Celebrate SSL showcases the city’s diverse community
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
The third annual Celebrate SSL combined South Salt Lake’s Night Out Against Crime with cultural dances, food trucks, K9 demonstrations, booths from local vendors and the popular drone show.
Held at Central Park Community Center (2797 S. 200 East), Celebrate SSL is an event that recognizes and honors the diversity of the city. Entertainment included traditional Mexican dances by Ballet Folklorico Eck, a Promise Youth performance featuring Ephraim Ditona, a Dunk Team demo on the basketball court and a celebration of African dance by Afro Flexaz.
Visitors could talk with representatives from organizations like Utah Disaster Kleenup, SSL Animal Services, G.I.R.L., Utah Community Action, the SSL Arts Council and One Kind Act a Day to learn more about the services provided.
“It highlights all that we are as a community,” said SSL Mayor Cherie Wood. “We have an opportunity to celebrate being a community. We just want everybody to be safe and enjoy being a community.”l
Afro Flexaz gets ready to perform during Celebrate SSL. The group teaches African dance styles like Afrobeats, Afrofusion and Amapiano. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
The rocking climbing wall was a big attraction for kids of all ages during Celebrate SSL. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
The rocking climbing wall was a big attraction for kids of all ages during Celebrate SSL. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
The Dunk Team performed high-flying acrobatic entertainment during South Salt Lake’s Celebrate SSL. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Central Park Community Center (2797 S. 200 East) was the site for the third annual Celebrate SSL, an event that celebrates culture and connection.
(Peri Kinder/City Journals)
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Giving the Jordan River a second chance at a first impression
A canoe ride with Mayor Wood gave this reporter a new perspective.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Growing up here in the 1970s, it never occurred to this reporter that the Jordan River could be used for recreation. At that time, it was a polluted waterway where people dumped sewage, car tires, shopping carts and disgusting things you wouldn’t want floating around you.
So, when South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood invited me to paddle the Jordan River with her, as part of the Get to the River Festival, my first thought was, “Why?”
That turned into a ‘What?!’ when organizers warned the river was FAST, TWISTY and possibly DEADLY, then cheerfully added, “Come have fun!” I thought about staying on my safe couch, but was assured the mayor didn’t plan to drown a community journalist.
I was torn between wanting to try something new and not wanting to die in the Jordan River, but in the end, I strapped on a life jacket, grabbed an oar and climbed into the canoe.
Within minutes of launching, I was amazed at the stillness along the river. Although the waterway winds through more than a dozen heavily populated cities, the perspective from the river was one of peace, something much-needed in today’s fraught environment.
The mayor gave me some brief instructions about how to steer a canoe, but after I paddled us into some overhanging branches, she kindly suggested I stop helping. I was fine with that. I sat in the boat and watched the birds, including ducks, falcons and a blue jay. There was also a rumored fox, but it eluded me.
We floated from the Millcreek Jordan River Trailhead (1015 W. 4000 South) to the Pioneer Crossing Boat Ramp in West
Valley City (1276 Cultural Center Drive), talking about life, nature, community and family.
A canoe sped by us with a young boy standing in the center, using the boat like a paddleboard. I marveled at his lack of fear because I was afraid to scratch my nose in case I capsized our canoe.
As we floated, I thought about how different this river is from the one I knew in the ’70s. Once notorious, the Jordan River began to transform after the Jordan River
Commission was created in 2010, turning the 50-mile waterway into a place worth rediscovering.
Each year, the JRC hosts the Get to the River event, where cities along the waterway plan educational or recreational opportunities for residents to learn more about the much-maligned river. Nearly 60 events were held during September, including water cleanups, scavenger hunts, river paddles, bird walks, lectures and exhibits.
In less than an hour, we reached the dock to take our canoe ashore. The time had flown by and I secretly hoped we’d drift past the launch and continue down the river, but even with my “assistance,” the mayor guided us safely to the landing.
I’m not ready for a solo adventure on the Jordan River but I gained an appreciation for the necessity of enjoying and preserving such a vital waterway. I never thought I’d want to touch the Jordan River. Now I can’t wait to go back. l
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South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood leads a Get to the River paddle on the Jordan River in September. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
South Salt Lake resident helps seniors age with pride
James Brown is committed to making life better for older Americans.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
WhereverJames Brown goes, he meets people, easily conversing with everyone from governors to interns. To him, each new person is a friend he hasn’t yet met.
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, Brown’s home was a community hub. His mother always made extra food for the friends and neighbors who showed up at dinner time to visit with the family. No one was ever turned away.
“That was the reputation my mom had,” Brown said. “She’d cook a lot of food and there were always big pots on the table. People dropped in and they would be Black kids or white kids or brown kids. It was a collage of different people. That’s the way my mother was.”
That experience taught Brown the value of connection and conversation, demonstrating that ethnicity, religion, political beliefs or income levels shouldn’t be a cause for division, but a chance to learn about each other and celebrate differences.
Now a resident of South Salt Lake, Brown has had myriad experiences in the media industry. He’s an award-winning broadcast journalist, working with ABC 4 Utah for nine years and hosting “New Horizons,” a community-based television show on KUED, for 13 years.
As Brown entered his senior years, he discovered that aging in America is difficult. The culture embraces youth while neglecting or ignoring the wisdom of the older generations. He said closing that gap will take a concerted effort to bring people of all ages together to learn from each other.
To combat ageism and to help older Americans enjoy happier, healthier lives, Brown founded Living & Aging With
Pride. The nonprofit is dedicated to addressing unique challenges faced by aging populations, while inspiring, uplifting and encouraging people to continue their engagement with life.
“A lot of what I’m doing comes into play because of what
I’m going through as a senior myself,” Brown said. “I face these same issues, but the difference between me and other seniors is that I talk to people, and I ask questions.”
Part of the Living & Aging With Pride platform includes an award-winning TV show where Brown finds experts to explain ways to improve his life through healthy habits, engagement and education. He wants the show to provide resources, information and connection to seniors across the country.
