Stand up, speak out, intervene
By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
School counselors have decided to pick a fight… with student conflict.
Staff members at West Hills Middle School want students to be upstanders—to stand up, speak out and to intervene when they or someone else is being treated unkindly.
“Within our school, we’ve seen an increase in peer to peer altercations that would result in a discipline referral, and so that’s something we want to be intentional about and try and intervene, because it’s a huge factor with school climate,” WHMS school counselor Brian Behrmann said.
The counseling team tracks conflicts and discipline issues such as threat, intimidation, physical contact, physical attack and fighting. Then they plan interventions to reduce the number of occurrences.
Last month, they held Upstander Week, engaging students with daily messages and activities to teach them appropriate reactions to conflict and bullying. Behrmann said conflict is common because many students don’t know how to respond to, or how to work through, conflict in relationships.
“It’s a development skill,” Behrmann said. “Sometimes—especially in middle school—you don’t know exactly what to do in a situation. A lot of the fights stem from leaving relationships. Some of them escalate because they don’t know how to de-escalate. It’s just normal to them to think, ‘Oh, you do something bad to me, I’m doing something bad back.’”
Upstander Week activities encouraged students to think about what they can do or say in response to unkindness. Students’ ideas mostly aligned with school policy: tell them to stop, tell an adult, stand up for others, leave the situation. More creative students suggested specific responses such as “You’re not cool by being mean” and “Be nice for once!”
But some students went a step farther.
“A lot of them were very thoughtful in that they would provide comfort to those who had been either bullied or a target of unkindness,” Behrmann said.
Students shared how grateful they were when someone stood up for them during conflict.
“One time, one kid was just teasing a lot, and my friend stood up and just was like, ‘How about you pick on someone your own size?’ and stuff like that, and he stopped,” an eighth grade student said. “I felt protected.”
A ninth grader recalled a time when some classmates were being unkind and her friend told them to stop.
“It was sweet of her and nice to know someone was there for me,” she said.
The counseling department provided every teacher with a digital presentation on de-escalation skills which they can use throughout the year as a reminder for students. With this age group, it’s important to get in front of students often and reinforce the standards, because the impact is often temporary, Behrmann said.
“Our first day [of Upstander Week], there was an altercation in the lunch room, and I was like, ‘Come on, guys, this is what we’re talking about,’” he said.
On the final day of Upstander Week, students were invited to take the Upstander pledge:
I will overcome the fear that prevents me from taking action to intervene.
I will speak out for others and hold my peers accountable. I will stand up and embrace the responsibility for the well-being of those around me.
I will live with urgency and be a role model in fulfilling this commitment. l
West Hills Middle School’s Upstander Week culminated with students signing their name to commit to follow the Upstander pledge. (Jet Burnham/City Journal)
Low-dose radiation therapy being used to treat arthritis at West Jordan hospital
By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityjournals.com
Dr. Leland Rogers, a radiation therapy physician at Holy Cross Hospital in West Jordan has been involved in the use of radiation therapy for benign disease for a large portion of his career. Most of his career has been in central nervous system tumors, specialized neurology at a neuro surgical hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, Barrow Neurological Institute. Rogers has treated a lot of benign tumors within the brain, i.e., meningioma tumors and acoustic neuroma. He started out 30 years ago in radiation for benign disease. He is now working on another published study for
Alzheimer’s disease.
Rogers continues to work on arthritis that is less common. He has treated people with Dupuytren’s Contracture for many years. Tendons get scarring and tight, fingers contract, and radiation can stop the progression of that and lead to some improvement. It has been around for a long time. “The use of radiation for arthritis, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis has been going on for decades in Germany and other places in Eastern Europe, Russia has been common, but not in the United States. It looks very safe, the doses are remarkably low, not even close to doses used to treat cancer,” Rogers said. The treatments are small. They start off with two treatments a week for three weeks, for a total of six treatments. Then it is re-evaluated and the same treatments are repeated.
Rogers recently underwent extensive training from experts in Germany and England. In Germany it is very common to use radiation to treat arthritis, tendonitis and fasciitis. “In the United States it is catching on,” Rogers said. By catching arthritis early it improves 75% in patients. “It is a simple treatment course, with very low side effect risks, low cancer risks at .01% rate,” Rogers said.
Usain Bolt, the fastest human in the world, had plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, and got radiation therapy because he couldn’t compete. After the radiation therapy he won gold medals. He was young, and they don’t usually do radiation on people under age 40, but he needed it for a good reason.
The reason why this therapy is being used is because of the commonality of the problem. “Other things are not working very well, steroid injections are not effective,” Rogers said.
Radiation therapy is safe, affordable,
no recovery time and widely available for people who are willing to do this in the United States. The low doses of radiation work in a different way. They don’t kill cells at the low doses, rather they decrease immune responses.
“This therapy gives options to people who didn’t have them before,” Julie Steadman said, Cancer Center manager at Jordan Valley Hospital. There are options that people have to get help with their physical needs. “There’s a whole team that is ready and excited to help you with that journey, and it is exciting to be a part of,” Steadman said. “Things have changed so drastically since I started in the ‘80s. It was the dark ages in comparison to what we are doing now. There is more to come,” Rogers said.
The need is there. There is always something that comes up, and we can do something about that. “What about and what if questions are the questions that come up when they are working on a therapy that will work. What if we try this, then people will have the heart to go after these questions,” Steadman said.
CommonSpirit is the biggest nonprofit organization in the country. They have acquired the Steward healthcare systems. CommonSpirit now has Jordan Valley, Mountain Point in Lehi, Salt Lake and Davis Hospitals. They are part of the mountain region division, which includes all of Kansas, Colorado and Utah. CommonSpirit is a faith based organization, and every meeting has an inspirational componenet. They communicate to collaborate in a spirit of excellence.
The CommonSpirit mission is “as CommonSpirit health we make the healing presence of God known in our world, by improving the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable. We advance social justice for all.”
Every morning over the intercom CommonSpirit will do a reflection. It can be something like, “if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” They have a “we are” standard, that is, “we are positive, kind, dependable, synergistic, and compassionate.” Their theme is “Hello Human Kindness.” “I have seen that in action. People will just rally around and they find out there is a cancer center here,” Steadman said. They want to portray human kindness so they can do the healing. It doesn’t matter your faith. “It is our staff’s priority to make sure every patient and their family members feel like they are family to us,” Steadman said. l
The West Jordan Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Jordan.
For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. 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. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
EDITOR
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com
Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com
Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com
Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com
Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com
Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022
Rack
South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
WEST JORDAN TEAM
Julie Steadman, cancer center manager at Jordan Valley Hospital. (Linda Steele/City Journals)
Dr. Leland Rogers, radiation therapy physician at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley in West Jordan. (Photo courtesy Julie Steadman)
Pinwheels and flags displayed during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October
A commemorative display at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park is to call attention to the problems of domestic violence in West Jordan.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Last year, the West Jordan Police Department received 1,229 domestic violence calls, a crime that has reached epidemic proportions nationwide. The South Valley Services’ Sanctuary helped 520 of those callers find shelter at their moments of crisis.
Together those entities marked the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month by creating a visual display of 1,229 flags and 520 pinwheels in a section of the West Jordan Veterans Memorial Park off of 7800 South on Oct. 6. The display remained in place for a few weeks.
