South Salt Lake Journal | October 2023

REPRESENTING THE UNDERREPRESENTED: UNITY BLOCK PARTY HELPS FUND BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR STARTUPS

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

With many people quitting the 9-5 routine to start their own business, the idea of a business incubator to help them survive and thrive is what Michelda George, the founder of Versatile Image, is here to do.

George has been in Utah for three years and she has already amassed a major following in the local area, and on Sept. 16 at Library Square in Salt Lake City, she organized an event, Unity Block Party, to help fund a business incubator to represent those underrepresented.

“An incubator space is something that is supposed to create something, create something from scratch, whatever you want to call an incubator,” George said. “Kind of like the womb of a woman. Certain components need to come together in order for you to have something come out at the end.”

“Our incubator space is a little unique, because a lot of small businesses—startups— especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, don’t really understand the power of marketing, being able to get their branding together, their messaging, how people are interacting with their product or service, or whatever it is that they’re presenting to the community in which they serve,” George said.

George and her team have put together a program to help small businesses grow, from helping them with marketing to pitching ideas to investors. “Some businesses are only on Instagram, and they don’t even have an EIN. A digital presence is extremely important, not only because they got to see you, but when they find you, it needs to be consistent,” George said.

“If you have an idea for a business, or you already have an idea and kind of have a strategy and what you’ve been doing hasn’t been working, we’ll kind of do a brand audit and take a look at what you are doing,” George said. “This is probably a three- to four-week process where we have people secret shop. We’re looking at your website, to see what’s going on when someone’s trying to find you. We wanted to create an incubator space for dreamers, for people who have an idea, but don’t know how to do it.”

Originally from South Florida, and a first-generation Haitian-American, George started her journey managing her family’s grocery store in Fort Lauderdale, and after some financial challenges caused by the 2008 recession, and still surviving, she had to sell the store in 2012 and look for other opportunities.

Continued page 10

Salt Lake City and South Salt Lake locals trickle into the fundraiser to show their support for their fellow small business owners. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

page 4

Girls soccer rebuilding page 5

Title of Show page 21

Halloween

Behind a new senior captain, Cottonwood girls soccer rebuilds its program

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood’s

girls soccer team has already accomplished nearly all of the goals it set for itself this past summer, said new coach Bryce Harvest. Mission accomplished on such things as scoring more goals, preventing opponent’s goals, and having more fun.

“We currently have accomplished every goal we have set from the start of the season which is amazing,” Harvest said.

But the way that this particular team went about doing things differed, he said. After the Colts notched their second win over Providence Hall, and everything seemed great, the losses started piling up.

By about the midway point of the season, in a very tough Region 10 in a new and reimagined Class 4A, Cottonwood found itself in a bind.

That’s when senior Mary Neilson offered to step up and lead the team going forward.

“[Mary Neilson] has planted the seeds for future successes and stepped up tremendously as a leader for the program,” said the Cottonwood coach, who pointed to a discipline issue that she helped resolve, setting a “precedent for the future.”

Neilson, who was also named the team captain after several games, has been organizing Cottonwood’s backline since about the midway point of the Colts’ Region 10 season. And she was the catalyst for setting the team rules, according to the coach.

“It was kind of funny; the coaching staff was worried not giving the full introduction of culture that me and my brother [Colts’ boys head coach BryLee] introduced to the boy’s program, but we had a meeting prior to our second win against Providence where the girls had the opportunity to make rules which was profound,” said the girls coach of his captain Neilson, who has been a part of

Jou r nals

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the program for all four years. “She’s kept me honest, and we’ve been climbing out of the slumps because of that great leadership from her.”

For Cottonwood [0-9 Region 10, 2-11], it’s been a baptism by fire in a brand-new Region 10 that is littered with tough schools, according to Harvest. In addition to Stansbury, Tooele and Hillcrest, the region now includes crosstown rival Murray, Park City and Jordan.

That’s where the new Cottonwood head coach said he’s seen his team captain Neilson step up the most—when it’s needed.

“She’s been stepping up vocally on the field by organizing our backline,” said Harvest, who’s proud of Neilson for taking control of the team in her final year. “Now off the field Mary has been the driving force in keeping the hope of winning alive, and creating team rules, vocally enforcing the rules, and leading by example.”

At this moment, Cottonwood is barely on the outside looking in at a state playoff spot, according to Harvest. It sits in the 25th spot; the 4A state tournament only takes the top 24 teams.

Regardless of how that shakes out, Harvest said he believes the program, which is led by a senior in goal and a senior-laden back line, is on much better footing than before when it wasn’t winning any games at all.

“Many people will probably remember this team by the games we just lost by a goal or two by some of the best teams in the state,” said Harvest, who has a good point— the Colts lost three of their region contests by one mistake.

“But the coaching staff will remember the successes that I just mentioned that will alter the program.” l

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Mary Neilson, center right, along with her teammates and coach Bryce Harvest have accomplished their goals for the year. (Photo courtesy Bryce Harvest)

Director discusses philosophy behind production of Broadway-based play

An original, Broadway-based play took the stage at the Grand Theatre in South Salt Lake on Sept. 9. It was the show’s closing night—having been open since Aug. 17—and the cast and crew left it all out for the audience. “[Title of Show]” was originally presented at the 2004 New York Musical Theatre Festival and became an instant favorite among theatergoers.

The Grand Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director Seth Miller and Stage Director Latoya Cameron were excited to tackle the project written by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell.

“I was approached by Seth Miller, and he asked me if I was available,” Cameron said. “I loved ‘[Title of Show]’ since my college days. I wanted to focus in and do the best I can. I’m grateful to them that they thought of me to direct it.”

“[Title of Show]” centers around two aspiring playwrights, Jeff and Hunter, played by Utah actors Jacob Barnes and Caleb Collier, who begin working on a play (that is the play shown to audiences) for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. The two writers enlist the help of their friends, Heidi and Susan, played by Michelle Lynn Thompson and Vee Vargas, in the hope of winning and finding recognition so that all of their problems will cease and they will have finally “made it” only for them to realize that “making it” isn’t what they thought it would be.

“I like that it’s so original, you don’t see this type of musical out there—it’s very different so I’ve always liked that. It’s fun and kind of silly but there are also a lot of profound points that I think any artist or just any person really can sort of relate to,” Miller said. “It has meaning. The closer, ‘I’d rather be nine people’s favorite thing than 900 people’s ninth favorite thing.’ I think it does speak to me on a lot of different levels just about putting yourself out there and staying true to your vision and what you want to do. It’s a show I really love.”

It was the third play that Cameron has di-

By Jesse M. Gonzalez | j.gonzalez@mycityjournals.com

rected, having directed her first play last year with “Rent” at the Ziegfield Theater in Ogden and the second production being “Sankofa, This Journey: Go Back and Get It” at the Salt Lake Acting Company in collaboration with the Utah Black Artists Collective.

Cameron has been acting for well over a decade and considers her career an adventure. “I was very shy; I still am. I was just very curious about acting so I stepped out of my comfort zone which kind of made people look at me strange because they were like, ‘You don’t talk, you won’t be able to do this,’ but it changed my life.

“I went to school for it. My first professional gig was during college. I still do it around town and sometimes out of the state. ‘[Title of Show]’ is near and dear to my heart. I fell in love with it in college and actually it was my first big musical theater festival experience,” Cameron said.

Considering the play was written in 2004 and the amount of cultural changes that have transpired around the United States, Cameron felt that they needed to reassess the script. “With the perspective and the learning that we’ve done, especially after Covid and the murder of George Floyd and the continuation of people going after and murdering trans folk in our communities, there were some problematic stuff in the script that I feel like we needed to look at and change,” Cameron said.

Prior to making slight nuances to the script, Cameron reached out to the original writers, who also wrote themselves into the story as the two main characters of the play. “I actually wrote them and asked for their permission if we could make those changes to the script. The playwrights, the real Hunter and the real Jeff, were very accommodating and they gave us permission to adjust certain language that we wanted to change due to it being problematic.”

While some of the language in the play could be regarded as for mature audi-

ences, the director thinks that is just part of artistic freedom. “Some people think that theater is only supposed to be one certain way. They [the writers] talk about how people want you to adjust your creative expression: you don’t sing enough, there’s too much language in the script so you need to change it to accommodate it to make it more family-friendly. You have to know as an audience what shows are for you,” Cameron said.

