West Valley December 2016

December 2016 | Vol. 2 Iss. 12

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Hometown hero: remembering Officer Cody Brotherson

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

PAGE 6

West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson died in the line of duty on Nov. 6. His patrol car was placed at Fairbourne Station to serve as a memorial where the community honored him with flowers, candles and well-wishes.

(Travis Barton/City Journals)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

PAGE 9

Students honoring fallen officer

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

PAGE 10

Councilman finishes sideline career

PAGE 16

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 2 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Young makeup artist brings back the glam

By Huy Tran | h.tran@mycityjournals.com

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W

ith the flick of a brush, this beauty guru can “fleek” any pair of eyebrows to perfection. Andy Truong, 18, is a local self-taught makeup artist and entrepreneur. He started his brand BeautybyAndy at age 14 and has Andy Truong, makeup artist and given hundreds of owner of BeautybyAndy and TRU Lashes. (Huy Tran/H. Tran clients makeovers since.

Photography) “When I was in eighth grade, we took my sister to the Clinique counter to get her makeup done for a homecoming dance,” Truong said. “I was amazed at how the artist could use a brush along with a few products to make someone look so beautiful. It all started from there.”

BeautybyAndy began September 2012 and has gained a massive following on social media. Truong strives to use his skill to highlight an individual’s natural beauty.

“My goal is to make women and men feel confident. I don’t try to mask their true appearance. Makeup to me is to perfect, not hide,” Truong said.

Truong said his experience with makeup has been incredibly positive, despite being a male in the industry. He said clients recognize him not for who he is, but rather for the work that he produces.

Truong released his own eyelash line earlier this year. TRU Lashes has become a favorite amongst his clients.

“I think his work is something that can be really appreciated by others. The way he does make up, and the way he’s so passionate about

it, really shows through his work,” said Monica Hunt, a regular client. “There’s something very special about his work, and it’s going to take him really far one day.”

His passion for the craft is constantly growing. Since the beginning, Truong has taken his work online and shared his love for the art to people across the world. His channel on YouTube teaches viewers how they themselves can use makeup to enhance features they already have.

“The face is my canvas,” Truong says. “As an artist, it brings me joy to see how the colors I choose for a client can morph into something truly breathtaking.”

Truong’s focus is on a younger market and he has done work for a variety people including brides, high school seniors and professional models. However, he believes makeup can benefit anyone, even men. His philosophy towards makeup has always been an organic approach, he said he is not a fan of “caking” the faces of his models.

“Skin should still look like skin,” Truong laughs. “Makeup should be layered, not slapped on.”

Such masterful work indeed requires an array of quality tools. Truong’s arsenal includes a sea of lipsticks, brushes and powders, all designed to fine-tune and perfect any look. However, he said his tools are not the soul of his work.

“It’s not just about the products,” Truong says. “My clients are paying for my art, time and experience. I buy high end makeup, because I care about quality, but I believe in the technique and skill of the artist so much more.”

As the business owner of a new lash line, Truong strives for innovation and aims for products that are aesthetically pleasing, yet affordable. TRU Lashes’ second style “Moni” will be released mid-November.

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to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Truong has big plans for the future and aims to be an A-list artist. From humble beginnings to camera-ready, he continues to bring the “glam” out in all his clientele.

To learn more about Truong, visit www.beautybyandy.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at “beautybyandy.” 

“My goal is to make women and men feel confident. I don’t try to mask their true appearance. Makeup to me is to perfect, not hide.”

Bronwyn Turner, one of Andy’s makeup clients. (Andy Truong/BeautybyAndy)

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 3

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LOCAL LIFE

PAGE 4 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Meals on Wheels donates food to needy pets

By Huy Tran | h.tran@mycityjournals.com

P

etsPlus Meals on Wheels Program is making it easier for people to donate food to those usually seated under the table, not at it.

The program has set up bins at the Hunter Library and other county libraries for the donations of new, unopened bags of dry dog and cat food this holiday season. The food drive helps seniors on limited incomes who benefit from the Meals on Wheels service, but may also have a furry loved one who also needs to be fed.

Meals on Wheels America is a nonprofit which focuses on delivering nutritious midday meals to homebound seniors. Local programs such as PetsPlus provide additional services that further improve the quality of life for seniors. PetsPlus is collecting food from Nov. 7 to Dec. 2.

“It’s through the (Salt Lake County) Aging Services, and all you have to do is bring in bags of food for animals,” said Sharon Peters, librarian at Hunter Library. “I have a pet of my own and I think it’s a great idea.”

Pet food is not the only thing local libraries have been donating. The library organizes benefits for different causes each month and those who visit can donate a variety of items that may be of help to those in need.

“We did diapers last month. I think [the library] is a good place to collect a lot of things people need, because people who come here

are aware of other people’s needs and have a lot of empathy for people that might be in trouble,” said Peters. “The library caters to a wide variety of clientele.”

The Hunter Library organizes food drives throughout the year, helping various individuals get the food in times of need.

However, PetsPlus is unique in that it recognizes that pets are important members of many families, and for those on fixed incomes, feeding them can be expensive.

Many locals value community service and put emphasis on being able to contribute to organizations they care about.

As local Emily Seang said, “It’s not a bad idea, because people care for their pets like family. It would definitely be upsetting if they couldn’t be fed. Programs to defeat hunger, whether it’s for the homeless, families or pets are always needed.”

Seang has been involved in community service ever since she was little and often attends the Hunter Library.

“I helped coordinate a Halloween party recently for refugee families. It was really cool to be able to spend time with them. It was worth it, especially when you know those families have a hard time integrating with their community,” said Seang. “Service gives you that sense of responsibility. It shows that you care about not only the community, but people

you know. Although it may sound cliché, it makes the world a better place.”

In the spirit of the holiday season, programs such as PetsPlus are encouraging locals to pay it forward and help those who may not be able to help themselves. Peters believes service is something that should always be encouraged.

“It’s always important to give. I don’t believe we should just do it at Christmas and Thanksgiving. We should do it all year round,” said Peters. 

PetsPlus bins allow people to donate dry bags of cat or dog food for animals in need. (Huy Tran/City Journals)

Fiddlers compete at annual Utah fiddle contest

By Huy Tran | h.tran@mycityjournals.com

V

iolinists everywhere fiercely fiddled their way to victory at the annual Utah State Fiddle Contest. The event was presented by the Utah Old Time Fiddlers (UOTF) and Country Music Association at the West Valley City Hall on Nov. 12, and many arrived to showcase their musical talents to the area.

