Sugar House July 2016

JULY 2016 | Vol. 2 Iss. 07

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130 Years OF TRUST Taking Care of

YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

Playground Reopens as Kids, Parents Ached for Return

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

PAGE 10

Dozens of kids from elementary to high school age listen to the speakers during the grand opening of the Fairmont Park playground on June 10. —Travis Barton

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PAGE 2 | JULY 2016

LOCAL LIFE

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Faces and Places

Natalie Mollinet | Natalie@mycityjournals.com Photo Credits: Natalie Mollinet

Sweetalys Gelato: If you have a craving for some delicious gelato, look no further than Sweetalys Gelato located on 1594 Stratford Ave. The shop is fun by an authentic Italian who knows his gelato like the back of his hand. Francesco Amendola is the owner and Sweetaly’s in Sugar House is his second location. Amendola is direct from Italy and moved to the United States and into Utah because he thinks Utah has a lot to offer and has a great economy. In Italy he owned a fresh fruit shop and uses this knowledge to make some sweet delicious gelato. He’s excited to be here in Sugar House and thinks it’s really a great area that’s full of diversity and culture, and there’s already a lot of people that understand what gelato is. So take walk over to Stratford and try some of Amedola’s delicious gelato, it’s guaranteed to please.

Erica Owens: “I’m going to be a fire fighter in the fall I hope, and I’m also playing for the RLS semi-pro women’s soccer team, that’s fun. But I love living in Sugar House, because it’s close to downtown, the mountains and anything else you want without feeling like a big city. It’s also pretty clean and a safe place.”

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Mark Christensen: “Well I’ve lived in Sugar House almost all my life, and I love it. I love the business district of Sugar House, I love what they’ve done there’s a variety of stores and even though there’s a unique taste about it, everything they’ve done architecturally and the landscaping, it’s just made it really attractive they’ve really done it right. People take care of their homes for the most part it’s a place that is not dying and quite the contrary keeping its character that ties into the past but carrying it into a very modern society.”

The Sugar House Monument: Situated right in the district center of Sugar House or as others call it “downtown Sugar House” is the Sugar House Monument. Since it was constructed in 1930, the tall monument was meant to enhance the experience of Sugar House and really is the center of the connection of the retail area of the community. There has been a lot of development over the years but the monument has kept its history, and commemorates the efforts to those who really gave Sugar House its name – the people in the beet sugar industry. Sugar House is full of history, you just need to keep your eyes open and you’ll see it.

Rachelle Doane, Christine Wood, Tammy Kilpatrick: “We’ve been doing seven miles a day in the park for 16 years, we built on it.

First we walked to the park and then we just kept adding and adding. It’s convenient the location is awesome, it changes every season and there’s beauty in every season. Sugar House is a good location to get anywhere you need to be it’s a central location you’re close to downtown, and you have a view of Mount Olympus, the full grown trees and you meet good unique people.”

JULY 2016 | PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Heart and Soul Music Bringing the Music to You

connecting your business with local communities

Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

July 2016 4th of July Celebration!

Sponsored by the Sugar House Chamber Arts Festival and Fireworks Food, Fun and over 100 vendors

www.sugarhousechamber.org/ArtsFest • Our general monthly meeting is the first Wednesday of each month at Westminster On the Draw. See our FB page for details: Facebook. com/SugarHouseChamber. Please utilize www.sugrhousechamber. org/events for a map and directions to meeting.

• For our next monthly networking information go to our Facebook page for details. Free for members, $10 for non-members.

• For information about our next education meeting go to: www.sugarhousechamber.org • Share the love #iHeartSugarHouse. Tag your favorite Sugar House business or place in Sugar House.

A special THANK YOU goes out to New and Renewing Members: The Dodo Restaurant Even Stevens Potbelly Sandwich Shop The Lamp Company Sterling Furniture Chronic Tacos DaVinci’s Workshop

Stacy Deittman Sara Day Giancarla Owaca Bill Hadfield Deb & Mark Williamson Jeremy Jensen Douglas Steel

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

Stratford Big Band playing at Imperial Park to kick off the event – Natalie Mollinet

T

here’s nothing like a good foot tapping song, and for many it’s as easy as turning on the radio or your iPod, but truely the sound of live music is the best sound. Thanks to Heart And Soul Music – an organization here in Sugar House – those who can’t travel far or get out of their house can have the music brought to them.

“My brother and I started Heart and Soul Music 22 years ago when our mom was in a rehabilitation facility,” Janna Lauer the executive director said, “our main mission is to bring people that are isolated to music.”

Heart and Soul features different musicians from around the state that play at convalescent homes, senior centers, hospitals, domestic abuse shelters and prisons. Since Lauer and her brother started the organization, they have done over 900 shows and continue to do so because of those in the community and the generosity of their musicians. Shows have been performed not only here in Salt Lake City, but even all the way up to Summit County, but they consider Sugar House the home for Heart And Soul.

“The whole community is a wonderful warm community,” Laure said, “The streets are shady and it’s a pleasant place to live, so we love it in Sugar House.”

Last month Heart and Soul did their 5th annual Music Stroll in Sugar House where 30 different bands performed around the neighborhood. All kinds of music from big band to folk to bluegrass could be heard around the Highland Park neighborhood. Different bands sat in front of houses performing, and despite the weather, the show went on and many gathered around to hear the music. “its fun we like the music and we like the comradery, we like the food trucks,” April Garff a resident who lives in the middle of it said. Her house was one of the stops on the music stroll and because her family enjoys the stroll so much they thought it’d be cool to have a musician out in front of their home.

The event included food trucks that lined Atkin avenue, and even a raffle where those

who entered could win a motor scooter, a weekend for two in Moab and of course many different instruments.

“I think it’s awesome,” Sahara Hayes the programs coordinator for Heart and Soul said, “I love that there’s a park, I think it’s a wonderful addition to the neighborhood I think it’s great because it’s such a community driven area, that I think it’s a perfect location for it.”

The main event starts at Imperial Park, located at 1560 E Atkin Avenue. The park is relatively new and has been very welcoming of the music festival and is in a perfect location for the event.

“Imperial Park just welcomed us with open arms,” Lauer said, “They were looking to get their park set up and the Sally Bear and Ben Burdette and just warmly welcomed us in.”

Those who attended could grab a map at the starting booths and make their way around the tree lined streets, choosing to hear what music they’d like to listen to. The event even included a dancing cow from Chick-Fil-A who helped sponsored the event.

People of ages sat under tents or under the rain and listened. The music was accessible and even those with walkers or in wheelchairs had the chance to listen to the live music, which Heart And Soul strives to do.

“Heart and Soul is a wonderful organization,” Hayes said, “I think it fills a niche that isn’t necessarily covered. Going to shows it’s really cool to see the way people light up. They can reengage in with the world in a way that they might not be otherwise.”