“I don’t want to ever get comfortable in my artistry. I want to figure out how to stay curious. I think that’s what a lot of actors or artists who we still want to listen to do,” Cameron said. “As musicians or even as directors, the more curious they are the more you’re going to see the different sides of who they are and that’s what keeps you excited, and that’s what keeps people coming back to see your work.”

With four weeks of rehearsals and over three weeks of live performances, “[Title of Show]” was at a close. The final night of any artistically consuming and successful produc-

tion is a bittersweet and proud moment, but like all passionate creatives, there is always another project to work on.

“This was a good show—the cast and everybody did a great job, the director and the whole production team did a great job. I’m really proud of it,” Miller said.

“From my understanding it was quite…a closing. Everyone went out with a bang and gave it everything they could. The cast and crew and everyone really liked each other and having to care for each other for the whole duration, from the rehearsal to the performance was really great to see. They really genuinely loved each other. It really affected the audience,” Cameron said.

“We’re always sad to see them go but we’re already hip deep in getting ready for ‘Sweeney Todd’ which starts on rehearsals in two weeks. The ball just keeps rolling for us…I’m sad to see it go but we’re already on the next thing,” Miller said.

“I’m about to jump into my next rehearsal process. I’m going to be directing a play at the University of Utah. I’m excited for that journey and learning what that is going to be and I’m going to be auditioning for another play this week. I’m hoping that for the next year I can get back on stage because I’ve missed acting a lot,” Cameron said.

“Don’t lose track of why you’re doing what you’re doing. As long as you have true ones with you on your journey then you’re always going to be successful, as long as you know that and stay true to what you’re doing together, to find success and success can be whatever you want it to be,” Cameron said.

“We see in ‘[Title of Show]’ that all four of them are on the way to success until other people start to come in and interject and take them away from what they were doing together and eventually they had to come back together.” l

A dreamlike shot from one of the scenes in “[Title of Show]” at the Grand Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Seth Miller/Grand Theatre)

Actor and director Latoya Cameron. “[Title of Show]” is Cameron’s third play that she has directed. (Photo courtesy of Latoya Cameron)

The cast of “[Title of Show]” start to wrap up the play’s final scene and final showing in South Salt Lake. Left to right: Vee Vargas, Caleb Collier, Jacob Barnes and Michelle Lynn Thompson. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

Cottonwood golf sits in second place in Region 10 thanks to team effort

Last year, several of Cottonwood’s boys played golf over the summer at the Salt Lake Country Club to improve their games.

One of them was Tommy Yates, who was getting ready to enter Cottonwood as a freshman. But two of his teammates that played that summer have now graduated.

And the sophomore has been called upon to deliver on that promise he showed last year throughout the season.

So far, so good for Yates who sits seventh overall in Region 10 through Sept. 28 at the midway point of the season.

Yates is averaging 75.4 strokes per every 18 holes of golf played, at 4.2 strokes per hole.

Yates is far from the only Colt to have made it into the top 15 in stroke average; Dimitri Vasilacpoulos is kind of in the shoes Yates was wearing last year in that he’s new to the program.

But don’t tell anyone that Vasilacpoulos can’t finish up in the top 12 in his first season as a Cottonwood Colt; he’s currently sitting right there in 12th place headed into the home stretch.

There is one other difference between this year’s team and last year’s: these two

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Colts have been in the top 12 now for the entire month of September—whereas last year’s bunch was only in the mix for two weeks.

Though Yates and Vasilacpoulos have been the most consistent golfers for Cottonwood, they are far from the only ones who have been producing results.

In the most recent tournament at the Park City Golf Course, two Colts finished in the top 10 on Sept. 14.

Hunter Vuong showed he might have something to say about that top 12 list as well. He finished in fifth place along the difficult, hilly terrain in Park City.

And Jacek Budge wasn’t too far behind in 10th place for the Colts, who as a team are averaging 311 strokes per every 18 holes, a very respectable 5.5 strokes per player.

The good news: that team score has put Cottonwood in sole possession of second place in the new Class 4A Region 10, which is comprised of crosstown rivals Murray and Hillcrest, Jordan, Tooele, Stansbury and Park City.

Even better news: after scores were adjusted, the Colts sat in eighth place as a team, and Yates is in 26th place in 4A.

The bad news is that great golf teams are littered throughout 4A, which stretches even further than did the old region Cottonwood took part in, for the past several years.

The reimagined Class 4A stretches from as far north as Cache County to schools as far south as St. George. And the Colts will need to continue to be on their A game if they’re going to qualify their team for state.

The reason is mathematic—six of the top 20 golfers in the entire state play in Class 4A.

For Cottonwood, the season continues through the first two weeks of October, concluding with the Region 10 Championships in mid-October. It will be followed by the 4A state tournament. l

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Drill team starts school year with fundraisers and a new head coach

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

For the Cottonwood Chaparrals drill team, there have been some great moments in terms of performances over the years.

But for this team, now led by new head coach Jill Garcia, it’s starting the season running. Literally.

As in they were busy washing cars and trucks for a minimum of $7 while people left their vehicles running in Cottonwood High’s parking lot. That was on Aug. 5 and since then the Chaparrals have not stopped.

“Our theme for the year is ‘Limit-less,’ said Coach Garcia. “We are removing the limits we place on ourselves; there is a lot of comparison in the dance world so we are challenging our team to push away from the negativity, stand tall in unity and allow positivity to lead us to success.”

They trained with Jayden HermanLopez of the Utah Jazz Dancers in Cottonwood’s gym on Aug. 15.

“He gave us so many amazing tips and helped us improve so much,” said one of the coaches.

They’ve held team-bonding events on the Cottonwood campus that included one of them handing the ball off to a teammate in a flag-football game.

And they’re currently in the middle of a clothing drive—all to help them raise funds to pay for everything from team uniforms to travel for competitions.

Through Oct. 27 at a designated dropoff location at Cottonwood High, the team will be collecting clothing and household items: shirts and dresses, shorts and pants, shoes and socks, hats and belts, scarves and gloves, jackets and sweaters, purses and bags, backpacks, and sheets, blankets and towels.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to be coaching at Cottonwood,” said Garcia, the new head coach of the Chaparrals. “I have incredible support from the administration, athletic director, not to mention the coaches of the other sports and fine arts department.”

Garcia’s goal is lofty. She said she wants “to grow & develop this drill program to help support our young ladies, and guide them to not only improve their self-confidence, but become the best version they can be, and have the skills to be strong independent women.”

The Cottonwood Chaparrals for 202324 are [officers in parentheses]: Sannetta Archuleta [co-captain], Kaylee Hill, Clarice Castro, Navy Sauz, Markasa Williams [drill mistress], Aria Larsen, Brielle Fredericksen [social chair], Ali Christiansen, Lauren Pesantes, Marisa Gomez [co-captain], Ada Judd, Talyn Rohovit [co-captain] and Jessie Peterson. l

Final Parley’s Trail section opens in West Valley City

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Untilnow, bikers, hikers or those in wheelchairs wishing to traverse across the Salt Lake Valley from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail faced a problem on the west side of the valley. The section of Parley’s Trail from 900 West to the Jordan River Parkway wasn’t fully accessible due, in large part, to the river itself. Now, that’s changed.

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang joined with Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood to cut the ribbon, officially opening a new section of the trail on Sept. 28. The occasion marked the final completion of an eastwest trail that’s been on the planning boards of city and county officials for more than 20 years.

“This is a great addition to our city,” Lang said. “It’s a safe out-of-the-way path without cars that allows bikers and walkers to fully enjoy the beauty of our valley.”

Wood complemented the efforts of the planners and builders of the new section, adding “Today is our city’s 85th birthday, so it’s a double reason to celebrate.”

The last section of the 8-mile trail was short but expensive. It consists of two elevated bridges across the river, and entailed not just construction of the spans but also access to properties of private owners. It provides a corridor through neighborhoods and to parks, schools, churches and rural areas. The trail runs through portions of West Valley, South Salt Lake, Millcreek and Salt Lake City.