“This display is a sobering reminder of how many lives are impacted by domestic violence right here in Salt Lake County,” Lindsey Boyer said, executive director of South Valley Services. “Together with our partners,
we are committed to raising awareness and ensuring that survivors have access to safety and support.”
The visual installation is part of a series of local events designed to honor survivors, remember those lost to domestic violence and highlight community resources available to those in need. Similar displays adorn the grounds of other city halls and community parks in the Salt Lake Valley each October.
So far this year, approximately 10 million people in the United States have reported experiences with domestic violence, with 7.4 million of them being women. Every day, over 20,000 phone calls reporting domestic violence are made in the United States, and around 1 in 5 victims in homicide cases are killed by an intimate partner.
South Valley Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the local community since 1998, and is a survivor-centered organization where individuals impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence can realize their strength, courage and resilience while on their path to an empowered future. You can learn more about its services at www.svsutah.org. l
Pinwheels and purple flags are part of the display in West Jordan’s Veterans Memorial Park in recognition of domestic violence calls the city’s police department has received this year. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Dr. Gregory C. Skinner, D.D.S. Prosthodontist, and Mark E. Seiter, C.D.T. Laboratory Specialist, want to create your best set of dentures. Using science, art and nature, the professionals at Specialty Dentures Studio provide an unmatched clinical denture experience, often in 24 hours.
Opened in 2022, the clinic specializes in personalized one-onone care, with a focus on perfection. Their knowledge of essential anatomical landmarks is key to creating a proper fit. Dentures are their specialty, not a sideline; their combination of experience, wisdom and expertise will get you a great fitting dental appliance.
Tell us more about you, Dr. Skinner.
I graduated from Brigham Young University and the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry with high honors. I’ve practiced general dentistry for more than 44 years and received advanced training in prosthodontics.
Tell us about your experience, Mark.
I’m also a BYU graduate and a certified dental technician specializing in dentures and removable appliances. My philosophy is that denture magic happens when the doctor, technician and patient work together. My entire career has been making dentures and solving problems for denture patients.
What products do you offer?
We create specialty dentures and other removable dental appliances at a fair price.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
We put quality first, compressing the average timeline but not cutting corners in the process. We focus on the perfect impression using Adjust-a-Tray (a creation of Dr. Skinner), which is the foundation for a successful outcome. There’s seldom more than one adjustment visit and we provide a great fit, even without implant attachments.
Who is your ideal client?
We work with denture patients who are dissatisfied with their current dentures or other removable appliances due to improper fit or sore spots. They might have a dentist with a lack of experience and it takes too long to fabricate a proper denture, often taking more than five visits.
How do potential clients choose between you and a competitor?
We receive patients by referral from dentists who would rather not do dentures or who feel it isn’t worth their time and effort. We also get referrals from existing patients who are satisfied with our services. Cost is generally not a determining factor as their satisfaction is guaranteed from the fit, appearance, ability to chew and function, and lack of adjustments.
What factors should potential customers base their decision on?
We have a streamlined timeline, usually completed within 24 hours. There are no compromises and our
personalized care is second to none. We offer free consultations and our professional services speak for themselves.
What is your best advice for someone who is considering doing business with you?
Don’t waste time or money seeking denture care from anyone who lacks experience, knowledge or skills. Get it done right the first time. Don’t look for the cheapest dentures, as you will be disappointed in the long run. Redos cost money and time.
Anything else you would like readers to know about your business?
Our motto is “Specialty Dentures Studio, with over 80 years of experience in removable prosthodontics, is of greatest value when answering your unique needs, addressing your essential, individual anatomy, and considering your personal history and expectations.”
NAMI Utah moves from crisis to renewal
Donations and support helped keep the mental health program viable.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
One year ago, NAMI Utah faced an unexpected financial calamity that forced the mental health organization to temporarily pause many of its programs. Now, NAMI Utah is telling a story of resilience as leaders have stabilized finances and reestablished much-needed programs to help people in the state who are dealing with mental illness.
Interim Executive Director Robin Holcomb, along with the NAMI Utah board, staff members and volunteers, has restructured the foundation, renewing its commitment to Utah’s mental health community. The accomplishment was recognized on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day.
“For 15 years, NAMI Utah has been a lifesaver and life changer for our whole family,” said Norm Younker, a volunteer teacher and former participant. “I can’t imagine trying to navigate a family member with a serious mental health condition without NAMI Utah’s help.”
Described as a “year of strength, community and hope,” the past 12 months have been the toughest since the organization was started 40 years ago. NAMI Utah’s
free programs include education courses and peer support groups, a crisis Help Line, suicide prevention trainings and community events like Snack-and-Chat and the annual NAMIWalk.
Additionally, federal budget cuts earlier this year were made to lifesaving services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, placing a bigger burden on NAMI Utah resources. More than 4,000 individuals have been helped by NAMI Utah in 2025, with family members and community advocates reflecting and sharing its core message of belonging and inclusion.
Faced with the financial crisis, the response from the community was swift and powerful. Volunteers, families, donors and advocates rallied to ensure that mental health support would remain accessible to all through NAMI Utah.
With donations ranging from $6 to $50,000, people in Utah stepped up to keep essential mental health programs operating. Today, the organization stands as an example of what is possible when a community rallies behind a just cause.
NAMI Utah Programs Manager Mia Moncur reflects, “James Baldwin said, ‘The world is held together by the love and the passion of a very few people.’ I am so blessed to work for an organization made up of those very people.”
The foundation’s leaders envision a
NAMIWalks event, held in West
is the
world where people struggling with mental health issues are allowed to live without stigma or shame, supported by a loving community. They believe, educating the public about the prevalence and devastating effects of mental illness builds compassion and empathy.
NAMI Utah strives to uphold its values of hope, inclusion, empowerment, compassion, collaboration and education through resources and programs that enrich the lives of its members and their families.
As the holidays approach, NAMI Utah invites supporters to help sustain the momentum by contributing to the organization. With nearly 20% of Utah residents grappling with mental illness, the holidays can be difficult for those dealing with mental health disorders. Donations help ensure they have access to mental health support, education and legal resources. For information on how to access NAMI Utah’s free services, visit namiut. org or call 801-323-9900. l
ThrivePoint has Offered Tuition-free Education for 25 Years
Jasmin Zures has been a teacher for 12 years within public, private and charter schools. For four years, she worked as a teacher and coach at ThrivePoint Academy in California, but recently moved to Salt Lake to assist in opening its new location in West Jordan. As Director of Schools, Zures was more than happy to relocate to Utah to provide the school’s services to students in the state.
ThrivePoint has been in business for more than 25 years, o ering tuition-free, online and in-person public education for students in grades 7-12.
What sets your company apart from your competitors?
Our students are supported by not only licensed teachers but also one-on-one coaching and support. Coaches meet with students weekly to provide social/emotional support and academic counseling towards graduation. We have a workforce coordinator who exposes students to a variety of
career opportunities and students are o er ed greater e xibility compared to traditional classrooms.
Students can work completely remote or come in-person for academic learning. Students only take two courses at a time, every six weeks They can work as fast or slow as needed, depending on their learning style and home life.
Does your business solve a problem for your customers?
We provide students who are credit- de cien t with the opportunity to catch up in their studies both in-person and completely online.
Who is your ideal student?
We work with any Utah student in grades 7-12. We also have services for students from ages 18 to 21 who would like to get their high school diploma rather than a GED.