Heart and Soul reaches to those not only here in Sugar House, but in many different cities in northern Utah. Lauer says that they are always looking for musicians to play and as they continue to grow they hope to continue to reach out to those who need to hear a good tune to brighten their day.

If you want to hear some of the music, they have a full schedule on their website at heartsoul.org and there you can also donate to the organization. 

LOCAL LIFE

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

JULY 2016 | PAGE 5

Pub Crawl Draws Thousands to Sugar House

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Participants in the 2nd Annual Sugar House Pub Crawl drink beer on the patio on Saturday, May 21. – Jeremy Higginson

B

eer week offered not only potential prizes to those who completed the pub crawl, but also a chance to benefit the Sugar House Boys and Girls Club.

Saturday, May 21 marked the 2nd Annual Sugar House Pub Crawl where the Sugar House Chamber joined forces with 10 bars to celebrate American Craft Beer Week. The event was sponsored by KRCL 90.9 and Salt Lake City Weekly.

“It’s been a bigger hit than we expected it to be,” Summer Shumway of the Sugar House Chamber said.

Shumway said a lot of “leg work” was put in by the Sugar House Chamber, Wasatch Brewery and Epic Brewing’s Ryan Kluh to make it happen.

Participants created teams for the pub crawl such as the Indiana Drinking Team. – Jeremy Higginson

Over 5,000 people marked on Facebook that they’d come to the pub crawl with all proceeds going to the Sugar House Boys and Girls Club.

A portion of the funds will be used to purchase classroom supplies from Lakeshore Learning.

“It’s one of our busiest events…It’s a lot of fun to see so many people come into Sugar House,” Shumway said.

The 10 watering holes for this year’s event were Campfire Lounge, The Tap Room, Fiddlers Elbow, SugarHouse Pub, The Annex by Epic Brewing, Mellow Mushroom Salt Lake City, Wasatch Brew Pub, The Bar in Sugarhouse, The RUIN and Trolley Wing Company.

Participants who grabbed a “passport” and had it stamped at all 10 pubs were entered into a drawing for prizes. Bars were opened at

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Girls with creatively colored hair walk from one pub to the next during the 2nd Annual Sugar House Pub Crawl on Saturday, May 21. – Jeremy Higginson

noon with passports required to be turned in before 5 p.m. to be eligible for the drawing. No requirements were made for the order in which people attended each pub.

“We didn’t want mass amounts of people going to all the same places at the same time, this way it spreads everyone out,” Shumway said.

The grand prize was two tickets to the Idaho Brew Fest which included accommodations Other prizes were brew master dinners and gift cards for best individual and group photos with use of #iheartsugarhouse and #sugarhousepubcrawl.

There were more gift card prizes or general swag for the best individual and group costume.

Tents and local rock group, Quiet Oaks, set up shop at Monument Plaza with Quiet Oaks performing from 4 to 6 p.m.

Shumway said their goal as a chamber is to bring people into Sugar House so people could see what Sugar House has to offer to the community.

“The pub crawl ended up being a real huge success in that regard,” Shumway said.

With thousands of people converging on Sugar House for one day, Shumway said she thinks it’s the distinctiveness of the area that draws in so many people.

“So many people just really love Sugar House and appreciate how unique it is,” Shumway said. “A lot of people didn’t even realize we had that many bars or pubs right there in such a small area…we just really think a big part of the success is that people do just love the area.” 

PAGE 6 | JULY 2016

LOCAL LIFE

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

130 Years

OF TRUST Taking Care of

YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

The Tradition of Sugar House Fireworks Natalie Mollinet | natalie@mycityjournals.com

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or many in Sugar House, grabbing a blanket and taking a walk over to Sugar House Park has been a lifelong tradition, and for others grabbing a drink and sitting up on their roof to watch the fireworks is their tradition. Either way, watching the fireworks at Sugar House Park has been a tradition since most people can remember. Where ever you are in the neighborhood, you can hear the sound of fireworks on July 4th and thanks to the Sugar House Chamber and those in the community the tradition continues.

“It will cost us approximately $76,000 to put on both events,” Summer Shumway chair of the Sugar House chamber said talking about the fireworks and the day time festival.

“The fireworks and affiliated events at the park account for approximately 60% of that total cost.”

Even though the fireworks can be seen as being expensive and a crowded event, thousands of people come to sit on the hills around the park and watch the lights shine in the sky.

Many people do stray away from the event due to the crowds and the difficult parking, but this year the chamber is working to make sure this isn’t a problem.

“Parking and traffic will always be a struggle anywhere you hold a very large event,” Shumway said, “We recommend walking, riding your bike and using the S-Line that day. UTA has extended the hours on the 4th of July to help accommodate the festivities.”

In the past there have been scares about the show not being able to go on, and from the cost it’s easy to see why it might be difficult. It’s thanks to members of the community and the owner of Apollo Burger - Michael Ziouras - the fireworks will be sponsored by the company till 2019. The sponsorship is generous but only pays for some of the cost of the fireworks.

“We certainly need help funding such a large endeavor and it is a lot of work to make it happen,” Shumway said, “but it means such a great deal to so many – people want to support it and see it happen.”

Many brave the crowds, and walk to the park and find a

spot. It’s not hard to run into old friends at the event and new friends, while children get a kick out of glow stick necklaces and the fireworks finale.

There are members in Sugar House that have fond memories of the fireworks, some remember going with their grandparents, going in big groups of friends or family, and even getting engaged at the fireworks. Even though the huge crowds can be a struggle to walk through some find ways to make it fun.

“It is fun to see friends and neighbors at the fireworks,” Cheri Christensen a long time resident said, “When they are over there are so many people, and our family changed ‘Imhotep’ from The Mummy while we walk through the crowds to our home.”

Some have used the fireworks as a place to gather with family.

“We would always walk down from my parent’s house to watch them,” Emily Lawrence said, “and after they were over we would walk home and sit outside on the front porch and watch all of the people walking up and down 21st south.”

Others have integrated the fireworks as a part of their family traditions.

“4th of July in our family starts with the neighborhood parade and breakfast,” Berkeley Noyes said, “the afternoon is spend swimming and a family softball game in the evening. As soon as it gets dark, we make our way down to Sugar House Park to grab a spot for the fireworks.”

Noyes said that her family gets really close and enough to see the debris fall from the sky. They have been doing this tradition for at least 10 years and they don’t plan to break it anytime soon.

Whatever you do on the 4th of July, the fireworks at Sugar House Park remain a tradition for many. Even with the scares in the past about the fireworks being dropped, the community and businesses within it fight to make sure that this fun tradition is continued. 

government

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

Stark Steering Sign Saved in Sugar House

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

JULY 2016 | PAGE 7

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Members of the community talk, eat and drink after the lighting ceremony on June 4. —Dino Furano

S

igns point to the past as much as they do to the future, and the restoration of the Stark Steering Sign is supposed to accomplish that.

