Sugar House December 2016

DECEMBER 2016 | Vol. 2 Iss. 12

Christmas!

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By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

PAGE 12

Jon Puskar of the Utah Grizzlies stands with group leaders and students of the Beacon Heights Elementary after-school program. (Elsa Davis/Salt Lake City School District)

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 2 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Sharing the season of giving at Sugar House Coffee

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com The Sugar House City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Sugar House.

For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.

For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.

The Sugar House Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974

In Sugar House an organization called Zion Curtain Sisters, a chapter of the worldwide organization Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, is helping out the Utah Aids Foundation (UAF) by putting together a food drive called “Home For the Holidays.”

The organization has found three locations that will be accepting donations until December 16, one of which is Sugar House Coffee.

“We have organized this food drive on behalf of the UAF food bank,” Sister Spyd’a Webb, the president of Zion Curtain Sisters, said, “We will accept human food, animal food, hygiene items, pet supplies and other items.”

Every year the UAF gives out baskets of food to new patients who need food during the holidays.

This year the UAF was unsure if they would have enough baskets because of how many new patients they have received. The Zion

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Steve Hession steve@mycityjournals.com 801-433-8051 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com

Zion Curtain Sisters reached out to Sugar House Coffee to help with a food drive.

(Natalie Mollinet/The City Journals)

Curtain Sisters stepped up and reached out to Sugar House Coffee who said they would be willing to offer a place where people could drop off items both for humans and animals.

“Anything helps,” Webb said.

“Most of them have pets also, so a box of food or treats for dogs and cats can help.”

Baskets are distributed throughout the holiday season starting on November 23rd, just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

They come with a ham or turkey, sides, and treats for animals. Webb said that even if someone doesn’t have big items, that cans of food or really anything can go into the baskets.

According to the state’s website on AIDS and HIV, as of December 2014 almost 3,000 people in Utah were diagnosed with HIV. Webb was told by the UAF that the number of new patients has increased, so the Zion Curtain Sisters came in to help.

“We found out they had an influx of new patients and they are not sure if there is enough to give everyone a holiday basket this year,” Webb said. So the Zion Curtain Sisters asked if Sugar House Coffee would help.

“Why would we say no?”

Emily Potts, the co-owner of Sugar House Coffee, said, “We are happy to help.”

Sugar House Coffee at 2011 South 1100 East has received some donations but feels that they could get more if people put the

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The Zion Curtain Sisters reached out to Sugar House Coffee to help with donations for the UAF and their holiday food drive. (Natalie Mollinet/The City Journals)

word out on social media. There is already a Facebook page called “Home for the Holidays” that can be found easily with a search. The two other locations where food can be dropped off in Salt Lake are The Dog Show at 1508 South and 1500 East, and Center for Spiritual Living at 332 Bugatti Ave. “We are also trying to help the people that donate food to support the businesses the barrels are at,” Kirk Critchlow-Speth, a member of Zion Curtain Sisters, said.

The holidays can be a struggle for many and sometimes a good meal can make all the difference.

Sugar House Coffee is happy to be

a part of the donations and hopes that as the weather gets colder and the spirit of the season starts coming around, more people will come to donate.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Potts said. “We need to spread the love in our community now more than ever. We all get so busy and forget that there are people that need something from all of us, whether it’s an ear to listen, a hug or a food to help provide a warm meal. We all need help sometimes and if by having the bin helps those in need, than I see no reason not to have that available at Sugar House Coffee.” 

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 3

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 4 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

The ideal coffee abode Where’s the right Sugar House place for you?

By Lauren Wester | l.wester@mycityjournals.com

Interior of Alchemy Coffee

Interior of Jitterbug Coffee Hop

Y

ou walk in a coffee shop, books in hand, ready to study, but the noisy crowd and lack of cozy seating ruins your study session. You meet with a friend to catch up, but the coffee shop is so quiet you can hear the person next to you typing on their computer...and they can hear everything you say.

Finding the wrong coffee shop can wreck your day or your date.

Coffee shops may be perfect for studying, meeting friends, first dates and relaxing, but which Sugar House place matches your needs? We sipped on numerous lattes and people watched to find the perfect coffee abode for you.

Alchemy Coffee

This Sugar House staple offers a quiet ambience. The mood is low key, creating a calm study environment and a place for relaxed conversation. Although there is a back room for larger groups, the front of the store envelops the cozy and eccentric décor.

You’ll find Day of the Dead-type décor mixed with velvety chairs, vintage lighting and exposed brick walls. Somehow they made this quirky combination flow effortlessly, lending to a warm and inviting space.

Another feature we love about Alchemy is their coffee consistency. The frothed milk and balance between bitter and sweet is just right each time they make a beverage. If you’re a slight coffee snob, you won’t be disappointed ordering at Alchemy.

What to order: A flat white or chai frap.

A flat white with cardamom is barista Soren Green’s favorite drink. Alchemy’s flat white is made with half and half in an 8 oz. mug. “It’s the epitome of a nice coffee shop drink and it’s very creamy,” Green said. The cardamom is something Green adds for extra exotic flavor.

The most popular selling drink is their chai frap. It’s blended with chai, banana, honey, cinnamon, milk and ice.

Where the beans are sourced: Salt Lake Roasting Company Uniqueness: Quirky décor and open mic night every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. M,W,Th,F,Sat., 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tues., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sun. Busy Time: 8 to 10 a.m. weekdays, varies on weekends

Interior of Red Moose Coffee

Jitterbug Coffee Hop

This unique 1950s-themed coffee shop is great for group meetings and playing music. Bruce Holt, owner of Jitterbug Coffee Hop, even has a tower of amps in the corner of the shop with electric guitars ready to go.

Holt worked for the music industry for 20 years. He showed us pictures of himself with famous musicians, explaining why music was a big part of his shop. “I first got into music when I watched the Beatles play on TV. My parents thought they were radical with their long hair and music, but I loved it,” Holt said.

When we asked how many patrons play the guitars he said as long as they know how to take care of the guitar, they can play. We’re pretty sure he wouldn’t have a problem with you bringing in a guitar of your own as well.

So if you want to play some music and enjoy good company, the Jitterbug Coffee Hop is the right place to go.

What to order: The Bug Juice.

Don’t worry, it’s not real bug juice, but it is a bit of a secret and is off the menu. It’s also their best seller. The bug juice tastes like a rich, smooth latte with a hint of sweetness. We won’t tell you much more because it will ruin the surprise.

Where the beans are sourced: Star Mountain Roasters Uniqueness: 1950s diner décor and a music corner Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. Busy Time: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. M-F, varies on Sunday

Red Moose Coffee

When you walk in Red Moose Coffee it feels like you’ve walked into a warm mountain cabin. The place is ideal for meeting up with friends and family, especially out-of-town guests who want the Utah mountain vibe without heading to 8,000 feet.

“I hope people feel welcomed and that they are having a unique experience. It’s a little hidden here and feels homey and comfortable,” Kaitlyn Pusey, barista at Red Moose Coffee, said.

People come for the scones and breakfast burritos but stay for the atmosphere and creamy mochas.

What to order: A cinnamon Americano or Milky Way mocha.

Pusey’s favorite drink at Red Moose Coffee is a cinnamon Americano and the most popular item is the Milky Way mocha.

The Milky Way mocha is a latte infused with chocolate, caramel

Interior of Sugar House Coffee

and vanilla.

Where the beans are sourced: Meridian Uniqueness: A mountain cabin feel and food made from scratch Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. M-F, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sun. Busy Time: 7 to 10 a.m. M-F, varies on weekends

Sugar House Coffee

You’ll walk into an artsy, bustling shop with big windows and a diverse clientele. This place is perfect for meeting up with friends and studying late at night (they’re open until midnight Mon.-Sat.). Although Sugar House Coffee is not as quiet as other coffee shops, you’ll find many students studying with headphones or using the occasional live jazz music as background motivation music.

We’ve seen first dates, reunions, and studying at Sugar House Coffee. Due to the diverse multi-function uses, it can get a bit crowded, but securing your seat, then ordering is worth the step.