How do potential clients normally choose between you or a competitor?
We provide flexibility for students, only focusing on two courses at a time, either remote or in-person. It comes down to whether the traditional school system is working for them. If it isn’t, then they should come in and meet our coaches and teachers to learn more about how our model can support them in feeling successful in school.
What is your best advice for someone who is considering doing business with you?
I suggest people come in and meet our team of coaches and teachers. Ask questions about our model. We want to inform the public of what we offer and let them decide what is best for their students’ learning outcomes.
What is your favorite service ThrivePoint o ers?
Our talented, highly quali ed coaches and licensed teachers make all the di erence. With one-on-one support for students, we provide them the same quality of education both in-person and online.
Tell us about the Next Big Step program.
Next Big Step is a workforce development program focused on helping students research career options. We assist them as they choose a vocation and acquire the training needed to start their career upon graduating from high school. We partner with members of the business community in the area to provide speakers, organize events and arrange for career-focused eld trips.
Are you hosting any upcoming events?
We are here Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., so families can come in and meet with me or Taylor Smith, our Learning Center Coordinator.
ThivePoint Academy of Utah 1589 W. 9000 South, West Jordan 385.396 4640 | thrivepointutah.com Instagram and TikTok @ThrivePointUtah Facebook @ThrivePointAcademyUtah
Utah’s
Jordan,
group’s largest fundraising event. Nationally, NAMIWalks raised $15.8 million in 2025, with more than 190 community events across the country. (File photo Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Surgical expertise, delivered with compassion.
Visit CommonSpirit General & Breast Surgery Jordan Valley.
At CommonSpirit General & Breast Surgery Jordan Valley, our team of expert providers is here to guide you through every step of your care. From diagnosis through recovery, we strive to deliver the best possible outcomes so you can get back to fully enjoying life.
Our physicians treat a wide range of conditions, including:
• Breast cancer, lumpectomy, and mastectomy
• Colon, colorectal, stomach, and gallbladder cancers
• Appendix and small bowel surgery
• Skin and soft tissue masses
• Thyroid and parathyroid disease
• Hernias and hemorrhoids
Meet our providers
Broc Durrant, MD General Surgery
Raylene Natwick, MD General Surgery Kimberly Weir, NP, DNP Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology & General Surgery
Same-week appointments are often available. Call 801-208-1050 or scan the QR code to schedule.
Copper Hills grad, immigrant from Mexico living out her
American Dream as a business owner and employer
Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting, LLC launched in owner Martha Ceballos’ basement in Kearns during the height of the 2020 pandemic.
By Carl Fauver carlf@mycityjournals.com
Martha Ceballos spent the first 15 years of her life growing up in Mexico, with no idea she would one day be a United States citizen – let alone, a Kearns resident and Taylorsville entrepreneur.
The owner of Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting also never knew she would meet her husband, Armando Mendes, as he was visiting Utah, while fleeing civil war in his southwest African country of Angola. They would wed in a West Jordan restaurant, have a son (Roderick) and daughter (Kiara), divorce – but remain close – and make plans to remarry, “someday.”
Oh, and just for good measure, Ceballos would launch her business a half-year into the COVID-19 pandemic, just as most of us were still hiding from the virus and counting the days until we could make that all-important decision: Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson.
“I began working on my business plan for Inclusive Minded in July 2020 and saw my first client in my (Kearns home) basement on Oct. 1, 2020,” Ceballos explained. “By the end of that year I was seeing about 15 clients each week – and already thinking about hiring additional therapists and moving to an office outside my home.”
Ceballos is proud her therapy service
is focused on often neglected or overlooked members of the community: people of color, LGBTQ+, Spanish-speaking, Native Americans and others. She now employs five therapists – in addition to herself – and an office manager.
“I graduated from Copper Hills High School in 2004; but it took me 10 years to earn my (2-year) associates degree at (Taylorsville-based) Salt Lake Community College,” she said. “In between, I got married and started my family.”
When she resumed her studies at SLCC in 2013, Martha thought she might become a teacher.
“I feel social work chose me,” Ceballos said. “I took an intro to social work class and fell in love with it. Many of my family members are victims of sexual assault and substance abuse. I felt comfortable in the field.”
After that, Martha’s degrees came
quickly: SLCC associate degree in 2014… University of Utah bachelor’s degree in 2016… and her Social Work Master’s, with an emphasis in mental health (also from the U of U) in 2018.
Ceballos first moved Inclusive Minded from her basement to an office in South Salt Lake. While there, she hired her first employee – therapist Arlyne Arteaga – fresh out of the University of Utah, in May 2023. Earlier this year, Arteaga became an officially-licensed Utah Clinical Social Worker.
“I became aware of Martha and Inclusive Minded just a few months into my university program,” Arteaga said. “When it came time to look for work, I landed on her web page and really liked their mission. It seemed like a great place.”
Two-and-a-half years in, Arteaga is still excited about her first big career choice.
“I have stayed here for good reason;
we have such a wonderful team,” she added. “Everyone has such diverse skills. It really feels like a family. And Martha is amazing. She sees us as one team, working together. We don’t have a workplace hierarchy. She’s always very transparent and honest with us.”
Inclusive Minded therapists now see 55 to 60 clients per week – most of them for a single, weekly session. Ceballos reports, most of her clients are Hispanic, the male/female mix is about 50/50 and several are transgender.
Mayor Kristie Overson was among those welcoming Ceballos and her business to Taylorsville at the ribbon cutting.
“We welcome all businesses that find their way into Taylorsville,” the mayor said. “It’s particularly rewarding to see people from diverse backgrounds join our business community. The city and ChamberWest stand ready to assist Inclusive Minded to grow and remain successful, any way we can.”
Ceballos is also proud of her YouTube channel, “Viviendo Mejor con Martha,” or “Living Better with Martha.” The content on her channel is exclusively in Spanish now. But their plan in the coming months is to provide content in both English and Spanish, while adding subtitles in the “other” language. Inclusive Minded also just launched a monthly newsletter.
“I am very excited with our new location in Taylorsville,” Ceballos concluded. “We are thrilled to be located on Redwood Road. And the community has been so welcoming. I am pleased we are able to service such a diverse community and hope to provide therapy to even more clients in the future.”
Learn more about Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting, LLC on their website (inclusiveminded.com) or call 801-210-1686. l
KID recognized as Kearns Hometown Hero
Kearns
Improvement District was selected as this year’s Kearns Hometown Hero for its service, dedication and contributions to the Kearns community.
Established in 1957, KID provides water and sewer services to thousands of homes and businesses in Kearns, West Jordan, West Valley and Taylorsville. The organization also supports local initiatives, events and community activities. Presented by the Kearns Community Council, the award celebrates and honors KID’s decades of service.
“Our promise has always been clear: that our customers, our employees and our community know we care,” Greg Anderson said, KID general manager/CEO. “Being recognized as the Kearns Hometown Hero is a true honor and a reflection of the dedication of our entire team to uphold that promise every day.” l
Kearns resident Martha Ceballos (R) launched her bilingual counseling business Inclusive Minded five years ago. As the business grew, her first employee hire was Arlyne Arteaga (L). (Photo courtesy Martha Ceballos)
When not busy growing her Taylorsville counseling business Inclusive Minded, Martha Ceballos enjoys visiting the Utah mountains with her family. (Photo courtesy Martha Ceballos)
Inclusive Minded trauma-informed counseling center is on the west side of Redwood Road, across from Taylorsville High. (Photo courtesy Martha Ceballos)
Kearns Improvement District General Manager Greg Anderson accepts the Kearns Hometown Hero award on behalf of KID. (Photo courtesy KID)
This theater season will be magical
Get your tickets to experience stories of magic portals, time travel and generation mashups.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
WestJordan area schools’ drama students and teachers invite community members to come see their theatrical productions, which will transport them to magical places and times.