A lighting ceremony was held on June 4 at the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) located at 1075 East Hollywood Avenue to celebrate the restoration of a sign originally built in 1956.

“The whole office is on a little bit of a high because of it,” Mika Israelsen, UNPA director of operations, said.

The event was commemorated with a countdown to the lighting ceremony, as dozens of people were in attendance.

“That was my pride and joy. Loren [Israelsen, UNPA president] put me on the project. … I’m so happy because that is my mark on history in Sugar House,” Israelsen said.

Spearheaded by the Saving Our Historic Signs of Sugar House Committee, the sign was refurbished while keeping the aged exterior paint in its natural state, at the owner’s request.

UNPA had plans to restore the sign on their own last year, but the person who was hired to do it took the money and disappeared.

“It was a little heartbreaking and we were kind of jaded, but then this winter we got a knock on our door from the Sugar House Community Council,” Israelsen said.

Lynne Olson of the Sugar House Community Council and member of the Saving Our Historic Signs Committee told Israelsen about their purpose of restoring signs in the Sugar House area.

“My boss was like, ‘Let’s do this,’… and it was a pretty straightforward process from there,” Israelsen said.

The Saving Our Historic Signs Committee is funded by the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency, which established a special account to provide matching funds to property owners who wish to preserve and restore their vintage signs.

Israelsen said they couldn’t be happier

about having the sign lit up.

“It’s something we’ve wanted to have done for a long time, and now that it’s finally here and lighting up our lives … it’s just a joyous occasion on so many levels,” Israelsen said.

Israelsen said the community, in particular, has been rewarded the most by the sign restoration.

“We have so many people who stop by and are so curious, like the new people in the neighborhood and some who have been here for decades and will tell us stories [about the sign and its building],” Israelsen said. “There was just so much excitement and gratitude for us restoring the sign.”

Israelsen said it’s important for the area to have an “anchor” to remind people of its past and signal that it will have a future.

“It’s like a tree: the deeper the roots grow, the stronger the community stands, and I think that’s always good for people to have in the back of their heads,” Israelsen said.

The sign is located outside of a building originally constructed as a garage that served as a home base for telephone installation crews and their vehicles from 1947 to 1956. Stark Steering Shop occupied the garage for its automotive business until the ’90s.

UNPA purchased the building in 1997, restoring its original architecture plan.

“There’s so much change that’s happening [in Sugar House], so we feel like as many anchors as we can get in the community to remember where it all started, we’re happy to do just that,” Israelsen said.

Rainbow Neon Sign Company repaired the sign, bringing it full circle since the company built the original sign, most likely during the ’50s.

“We are beyond thrilled that our sign is up and running and we hope to inspire other people [to restore their signs]. It is possible and it is affordable,” Israelsen said. “This is history and history is a very important way for the future.” 

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government

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Streetcar Corridor Plan to Limit Building Height

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

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The changes to the plan that forms two zoning districts around 2100 South and 700 East will see building development heights limited to 60 feet and 75 feet with 10 percent affordable housing. The proposed changes apply mostly to the zone focused along 700 East just south of 2100 South. —Travis Barton

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uilding size will not exceed 100 feet after new zoning districts were amended.

The Salt Lake City Council voted on the Sugar House Streetcar Corridor Master Plan during a city council meeting on June 7 after three and a half years in development.

The amended plan sees two new form-based zoning districts created, called FB-SC and FBSE, surrounding the intersection at 2100 South and 700 East.

In the amended version of the plan, the FB-SC zone — located between the streetcar corridor and 2100 South — will limit building heights to 60 feet and up to 75 feet for buildings with 10 percent affordable housing for residential units.

“I think we’ve come up with a good compromise,” Lisa Adams, councilmember of District 7, said.

The FB-SE zone covers surrounding areas around 2100 South and 700 East and also touches parts from 500 East to 900 East.

This zone allows for building heights up to 45 feet.

In the original plan, building heights would have been allowed up to 75 feet with 10 percent affordable housing and 105 feet for buildings with 20 percent affordable housing.

These zone changes were proposed by former mayor Ralph Becker in 2013, hoping to take advantage of the Sugar House streetcar transportation option.

“This whole thing is predicated on the transportation options because they say ‘the streetcar’s right there,’” Short said.

The problem, Short said, is that people who take the streetcar — or S-line — say it takes 40 minutes longer to get downtown on the streetcar than it does on the bus.

“It’s a great idea, but it’s not being utilized,” Short said.

Short said she thinks the desire to build more residential buildings has to do with the valley growing and the goal of 5,000 affordable units started by Becker.

“The valley is growing rapidly, and they want to make sure that they have places for people to live in Salt Lake as opposed to Herriman,” Short said.

The newly formed districts would allow mixed-use buildings, with retail and commercial stores limited to the first three floors.

Another change to the original ordinance was the removal of the right-hand turn lanes on 700 East between 2100 South and the 700 East streetcar station. The lanes were going to be removed for a bike lane and on-street parking.

Also, the proposed connection made between Green Street and Wilmington Avenue was removed from the ordinance, meaning the dead end at the south end of Green Street will remain. 

Government

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

New Development, Different Concerns for Sugar House Residents

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

JULY 2016 | PAGE 9

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McOmberTeam@hotmail.com A new apartment development is being proposed for 974 East 2100 South.

—Travis Barton

The new apartment building, 21 by Urbana, will have 126 units with 135 parking stalls. —Travis Barton

“We believe that will be a great help to a lot of millennials and younger people that see the vibrancy of Sugar House and want to live here and experience that.”

A

new development is being proposed for a parcel of land at 974 East 2100 South, near a Subway and a Utah Idaho Supply store. The 126-unit multifamily apartment building will be a five-story, 60-foot-tall building called 21 by Urbana.

The new residential development was discussed at the Land Use and Zoning Committee meeting on May 16. This apartment building, developed by Gardiner Properties, is permitted per the zoning for these parcels.

Laurie Karlik, project manager, said they are designing smaller units to keep the prices lower.

“We believe that will be a great help to a lot of millennials and younger people that see the vibrancy of Sugar House and want to live here and experience that,” Karlik said.

The development will be oriented to the street with primary access set up for pedestrians and mass transit. But a concern from Land Use and Zoning chair Judi Short is about the parking. The plans show a proposed 137 parking stalls, all of which will be concealed on either the lower garage or the main floor, with two drive entrances on 1000 East.

“I worry about the Elm Street neighborhood and 1000 East. Pretty soon they’re going to have cars parking all through that place,” Short said.