The Utah Old Time Fiddlers is a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and perpetuation of old time music. The organization encourages musicians of all ages and the contest itself provides opportunities for people to improve their skills through public performance.

“It was organized in 1976 by Jim Shupe, who did fiddle contests in a variety of places like Wheeler Farm and Richfield. For the last four years we’ve been here in West Valley,” said Lynn Brighton, president of the UOTF. The hall was full of competitors refining their pieces to present to the judges. Even children were preparing to take the stage.

The contest was split into different divisions by age, ranging from “small fry” fiddlers to seniors 70 and up. Amongst the divisions included not only violin, but also banjo, guitar and mandolin events. Winners were awarded at the end of each round’s adjudication.

Susan Horn, a competitor under the adults fiddling division (Huy Tran/City Journals)

The winners of each division are certified to advance to national competitions. The last group of qualifiers competed in Wheezer, Idaho.

The Old Time Fiddlers stress the importance of youth involvement and they create as many opportunities as possible for kids to demonstrate and practice their diverse talents. Many events are centered on bringing people together to play and share their love of music with one another.

“It’s always exciting to see the young kids playin’. Our first group of the day is the small fry, and they are really good,” said Brighton.

“I’m glad to see there’s a lot of youth that enjoy playing the fiddle, and that’s what brings most of us here.”

The Salt Lake chapter of the UOTF is only one of the six functioning chapters of the organization. Each chapter brings a variety of gigs and musical opportunities to locals.

The event is sponsored by a variety of groups such as Scoggins & Scoggins, a violin shop that wants to bring the joy of fiddling to the whole community.

Aside from holding statewide competitions, the Old Time Fiddlers also hold regular jam sessions open to everyone. These events encourage community involvement and invite musicians of all experience levels to come and enjoy a good jam time. The “jr. jam” sessions will be for musicians 14 years and under at the West Valley City Hall. It is on the second and fourth Saturdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Whether it’s the fiddle or the banjo, the organization strives to keep the fun of old time music alive. To learn more about UOTF, visit www.utaholdtimefiddlers.net. 

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 5

ON THE COVER

PAGE 6 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Hometown hero: remembering Officer Cody Brotherson

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

H

is wit was unique, his cooking unbelievable and his protection was passionate. These were but a few ways friends and family used to describe Cody Brotherson.

Cody Brotherson and his fiancé, Jessica Le, were together for two and a half years before his fatal accident. Le said she loved watching Cody cook, noting how focused he would be wafting the smell throughout the kitchen.

(Brotherson family)

“I will never have enough words or time to describe all that you [Cody] have done for me,” said his younger brother, Brayden Brotherson during Cody’s funeral on Nov. 14 at the Maverik Center.

West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson died in the line of duty on Nov. 6 while attempting to put down tire spikes to stop a stolen car. He was WVC’s first officer to die in the line of duty. In the weeks since, a family and a community have come to remember and honor the man behind the police badge.

A Family Man Cody was known to most as a police officer, but before putting on the badge he was remembered as a son to Jeff and Jenny, an older brother to Alex and Brayden and fiancé to Jessica Le. His family said he was extremely protective of his family, especially his two brothers.

“He wanted to protect his family first and Cody is so fiercely protective of his two brothers,” his mother Jenny would say during his eulogy how Cody had “promised from heaven to hell he would follow” his brothers.

Cody taught Brayden how to climb trees, and defend himself. His parents said Cody would watch over them no matter how old he was.

Jenny recalled a 10-year-old Cody at the mall quietly “recommending” a bully return the skee-balls they stole from Alex and that the bully “walk away as fast as [he] can.”

Cody’s vigilance continued throughout their lives from Cody giving Alex’s classmates a warning speech to not mock him to helping a dispute between Brayden and his girlfriend’s family.

“All the best qualities I have are the ones you have gifted me,” Brayden said during the funeral.

The women in his life also received the same level of protective treatment. Jenny said for Christmas one year, he gave them professional police mace. “He thought he was so brilliant for giving us mace,” Jenny said and added that she didn’t like guns.

Le said Cody would run her through firearm drills unloading and loading the gun, properly clearing corners and then time her while he pretended to be breaking in.

“I never made it to where he wanted me to be,” Le said.

His uncle, Darren Richards, said the family was so proud of the man Cody became. “He was the most loyal, brave and loving person we’ve ever known,” Richards said at Cody’s viewing.

Those qualities not only made him a good police officer, but a good fiancé as well. Cody and Jessica were together for two and a half years before his death. Le said they adopted a dog, bought a house and built a life together. A life that included recapping the events of his shifts over a drink and telling her he loved her.

“We loved each other with our entire souls and my heart is absolutely shattered not having him here with me,” Le said during the funeral.

Cooking and Cars Jenny said Cody was very independent from the time he was a boy.

Whether it was working on cars he loved so much with his dad or learning how to cook because he couldn’t wait for his parents to get home from work.

As a teenager he would do doughnuts in his Mitsubishi Eclipse and would sometimes get pulled over for speeding. “He didn’t know

how to go slower than 100 miles per hour,” Jenny said.

She would later discover, much to her dismay, videos of Cody on his bullet bike standing up or riding wheelies.

Cody’s famous cooking ability would rear its culinary head at a young age. It began with ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese before that passion would grow while working the cafeteria at Intermountain Healthcare.

Cody needed no kitchen to provide gourmet meals for those he loved. His family recalled when the power was out at Cody and Le’s Weber County home after the tornado hit in September, he used a camper stove to make schnitzel, vegetables and garlic roasted mashed potatoes.

“He could turn a can of SpaghettiOs and a ham sandwich into a five-course meal. I don’t know how he did it, he was unbelievable,” his dad said and he added that Cody believed he could win the reality TV show, “Chopped”.

If he had been a contestant on the show, Cody’s predilection for the presentation of his food would fit in well. Family members said his meals had to be beautifully presented. He taught them how to properly drizzle gravy, arrange the veggie platter to look like a shark, and surrounded the Thanksgiving turkey with lemons and tomatoes cut to resemble roses.

His love of food meant he was willing to swim out into a cold lake at scout camp to retrieve a lost egg carton so his fellow scouts could enjoy pancakes and eggs.