Copper Hills High School presents “Brigadoon”
Nov. 21, 22 and 24 at 7 p.m. $10 adults/$8 students/$7 seniors and military
Tickets available at the door or online at chhstheatre.ludus.com.
Copper Hills High School’s fall production is the Golden age musical “Brigadoon,” a Scottish folktale about two characters who stumble upon a magical village where they make friends and fall in love, but eventually leave to return to their own world.
“Brigadoon only appears every 100 years, but if somebody really, truly longs for Brigadoon, or somebody in Brigadoon does, that power might be strong enough to bring it back,” drama teacher Jordan Morrell said.
Morrell, who has taught drama at CHHS for 22 years, really wanted to bring back “Brigadoon” this year for the school’s 30th anniversary.
“I wanted to pay tribute to the legacy of the school opening by doing the first musical they did,” Morrell said.
Morrell reached back in time to contact CHHS faculty alumni and collected memorabilia from that first show, including the promotional poster and the program, which will be on display during the show’s run. The display will also include a few items belonging to Kent Burrell, who was CHHS’ first drama teacher (1995-2003.) Morrell said that while Burrell has since passed away, his influence is still felt.
“He started the whole program rolling and he started the legacy,” Morrell said. “We still have things that he built with his stage crew classes that we still use to this day.”
In fact, the church window Burrell built for that first show will be used in this performance, as well.
“I used it in my first musical here when I did “Sound of Music” and I’ve just kept it all these years,” Morrell said. “It is so well-constructed and beautiful, and it’s one of those things I can’t throw away. I know I will use it at some point so I keep it.”
West Jordan High School presents “Mamma Mia”
Nov. 20, 21 and 24 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 1 p.m.
$10 adults/$8 students and seniors
With the production of “Mamma Mia,” West Jordan High School’s theater de-
partment will magically transport audiences into what is basically a concert of ABBA’s greatest hits.
“What’s good about jukebox musicals is there is already a fan base around the songs,” Michael Mortensen, who plays Bill, said. “We hardly need to promote it. Everyone’s going to know the music, and it’s very popular.”
The cast is expecting the popularity of the show will draw larger than normal audiences, especially to the Saturday evening sing-a-long performance.
The show’s popularity also drew in more students to get involved in the show this year.
“I loved how many people auditioned,”
Mortensen said. “Because it’s such a popular musical, so many people auditioned for it— people we haven’t seen before. We put them all in because it was just awesome to see 60 people audition.”
Adele Wyatt, a senior who plays Donna, was thrilled to be part of the iconic show.
“This is like my childhood show,” she said. “Me and my grandma and my sister watched it all the time.”
She said the show’s music evokes a range of emotions, from sorrow and regret to comedy and fun, for audience members.
“I think it’ll just be an overall good time,” Wyatt said.
Sunset Ridge Middle School presents “Xanadu, Jr”
Nov. 20, 21 and 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $20
Sunset Ridge Middle School’s production of “Xanadu, Jr” mixes Greek mythology enchantment with the quirky charm of the 1980s, which SRMS choir teacher Matthew Oviatt describes as a bit of nostalgia and a lot of fun.
“We’ve got funny accents, fun costumes, new foot lights and disco magic effects,” he said.
“Xanadu,” a 2007 stage play featuring ‘70s and early ‘80s music by Electric Light Orchestra, is better than the 1980 film it is based on, said SRMS drama teacher Susan Robinson.
“The film is terrible and so this was made into a musical, which is much better than the film, has a better storyline and a better plot,” Robinson said. “It’s got a lot of really fun music. It’s really kind of cheesy and making fun of itself, and so it’s just a really fun musical.”
The enthusiastic cast of 60 actors and 20 stage crew members promise the time travel story will be as fun for audiences as rehearsals have been for them.
“It’s family friendly, and it’s really funny, and the dances are super cool, so your kids might be interested to watch it,” one cast member said.
One said, “It makes fun of itself and there’s roller skates,” and another said, “It’s so cheesy that it’s funny.”
Referencing the Greek muses who inspire the main character in the story, one student promised the show will be “very pun-ny and a-muse-ing” and another quipped, “We bring the Greek. You bring the leg warmers.” l
West Jordan football looking to finish strong
Sunset Ridge Middle School students play Greek muses who are transported to 1980 in “Xanadu, Jr.” (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
The West Jordan football team was 6-3 (5-1 in region) at press time. After three non-region games saw them fall to Riverton and Alta while defeating crosstown rival Copper Hills to complete one of the team’s goals, the Jaguars entered region play. Other than West, West Jordan had mowed down its region opponents Taylorsville, Cyprus, Hunter, Hillcrest and Kearns, winning each game by a minimum of 24 points. The Jaguars headed into their final region game against Granger as the No. 11 seed in the 5A RPI rankings. (Photo courtesy West Jordan football)
Seven cities join forces in a trashy partnership
Trans-Jordan Cities’ new transfer station will streamline waste disposal for Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Midvale, Murray, Sandy and West Jordan, reducing travel times and improving regional solid waste management.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Thereare few things that bring seven cities together. High school football rivalries? Not a chance. Water rights? Please—people would sooner agree on pineapple on a pizza. But garbage? Garbage is the great unifier. Enter the Trans-Jordan Cities agency, which has now given seven municipalities—Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Midvale, Murray, Sandy and West Jordan—joint custody of a gleaming new transfer station in Sandy.
Architects at Galloway, who actually brag about this, designed the place with a clear-span truss system so the tipping floor has no columns. Imagine a cathedral, but for garbage. “The facility is especially beneficial for the member cities on the east side of Salt Lake County, providing them with a closer disposal facility to handle curbside waste,” they note in their project summary. If you’ve been stuck behind a garbage truck lumbering down I-15, this is basically your redemption arc.
For the moment, residents will find the new station at 8813 S. 700 West open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though Saturdays are mainly for residential use. The rest of the week, it’s a constant ballet of collection trucks unloading their cargo. You can watch, if you’re into that sort of thing, but be aware that staring dreamily at a pile of drywall scraps is frowned upon.
And what if your garbage is… hazardous? Fear not: Salt Lake County’s health department has kindly provided a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center nearby at 8805 S. 700 West, open the same hours. That’s where you take paints, batteries, or anything that makes a sizzling noise when you look at it funny. Businesses can drop off their hazardous odds and ends, or the microwaved overcooked fish by appointment.
Meanwhile, the mothership itself—the Trans-Jordan Landfill in South Jordan—remains fully operational. Located at 10473 S. Bacchus Hwy. and open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., it is the beating heart of garbage life, home to mountains of yesterday’s leftovers and a surprisingly robust household hazardous waste program. Draper residents even get vouchers to reduce their disposal fees, because nothing says municipal pride like subsidized dumping.
