of the family members. Curtis Jones, an eighth-grade United States history teacher who has been at Granite Park for 22 years said, “Ninety-nine percent of my students wrote letters, and I told Aaron this that it was the best assignment I have ever given.” The tradition has continued with Granite Park students honoring another group of alumni the following year. An additional memorial wall was created and unveiled during their 2018 Veterans Day production, honoring school alumni who died in Vietnam War. Similar to the year before, students learned about previous students at Granite Park who served during a period of war. And just as before, had learned about these men who fought their country, inviting their surviving family members to be honored. “This tradition will continue for as long as I am principal here,” Wilson said. Representing his students and faculty, Wilson accepted a national award from the Utah Chapter of the Freedom Foundation. The George Washington Medal of Freedom was given to Granite Park Junior High School, acknowledging their commitment to honoring veterans. It was presented by Governor Gary Herbert and is now on display at the school. The mission of the Freedom Foundations of Utah is to educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor
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Governor Herbert, Aaron Wilson, and member of the Freedom Foundation of Utah. (Courtesy of Aaron Wilson)
acts of civic virtue, and challenge all to reject apathy and get involved. The vision is that all Americans actively engage in our democracy by celebrating our heritage, defending the Constitution, and protecting individual freedoms. “Last year, we had an assembly for the veterans of World War II, and we honored around 20 veterans that had gone to Granite Park Junior High School. Wilson and a former principal (Danny Stirland) found a plaque in the school with these former students (names on it) who had gone to World War II and died. The plaque was in a closet somewhere and they were walking through and the other principal stepped on it,” Curtis said. “They said we need to do something for these guys that went here and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The plaque is now in the front office area. They invited the families to the assembly to honor them. In my opinion, I
thought it was the best assembly I had ever been to. It was really emotional and very informative, it was incredible,” Curtis said.
Famous singer Alex Boye and Granite Park Junior High Principal Aaron Wilson during the award ceremony. (Courtesy of Aaron Wilson)
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