“That kid and his food...” Jenny remembered fondly.

Mustaches and Movies His family said Cody loved to say movies were loosely based off his life and would fill his car with vaping smoke. But it was the new addition to his face that stuck out in people’s minds.

“How does Wilson look today?” It was a morning ritual he asked Le everyday about his growing mustache— something he cared for meticulously by combing it with his old toothbrush and cleaning it using Le’s conditioner (suggested by Jeff as way to make it thicker).

Inspired by the movie “Cast Away,” Cody began growing his mustache as a challenge with other police officers (one named his mustache Bilson). Le said Cody rationalized it to her by saying whoever grew the best won a $50-100 pot. She later found out it was only $5-10.

“He’s the kind of person where if you challenged him, he was going through with it,” Le said.

Added Jenny, “He didn’t care how dorky he looked, he was winning that competition…he looked like a little boy trying to grow a man’s mustache.”

Though “Wilson” may have annoyed members of his family, it had become a part of who he was.

“When we finally got to see Cody that first night [after he was hit], for as much as I hated that mustache, it was so good to see it because it was one little small piece of him that still looked like him,” Jenny said.

Love of People, Love of Police From age five, Cody wanted to be a police officer. Richards said whenever they entered a toy store he wanted to buy handcuffs.

“He was always playing with them and we had all been arrested several times. Back then, he knew and we always knew that he would become a policeman,” Richards said.

His natural affinity for protecting started very young, Jenny said.

“When he was little he wanted to right the wrongs of the world. He always wanted to protect the innocent,” Jenny recalled.

It began with a sash as a safety patrol officer at Robert Frost Elementary and evolved into a badge as a police officer. Family members said he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an officer in his hometown.

“Cody had so many choices of where to work but he was very set on working in West Valley,” Jenny said.

“When Cody put on his uniform, he took pride in it,” said Cody’s close friend Joseph Fedak. “He was an officer in the city that he loved, the city he grew up in and I believe that’s where the pride came in.”

His dad said Cody treated everyone with equal fairness regardless

of who they were—criminals or not. Jeff remembered how Cody saved his neighbors from a kitchen fire when living in a townhome.

“He heard screaming, went outside saw all these people run out of the house and he rushed over there and put out the fire and took the kid out of the house. He saved their house and their little boy,” Jeff said.

Officer Austin Kimball was with Cody on his last shift. He recalled how he told a homeless man in a park to sleep there for the night and leave in the morning. He then gave the man some Halloween candy from his patrol car, apologizing for not having any soup.

West Valley City Police Chief Lee Russo said hearing these stories were welcoming and enlightening, giving him “an even greater sense of what kind of police officer, and more importantly, what kind of man he was.”

Jenny said, “I’m a mom so I’m supposed to be proud but there were just so many things he did to take it to the next level.”

Cody Brotherson was honored, along with eight other police officers, in September by the United States Attorney for Utah, John Huber, for diffusing a situation with a notorious gang member. (West Valley City Police Department)

Bringing a Community Together Cody’s legacy has already extended beyond the confines of his family and Weber County home. Thousands attended his funeral with law enforcement from across the country participating in the processional motorcade from the Maverik Center to Valley View Mortuary at 4335 W 4100 South.

“Despite the grief and the anguish and raw feeling, it’s helped a community come together,” Russo said.

Fundraisers at Valley Fair Mall and Café Rio were started to raise money for the Brotherson family and a scholarship was started in his name. Friends and family noted the countless interactions people reported having with Cody whether on a domestic disturbance call or his help with a flat tire.

“There’s no words that can adequately describe what that does for me to know in his very short life and short time as an officer how many people he truly helped,” Jenny said.

The family said the public displays of support have been amazing.

“It’s renewed my faith in man, when the accident happened. I was angry, at first I was destroyed, hurt, shattered,” Jeff said. “Then we went on a ride and saw all the people that showed up and all the love and help and support. It really helped, you see there’s more good than bad.”

At times over the years, Jenny said the family considered moving, but now she can’t imagine leaving.

“There will never be enough ways to thank the community for what they’ve done for us, in sharing with our grief at this horrible, horrible time,” she said.

Jenny said he was their hero, protector and an essential piece of their family.

“I will absolutely not allow this boy to be forgotten,” Jenny said. 

GOVERNMENT

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 7

Correct recycling urged during holiday season

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

W

ith the holiday season nearing and lots of packaging, boxes and wrapping paper set to fill bins by the truckloads.

West Valley City, in conjunction with Waste Management, is increasing its campaign to “Recycle Often, Recycle Right.”

Recycling in West Valley City is mandatory for all houses and complexes where a 96-gallon blue container is given.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve and educate,” said Margo Aleksandrovich who’s in charge of public outreach for the recycling program.

The program aims to focus on the basics of recycling with three main guidelines officials hope residents will follow.

Those guidelines include recycling the correct items, keeping those items clean and dry and no grocery bags.

Aleksandrovich said the program is high on the Public Works Department agenda. She dedicates most of her time to improving the public’s understanding of recycling.

“West Valley City, being the second largest city [in Utah], we could really make a huge difference if our recycling is done right,” Aleksandrovich said.

Part of the problem, Aleksandrovich said, is the amount of contamination seen in recycling bins, which can ruin an entire load. Average contamination rate in 2015 was 25 percent, a figure Waste Management would like to see drop to a 15 percent maximum. “[People] put certain items that belong to the landfill or certain items that can be reused or donated such as clothing or grocery bags,” Aleksandrovich said. Additionally, dirty items such as food or liquid in containers can also ruin a whole load

Bales of cardboard are run through the baler at Waste Management.

West Valley City runs a campaign with Waste Management called, “Recycle often, recycle right,” to encourage proper recycling methods.

(Waste Management)

of recycling.

Grocery bags in particular are so light that they don’t stay in trucks. Aleksandrovich said she urges residents to return grocery bags to their retailer to be recycled in bulk. She said one of the most important things for people to do is educate themselves on the items that can and cannot be recycled.

Part of the department’s outreach has been attending fairs and events around the city to inform the public. With such a

diverse population in West Valley City, Aleksandrovich said they are trying to bring every culture to the same understanding.

“We are trying to reach out to every household speaking different languages and coming from different cultures… because who know what kind of cultural differences people might have [regarding recycling],” she said.