“This is the ‘Cheers’ of coffee shops where everyone knows your name. It’s a community within a community,” Emily Potts, co-owner of Sugar House Coffee, said. Potts continued the legacy of her father, Bob Evans, by keeping Sugar House Coffee a safe place for people to go and enjoy each other’s company.

What to order: The Rise and Shine smoothie or the Karmel Sutra latte.

The rise and shine smoothie is Potts’ favorite beverage at Sugar House Coffee. “With cold brew, a vegan protein, peanut butter and chocolate, how can you go wrong,” Potts said.

The Karmel Sutra is the most popular item and a fan favorite for 14 years. It’s made of caramel, white chocolate, milk and espresso.

Where the beans are sourced: Rimini Uniqueness: Open late, kombucha and ginger beer on tap and art gallery on the walls each month Hours: 6 a.m. to midnight M-F, 7 a.m. to midnight Sat., 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sun. Busy Time: 8:30 to 11 a.m. M-F, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thurs. 

LOCAL LIFE

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 5

The Habit gives back to heroic employee

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

M

oments to become a hero don’t come often, but for Keenan Pearson that moment came on I-80 up Parley’s Summit early in the morning of October 9.

Pearson works as an assistant manager at The Habit Burger Grill in Sugar House and was on his way home to Coalville when the car in front of him hit black ice and lost control. The car hit the barricade on the left side of the road and bounced back into traffic causing his car to hit the vehicle. Keenen got out of his car and tried to help the first car get out of the road.

“The driver of the first vehicle had a flashlight,” Jay Telladira, Keenan’s father-in-law said, “so she was trying to signal other vehicles to avoid any further accident while Keenan was trying to see if he could get both vehicles off the road until police arrived.”

While Pearson was working to get the cars out of the way a third vehicle hit the ice and spun toward the driver of the first vehicle. The driver was stunned but Pearson went into action, pushing the first driver out of the way just as the third vehicle pinned his legs against the first vehicle.

“Well, all three vehicles had been totaled out,” Telladira said.

“The Utah Highway Patrol officer who responded said Keenan was a hero and more than likely saved the life of the first driver.”

Keenan was sent to the University Of Utah Hospital and after several hours of surgery, doctors said that his right leg would have to be amputated.

Pearson’s left leg had been broken from the crash and due to swelling, doctors had to replace a vein so blood would be able to

Keenan and wife Rebecka with their children are happy that they have The Habit Burger Grill backing them up. (Rebecka Pearson/ Wife of Keenan Pearson)

reach the foot. Pearson has had six surgeries and more surgeries are scheduled.

Telladira said, “Keenan is married and has two year old and a 10-month old. His wife Becky stays home with the kids, and it will be a long time before Keenan will be able to return to work.”

The Habit in Sugar House, where Pearson works, wanted to give back to their heroic employee, so the store used their profits on October 17 to help with expenses for Pearson and his family. Approximately $3,000 was raised between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Having the Habit Burger family behind us was a huge relief,” Keenan’s wife Rebecka said. “I am so glad they found him and vice versa. I definitely believe things happen for a reason, and The Habit was supposed to be in our lives when they did.”

Many people from the Sugar House area came to support the cause. The Habit Burger employees said it was awesome to help Pearson and his family not only because of his heroic act but because he’s a very giving person.

“Hearing that he got injured from helping others was not a shock to us,” Telladira said. “Seeing what he has gone through and what lies ahead is eye opening. Keenen doesn’t regret one bit of what happened to him, and if you ask him ‘would you do it again?’ his reply would be, ‘of course I would.’”

Telladira says Pearson isn’t used to staying in bed and feels like he should be at work. Rebecka told The Journal that as of November 3, he had to have surgery on his right leg due to an infection and may need to stay longer in the hospital. But despite everything, the Pearson family is relieved to have some help from The Habit.

“The donations have helped so much,” Rebecka said. “It’s one less thing to worry about while Keenan gets better. We still have a house to live in and we can still buy groceries and equipment for him, not to mention gas to get down and see him.”

“Hats off to The Habit Burger and Grill,” Telladira said.

“Our thanks to all the people who showed up to help out Keenan, and our deepest gratitude to those who have donated to the Go Fund Me account.” 

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 6 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Sugar House Farmers Market extends into holiday season

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

T

he warm weather may be gone, but the Sugar House Farmers Market is still here and with a new name – Sugar House Holiday Farmers Market. The winter location is at Wilmington Plaza on Wilmington Avenue in the same area as Spitz restaurant.

“The holiday market focuses on providing an outlet for local vendors to continue selling their products throughout the holiday season,” Natalie McHale, who manages the market, said.

“Our goal is to be a one-stop shop to support local during the gift-giving season.”

Even though most produce will be gone with the cold weather, McHale said that a majority of the vendors sell already prepared food such as salsas and seasonings. Many items will also include food and art perfect for the holidays.

Area shops are contributing to the market too. In fact, it was the owners of the Wilmington Plaza that asked for the holiday market to set up shop there. The management thought that it would be a great addition to their location and it’s not only helping the businesses around there, it’s helping the vendors as well.

“It is often difficult for vendors to find consistent places to sell their products once the summer season ends,” McHale said. “So we are very excited that we are able to provide a weekly location to have their services and products

noticed.”

The vendors provide their products and some even provide music. The first holiday market was held November 2 and included such vendors at Winder Farms, Garden Goodies, Bubble & Brown Bakery, Jenny Handel Art and Oh My Good. Live music was sponsored

by Winder Farms and local band Greenmont played. As long as the weather holds, there will be live music.

The market also gives area businesses the opportunity to share their products. McHale said that they are working closely with the businesses in Wilmington Plaza and restaurant such as Spitz, Somi and Traeger Grills.

“Spitz will be offering $5 street cart fries and Somi a free starter with an entrée purchased each Wednesday during the market,” McHale said. “Traeger Grills also donated a fire pit that will be used each week to help keep everyone warm.”

For kids visiting the market, Indulge Eats sells items for s’mores to roast over the pit. One of the vendors also sells child specific products such as books and clothes.

McHale said the market aims to help people shop local. The market is a non-profit and relies solely on sponsors and donors. Vendors who want to participate pay a fee to put up shop but

The Holiday Farmers Market vendors sell a variety of things from clothes to baked goods. (Andrew Mollinet/Sugar House citizen)

according to McHale all the money goes back into advertising for it. All the people who help manage the market are volunteers.

McHale said, “Since it is a smaller market, it’s also a great opportunity to get to know the vendors and understand where the products are coming from. They each have amazing stories and passion for what they do. Attending markets

as a vendor on top of full-time jobs is not easy work, but they all show up each with great enthusiasm.”

The Holiday Market runs from 4-8 p.m. every Wednesday until December 21 excluding November 23. People interested in becoming a vendor can email SHFMmanager@gmail.com. 

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LOCAL LIFE

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 7

Faces and Places

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

Janeil Peterson

Kari Peterson

I like Christmas music, and just being with family and the food.

I love Christmas songs, Christmas carols. I start the day after Halloween – November 1 — Christmas music begins and goes on until January 1. I think that’s probably my favorite part.

130 Years

OF TRUST Taking Care of YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS

Santa Shack

Since 1947 the Santa Shack has been a tradition in Sugar House. Many residents have been able to sit on Santa’s lap and some bring their grandchildren back to share the memory of the Santa Shack. Every year Santa arrives in a classy way. In 1952 he arrived on a horse drawn sleigh, and in 1962 he arrived by helicopter. This year Santa will arrive at Sugarmont Plaza the Saturday after Thanksgiving in a fire engine.

The Santa Shack has been moved around Sugar House, with its original home by the Sugar House Monument, then to Shopko in 1993, back onto the Plaza, then finally to where it is now at Sugarmont. But even though the Santa Shack moves around Santa has been able to find it every year thanks to all the children, pets and families that visit him.

In 2002 the Santa Shack needed major improvements,

so much that when they picked it up the bottom fell out. In 2013 Mark Isaac, the director of entitlement and planning for Boulder Venture Development, asked Dino Furano of R & O Contractors for some ideas. With the help of Michael Upwall Design — a Sugar House business — a new building was built.