Short cited a situation with Urbana apartments at 2057 South 1200 East, where residents of the adjacent Hollywood Avenue complained of their streets being overloaded

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“We know some of those come from Urbana because they don’t want to pay the $50 additional rent, so they park on the street and then the neighbors don’t have any place to park,” Short said.

Karlik said the ratio of parking stalls to units are 1.17 to 1.

“Our ratio is over one, so our twobedroom units could have two stalls,” Karlik said.

The planned building will have twostory apartments on its first two floors, which is typically different from other developments of similar stature that generally have retail stores of some kind.

This way the downstairs has bedrooms while the upstairs has the living room and kitchen.

The first floor is below grade and the second floor is at ground level.

Short said it’s a “strange concept” and doesn’t generate much interest for those walking by.

“Part of what makes a neighborhood walkable is that you have something interesting to see as you’re walking down the street. This development doesn’t create much interest on the street level,” Short said.

“To me that’s not very exciting.”

The ground-level floor will have a front porch that Karlik said they hope to keep open with a small grassy patch. She said they’re trying to create a “real home experience” similar to the houses built when Sugar House first started building.

“With the front porches and a desire to

draw people out on to them, we think they’ll be really popular units with the dog owners and someone who likes that front porch,” Karlik said.

Nearby resident Nancy Holt said she had many concerns about the development, starting with the amount of construction going on in Sugar House, with proposed developments popping up every few months.

“We already have so much development going on. Why can’t we build one and then go from there?” Holt said.

One reason for the increased amount of construction in the area is a moratorium on impact fees. For one year, if developers can get projects approved and designed and have a permit in hand before the moratorium expires, they don’t have to pay those fees.

“That’s what is driving this crunch, and I think we’re going to see three or four more projects come in,” Short said. “It’s an interesting conundrum because everybody expects Sugar House to look the way Sugar House has always looked; that’s what they have in their mind’s eye, but the truth is it’s not going to look that way.”

Holt said she thinks the residents’ interests aren’t always being considered.

“It seems like whoever screams the loudest gets what they want. There’s so much money and power behind all of it and it’s the residents’ interests that are hurt,” Holt said.

Construction is planned to begin in October or November of this fall with expected completion in February 2018. 

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PAGE 10 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Playground Reopens as Kids, Parents Ached for Return

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

A

fter a long wait, kids have a place to play again at Fairmont Park.

On Friday, June 10, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Fairmont Park playground, officially reopening the playground after closing it for reconstruction a few years ago. Dozens of children were in attendance to commemorate the event.

“I have been following this project the whole time and I’m really glad we’re here today,” Amy Barry, Sugar House Community Council chair, said to the audience.

The City’s Public Services Department and the Parks and Public Lands Division invited the public to the ceremonial ribbon cutting where Barry; Lisa Adams, Salt Lake City Council member for District 7; and Salt Lake City mayor Jackie Biskupski shared a few remarks.

Though the park was dedicated in 1937, it’s been around for 116 years and was originally a part of the Salt Lake Country Club.

“This playground is going to make it a place where everybody wants to be,” Adams said.

Jennifer Nelson, a neighbor who lives about as close to the park as possible, said she hopes having the playground open again drives off suspicious or unwanted characters in the park.

“It’s already started to get rid of the some of the worse elements of the park, like maybe transients, with all the noise and children screaming,” Nelson said.

“If the people who are here to play on the playground are here, that means people who maybe don’t belong in the park don’t want to hang here, so that’s really good,” Adams said to those in attendance.

Biskupski said her son, who helped with the ribbon cutting, is very excited to come play at the park this summer and that the park will “encourage creativity, imagination and family time.”

Neighbors were excited to finally have the playground back not only for their kids but also for the neighborhood. Nelson said that without the playground the kids get bored, so they haven’t been able to do their Easter egg hunts or Halloween activities.

“It’s kind of a nice little hangout for the neighborhood. … We’re so thrilled because we’ll be able to get a little bit of that connection going again,” Nelson said.

“We’ve seen Sugar House change dramatically in the past few years. The playground will be one more gathering place in this unique neighborhood,” Biskupski said.

Nelson said her five-year-old son was the

Kids rushed the playground at the end of the ceremony to play on its structures. —Travis Barton

first to notice the fences coming down around the playground.

“I don’t think they had half of the fences down before he ran outside and was already on the playground going down the slides, so [we are] so very excited,” Nelson said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the playground, but it was open the prior few weeks, getting full usage out of its amenities.

Nelson said the park is usually pretty full from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We noticed at the end of last week that [a tire contraption] was falling off; it was crooked already. … I’ve seen people come and make adjustments and repairs on things,” Nelson said.

“In two weeks this playground is well loved.”

The playground is located very close to Fairmont Youth City and the Boys and Girls Club, giving those organizations a nearby attraction for their youth.

“I’m really excited for this day and I can’t wait to see kids playing on it every time I visit,” Barry said. 

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

education

JULY 2016 | PAGE 11

Our Graduated Class of 2016

By Elizabeth Suggs

J

une 3 at 7 p.m. marked the expected graduation for seniors and early graduates at Highland High School at the Energy Solutions Arena (ESA).

While the graduation didn’t actually start until 7 p.m., students were expected to start lining up at 6:20 p.m. And because caps and gowns were returned before the graduates left the ground level, students had to take pictures before lineup. For Audrey Hall, secretary to the principal, there wasn’t much of a problem, especially with the students themselves.

“There’s a huge difference between ninthand twelfth-graders,” Hall said. “Our seniors are very independent. You could tell when they were walking they were ready to be on their own.”

Unlike other years at Highland High School, students carried themselves gladly, and for Hall it was “impressive how strong they are.”

Hall applauded not only the student’s independence but also the walk out to get their diploma. There were “no hiccups, no falls,” said Hall. The entire ceremony went very well and that’s because of, according to Hall, how often the students were rehearsing the graduation.

Hall said that though the difference was small from previous years (she’s the one who has worked on the graduation ceremony the longest), she has seen where to focus the needs

“Princess” Sam from the Make-A-Wish Foundation awards the Spirit of Highland High. —Island Photography

of the students, and that included repeated rehearsals.

“I guess you could say that I’m more of a veteran in our team when putting [the graduation] together,” Hall said. “It’s easier to know what needs to get done to have a smoother process. It’s not bad, just different.”

Some of the highlighted speakers at the graduation were the Board of Education’s Kristi Swett, Principal Jenson and valedictorian Anamika Blomgren, who gave a moving speech on moving out and being dependent.

While Hall agreed that each and every speaker had “really well-thought-out speeches,” Hall said her “favorite, favorite” was student body president Marcus Leone’s welcome speech.

But speeches and walking weren’t the only things on the minds of the graduation planners. Principal Jenson brought Highland High’s “Make-A-Wish” fundraiser recipient, Sam, to present the Spirit of Highland High award.

