West Valley City Journal | October 2023

COSTS RISE FOR PROPOSED UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HOSPITAL IN WEST VALLEY CITY

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

The proposed University of Utah hospital in West Valley City may take longer than planned to complete.

Officials with University of Utah Health say that because of rising costs, an ambitious plan—first announced in 2022—to build a full-service hospital on a 21-acre site near 3700 South and 5600 West will likely have to be done in phases rather than the original plan to build the medical center and auxiliary facilities as one large construction project.

They’ll also have to figure out how to finance the higher price tag. The original estimate in 2022 was $500 million—$400 million for the buildings and $100 million to equip and furnish them. University of Utah Health CEO Dr. Michael Good says higher construction and material costs compounded by inflation has pushed that to $855 million “and put it out of reach for us.”

“We’re needing to rephase how we build the hospital and health center,” Good told a steering committee of stakeholders and other community participants involved in the planning of what would be the largest capital project ever undertaken in West Valley City. “I want to acknowledge how frustrating this situation is. We’re not where we’d hoped to be.”

The Utah Legislature gave authority to the Utah Board of Higher Education to issue $500 million in bonds on behalf of the University of Utah to build the hospital and healthcare education center similar in scope but a bit smaller than the flagship University Hospital on the University of Utah campus. The education center component of it will be for the teaching and training of nursing and other healthcare students under programs administered by the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College.

Despite the setbacks, University of Utah Health Hospi-

tals and Clinics Chief Operations Officer Gina Hawley says the $500 million set aside for the hospital will stay there. “We have not recommitted any of the funds for West Valley. The commitment is still there.” Hawley echoed Good’s contention that economic factors are forcing some aspects of the planned hospital back to the drawing board. “Things like rising interest rates, inflation, the construction labor market,

and supply chain fluctuations have all contributed. Healthcare projects across the country are seeing this.”

“We will get there. We just know it’s a different path for us,” she added.

To bridge the funding gap, Good said that University of Utah President Taylor Randall has made the hospital a

Continued page 17

This image shows what the proposed University of Utah Health hospital in West Valley City would look like at completion. (Courtesy University of Utah Health)

Parley’s Trail in WVC page 11

Halloween page 7

Granger football

Final Parley’s Trail section opens in West Valley City

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

U

Now, that’s changed.

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

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

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

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

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

One group championing the cause is the

Jou r nals

The West Valley Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Valley City.

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.

ntil now, bikers, hikers or those in wheelchairs wishing to traverse across the Salt Lake Valley from the Bonneville Shoreline Trail faced a problem on the west side of the valley. The section of Parley’s Trail from 900 West to the Jordan River Parkway wasn’t fully accessible due, in large part, to the river itself.Parley’s Rails, Trails and Tunnels. Chair of that group, Juan Arce-Larreta, said the trail has been developed in several phases, and subsequent semi-phases. This final section dealt with the river, a railroad yard and existing roads along SR-201.

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

He said the team began searching areas in West Valley City where the trail could be extended. They found a small area between SR-201 and UTA’s TRAX line—property owned by UTA or the Utah Department of Transportation. UDOT assisted in assessing the concept and granted easements for the final section, which cost $6.5 million to complete.

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

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

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

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

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Kayla Palmer | kayla.p@thecityjournals.com

CIRCULATION

Lydia

MISSION

The newest section creates a traffic-free trail across the Salt Lake Valley. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

Granite School District looks to deal with declining, shifting enrollment on west side

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

Thethreat of multiple school closures in the western part of the Granite School District has eased but the district is still considering changes to deal with declining student populations.

During a public meeting at Matheson Junior High School in September, district officials outlined the latest phase of a plan to deal with dropping and shifting enrollments.

Back in April, the school district floated the possibility of closing some elementary schools, moving boundaries, and shifting grade levels to boost student numbers at some schools and reduce the enrollment at others, namely Matheson Junior High School, which serves western West Valley City and Magna.

However, the only likely school closure talked about at last month’s meeting is Western Hills Elementary in Kearns. It currently houses only 275 students, well below the optimum number of 550.

“School closures in this area have been taken off the table” for now among elementary schools that feed into Matheson Jr. High School, District spokesman Ben Horsley said at the sparsely attended meeting.