In November, “Living & Aging With Pride” received the Rocky Mountain Emmys 2024 Governors’ Award, recognizing outstanding and unique accomplishments in the television industry. The award honors broadcast excellence, highlighting programs making an impact in the community.
Brown hopes the TV show will encourage productive dialogue between seniors and their family members, and society in general.
“Conversation gets rid of the negativity. Conversation makes you comfortable with people that you don’t know or you might not understand,” he said. “What we don’t do in American society is eradicate the negativity. Conversation and listening are key to communication. Just because you talk doesn’t mean you communicate.”
Brown’s life has been filled with opportunities. He’s run marketing firms, record labels, advertising agencies and radio shows. He’s worked with big companies, political leaders and local influencers. He attributes his success and longevity to his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, just like his mom taught him.
“There’s a melting pot of things that have brought me to this table today,” Brown said. “I think it enriches me and it helps me, and I enjoy it. I have a good time talking to people. I’ve learned over the years that it’s better to be happy with yourself. Treat people the way you want to be treated.”
To learn more about Living & Aging With Pride, visit LivingWithPride.org.l
Sir Walter Candy Co. offers up sweet nostalgia
Handmade chocolates meet whimsy at South Salt Lake candy company.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Ifhappiness came covered in Belgian chocolate, the Sir Walter Candy Co. would be the happiest place on Earth. The pastel-colored shop is reminiscent of a vintage candy store, smelling like rich chocolate and childhood.
Founded by Alfonso and Alejandra Porras in California more than 25 years ago, the candy company started out of the back of a custom trailer that the family would take to farmers markets.
Amir Porras, son of the founders and vice president of the Sir Walter Candy Co., was 6 years old when his parents built the first candy trailer. He said candy has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember.
“I was a shy kid but having to sell candy or hand out samples helped me come out of my shell,” he said.
Initially, the company only sold candied nuts, but then started making chocolates and nut brittles. They eventually expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop in California, where they specialized in corporate gifts. Using their own products, as well as confections from oth-
er companies, the company built a name for itself in the industry.
When a candy supplier didn’t fill their order one year, it left them scrambling to complete holiday corporate gifts. Out of that frustration, Alfonso turned to his mentor, Walter Zittle. Zittle had given Alfonso his family’s recipe books and those candy-making instructions were the start of a brand new business.
“We needed some caramel corn, so we went to the books, went to the kitchen and started playing around,” Amir said. “We found some caramel popcorn recipes and some English toffee recipes. After a lot of cooking and burnt batches, [my dad] was able to figure it out.”
The idea was born that Sir Walter Candy Co. could become a reliable supplier of gourmet confections for small and medium-sized businesses. When they couldn’t find the space to manufacture their products, the Porras family found an industrial kitchen on Malvern Avenue in Salt Lake City and relocated to Utah in 2008.
Although they opened a small retail store in the downtown location, demand for a bigger space was becoming a pressing issue. In August, the Sir Walter Candy Co. opened a 36,000-square-foot retail shop and manufacturing facility in South Salt Lake at 3828 S. Main Street.
“Our last building had about 10,000 square feet and we were bursting at the seams there,” Amir said. “We had the opportunity to purchase the building we’re in right now and it has filled so fast we’re already looking for more space.”
The shop is full of gourmet chocolates, candied nuts, specialty brittles, chocolate-covered strawberries and pretzels, and seasonal popcorns. Visitors can enjoy the Belgian waffle bar, where they can choose decadent toppings, or create their own popcorn flavors using white, milk or dark Belgian chocolate.
Frozen hot chocolate is a popular drink year-round, with the company’s rich Belgian hot chocolate put through a slushie machine. It can be customized to include a layer of chocolate on the inside of the cup that freezes and breaks apart for an extra chocolate crunch.
The shop is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visitors can watch candy being made on weekdays, with different chocolates being produced every day.
“You come here for the experience because it’s more than just a treat,” Amir said. “The ambience here gives you a nostalgic feel, like if your grandma made candy during the holidays.”
For more information, visit sirwalter candy.com. l
Local personality James Brown hosts “Living & Aging With Pride,” a show to help senior citizens navigate the highs and lows of aging. (Photo courtesy of James Brown)
The Porras family, owners of Sir Walter Candy Co., held a grand opening in August at their new shop in South Salt Lake at 3828 S. Main Street. (Photo courtesy of Sir Walter Candy Co.)
Claim your drain: How South Salt Lake residents can help in utility upkeep
South Salt Lake’s Adopt-a-Drain program helps residents get involved in keeping the city’s storm drains clear.
By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
Mostpeople love fall — the cooler temperatures, the beautiful autumn foliage — but one thing many homeowners hate is having to clean up those dropping leaves from their yards. City officials particularly also don’t want them clogging storm drains and causing localized flooding. So they are encouraging local homeowners to rake up the leaves and dispose of them.
To help with that and to keep those leaves out of storm drains South Salt Lake offers each household five free leaf bags which can be left at the curb for free pickup on regularly scheduled garbage pickup days.
The city is also asking local residents for help keeping the storm drains clear with its Adopt-a-Drain program where residents can adopt a drain by their home and help keep it clean throughout the year. Over the last 18 months, the Adopt-a-Drain program has collected 604 pounds of debris, and 104 storm drains have been adopted but with hundreds more storm drains in the city there’s still plenty of work to be done, SSL spokesman Joseph Dane said.
Those who adopt a drain get to name it and keep track of it. In exchange they agree to clean it out once a quarter. They can then track the impact by inputting debris data on
PREPLAN FOR PEACE OF MIND
the website at sslc.gov/447/Adopt-a-Drain for more information.
Major storm drains in highly trafficked areas are generally off-limits.
“So you can’t adopt a storm drain off of State Street because we don’t want anybody getting hit,” Dane said. “But you can go look for available storm drains on your road or by your road.”