The new house is basically a Tuff Shed and has two floors and was all built because the contractors didn’t want to let kids in Sugar House down. Since then Furano oversees moving the home to its location and refurbishes the home without pay every year.

The Santa Shack will open the Saturday after Thanksgiving and families and their pets can get a picture with Santa Monday through Friday from 3:30-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. On December 21, 22 and 23 hours will be from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Shack will be closed Sundays and December 24. 

Left: The old Santa Shack that used to sit at the Sugar House Monument is now a new, two-story shack. Photo was taken in the 1970s. (Laurie Bray/ Sugar House photographer) Right: The Santa Shack is lifted up by a crane each year and placed at Sugarmont. Dino Furano oversees the placing of it since the new shed was built. (Laurie Bray/Sugar House photographer)

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Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years

In 1952 Santa arrived at the Santa Shack in a horse drawn sleigh in front of South East Furniture. Since then Santa has always arrived in style. (Laurie Bray/Sugar House photographer)

Families and their pets can come see the Santa Shack through December. (Laurie Bray/Sugar House photographer)

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 8 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

A bird in the hand

By Orlando Rodriguez | orlando.r@mycityjournals.com

S

ugar House’s independent birding retailer Backyard Birds was recently honored with the Retailer of The Year Award at the 2016 edition of the Wild Bird Expo for “Best Store Under 1800 Square Feet with a Birding Emphasis.”

The ceremony took place on September 28 in Mexico, MO, Rob Blackhurst and JB Leonard pose with their sponsored by Gold Crest Distributing. The store, award. (Orlando Rodriguez) located on 2698 South Highland Dr., had been nominated the year before and this year they finally took the honor.

Owner Rob Blackhurst was not able to attend the ceremony, but co-owner Trace Sweeten and fellow employee JB Leonard were. Blackhurst could barely hold his excitement.

“I kept texting JB: Did we win? Did we win?” Blackhurst recalled.

“We were absolutely thrilled. It was such an honor to accept the award.”

The winners were chosen by birding industry leaders. The committee determined the victors by criteria that encompassed the stores’ efforts in advancing the birding hobby and industry, and the impact they’ve had in their local community. Backyard Birds’ exponential growth in sales since its inception contributed to its selection, as well as the expert guidance

they offer for birding enthusiasts.

The 2015 nomination was the first time Backyard Birds had heard of the award, but they’ve been around since 1998.

“My business partner, Trace and I decided to do something different,” Blackhurst explained. “And birding had always been a hobby of mine.

It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing for a long time.”

The store carries 140 different kinds of birdseed and more than 60 styles of birdbaths along with hundreds of garden decor items. They also offer resources and general information for birding enthusiasts.

“Birding is the second most popular hobby,” Leonard said. And since they’ve set up shop in Utah, they understand that in a dry state like Utah it’s a lot more difficult to care for birds. “Birdbaths are very important,” Leonard explained. “In Utah, water evaporates quickly, and that’s where birds get their energy.”

Apart from essential birding needs, the store also collaborates with hundreds of vendors around the U.S. and in Utah, selling an extensive inventory of gifts, decorations, and trinkets. Works of local artists are always on display. They partner with Sugar House metal artist Fred Conlon and have his “Metal Monsters” sculptures available.

“When we first started, we didn’t have this kind of inventory,” Blackhurst explained. And when asked about working with local artists, he said, “There’s always a lot of unique stuff in Salt Lake alone.”

Since opening, Backyard Birds’ sales have increased on average 10 percent each year and have almost tripled over their first year in business.

And, even during the 2008 recession, their sales increased by 3 percent.

“We are totally independent and locally grown, all with very little guidance,” Blackhurst said. 

Apart from birding needs, Backyard Birds also sells trinkets and decor. (Orlando Rodriguez)

Become a Griffin Fan, Rally for Westminster Athletics on Path to NCAA II

S

crappy, unsung, now fierce. Athletics at Westminster has had a storied history in Sugar House. At one point, athletics didn’t even exist on campus from 1979 to 1984. Now, the college has transformed into an institution that sponsors 15 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) II teams and seven non-NCAA teams serving close to 300 student-athletes annually.

Did you know Westminster’s mascot used to be the Parsons many years ago? Fast-forward to current day, and the mascot is now the Griffins.

This year, Westminster’s women’s soccer finished their season at 10–4–3 overall to record a seventh straight 10-win season. Men’s soccer finished its first season under new head coach Josh Pittman at 4–14 while volleyball continued its growth under head coach Al Givens. Madison Roemer from women’s soccer was named the Academic Player of the Year in the conference with a total of 29 Griffins receiving academic accolades from the league. Westminster is making more big moves.

In August 2015, the NCAA announced Westminster College was approved to begin the three-year transition to active Division II membership. This transition meant departing the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Frontier Conference and joining the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) as a provisional member.

Westminster College was previously a member of the RMAC from 1967 to 1979. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is currently a premier 15-member NCAA Division II conference located in the states of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota and now Utah. Founded in 1909, the RMAC currently competes in 23 NCAA Division II sports and has earned 52 NCAA Division II national championships and 44 national runner-ups since 1992.

Westminster teams currently competing in their second year in the RMAC include men’s and women’s sports: basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, track and women’s volleyball.

NCAA Division II is one of three membership divisions at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, an organization comprising more than 1,200 institutions, conferences and

affiliated organizations. Division II is a group of institutions and conferences that serve almost 90,000 student-athletes nationwide, including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The Division II approach provides growth opportunities through academic achievement, learning in high-level athletic competition and the development of societal attitudes in service to the community. Visit ncaa.org for more information about NCAA II. Applying to enter into the NCAA II division means that the Griffins are now adjusting to new home and away NCAA II competition. Membership in the RMAC and NCAA II has allowed for one-conference home for the aforementioned sports, common opponents and new competitors. This is creating an exciting camaraderie amongst Westminster teams and enhancing the student-athlete and fan experience. Beginning Fall 2018, Dixie State University, located in St. George, Utah, will join the RMAC as a full-member providing an exciting in-state and conference rivalry for the college, its student-athletes, student body, fans and the surrounding communities.

Below are ways businesses and residents in the Sugar House community and beyond can follow and support Westminster College Athletics. Go Griffins!

• More than 70 home-athletic events fans can attend during the fall, winter and spring seasons • Exciting NCAA II competition at very affordable prices in venue seating close to the action • Support the Griffins by attending games, joining Griffins Club or becoming a corporate partner • Support our marketing efforts by allowing coupons, posters and schedules in your business • Athletics website – www.WestminsterGriffins.com for schedules, web stream, teams, etc.

• Follow the Griffins on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter • Free high-quality web stream viewing of most home and away competitions via the RMAC Network which can be accessed from website above • Youth and community group discounts and opportunities to perform at games – see website • Annual competitions in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and more • Youth sport summer camps

GOVERNMENT

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 9

Landon Clark appointed chair of SHCC

By Aspen Perry | a.perry@mycityjournals.com

A

fter serving as the Dilworth trustee for over a year, the Sugar House Community Council (SHCC) appointed Landon Clark as the new council chair in October.

Clark has spent the majority of his life in Salt Lake. He grew up in North Salt Lake and graduated from the University of Utah. Clark and his wife spent only a few years in Rochester, Minn. to attend school. Returning to Utah they settled in Sugar House 14 years ago and consider themselves Sugar House “lifers”.

Clark learned of the Dilworth trustee spot being available a year and a half ago during a community council meeting at his children’s school.

“I was immediately interested… I think it is very important to take an active role in your community,” said Clark.

In addition to sitting on the SHCC, Clark is the chair of the Dilworth Elementary School Community Council.

“I like understanding and being part of the community planning process,” said Clark.

Given the growth of Sugar House residents and businesses,

there is never a dull moment.

“The influx of people into Sugar House brings some headaches, like traffic and parking, but the restaurant options, new businesses, and bustling downtown are really cool. I like walking up 2100 South and seeing all the restaurants busy on a weekday night,” Clark said.

On average the council reviews two to three building proposals a month. In October the Land, Use, and Zoning (LUZ) sub-committee of SHCC approved the Dixon Medical Office and Marriott Springhill Suites Hotel.