Horsley said the focus now is primarily on school boundary adjustments to better balance school populations, adding grade six to junior high schools, and reopening Brockbank

Junior High School, which closed in 2016, but is being used now as additional classroom space for nearby Cyprus High School. A new Cyprus campus is under construction which will eliminate its need for Brockbank when it opens in August 2025.

Meanwhile, the ongoing addition of hundreds of new housing units west of 8400 West in Magna could further necessitate bringing Brockbank back to life as a junior high school to take pressure off Matheson, which is approaching 1,200 students. “You want about 900 kids in a junior high,” Horsley said. A projected 850 sixth through eighth graders would

attend Brockbank if it is reopened.

School closure and boundary change proposals on the west side are not new to the Granite School District in general. Five elementary schools have ceased operations in the past three years because of too few students. Horsley says even those closures have not been enough to match facilities with a drop in enrollment from 78,000 in the 1990s to about 59,000 today.

Horsley says an independent survey firm hired by the District will gauge sentiment among patrons on grade reconfiguration in the elementary and junior high schools where sixth

grade would be moved to the junior high level. The Granite Board of Education is expected to hold two votes in November and December on the proposed changes—one on the boundary and grade level realignment and the other on closing Western Hills Elementary. Only current kindergarten through fourth graders would be affected by any changes approved by the board starting with the 2025-26 school year. Students now in higher grades would not be impacted. l

Brockbank Jr. High School in Magna, which closed in 2016, could be reopened in 2025 as the Granite School District considers school closures and boundary changes to deal with shifting student populations in several schools in West Valley City, Kearns and Magna. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Special Olympics TopGolf: Championing inclusion for all athletes

The object: to hit the target the most.

The purpose: So much more.

Eighty Special Olympians with intellectual disabilities paired with partner athletes, were warming up for the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship.

“The athletes are practicing their accuracy, but they’re also developing skills and forging friendships,” said Haley Nall, Special Olympics director of special events. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

It’s also part of a national partnership with TopGolf that provides Special Olympic teams access for weekly two-hour practices as well as hosting the tournament. More than 30 locations are holding state championships.

The Special Olympics TopGolf Championship embraces inclusion and access for athletes, Nall said.

The introduction of TopGolf for Special Olympics comes on the heels of the launch of unified golf for middle school students that was held in South Jordan in the spring 2022.

At the Midvale championship, teams, age eight and up, were hitting the ball off the deck aiming for the targets. They were coached by volunteers.

Hillcrest High 2019 graduate Tanner Cluff jumped at the opportunity to try a new sport, despite needing left-handed clubs for his 6’8” frame.

“I like that this gives me a challenge,” he said. “I can do different sports for every season.”

Cluff, who won numerous medals in unified sports in high school and at the University of Utah, played for Real Salt Lake’s unified team. He plays football, soccer and bocci

By Julie Slama|j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ball with Special Olympics.

“I’m trying to see how many points I can get by hitting the markers. It’s been harder on the top level than the bottom level because the launch in every bay is different and I never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’m making new friends here at the same time.”

Cluff made friends with his partner, Keaton Phillips, who just moved to Utah nine months ago. Previously, Phillips volunteered with Special Olympics in Florida.

“I love the unique energies that everybody has,” he said.

Prior to the TopGolf practices, Phillips played golf once on a traditional course.

“This is challenging. I didn’t think it would be as challenging at TopGolf. We struggled through it for a couple of weeks, but we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “We’re trying to get more distance and accuracy. We have a bit to go, but it’s fun.”

A few bays down the Cox sisters from Murray were ready to compete.

Viewmont Elementary sixth-grader Livvy partnered with her sister, Bree, a junior at Murray High.

“I like to volunteer because it’s fun interacting with kids with special needs,” said the younger Cox sister, who was a partner track athlete as well.

Bree Cox, who has Down syndrome and performs with Murray’s drill team, was game to try golf.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love it because I can do it with my sister.” l

Brighton High’s Mitchell Burt hits the ball during warm-ups of the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Lancers fighting for high playoff seed

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

Granger has unleashed its football program. Victories in its first two region contests put them in first place in the new region 4.

“We are in a different place than we have been,” head coach Pala Vaitu’u said in his second season.