Aleksandrovich said the great thing about recycling is that residents have nothing to lose.

“Recycling is very important and you should just take a shot at it. There’s nothing to be afraid [of] and nothing too difficult about recycling so they should just try,” she said. Recycling generally increases in winter months and Aleksandrovich said she hopes to maximize the amount of recyclable materials.

The department is in the process of auditing their recycling to determine the quality of the city’s recycling stream.

Waste Management reported in July that it recycled 628 tons of bottles, cans and paper/cardboard in West Valley City.

WVC partnered with Waste Management in 2011 for sanitation services.

Property owners are charged a basic garbage service fee of $14.50 monthly. The service includes one garbage can, one recycle can and monthly bulky waste collection with a $9 charge for each additional garbage can and $3 for each additional recycling can. Recycling containers are picked up on a biweekly basis.

For more information on the city’s recycling, go to www. wvc-ut.gov/recycling. 

GOVERNMENT

PAGE 8 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Program honors sacrifices of military veterans

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Mayor Ron Bigelow welcomes those in attendance to the city’s Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

T

he Utah Cultural Celebration Center played host to West Valley City’s third annual Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11. Beginning with the Fallen Comrade Ceremony and ending with remarks from Mayor Ron Bigelow, the night commemorated those who have served in the military from the Revolutionary War to today.

“It’s been great, the veterans in our community really appreciate that we do something like this…and it’s fun,” said Nancy Day, Family Fitness Center director. Both Day’s husband and son have served in the military.

“We just want to make sure people recognize and appreciate them,” Bigelow said, having served three years in the military from 1971 to 1973.

The evening included a flag ceremony from the United States Naval Sea Cadets and a veterans tribute by the One Voice Children’s Choir. The keynote speaker was Nephi, Utah native Lieutenant Colonel Gregg G. Lofgran of the US Army.

Lofgran has served in various capacities during his military tenure including as a team chief at the Pentagon and deputy director of intelligence at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. After more than 30 years serving in military, Lofgran said it’s not one, but four things that have sustained him through the decades.

“Well it’s four words: sing, shout, laugh and love…those are complex emotions,” Lofgran said. He added that anger and fear are basic instincts and it’s important to “rise above” those instincts.

While there are lots of events around the valley to celebrate Veterans Day, Bigelow said they wanted to specially honor veterans in West Valley City and three years ago started the Veterans Day Program.

While the wars for which these veterans are remembered have long passed, it is important to remember these events, Bigelow said.

“We want to make sure that we still teach the principles of why we do that and honoring veterans is a way to do that,” Bigelow said.

The day also serves as an honor to family members of those veterans, Bigelow said.

“People sacrificed to serve their country and it wasn’t just the veteran, a veteran typically left a family at home—sometimes children— and impact was huge,” Bigelow said.

One of those family members was Day. “Veterans Day for me personally is a special day so when we were able to get the support from the mayor and do [the program] for our city, it’s a project I’ve been very excited to be involved with,” Day said.

With the city still recovering from the sudden death of beloved police officer Cody Brotherson, Day said Nov. 11 is a special time to focus on those who have sacrificed.

“Any time we can focus some attention and appreciation for our veterans in military or other public servants, it’s special to us and this helps tie all that in,” Day said.

A way to continue honoring Veterans yearround, Bigelow hopes, will be the intended construction of a veterans memorial hall. Still in the early stages, Bigelow, who is spearheading the planned memorial, said fundraising has reached around $125,000 with ground breaking not expected for another 18 months.

The location for the new center has been narrowed to Kearns, Taylorsville and West Valley City.

Bigelow referenced an analysis done by Col. Gary Harter of the Utah Department of Veterans Affairs to note the close relationship people have with veterans. “[Harter] figured that based up on our population, that one in six Utahns had a direct connection to a veteran, which is pretty significant,” Bigelow said.

Day said that regardless of what goes on the world, Veterans Day is a day to forget about what may divide the country and focus on those who helped keep it together.

“We owe our veterans a great deal for all the sacrifices they’ve made and their families have made over the years so I think it’s important to carry on traditions like this,” Day said. 

The flag ceremony was presented by the United States Naval Sea Cadets during the Veterans Day Program on Nov. 11 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

GOVERNMENT

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 9

With community support, WVC honors Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

Bales of cardboard are run through the baler at Waste Management.

West Valley City runs a campaign with Waste Management called, “Recycle often, recycle right,” to encourage proper recycling methods. (Waste Management)

W

est Valley City capped off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with its annual Shine a Light, Be a Light program on Oct. 25 at city hall. Prior to the program, city officials—including the entire Victim Services department—held signs and balloons in front of city hall for passersby to honk and wave in their support.

The event was commemorated with Mayor Ron Bigelow’s proclamation officially making October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“We as a community must recognize the scope of this social problem and work together to create a community which does not tolerate domestic violence,” Bigelow read from the proclamation.

Rachelle Hill, Victim Services coordinator, said the week is meant to promote awareness so “victims can be aware of resources, communities can be aware that it’s a problem and defenders can be aware it’s taken seriously.”

“Keeping domestic violence a secret only gives it more power,” Hill said during the program.

West Valley City and its police department have aimed to make domestic violence a main priority. In 2015 WVCPD initiated a special victims unit along with the “Start by Believing” campaign, which focuses on the public’s response to sexual assault.

WVCPD have also tackled sexual assault through the Trauma Informed Victim Interview (TIVI), where sexual assault investigators are specially trained to help victims recall their experiences.

In 2014, Russo said 50 percent of all aggravated assaults in West Valley City were domestic violence related while that rate dropped to 36 percent in 2015.

“What I ask from everyone is don’t stand idly by, don’t ignore this hidden problem…offer support, there is help out there,” Russo said.

Victim Services is the city department designed to provide that next step of assistance.

Hill said they need the public to refer people to their office. She added their office is sometimes associated with the police and the prosecution

so people assume they’re trying to “throw their loved ones in jail.”

“Our role is to support victims wherever they are, to go over resources and let them make whatever decision is best for them,” Hill said.

With the Start by Believing campaign and the TIVI protocol underway, Hill said the next step in helping victims is embracing the conversation.

“I hope one day it’s a normal conversation that somebody can come to me and say ‘I’m being abused by my partner,’ and you can talk about it openly, that they have choices and options,” Hill said. “I think by removing that stigma, then we’ll be able to really make progress.”