There is, of course, a rule: your loads must be covered. Salt Lake County makes it
very clear—“a driver utilizing a landfill shall ensure that the vehicle’s load is securely covered from the destination of origin until the driver deposits the load at the landfill.” This isn’t just to keep debris from smacking into passing cars, but also to spare you the humiliation of everyone on I-15 learning you still own a floral couch from 1983.
So what does this mean for you? It means you can drive a shorter distance to toss out the mattress your cat has “remodeled.” It means fewer garbage trucks doing cross-county marathons. It means your kids now have a local field trip destination they’ll talk about for min-
utes. Mostly, it means the valley’s trash continues its dignified journey toward the Bayview Landfill in Juab County, because even garbage needs a final resting place.
Tran-Jordan Landfill accepts approximately 365,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually from its seven member cities. In sum, the new transfer station represents a regional investment by seven cities to reduce travel times, improve efficiency, and extend the life of local landfill resources. For more information about seasonal hour changes, services and guidelines, visit the official site at transjordan.org. l
Residents can now haul their garbage to a more convenient transfer station than the counties west side landfill. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)
Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays
Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right? Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.
So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:
Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.
Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.
Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.
Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.
According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.
First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.
Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care
– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.
Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.
Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.
Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.
“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”
If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.
For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
minutes count, count on our
(TTY: 711).
Get to know us before you need us.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
Congratulations to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for receiving the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade-A Accreditation for the fourth consecutive time. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are determined based on a rigorous assessment of various safety measures.
Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Shear experience
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
High school students who’ve accrued hundreds of hours experience with hair design and barbering skills on mannequins and friends need to practice their skills on real heads of adult hair.
“We have to reach 1,200 hours to license, but most of us get our license right as we graduate,” Riverton High School senior Natalie Roberds said. “A lot of people have been super kind to come in and let us practice.”
She said working on people’s hair is her favorite part of the hair design and barbering program at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers, where she takes two classes each day.
“I love the hands-on experience,” Roberds said. “We don’t just sit in the classroom and do book work—we do have the days for that—but most of the time we’re in the salon actually working on people or doing mannequin work. That’s my favorite part.”
Program instructor Dacia Peterson said students get a lot of practice doing their friends’ hair and sometimes even pull students out of other JATC classes to practice on, but said that they are in need of more experience with other hair types and styles to become well-rounded professionals.
“Teens are not the number one demographic they will be working with,” she said.
Peterson would like to see older adults take advantage of the early morning barbering hours so students get more
experience with adult hair styles and working with thinning and receding hair challenges.
JATC Vice Principal Stewart Hudnall is a regular client at the shop because he enjoys supporting his students but also because they do a good job.
“I am consistently impressed by the professionalism and growing skills of the students,” he said. “The instructors create an excellent, supervised learning environment, and it is rewarding to see the students’ confidence and talents develop with each visit. It’s more than just a haircut for me; it’s about contributing to their education and helping them prepare for their future.”
Hudnall believes the barbershop and hair salon are a valuable asset to the community, not only because they provide
training opportunities for students, but also because they offer more affordable hair services for members of the community.
Haircuts and hair styling appointments are $8 and a shave is $10.
“It’s way cheap because we are students, and they have to have their risk of us being students,” Roberds said. “But we have teachers to help us, so we’re going to give them the service they need.”
She said students are taught to work carefully so the service may take a little longer.
“There’s a lot of different ways you can cross check and, like, make sure your work is good, so they’ve been really good at teaching us those type of things,” Roberds said.
Riverton High School senior Daphne Brown said clients can expect to get a quality haircut.
“Since it’s our second year, and the first year we learned so much, that now I’m like, ‘Okay, I can do any of it,’” she said. “Teachers are always there to help us fix things, so nothing’s ever gone terribly wrong.”
Additional services offered by students include deep conditioning, scalp treatment, braiding, coloring and other chemical services.
The barber shop is open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for appointments and walk-ins.
Hair services (including coloring) at the barber shop and hair salon are available Tuesday - Thursday afternoons and evenings by appointment only.
The barbershop and hair salon are located on the second floor of the JATC South Campus, 12723 S. Park Avenue in Riverton. Appointments can be scheduled by phone at 801412-1324 or email at JATChair@jordandistrict.org. l
Deen Dzanic gets hands-on experience in JATC’s barber shop. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)
School attendance: the parent’s role
A variety of resources are available to support parents who want to improve their student’s attendance habits.
By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com
Parents have a significant role in ensuring their children are attending school regularly. However, the West Hills Middle School’s attendance team discovered that when they reached out to parents of frequently absent students to help address the problems, the parent support events they planned were poorly attended.
The first year, five families out of the entire elementary, middle and high school feeder system showed up. Last year, when 400 families received a personal invitation, the turnout was even more discouraging.
“Not one family showed up. Not one parent,” WHMS Clinical Support Specialist Andrew “Link” Simpson said.
Parent education is a major focus of both the statewide Every Day Counts attendance campaign and Jordan School District’s attendance initiatives. The Utah State Board of Education has provided a toolkit of infographics and slides which help educate families about the negative impacts of frequent school absences.
May 23rd
Golden Corral, 665 East 7200 South, Midvale
Copper Mountain Middle School regularly shares these messages with parents through
Jordan School District’s Stay at Home Checklist. (JSD website)
social media, ParentSquare and other school communications.
“We’re doing a multifaceted campaign— as many touch points as we can—to emphasize that attendance is important,” CMMS school counselor Hailey Sutterfield said. “Especially after 2020, where a lot of people felt like attendance isn’t important, we’re trying to get the word out that it is actually important and that it is valuable to be at school.”
Jordan School District Attendance & Prevention Specialist Michelle Reyes said one common misconception is that absences aren’t a big deal because students can virtually access the assignments they missed in class the same
day.
“One of the things we’re doing to try and combat that is to let families know that school isn’t all about academics and that there are other very important skills that their students are learning from being in a classroom,” Reyes said.
Jordan School District’s student support website and Utah State Board of Education’s absenteeism and truancy prevention website provide a variety of resources to help parents prioritize school attendance.
There are resources for helping a child experiencing depression, anxiety, bullying, learning disabilities or other negative situations that cause them to avoid school. There are also ideas and links for families who struggle with transportation, childcare, family situations and economic obstacles that cause their child to miss school frequently.
Parents are encouraged to set an example of prioritizing regular school attendance by scheduling their child’s medical and dental appointments outside school hours whenever possible and taking family trips only during school holidays.
While some parents allow older children to take responsibility for their own attendance, USBE materials suggest “teens still benefit from clear expectations, structure and support from adults.”
Parents’ responsibilities, by law, are to
ensure their child attends school and to notify school staff when their child will be absent. The most common reason for an absence is illness, but Reyes acknowledges there is still some confusion, left over from the pandemic, about when it’s okay to send a symptomatic child to school.
“Even as a parent myself, coming off of covid, it was, ‘They have a sniffle today or a little cough. Can I send my child to school today or do I have to keep them home? Do they want them there or are they going to be judging them if I send them to school?’” she said.
Parents can check the school district’s website or their child’s school website for guidance, but generally, if the illness is contagious (high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, crusty eyes) the child should stay home.
When a child is absent for any reason, parents are responsible for contacting the school attendance office, preferably as soon as possible on the day of the absence. Parents aren’t required to disclose the reason for the absence, however some schools like to collect that data. In some circumstances, a doctor’s note may be required to excuse an absence.
Reyes recommends parents become familiar with their child’s school attendance policies and procedures.