The Lancers have used a combination of good defense and offense to put themselves into the top 10 of the Utah High School Activities Committee’s RPI standings. Sitting at No. 9 they would be the highest-ranked team in Region 4.

On Sept. 21 the Lancers proved their dominance by handling Kearns. Their defense forced four turnovers including an 85-yard pick-six by junior Uisi Tu’uao. In the game senior Vaka Patetefa had two sacks, increasing his team-leading total to 10, nearly two per game. Senior Johvian Ki leads the team with two interceptions.

Their defense is only allowing 21 points per game. This includes its season-opening loss to Corner Canyon 55-7.

Corner Canyon is one of the best teams in the state and the reigning 6A state champion.

The Granger offense is borderline prolific. It is led by senior and BYU signee Carson Su’esu’e. He has completed 65% of his passes and has 20 touchdowns. Halfway through the season, he has thrown for 1,893 yards. He has also rushed for six touchdowns.

Su’esu’e is rated a three-star recruit by 247 sports. He is ranked as recruit No. 15 in the state. According to his profile page, the 6-foot-5-inch quarterback signed with BYU in June 2023. He also had offers from Utah State, Arizona State, Florida Atlantic and Hawaii.

Granger defeated Region 4 foe West Jordan. The teams were tied at 14 headed into the fourth quarter. The Lancer’s defense held the Jaguars to six points. The game ended in a 27-20 victory. This was the seventh time in school history they had beaten West Jordan.

The UHSAA changed region alignments this season. The teams in the former Region 2 were all moved to Region 4 in 5A. The change is expected to strengthen the 5A classification.

The new Region 4 includes Kearns, Taylorsville, Hunter, Cyprus and West Jordan. In 6A this region had relatively little post-season success. Last season, Granger lost in the first round to Fremont 23-13 of the football playoffs.

Vaitu’u is in his fifth season at Granger. He has a record of 14-34 at Granger. He admits coming to Granger was difficult. His first responsibility was to teach them a new offensive scheme.

“It has been night and day at Granger,” Vaitu’u said his second year at the school. “They all understand pass routes and blocking now.”

The Lancers began the season losing to Corner Canyon. They have defeated Viewmont and Skyline in their preseason.

Granger is scheduled to play Cyprus on Oct. 6 and its final home game Wednesday, Oct. 11 against Hunter. l

Senior Jordan Tu’uao has averaged 7.2 yards per carry this season. (Photo courtesy of Granger Football)

Lancer quarterback Carson Su’esu’e has committed to BYU following his senior season. (Photo courtesy of Granger Football)

Mayor Jenny Wilson starts book/media club to engage community around the Great Salt Lake

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

“In this world of division; red, blue, old, young. What can we do to come together as a community? What can I do to create a dialogue? Let’s start a book club.” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

In late August, the stage at the Salt Lake City Public Library held some acclaimed names: Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake.

It was the second meeting of Mayor Jenny Wilson’s Book and Media Club, a community-wide club designed to engage people around a common theme. Up for discussion was a harrowing New York Times article by Williams telling the story of the retreating Great Salt Lake and the repercussions its potential death will have on the valley, the state and the nation, titled, “I Am Haunted By What I’ve Seen At Great Salt Lake.” The link to a PDF of the article can be found at parsintl.com/ eprints/115576.pdf

It was a free event, with ticketing/reservations available through the county website. During the club, Wilson led a 90-minute discussion between Williams and Abbott, leaving time for Q&A between panelists and the audience.

“Our body and the body of Great Salt Lake—there is no separation—we too are salt water.” – Author Terry Tempest Williams

Williams grew up in Salt Lake City and found acclaim as a naturalist and environmental writer with the publication of her 1991 memoir, “Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place.” Since then, she has published many articles and numerous books. She is a writer who draws inspiration from the American West and the arid landscape of Utah.

When the mayor asked Williams about the significance of the lake and her fears about the retreat, Williams indicated it was Abbott’s January 2023 report about the state of the lake that put her (and the world) on notice. “When I read that the lake could disappear in five years, I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

The climate editor at the New York Times also read the report, called Williams and asked for an article of 5,000 words, a length not often granted by the selective publisher. Williams was terrified to write the piece, completing 14 drafts in one month, because she had to tell the hard truth, because, “It had to matter.”