It’s a stigma Hill hopes will disappear over time as the next generation grows up with more awareness about the issue.

“Kids will start to learn, ‘hey this isn’t right,’ and hopefully we’ll grow out of it,” Hill said.

Between Oct. 24 to 27 the city hall lobby was adorned with cardboard cutouts of red silhouettes representing 52 victims of domestic violence in the community such as Kahaloni, a five-year-old girl who was killed by her mother’s husband in 2003 and Amy, 30, who had shared fears about her husband with friends and returned home to be shot and killed by him in 2002.

“They’re real people…they were the message of nobody knew how to help,” Hill said. “I hope people take more seriously that all of this could happen, that I have a loved one and I don’t want them to be a silent witness.”

Since 2000, the Utah Department of Health Violence and Injury Prevention reported that at least 42 percent of homicides in Utah have been domestic violence related. Hill said one way to help victims is by supporting community partners such as food pantries, shelters or assisting with rent.

“Rent is expensive so we have victims who leave, stay in shelters and then can never afford a place to get out on their own,” Hill said. 

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EDUCATION

PAGE 10 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Cyprus teacher awarded for after-school endeavors

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

D

avid Ashton of Cyprus High School was named the Teacher of the Year by the Utah Afterschool Network at the 12th annual Jump Start Conference at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center in October. The Jump Start Conference honored teachers and city leaders alike for their efforts in after-school programming.

“I was pretty surprised, I mean it’s something I’ve always done, it’s something I enjoy,” Ashton said.

Ashton has worked with the after-school program since Salt Lake County created the program five years ago. Ashton tutors kids as part of the math lab while also running the summer program, which helps kids fix failing grades. He identified the one to one ratio of teacher to student as major reason for the benefit of the program.

“There’s something to be said about being one-on-one, and you can’t always get that in the classroom. And that’s where the magic happens,” Ashton said. The one-onone teaching appears to comply with Ashton’s teaching philosophy.

“Every student is different and teaching is about taking the time to figure out what that student needs,” Ashton said.

It is Ashton’s fifth year at Cyprus High after making a career change after working in retail and computer programming. What began as a desire to spend more vacation time with his family soon turned into something more.

“It’s a job that I can be proud of, that’s what made me stick with it,” Ashton said.

Besides the ever-evolving nature of teaching, Ashton said “you can always feel like you’re doing good.”

“It’s one of the few jobs where you can even have that feeling,” Ashton said. It may have been only been five years, but Ashton has learned a lot in those five years.

“It’s not about winning every battle, it’s about doing your best,” Ashton said when asked what he wished he’d known about teaching when he started.

While Ashton won the award, he was quick to point out that the program involves more than his tutelage with other teachers covering various subjects.

“[Tutoring] definitely helps the grades go up, it helps kids feel more confident in their ability to do their classwork,” Ashton said.

He said other programs besides tutoring are involved in assisting kids with the growing pains of life. The Hope Squad has students who are trained to help fellow students with depression while an elementary school’s after-school program taught kids about the importance of exercise by buying them tennis shoes and taking them running outside.

“The after-school program is great because it’s not just about tutoring, it’s about a lot of aspects,” Ashton said.

But tutoring is where Ashton is most involved and he said he’s witnessed special moments of academic growth.

“Kids come in with no confidence about being able to get their homework done and they leave realizing they’re missing that one piece they didn’t get in class,” Ashton said.

“Now they have confidence and it relates to their life in general, they have confidence in what they’re doing at school then they’re  confident in life.”

Cyprus High School math teacher David Ashton is congratulated by Granite School District Superintendent Martin Bates. Ashton won the Teacher of the Year award from the Utah Afterschool Network in October. (Cyprus High School)

Honoring a fallen officer, students show appreciation

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

S

Valley Junior High students demonstrate their support during the funeral procession for West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson on Nov. 14. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

tudents at various Granite School District schools found ways to honor West Valley City Police Officer Cody Brotherson on Nov. 14, the day of his funeral. Brotherson died in the line of duty on Nov. 6 when he was struck by a stolen car attempting to flee the area.

Brotherson was an alumnus of Granger High School and Valley Junior High School.

Those schools took time to honor his memory.

Granger held a blue-out day where students and staff were encouraged to wear blue in respect to Brotherson’s status as a police officer.

Granger principal David Dunn said it was important to honor and recognize Brotherson as a graduate, community member and police officer.

“We owe [the Brotherson family] that respect. It’s the least we can do to let them know that we’re thinking about their family and supporting their family,” Dunn said. Students had prepared posters and signs to display along the funeral route from the Maverik Center to the cemetery.

Senior Courtney Zamora said it has been sad to see a tragedy happen so close to home, noting that this affects more than the people directly involved in the incident. She wore a blue shirt to demonstrate her appreciation. “[Brotherson] was trying to do something good for our city and I feel like he needs to be respected for that,” Zamora said.

Valley Junior High lined the streets along the procession route with signs and well-

wishers waved to the cars traveling to Valley View Mortuary where Brotherson was interred.

Students continuously shouted, “thank you for your service,” to the passing police officers.

With the procession lasting over an hour, Valley Junior High principal Ike Spencer said it was an experience for the kids to always remember.

“I hope [the students] understand the value of life and if you show all these people that are supporting Officer Brotherson,” Spencer said.

With Brotherson having attended Valley Jr. High, Spencer said the staff has tried to help students understand who Brotherson was and what his job entailed.

“These [police officers] aren’t just guys riding around in cars hassling people, that they really have assignments and sometimes they’re not all pleasant,” Spencer said as police vehicles drove by in the procession.

Schools besides those Brotherson attended spent the day honoring the fallen police officer and the occupation he held. West Lake Jr. High School also held a blue-out for students and staff, while students and staff from Rolling Meadows Elementary School and Robert Frost Elementary School stood waving mini-American flags to the passing law enforcement vehicles. Students from Hunter Elementary School stood on the steps of the Maverik Center singing patriotic songs as guests filed into the funeral.

West Lake vice principal Aaron Wilson said the idea to wear blue resonated with them

to demonstrate their appreciation for all police officers.

“Although we walk in daily appreciation for the things our officers do, how often do we show that,” Wilson said. “That’s a really powerful thing when you see hundreds and hundreds of kids and staff members in a visible way showing their support.”