“How far we’ve come,” Wilson said. “I’m proud of the work the county and the cities have done working with these private landowners, and this trail is beautiful. My only regret today is that I didn’t set enough time aside to bike and hike myself.”

One group championing the cause is the Parley’s Rails, Trails and Tunnels. Chair of that group, Juan Arce-Larreta, said the trail has

been developed in several phases, and subsequent semi-phases. This final section dealt with the river, a railroad yard and existing roads along SR-201.

“When I first saw the last remaining gap, I knew it would be challenging to complete,” he said. “Back in 2017 when Parley’s Trail first opened, we knew this quarter-mile section was very necessary, so we began strategizing what needed to be done. That meant getting the financial support from a lot of entities, and the result is this beautiful new section we’re opening today.”

He said the team began searching areas in West Valley City where the trail could be extended. They found a small area between SR201 and UTA’s TRAX line—property owned by UTA or the Utah Department of Transportation. UDOT assisted in assessing the concept and granted easements for the final section, which cost $6.5 million to complete.

Arce-Laretta said there is still more to come along the trail, including adding benches, dog hydration facilities and bike maintenance stations. He also spoke about the “Wasatch Loop,” an ambitious effort by the state to connect even more parts of the Wasatch Front. State legislators approved a $90-million initial investment last year and hope a new fund can collect up to $45 million a year for trail projects.

“The trail now connects with 7200 West,” Lang said. “It means people can travel from Parley’s Canyon out to that road and connect with a number of other pathways. It really has expanded safe connections throughout the valley.”

The Jordan River Parkway, which Parley’s Trail connects to, also runs from Davis County to Utah County. l

Through Oct. 27, the drill team is collecting clothing donations to help fundraise for uniforms, travel. (Photo courtesy Jill Garcia)

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang, fifth from left, joined with other dignitaries to cut the ribbon as the final section of the Parley’s Trail was opened on Sept. 28. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Odyssey House is the largest nonpro t behavioral health agency in Utah, with more than 30 locations in Salt Lake County and 70 Best of State awards. It was started in 1971 and provides treatment for substance use disorder and mental health issues through a variety of programs, both residential and outpatient, for children, teens and adults. It also has its own medical clinic (Martindale) and administers a substance use program in the Salt Lake County Jail. On any given day Odyssey House serves 1,100 clients and served 12,000 clients in the last scal year.

Randall Carlisle is the Odyssey House media and community relations director. He’s been with Odyssey for six years and before that he spent 40 years as an anchor/ reporter in television news.

What sets Odyssey House apart from other treatment centers in the region?

We have the highest success rate of any nonpro t treatment center. We are the largest and o er more specialized programs than any other similar agency. We can also treat anyone regardless of their ability to pay and our service can be free for residents of Salt Lake County. Who do you serve?

If you have a substance use or mental health problem we can help. Substance use disorder and mental health problems a ect anyone from all walks of life. We help clients solve the problems of drug addiction and mental health issues.

How do potential clients make the choice between you or a competitor?

We provide low-cost or free care. We are in network with all major insurance providers and we can provide a more successful outcome than other providers. We back up our slogan which is “We Are Recovery.”

What types of treatment do you o er?

We o er adult and youth residential programs, sober housing, an intensive after-school outpatient program for youth, a parent with children program and a criminal justice program. Odyssey also has a medical clinic that includes harm reduction services and we have men’s and women’s mental health treatments. All of our programs include extensive case management, trauma informed care and life skills development.

What is your success rate?

We have a 173% higher drug abstinence rate than the 2020 National average and an 84% higher drug abstinence rate than the 2020 Utah average. We o er recovery that leads to a successful and happy life.

How do you help those who have graduated from the Odyssey program?

Odyssey House is about lifetime recovery, even when you have some bumps in the road. Alumni services are provided for free and include therapy and relapse support, sober outings and graduate groups.

How can people learn more about you?

We have over 30 locations in Salt Lake County. Our weekly podcast Odyssey House Journals can be seen on YouTube or listened to on all podcast platforms. We can also be found at odysseyhouse.org.

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“I had to work, I had to take care of my family. So, I was working at 7-Eleven, I was working at McDonald’s, and at the time, I had a lot of creative friends that did a lot of visual art, video production,” George said.

Her friends knew of her passionate interest in business and eventually asked George to help negotiate their contracts. “How much should I charge something like that?” George recalled. “I sure didn’t! I mean, those were my friends; I love them. I didn’t want them to get taken advantage of. And so, I started doing that. I know what this is like. I know profit margins.”

It was then that she had incubated the idea for her business, and she eventually founded Versatile Image—a multidisciplinary, creative agency—all while making ends meet at her 9-5 job. “Sometimes it’s difficult to get there when you’re trying to fund your life, but also pour into your business. You want to give your services for free, but that doesn’t always work out for the bottom line,” George said.

After McDonald’s, George started a job in banking, working at Wells Fargo for four years where she learned more about financial planning, investments, life insurance, annuities and small business specialization. “I love the entrepreneur community, so it was great being able to service them.”

However, George was also met with some tough challenges along the way. “On the other side of that, as a professional be-

ing referred to as the Negro banker, or, you know, coworkers coming up to touch your hair, having really insensitive conversations about the racial uproar that was happening during that time, George Floyd, you know— that environment wasn’t really healthy. So I had to kind of start figuring out what my transition plan was,” George said.

Moving to Utah gave George a fresh start, but it wasn’t without its speed bumps, such as the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “There were a lot of small businesses that ended up closing six months, nine months after COVID—they weren’t able to sustain themselves. Once COVID happened, I didn’t know what to do,” George said.

After diligence and persistence, George found her way into the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce and eventually working as the Strategic Program Manager for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity where she continued to learn the tricks of the trade.

“But I will say the transition to Utah, as a person, definitely challenged me to know who I was, and to figure out what my values were, and what my purpose was going to be in life moving forward. And I’m super grateful for Utah and its environment that helped me to be able to determine what that was gonna be as a person.”

Versatile Image is continuing its growth and George is happy to look forward to further progress. “We’re three years in, and I’m just now getting to the point where I’m bringing on a CPA; I’m bringing on a CEO, I’m having an assistant,” George said.

“I just really want to be able to serve the community here in Utah. Utah is one of the leading economic states in the country. Economically, it’s very strong. They’re leading in a lot of areas from real estate to technology to manufacturing. And so, I want to be a part of that where we can influence the rest of the country. Just because we work with small businesses here in Utah, we have clients all across the country, even in Europe. We can reach all types of places where we have underserved and underrepresented communities.”

George plans on facilitating the Unity Block Party every year to act as a fundraiser for the business incubator space. “We want to be able to get our brand out there, get more visibility so companies can see that we’re here in Utah, and we want to be able to become a part of the small business community here. This party is more than a party; it has a lot of purpose to it.”

The event was lined with beverage companies, food trucks, vendors from the Utah Black History Museum and music and arts and crafts booths “They’re all small businesses, and so it acts like a group economics opportunity for us to be able to help each other,” said George. “It’s supposed to bring the communities together to be able to show visibility to the diversity that’s happening here.”

One such small business owner, standing behind her table carrying crystals, soaps, jewelry, and essential oils, is excited for the opportunity to be part of the Unity Block

Party. “They heard about my business and they liked my items and wanted me to come and set up,” said Kimberly Newton, the owner of Esensually Yourz, a metaphysical supply store located in Salt Lake City.

Originally from Ohio, and similar to George, she moved to Utah to start anew. “I came here about two years ago, during COVID; I was ready to start something different with my life, and upon arriving, I found out that Utah was very inclusive when it came to small businesses and help boosting them and letting their names flourish. I’m very excited to be here because my business has done very well upon arriving,” Newton said.

Having started her business five years ago, making jewelry until she progressed in her journey to eventually begin selling the rest of her current products.

“It’s always a great way to meet other people, other businesses, the networking that comes with it. You get a lot of new clients and customers. They get to learn about you and your business and where to find you, so I love that the community can come together for an event like this and learn about each other,” Newton said.

Small businesses building up other small businesses is the goal and the vision for entrepreneurs like George and Newton, who continue to strive to see that idea grow.