“As the lake goes, so goes our community.” – Professor Ben Abbott Abbott’s BYU study sounded the alarm about the state of the lake, but his message during the book club was one of action rather than despair or complacency, indicating there should be no divisions between urban and ru-

ral, left and right in coming to a solution. The condition of the lake affects everyone. The solution relies on legislation and conservation, and must be enacted now. For a link to the study, pws.byu.edu/GSL%20report%202023.

“The health of all of us depends on this lake,” he said. “I’m talking about our air pollution, our water pollution, our economy, because the Great Salt Lake is not an outlier. We know what will happen.” He was speaking of Owens Lake.

Owens Lake, a saline lake in California, a lake the fraction of the size of the Great Salt Lake and much farther from a community center, dried up due to water diverted to the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Before the diversion of the Owens River, Owens Lake covered an area of up to 108 square miles. When the lake dried, it became the single largest source of particulate contamination in the United States. To date, the state of California has spent over $2.5 billion to control the dust, but according to Abbott, “If you look at a map of air quality index, there is still a dark red ring, even today, around that dried lake.”

Compare that to the Great Salt Lake. After years of drought and increased water diversion upstream, the lake fell to its lowest level: 950 square miles. One takeaway? The Great Salt Lake at its lowest level is still 10 times larger than Owens Lake at its highest, with the potential of a much greater impact on our local and regional environment.

“Did the big snow year solve the problem?” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

Because of his faith, Abbott said he does see [the big snow year] as divine intervention. “It gives us a chance to do something, but it has only rewound the clock by one to two years. A solution it is not.”

Water levels at the Great Salt Lake have peaked for 2023. They rose about 5 ½ feet from the record lows of last year. Even with

improved water levels, about 50% of the lakebed is still exposed.

Researchers at the University of Utah found that in 2022, the exposed lakebed was responsible for about one-quarter of dust pollution along the Wasatch Front. Additionally, the dust that collected on the snow caused the snowpack to melt more than two weeks earlier than it should have, according to an investigative report on KSL.

“The only way to solve it is to live within our means.” – Professor Ben Abbott

The January report co-authored by Abbott indicates agriculture dominates water use in the Great Salt Lake watershed. Irrigation of alfalfa and other crops directly accounts for around 75% of total consumptive water, plus 5%-10% indirectly through storage and transport losses such as reservoir evaporation. Mineral extraction from the lake itself represents another 9% of water use. Cities and industry account for the final 9% of consumptive water use, of which 90% is outdoor water use (irrigation for lawns and other decorative plants).

Basically, many parties are financially tied to the lake, and the entire Wasatch Front population is reliant on the health of the lake for their own health and the health of their families. Because the stakes are extremely high, participants from all communities need to come together to make changes through conservation efforts and education. Additionally, “We are in a much better place than we were five years ago, as far as legal opportunities go, to take next steps,” Abbott said.

Collaboration and cooperation are needed. “We need to have the grace to believe all sides have the best interest of others in mind,”

said Abbott.

There are several organizations attempting to pull the many communities together, to invite people into the conversation, to forge new ideas. Grow the Flow at growtheflowutah. org and Friends of the Great Salt Lake at fogsl. org, are two.

Up Next for The Mayor’s Book and Media Club

While called the Mayor’s Book and Media Club, future events will include discussion about film, story and video, with the intent of creating open and engaging public dialogue. The hope is to hold an event every two to three months.

The next Book and Media Club discussion will be about the documentary film, “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed.” In celebration of the upcoming eclipse, the mayor’s office is providing 200 free tickets to the documentary at the Clark Planetarium. The ticket can be redeemed to any scheduled showing and will include a pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

Then on Oct. 14, the community is invited back to the Gateway Fountain for a live community viewing of the eclipse. Viewers should plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m., as the eclipse happens just after 10 a.m. Afterward, the Clark Planetarium education staff will facilitate a short presentation and discussion. Everyone is invited to the fountain for the eclipse viewing, but tickets for the film and glasses are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

For future events keep updated at slco. org/mayor/bookclub. l

Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School, Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, a BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake attend an event at the downtown library in August. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson facilitates a conversation between author Terry Tempest Williams and BYU Professor Ben Abbott. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

General election candidates are set for West Valley City Council

The field of candidates is set for the general election in November for three seats on the West Valley City Council.