The program is adapted from one by the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University in Minnesota. Several other Utah communities including Salt Lake City, Draper, Ogden and West Jordan are part of the larger Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition, which coordinates efforts to protect waterways and prevent flooding across the county by having residents and groups adopt storm drains to keep them clear of debris.
“We had a really great response when we first started,” Dane said. “We just don’t have the staff to go around and monitor every single storm drain that we have so it’s a fun way to try and get people engaged.”
Educating residents so that they understand how critical it is to keep storm drains clear is an important benefit of the Adopt-ADrain program, he said.
“It’s important for people to know that, not only should we not be dumping paints and oils and chemicals down storm drains, for obvious reasons, [but] too much organic matter getting into our water streams breaks down and creates a lot of nitrogen, which isn’t good for wildlife,” Dane said. “So it’s actually just as important to keep all of our organic matter like leaves and sticks out of the storm drain system as well.”l
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The city is asking residents for help keeping storm drains clear. (Adobe Stock)
With a focus on habits over results, CottonCrest high school mountain bike team proved success is measured in more than miles.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Healthy habits over goals — that’s the key message CottonCrest mountain bike team coach Dan Fisher tells his 71 riders.
That’s because he’s wanting his student-athletes to learn life skills and character development beyond racing.
“I emphasize habits over goals,” Fisher said. “Goals are important, but habits are what make you into the best version of yourself. And when motivation fades — because it always does — discipline and healthy habits keep you going. I want kids to learn deeper life skills and a love for the sport.”
Every race ends with reflection. Exhausted riders roll into the finish corral, where Fisher is waiting to ask: “What are two things you would do differently next time?”
“There’s nothing that will humble you like racing 10 to 25 miles on an incredibly challenging mountain bike course. But when you’re at that peak intensity, things become crystal clear,” he said.
With that mentality, Fisher has seen success in races with Team CottonCrest — comprising of student-athletes from Cottonwood and Hillcrest high schools — and their feeder systems — as well as AMES.
Hillcrest High senior Alex Fisher and Cottonwood High senior Ben Evans competed at the varsity level. Their path to varsity wasn’t quick or easy — both have spent years working toward this moment.
Every rider finds their trail
This season they began training in January, and as press deadline, they had two races left in October — a course in Gunnison and the state championships in Cedar City.
“This is a multiyear process to get to the point where you’re a varsity-level athlete. Alex is in the top 10. Ben had a hiccup last race, but that’s part of the journey and life lessons,” he said.
That last race in Panguitch, Alex Fisher placed 10th while Evans was 36th. Earlier in the season at the Herriman course, Evans took 19th. The next race at Beaver Mountain, Alex Fisher took 12th and Evans, 21st.
On the girls’ side, Hillcrest High senior Alice Stephens has led the riders, competing in junior varsity A. She has been consistent, placing 17th at Herriman, 15th at Beaver Mountain; and 15th at Panguitch. Her teammate, senior Sophie Riches took 20th at Herriman, 19th at Beaver Mountain; and 19th at Panguitch.
Two juniors, Cottonwood’s Collin McDonnel and Hillcrest’s Lincoln Wickham, have set their sights on varsity competition next year. Both are currently racing JVA.
ported her in her goal while also helping her grow as a leader on and off the bike.
“I asked her, ‘How many people have you introduced yourself to this week?’ One time, she started complaining after a race, and I reminded her to set an example,” he said.
CottonCrest’s culture thrives thanks to a group of more than a dozen volunteer coaches, some who continue to coach because they love being part of it.
To compete at the varsity level, you’re training at least five days a week and putting in thousands of miles. It’s a huge commitment.
Dan Fisher
“High school mountain biking is very competitive. To compete at the varsity level, you’re training at least five days a week and putting in thousands of miles. It’s a huge commitment,” Fisher said.
But not every rider is aiming for the top tier. All riders can find their trails in the program, Fisher said.
For example, one rider set a goal this season to be more social and her coach sup-
“That gets me emotional. Seeing someone who no longer has a kid on the team, still showing up because they believe in what we’ve built — to me, that’s a bigger success than any race result,” said Fisher, who has ridden for 34 years and coached the team nine years, the last two as head coach.
The team also does trail maintenance projects, takes part in bike clinics and holds a barbecue as well as performs service work with Bikes for Kids.
“We’re not just building racers. We’re building people,” Fisher said. “We’re about making sure the kids and parents have a good experience.” l
CottonCrest’s Abby Burton attacks the course in the JVB girls race in Panguitch. (Photo courtesy of Dave Butler)
The crowd cheers on CottonCrest’s Ethan Shogren in the boys JVA race at Butterfield Canyon. (Photo courtesy of Dave Butler)
Cottonwood baseball team plays ball on behalf of a slain friend
The Colts baseball team accepted an invitation to participate in the Kian Hamilton Memorial Tournament on the one-year anniversary of the Jordan High baseball player’s death.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Duringthe previous baseball season, Cottonwood baseball head coach Travis Steed was asked about his interest in participating in a tournament to honor the late Kian Hamilton.
Once coach Steed confirmed he’d have enough boys to play that August, further details were finalized.
“Come cheer on our boys and support a great cause,” said Steed, urging the public to help raise awareness for Kian Hamilton, a Jordan High freshman and baseball player who passed away in August 2024.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, courtesy of logistical support from Cottonwood High that agreed to host most of the games in Pool B, the Kindness Conquers Hate Memorial Tournament got underway. Additionally the Marshall Gates Foundation provided a Home Run Derby after the tournament concluded.
The tournament was also created to help raise funds for the family of Hamilton,
a 16-year-old freshman slain Aug. 23, 2024 in a stabbing outside Sandy’s Mountain America Expo Center. According to a statement from Sandy City Police, an altercation between Hamilton’s group and another group resulted in an injury. Once medical personnel arrived on scene the “fire department personnel confirmed a juvenile male had been stabbed. The juvenile male was transported to a local hospital where, despite lifesaving efforts, (Hamilton) succumbed to his injuries.”