Established in 1981 by senior student

body officers, the Spirit of Highland High award this year gave Sam the chance to give back to the student body who helped make her “make-a-wish” a reality. She awarded the honor to senior student body officer Mason Alba.

During the second week of May 2016, Sam was able to go to Disney World because Highland High School raised $11,000 in the “Big Fundraiser, Big Wish” campaign in order to make her wish come true.

“She was so excited up on stage,” Hall said. “It was really cute and moving.”

Next, Principal Jenson presented his gift to the 2016 senior class.

“It was an original poster design of the H-Rock [on the mountain] that incorporated our senior theme of ‘Tradition, Passion, Ambition,’” Principal Jenson said. “I ran a signed, limited edition of 311 (the number of seniors in the graduating class) and gave each graduate a print with their diploma.”

For 13 years Principal Jenson was just “Mr. Jenson,” as Highland High’s art teacher, so the art piece seemed fitting, according to Jenson.

According to Principal Jenson, the art piece was going to be used as the next “It’s the Highland Way” poster, adding the tagline “tradition, passion, ambition.”

“This was a really good class,” Hall said.

“Everyone did a really good job.” 

PAGE 12 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Highland High Volunteers!

“Perfect Pitch - Despicable Glee!”

By Elizabeth Suggs | elizabeth@mycityjournals.com

Students who registered before a certain date were automatically put into a drawing that had the chance for students to win an IPad mini Wireless Beats by Dre headphones, Xbox One and a PS4.

A Day.

Top Left to Right: Dan Larrinaga, Wendi Griffiths, Matt O'Mally, & Brittany Shamy.

Bottom Left to Right: Nick Whitaker & Kerstin Davis —Julean Hickenlooper

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esert Star Playhouse continues its riotous 2016 season with the hilarious family feel-good musical of the summer, “Perfect Pitch - Despicable Glee!”

The new dean of Northern Salt Lake State University, Dean Reno, is starting her inaugural year off with a bang!

Her plan is to tear down the ramshackle student building and replace it with a faculty only day spa. Much to the distress of the student run clubs who use the building exclusively. In order to save their beloved meeting place, Jenny and the other club presidents need to come up with the money to fix the building and fast. Deciding to join forces and enter into a singing competition, Jenny and company soon discover that Dean Reno has enlisted the power pop boy

band, D!Vine, to enter into the competition to thwart the students’ plans of saving the student building.

Directed by Scott Holman, Perfect Pitch runs from June 9 to August 20, 2016.

The evening also includes another of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. The Kick Up Your Boots Country Olio will feature some new and classic country music favorites, with a unique and always hilarious, Desert Star twist!

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 and smoothies while they watch the show. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table.

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pril 30 marked the first Highland High volunteer project through Comcast Cares

Highland High has partook in other volunteer activities, but never something at this scale, says Audrey Hall, Secretary to the Principal. With the expected outcome of 1,000, according to Hall, when the actual count came up to 1,400 volunteers that was unexpected.

It was because, according to Hall, a few local groups signed up the night before the event. For Hall, this meant opportunity.

“We were able to complete projects we had set out to do, which we were worried about that.” Hall said. “We completed projects early and that was impressive.”

Not only that, but, according to Hall, having the volunteer project part of the Comcast Cares day, Comcast donated to the school based on how many volunteers turned up. The dollar amount, according to Hall, increased per volunteer.

Karrie Allred, part of Highland High, agreed the turnout was remarkable.

“There was way more than we thought would come, especially the youth turnout.”

Allred said. “It’s made a huge difference in our community.”

Youth who did come out and help not only were given the free breakfast, lunch and T-shirt received by each volunteer, but students of Highland High were also eligible to take place in a contest through Comcast if they signed up to volunteer early enough.

Comcast offered any student who registered at least fifteen days prior to the actual event automatically was entered into a drawing for an IPad mini Wireless Beats by Dre headphones, Xbox One and a PS4.

The winning students, according to Hall, will be announced in the next week or so.

With so many students involved, the kids, according to Hall, had fun. There were no issues or problems. Hall said music was played and everyone seemed to “have a good time.”

Volunteers were given the option to

participate in sanding wood trim, painting, landscaping, light cleaning around the school, organizing labs, updating the athletic floor department floors, walls, etc, hanging pictures, assisting with food, flyers, etc., create a green wall for HTVS, sanitize daycare toys and more.One of the largest scale projects was the Highland High wrestling room. Volunteers had to build a foam pad beneath the floor so when students hit the floor due to wrestling, the likelihood of concussions was decreased.

In regards to supplies, according to Hall, this was the most costly, but Comcast covered the majority of the cost.

One of the other larger scale projects was the exterior of the school. Volunteers painted curving outside, planted, mulched, added and updated the lawns. Part of the exterior also included work on the greenhouse for those students in biology.

All volunteers who had signed up prior were asked to start their morning at 7 a.m., for morning check in and to receive their free breakfast, donuts, otherwise, walk-in volunteers were asked to come at 8 a.m.

Volunteers were then used from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and afterward were given a lunch of pizza from the commons/cafeteria area at Highland High.

When asked whether Highland High would participate in such a volunteer project again, Hall said yes. The turn out, according to Hall, was enough to show the school that many more projects like this could be done. If it hadn’t been for Chris Jensen, according to Hall, Highland High would have never even known about the Comcast Cares Day. To have Comcast work with them, according to Hall, there was an application process that went over their school, along with others, to see who Comcast would help. After applying, then there was an interview done by Highland High’s Chris Jensen.

“We’ve had large volunteer projects, but not at this scale.” Hall said. “It definitely encourages us to continue.” 

sports

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

JULY 2016 | PAGE 13

Swim Team Dives Deep in Pool, Classroom

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

S

tudent-athlete is a term applied to students who also participate in school athletics. For the Highland High swim team, it means a little bit more.

The Rams not only finished second at state this year in both boys and girls, the team also had six members, three from the boys and girls, make the academic all-state team.

“For us to get six out of the swimming world, that’s still a big deal,” Edge said.

All six swimmers were seniors. From the boys team were Erik Newland, Nick Pryor and Andy Silver while the girls team had Emma Ker, Eva Gontrum and Zoe Phillips.

Edge, in her second year coaching and teaching at Highland, said both in and out of the pool, the kids exceeded her preseason hopes.

“They went beyond my expectations, especially the boys.

They’d never placed at state before so when they got second that was a big deal with only nine kids qualified,” Edge said.

In order to be a successful swimmer, it requires commitment and Edge said it’s possible that can correlate to the classroom. “[The students] are very driven, with swimming it’s very much commitment and I think from that they learn how to drive and push themselves to do well in school,” Edge said.