Just as when Brotherson wanted to be a police officer from interactions in his youth with police officers, educators spoke of the impact this tragedy can have on students and their future.

“I would hope the biggest impact is felt in [students’] homes and community, the types of citizens they become,” Wilson said. “As they go into continued education as adults we hope that experiences like this give them reflection to appreciate the things that our service men and women provide.”

Zamora said she hopes students are motivated to display more affection towards officers.

“There’s people that do respect [officers] but I think they aren’t told ‘thank you’ enough and they don’t know how much some people do appreciate them,” Zamora said.

Dunn said as a school, they need to remember empathy at all times to ensure kids have the character traits to “care and think about others.”

“Through things that happen like this, we have that opportunity to teach those values,” Dunn said. 

EDUCATION

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 11

Creative classroom earns national recognition

By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

A

BC Great Beginnings-Redwood, a child development center at 3672 S. Redwood Road in West Valley City, has earned national recognition as a certified Nature Explore classroom.

The distinction comes from the Nature Explore Program that supports efforts to connect children with nature.

“The recognition is awesome, but seeing how much it changes the whole dynamic [for kids] outside is probably the most rewarding for me,” said Courtnie Angeli, a nature explore program specialist.

Nature Explore is a collaboration between the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.

ABC Great Beginnings earned the program’s recognition for the creation of its outdoor classroom.

“It just gives the kids something different to do outside that involves nature…kids typically spend their time inside watching TV and they don’t get those experiences with nature like they should and evolve that way,” Angeli said. She is also the center director of the South Jordan location where she opened an outdoor classroom in May. An outdoor classroom consists of areas specified for different activities correlating to its designation. That includes climbing, biking, building, music and movement, gathering, sand and water and dirt digging areas. Each location gives children from toddlers to 12-year-olds a place outside to engage in developmental activities.

“There’s different areas so they can start developing different skills,” Angeli said.

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Children have the chance to make art projects and music with natural materials or use blocks for building and bales of hay for growing. The various activities are designed to enhance concentration, stimulate creativity and improve motor skills.

“It’s rewarding to see the kids out there playing with [everything] and like it,” said Sandee Burnham, center director for ABC Beginnings-Redwood.

Nature Explore expressed its appreciation for ABC Beginnings’ “valuable leadership.”

“Their commitment to providing research-based and nature-rich learning offers a wonderful example to families and educators throughout the country,” said Heather Fox, director of communications and outreach for the Nature Explore program.

Created by a group of master educators, landscape architects and researchers, nature explore classrooms fuse outdoor-based learning opportunities with children’s lives. The standards for the outdoor classrooms are found in the book, “Learning with Nature Ideas Book.” The book states the disconnection from nature can lead “to increases in problems such as childhood obesity, children’s dislike and even fear of the outdoors.”

“It’s just a good experience for the kids to get outside and play,” Burnham said.

Each outdoor classroom is unique. While Angeli’s classroom is small in size and set up on grass, the West Valley City location is on asphalt but larger.

“Each center has to look at it differently, [our center] is all blacktop and concrete and she has grass so we have to adjust,” Burnham said. Angeli said there’s a nature explore classroom located in downtown New York City set between two buildings.

Angeli said it took a substantial amount of time to completely

Jayden Kern and Carson Burnett ride tricycles in the biking area of the outdoor classroom at ABC Beginnings-Redwood. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

redesign and redo playground.” She also had to become certified by taking a workshop four years ago. It was an extensive process even leading up to certification, Angeli said.

“You definitely have to put in the work, its not something you can just, ‘oh I’ll apply for it,’ it’s a lot of work,” Angeli said.

One of the most popular areas of the classroom has proven to be the dirt digging area. Burnham said it allows the kids to play in the dirt without ripping out plants in the garden area.

“We gave them the dirt to play so now they know to just water the plants,” Burnham said.

Many of the items used in the classroom were either donated, like the building blocks, or found in nature like the mountain logs used in the messy materials area. Buckets and PVC pipes were provided to make drums.

“Spaces like these inspire wonder, experimentation, child-led play and learning, and skill development within interactive, fun  environments,” Fox wrote in a press release.

SPORTS

PAGE 12 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Girls and boys soccer championships belong to West Valley schools

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

West Lake Junior High School head coach thinks sports is a great tool to help encourage kids to get good grades and be good citizens. (Macord Johnson/West Lake)

G

ranite School District annually holds an after-school athletic program. West Lake and Kennedy junior high schools came away as the girls and boys fall soccer champions.

“This season was really fun. I loved my teammates and we really played well as a team,” said Kennedy Junior High School eighth-grader Olivia Harding.

Kennedy’s seventh- and eighth-grade team were coached

by Jill Walgamont. The Crusaders play a modified intramural schedule and Walgamont selected an all-star team to represent the school at a district four game tournament.

“Olivia is a great player. She is an all-around athlete.

She plays just about everything, in fact I am trying to get her to play volleyball now. She is almost like a fish out of water on this team, but she is exciting and I think one of our top athletes,” Walgamont said.

Kennedy swept its three play-in games. They defeated Hunter Junior High School 4-1, Jefferson Junior High 6-0 and Matheson Junior High 4-1 to qualify for the championship game.

“I was really nervous to play Kearns in the championship.

We had heard how good they were and we watched how well they warmed up. They played really good defense. The second half they had a girl following me around the entire time,” Harding said.

The girls soccer team at Kennedy Junior High School stole the finals victory from Kearns 4-0. (Sarah Harding/Kennedy soccer)

The Crusaders came away with a 4-0 victory in the game over Kearns Junior High.

“I felt like we had a great season. The girls really worked hard and came together on and off the field. They all improved on their grades and learned what it takes to represent their school,” Walgamont said.

Harding said their coach taught them plays and what to do in key situations.

“I know a lot of these girls want to continue playing in high school. They have the talent and could really get better,” Walgamont said. “Olivia is an exceptional athlete and one of our captains. She really fit right in with the team.”

West Lake Junior High School boys soccer team finished its season as district champion also. The Mustangs tied their initial game of the season against Valley Junior High 3-3. In the following two games they defeated Kearns Junior High 8-0 and Bonneville Junior High 5-0.

“We played well this year. We did tie that first game, but they worked together and had a great season,” said Mustangs head coach Macord Johnson.

The Mustangs defeated Hunter Junior High in the championship game 4-2.