The day after Hamilton passed away, a GoFundMe was launched to support his family in their time of need.
“On August 23, we tragically lost Kian Hamilton to an act of violence. Our family is reaching out to ask for your support as we cope with the sudden and devastating loss of our beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend. Kian had a loving spirit and a kind heart. His smile was infectious, and he had a special gift for making people laugh,” read the opening statement on Kian’s GoFundMe. “He had a passion for baseball and cherished spending time with his friends and family. To everyone who knew Kian, he was a bright, intelligent young man with his whole life ahead of him. His mother, father and extended family will need love, support, counseling and your prayers as they grieve this inconsolable loss.”
Hamilton, a Jordan High School stu-
dent-athlete, also played on the Beetdiggers’ baseball team. To date, the GoFundMe created on his family’s behalf has raised $26,900.
In addition, a foundation called the Kian Carmello Hamilton Foundation was created in Kian’s name. In short, it shared more about the slain 16-year-old’s life. “Kian had dreams bigger than most. He loved baseball, music and making people laugh. His favorite number was nine, and he wore it with pride on his jersey at Jordan High School,” it read. “Kian was the kind of young man who stood up for others, reached out to those who felt alone, and carried himself with quiet
courage and kindness.”
Cottonwood opened the tournament on its home field against Jordan High School at 8 a.m. sharp following a short ceremony honoring the late baseball player.
At 10:30 a.m., the Colts hosted Club Hardball, a mix of kids from different area high schools, for the second game of the tournament. Cottonwood wrapped up play at Brighton at 2:30 p.m.
The prize? A chance to play in the championship game of this first Kian Hamilton Memorial Tournament, but also to continue to remember the friend, teammate and brother and son lost far too soon. l
Jordan High School campus. Cottonwood baseball played for a fallen baseball player from Jordan.
Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays
Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right?
Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.
So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:
Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.
Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.
Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.
Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.
According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.
First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.
Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care
– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.
Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.
Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.
Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.
“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”
If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.
For more information or to find a provider visit 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.
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ON THE MOVE
Investing in South Salt Lake’s Future Message from Mayor Cherie Wood
Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757
mayor@sslc.gov
City Offices
Monday - Friday • 8 am to 5 pm 801-483-6000
220 E Morris Ave, SSL, UT 84115
City Offices Closures
City offices and community centers will be closed November 11, 27, and 28 in celebration of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.
Public Meetings
For more info: www.sslc.gov
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursdays, Nov 6 & 20, 7 pm
CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, Nov 12, 7 pm
CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD
Monday, Nov 3, 6:30 pm
COMMUNITY CONNECT
Wednesday, Nov 19, 9 am
Fall Leaf Bag Program
Help keep leaves out of storm drains by raking leaves this fall. Residents can pick up 5 free leaf bags from the Public Works Office at City Hall (220 E. Morris Ave, 4th Floor).
For more info, visit sslc.gov or call 801-483-6045.
If you’ve lived in Utah for any length of time, you know that when the snow melts and the temperatures warm, it’s the start of road construction season. South Salt Lake is no exception—and that’s a good thing. Streets, sidewalks, utilities, and bridges are the backbone of any city. They require thoughtful and constant maintenance, planning, and financial investment.
This year, our Engineering Department has been hard at work updating key residential streets (Maxwell, Cordelia, Carole Cir, Truman, and Robert), reconstructing a commercial road (700 W), and replacing two street bridges over Mill Creek at 200 and 300 East.
Meanwhile, our Public Works Department is making progress on a new public works campus and leading several waterline, sewer, and stormwater improvement projects across the city.
We’re also partnering with UDOT and UTA on projects that affect South Salt Lake, including the double-tracking of FrontRunner and adding new street lighting along State Street. Add at least five separate private development projects, and it’s likely you’ve encountered some orange cones and detours recently!
I know that construction can be frustrating—especially when it affects your commute or daily routine. But much like replacing a roof, investing in infrastructure isn’t glamorous—but when the storm hits, you’ll be glad we did it.
Like many cities across the country, South Salt Lake faces the challenges of aging infrastructure and limited funding. That’s why we must be strategic with every dollar. And because we hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to transparency, I want you to know exactly where your tax dollars are going. This year, we are investing approximately $14 million in street and sidewalk improvements, and another $9 million in water and
stormwater infrastructure projects. These investments are essential to a safe, reliable, and vibrant city. And thanks to smart planning, we were able to leverage tax dollars to receive substantial grant resources to help pay for these projects.
We’re also working to improve how we communicate with you about project updates and impacts. Visit our city website, where you’ll find an interactive construction project map showing current projects, their scope, and future plans. We’re also enhancing these tools and making it easier for you to find the information you are looking for. I would love to hear your suggestions for improving our communication or any other feedback that would be helpful. Community value surveys demonstrate that infrastructure improvements are a top priority for residents. But I know it still takes patience. So, thank you for recognizing that these temporary disruptions lead to lasting improvements. Together, we’re building a stronger South Salt Lake.
New Post
Choosing Dignity in Divisive Times
Sharla Bynum, Council Member, District 3
While attending the Utah League of Cities and Towns convention some years ago, I was introduced to the Dignity Index–a conversation model designed to ease divisions, prevent violence, and solve problems. The index helps us score our speech along an eight-point scale–from contempt to dignity–to help us reflect before we project. Since learning about it, I have signed the pledge, followed its work, and helped incorporate its principles on the City Council.
The Dignity Index is something we can all apply in our daily lives. It challenges us to pause, reflect and choose dignity, especially when we disagree. I encourage all SSL residents to take the Dignity Index (www.dignity.us) and model the kind of conversations and community spirit that strengthens us all. As a City of Kindness, South Salt Lake is an example of leading through dignity, empathy, and understanding. These qualities create a stronger, healthier, more united community.