A state record holder from her swimming days at Kearns, Edge said swimming had a big effect on her studies.

“I was not a good student until I started swimming on a swim team and all of a sudden my studies totally changed because my outlook became ‘I can do my best, I can do better than this,’” Edge said.

Four of the six swimmers were still going to work out before and after school shortly before graduation.

“They are very committed to the sport,” Edge said.

Gontrum and Phillips, who are twins, saw their names near

Highland High swim team performs their team cheer before a swim meet against East and Kearns High Schools. – Cindy Nordstrom

the top of every event they participated in at the state meet. The pair were taking multiple IB tests during the closing weeks of the school year.

“They are fantastic in the water…And I feel like they are a lot more mature than I was as a senior,” Edge said. “They’re responsible and pay attention to detail.”

Silver and Pryor proved themselves, Edge said, to be worthy leaders on the team with Silver knowing how to help his teammates while Pryor exemplified how to work hard. Newland also plays the saxophone in addition to his swimming ability.

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The students’ commitment to the classroom has had an effect on other swimmers on the team.

“We’ll have weaker students join the swim team but once they’ve been on the team for a year, their grades start to go up so there’s this environment,” Edge said. “If you’re surrounding yourself with people who are doing well in school, you tend to try and step up.”

Whether it’s a team or individual motivation, Edge doesn’t know, but regardless of how swimming tends to have a positive impact on students’ studies.

Edge said the students will leave behind an important academic legacy.

“I think that was more valuable than trying to win state, the academic side, because it shows that you can put in 25 hours of practice a week and still do well in school, it all depends on your priorities,” Edge said. “I think it’s awesome for the kids to try and measure up to that.”

What else is valuable is the lessons the kids can take with them now that high school is over. Edge said there were three she hoped they can remember.

“The first thing they learn is how to do hard things, life isn’t easy and especially in swimming you can’t get faster by taking the easy route,” Edge said.

The second lesson, Edge said, was to learn how to have fun while doing hard things.

“The swimmers who find joy in working hard swim faster,” Edge said.

For the hardest and last lesson, Edge said it’s important for kids to learn how to help others have fun while working hard.

“Usually it’s contagious if you can help other people gain optimism and joy in life and I think life tends to treat you better that way,” Edge said. 

PAGE 14 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Hands-on Science

By Elizabeth Suggs

S

tudents at Highland park Elementary have a chance to get their hands dirty with Sue Dickey, in Hands-on Science.

Hands-on Science isn’t just part of Highland Park Elementary, but, according to Dickey, schools that offer it are few and far between even if many schools wish to get involved.

Dickey explains that it has to do with the involvement of not only the schools, but the students and volunteers as well.

“I’ve had a number of schools contat me of the last ten years.” Dickey said. “The problem is they think is something that I can just manage, but it can’t be done that way. It takes a highly committed person. It’s a lot work to set it up.”

The problem is, according to Dickey, was to sell the program. Because of the time allotted to the presentation of the potential program it can be difficult to get a foot in the door, according to Dickey, but once the children are committed, it’s much easier.

“You get the kids to enjoy that and then the parents will get involved.” Dickey said. “It’s not just throwing money at stuff.”

For Dickey, the kids like the program for the science itself, but also the stress free environment given. The program is taught during school hours, students will have classroom time at the Hands-on science, but no tests are taken.

Students instead go into the classroom to understand their science first hand with both Dickey and volunteers. The ideal number of volunteers is about six, according to Dickey. This way volunteers have about four or five students for 45 per science session. Compared to Unitah, who also takes part in Hands-on science, volunteers are given about 50 minutes per science session.

Both 45 and 50 minutes isn’t a bad amount of time,

In a move to help children immerse themselves in science, Hands-on science gives students that opportunity.

according to Dickey, but more time could be given and the students would benefit, but what is in place now isn’t troubling, according to Dickey. Moreover, it’s the amount of volunteers per student.

Volunteers can sign up online or by phone with Dickey.

After thirty minutes of training per unit, the volunteers will then conduct the same experiment or demonstration to the children.

This includes a wide spectrum of sciences, according to Dickey,

but it’s the dissections the children love.

It’s comparative anatomy, says Dickey. Students can have a rat sans body with all the insides hooked up for the fifth graders.

And for sixth graders, the option is pig lungs and hearts.

While the third graders don’t do dissections, they students will ask for it.

“The kids absolutely love the dissection units.” Dickey said. “These are the most popular, but also the ones that cost the most.” Before things were cut back, Dickey had students use cow eyes and three-foot sharks. However, in the practice of comparative anatomy, Dickey will still occasionally bring in one.

Though things haven’t always been bright and shiney for Dickey. People, according to Dickey, have tried to take the dissections out, but in the light of the students’ better understanding of their own anatomy, Dickey pushed back and has successfully kept in dissections.

“I’m not trying to make anyone a doctor.” Dickey said.

“Most of the kids, even the ones that thought it was icky, will remember dissections later in life.”

Because of this, Dickey said, it was important to keep the dissections in the program.

“There are lots of people out there that if we could just tap into someone’s passion through the different fields of science we need to try to do it.” Dickey said. “This is a program I love and I believe it connects with kids even if they don’t enjoy every single unit, but maybe there’s one unit that does turn on the light.” 

Westminster Students at the Core of Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival Alex Boissonnas, Junior, Westminster College

T

he Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival is returning to Sugar House this summer and it’s bigger than ever, nearly doubling in size since last year. Now two weeks long, the performing arts festival will bring artists and audiences to Sugar House to celebrate theatre, dance, music and more. In doing so, the Fringe Festival seeks to boost support for Sugar House commerce through partnerships with local businesses from July 29 through August 7.

As part of a worldwide movement, the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival was launched last year by a group of Westminster College students, faculty and alumni. In its inaugural year, the festival produced 120 performances by 30 artists over four days. In its second year, the festival is aiming even higher, running for eight days and over two weekends, with the goal of expanding to nearly 50 artists with over 250 performances. The festival will use performance spaces in Westminster College’s Jewett Center for the Performing Arts as well as venues in the former Deseret Industries building at Sugarmont Plaza and other Sugar House locations.

“One of the things we love about Sugar House is that it has always been known as the place where there’s kind of a hip artist community, and unfortunately we’re seeing that dissipate,” said Michael Vought, a Sugar House resident and Westminster College professor who helped launch the Fringe in 2015. “We thought a Fringe Festival in Sugar House would help restore that wonderful, quaint, artsy Sugar House feeling.”

Now in its second year, the festival is primarily student-run. Students fill a variety of roles as graphic designers, volunteer coordinators, sponsorship managers and more, learning valuable skills and gaining real-world experience in the processes of running a non-profit organization.

