West Valley City
Pets
WVC facility renamed as Jill Robinson Memorial Building
By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
City honors one of its own who died in the line of duty in 2018.
City and state officials, family and friends, along with code-enforcement officers from other parts of the nation gathered on July 31 when West Valley honored one of their own. Jill Robinson, who was murdered while in the line of duty in 2018, now has her name on the building where she once worked as a code-enforcement officer for the city.
In August of 2018, she was shot and killed by Kevin Billings, who Robinson was scheduled to meet with him on a follow-up call regarding the condition of his yard. Billings ambushed Robinson, then set both her city truck and a neighbor’s home on fire. The next-door blaze also killed four of the neighbor’s dogs. He was later sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The Jill Robinson Memorial Building is the site of both the code enforcement and animal services division for West Valley City on 3500 South. Mayor Karen Lang and Robinson’s daughter Jessica Knorr spoke at the ceremony, with Knorr saying her mom “was my best friend. I miss her so much.” She was touched by the renaming of the facility to honor her mother.
“Today, as we rename this building, we do more than honor her name. We honor her legacy,” said Tumi Young, now the chief code-enforcement officer who started working for the city on the same day as Robinson. “From this day forward, the Jill Robinson Memorial Building will stand as a testament to the life of Jill Robinson, a person who gave so much to this community.”
A plaque inside includes photos of
Robinson along with an inscription that reads “May your bravery be a beacon for us all. Forever in our hearts.”
Along with many working in enforcement, from police to medical emergency personnel, violence against officers has
From this day forward, the Jill Robinson Memorial Building will stand as a testament to the life of Jill Robinson, a person who gave so much to this community.
steadily increased over the past 10 years. Assaults against code enforcement officers, or CEOs, are becoming more commonplace, according to Tim Sun, a Southern California CEO and a safety activist. He says the issue is getting little traction from city officials throughout that state. He estimates that only 5% of California cities provide code enforcement officers with protective vests, pepper spray, or emergency communication. In a survey of members of the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) a few years ago, 63% of respondents said they had been threatened or assaulted. There is no specific number for Utah, though West Valley enforcement officers now wear bullet proof vests when they go on call. The vests are estimated to cost about $360 apiece. l
Tumi Young
Jessica Knorr spoke about her mother Jill Robinson at a ceremony in West Valley City on July 31. (Photo courtesy of West Valley City)
Holy Cross Hospital West Valley investing millions in improvements
So far, its parent company Common Spirit Health has invested at least $5.5 million to bring more modern equipment and services to the hospital.
By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
Rightnow, it is the only full-service hospital in West Valley City.
While it will likely lose that unofficial designation in a few years, Holy Cross Hospital-West Valley is forging ahead with capital and other improvements to upgrade its facilities and quality of care. So far, its parent company Common Spirit Health has invested at least $5.5 million to bring more modern equipment and services to the hospital.
“It’s been quite a dynamic process around our investments,” hospital president Christine McSweeney said. She said that it became apparent after the purchase of the hospital that quite a bit of money was going to be needed to bring the facility, which originally opened as Pioneer Valley Hospital in the early 1980s, up to modern medical and infrastructure standards.
The hospital’s top executive listed several types of medical equipment have been added, upgraded, or replaced at the medical campus at 3460 S. 4155 West.
• Ventilators, which help patients breathe.
• Telemetry monitoring systems “that help monitor heart rates and vital signs,” McSweeney described. “When
we got here, those things were ineffective. They would monitor inconsistently. We had to replace all of that.”
• Stress machines to help test for heart conditions.
• Anesthesia machines.
• Nuclear medicine camera, which scans and photographs the inside of the body.
• Two new boilers to heat water.
• A new MRI machine, which alone cost $3 million.
• Backup power generators.
• New roofing.
• Remodel of the main lobby.
• The addition of a small chapel for religious services.
• New elevators.
“There is so much more to do, but in the two years, I would say this has been the most critical to maintain what we would consider standard of care,” McSweeney said.
Holy Cross Hospital is currently licensed for 102 beds with a quarter of that for adult inpatient behavioral health patients. “At this point, we’re not totally at capacity. We want to make sure we fill these beds before we would expand,” she explained.
McSweeney says an advantage of Holy Cross Hospital’s relatively small size compared to large institutions like Intermountain Health’s Intermountain Medical Center in Murray and University Hospital on the edge of the University of Utah campus is an advantage in terms of personal attention to the needs of patients. “We get that (comment) from patients a lot. We think about just the general services that people need to have close to home. We can
provide all that–and we do it well.”
The investment in Holy Cross Hospital occurs amid the backdrop of University of Utah Health recently breaking ground for a major medical complex on West Valley City’s west side that will be similar in scope to its flagship University Hospital. “Everyone’s been a little concerned about that and certainly our own team members, just wondering what that would do” to Holy Cross Hospital,” McSweeney said. However, “Because of the growth in the west valley communities, even with the University (Hospital) campus already underway, the proposed bed size there and our bed capacity still most likely won’t meet the need for the growth,” she surmised. “Both organizations will thrive out here.”
Health published a letter of intent last year to establish a clinical partnership with University of Utah Health. Negotiations to formalize that relationship are still underway.
Because of the growth in the west valley communities, even with the University campus already underway, the proposed bed size there and our bed capacity still most likely won’t meet the need for the growth.