Curbside Cleanup Program
The South Salt Lake Curbside Cleanup Program is available to all city residents who receive city garbage service (this does not include apartments and multiplex units that contract their own garbage service). Curbside pick up will take place November 3-12 for approved items that are boxed, bundled or bagged. Items may be placed in the park strip up to one week before your scheduled pick up day, and must not obstruct sidewalks, gutters, storm drains, or roadways. View your exact pick up date and all program guidelines at sslc.gov.
EAKFAS REAKFAST WITH ANTA SANTA
City News
SSL Construction Projects
Construction Season isn’t over yet. While construction is a necessary, if inconvenient part of city life, you can mitigate the effects on yourself by staying informed of current projects and planning ahead. Read below about several large ongoing construction projects in South Salt Lake.
200 E. Mill Creek Bridge: Starting November 3, the 200 East Mill Creek Bridge will be closed for construction. Detours are established on 300 East and State Street. Disruptions are expected for students and families at Granite Park Junior High. When dropping your children off, please allow extra time to account for detours.
700 West: Construction is ongoing on 700 West from 3300 to 3900 South. Northbound traffic is closed. Expect intermittent disruptions to driveway access, lane shifts, and sidewalk closures. Visit the Construction Projects Map at sslc.gov to stay apprised of all construction.
Cottonwood girls tennis sends two to state
Colts senior Annie Woodward qualifies in first singles while Carley Caton and Bayla Linscott make tourney in first doubles.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
For Annie Woodward, this season was her last chance to improve on last year’s showing at the 4A state tournament at Salt Lake City’s Liberty Park.
The Cottonwood senior reached the Round of 16 in 2024 as that tourney’s No. 13 seed in first singles.
Woodward again qualified for state this year on the strength of a 2-5 record in Region 10 play. On Aug. 26, she defeated a rival in Murray’s Heidi Richardson 6-3 and 5-3 and then on Sept. 4 she knocked off Annabelle Webster of Jordan 6-1, 6-1.
But at the Region 10 tournament, Woodward was knocked out early by Mara Johncock of Judge Memorial 0-6 and 2-6, sending her, a three-year starter in first singles, into the 2025 state tournament as an unseeded player.
It was the first time in her four years at the school that Woodward found herself unseeded at state. How did she respond to that?
Strong, as a matter of fact. Woodward took on No. 16 Pearle Lindquist of Dixie in
the first round Oct. 2. In her last state tournament, the Colt repped CHS well, playing Lindquist to 6-6 before the Dixie Flyer pulled away to win the first set tiebreaker and hand the Cottonwood senior a 5-7 defeat.
Woodward simply ran out of gas in the second set, and fell 6-7 (5-7) and 3-6. The first-round loss closed out Woodward’s career a little earlier than anyone would have expected, and yet there was so much to love about her in her four years.
To go 5-1 in region in first doubles as a freshman is something the Cottonwood senior can carry with her forever, and so will the fact that Woodward moved up from second singles in her sophomore year to first singles as a junior, having such a level of success.
For Carley Caton, she has only played on Cottonwood’s tennis team for two years. But, the senior shined as a junior, going 5-4 overall as she worked her way up to second doubles during the season based on results she had in third and second singles for the Colts.
Tree Care Excellence for Every Season
After playing one match in third singles this season, Caton joined sophomore Bayla Linscott on second doubles in early September. In their first match together, the duo blasted a team from Judge Memorial 6-1 and 6-3 Sept. 2.
On Sept. 4, the streak continued as Caton and Linscott thumped a team from Jordan 6-1 and 6-1. Then they pulled off a huge upset Sept. 8, knocking off a team from 6A Riverton, 6-1 and 6-4.
Armed with Caton’s athleticism – she is a starter on the Colts basketball team – and Linscott’s tennis smarts and technical abilities, Cottonwood’s first doubles team did fall to a top-ranked team from Highland Sept. 9.
But, they gave a team from East all they could handle Sept. 11 before falling 1-6, 6-3 and 2-6.
In round one of the Region 10 Tournament Sept. 18, Caton and Linscott stunned a team from Park City 6-1, 4-6 and 6-4. In the second round, they drew the same team from East in which they had that epic threeset battle.
But, the same team from Highland that the Colts duo lost to met Cottonwood in the semifinals and defeated Caton and Linscott in straight sets, 6-0 and 6-1.
n the first round of the state tournament at Liberty Park, Caton and Linscott lost to Shae Broadwater and Rachel Hafen Crimson Cliffs by the score of 3-6, 4-6. l
Cottonwood girls tennis sent two to the 4A state tournament. (Flickr)
Cottonwood boys cross country finishes fifth at Region 10 championships
It was the Colts’ second-best finish in five years and comes under new head coach Jiree Riding’s tutelage.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Even if the Cottonwood cross country head coach was only named in the middle of the preseason, the Colts showed at the Region 10 championships that they’re going to be a force to deal with come next year after a fifthplace finish.
“I’m proud of our effort today,” said Cottonwood head coach Jiree Riding, who is in his first year at Cottonwood. “While the placement wasn’t what we aimed for, this is a young team with real upside.”
Leading the way for the Colts were junior Turner Hamel (14th), followed by junior Damien Fernandes (23rd), Elijah Leek (32nd), senior Samuel Frew (33rd), sophomore Logan Fogg (41st), Caleb Hill (42nd) and Dylan Merryweather (54).
On the girls’ side, senior Sunny Evans finished 29th out of 40 runners at the Region 10 championships, while Sunny Seydel was 31st and senior Paulina Garrido, 32nd. Riding, who was hired shortly after new Athletic Director James MacIntyre was in place, was a Division I NCAA runner at Southern Utah University. A native of Ethio-
pia, Riding’s family settled in Orem when he was young and he prepped there, winning three state championships. Riding also ran a 14:30 on a 3-mile course in high school.