In November, LUZ reviewed the 21st and 21st Master Plan, as well Harmon’s seeking approval for a fuel center at their Brickyard location. Both of which will be presented to SHCC in December. SHCC is also reviewing and collecting community feedback regarding the McClelland Trail project conducted by SLC Transportation.

“Busy times in Sugar House,” Clark said.

Regardless of the issues being brought to the table, Sugar House Community Council members are committed to ensuring residents are involved in Sugar House happenings. In addition, they are the voice of residents when discussing issues or planning with any government or private organization that will directly affect the Sugar House community.

Bryce Williams, second vice chair, and Beacon Heights trustee, believes Clark is well suited for fulfilling SHCC’s mission and encouraging community participation.

“I believe Landon will empower members of the community to bring their ideas to the table. He is considerate of the voices

of our neighbors and works diligently to include as many view points as possible... [he] doesn’t jump to conclusions without hearing the whole story,” Williams said.

In addition to Williams’ belief that Clark will empower the community, he appreciated how approachable Clark is and, on a fun note, their shared appreciation for University of Utah athletics.

Third vice chair, and Westminster trustee, Amy Barry also looks forward to the contribution Clark will bring as SHCC chair.

“Landon is enthusiastic about our community [and] always has inquisitive questions. Landon brings a fresh perspective to his new position as chair… [and] is continually ready to learn more and be a more effective leader for Sugar House,” Barry said.

Clark encourages residents to visit the SHCC website at sugarhousecouncil.org to find out about community happenings, as well as to provide feedback to the council.

“For the majority of problems and opportunities, I believe a committed community council can really make a difference,” said Clark.

SHCC meets the first Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Sprague Library and welcomes all who wish to participate. 

GOVERNMENT

PAGE 10 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

SLC Transportation Presents Three Options for McClelland Trail

By Aspen Perry | a.perry@mycityjournals.com

Three options for McClelland Trail side-by-side. Images by SLC Transportation

D

uring the Sugar House Community Council’s (SHCC) November meeting, Colin Quinn-Hurst, transportation planner for Salt Lake City Transportation shared three potential designs for the McClelland Trail and encouraged community input. The area being reviewed for the next phase of improvements stretches from 2100 South to Sugarmont Drive on McClelland Street.

The three potential plans utilize recommendations from the Sugar House Circulation Plan prepared for the SLC Redevelopment Agency by Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants with CRSA Architecture, and adopted by Salt Lake City in 2013 to accommodate the growing demand of Sugar House residents, businesses, and visitors. “[The] Circulation Plan recommended what this should be… it should be a gateway district between the business district Sugar House Street Park and Parley’s Trail,” Quinn-Hurst said during the council presentation.

Quinn-Hurst explained that due to the significant changes in the area, SLC Transportation is now coming back to connect with community members to ensure the design continues to meet the needs of the growing community.

Before designing the three proposed options, Quinn-Hurst reported SLC Transportation compiled a report on various impacts and trade-offs.

“Cost, parking impact, traffic impact, green space additions, street furniture improvements, timing of installation, and, above

all, safety for all the users of the street,” wrote Quinn-Hurst.

The first option is the basis of what was proposed in the Circulation Plan and maintains a two-way bike lane on the east side of the street, done by removing parking on the east side of the street with parallel parking on the west side of the street.

Quinn-Hurst explained while the disadvantages would be losing parking on one side of the road, the advantages of option one are having safer modes of travel for all involved.

Presenting the second option Quinn-Hurst said, “The second option is virtually the same thing, but it’s a variation in that we keep as much parking as possible, by adding angle parking…to preserve the same number of parking spaces out there now.”

One difference between option one and two is option two turns McClelland Street into a one-way from 2100 South to Elm Street. The council asked if one-way streets really do improve the flow of traffic. “[SLC Transportation conducted] a transportation study [and found] one-way would improve the level of service at the McClelland and 2100 South intersection because it reduces the number of turning movements in and out of that street,” QuinnHurst said.

Third Vice Chair and Westminster trustee Amy Barry, brought up another concern regarding road barriers between cyclists and motor vehicles in both options.

“I wonder, with the scenario of going to a one-way…if the

bike-lane actually needs to be protected?” Barry asked.

Barry pointed out the protected bike-lanes often make it too difficult for city to keep them clean because the street sweepers cannot access them. “[Community utilizing the bike lane] may prefer an open lane, street sweepers can access and keep clean,” Barry said.

The third option offers a shared street with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in a shared plaza space with decorative pavers to encourage those utilizing the intermixed area do so at slow speeds. Quinn-Hurst and SLC Transportation realize this design is thinking “out-of-the-box” and recommend those curious to look up Wall Street in Seattle, Wash. for an existing example of this design.

All three proposed options include a High-Intensity Activated crosswalk, or HAWK pedestrian and bicycle crossing signal to increase safety while crossing the intersection at 2100 South and McClelland Street.

SLC Transportation and the SHCC encourage the community to review the three options being proposed and provide their feedback, now through early March. Comments and questions for SLC Transportation can be emailed to urbantrails@slcgov or by calling Quinn-Hurst at 801-535-6134.

Online feedback can be given at sugarhousecouncil. org, slcgov.com/opencityhall, as well as on the Sugar House Community Council’s Facebook page. 

GOVERNMENT

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 11

SHCC trustee celebrates 73rd birthday cancer free

By Aspen Perry | a.perry@mycityjournals.com

S

ugar House Community Council (SHCC) trustee, Dave Mulder celebrated his 73rd birthday, after receiving the good news he is officially cancer free.

Having served on the SHCC for more than 14 years, fellow trustees saw it fit to surprise Mulder with a cake in commemoration of his birthday at the November council meeting and Mulder shared the good news that his doctors revealed he was cancer free.

Mulder has lived and worked in Sugar House since the early 1970s and loves serving as the Grandview trustee for the SHCC. “I have deep roots in this community. I view serving on SHCC as a way of giving back to a neighborhood that has enhanced my life and my family’s life,” said Mulder.

In June of 2015, Mulder was diagnosed with stage three esophageal cancer. He received radiation for five days a week, for six weeks through July and August. Despite the radiation and weekly chemotherapy, Mulder was fortunate to not experience any of the typical side effects, such as nausea or hair loss.

In October of last year, Mulder went through an extensive surgery to remove a large portion of his esophagus. The first 12 days after surgery Mulder remained in the hospital, from there he spent three weeks in a rehabilitation center before finally being released to home health care just before Christmas.

During which time Mulder was fortunate to have the support

of his family, friends, Lutheran “church family”, as well as other religious communities and the Sugar House community.

Though it was no walk in the park, during Mulder’s recent October check-up doctors shared the good news that Mulder had no signs of cancer.

Mulder feels the experience was truly miraculous.

No stranger to public service, Mulder has been involved in local and national politics the majority of his adult life. He has served on various boards including the Crossroads Urban Center, Salt Lake Council for Aging, Utah Legislative Coalition for People with Disabilities, Utah Community Advisory for Foster Children, as well as many community and church boards.

His priorities for Sugar House center around housing.

“The short- and long-term priority is low-cost housing. New housing [structures] are out of the range for most people working in the new businesses coming to Sugar House,” Mulder said.

Mulder hopes for a collaboration between community, city, county, and federal funding sources to ensure Sugar House has a good percentage of affordable housing.

The care, attention, and experience Mulder provides to the community is something his fellow trustees admire.

“He adds a wonderful historical perspective [to the council], he is well educated and gives thoughtful and informed views,” said Laurie Bray of the Arts and Culture Committee.

Bray shared how Mulder’s compassion can be seen not just in the community, but in his family life, as well.

“He was incredibly devoted to wife, who passed last year, he brought her to the opening of the Santa Shack several times…

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made sure she was at the opening of the Sugar House Draw. After I posted photos of the beauty of autumn in Hidden Hollow… he made it a special outing with her,” recalled Bray.

Fellow SHCC trustees are quick to point out that Mulder is a man well respected for his role with his family, friends, and the community.