Further information regarding Versatile Image can be found on their website: versatileimage.org, or on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. l

Michelda George organized the Unity Block Party to fund a business incubator for underrepresented startups. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

One small business owner, Kimberly Newton, displays her products of essential oils, soaps, jewelry and precious stones from her store, Esensually Yourz. (Jesse M. Gonzalez/City Journals)

What’s your legacy?

During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

Versatile, well-rounded players help launch Cottonwood football into new Class 4A play

To turn around a program, you usually have to start on the defensive side of the football.

But new head coach Donovan Malmrose had a nice head start; he had just the guy to lead the Colts charge into Class 4A.

“Dominic Chidester has been our guy and leader on that side of the ball,” said the Cottonwood coach. “He has a great work ethic and bring us a lot speed to our secondary.”

A senior, Chidester (pronounced KIduh-ster) is not new to Cottonwood; he also led the Colts in tackles [89 total] last year for the team in its last year as an independent. In fact, Chidester was among the top tacklers across all classifications in that category.

Normally, that’s not a good omen for any player in the secondary. It means the other team’s offense has surged past your front seven and into the clear.

But Chidester’s spent twice as many snaps at one position: free safety. In Cottonwood’s defense this year due to a much larger roster, he still leads the Colts in several categories regardless, said Malmrose.

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

“Per game he is our leading tackler with 46, [has the] most interceptions with two, and pass break ups [three] on the season,” said the coach of the player he named team captain. “He’s the player we rely on to always play to his assignment.”

That assignment usually includes slowing down the other team’s best player. But Chidester has been closing on tacklers faster than he was before. It’s a part of his play that the coach attributes to how other coaches on Cottonwood’s staff have molded him—a position Malmrose called “field safety” in which the senior will “make tackles” and “break on routes” opposing receivers who are running.

“I feel our DC (coach AJ Jones) and DB coach Etu Moli have done an excellent job with teaching the scheme and building his confidence,” Malmrose said, whose Colts have yet to win a game after several years as an independent.

If Cottonwood is to win a game this season, support will also come from the play on the offensive line. And it stems from a philosophy that Malmrose picked up from former Colts coaches Casey Mill -

er and Bart Bowen: finding non-traditional football players who possess smarts on and off the field of battle.

“Asher Danner is an undersized offensive lineman for us. He’s not the strongest, fastest, quickest, but he knows our blocking scheme inside and out,” Malmrose said about the 5-foot-8, 202-pound senior Danner, who he added is selfless— almost to a fault.

“He’s always helping the other linemen with their responsibilities, and understands how to use angles to his advantage,” said Malmrose of Danner, who is a member of Cottonwood’s prestigious Academy of Math, Engineering and Science, or AMES, and so might be headed to college for something other than football—"always” grading out as a top O-lineman each week.

Danner’s unselfish play on the line helps open holes for another promising Cottonwood young man who plays both ways even though Sunia Fifita is only a sophomore at the school. Playing both linebacker and running back, Fifita is developing a game that Malmrose called

Virtual Study for Asthma

“well-rounded.”

“He’s capable of rubbing [off from his defender] and catching the ball if needed,” said the Cottonwood coach of the versatile Fifita. “And over the last few weeks he’s really come into his own as a linebacker— being the leading tackler in a few games.”

For the season, Fifita leads Cottonwood in tackles and had an interception against Park City on homecoming, said the coach. Fifita also leads the Colts in rushing yards with 190, averaging nearly 5 yards per carry with three touchdowns heading into Cottonwood’s last two games of the season.

“He is an athlete that we are ecstatic to have for the next few seasons,” Malmrose said.

“Outside of the play on the field all three are amazing kids, always have great grades, and are young men who we are proud of,” Malmrose said. “I would stand by their sides through anything. Just the kind of kids you want and hope to have on your team. Love him and everything they’ve put into our tribe.” l

BE A MEDICAL HERO! JOIN A STUDY TODAY.

KANYOS BIO - CELIAC DISEASE:

This is a two-part study is for adults 18 -70 years old. Which part you are put in will determine how long you will be in the study. It can be either 56 days or 58 weeks long. You must have a diagnosis of Celiac Disease either by a positive celiac serology test or a biopsy and have followed a gluten-free diet for at least 12 months to qualify.

HORIZON - UNCONTROLLED GOUT:

This is a four-part study for adults 18 years and older and can be up to 45 weeks long. You will have 18 visits and you will come to the clinic at least 11 times for blood draws. These visits will be 48 hours before you have the infusion, you will have infusions every week for 22 weeks, and they can take up to 2-3 hours. There is one phone call 30 days after your last infusion. You must have uncontrolled gout defined as meeting the following criteria: (a) you must have an elevated level of uric acid (b) you must maintain the serum acid with Allopurinol at the maximum medically appropriate dose of 300 mg, or with intolerable side effects meaning it didn’t work for you based on medical records or the subject informing us the Allopurinol didn’t work. You must also have one of the following symptoms of gout: The presence of at least one tophus (uric acid builds up around your joints) recurrent flares are defined as 2 or more flares in the past 12 months, or the presence of chronic gouty arthritis.

BATURA AVILLION ASTHMA:

PFIZER CHILD LYME DISEASE VACCINE:

The BATURA Study is now enrolling participants 12 years and older for an asthma research study.

You may qualify for this clinical research study if you:

• Are 12 years of age and older*

• Have had a clinical diagnosis of asthma by a healthcare professional

• Are actively using short-acting beta-agonist inhalers (as-needed rescue inhaler, such as albuterol) to control or reduce asthma symptoms, alone or in combination with either low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (Flovent® , Pulmicort® , or Asmanex®) or leukotriene inhibitor montelukast (Singulair), zileuton (Zyflo®), or zafirlukast (Accolate®)

• Meet additional study criteria

*Parental consent is required for individuals under 18 years of age.

This study is for children 12 years and older who have a diagnosis of Asthma from a prescribing healthcare provider. We will need documentation of diagnosis from medical records or a letter from your child’s physician. You must be capable of signing and understanding the eICF (including assent with parental/legal guardian consent for children ages 12 - 17 years old). Your child must be actively using a SABA (short-acting beta antagonist) alone or SABA on a background of either low-dose ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) or a LTRA (Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists such as Accolate, Montelukast, Singulair, and Zafirlukast. This study is 52 weeks long with 8 virtual visits. You will get paid $50 for each completed visit, and you will make a total of $400 for the study. You and or your child will be required to use the Science 37 app, which can be downloaded on your phone.

This study is for healthy children or children that have stable pre-existing chronic medical conditions. This is a study for children 5 to 17 years old. Children and their parents must be able to attend all appointments and phone calls. This study is 2 years long; there are 6 clinic visits and you will get paid $116 for each, as well as $116 for any unscheduled visits. There are 2 phone calls, and you will get $25 (parents or guardians will get this money) for each of those phone calls, and there is a weekly ediary that you will get paid $10 for upon completion. Parents will get $87.75 for any TeleHealth visits. This study is a 4-dose series; you will get your first 3 doses at your first appointment, your next dose during month 2 and month 3, and then your last dose at 18 months.

This research study is enrolling. Learn more.

October 2023 www.sslc.gov

Cherie Wood, Mayor 801-464-6757 mayor@sslc.gov

South Salt Lake City Council Members

LeAnne Huff, District 1 801-440-8510 lhuff@sslc.gov

Corey Thomas, District 2 801-755-8015 cthomas@sslc.gov

Sharla Bynum, District 3 801-803-4127 sbynum@sslc.gov

Portia Mila, District 4 801-792-0912 pmila@sslc.gov

L. Shane Siwik, District 5 801-548-7953 ssiwik@sslc.gov

Natalie Pinkney, At-Large 385-775-4980 npinkney@sslc.gov

Clarissa Williams, At-Large 505-879-2457 cwilliams@sslc.gov

City Offices

8 am to 5 pm 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 801-464-6757

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

Creating a Successful Housing Plan for Our Future

South Salt Lake understands that how we grow matters! Housing is possibly the most critical issue facing our residents. That’s why our Community and Economic Development Team is taking an in-depth look at our housing options in the City and looking at strategies for how we can better support our residents. The result will be South Salt Lake’s Moderate Income Housing Plan.