“Each school individually customizes how attendance is excused based on the community they serve,” she said. l
Veterans
Lake valley in honor of the upcoming Veterans Day
Veterans find community at Warrior Revival events and activities
When clinical psychologist Katie Fry, Ph.D., recognized that the military veterans she counsels needed more community support and opportunities to socialize, she decided to do something about it. Two years ago, she founded Warrior Revival, a Utah-based nonprofit that supports veterans and their families’ transition to civilian life through recreation opportunities, mentorship and retreats. Among the many social activities offered by the organization is a monthly book club that meets in Draper.
“When we first started, we thought we’d have one activity per month,” Fry explained. “It has just taken off. We now have 10 to 12 activities per month. Everything is free and it’s all run by volunteers.”
She noted that veterans who return to civilian life face unique challenges when they leave the military. “I see it through my patients,” she said. “There’s a loss of community and sense of meaning and connection. We want veterans to feel safe and supported.”
To that end, Fry started Warrior Revival as a way to bring veterans and civilians together. “We try to partner with organizations in the community,” she said. “The goal is to give back and break down barriers.”
Currently, over 500 veterans from throughout Utah have participated in Warrior Revival events and activities. “We’ll have between five and 20 meet up for coffee hours and the book club,” she said. Over 100 signed up for the Hook & Honor Warrior Fishing Classic that was held at Strawberry Bay Marina last September.
Other activities the organization has sponsored include scuba diving opportunities, hiking and biking trips, a whitewater rafting retreat and off-roading excursions. All of these events are made possible thanks to corporate sponsorship and foundation support. “We really rely on fundraising,” Fry said. “We rely on the
community to help us.”
In addition to the larger events, Warrior Revival members also gather for coffee hours and a monthly book club. The book club meets after business hours at Houzd Mortgage, 11550 S. 700 East, in Draper. Brandy Tilo, a realtor who served in the Navy, initiated the book club last year. “It kind of morphed into Warrior Revival,” she said. “We just got more and more veterans but anyone can come.”
Tilo explained that while some of the books they have read specifically address how to transition from the military, other books contain life lessons with more general appeal. “We read ‘The Let Them Theory’ by Mel Robbins and books by David Goggins,” she said.
“It’s funny how we end up,” she added. “There is a lot of crying and a lot of laughter. It’s become almost a self-help therapy session.”
The meetings, which start at 6 p.m., usually begin with a little socializing before the club members share their thoughts and perspectives on the book. They then collaboratively select a book for the next month.
“I never thought I’d get so much out of a book club,” Tilo said. “I look forward to that last Tuesday of the month.”
The Warrior Revival book club is made up of both men and women of all ages. “It’s a very mixed bag. Not all are military but I think that’s even better, we get different perspectives,” she said.
“We average about seven to eight people in the club,” Tilo said. “It’s our safe space so we don’t want it to get too big. But we certainly have room for more. It really is a good time.”
Fry emphasized that Warrior Revival serves all veterans. Recently, the organization hosted a virtual get-together and a lunch meeting just for women. “We are working on adding space for women to come together,” she said.
“We truly welcome everyone to join our community,” she said. “We welcome those who want to give back to our service members — those veterans and their families who have selflessly given so much to us.”
To learn more about Warrior Revival, visit warrior-revival.org.
Members of Warrior Revival were photographed at a recent skydiving event in Tooele made possible through a partnership with the J. Parker Christensen Memorial Fund. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/Warrior Revival)
Hikers at a Warrior Revival retreat in Bruin Point, Utah paused for a selfie. (Photo courtesy of Katie Fry/ Warrior Revival)
More than just loud noises: How Camp Williams serves our community, nation and helped win two world wars
By Elisa Eames | e.eames@mycityjournals.com
On July 25, a fun adventure turned into a harrowing ordeal for a man who was hiking near Idaho’s Leatherman Peak. While negotiating the rough landscape, he fell and sustained severe injuries, including compound fractures in both legs, stranding him at an extremely high altitude. Knowing that Utah Army National Guard teams receive specialized high-altitude training at Camp Williams, the state of Idaho asked Utah for help that evening.
“Due to the extreme altitude, low moonlight and rugged terrain, local search and rescue personnel were struggling to reach the stranded hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said in a statement. The 97th Aviation Troop Command is the brigade headquarters, or the
unit overseeing the command and administration of a brigade, for Utah National Guard Aviation Battalions, including the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion, which supplied rescue volunteers.
In an HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter equipped with just the kind of rare machinery the situation demanded, a West Jordan-based medical team of volunteers from the 2-211th General Services Aviation Battalion began its hurried flight to Idaho. Following a stop in Idaho Falls to refuel, the team was able to locate the hiker in near pitch-black conditions after reaching his last known position.
“[They] conducted an extremely difficult and technical hoist operation, lowering their on-board medic onto the steep terrain to begin immediate care of the
hiker,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said.
When the medic was able to stabilize the man, the helicopter used a hoist cable to bring him on board while hovering in mid-air. The operation took place at approximately 10,500 feet above the average sea level. The hiker continued to receive lifesaving medical care as the Blackhawk sped to meet a waiting civilian emergency transport helicopter, which transferred him to a medical center.
“This is a mission that the Citizen-Soldiers of the Utah Army National Guard are uniquely qualified for and stand ready to conduct at a moment’s notice,” the 97th Aviation Troop Command said.
Many locals don’t realize that the training that makes rescues like this possible happens in our own backyard. “All units within 97th Aviation Troop Command train at Camp Williams routinely as a primary training site for members of the Utah National Guard,” Tamara L. West said. West is the public affairs officer for the Utah National Guard, which was organized in 1894.
Camp Williams was established in 1914 as a training ground for the National Guard during World War I, though it was a fraction of its current 24,063 acres and hadn’t yet received its official name. In 1927, permanent and semi-permanent structures were built on the site, and a year later, the camp was named for Brigadier General William Grey Williams to recognize his role in founding the training location and for his service in the Spanish-American War.
The camp continued to grow, and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. Army took control of the complex, using it as a main training center for
active-duty troops. Oversight of Camp Williams was returned to Utah in 1947, and since then, it has played an important role in training troops who would serve in Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Persian Gulf, the War on Terror and even during the state’s COVID-19 response.
Today, the camp provides extensive combat and rescue training for the Utah National Guard, serves active-duty and reserve soldiers and hosts youth and civic groups. It also supports civilian, federal and state entities, including local, state and federal law enforcement organizations. The 97th Aviation Troop Command even executes flyovers for Provo’s annual Stadium of Fire celebration.
“The Utah National Guard performs missions at the request and approval of our governor and trains [at Camp Williams] to support our state and civil authorities in a wide range of capabilities,” West said. “[It] regularly supports our state and communities with wildland fire support, technical rescue, debris removal and hazardous materials monitoring and assessment…”
“Herriman City values its longstanding partnership with Camp Williams and the Utah National Guard,” Herriman Communications Manager Jonathan LaFollette said. “We work closely on land use, public safety, wildfire risk mitigation and community coordination to ensure residents and the Guard can thrive side by side.”
In addition to a mine detection course, small arms firing ranges and a land navigation course, there are ranges for artillery, mortars, grenades and demolition, offering training and certification for every weapon the Army has. “The Camp plays an important role in national
A fraction of its current size, Camp Williams was established during WWI in 1914. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
When the United States entered WWII in 1941, Camp Williams had grown significantly. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Camp Williams has been instrumental in training soldiers for multiple wars in the 20th and 21st centuries.