“I love Dave for many reasons. I love him as a friend, an example and for his great sense of humor and commitment to his community,” said Benny Keele, a Forest Dale trustee.

Receiving the cancer-free news allows Mulder to continue to focus on the community he loves.

“SHCC is a direct way of being involved in the ongoing activities, as well as the long range planning of an exciting and vibrant community of Salt Lake City…I have been truly blessed in many ways,” Mulder said. 

SHCC Art and Culture Council Mulder and his wife at Santa Shack opening 2013. (Laurie Bray/Sugar House Photographer)

ON THE COVER

PAGE 12 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Beacon Heights lights up world after school

“Nutcracker: Men In Tights” Is A Holiday Treat

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

T

T

ired of the same old shows every Christmas season? Treat your family to a delightful comedy that will knock your toeshoes off: “Nutcracker: Men in Tights.” This jolly holiday romp opens November 10.

It’s Christmastime, and the small Utah town of Slagville is in financial trouble.

The town council has come up with a tremendous plan to save them from disaster, they’ll put on a show! And what better show than “The Nutcracker?” Hoping to draw big crowds, they sign up a once-famous dancer, Maurice Money, who is trying to revive his career. But when a crabby town member, Candy Kancor, is overlooked for the show, she sets out to ruin everything. Chaos and hilarity ensue, culminating in the craziest production of “The Nutcracker” you’ve ever seen!

“Nutcracker: Men in Tights” is written and directed by Scott Holman and combines wacky gags and zany characters with Desert Star’s famous brand of screwball comedy.

This show will run from November 10 to December 31. The evening also includes one of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. The “Let It Snolio” features many of your favorite, heartwarming Christmas songs, served up with a helping of Desert Star’s holiday comedy.

Desert Star audiences can enjoy gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, burgers, scrumptious desserts, and other finger foods as well as a full selection of soft drinks, smoothies and a large array of iced and hot steamers and coffees while they watch the show. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table.

CALENDAR: “Nutcracker: Men in Tights”

Plays November 10, 2016 through December 31, 2016 Nov 10 - Nov 30: Mon, Wed, Thurs at 7:00 PM Friday at 2:30PM as scheduled, 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 6 PM and 8:30 PM Dec 1 - Dec 31: Mon through Fri at 2:30, 6:00 and 8:30 PM Saturday at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM Tickets: Adults: $24.95-$26.95, Children: $14.95 (Children 11 and under) 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107

801.266.2600

Call for reservations For additional information, visit our website at www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com

hrough dark winter afternoons, Lights On Afterschool program brings illumination to the students at Beacon Heights Elementary School.

The school celebrated the importance of after-school programs on Oct. 14 with a magician and appearance by Kim Bowman.

The event was meant to spread awareness of after-school programs like the ones run at Beacon Heights.

Elsa Davis, after school program coordinator, said it’s helpful for the academic standing of many children.

“What’s great is they’ve been able to prove that after-school programs and children involved in them helps close the achievement gap for kids who are typically struggling in school,” Davis said. The program runs throughout the school year.

Beacon Heights daily after-school attendance hovers between 35 and 45 students with a mandatory 50 minutes of dedicated homework and reading time.

“It’s a really safe, structured environment to get their work done,” Davis said. She added they’ve seen school performances increase for students especially since they ensure kids finish their homework.

They also hold different enrichment activities, which vary from day to day.

Educational activities can include a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) or a computer math program that teaches students different ways to learn about the subject.

Other endeavors can include gym activities, yoga or art projects. Davis said they go on field trips once a month to places such as Wheeler Farm and This is The Place Heritage Park. They also bring in outside presenters like HawkWatch to teach kids about birds of prey or Kim’s Cold-Blooded Creatures where kids can interact with reptiles and tarantulas.

“I find the kids have the opportunity to kind of learn things that they don’t necessarily learn during day school,” Davis said. In November, Jon Puskar of the Utah Grizzlies hockey team spent time with the kids.

After-school research shows it helps kids develop skills like teamwork, leadership and critical thinking.

Grouped with those learning benefits are also social gains. Davis said she sees kids struggle making friends, but after school they interact with kids not always in their class or grade.

“They have those friendly faces that they

can see in day school, it kind of helps build those social structures,” Davis said.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, 92 percent of parents in Utah are satisfied with their children’s after-school programs while 47 percent of parents say they would enroll their students if programs were available to them.

The biggest beneficiary of the afterschool programs may the group leaders themselves. Davis said the favorite part of her job is working with “these wonderful, brilliant children.”

Davis, in her second year at Beacon Heights, stepped away from working in afterschool programs for some time. When she came back, she quickly realized there’s much to learn from kids.

“I love witnessing the way they’re not prejudiced towards anybody, their willingness to make friends and try and change,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve learned more from them than they will ever learn from me.”

While Davis’ work hours are capped at 25 per week with no benefits, she said she’d rather do this than anything else.

Davis grew up as a latchkey kid where those hours between school and when parents come home from work can be a dangerous time for kids. After-school programs reduce the chance of children engaging in risky behaviors like crime or drug use.

“They’re supervised after school, there’s not this window of time where they can go cause mischief,” Davis said.

South Salt Lake found that their juvenile crime rate dropped 60 percent after rebooting one of their after-school programs in 2007. In Utah, almost 100,000 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school.

Beacon Heights is a fee-based school where parents pay for their children to participate in the program. Title One schools require grants so kids can attend at a reduced price or for free.

Davis said she would love to see more legislation allowing more funds to be put into after-school programs since private donations and grants can only cover so much.

“These are private people and organizations that have limited amounts of funds,” Davis said. She added that staffing was difficult at the beginning of the year with a need for 75 group leaders.

“I’m limited to 25 hours a week and I’m not benefit eligible…so it’s really hard to kind of keep employees,” Davis said. 

EDUCATION

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 13

Teachers get lesson on teaching fire safety

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

T

he holiday season is a time when fires and candles are lit and the flames often spark curiosity in children. In fact, in pre-school aged children fire-related deaths account for 23.3% of unintentional deaths. So, two months before the holiday, teachers in the Salt Lake City School District learned how to teach kids about fire safety.

“Kids are curious,” said Molly Clifford, executive director of Community Health Strategies of Play Safe! Be Safe!. “They don’t know the impact fire can have because they’re not developed enough to understand.”

The organization Play Safe! Be Safe! is a program that travels the country helping pre-k teachers learn how to teach their young students about fire safety. The program started in 1994 and since then has held more than 180 workshops on teaching fire safety. The program not only involves seminars, but they offer an interactive website to help young kids learn about fire safety.

“We have four lessons that we teach,” Clifford said in regards to what a child should do if there is a fire. “One, go to the firefighter; two stop drop and roll — everyone’s favorite; three crawl under the smoke and stay low and away from the fumes; and four, fire prevention, if you see a lighter or a match don’t touch it.”

The seminar and program has gotten positive feedback, including the one held at the Salt Lake City Library.

Teachers agreed they liked how the lessons support the classroom environment and how the lessons can be taught in the home.

The program distributes kits to the teachers with the four lessons of fire safety. The program’s research has found that children have easy access to lighters and matches and when they see their parents using them, they want to use them, too.

Young children don’t understand the problem with lighting a match and dropping it on the floor, so the Play Safe! Be Safe! program has been effective teaching children how to act around flammable household items.

Clifford said that it’s important to teach young kids about fire safety because of their natural curiosity. “They need to be educated, for example, that matches and lighters are grown-up tools and that their job is to tell a grown-up if they see matches and lighters left out.”

The program’s online source also helps kids who aren’t pre-k and can be adapted to help them learn about fire safety, too.

“If their kids visit playsafebesafe.com there’s all kind of information for kids and parents that teaches those four lessons,” Clifford said. “Parents think that if they talk to their kids that they’ll get ideas, but we see that they (matches and lighters) are around them all the time and fire is just a natural part of their lives.” 

Play Safe! Be Safe! has a website that helps young children learn about fire safety. (Website screenshot)

EDUCATION

PAGE 14 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Westminster College sells Garfield Elementary

By Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

Garfield Elementary has been a part of Sugar House for over a decade and will now be a home for students once again. (Natalie Mollinet\The City Journals)

Santa Shack on Sugarmont Plaza Opens at noon on Nov. 26th!