Housing stability is vital to a productive, healthy and vibrant community. It’s essential to childhood development, reducing intergenerational poverty, increasing economic mobility, and promoting good physical and mental health. While attainable and affordable housing is a growing regional issue, everyone deserves the warmth and security of a stable house or apartment. Working together, we want to do all we can to make quality and affordable housing available in our city.

For the last several months we’ve been out talking to residents, facilitating focus groups, and conducting a citywide survey to better understand the issues and needs around

housing. Here are a few of the high-level themes we’re hearing from residents like you.

• Protect our existing neighborhoods: maintain the integrity of our neighborhoods.

• Maintain and increase green space: ensure all residents can access parks and open space.

• Encourage the development of new affordable housing: increase the supply of affordable housing in neighborhoods that have access to transit and jobs.

• Offer a variety of housing types: sizes, and prices: to meet the needs of all family sizes.

• Provide programs that help residents overcome financial barriers: deposits, first/last month’s rent, down payments, and low-interest loans.

But before we can create a successful housing plan, we need to hear from you. What’s most important to you in a home? What do you and your family care most about? How is South Salt Lake meeting your current housing needs? Please take a minute to contribute to South Salt Lake’s Future Housing Plan by taking the resident survey at www.ssl.gov/374/Housing-for-all.

Mayor Cherie Wood

Public Meetings

For more info: www.sslc.gov

City Council

Wed, Oct 11, 7 p.m.

Wed, Oct 25, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission

Thu, Oct 5, 7 p.m.

Thu, Oct 19, 7 p.m.

Civilian Review Board

Mon, Oct 2, 6:30 p.m.

City Council - District 1

LeAnne Huff

Jeanette Potter

City Council - District 4

Spooky

House Award is Back!

The South Salt Lake City Council has elected to use the Ranked Choice Voting method with a Primary Election. The following list is the Certification of Candidates by the City Recorder for the 2023 Municipal General Election on November 21, 2023. For additional election information and a list of nearby ballot drop box locations, visit SSLC.gov > Elections.

Portia Mila

Nick Mitchell

City Council - District 5

Paul Sanchez

City Council - At-Large

Conrad Campos

Catherine C. Costanzo

Natalie Pinkney

Help Keep Fall Leaves Out of Storm Drains

Being that it’s Halloween season, please share any home with hauntingly boo-tiful charm. To do so, contact SSL Neighborhoods. 801-464-6757, connect@sslc.gov

Help keep fall debris out of storm drains and from clogging gutters by bagging leaves in your yard. City-provided bags, as well as other small to large plastic garbage bags, may be used to collect your leaves. Bags should not exceed 40 pounds and must contain leaves only. Leave bags will be picked up curbside through the end of November and taken to the landfill for use in their composting program. Any loose piles of leaves or leaf bags heavier than 40 pounds or with non-leaf materials will not be collected. SSL residents may pick up five (5) heavy-duty leaf bags at no cost during October. To get your leaf bags, bring your valid ID with an SSL address to the Public Works building located at 195 W Oakland Ave (2475 South).

South Salt Lake City Council Action Report Summary

Public Safety

Let’s Put a Stop to Domestic Violence: How you can help.

As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is important to spread awareness and provide resources for those who may be affected by domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many people, regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity. We must work together to raise awareness and provide support for victims and survivors.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are resources available to help. Our SSLPD Victim Advocate Team can provide support and connect you with local resources, including shelters

and counseling services. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for confidential support and information. Here in Utah, the Utah Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline is available at 1-800-897-LINK (5465). This hotline can provide information and connect you with local resources, including emergency shelter and legal services. Remember, there is no excuse for abuse. Domestic violence is never acceptable and it is important to speak out and seek help. Together, we can work towards a safer and healthier community.

Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape

Fire Prevention Month seeks to raise awareness about fire safety and home safety to ensure your home and family are prepared in the case of an emergency. This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape” promoting potentially life-saving messages that can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time to escape safely from your home. You may have as little as two minutes to escape from the time your smoke alarm sounds. Developing a home escape plan with all household members and practicing it regularly ensures that everyone knows what to do when the smoke alarm sounds and uses that time wisely.

Create a home escape plan.

• Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible.

• Make sure all doors and windows open quickly.

• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home. Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household.

Install and test smoke alarms.

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home.

• Smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds, they all sound.

• If battery operated, change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving time — when you spring forward or fall back.

Message from SSLFD Chief Terry Addison

Coffee with a Cop

Oct 4, 9-10 a.m.

In-Person

Délice Bakery & Café 2747 S State Street

Business Watch

Oct 5, 5 p.m.

Utah Food Bank 3150 S 900 West

Neighborhood Watch

Oct 5, 7 p.m.

Go to sslc.gov for the virtual link

Volunteer at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center

Want to get involved, donate, or find out more? Let’s point you toward TheRoadHome.org to volunteer!

CALL for Community Volunteers: Get CERT-fied

The SSLFD will sponsor Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in-person free training on Saturday, Nov 4 and 18.

To learn more, visit: sslc.gov239/ Community-Education..

Message from SSLPD Chief Jack Carruth

SL County Senior Center EVENTS FOR OCTOBER 2023

Vaccine Clinic

FLU, COVID-19 & Pneumonia

Thu Oct 5, 10 am to 1 pm

Mind Over Matter (MOM)

Thu, Oct 19, Nov 2, Nov 16 Noon to 2:00 pm

Registration required!

Presentations:

Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program

Friday, Oct 6 at 10:30

Fire Department (Safety related)

Friday, Oct 20 at 10:30 am

Candidate Day

Wed Oct 25 at 10:00 am

Live Entertainment at 10:30 am

Heart & Soul – Oct 4

Rich Dixon – Oct 13

Larry Turner – Oct 18

Choir Performance – Oct 27

Time Steppers – Oct 30

Monthly Blood Pressure Checks with the Fire Department

Every second Wednesday of the month.

Weds, Oct 11 at 9:15 am

Halloween Party

Tues Oct 31 at 10:00 am

Games, Costume Contest, Meal, Movie, etc.

U of U Exercise Class (Strength Training)

Tues & Thu at 10:30 am

From Program Participants to Valued Team Members

As we start off our school year programming, we are thrilled to welcome new team members who have a special connection to our department. Four former program participants from our afterschool programs have joined us this year as staff members with more on the path to becoming employees and several have been with our team for some time now.

At Promise South Salt Lake, we continuously strive to empower, educate, and inspire our community’s youth to help them reach their full potential. Over the years, our afterschool programs have touched the lives of many youth and families, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment to learn, grow, and explore. It brings us immense joy to witness the positive impact our programs have had on these individuals, and it is a full-circle, rewarding moment to see them return to support other youth in the community.

Each of these individuals has a unique story filled with growth, inspiration, and dedication. They walked through our doors as participants and were able to benefit in a way where they can now return to give back to others. Their journeys are a testament to the impact of our afterschool programs and the lasting connections they foster. We couldn’t be prouder to have them on board as they bring their personal experiences, dedication, and insights to our team. Their presence serves as a reminder of the positive ripple effect our programs have.

In Harmony Together: Belonging Begins with Us

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration bringing together people and local events that celebrate and highlight the role communities play in ensuring everyone feels welcome. Whether starting a new job, changing schools, or neighborhoods, we have all experienced moments where we feel we do not belong. For our refugees and new Americans, this experience can last years. But because we all know how it feels to be excluded, we also know how to ensure others belong. When we collectively work towards inclusiveness, communities can better harness the strengths, talents, and contributions of each person to build shared prosperity. This year for Welcoming Week, we declared that ‘Belonging Begins with US’ and that every one of us has the power to help others, regardless of their background, to be seen, embraced, welcomed, and included in our communities.

Promise SSL hosted our annual Welcoming Week event, In Harmony Together, last month. It’s always so great to have our diverse community come together to learn and share. We are amazed by the incredible talent in our community and as always, continue to encourage everyone to get to know your neighbors. You may have more in common than you think and may make a friend along the way.

Some former program participants at the fall Promise all-sta training.

Community Happenings

United Way Day of Caring 2023 —Thank You!!

During the September in Fitts Park, 75+ volunteers from Williams Energy, TreeUtah, AARP and United Way of Salt Lake gathered to plant 12 new trees and remove an impressive number of weeds and invasive plants along the banks of Mill and Spring Creeks. From all who love and enjoy Fitts Park—a huge thank you for your hard work and service to our community.