Leading up to the region championships, the Colts competed at the Deseret Peak Invitational in Tooele Sept. 18. Junior Turner Hamel finished in 16th place in 17 minutes, 45 seconds. Leek and Merryweather were 28th and 29th at Dow Jones Memorial Park.
Senior Samuel Frew crossed the line in 33rd, and sophomore Logan Fogg was 37th. Junior Damien Fernandes was 41st and Reece Hamel
was 42nd.
As a team, the Colts finished in fourth place, ahead of four other schools including 5A Cyprus and Kearns. Cottonwood finished the race with an 18:26 average.
At the Border Wars race, the Colts competed against 33 other schools Sept. 13 and yet they still got a 54th place finish from Turner Hamel. Damien Fernandes was 120th, Dylan Merryweather 132nd and senior Grant Adams 173rd. Logan Fogg and senior Grant Brooks were 176th and 177th. Teamwise, the Colts finished 22nd out of 34 schools, just behind
Highland and ahead of Judge Memorial, East and Murray. They ran the 5K course at Valley Regional Park in Taylorsville with an 18:12 average time.
At the Park City Invitational’s PM session Sept. 5, the Colts got a 56th place finish from Turner Hamel. Leek and Merryweather crossed in 86th and 87th, Fernandes was 89th, Brooks 91st and Fogg was 97th. As a team, the Colts were 12th out of 15 teams, averaging a time of 19:12.
To shave one full minute off their time in eight days, and go from finishing in the bottom of the team standings in late August in Orem and Payson to the middle of the pack in September shows these Colts indeed have promise, though Cottonwood’s new head coach admits that the time for most of these student-athletes will likely come down the line.
In the meantime, with the Divisionals and the 4A state championships ahead, as well as training in the spring where Riding will also oversee Cottonwood’s track team, the Colts appear to be in good hands with this three-time state champion.
For Riding, he’s not satisfied with this progress — he’d like to see more during this team-building — but said he does look forward to the process.
“With six of seven varsity athletes returning next year, we’re excited to keep rebuilding and raising the standard,” Riding said. l
The Cottonwood cross country team after a meet. (Photo courtesy Jiree Riding)
Cottonwood girls soccer earns their first win the hard way
Several months after 90% of their projected starting lineup transferred to other schools, the Colts achieve a breakthrough victory to end the season.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
I
n the video game that goes by the same name, soldiers must go above and beyond the call of duty to save their brethren and complete their missions. To that end, there is no question that this Cottonwood Colts girls soccer team has dealt with adversity.
“The season has had loads of ups and downs, but no girl has quit yet. Especially in this tough region,” said Cottonwood head coach Bryce Harvest.
Cottonwood (1-16, 0-10 Region 10) has had moments where Harvest has found himself amazed by his team’s selflessness.
“I’ve seen our CBs put their bodies on the line for the team to protect the goal and just the amount they’re willing to sacrifice is like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” Harvest said.
Anyone in the Colts’ shoes would feel a sense of pride when this kind of integrity and character was on display after more than 90% of their team transferred or quit during the summer.
This left the cupboard for the season extremely bare, so bare that most of Cottonwood’s midfielders and strikers were no longer on the team.
For that reason, the Colts had their share of struggles early in the season. They suffered consecutive shutout
losses and yet nearly had their breakthrough at Hunter in early August, losing 1-0. On Aug. 28, Cottonwood got its first goal of the season but dropped a tough one at home 3-1 against Juan Diego.
Those woes continued through September — until it felt like the Colts had another breakthrough against mighty Judge Memorial at home Sept. 18, losing 6-1 to a team that reached the state semifinals one year ago in Class 3A.
Cottonwood lost 8-0 to the Bulldogs a month earlier, but had been playing better soccer and battled all the way to the final whistle according to Harvest. Late in the game, that hard work was rewarded with Cottonwood’s second goal of the year, a strike from Ximena Garcia Cardenas.
In the next game, Cottonwood suffered a 4-0 loss to Juan Diego, one that showed even more promise than the previous game, insofar as the scoreline. That effort carried over to the next game against Summit Academy, where the Colts won to conclude the season.
The score of the game was and is not important; in this trying season, it never was.
For Cottonwood, it was the perfect way to close out a difficult year and it summed up the maximum effort that the Colts gave, game in and game out. For goalkeeper Elli Galkin who kept Cottonwood in so many games this season, and for the back line that often found itself outmanned, as well as a midfield and front line that gelled as the season went on, it was a heroic way to say hello and goodbye in more ways than one.
“They are showing up and fighting, and for me that’s more than I could ever ask for as a coach,” said Harvest, who had no choice but to close his team’s fun Instagram account due to someone tampering with it. “They know what the challenge is and know what they’re up against
but still give this school and team their heart and soul. I am so proud of what they’re doing, and it brings a tear to me and my brother’s eyes (who still maintains contact with the team) to know that the main philosophies we brought to this team three years ago like courage, loyalty and pride finally is becoming the new norm.” l
‘Hunt. Fish. Feed.’ brings Utah’s military families and community together
The meal showed gratitude for Utah’s airmen.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Behind every military mission, family members and communities stand to support their loved ones in the U.S. armed forces. In September, Comcast partnered with Hill Air Force Base, The Boyer Group and Sportsman Channel for the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event that honored airmen and their families.
The “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” outreach program was created by Sportsman Channel 17 years ago to address hunger issues across the nation. Using donated game meat and fish, the events have served more than 42,000 meals to communities all over the country, led by noted game chef Paul Comes.
During the event at Hill Air Force Base, hundreds of airmen and their families were served a meal, including Master Sergeant Dale Clark.
“All the events and all these organizations help us in the military and make us feel like we’re supported,” Clark said. “I have airmen who are struggling financially or, whatever the case may be, but these helping agencies really contribute a lot to health and morale.”
The event brought families together to enjoy a meal, connect with friends and take a break from the hectic pace of daily life.