Santa will arrive on a fire engine.

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Hours M-F 3:30-7:30 | Saturdays 11-7 | Closed on Sundays

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Have fun memories of the holidays in Sugar House?

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Be sure to enter our Candy Cane Coloring Contest, prizes being awarded by our Santa Shack Sponsor, Washington Federal.

Holiday Social

December 14 from 6-9 PM at The Ruin 1215 Wilmington Ave #120, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Newly Elected 2017 Board Members:

Liz Jackson, University of Utah as Co-Chair Amy Meininger, The Ruin as Co-Chair Lori Gillespie, Red Artichoke as Vice Chair Lydia Carlisle, Washington Federal (Current Treasurer)

Lexie Banks, Impact Hub as Secretary Marcie Bronchella, Citywide Home Loans as Board Member Sara Bechard, First American Title as Board Member Cindy Price, Primary Residential Mortgage as Board Member

For Membership information please contact: Kelly Hannah Eightline Real Estate membership@sugarhousechamber.org

Questions?

events@sugarhousechamber.org | finance@sugarhousechamber.org marketing@sugarhousechamber.org | membership@sugarhousechamber.org

T

he old Garfield Elementary School at 1500 East and 1838 South has been the property of Westminster College since 2011, but just last month Westminster sold the property to Elizabeth Academy, which plans to develop the space into a Montessori-inspired laboratory. Both schools are gaining a win from the sale and both school’s leaderships are excited about the purchase for different reasons.

“We are very excited to work with Elizabeth Academy on the purchase of the Garfield property,” Westminster President Stephen Morgan wrote in a press release. “We have always wanted to be very thoughtful and deliberate with the use of Garfield, and after many studies and proposals, we have determined that building would best be utilized

by Elizabeth Academy.”

Elizabeth Academy is a non-profit Montessori school that works with students who need special attention. The school opened its doors in 2009 and is located on Connor Street in Millcreek. They now have 200 students and educate students from 18 months to 14 years old.

“The Montessori method of education nurtures children’s natural curiosity and helps students to develop a lifelong love of learning,” Jennifer Spikner, the Head of Elizabeth Academy said in a press release. “Through their work with hands-on materials, students develop, independence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a strong worth ethic – all skills that will help them be successful throughout their lives.”

The old Garfield school is no stranger to being occupied by students, having been an operational school from 1912 to 1970.

The school will keep the name Garfield

and will have the name The Garfield Lab School. The lab will not only help young students in Montessori-inspired program but will offer training and certification to teachers as well.

“I believe this is the future of education,” Gail Williamsen, Elizabeth Academy’s executive director and co-founder wrote in a press release. “We would love to see the Montessori method of education become more prevalent in both public and charter schools throughout the country.”

This isn’t the first time that Westminster and Elizabeth Academy has helped each other out, in fact Elizabeth Academy has helped out Westminster students in learning how to work with students who are interested in special education. The college has trained more than 100 Montessori teachers and administrators around the country, and is one of the few that that allows students to earn their undergrad degrees as well as get their Montessori certificate.

“Through our Montessori Institute, Westminster College has been collaborating with Elizabeth Academy for more than five years,” Morgan said. “The partnerships has been successful in the training of Montessori teachers, and has provided our devoted faculty with opportunities to work with students exploring special education and early childhood programs.”

“This new venture will help us create a space for this kind of teaching and learning,” Williamsen said about Montessori teaching at Garfield Elementary. “We look forward to working with Westminster on the future educational endeavors at the new school.” 

EDUCATION

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 15

Siblings highlight hopeful legacy of debate team

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

H

ighland High School may have a debate team of only 23 members with a brand new coach, but it hasn’t stopped them from winning two tournaments already in the policy debate category.

“It’s cool to see high school students put in so much work in and outside of the classroom to compete,” said CJ Lester, first-year debate team coach.

The Rams debate team has four varsity members made up of two teams. Sophomores Kaitlyn Robertson and Sophie Jensen won the Hunter Haunting debate competition at Hunter High School on Oct. 28 and 29. While the brother sister duo of senior Nate Obbard and sophomore Julia Obbard won the Beehive Bonanza at the University of Utah on Oct. 7 and 8.

“The level of prep and the level of ability and focus with debate students is beyond what the average AP or IB student would do in their spare time on the weekend,” Lester said. “So it’s pretty admirable that they take their time and embrace it with such a vengeance.”

The two pairings compete in the policy debate category, which is more evidence and research based. Participants are set up in headto-head matchups of two-person teams. Speakers focus on how quickly they speak, called spreading, and their speech and rebuttal.

The topic is a yearly resolution where teammates prepare positive and negative cases on the resolution. This year’s resolution is the U.S. government should substantially increase its diplomatic and/or economic engagement with China.

“The topic takes many forms so there are different ways we can engage with China and many different policy mechanisms through which to do that,” Nate said.

Often policy debaters will speak between 300 and 400 words per minute so it requires preparation and quick thinking. Nate said

policy debate can run counter to other debates, which can be about eloquence and poise.

“It’s more about being efficient, being a good technical debater and using your speed to get out all the arguments,” Nate said. “Public speaking is important and presentation is important, but it’s not the be-all and end-all.”

Nate is a four-year member of the debate team and this is his first time partnering with his sister.

“I won a debate camp competition and so I was deemed worthy,” Julia said with a wry smile. Impressed by her brother’s abilities, Julia joined the team as a freshman. Julia said her brother tends to be really good at any academic endeavor and debate is no different.

“Nate’s probably one of the best debaters in Utah…he’s always been passionate about debate and education. He practices a lot and doesn’t get lazy about it when it comes to research,” Julia said. In his first debate as a novice freshman year, Nate took third place.

They’ve made for a quality partnership.

Julia said they work well together since they’ve known each other for so long.

“I look at him and see what he thinks and we can communicate better,” Julia said. Nate said he had reservations about the experience differential but said his sister is doing great with where she’s at in her development.

“She’s learning super quick and won the camp tournament, but that’s secondary to the fact she takes the time to put the work into the kinds of arguments we’re making,” Nate said. “She’s had to make an adjustment on her end and she’s been super flexible.”

Family teamwork bodes well for the future of Highland’s debate program. Lester is the third coach in four years at the school. While she has no experience with high school debate, she comes from a

background of public speaking at a local, regional and national level.

Lester is utilizing any measure by which she can improve to “escalate the skill set of the new students.” She said she has goals to soak up debate knowledge, she’s taking a class on how to teach policy debate and is using her advanced students to teach the novices.

While the debate team might not have the funding and resources of private or other public schools, team members hope to sustain the enthusiasm for future debaters.

“We want to spread that passion and get rid of the stigma around debate,” Julia said. “It isn’t just some strange, nerdy elective that nobody can do, it’s something that’s fun and educational and can help in a lot of aspects of life.”

Those aspects can include school work or an understanding of the world. Nate said debate improves public speaking, presentations, writing skills and researching.

“More than anything else, debate teaches you how to think about new problems,” Nate said.

“It’s not just using big fancy words,” Julia said. “It’s analyzing things, it’s learning to think on your feet.”

Talented and capable of winning multiple events this year, Nate said winning is secondary to making sure the team lasts after he’s graduated. “[Debate has] shaped my high school career and I don’t want to run the risk of future students at Highland, few as there may be, not having the opportunity to have that experience as well,” Nate said.

“It’s a competitive event, but at the end of the day the reason it’s fulfilling is not because of how many debates you win or lose, that’s just the cherry on top.”

Highland’s next event will be the Silver and Black competition at Alta High School on Dec. 1. 

SPORTS Olympic hopeful elevates status in climbing world

PAGE 16 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

E

veryone aims to climb the ranks of their given passion.

Nathaniel Coleman is literally doing it.

As a competitive climber, Coleman is enjoying a successful 2016. Earlier this year, he won USA Climbing’s Bouldering Open National Championship and the Youth Bouldering National Championship in Madison, Wis. In October, he took second representing the United States at the inaugural International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World University Championships in Shanghai, China.