Beautiful Yard Award Seven Vision Greenways Plan for the Mill Creek

Congrats to both Amber & Jim, thank you for being great neighbors!

An admiring neighbor recently nominated a home on Gregson Ave for a Beautiful Yard Award, and we agree!

Amber and Jim have been residents of South Salt Lake for a few years and purchased a home that was already xeriscaped with several drought-tolerant plants and mulched with wood chips. Irises, yarrow, sage, and rose bushes are well established, offering continuous blooms and color throughout the year. They have a few veggies growing in the front patch and new tree was recently added.

In South Salt Lake, the Mill Creek flows through patches of residential, industrial, and park. The stream is nearly a straight line through the city and much of the channel is reinforced with concrete or completely covers it (like at this parking lot on the corner of 3300 South and 700 East)—devoid of habitat value. Natural stretches of Mill Creek at Fitts Park show promise for wildlife, trails, and community amenities to thrive. To learn more about how you can support and protect waterways in our community, visit sevengreenwaysvisionplan.org.

Good DATA Can Bring Great Changes

Strong neighborhoods are the building blocks of a strong community, but they can’t be strong without resident involvement. FlashVote is a quick and easy way for you to weigh in on local topics that matter most and prioritize our competing needs. FlashVote will regularly call for opinions from a pool of residents to get statistically valid input on topics such as housing, parks, conservation, public safety and more. Its success depends on participation from a wide variety of individuals representing the diversity of our city. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to participate—register at flashvote.com/sslc.

Cottonwood girls volleyball suffers some growing pains with a few more victories

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

Lastmonth, Cottonwood girls volleyball head coach Michaela Hatch got her first win in a preseason game. The Colts then won another.

This month has seen the Colts win their first game as a member of the new Class 4A Region 10, giving the second-year coach her third victory of the season.

That came Sept. 14 in a knock-down, drag-out slugfest at Tooele that saw the Colts win the first game, 25-19—then lose the next two games, 13-25 and 19-25.

Cottonwood [1-7 Region 10, 3-10] eked out a thrilling 25-23 victory to force a deciding game five, which the Colts won 15-12 to get a victory in region play—their first in league action in almost three years.

But as coach Hatch warned last month, this team—and program—are still very much a work in progress.

Evidence of that is being witnessed as Cottonwood continues to go through growing pains in a quest to rebuild this onceproud program.

Along the way to that victory over Tooele, the Colts lost their first five games in Region 10 play in rather dismissive fashion. Three of the five saw Cottonwood get shut out—the Colts lost the other two matches

three games to one.

Cottonwood then lost the next two matches immediately after that win at

Tooele, 3-0.

The good news for the Colts is that the team has senior leadership to carry them

through the difficult days; they’re about halfway into their region season that will end in mid-October. l

Cottonwood High volleyball team won a tight contest against Tooele. (Photo courtesy Michaela Hatch)

HALLOWEEN SECTION

A publication covering local Halloween legends and activities for men, women, and children in the Salt Lake Valley

The scariest way to know what’s most popular this Halloween—with numbers!

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Hit the trifecta this Halloween by giving out M&M’S (or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) to the trickor-treaters while wearing a scary (but unique) costume in between catching glimpses of one of the Halloween franchise movies on your television screen. (“Halloween Ends” is the most recently released movie in the franchise, but “Halloween: Resurrection” (2002) and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers” (1995) (filmed in Utah!) seem to be most adored by fans.)

If you’re wondering what type of candy variety pack to pick up from the store for the Trick-or-Treaters this year, go with the chocolate. Specifically, M&M’S, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats tend to be the most sought-after candy choice.

Some 1,188 participants (based in the United States) were surveyed during an online study conducted in October 2021. Participants were asked which candy they liked better during head-tohead match-ups of 76 different sugary items.

M&M’S topped out by being the favorite of the online voting base with 76.1%. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups came in at 74.4%. Kit Kats received 72.8% of the vote, with Peanut M&M’S not trailing too far behind with a 72.4%. Butterfinger was the last of the 70 with 70.9% of the vote.

The remaining candies to make up the top 10 favorite Halloween treats (scoring between 67.1% and 68.8%) included Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Hershey’s and Reese’s Pieces.

In case you were curious about the top 20: coming in at being the favorite between 57.5% and 65.5% of the online surveyed population were Hershey’s

Kisses, Dove Dark Chocolate Bar, 3 Musketeers, Dove Milk Chocolate Bar, Krackel, Crunch, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth, Starbursts, and Andes Chocolate Mints.

Another study conducted in 2020 broadly backs up the claim to fame for chocolate. Some 13,852 participants were surveyed about their various Halloween preferences in September 2020.

Out of those 13,852 (United States) adults, 88% reported that they would be buying chocolate candy. Forty-two percent reported that they would be buying candy that was either chewy or fruity, with 40% reporting they’d be buying caramel candy, and 37% reporting lollipop purchases. Further, 36% of respondents reported they’d be buying sour gummies, 28% would be looking specifically for candy corn, 25% would by buying taffy, 20% would be buying nut-filled candy and 12% would be buying either gum or mints.

Overall, most (United States) adults purchased candy for their trick-or-treaters (71%). But! Twenty-nine percent of adults still purchased healthy alternatives like carrot snack bags, trail mix, or toothbrushes to throw in amongst the candy. But! You can’t just give out the most desirable candy and be the favorite Halloween house around. You have to dress the part!

A study conducted in 2017 by aytm, a market research company, encourages people to dress as scary imposters. A thousand (American) adults were surveyed during September 2017. Survey results were compared with secondary research of search trends from Pinterest and Lyst as well as predictions from USA Today.

Some 24.4% of Halloween costumes were described as being scary, with 20.3% described as sexy. Other

descriptions of costumers that didn’t score as high were cute, funny, weird/ creative, classy/sophisticated, and other. The most frequent costumers of 2017 including Pennywise the Clown, a witch, Wonder Woman, a “Game of Thrones” character and a zombie.

Echoing the sentiment, a 2021 study surveying 2,312 (United States) adults encourages people to pick classic Halloween costumes like ghosts and witches, as that’s what 20.81% of respondents chose to do.

Even if you’re still unsure what to dress up as this year, absolutely don’t go as an athlete, clown, pumpkin, ghost or cat. Survey results show that we’re all too tired of those costumes.

And be yourself! The 2021 study reported that only 10.57% of people coordinated their costume with another person.

While you’re waiting for trick-ortreaters with your M&M’S and scary costume, you may as well spend you time watching the most preferable scary/Halloween movie.

According to an online survey conducted in October 2022, 56% of 2,210 (United States) adults reported “Halloween” as their favorite horror movie franchise. “Friday the 13th” just about tied with a rounded 56% as well. “Nightmare

on Elm Street” came in closely after those two with 54%.

“Halloween Ends” ranked as the fifth top grossing horror movie in the U.S. and Canada in 2022 at $81 million, according to data collected and published in January 2023.

Plus! Halloween 2023 is anticipated to see the most participation and attendance in the last decade. According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, 73% of (United States) adults will participate in Halloween activities this year. The last time over 70% of the population participated in Halloween actives was in 2017 when 71.7% of adults participated in spooky fun.

What will we be doing? About 67% of us will be handing out candy (hopefully those chocolate bites!). Fifty-one percent of us will be decorating our homes and yards (this reporter’s decorations have been up for two weeks now). Forty-seven percent of us will dress in costume. Forty-four percent of us will carve a pumpkin (you got this one). Twenty-eight percent of us will throw or attend a Halloween party. And 20% of us will dress up a pet (this reporter’s fur baby rocks her pumpkin costume). l

Responses to the question “What Halloween costume(s) are you sick of seeing every year?” (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Edwards and Katelyn Shaaf/HalloweenCostumes)

Draper families transform their yards into Halloween destinations

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

No other state gets into the spirit of Halloween like Utah. A recent three-year study of Google search terms and homeowner survey by Lombardo Homes revealed that Utahns lead the nation in decorating for Halloween. Across the state, people transform their yards and gardens into supernatural realms filled with animated creepy characters, spooky lighting, fog machines and all manner of things that go bump in the night.