Results from the primary election in September saw all the three incumbents advance by being the top vote-getters in their respective races. They will face off against the second-place finishers in each of the districts on Nov. 21.

Two-term councilmember Don Christensen will go against Sophia Hawes-Tingey for the at-large council seat. Christensen grabbed nearly 31% of the vote while Hawes-Tingey had 23% to finish second.

District 1 incumbent Tom Huynh was chosen by 51% of those casting ballots and will be opposed by runner-up Marni Lefevre, who had 35% of the vote. Huynh is seeking his fourth four-year term. District 1 covers the northeastern part of West Valley City.

Will Whetstone, who was appointed in January 2022 to fill a vacancy, finished first in the mainly northwestern District 3 with 47% of the vote. He will run against Heidi Roggenbuck in November. She came in second with 25%.

Several of the candidates expressed their appreciation for the voter support.

“I am humbled that the majority of the residents chose me as the one they support-

By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com

ed. I love our city and will do everything I can to continue to serve the residents of West Valley,” Councilmember Christensen said.

“I consider it an honor that (25% of the people who voted) have decided that I can best represent their voice in the West Valley City Council,” said Hawes-Tingey, a transgender woman. She cites human rights, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability as some of her issues of concern on her campaign website.

Whetstone was grateful for the primary election results. “I'm eager to take this momentum and energy into the general election as I work to bring positive change and progress to our community,” he said. His top priorities are responsible management of the West Valley City’s finances, affordable housing and transparency in city government.

His November opponent, Roggenbuck, says her key issues are affordable housing, homelessness and crime. Besides working as a case manager for Salt Lake County, Roggenbuck has volunteered for years at various animal shelters. “(Voters) saw my passion for doing good work in the community and how I can be part of making West Valley City even better as it continues to grow and become more diverse,” she said.

In District 1, lead vote-getter Huynh

felt his connection with residents made the difference. “When my constituents call me, then I am at their door,” the native of Vietnam said. “I consider this a privilege to serve them. They can see it through my eyes when they talk to me.”

Huynh’s opponent will be Lefevre, a former high school biology teacher, who says her vision for West Valley City includes additional affordable housing, expanded social services and programs, and improved transportation. “I am honored and humbled by the primary election results and thrilled to

be advancing to the general election,” Lefevre said. “The next few months will be busy and exciting, but I look forward to continuing to share my vision with more voters and earning each vote.”

The general election on Nov. 21 is later than the usual first Tuesday of the month.

Gov. Spencer Cox announced the change earlier this year to combine all municipal elections with a special election on Nov. 21 to fill the seat vacated by Chris Stewart in Utah’s 2nd Congressional District. l

West Valley City Council chambers. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

World’s Best Boss.

At least those are the words on the mug of Dunder Mifflin’s boss, Michael Scott on the popular television series, “The Office.” However, how might you get to reach such status as a leader, without buying your own mug?

Oct. 16 is National Boss’s Day, and in effort of learning more about how to be a great boss, I sat down with one whose team not only would buy him such a mug, but who sees him as a leader they want to follow. Scott Harding recently retired from Larry H. Miller Honda in Murray as the general manager where he led a staff of roughly 100 employees on a daily basis. He served 26 years for the company (27 in the industry). He also served as the president of the Utah Honda Dealers Association, and he sat on the governor appointed board for the state of Utah that helped steer the Utah motor vehicle review committee.

When asking Harding about how he reached his leadership role he said, “Basically, most of my career in doing this it’s just kind of been evolution. One role led to the next, led to the next, led to the next, which is kind of a good way, because you can stair step your way up as you learn.”

The ongoing process of learning and having a growth mindset seems to be instru-

How to be a leader that others follow

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

mental in being a strong and effective leader. One thing Harding said he has learned in his leadership role is to not expect others to be like you as the leader. “Everybody has their own personality, everybody finds their own way to find their groove or getting a stride. And one thing as a leader that can be very difficult is when you expect everyone to be just like you. That's not really healthy either in an environment of a team, because what makes great teams is multi-dimensional aspects of it and having people on your team that are better at things that maybe you're not as good at.”