Jeffrey Brown, director of Sportsman Channel’s distribution and affiliate marketing, said they are taking the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” program to every Comcast region throughout the country, including one other military base.
“We just came off the anniversary of 9/11 and we appreciate the service that they’re doing. That goes without saying,” Brown said. “But to be out here and provide them a nice meal, it means so much to us. These are our brave warriors who are out there defending the red, white and blue every day.”
Supporting military families is central to Comcast’s mission. With thousands of employees who are actively serving or veterans, including founder and WWII Navy veteran Ralph Roberts, the company is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for those in uniform.
Comcast Mountain West Region’s Technical Operations Senior Manager Shawn Kessler joined the Marines in 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He said events like “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” support military personnel and the challenges they face every day.
“It’s so cool being part of Comcast,” Kessler said. “What we do with veterans,
er it’s from a job standpoint or from a mental standpoint, that’s how Comcast leans in to support these folks.”
According to the Department of Workforce Services, Utah is home to more than 116,000 veterans, with the majority being 65 and older. A 2023 Blue Star Families report showed that more than 25% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity and homelessness remains a serious issue.
“We understand how important it is for the military community to be connected, be part of a community and also have a continued sense of service,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast is committed to supporting veterans and the military community through employment, economic mobility, and by ensuring the military community has access to connectivity and the digital skills to thrive in today’s world.
“We also invest in partners that support the military community throughout its entire lifecycle, from entry throughout the journey of service and beyond, including the families.”
like the internal networks and how many veterans we hire, is impressive. People are coming home and having to find careers and transition. Comcast does such an amazing job supporting these folks, wheth-
For more information about “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” visit TheSportsmanChannel. com. To learn about Comcast’s military customer programs, visit Corporate.Comcast.com. l
Daniel Arevalo, senior airman for the United States Air Force, 88th Maintenance Group, takes part in the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event at Hill Air Force Base, providing meals to servicemen and their families. (Photo provided by Comcast)
Cottonwood soccer earned its first win. (Photo courtesy Galkin family)
Colts have several success stories in a trying fall season
Girls volleyball has experienced a complete turnaround, threatening for a state playoff spot according to new AD James MacIntyre.
By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
Before anyone out there thinks that athletic directors just sit inside their offices all day and don’t go through similar emotions to coaches at their respective schools, think again.
“The win-loss record in fall has been challenging, but a lot of incredible things are happening,” said Cottonwood High School Athletic Director James MacIntyre.
The new AD is in charge of transforming the Colts into a program capable of ushering CHS into this new era of name, image and likeness — an era the Utah High School Athletics and Activities Association has endorsed.
MacIntyre comes to Cottonwood directly from the University of Utah, where he worked in that school’s NIL compliance office. He had some compliments for the Colts girls’ teams.
“Soccer earned its first win on Wednesday with a group of girls who are new to the sport and stayed committed all year to
showing up and growing,” MacIntyre said. “Tennis had record numbers out and sent No. 1 doubles and singles to state. Volleyball is fighting for a state berth. Beat region No. 1, Murray, this week and beat Judge last night.”
Cottonwood’s AD is right on top of things at the school. Along with his coaches, MacIntyre is riding all the highs and lows that come with these jobs. Though girls soccer has experienced a tough season — through circumstances that were largely beyond the coaches’ control — those Colts finished strong.
Girls volleyball has built momentum over a period of several difficult years in which head coach Michaela Hatch has had to start from square one and ascend the peak slowly. Now those Colts are 4-4 in region play, their best record in the league since Hatch took over.
wins at rival Murray and East.
By the time you’re reading this article, the Colts girls volleyball team could be headed for the state tournament; it depends how they finish the final five games of the regular season. If the state tournament started today, Cottonwood would be in based on its No. 23 ranking in the latest 4A RPI.
On the boys’ side, MacIntyre, aka James Mac from his days as a high school head coach and college assistant in basketball, said all three fall sports are showing improvements, as well.
“Golf had more students try out than in the last 10 years. Sending No. 1 single to state next week,” MacIntyre said. He added, the “Football scores have been rough, but that team has grown and put up its best offensive performance last week.”
Although the season did not pan out like the Cottonwood Colts boys golf team wanted, and the squad finished in sixth place in Region 10 of Class 4A, there were a few bright spots.
Yates was Cottonwood’s No. 1 all season and qualified for the 4A state tournament set to begin later this month.
Yates was selected to the All-Region 10 Team for the fourth consecutive year. He averaged 72.7 strokes per every 18 holes played this season and will play in his final state tournament as a Colt.
Yates played in his final region tournament on Sept. 29 at The Ridge in West Valley City. Yates finished in fourth place with a 72. Lucian Roumpos was 11th, hitting 74 for the Colts. l
The
win-loss record in fall has been challenging, but a lot of incredible things are happening
TMS
Not only that, but Cottonwood girls volleyball is also 6-11 overall and sits in the middle of the pack in Region 10 after
In other Cottonwood sports news, senior boys golfer Tommy Yates will play at 4A state tournament as an individual qualifier.
— James MacIntyre
Major infrastructure overhaul planned for South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake City is in the middle of some infrastructure work, including the full reconstruction of 700 West, two bridge replacements and a new $45-million public works campus.
By Linda Petersen l.petersen@mycityjournals.com
South Salt Lake City has launched several major construction projects that will reshape its roads, utilities and public facilities over the next few years. While city officials acknowledge the projects may cause shortterm headaches for residents, the necessary improvements will deliver long-term benefits in public safety, efficiency and quality of life, they say.
“People hate construction, and we have heard as much from several residents,” said city spokesperson Joseph Dane. “But it’s a necessary short-term pain to get better road drainage, new water/sewer pipes, accessible sidewalks, etc.”
The list of work includes the full reconstruction of 700 West, the replacement of two bridges, upgrades on six residential roads, the construction of a $45-million public works campus and a new community plaza.