The most elaborate of these homemade “spook alleys” attract visitors from all over and become neighborhood gathering places on Halloween. For years, three families in Draper in particular have shared their passion for the spine-chilling and spooktacular with the community through their immersive yard displays.

Larsen Manor

“We build stuff all year long,” LaDawn Larsen said. “It’s a construction project when it starts. It takes over everything.” LaDawn and her husband, Steve, transform the grounds of their home at 1871 Flat Bear Circle into “Larsen Manor” for the month of October. Visitors to Larsen Manor can walk around the yard where a giant pumpkin-head creature with burning eyes watches over a graveyard and skeletons appear to march out of a mausoleum.

“Steve and I got married 11 years ago. He got drawn into the Halloween craziness and it got bigger,” LaDawn said with a smile.

Halloween is a special holiday for the couple. As a firefighter in Magna, Steve used to dress up as a cyclops and ride the fire truck handing out candy on Halloween. LaDawn has cherished memories of trick or treating in Sandy as a child and enjoyed decorating and throwing Halloween parties as an adult. The pair got engaged at TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis.

“We really like to mix things up,” Steve said. “This year we’ll have armies of the dead. A mad scientist scene will be the feature.” The Larsens also plan to transform their 12-foot skeleton into the mummy of King Tut.

“A little girl who likes to come every year said that we needed more jump scares,” LaDawn said. “So we did. We have a pumpkin that opens up and comes alive. We’re trying to do more of those things.” She added that their display is not gory. “We don’t have our own children that are here so we do this for other peoples’ kids.”

The appreciation they receive from visitors to Larsen Manor is a major inspiration for LaDawn and Steve. They plan to open their yard display on Oct. 6 but will have to close it before Halloween this year on Oct. 28, for work-related reasons.

The Haunted Haven

Tifini Folkersen’s love for Halloween is a longstanding family tradition. Her mother, Jodi Tebbs, decorated her childhood home at a time when Halloween decorations weren’t quite as popular as they are today. Tebbs’ parents loved the holiday as well. “My mom’s dad would dress up like a werewolf, in full theatrical makeup. He’d run around the neighborhood and scare people,” she said.

A trellis over the front walk leading to the Folkersen’s house at 1338 Hana Court is entwined with skulls and grimacing skeletons. “Our decorations are never the same,” Folkersen said. “It changes from year to year as the kids grow.”

Tebbs and Folkersen explained that their décor came out of a desire to make Halloween an interactive experience for the children in the family. The yard display features little vignettes that relate to members of the family. When Folkersen’s son, Kolsyn, went to his senior prom, they put up dancing skeletons in the display. “Last year, Kolsyn went to the U so we had a University of Utah-themed skeleton area,” Tebbs said.

“We make it family friendly,” Folkersen said. “It’s fun and spooky, not too scary.” On Halloween night, she and her husband, Lynn, give out candy and run the technical aspects of things. Tebbs enjoys mingling with the visitors.

This year the family is planning a ghosts in the graveyard theme. “Once I come up with a theme, we figure out what we want to add and build,” Folkersen said. “We’ve been collecting for 30 years and building. There are memories attached to each decoration.”

Building the displays is a labor of love for the family and they enjoy watching visitors react to their handiwork. “It’s cute seeing all the people having fun,” Folkersen said. “People stay and have a good time.” She said that her neighbors having been getting into the Halloween spirit with their own decorations as well.

Folkersen plans to have her display ready for the first weekend in October. It is open to visitors every night from when darkness falls to 10:30 p.m. She said, “We tell people, when they hear the witches cackle, it’s time to go home.”

The Farr family’s “Southfork Sanitarium” is located at 927 E. Southfork Drive in Draper. The decorations are up throughout October. (Photo by Farris Gerard)

A pumpkin-headed monster towers over “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by Steve Larsen)

Southfork Sanitarium

Dan and Stephanie Farr explained that "love for the neighborhood" was the inspiration behind their yard display. "I loved it in our old neighborhood when our neighbor would have a Halloween potluck," Stephanie said. The Farrs started out serving chili and hot dogs to their neighbors on Halloween night and set up a "spook alley" in their yard. The spook alley got more elaborate every year and evolved into "Southfork Sanitarium."

"Dan got started with the life-sized monsters," Stephanie said. He became

hooked on Halloween after a trip to a friend's Halloween store. About 15 years ago he joined the Rocky Mountain Haunters group.

“I geek out on Halloween,” Dan said. "I love entertainment and doing stuff that makes people happy.” That same passion inspired Farr to become the founder and producer of FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention. Soon after the convention ends in late September, the Farrs start putting out the monsters.

The family has built up a collection of props that would fit in at any commercial haunted house. Some have been

created by professional monster makers. Dan has acquired a few creatures, including a giant animated demon, from his friend, Dick Van Dyke. The actor enjoys putting up an elaborate Halloween display for trick or treaters at his home in Malibu, California.

Other supernatural scares are homemade. Dan constructed Stephanie's favorite, a glowing ghost on a pulley that appears to hover in the window over the front door. "I don't like gore, I like spooky fun and jump scares," she said.

The Farrs' display has attracted attention beyond their neighborhood.

"There have been years that we've been in the news," Dan said. "A lot of people will come in from other areas."

Stephanie explained that this year's haunt might not be quite as over-thetop. "We used to have our sons and their friends help set everything up, but they're grown up now," she said. "We've had to simplify."

Still, monsters will appear once again at 927 E. Southfork Drive this month. "The neighborhood kids love it!" Stephanie said. Dan added, "We just can't stop!" l

Steve and LaDawn Larsen put personal touches on their Halloween display. “Larsen Manor” will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

When their youngest son went to college, the Folkersen family put up a “U” themed vignette with skeletons as part of their Halloween display. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

The cackling of the witch tells visitors that it’s time to go home at the Folkersen family’s Halloween display in Draper. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

In this photo from 2021, a skeletal procession was on display at “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

Double, double, toil and trouble: Murray Haunted Woods spells fun and funds for families

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

For over 50 years, Murray Haunted Woods has been a tradition in the local community, but it's more than just a seasonal attraction. It serves a dual purpose, both as a family-oriented entertainment venue and as a fundraiser for noble causes, primarily focused on the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

Originally managed by Murray City until 2010, the Haunted Woods faced potential discontinuation due to budget cuts. However, the Murray Exchange Club and Youth Council stepped in to take over the event. "During the economic turn, the city needed to cut back. When they cut this event, the citizens responded with an adamant ‘No, we need to keep this. It’s tradition and family-oriented,'" Sheri Van Bibber of the Murray Exchange Club said.

The event has always had a charitable edge. "Our Exchange Clubs across the valley all participate. We contribute funds to different groups, past examples include YWCA, Taylorsville Family Center, Midvale Family Center, Boys & Girls Clubs, Victims’ Advocates of SLC and several more," Van Bibber said.

The Murray Haunted Woods has adapted to the changing times, especially in the era of COVID-19. "We almost shut down, but public input encouraged us to continue," Van Bibber said. "We met all health requirements and have since added double the availability. People can buy tickets online or at the gate." The event also complies with all city and county standards to ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees.

Interactive elements have become an integral part of the event. "We want the wait in line to be just as much fun as the actual tour through the Woods," Van Bibber said. Performances from the West High Drill Team, appearances by the Ghost Busters Team and their iconic car, and multiple interactive activities are designed to keep visitors entertained throughout.

However, creating such an event does not come without challenges. "We spend months preparing, so logistics are always a challenge," Van Bibber said. In addition to dealing with increasing amounts of props that now require rented storage space, the event must adapt to changes in the city's infrastructure. "Last year, the challenge was the pavilion being rebuilt; this year, it was a new addition to the city's warehouse," she said. Despite these hurdles, Van Bibber assured that "everyone has been working together to make it possible."

Being an outdoor event, weather is a significant concern, but the organizers are undeterred. "We have run the woods in wind, rain, snow, hail, 11 degrees; it just adds to the ambiance," Van Bibber said.

She also mentioned the valuable assistance from local police and fire departments in ensuring that the event setup remains secure overnight.