So, how can you adapt to the multi-dimensional aspects of your team such as their personalities and talents?

1. Get to know your team. What makes them tick? What motivates them?

2. Connect with your team. Show care for them, invest time and energy in them.

3. Communicate with your team. Avoid assumptions by having direct communication with them. Ask the questions. Listen to what they have to say. Keep your team involved in and knowing what you’re talking about and clearly communicating expectations.

From there, Harding said that it’s key to ensure a concept that Jim Collins shares in his book “Good to Great” —getting the right people on the bus and then getting them in the

right seat on the bus. Once we have the right people on the bus and in the right seat, we can become a leader they want to follow through the following ways:

1. Helping your team see your vision. When your team sees your vision, they can embrace it. Create their buy-in by teaching your team how you do something, or how you want them to do something and the benefit of

and why behind why you want it done that way.

2. Making the tough decisions. These can be some of the loneliest days as a leader.

Whether that is to promote or not promote a team member, drawing hard lines on integrity issues, challenging people or even dismissing someone from your team.

3. Being honest. Do things in an honest way, train in an honest way, give honest feedback and honest expectations. Do what is right especially when no one is looking.

As Harding said, “We all follow somebody because we want to make sure that they're going to help us get to the next level, or they're going to help us provide for our family, or they're going to help us learn more about what will help us in life and/or in business.”

So, this Boss’s Day may we step up to the plate in being a leader that not only others want to follow, but that we would want to follow. May we also take the opportunity to thank those bosses who are paving the way for us both personally and professionally. Want to hear more of my interview with Harding, or learn more about being a better boss? Check out Holly’s Highlights podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts and at www. hollycurby.com. l

Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge

Are you a business leader?

At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company.

Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots.

LEARN MORE:

www.wliut.com/elevateher-challenge

Part of Scott Harding’s team honoring him at his retirement party. (Photo courtesy of Christy Green)

HALLOWEEN SECTION

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

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

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Draper families transform their yards into Halloween destinations

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

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

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

Larsen Manor

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Haunted Haven

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southfork Sanitarium

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s your legacy?

Serving Local Families Since 1885

During

5.50%

MONTHS

Not into long-term commitments? Granite’s 6-month savings certificate is your perfect match. With a 5.50% APY* you can see how quickly your money grows. See our other great options at granite. org and start letting your money work for you. Granite Credit Union is always there so you can...make life happen.

+ Open in online banking at granite.org, in branch, or by phone

+ Start saving with as little as $500

+ No monthly fee

+ Ask about insuring funds over $250,000. We can help!

Most

We take only 1% of the sales price to list and market the home, while offering a competitive commission to the buyer’s agent. Although we charge a significantly lower commission, we provide the same real estate services as a full-service brokerage. Because our sellers are saving thousands of dollars, they can price their home more aggressively or simply keep more of their hard-earned equity.

801.636.3028 HABLAMOS ESPAŃOL

davidbrunet@1percentlists.com

See information about our brokerage model at 1PercentListsSaltLake.com

The Children’s Center Utah unveils mental health campus in West Valley City

Before an assembled gathering of donors, patrons, clients, and additional constituents, The Children’s Center Utah hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of its new children’s mental health campus in West Valley City earlier today.

The new campus is located at 3725 W. 4100 South in West Valley City.

This milestone marks the completion of the multi-million dollar project aimed at providing comprehensive mental health support for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families. The new campus showcases the successful collaboration between public and private partners, highlighting the importance of investments in early childhood mental health.

The campus is also home to a new infant and early childhood mental health education and training center that provides child-centered consultation and training to build early childhood professionals’ capac-

The Children’s Center Utah. "This isn't just a center; it's a promise to support and empower children and families from the earliest moments, forging a path toward a brighter future."

Christian Gardner, CEO of Gardner Group and board member serving The Children’s Center Utah, expressed his appreciation for being involved in the construction of

the new campus, "We are truly privileged to have contributed to the development of this

grams. The Children’s Center Utah and its staff play a crucial role in the mental health

Continued from front page

“fundraising priority” whether through philanthropy or other means.