The UDOT-funded reconstruction of
700 West between 3300 South and 3900 South started Oct. 6 and will run through next summer. During construction the road will be narrowed to one-way traffic, southbound only, for several months.
“It’s an old road, and it’s beat up by in-
dustrial traffic, and it has been in need of new infrastructure, better sidewalks,” Dane said.
While access to businesses will be maintained, the traffic changes will impact commuters and parents, particularly those traveling to Olene Walker Elementary, which is
near the construction zone.
The city is also starting replacement of two aging bridges over Mill Creek. Work on the 200 East bridge began in early October and is slated to continue until March or April, with the 300 East bridge replacement
An artist rendering of the future South Salt Lake public works campus. (Courtesy South Salt Lake)
following in the spring.
The 200 East project poses a significant challenge due to its proximity to Granite Park Junior High, said Dane who planned to meet with school officials to address its impact and solutions for student pick up and drop off.
The city will mail postcards to immediately impacted residents and directly communicate with parents to ensure safety, he said. The bridges, graded “fair” and “moderate” by UDOT, are being replaced to upgrade outdated culvert systems.
Separately, six residential roads are also under construction for full overhauls, includ ing new storm drains, sewer and water pipes.
The largest single-item project is the new public works campus, a $45-million invest ment on Oakland Avenue at West Temple for which the city has obtained a favorable bond. The campus will be 82,697 square feet spread throughout two buildings and three covered, outdoor storage facilities.
“The public works campus is necessary because we have completely outgrown our existing public works space,” Dane said. “We prioritized a new public works campus be cause it was important for the future, the next 50 years of construction for our city, both for efficiency, having everybody under one roof so we can work and communicate better to gether, for public safety, for employees to work quicker, work better, work safer and get public safety cars back on the road quicker.”
The current facilities are scattered, and fleet mechanics currently work “out in the el ements and it has not been a wonderful expe rience for them,” Dane said
The new campus will consolidate ser vices, improving efficiency, communication and, critically, allowing for “quicker turn around on public safety vehicles,” he added.
Construction is phased, with the northern portion of the campus expected to be opera tional by March 2026, and the administrative offices following in February 2027.
Adjacent to that project, the city has plans to repaint the city’s historic water tower and develop a community plaza there to be used for hosting public events.
“It’s kind of the icon of the city; it’s our mascot, if you will,” Dane said. “So this was our opportunity to do something community oriented there at that site.”
Beyond roads and facilities, the city is also upgrading its water system infrastruc ture, with the city budgeting for about 2,500 feet of new water pipes annually. A long-term project involves the Price Avenue Well, which has recently finished drilling. This new well is part of the city’s plan to prepare for popula tion growth over the next 50 years. The city is taking advantage of the UDOT bridge work to coordinate the installation of a new water main connection under the 300 East bridge, Dane said.
These projects can be disruptive and Dane asked residents to be patient. “These temporary inconveniences are essential for a stronger, more modern South Salt Lake,” he said. “There’s just a lot happening right now.”
Visit storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/732e 87a803b14bab9c58925393664633 for updat ed information. l
Turning Down the Political Temperature
The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk was a wake-up call for Americans who value free speech. What drives someone to fear opposing views so deeply that violence feels justified? If we want to cool our nation’s overheated politics, each of us can start with three changes.
1. Don’t call names or label the other side. Our country was founded on the belief that open debate makes us stronger. The Founders argued fiercely when crafting the Constitution—and that was healthy. But when disagreement turns into name-calling, the conversation collapses. History shows that dehumanizing language can fuel tragedy; in Rwanda, propaganda that labeled the Tutsis as “cockroaches” helped spark genocide. Calling people “evil” or “dangerous” never changes minds. Respectful discussion does. Express your beliefs firmly but without vilifying others. The moment you deny someone dignity, your argument loses power. One way to rebuild civility is to teach debate skills in middle school and
high school classrooms so the next generation learns how to disagree productively.
2. Listen more than you speak. None of us is right all the time. Listening with empathy to those who see things differently can preserve friendships and strengthen our communities. Try this: ask someone with an opposing political view to explain their perspective for 5-10 minutes. Repeat back what you heard, thank them, and resist the urge to argue. It’s hard—but it’s how understanding begins.
During my 12 years on the Salt Lake County Council, I’ve served on a body
that’s often split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. We debate passionately, sometimes disagree strongly, yet still shake hands afterward. We recognize that each member represents different constituents and experiences. Even when votes fall along party lines, mutual respect keeps us working together. I’m proud of that example of civil governance.
3. Recognize how you’re being manipulated. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke emotion, not inform. Once a platform detects your political leanings, it floods your feed with fear or anger-inducing content to keep you scrolling—and advertisers paying. Limit your time online.
Keep in mind that each side is driven by this algorithm that fuels the flame of conviction. We question how the other side can be so out of touch, yet they simply don’t see what we see. Those on the other end of the political spectrum have never been shown the version of the story we know. Perhaps we are both right, but perhaps we are both wrong. It’s time to pause
before the contempt destroys our country.
Cable news isn’t much better. Filling 24 hours of airtime pushes networks to amplify outrage and tailor coverage to partisan audiences. Try this experiment: if you watch a story on Fox News, switch to MSNBC for the other perspective, or vice versa. The truth may lie somewhere in between.
As we navigate the future, it’s important that we put down our phones, turn off the TV, and talk to real people. Human connection improves mental health and builds relationships. When the political climate feels toxic, step away from social media and find a friend to visit with—no debating required.
Our democracy depends on citizens who can disagree without demeaning, listen without shouting, and stay informed without being manipulated. By resisting name calling, listening with empathy, and unplugging from outrage, we can help lower the temperature, strengthen our communities, and set an example for the next generation that is watching us closely.
Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)
not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.
My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.
Anyway.
This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.
As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?
I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-
SO SALT LAKE
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.
Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.
Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).
As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something
new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.
Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.
I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.
At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.
As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.
Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.
Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil.
PROFESSIONALS