(Photo courtesy Google Images)
defense and in supporting emergency response, training and coordination across Utah and neighboring states,” LaFollette said.
The camp also includes classrooms, warehouses, dining facilities, a fitness center, workshop spaces and administration and maintenance buildings.
The training sessions are often the cause of the startling booms that residents sometimes hear and feel.
“Camp Williams is a primary training area for the 65th Field Artillery Brigade… as well as the 640th Regiment Regional Training Institute,” West said. “Loud booms heard are practice and live artillery rounds being fired, usually from M109A6 Paladin howitzers and M119 howitzers as
part of required training and certification. Artillery units work diligently to balance their training requirements with the impact their activities have on the populations surrounding training areas.”
To ensure units and individuals are always ready to serve, the camp receives soldiers from around the state and the nation for training in authentic and harsh conditions. “The Utah National Guard is comprised of citizen soldiers and airmen, neighbors and friends, and is proud to assist our communities, state and nation when called upon,” West said.
“We recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Guard members and appreciate the strength they bring to our region,” LaFollette said.
A Blackhawk helicopter like this one was used to rescue an Idaho hiker in July. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Camp Williams stretches across 24,063 acres in Utah County. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Training sessions at Camp Williams with M109A6 Paladin howitzers like this one are responsible for many of the loud noises residents hear. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)
Youth groups and camps are hosted at Camp Williams. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
The camp also provides STEM classes for children. (Photo courtesy Utah Army National Guard)
Honoring veterans – a legacy of service
By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com
Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a living, breathing reminder of the courage and sacrifice woven into the fabric of our nation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 16.5 million veterans living in America. Each of these individuals carries a story—of service, dedication and an unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves. Each story is unique, but all are part of the same powerful legacy—one of sacrifice and honor.
I’m proud to come from a family that has served across many branches of the military:
• My grandfather, U.S. Army
• My uncle, U.S. Marine Corps
• My dad, U.S. Air Force
• My brother-in-law, U.S. Navy
As former President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” This quote serves as a call to action. It reminds us that true appreciation goes beyond simple thanks—it shows up in how we live, how we support our veterans, and how we uphold the freedoms they fought to protect.
• 1 in 10 U.S. adults is a veteran.
• Nearly 30% of the federal workforce is made up of veterans, continuing their legacy of public service.
• Over 45% of post-9/11 veterans say that adjusting to civilian life has been difficult—highlighting the ongoing support many need even after their service ends.
And let’s not forget: service extends beyond those in uniform. As former First Lady Jill Biden noted through her “Joining Forces” initiative, “When you go to war, we go with
you. We bear it, too.” Military families serve in quiet but profound ways—keeping households running, enduring long absences, and carrying the emotional weight that comes with every deployment. To every military family: thank you. So what can we do to honor veterans in meaningful, everyday ways?
1. Practice Active Gratitude
Not all veterans served in combat, but all made sacrifices. When in doubt, a respectful “thank you for your service” goes a long way. Asking what branch they served in can be appropriate—but always read the room. The goal is appreciation, not interrogation.
2. Support Veteran-Owned Businesses
Many veterans transition to entrepreneurship after service. Whether it’s a local coffee shop or a clothing brand, supporting their business helps them thrive. For example, we often visit a veteran-owned eatery in our local mall— something as simple as buying a drink or a meal can make a difference. If they’re comfortable with it, consider giving them a shout-out on social media.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Organizations like Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House Foundation provide essential support to veterans and their families. My family has cooked meals for guests staying at Fisher House and even handed out Chick-fil-A sandwiches at our local VA hospital. These small acts of kindness ripple farther than we may ever know.
4. Take Time to Listen
Years ago, I had the privilege of helping organize an event honoring Pearl Harbor survivors. More recently, I’ve sat with my dad and brother-in-law as they shared their own experiences. These conversations are priceless and ensure their stories live on for generations.
5. Live a Life Worth Their Sacrifice
As Kennedy said, it’s not just about words. It’s about honoring their legacy by being active, informed citizens who live with purpose and responsibility.
Veterans Day isn’t only a time to reflect—it’s a time to act. This week, I challenge you to do one tangible thing to honor a veteran:
• Call a family member who served
• Write a thank-you card
• Support a veteran-owned business
• Volunteer with a local veterans’ organization
Learn more on Holly’s Highlights podcast, available wherever you stream podcasts, including www.hollycurby. com. Let’s transform gratitude into action. To every veteran and every military family: Today and always, we honor you. Thank you for your service.
Honoring a proud veteran, a symbol of service, sacrifice and patriotism. (Photo courtesy Jim Harding)
STEMfest sparks curiosity for all ages
Interactive exhibits, student leaders and curious minds turned out for the 11th annual event.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Amidthousands of students during the day and hundreds of families at night, an electric energy pulsed through the crowd at Utah STEMfest — and no lab coat was required.
Kids felt literal static electricity as they placed their hands on a plasma ball at the Clark Planetarium booth while others explored how electric currents work at a Rocky Mountain Power display. To cool off, they plunged their hands into insta-snow demonstrated by SheTech student leaders or touched sea stars, sea turtle shells and other marine life specimens at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium table.
Three-year-old Poppy, brought along her 1-yearold sister, Delilah, and her dad, Jed Hall, eager to dive into the hands-on experiences available at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
“We like to do experiments at home, so I’m trying to foster a love of STEM in my little girl,” Hall said. “I hope she can have a better understanding of the world. I want her to develop a love of learning while she’s young so she will keep it up when she’s older.”
It wasn’t just kids who were learning — volunteer Dannette Rose said she was helping because she wanted
to expand her own STEM knowledge.
“I like to learn all kinds of stuff when I help; it’s a good opportunity to learn and explore,” she said.
Rose was assisting Denise Taylor, a Utah 4-H STEM and strategic partner with Utah State University. Together, they guided attendees through the Utah 4-H night sky star dome, encouraging them to look to the heavens.
“It’s important kids get exposed to lots of different things because STEM is in everything we do,” Taylor said, listing a vast array of 4-H clubs which all include STEM. “We just need to point it out to students. They can garden, and there’s science behind the soil and the growing process. They do robotics and we can talk about coding. They read Harry Potter and explore potions and wands and learn about chemical reactions and magnetic fields. When we go into elementary schools, sometimes kids say, ‘I don’t do STEM,’ but they don’t realize our world is engrossed in it, and it will be a big part of their future and is what they can do.”
Tami Goetz, director of the Utah STEM Action Center — the organization behind the 11th annual event, agrees.
“I have seen students trying to figure how to balance their love of STEM with other interests and passions,” she said. “My advice to them has always been that they are lucky because STEM overlaps with so many other education and career paths.” l
People of all ages engaged in activities during the 11th annual STEMFest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Now accepting new heart patients Across Salt Lake County
Our team is expanding to provide faster, more comprehensive care that’s close to you. We provide:
› Care for your heart: We diagnose and manage heart conditions including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and more
› Echocardiograms: A safe, painless test that shows how your heart is working
› Stress testing: See how your heart performs when it’s working hard
› Heart Rhythm Monitoring: Find and treat problems with your heart’s electrical system
Life can change in a heartbeat. We want to help you keep it going.