“Junior high sports has the competitive aspect, but it is more

about working together for a team. I am proud of these kids, a lot of them changed and got their grades up. They were excited to see what they were capable of in school. They did not give up and quit. Sports has the power to change some students and help them become a better part of the school,” Johnson said.

Midfielder Diego Fuentes and keeper Fernando Perez were standout players this season. Many of the Mustang players have aspirations to continue playing soccer in high school.

“Our left midfielder and captain Salvador Colorado was really a leader on our team as far as athletic performance and academics. He was an integral part of our success and a role model for all of our team,” Johnson said.

Players at Kennedy and West Lake learned the importance of representing their team and school.

“Yeah, it is a little pressurey to represent my school. I could feel the importance of doing my best,” Harding said.

Kennedy and West Lake are both repeat Granite District champions. They both won titles in 2015 also.

Granite School district offers competitive programs for its junior high schools. It is a step down from high school competition, but provides a basis for athletes to begin their scholastic competitive careers. Schools compete in soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball and wrestling. 

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SPORTS

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

A wrap up on fall high school sports

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 13

Carpe Di End

The Hunter High School cross country team had a successful season under head coach Chelsea McWain. (Kolbie James/Hunter yearbook)

W

est Valley area high schools have capped off their competitive fall sports seasons.

FOOTBALL Hunter High School advanced into the state playoffs with a crazy three-way playoff game victory over Granger and Layton. The Wolverines held off both sets of Lancers in the half-games with stifling defense.

Hunter senior Ty Carlson rumbled 12 yards into the end zone with 12 seconds remaining for the initial touchdown for the Wolverines. The score secured a 6-0 victory for Hunter.

Granger attempted to advance to the state playoffs for the first time since 2012.

At that point the three-way playoff game was not over yet for the Wolverines.

The three-way tiebreaker for Region 2 is a play-in game. By coin flip two teams play the first half with the winner advancing to play the remaining team in the second half. The winner would advance to the state playoff.

The Hunter-Layton second half proved to be just as low scoring. Hunter’s defense held the Lancers out of the end zone and came out on top 11-5. Their reward — a first round matchup against Bingham, the top rated team in the state.

“Bring it on,” said Wolverines head coach Scott Henderson said.

On Oct. 29 the Wolverines season ended

with a 49-9 loss to the Miners.

CROSS COUNTRY Hunter and Granger both placed fifth and sixth in the Region 2 cross country championships.

Hunter’s top boys finisher was Joseph Short (31), its girls top finisher was Natalia Warren (45). Granger’s top boys finisher was sophomore Ben Hall (47) and its girls was Sarah Reynolds (24).

The Cyprus boys team placed sixth overall in Region 6, its girls team placed seventh. Juniors Paul Hathaway and Hailey Sherman were the team’s top region qualifiers.

Cyprus senior Juan Rodriguez received an academic all-state award by the Utah High School Activities Association. He maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average and was a contributing member of the varsity team.

TENNIS Hunter sophomore Hailey Wicomb placed fourth in No. 3 singles at the Region 2 championship. She was the only West Valley player to advance to the state tournament.

She lost in the first round 6-0, 6-0 to Lexi Dean from Northridge.

Granger senior Elise Fulton was named to the academic all-state team. She was recognized for her academic and athletic performance.

VOLLEYBALL Despite encouraging results early in the

season Granger, Cyprus and Hunter all missed advancing to the state volleyball tournament.

Cyprus failed to win a match the entire season. They only won two sets, one against Grantsville in the Hunter sectional tournament and one in region against Highland. Pirate senior Courtney Zamora was named to the academic all-state team.

Hunter finished sixth in Region 2 and Granger was right behind them in seventh place. Both schools played underclassmen most of the season and expect the experience to help them become better teams in the future.

SOCCER The girls soccer teams finished at the bottom of their regions. Granger won two games all season, one more than Hunter and two more than Cyprus.

The Wolverines and Lancers tied twice this season 0-0 and 2-2. Hunter also tied Cyprus 2-2 in preseason play. Granger and Cyprus did not play each other this season.

“We have a great bunch of girls and they do not get much credit for how good they are.

We play in a very tough region and area,” Hunter head coach Brett Solberg said.

West Valley teams now begin to prepare for winter sports including basketball, drill team, swimming and wrestling. 

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SPORTS

PAGE 14 | DECEMBER 2016

Stars debut, bring professional basketball to the suburbs

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WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

Eric Dawson pivots with the ball during the Salt Lake City Stars’ inaugural game against the defending NBA D-League Champions the Sioux Fall Skyforce.

The Stars lost the away game 117–100 at the Sanford Pentagon. (Dave Eggen/NBAE/Getty Images)

T

he Salt Lake City Stars began their debut season mid-November, giving basketball players opportunities for growth and community members additional accessibility to professional ball.

In April, the Utah Jazz announced they’d be moving their development league affiliate, formerly known as the Idaho Stampede, from Boise to the Salt Lake City area to tighten ties between the D-League team and the Jazz. The team’s new home is the Bruin Arena at the Salt Lake Community College Taylorsville Redwood Campus.

“The No. 1 priority of purchasing the team and bringing it to Salt Lake is to help the development of the Utah Jazz basketball organization,” said Bart Sharp, the Stars’ general manager. “While we want to be competitive and we do have the goal to win games, make the playoffs and succeed there, the No. 1 priority is to develop our players and provide them an opportunity to understand the Jazz system, instruction and culture.”

The D-League team brings together new players on the Jazz roster who could use more playing time, Jazz draft picks who have been assigned to the Stars and free agent players who could be called up to the Jazz or other National Basketball Association teams upon vacancy.

Sharp said Rudy Gobert, a Jazz center who played with the Stampede during his rookie year, is a fantastic example of how the D-League can reinforce a player’s skills.

“I bet quite a few people would attribute his rapid development to that ability to get on the court with the D-League, all while staying close to the parent organization—the Jazz,” Sharp said.

Sharp noted that Joel Bolomboy, Jazz forward who formerly played at Weber State University, may have a similar experience.

“He is obviously on the Jazz roster, and he is doing very well; however, there are opportunities while we are in town,” Sharp said.