The plan to break ground on some part of the medical campus in 2024 is still in place, but the hoped-for completion of all or nearly all of it in 2027 will probably be pushed back for an undetermined period of time.

Nevertheless, the project is far from being put on life support. “The commitment to deliver health care in West Valley is sincere, it’s solid, and this is a way we can move forward,” Good said. “We will get it done.” l

veiled its plans for future satellite facilities

Professional & Reliable Utah Based Mobile Notary Service!

Licensed & InsuredFlexible HoursStarting at $10 per Signature

starting in Utah County, promising a wider reach and a deeper impact across the state.

The event also coincides with the center's 60th anniversary, a fitting moment to commemorate its legacy of commitment and care for children's well-being.

To learn more about The Children’s Center Utah, visit childrenscenterutah.org. l

SERVICES:

• Trusts & wills

• Apostilles

• Power of attorney

• Titles & bills of sale

• Parental consent

• Quitclaim deeds ... and more!

801-432-0458

hello@signedbysugar.com www.signedbysugar.com

The Children’s Center Utah ribbon cutting ceremony. (Photo courtesy The Children’s Center Utah)

Odyssey House of

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

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

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

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

Who do you serve?

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

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

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

What types of treatment do you o er?

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

What is your success rate?

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

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

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

How can people learn more about you?

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

DO YOU SUFFER FROM Depression?

•

•

•

“I had taken 11 different medications without any relief… NeuroStar treatment has helped me bring my life back…with a happiness that I’ve never experienced before” ~TODD

Outcomes Registry data was published by Sackeim HA, et al. J Affective Disorders, 2020, 277(12):65-74. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under real-world conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. “Measurable relief” was defined as a CGI-S score <=3 and “complete remission” was defined as a CGI-S score <=2 at the end of treatment.

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to an MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroHealth, you can take back your life.

10437 So Temple Dr., Suite 200 South Jordan, UT 84095 385-217-6890

NeuroHealthUtah.Com

MARK NEVERS, OD Optometry

Dr. Nevers is originally from Oak Park, CA. After working the last 8 years in Spokane, WA, he now returns to Utah where he previously lived. Dr. Nevers is excited to be back in Utah and to help patients with their vision needs.

Dr. Nevers enjoys helping people with their vision needs so they can actively pursue what they love to do. He loves his patients and the time he can spend with them. He is kind and respectful and values the trust patients have in him to be their eye care provider.

Virtual Study for Asthma

BE A MEDICAL HERO! JOIN A STUDY TODAY.

KANYOS BIO - CELIAC DISEASE:

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

HORIZON - UNCONTROLLED GOUT:

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

BATURA AVILLION ASTHMA:

PFIZER CHILD LYME DISEASE VACCINE:

The BATURA Study is now enrolling participants 12 years

You may qualify for this clinical research study if you:

• Are 12 years of age and older*

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

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

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

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

Untangling the Madness: Why Trimlight is the Ultimate Holiday Hack

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

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

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

The Drama of Hanging Holiday Lights

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

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

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

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

The Brilliant Solution: Trimlight’s Permanent Holiday Lights

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Have a Chronic Wound?

If you have a wound that has been open for more than 4 weeks, then something in your body is not allowing that wound to heal properly. Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. Often, chronic wounds stall in the inflammatory phase of healing.

How do you heal a wound that will not heal?

Debridement (removal of dead tissue) is the most common treatment for stubborn wounds, and involves the removal of unhealthy tissue within a chronic wound to promote the growth of healthy tissue, reduce complications of infection, and speed up the healing process.

Your care team may also suggest the following treatments:

• Antibiotics

• Skin substitute grafts

• Laser Treatments

• X-rays to assess for bone infection

• Scans to ensure proper blood flow is getting to the wound to promote healing

Visit Innovation Medical Group today to get a wound care specialist to help guide your care plan and to get your life back without a chronic wound present. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 801-758-2091. We are located at 4624 Holladay Blvd on the second floor in Suite 201 right above Olympus Family Medicine. We accept all major insurances and look forward to being able to enhance your quality of life.

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

The Truth is Out There

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe they were on their way to teach

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

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

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

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

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

Hmmmm.

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

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

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

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

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

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