“The Fringe doesn’t just draw upon the talents of student artists: it utilizes students from marketing and communications; students from accounting; and students from the arts administration, theatre and music programs,” said Emilio

Casillas, Westminster alumnus and festival director for the Fringe. “It lets students from across campus participate in a non-profit arts organization and engage with local artists, businesses and community members in a way that is beneficial to everyone.”

Students also have opportunities to create and perform in shows throughout the festival as artists. The 2015 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival featured several student-run theatre groups, including Company of Cohorts, whose studentwritten original show was one of the most attended of the entire festival.

As well as using Sugar House venues for performances, the festival also seeks to give back by promoting the local business community. In its first year, the Fringe partnered with local businesses like Sugar House Coffee and Mellow Mushroom, providing discounts to festival attendees and encouraging local patronage.

“The very model of the Fringe is a model in which everybody wins through mutual support,” Vought said. “The artistic community wins when the local business community supports the festival. The business community wins when the festival attracts an audience that is encouraged to patronize local businesses.

Nationally, many Fringe Festivals attract millions of dollars of added income into an area. In a community the size of Sugar House, a Fringe can be a boon.”

“All the local businesses have been really supportive in partnering with us, and we think that our festival not only benefits our artists, but also—by bringing audiences in—benefits the local business community in a lot of ways,” Casillas said.

The 2016 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival will run July 29–31 and August 3–8. Festival attendees are encouraged to enjoy multiple performances and celebrate the Sugar House arts community.

“We are grateful that the Sugar House community has embraced this festival and we’re excited to see how it grows,” Casillas added.

JULY 2016 | PAGE 15

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

Green Space, Family Activities Contribute to CountyQuality of Life

T

he days are growing longer and warmer, and that means many county residents are looking for things to do outside this summer. We are blessed to live in the beautiful state of Utah, with countless scenic locations that draw locals and outsiders alike. But residents don’t have to go far to enjoy the bright summer days and pleasant evenings outside.

Salt Lake County is home to over 70 parks throughout the valley, as well as 25 designated open space areas. From structured activities and events, to reservable outdoor amenities, to simple green space areas to get away from it all, there are plenty of options to enjoy the summer.

You might wonder why the county has such a plethora of outdoor spaces for its residents. The answer is simple: we are committed to creating an environment in which our residents can thrive. More than just an entity charged with providing basic governmental services, Salt Lake County is invested in the well-being of its residents. Healthy, wholesome activities that foster families and friendships is an important part of that success.

We want Salt Lake County to be a great place to live, work, raise a family, and recreate. Outdoor venues for a vari-

ety of activities contribute to good mental and physical health, and increase the sense of community our residents feel. We work better together as friends neighbors, and—yes elected officials—when we have a strong emotional investment in our community. I firmly believe adequate open spaces contribute to this community approach.

Whenever I face a budgetary decision in my role as a member of the County Council, I always ask myself some key questions. First, is this the proper role of government? In our zeal to solve problems and provide resources to our residents, it’s always helpful to constantly remind ourselves what the appropriate role of county government is. Second, is this an efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars? We want to make sure any government funded program, facility, or resource is operating with sound principles. And third, is this in accordance with the wishes of the taxpayers? Our job is to represent the people and their priorities as the public servants that we are.

The county’s open space amenities meet all three of these questions with a resounding yes. Open spaces are by definition a public good, our Parks and Rec department is a great example of efficiency, and voters have shown again and again the value

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they place on parks and open space.

We can always improve in our administration and management of county resources, and we welcome public input to help us do that. But I for one am pleased to live in a county that values the benefits to health and community that our beautiful outdoor spaces provide.

So this summer gather up the kids or grab your friends and come visit one of our many parks or open spaces. I hope to see you out there! 

We can always improve in our administration and management of county resources, and we welcome public input to help us do that.

PAGE 16 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Nelson Brothers Student Housing: The parent’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit 1. Does it make life efficient and easy?

Securing housing that places your student in proximity to everything he or she needs can be tricky, but will make a big difference over time. “People don't realize how much 10-15 minutes a day adds up over four years,” said Nelson. “Make sure you choose a place that makes your student’s life efficient so they spend time on what is most important.” Ultimately, if Jacob’s life is more efficient, mine will be too.

S

tudent housing has been on my mind as my son, Jacob, prepares for college. While we’re focusing on ACT prep, perfecting his GPA, and finishing that Eagle Scout for the finishing touch on his college applications, my mind is going full speed ahead.

Finding the right type of housing in Utah will help define Jacob’s college experience. So, I was excited to sit down with Pat Nelson, CEO of Nelson-Brothers Property Management (managing over 19 student housing properties throughout the country, including University Gateway, University Towers, 9 & 9 Lofts, Park Plaza, 900 Factory, and Alpine Flats in Utah) to get some tips on how to choose the best student housing.

Here are four things to consider before you put money down on that first month’s rent.

2. Is it safe?

The location is a plus, but the condition of the property needs to be evaluated. For example, are the units equipped with carbon monoxide alarms and lighted hallways? Is it in a good neighborhood? How well does the management care for the property? Do I feel comfortable around the other residents?

Look for properties that are near public transportation and provide safe and well-lighted parking.

3. Is it priced right?

Do you rent the nicest apartment or the one that’s budget friendly? The answer is to consider your needs and the amenities the housing provides. “Some properties may charge more, but they offer on-site laundry facilities, a fully furnished unit, a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, or a game room,” said Nelson. “The cost of many of those features is

figured into the rent and could save you money overall. Even more importantly, it can give students more time at the library instead of hassling with the laundromat or constantly searching for the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot.”

Before you scratch the upscale apartments off your list, add up the cost of the perks—it might be worth it.

4. Does it have the right vibe?

Different apartment complexes have different vibes—you’ll be happiest with one that suits your student's lifestyle best. “A law student may not want to live in a highly social complex,” said Nelson. “Rather, he or she will probably need a quieter, more academic environment. In contrast, an incoming freshman may enjoy an environment with a robust social network.”

To ensure your student’s home away from home will be sweet, allow yourself enough time to consider factors like the freshman experience, location, safety, price, and social element of the available properties.

For more information on Nelson Brothers’ Utah properties, please visit: www.nelsonbrothersutah.com.

Next article: “Why You Should Live in Student Housing Even When You Are Local” 

Your neighbors too!

Shauna Quick, Real Estate Expert / 801-550-4419

JULY 2016 | PAGE 17

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

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obody plans on being in a car accident.

But when—not if—it happens, one needs to protect themselves from further injury with the help of aggressive attorneys representing victims’ legal rights.

Personal injury law firm Handy & Handy represents people injured in any number of accidents, but focus on helping care accident victims protect their rights in a time of vulnerability.