As for the experience itself, the Haunted Woods offers something for every age group. "We start in the daylight with the 'Silly Trails'—the music and characters are fun and entertaining. As the sun goes down, the energy in the woods shifts, and so do the characters," Van Bibber said. A safety feature, a "Safe Code" called “Ghouls Be Gone,” is in place if anyone finds the experience too intense.

Although there have been discussions about extending the traditional three-day schedule, limitations arise. "People have asked us to run all month, at least a week, or even move to the weekend," Van Bibber said. However, due to logistical issues related to volunteer availability, "we have found it best to leave things as they are."

This year's event includes several noted attractions. "The football team playing ball in the woods as scarecrows is always entertaining," Van Bibber said, "and the polo team playing on land along with Madame Leota is new this year."

Regarding the trail designs, Van Bibber said, "We always look at it with fresh eyes every year. There's a 'Light Show' crafted by Jeff Evans and music and design by Andy and Jeleigh Evans from Murray High."

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments in running the event. "One of our first years we had three fog machines, and it was so humid that the whole park filled up with fog. The Fire Department kept getting calls that the park was on fire," Van Bibber said. In another instance, "One year, it was thundering and snowing, and we were all covered with snow. The kids had a riot, and no one wanted to leave."

Volunteers from the Murray Youth Council and the Exchange Clubs are vital. "There’s a lot of leadership involved, and we have amazing kiddos," Van Bibber said. Local businesses like K Real Estate and AAA Restoration play significant roles behind the scenes. "Our Murray businesses are the reason we are still here. We are always open to our business family and look forward to more partnerships in the future.”

The event runs Oct. 23-25 at Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.) on the south side of the outdoor swimming pool in pavilion 5. Visitors can choose the Silly Trail for younger guests from 5:30-7 p.m. or the Scary Trail from 7-9 p.m. for the more adventurous. Tickets are $5. Visit MurrayHauntedWoods.com for tickets and more information. l

Two ghosts dance in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A zombie startles visitors in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A witch greets small visitors on the Silly Trail of the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

Untangling the Madness: Why Trimlight is the Ultimate Holiday Hack

The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the timeless tradition of adorning our homes with festive lights. You’re likely familiar with the routine – unearthing boxes of tangled lights, grappling with a ladder that seems determined to defy you, and attempting to transform your residence into a shimmering winter wonderland. It’s all fun and games until you’re knee-deep in a web of extension cords, pondering the choices that brought you here. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a better way – outdoor permanent holiday lights from Trimlight.

they’ve staged a revolt, protesting against your decorating skills. You become a detective, tracking down the rogue bulb that’s sabotaging your holiday dreams. Just when you think you’ve triumphed, a gust of wind turns your carefully placed lights into a chaotic display of brilliance.

And let’s not forget the extension cords. You weave and wind them through your yard like a mad scientist setting up an experiment. And guess what? They have a mind of their own. They tangle, twist, and trip you up in a game of holiday-themed Twister.

The Drama of Hanging Holiday Lights

Picture this: You’re in your front yard, armed with a string of lights that may have been plotting against you in the attic for the past year. You attempt to untangle them, or at least you try. Suddenly, you nd yourself locked in a wrestling match with a stubborn knot that refuses to let go. This is where the adventure begins.

But that’s not all! You embark on a ladder-climbing odyssey, channeling your inner acrobat as you teeter on the edge of catastrophe. The ground seems to disappear into the distance, and you ponder the cosmic signi cance of your holiday decorating decisions. In that moment, the ladder is not just a ladder; it’s a perilous gateway to a realm of festive uncertainty.

Now, the real challenge begins. You plug in your lights, and behold – a quarter of them refuse to illuminate. It’s as if

By now, your ngers are either frozen or numb, and you’re seriously reconsidering the merits of holiday cheer. You might even have a breakdown amidst the holiday lights, swearing to never repeat this ordeal—until next year, of course.

The Brilliant Solution: Trimlight’s Permanent Holiday Lights

Now, imagine this instead: You’re sipping hot cocoa, snug inside your warm home. With the touch of a button or automated schedule, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame. No battles with knots, no precarious ladder ascents, no detective work, and no expeditions in sub-zero temperatures.

Outdoor permanent holiday lights are your comedic relief in this festive chaos. It’s akin to having a team of holiday magic-makers who turn your home into a dazzling masterpiece with a simple press. You can change colors, craft patterns, set schedules, and adjust brightness—all from your cozy couch.

Meanwhile, your neighbors are outside, grappling with their lights and cursing their extension cords. You, on the other hand, get to relax and savor the spectacle. You’ve outwitted the holiday lighting madness, and you’re relishing every moment.

In summary, the holidays should be a time of joy, not a test of your patience and ladder-climbing skills. Trimlight’s outdoor permanent holiday lights are the ultimate holiday hack, sparing you from the chaos and transforming your home into a yearround holiday haven. Embrace the brilliance of permanent holiday lights and leave the comedy to the experts – and maybe even enjoy a chuckle or two as you witness the chaos unfold elsewhere! Happy Almost Holidays!

Trimlight is the industry leader in outdoor permanent holiday & accent lighting and nobody helps more Utah homeowners than Trimlight. To learn more about Trimlight, or to schedule a free estimate visit trimlight.com/saltlake, or call 801-382-8746.

With the touch of a button, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame.

The Truth is Out There

Depending on who you ask, aliens have either 1) frequently visited our planet, 2) never visited our planet, or 3) are currently running our planet.

It’s been quite a year for Unidentified Flying Objects, which are now called Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. (Tomayto, tomahto.) These “extraterrestrial” vessels made the news, created a TikTok channel and had their own congressional hearing.

In early 2023, the Air Force started blasting weather balloons out of the sky. Although weather balloons have been used since 1896, it’s only in the last year the balloons became malicious enough to be shot down. It’s definitely American to shoot first and never ask questions.

It reminds me of the 1978 video game Space Invaders, where the goal was to blast UFOs out of the atmosphere before they reached Earth. Whether the current UAPs were peace emissaries from Alpha Centauri or galactic multi-level-marketing sales-aliens, we’ll never know.

Look at it this way. If you launched a celebratory lightspeed rocket on the day Jesus was born, it would still be in the Milky Way Galaxy, even traveling for 2,000 years at the speed of light. So if a flying saucer made its way across its galaxy and our galaxy, it would take hundreds of thousands of light years to reach us, only to be casually shot down by an F-22.

Maybe they were on their way to teach

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

us how to travel at lightspeed, how to create a functional Congress or how to evolve so our skin glows in the dark. We’ll never know.

UFO sightings occur all over the world, but the U.S. has the most interaction with aliens. The Roswell crash in 1947 was the first “flying saucer” wreckage that authorities said was a UFO, then it was a weather balloon, then it was Carl’s tractor from down the road and then it was the remnants of an atomic test, which didn’t make anyone feel better.

Air Force pilots share stories of strange objects in the sky, security cameras capture “meteors” and eerie lights, and there was a congressional hearing to talk about what the government isn’t telling us. Spoiler alert: the government keeps a lot of secrets.

Many people are convinced the pyramids were built with alien technology. Some people think UFOs travel the world making intricate designs in crops, kind of like alien graffiti. Others point out the first microchip was created just 10 years after the Roswell crash. Coincidence?

Hmmmm.

Records from Rome (AD 65) and Ireland (AD 740) document chariots flying through the clouds or ships floating in the air, filled with people. Too bad there wasn’t an F-22 to shoot them down.

“War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells was written in the late 1890s. It was one of the first novels that detailed an alien invasion on Earth. People lost their minds when Orson Welles dramatized it on a 1938 radio show.

I’m not saying UFOs are real. I’m not saying they’re not. But sightings have increased, usually in the form of an orb, a disc, a triangle,

a cylinder, an egg, a toaster, a VW Bug or other random shapes.

I’ve been saying for years that Earth is a hit reality show in the universe and little green men (or blue or white or gray) watch the hilarious antics on our dumpster fire of a planet while eating alien popcorn.

It’s pretty egocentric of us to think we’re the only planet with intelligent life. And I use the word “intelligent” lightly. I hope somewhere in the universe there’s a planet where the inhabitants live in peace and work together to create new ideas. I just hope they don’t come here. We’ll shoot them out of the sky.l

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