J.J. O’Brien handles the ball during the Salt Lake City Stars’ inaugural game against the defending NBA D-League Champions the Sioux Fall Skyforce. O’Brien added 20 points and six boards to the game, but the Skyforce still Defeated the Stars 117–100 (Dave Eggen/NBAE/Getty Images)

“They could send Joel down to a (Stars) game here on Tuesday night, and he could get some more playing time on it, and then on Wednesday he could be on the Jazz bench, building those relationships with those players and making sure that he understands what they are doing

“The No. 1 priority of purchasing the team and bringing it to Salt Lake is to help the development of the Utah Jazz basketball organization,” at that level, which hopefully expedites his experience as a player.”

Because the Jazz already have four point guards contracted, two Jazz second-round draft picks are assigned to the Stars: Tyrone Wallace, a 6-foot-6-inch guard coming from University of California and Marcus Paige, a 6-foot-2-inch guard from University of North Carolina.

“I think this is an opportunity to get better and work on my craft—you know, put in the hours here and put in the time,” Wallace said about playing for the Stars. “It is a chance for me to get on the floor every night in order to be in the NBA.” Wallace, who spent part of his senior season at Berkeley on the sidelines after he suffered a wrist fracture during a preseason practice, said he was ready to get back on the court full time.

“I am ready for the fans to get here,” Wallace said. “I think it is going to be a good year for us.”

The Stars went up against the Santa Cruz Warriors and the Reno Bighorns on Nov. 6 in their preseason tri-game at the Kaiser Permanente in Santa Cruz, Calif., falling short against the Warriors 52–38 and emerging victorious against the Bighorns 60–50.

Although three players scored in the double-digits, the Stars lost their inaugural

game against the defending NBA D-League Champions the Sioux Fall Skyforce on Nov. 12 (print deadline). The Stars were behind by up to 31 points in the third quarter, but narrowed the gap to 17 by the end of the game in a 117– 100 loss.

Season tickets for the Stars are still available and run as low as $78, with single game tickets as low as $5. Sharp said it’s an affordable way for families residing in the suburbs to watch professional basketball with less travel.

“We feel like—especially being out here in the Taylorsville area so close to Kearns and West Valley, West Jordan and others—that there’s a lot of folks even in the Salt Lake County that don’t get an opportunity to go to the Jazz games as much as they’d like, so we’re bringing a part of the Jazz here,” Sharp said.

The Stars have their own dancers, dunk team and fun zone that includes bounce houses and activities for kids, bringing a unique alternative to going to the movies for family nights out, he said.

The Stars will also be more accessible than Jazz, Sharp added. After each game, spectators are invited onto the court for an autograph session with some of the players. In addition, the coaches, staff and team host basketball clinics to help aspiring child basketball players.

Their first basketball clinic on Sept. 17 served 50 children at the Taylorsville Recreation Center.

Giving back to the community will be a focus for the Stars. One of the team’s 24 home games will be a “themed jersey night,” where the Stars will design and sport a jersey featuring a local charitable organization.

The jerseys will be auctioned at the end of the game, and the proceeds will go to the charitable organization.

For more information about the Stars or to purchase tickets, visit saltlakecity.dleague.nba. com. 

M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM

SPORTS

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 15

SPORTS

PAGE 16 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

Councilman finishes Utah sideline career

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West Valley City Councilman Steve Vincent and his family celebrate the final game of his career on the Utah football sidelines.

(Greg James/City Journals)

T

he 46 year Utah football sideline crew career of West Valley City Councilman Steve Vincent came to an end on Saturday Oct. 29 in a Utes loss to Washington. Vincent finished what has been a legacy part of his family.

“It is sort of bittersweet, not by my choice but the group has decided to get younger people in here to help out. It has always been a big part of my family starting with my dad and even my sons. I will always cherish the memories I have had,” said Vincent. “I think one of things I will certainly miss will be the national anthem. I always stood around the 50yard line and the drum roll would start and it always gives me chills.”

Starting in 1970 Vincent began roaming the sidelines with his father. He shagged balls and hung out with his dad. His senior year in high school he began working with the chain crew. His initial job was the clip to mark the yardline. He eventually began working on the opponent’s sideline to mark the ball location.

“The quality of the teams that come in has dramatically increased. It has been fun to see the national brand of these coaches like Jim Harbaugh. I like to see how they handle their teams. I can tell the difference with these Pac12 teams,” Vincent said.

His payment started as a hot dog at halftime and has evolved to Chick-fil-A. Vincent said there has never been a glamorous check.

The facility and game day atmosphere has changed in his time on the sideline. In the beginning Rice-Eccles Stadium had a track around the field and fans could walk around the field during the game. The 15,000-20,000

fans pales in comparison to today’s 45,000 screaming fans and the large video board and incredible sound system.

Vincent has seen five consensus allAmericans: Tom Hackett, Luther Eliss, Jordan Gross, Louie Sakoda and Eric Weddle. The Utes have compiled 308 wins 237 losses and three ties since 1970. The team’s leading passer during that time was Scott Mitchell and the leading rusher is Eddie Johnson.

“I do not interact with the players much.

I remember Scott Mitchell throwing for more than 400 yards against BYU and how nice Coach (Ron) McBride was to my family,” Vincent said.

Being a Utah fan is in the genes for the Vincent family. He still holds two season tickets and his three boys (Anthony, Spencer and Michael) and one daughter (Analeese) take turns attending the games.

“The Oregon game a couple of years ago is one I will remember. The crowd was amazing and it was electric. Air Force was always one of my favorite teams. The players were always polite and well mannered. My least favorite part is the language that some of those guys get away with,” Vincent said.

Working on the westside since the mid 1980s he interacted more with the opposing teams, but Vincent remembers the fiery Wayne Howard yelling constantly. He was on the sideline with eight Utah head coaches: Howard, Chuck Stobart, Jim Fassel, Bill Meek, Tom Lovat, Ron McBride, Urban Meyer and Kyle Whittingham.

“I always liked to see the Hunter High kids like Matt Asiata, kids that went to school with my kids. I will miss it for sure; but I will always cheer for the Utes,” Vincent said. 

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 17

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PAGE 18 | DECEMBER 2016

WEST V ALLEY JOURNAL

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

P

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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O Tidings of Comfort Annoy

N

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Create an acronym.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t recount Family Disasters 2016. Your water heater broke, your car died in the desert, you have rats in the basement and bats in your belfry.

You lost several jobs, were abducted by aliens and SWAT kicked in your door at 3 a.m. Newsletters are not catastrophe competitions. Next!

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

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

You can even add clip art. 