Founders and partners Preston and Garret Handy were attorneys with one of the largest personal injury law firms in the state before staring Handy & Handy in 2012. They house vast legal experience in a small firm setting where they can better serve client needs with a winning strategy unique to the facts and circumstance of individual cases.

The firm operates und the motto “Big Firm Experience, Small Firm Attention.”

Handy & Handy also provides representation for cases involving wrongful death, brain injury, product liability, dog bites and attacks, slip and fall, premises liability, motorcycle accidents, auto-pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, skiing accidents and trucking accidents.

This experience is exemplified in the many years of experience and countless satisfied

clients Handy & Handy have earned over their collective careers.

Every client comes with special needs and a distinctive story that makes every case different.

It’s Handy & Handy’s goal to provide aggressive legal representation to win settlements and business for their clients. If they don’t win your case, they don’t make any money.

Handy & Handy represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning that if they don’t win a case the client doesn’t pay. Clients also don’t need to worry about hiring out of pockets since attorney fees are paid out of settlements.

The aggressive, individualized approach has produced big results. Handy & Handy estimates they have obtained in excess of $100 million for their clients.

Free legal consultations give potential clients the opportunity to accident victims to discuss legal rights and options with Handy & Handy before committing to representation.

Handy & Handy moved offices to Sugarhouse in 2015 and are proud to be a part of the Sugar House community while serving personal injuries cases from all over the state.

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PAGE 18 | JULY 2016

SUGAR HOUSE JOURNAL

Nothing to do with Coupons – An Evening at Red Butte Gardens with the Monkees

L

ast week some friends and I enjoyed the musical stylings of the Monkees at Red Butte Garden. Being a Monkees generation Baby Boomer, who dreamed of one day marring Davey Jones, I could not wait to see them. Dawning my tie-dyed style neon shirt I was ready to sing every song right along with them.

Now, I could go on about how to save money when attending a concert at Red Butte. What’s allowed, what to bring, how to get tickets, where to park, but I’m feeling the need to deviate from the money saving genre for a moment.

When the Monkees performed Shades of Gray they expressed that it was time for us to rock out with the dearly departed Davey Jones. They told us because of the shootings in Florida just 3 days earlier, this song was far too emotional for them to sing it alone. They then brought up video and the voice of Davey singing the song as they played and we sung along.

In light of what’s going on in the world and right here in our own country the audi-

ence and the performers (Dolenz and Tork) were overwhelmed with sorrow while performing. It was an emotional moment that left me, and I imagine a great many of the audience with tears in our eyes.

Some dear friends of mine are an interracial couple that have been married for many years. They are an amazing family raising 4 great kids, that routinely give back to the community. She mentioned the other day that while dining at a restaurant right here, in the self proclaimed most tolerant state in America, that when the server presented the check(s) they had been separated for each to pay their own. When asked, the waitress admitted she had made assumption and apologized. My friend chuckled and went on to tell me that this was not an isolated incident and that these things happen all the time. It was just something they live with, something that has become routine. She stated that this was mild compared to some of what they’ve experienced.

Our religious leaders of every faith preach kindness and tolerance daily, that it

is not for us to judge. They are right, it isn’t.

Yet, I’m often scratching my head as they are the very ones that fight against protecting all peoples right to live peaceably within their own core religious values. They judge other religions as wrong and untrue, they fight for laws remaining restrictive, passing judgment on those who don’t conform to the attitude that they “know best” what is right for each of us. Then when something like Florida happens they tell us we must be a less hateful and a more tolerant people.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a very spiritual person, but until all leaders of this country start teaching the real meaning of peace and tolerance and lead by example instead of words, how will it ever get better? Won’t we just continue on this slippery path? As someone that lived through the hate that was going on during the Shades of Gray era, myself, and I’m sure the 47 families, that today are living without a loved one, can say it’s definitely not getting any better. 

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JULY 2016 | PAGE 19

MYS UGAR H OUSE JOURNAL.COM

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness

S

ummer means camping. Outdoor living is a wonderful way to acquaint your children with Lyme disease, tourniquets, tick removal, poison ivy, skunk identification, rabid chipmunks and tent life. Why go to a hotel when you can sleep on the ground in a Ziploc bag?

It’s a mythological fact that camping builds character. Okay, I’ll admit camping builds some characters; the Unabomber comes to mind. After living in a remote cabin with no electricity or running water, Mr. Unabomber started a nationwide bombing crusade.

But still, families plan extravagant camping adventures and look forward to spending an inordinate amount of time living like squatters in the mountains with their loved ones.

Their days are filled with card games, sing-alongs, murderous rage and fishing.

And by the way, fishing is not a sport. “Sport” indicates a level of exertion, sweat and training. I’ve never seen a sport that involves kicking back in a camp chair and swilling a cold beer while holding onto a stick. It could easily be confused with the sport of TV watching.

One of my daughters refused to even cast a fishing line, afraid she might hit a trout on the head with a lure, causing it to need glasses for the rest of its fishy life.

Hiking is another fun camp activity, if “fun” means you enjoy carrying toddlers for a 4-hour hike that would have taken

SUGARHOUSE

only 20 minutes if they would walk like a functioning person.

And who can forget the hellish outhouses where you just know there’s a snake coiled up behind you or a spider creeping around the toilet seat or a swarm of wasps waiting for you to exit.

When nighttime rolls around and it’s time to build a fire, you soon realize it should be called building a smoke. All the green wood your kids gathered creates billows of hot, grey air that infiltrates every piece of clothing you own. Plus, the wind blows through the campfire, distributing hot ash, eye-melting

smoke and pieces of exploding branches so everyone around the fire can enjoy the great outdoors.

Once you finally have a campfire merrily dancing in the pit (usually around 2 a.m.), it’s fun to roast marshmallows that your kids won’t eat because they’re burnt, and look at the stars.

Me: Aren’t the stars beautiful?

Daughter #1: It’s making my neck hurt. Can I stop looking?

Me: No. Daughter #2: What if a star fell on us right now?

Daughters #3 and #4: (Crying because they don’t want a star to fall on them.)

Me: Forget it. Go get in your Ziploc bags.

Safety is always a concern when camping. “Don’t Feed the Bears” signs encourage campers to lock food in the car so bears don’t get into your Oreos. Shouldn’t the signs also warn you that a bear can easily shred your tent, looking for juicy, humanflavored tidbits? But, hey, as long as the Oreo cookies are safe.

Once camp is over, a miracle happens. Everyone forgets the scraped-shins, fire-singed fingers, burned breakfasts, lost underwear and temper tantrums. And suddenly you’re planning next year’s camping trip to acquaint your children with dehydration, crazy hermits, leaf toilet paper, stinging nettle, wet socks, outdoor swearing and organic granola. Because why go to a restaurant when you can eat soot-covered hot dogs in a rainstorm? 