“I feel honored really to be at a level where I’m able to win these competitions,” Coleman, 19, said. He also won the collegiate national championship in bouldering in May as a member/coach of the University of Utah climbing team.

“This year has been a picture-perfect way for him to complete his youth career,” said Jeff Pedersen, CEO and co-founder of Momentum Indoor Climbing—where Coleman began training at age nine. Pedersen was one of Coleman’s first coaches.

With the sport of climbing approved by the International Olympic Committee to be included in the 2020 Olympics games, Coleman’s success figures to see him as a prime contender to represent his country.

Coleman said he definitely has aspirations for the Olympics.

Already getting a taste of it by representing USA at international competitions around the world, Coleman said competing in China gave him a “team feeling.”

“It was cool to have that sense of team that you usually don’t get in such an individual sport,” Coleman said. “I was just excited to do well and have my team be proud of me.”

Olympic climbing will be a combination of sport climbing, bouldering and speed climbing. As a specialized boulder climber, Coleman said many world cup climbers specialize in one discipline rather than all three. Each discipline requires different types of training.

“It’s kind of up in the air whose gonna be best at that time, with four years to train I’m sure I’ll be able to get pretty decent at all three,” Coleman said.

Considering his career accomplishments, his parents, coaches and competitors expect him to continue his “incredible journey” because of his talent.

“He knows how to move his body, he knows his strength.

He can execute moves that a lot of climbers can’t because of his strength and body awareness,” said Rosane Coleman, Nathaniel’s mother and Momentum competitive team manager.

This natural talent has led to sponsorships and compensation for doing what he loves. Nathaniel has sponsorship deals with Prana clothing company, Five Ten footwear and Petzl, a climbing gear manufacturer based out of France.

Nathaniel doesn’t earn enough money to make a living,

but there remains a level to which he can make a living off of climbing. Something he realized a possibility at age 15 when he won the Youth Bouldering Nationals.

Nathaniel said the victory motivated him to train harder and get more comfortable in the competition setting. But it was when he took fifth at the adult nationals at age 18 that he took it seriously.

“At that point I knew this was definitely worth considering doing for the rest of my life,” Nathaniel said. “When I was 15 I knew it was a possibility, and at 18 I knew it was happening.”

“I see a lot of climbers get on a route,” Rosane said. “And then I see Nathaniel do it and he makes it look so easy that I think I could do that and then I go, ‘no never mind.’”

Introduced to climbing at age nine by his friend Palmer Larsen, Nathaniel started on the Momentum youth team.

Nathaniel said once he tried it out, he loved it and has been climbing ever since.

“It just fit my style of athleticism really well and my body type,” Nathaniel said. The challenge of the sport always gives him something to progress to, which plays a big role in his love for the sport.

“There’s seemingly endless rock in the world, you can always find a bouldering rock that’s harder,” Nathaniel said.

Rosane said he was a very independent and hyperactive child.

“Once he knew what he wanted, he went for it,” Rosane said.

His affinity for the sport incorporates the mental aspect as well. Nathaniel said it appeals to him that every time he climbs, he’s faced with a puzzle.

“You really do need to be able to work through these puzzles in your mind to be a good competition climber,” Nathaniel said.

He said he’s noticed many climbers he competes against attend ivy league schools.

Having taken third place in a state chess tournament in third grade, Nathaniel’s aptitude for general problem solving, he said, has developed his ability on the climbing wall.

“Climbing will help with my chess, chess will help climbing and it’ll help with my schooling so it all circulates back,” Nathaniel, a computer science major, said.

Physicality is just as essential to the sport with Nathaniel noting the importance of finger strength, bicep pulling power and core stability. He trains four days a week for anywhere from three to three and a half hours.

Training consists of lifting weights, body weight exercise, climbing different problems back-to-back, rings gymnastics, and hanging onto a ledge with weight hanging off him. He also works mobility exercises to make sure his stretching is being applied well.

Nathaniel recently aged out of the Momentum program, but attributes much of his success to his time there.

“Wouldn’t be where I am climbing without Momentum.

Even if I lived in a different state with a different climbing gym, I might not be climbing as well as I am today,” Nathaniel said.

He added that for youth considering climbing, joining a climbing gym provides needed technical knowledge.

“The more you get involved with climbing, the more obsessed with it you’ll become,” Nathaniel said.

One of Nathaniel’s coaches at Momentum, Kyle O’Meara, said their climbing program helps kids prepare for life.

Nathaniel Coleman, a Murray High School graduate, was The North Face’s 2016 Young Gun Award recognizing up-and-coming climbers. (Vincent Monsaint)

“From problem solving to long-term goal setting, climbing offers young people an opportunity to develop traits that are easily transferrable to college and the workplace,” O’Meara said.

Nathaniel’s parents have been an important part of his progress, whether it was coming to his competitions or paying for expensive climbing gear. “[They’ve] been the most supportive people in my life for sure…even when they though it was just going to be a hobby, they were sending me to Wisconsin and Atlanta for nationals so I could pursue what I loved,” Nathaniel said.

Rosane said he’s very humble so she’s constantly bragging about him with everything he’s done in his short life.

“He just has a very natural ability, it’s been an incredible journey watching him get to where he’s getting,” Rosane said.

Climbing has affected every aspect of Nathaniel’s life from the places he’s seen to his own maturation. The Murray native has competed all over the world from France and Italy to Wisconsin and Georgia.

“What I eat, how I sleep, the things I do with my free time. Other people might be playing video games, I’m usually watching climbing videos,” Nathaniel said. “When I’m at a public event I try to remain professional instead of making fart jokes with my friends.”

Rosane said the sport has helped to focus him from the hyperactive child he was growing up.

“When he gets on a climbing wall, it’s like nothing else exists,” Rosane said. “It’s made his life have more purpose, so that he’s able to set goals and reach them.”

It’s an inherent connection to it that means Nathaniel will climb until he is too old and “breaking bones when [he] falls.”

“I just feel it was what I was meant to do. I think I can achieve a lot in it. So I think it’d be a waste if I didn’t pursue this thing I was born to do,” Nathaniel said.

The University of Utah sophomore almost didn’t attend the local university. Rosane said many suggested he take a year off to just let him climb. Nathaniel chose to go to school and get a degree in computer science that not only can he fall back on, but he hopes he can do work while traveling the world.

“It would’ve been easy for him to just say, ‘I wanna climb,’ but he’s got goals and he wants a degree,” Rosane said. 

Nathaniel Coleman, 19, stands on the left side of the podium after taking silver at the IFSC World University Championships in China. (Josh Larson)

SPORTS

M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 17

State runners-up dive into new season

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

S

tate runners-up in a year ago, the Highland High School swim team is gearing up for what they hope to be another successful year.

Both men and women’s teams won their first meet of the year at the Steiner Youth Aquatic Club on Nov. 4. Of the 22 events at the Bountiful meet, Highland claimed 17 first-place finishes.

“The kids swam really well,” said head coach Mark Gray.

The team will hold around 55 swimmers this year with a plethora of seniors from last year’s team graduated and moved on including star performers Zoe Phillips and Eva Gontrum. The Rams have started strong with a new crop of contributors.

Co-captain and senior Connor Peterson took first place in the 200-yard individual medley (IM), where swimmers perform each stroke—backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke and freestyle— during a race, and the 100-yard backstroke at the meet.

“Last year we had a lot of fast seniors with really good times and I thought it could dip down this year but so far we’re doing pretty good,” Peterson said.

Gray said it’s a young team this year. With the team having only swum a few meets, he said they’re focused on improvement.

“We usually don’t worry about place, if they’re having fun and improve then [the result] takes care of itself,” Gray said. “I just want the kids to improve and get their goals, that’s the key for me is watching them improve.”

That personal betterment is the focus Gray wants the swimmers to have rather than on the swimmers they race against.

“You can’t control that person over there. Just improve upon

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Highland High School boys swim team celebrates its second place finish at the 4A state championship in February. The new season started with its first meet on Nov. 4. (Cindy Nordstrom/Highland swim team)

yourself, that’s all you can control,” Gray said.