Scan the QR code for more information or call (801) 507-3500 to schedule an appointment at one of five locations.
Locations
Cardiology Clinic at Intermountain Medical Center 5169 South Cottonwood Street, Ste. 520 Murray, Utah 84107
Cardiology Clinic at LDS Hospital 8th Avenue C Street, 6th Floor Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
Cardiology Clinic at Alta View Hospital 9450 South 1300 East, 4th Floor Sandy, Utah 84094 Cardiology Clinic at Riverton Hospital
My Gluten Free World Expo serves up flavor
The event attracts people living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
It’s estimated that at least 3 million Americans struggle with celiac disease, an autoimmune illness triggered by consuming gluten. Not only does eating products with gluten cause pain, bloating and cramping for people with celiac, it can ultimately damage the small intestine.
Gluten is a protein found in a variety of grains, including wheat, rye and barley. While doctors say most people shouldn’t avoid gluten, for those diagnosed with celiac or gluten intolerance, cutting out gluten products is the best way to feel better.
Eight years ago, organizers introduced the first My Gluten Free World Expo to people in Utah and this year it included more than 100 vendors introducing gluten-free foods and products. The event was held at the end of September at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
Local company, Grandpa’s Kitchen, was started in 2007. McKaelle Kauwe’s great-grandfather began the business to help family members with celiac disease who struggled to find quality gluten-free breads and cakes. The company offers gluten-free flour, mixes and recipes to improve the quality of life for those who can’t eat gluten.
“There was no good, gluten-free food in 2007,” Kauwe said. “He created a good flour blend and went through a lot of bad iterations to get to this point and now we’re trying to share it with the world.”
Kauwe said many gluten-free products are made with chickpea flour, which can leave a bitter aftertaste, and gluten-free bread can be dense, gritty and prone to falling apart easily.
The vendors at My Gluten Free World Expo are trying to build better products by
using different flour blends and ingredients to create a more realistic flavor and texture to gluten-free foods. Amanda Wuerz started Hugz Snacks in Utah, selling vegan and gluten-free cheez bread inspired by her Brazilian heritage.
“It stands out for a couple of reasons,” Wuerz said. “First, I use freshly-grated cheese. My Colby Jack cheese is freshly grated and put into the dough. And I don’t use seed oil. It’s pure avocado oil and it’s made in small batches.”
Other products at the expo included seasonings, soups, cooking oils, lotions, soaps, cooking utensils, drinks, protein bars and desserts. Gluten-free testing kits were a big hit at the expo, giving people the opportunity to test foods in restaurants to ensure food safety.
Jill Smith is the chief technical officer of Leo Verified, a gluten-free detection
kit to help relieve the stress of dining out. It only takes three minutes to get results, so people can make healthy choices quickly.
“I had not eaten au jus with prime rib for 31 years,” Smith said. “So I ordered prime rib, with the au jus on the side. Then I tested it and it was gluten-free. I wondered how many other things I’d been missing out on.”
Groups like Advanced Research Clinic attended the event to educate people about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and to recruit patients for a clinical trial that tests cutting-edge treatment for the disease.
Lynae Sorensen is an advanced practice nurse working with ARC. She said research into celiac and other autoimmune diseases is growing. Statistically, women are much more likely than men to be diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and it can take years before it is identified. The average time for an autoimmune diagnosis is four to five years, but it’s often much longer.
“I spoke with a patient who had it for 11 years before she was diagnosed,” Sorensen said. “We’re learning more about specific chemical messengers that are attached to this disease. That’s where we can make specific medications to target those things. There’s a lot that they’re coming out with now and that’s exciting.”
For a list of My Gluten Free World Expo vendors, visit MyGlutenFree WorldExpo.com. l
Thousands of people attended the two-day My Gluten Free World Expo to stock up on gluten-free products and find new favorites. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Mrs. Hewitt’s vendor booth at My Gluten Free World Expo sold its popular bread, cake mixes, waffles and cookies. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Turning Down the Political Temperature
The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk was a wake-up call for Americans who value free speech. What drives someone to fear opposing views so deeply that violence feels justified? If we want to cool our nation’s overheated politics, each of us can start with three changes.
1. Don’t call names or label the other side. Our country was founded on the belief that open debate makes us stronger. The Founders argued fiercely when crafting the Constitution— and that was healthy. But when disagreement turns into name-calling, the conversation collapses. History shows that dehumanizing language can fuel tragedy; in Rwanda, propaganda that labeled the Tutsis as “cockroaches” helped spark genocide. Calling people “evil” or “dangerous” never changes minds. Respectful discussion does. Express your beliefs firmly but without vilifying others. The moment you deny someone dignity, your argument loses power. One way to rebuild civility is to teach debate skills in middle school and
high school classrooms so the next generation learns how to disagree productively.
2. Listen more than you speak. None of us is right all the time. Listening with empathy to those who see things differently can preserve friendships and strengthen our communities. Try this: ask someone with an opposing political view to explain their perspective for 5-10 minutes. Repeat back what you heard, thank them, and resist the urge to argue. It’s hard—but it’s how understanding begins.
During my 12 years on the Salt Lake County Council, I’ve served on a body
that’s often split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. We debate passionately, sometimes disagree strongly, yet still shake hands afterward. We recognize that each member represents different constituents and experiences. Even when votes fall along party lines, mutual respect keeps us working together. I’m proud of that example of civil governance.
3. Recognize how you’re being manipulated. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke emotion, not inform. Once a platform detects your political leanings, it floods your feed with fear or anger-inducing content to keep you scrolling—and advertisers paying. Limit your time online.
Keep in mind that each side is driven by this algorithm that fuels the flame of conviction. We question how the other side can be so out of touch, yet they simply don’t see what we see. Those on the other end of the political spectrum have never been shown the version of the story we know. Perhaps we are both right, but perhaps we are both wrong. It’s time to pause
before the contempt destroys our country.
Cable news isn’t much better. Filling 24 hours of airtime pushes networks to amplify outrage and tailor coverage to partisan audiences. Try this experiment: if you watch a story on Fox News, switch to MSNBC for the other perspective, or vice versa. The truth may lie somewhere in between.
As we navigate the future, it’s important that we put down our phones, turn off the TV, and talk to real people. Human connection improves mental health and builds relationships. When the political climate feels toxic, step away from social media and find a friend to visit with—no debating required.
Our democracy depends on citizens who can disagree without demeaning, listen without shouting, and stay informed without being manipulated. By resisting name calling, listening with empathy, and unplugging from outrage, we can help lower the temperature, strengthen our communities, and set an example for the next generation that is watching us closely.
Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)
It’s not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.
My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.
Anyway.
This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.
As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?
I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-
WEST JORDAN
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.
Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.
Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).
As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something
new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.
Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.
I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.
At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.
As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.
Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.
Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil.
PROFESSIONALS
Compassionate care for your whole family.
Visit CommonSpirit Primary Care West Jordan.
At CommonSpirit Primary Care West Jordan, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine checkup, care for a sudden illness, or long-term management of a chronic condition, our team is here to partner with you every step of the way.
Our services include:
• Annual physicals, well-baby and well-child checkups
• Immunizations and screenings for medical conditions
• Family planning support and health education
• Diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses
• Chronic disease management
• Care coordination with pediatric and adult specialists
Meet our providers
Same-week appointments are often available. Call 801-569-9133 or scan the QR code to schedule.