Refining the swimmers stroke will be a constant focus throughout the year, said Gray, who has coached competitive swimming for more than 30 years. He said he likes to have swimmers practice every stroke in preparation for individual medleys. In doing so, swimmers are more dynamic being able to race all the strokes.

While every swimmer won’t do the IM, Gray said having

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them train for each one gives him more choices for his events.

“That gives you more flexibility. [We can say] hey we need a breaststroker or a backstroker this year, alright you [already] know how to do it,” Gray said. He said sophomore Arden Tesch demonstrates that ability.

Tesch swam the 200- and 500-yard freestyle last year while this year she’s swimming the IM and backstroke. She won both of the events in their first swim meet to start the season. “[Tesch] is goal-oriented, she knows what she wants to try and get. That helps out for everyone, if you’re focused on a goal and are working towards it then it makes it a lot easier to help them get there,” Gray said.

Peterson, whose been swimming since he was eight, said his goals involved lowering his personal times. Dropping his 100yard backstroke time to around 55 seconds and his IM time to around two minutes are what he said he hopes to accomplish.

In a sport where individual races contribute to a team’s overall points total, Gray said the sport has its benefits and negatives to being more singular rather than collective. “[In swimming] you’ve got no one to blame but yourself, you’ve got to look in the mirror, it’s in your control, there’s a difference there,” Gray said. “But also you don’t have that person that can carry you when you’re having problems.”

The Rams hold various activities outside of practice like team movie night, breakfasts and dinners to go along with the constant cheering during races at swim meets.

“These guys seem to help each other, support each other and cheer each other on at races so that part’s good,” Gray said. 

PAGE 18 | DECEMBER 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

The Holidays: Time to Start Giving Back…. Or, is it?

P

ay it Forward, Serve, Give Back, Random Act of Kindness, no matter how you spell it, it’s that time of year where we are all thinking about giving. What a relief! After the troubled times of November, I for one am looking forward to the positivity the holidays bring. But, this leaves me pondering, what is all the excitement about. After all, December is just one month out of an entire calendar year.

Studies show that people that help our fellow man are more successful in life, have improved health and happiness. Plus, children who volunteer are more likely to grow up to volunteer and serve as adults. Communities with more volunteers are typically more stable and better places to live (USA Today). So why are we saving all those positive benefits for only 1/12 of an entire year?

Lets face it, in today’s world we need to make the effort to put a smile on the faces around us everyday.

So, I’m proposing, in addition to the plans you already have to serve this holiday, you add just one more thing, a big cardboard box. For years I’ve had a box that’s plunked right next to my front door. It’s become a bit of joke for friends, as every time they stop by, I make some excuse for the tripping hazard. To the untrained it could look like a pile of unorganized junk waiting to be hauled out to the trash, but my charity box is actually a dropping ground for denotable food and clothing, household items or children’s niceties. I’ve found that having the box right where I enter and leave encourages me to add to it and reminds me to drop it of. To get you started here are a few things that have landed in this years box.

January: Hot Cocoa Mix A little treat to enjoy with a neighbor after shoveling their sidewalk

February: Oatmeal Did you know February is National Hot Breakfast Month? What a great time to do a neighborhood Oatmeal Drive for the Food Bank.

March: Books, Puzzles and Board Games It’s national reading month, so how bout encouraging a little reading? Volunteer at the Library; donate books to children in need.

Senior homes also enjoy donations of books, puzzles and games.

April: Pet Food Pet rescues, such as the Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society and Rescue Rovers not only need pet food, they also need for paper towels, garbage bags, and old blankets.

May: Pantry Staples Because of Memorial Day sales not only is May a great month to break out the coupons for grocery shopping. It’s also the month we see both the Boy Scouts Scouting for Food and the Letter Carriers Stamping out Hunger. I like to buy extra so I’m ready for them.

June: Tomato Plants and Pots Plant patio tomatoes in flowerpots and deliver them to an elderly neighbor or retirement home.

July: School Supplies Kids all over Utah need school supplies and teachers love getting them too. Donate to your local school or participate in Stuff the Bus and help fill backpacks for kids. (stuffthebus.uw.org) August: Personal Care Items Even the casual coupon user knows that personal care items like toothpaste; soap and hygiene products are easy pickings. Instead of

piling these products on shelves in the basement, I pile any extras in the box and drop them off at the Road Home or a Women’s Shelter.

For more about how to get these items with just a little effort and out of pocket expense, make sure you are following the Grocery section of Coupons4Utah.com.

September: Craft Supplies Sharing Place is a place where children that have lost a parent can go to learn coping skills, share stories and learn to deal with grief. They are in constant need of arts and craft supplies. (thesharingplace.org) October: Diapers Families all across Utah are need of diapers, diapers and more diapers. Visit utahdiaperbank.org to find a list of drop of locations.

November: Holiday Wrapping Paper, Tape and Gift Cards Remember all of those donated gifts need to get wrapped. Most charities collecting gifts also have a need for wrapping supplies.

One idea would be the Holiday Gift Box. They provide individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families who are in need gifts for Christmas. More info at uaidutah.org/holiday-giftbox While I may trip over my charity box every now and again, it helps me remember to make those important little donations the entire year. And as for my friends that stop by, well… I’ll just let them continue to think I’m a little unorganized.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays, all year long. 

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M YSUGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

O Tidings of Comfort Annoy

N

ow that Facebook has become a year-round newsletter, packed with enough posts to make us feel miserable all year long, can we finally call it quits on those dreadful holiday letters?

I understand a family newsletter can be a highlight of the season, recapping all your adventures with witty repartee and candy cane clip art, but to many people, this bragalicious tradition is lemon juice in the paper cuts of life. Reading about how you cured black lung disease or saved an endangered species makes others’ successes look like table scraps.

My newsletter would go something like this, “Dear family and friends, I did not get arrested this year. Happy New Year!

Love, Peri.” (Disclaimer: The year’s not over yet.)

So, first of all, don’t write a Christmas letter. However, if you feel you must write an annual message or your life won’t be complete, here are tips to make it bearable for friends and family.

Let your children do the writing. I would LOVE getting a Christmas message that read, “Mom cries in the bathroom and tells us to eat Froot Loops for dinner. Dad has a special ‘drinking mug’ in his garage. Aunt Ethel spent Thanksgiving in the county jail for walking streets. Happy Holidays!”

Use your letter as a weapon. A Christmas newsletter can encourage friendly competition amongst your offspring.

Announce who had the most As, the best-cleaned room or who

peed the bed the least amount of times. Be sure to embarrass the *&%$ out of them so they’ll be on their best behavior next year.

Create an acronym. For instance, NOEL can be Notice Our Exceptional Lives or No One Enjoys Letters.

Quote Quiz. Choose the funniest quotes said by your family during the year and have your readers guess who said it.

January--”Who left the %&@* lights on?!”

February—“Is there a reason there are a dozen shoes by the back door?”

March—“Who left the %&@* lights on again?”

Write from your pet’s perspective. “This is Peri’s dog, Ringo. I was taken to the vet three times this year and had to get shots. She forgot to give me a treat twice last week, even after I sat under her feet for three consecutive episodes of Westworld.

She also didn’t pet me long enough after she got home from work, but she gave me a steak bone, so all’s forgiven.”

Share a family recipe. If people ask for your sugar

cookie recipe, put it in your Christmas newsletter. But don’t be like my neighbor who leaves out key ingredients so my cookies never taste quite the same as hers. Not cool.

Don’t recount Family Disasters 2016.

Your water heater broke, your car died in the desert, you have rats in the basement and bats in your belfry. You lost several jobs, were abducted by aliens and SWAT kicked in your door at 3 a.m. Newsletters are not catastrophe competitions. Next!

Don’t brag. For every straight-A accomplishment, for every award-winning dance competition and for every highersalary promotion you exclaim over, your letter will be read by a man with kids struggling in school, a daughter with no noticeable rhythm and a woman in a dead-end, mind-numbing job. Take it down a notch, will ya?

Even better, since I never receive mail anymore (except for Hickory Farm catalogues and postcards from mortgage companies), maybe save all your glowing updates for Facebook and Instagram where you can gush all you’d like.

You can even add clip art. 