Christine McSweeney
McSweeney said the opening of the first phase of the University of Utah hospital at 3784 S. 5600 West scheduled for 2028 will not necessarily hinder the course being charted for her facility but rather provide an opportunity for collaboration with the university system’s research and teaching resources.
McSweeny said that Common Spirit
Holy Cross Hospital West Valley is one of five hospitals in Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties that were acquired by Chicago-based Common Spirit Health from Steward Health Care in 2023. The other four are Holy Cross Hospital-Salt Lake (formerly Salt Lake Regional Medical Center), Holy Cross Hospital-Jordan Valley (previously Jordan Valley Medical Center in West Jordan), Holy Cross Hospital-Davis (formerly Davis Hospital and Medical Center in Layton), and Holy Cross Hospital-Mountain Point (what used to be Mountain Point Medical Center in Lehi). Besides the recent improvements, Holy Cross Hospital-West Valley last year earned the designation as one of the safest hospitals for patients in the nation by the Leapfrog Group. The independent national nonprofit watchdog awarded an “A” grade to the medical center based on ratings focused on “preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States,” according to Leapfrog and Common Spirit Health. l
Since acquiring it in 2023, Common Spirit Health has spent more than $5 million to upgrade the facilities and services of Holy Cross Hospital West Valley. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
CITY EVENTS
• Sept. 4–West Valley City Farmer’s Market, 5-9 p.m., Centennial Park, 5405 West 3100 South
• Sept. 5–Billy Idol, 7:30 p.m., Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Road
• Sept. 6–North East Granger Day of Service, 8 a.m., location TBA
• Sept. 6–Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE, 12:30 and 7:30 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
• Sept. 6–The Offspring, 7 p.m., Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Road
• Sept. 7–Hot Wheels Monster Trucks LIVE, 2:30 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
• Sept. 11–West Valley City Farmer’s Market, 5-9 p.m., Centennial Park, 5405 West 3100 South
• Sept. 11–Warren Zeiders, 7:30 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
• Sept. 13–Central Granger Day of Service, 8 a.m., location TBA
• Sept. 13–Jonas Brothers, 7:30 p.m., Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Road
• Sept. 17–Ice Cube, 8 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
• Sept. 18–West Valley City Farmer’s Market, 5-9 p.m., Centennial Park, 5405 West 3100 South
• Sept. 18–Megan Moroney, 8 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
• Sept. 20–West Granger Day of Service, 8 a.m., location TBA
• Sept. 20–Thomas Rhett, 7:30 p.m., Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Road
• Sept. 25–West Valley City Farmer’s Market, 5-9 p.m., Centennial Park, 5405 West 3100 South
• Sept. 27–Breaking Benjamin and Three Day Grace, 7 p.m., Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, 5150 Upper Ridge Road
• Sept. 30–Breaking the Horizon–USA Ascension Program, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
West Valley Arts enjoys success as it looks towards the future
West Valley Arts, owner-operator of the city’s performing arts center, is making plans for future seasons.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
LastAugust, organizers of West Valley Arts officially earned a nonprofit status. With the support of West Valley City and a number of generous donors, the group took over operational control of the West Valley Performing Arts Center in December.
Now, as the first year of that independence draws to a close, group members are looking both at the past year and ones in the future, vying to keep the arts center alive and thriving.
“With each production, we’re taking small but steady paths forward,” said Kate Rufener, president of the Board of Directors for West Valley Arts Foundation. “Like all arts groups in the nation, we’re weathering challenges, but finding new ways to think of things and embracing new ideas.”
She said West Valley Arts has made a few adjustments, appointing long-time director and artistic producer John Sweeney as interim director, furloughing some staff and focusing on “what needs to keep us secure in the long term.”
“Over this past year, we’ve seen firsthand how this theater brings vibrancy to our community,” she said. “This space has hosted sold out crowds for our shows, neighborhood block parties, art exhibits, fellow businesses, West Valley Arts fan clubs, and students for our summer camps. Vibrancy brings connection and community.”
The company just finished its production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” one of four plays they put on this year, including “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “A Chorus Line” and “Alice by Heart.” Audiences have been increasing in size, and for the third straight year, West Valley Arts was named “Best of State” for Utah. In addition, the foundation is introducing its new youth theater production class’ first show called “The Addams Family Jr.” Oct. 9-11. Classes for youth ages 10-18 have proven very popular since they started last spring. Rufener said it helps give young people a chance to be in theater productions that aren’t readily available in this market.
A planned production of “Wait Until Dark” has been postponed, but the theater will kick off the spooky season with “Nightfall by Edgar Allan Poe,” a 90-minute one-act play with four scenes and five cast members set for Oct.24-Nov. 1. Rufener said an announcement should be coming in mid-September about the 2026 season productions.
What West Valley Arts is also looking for is financial support once again from the city. During public comments at the July
22 city council meeting, Rufener said the theater makes a real economic impact on the community.
“Every show brings people to West Valley City who shop, eat and discover what West Valley has to offer,” she said. “Many of them come from other cities and leave as advocates for what we’re building here. In fact, we’ve received multiple donations from grantors, corporate partners, and an especially important pair of donors who have offered to match
every dollar the city appropriates to us.” She added that the theater’s presence adds to West Valley City’s stability and quality of life, saying “it suggests a place where people want to stay long-term, invest and grow, not just pass through.” The council may consider an appropriation from its new budget to West Valley Arts at a future meeting. The center is located at 3333 Decker Lake Drive.l
The West Valley Performing Arts Center has enjoyed a successful season of shows, with several sellouts and a new youth program in development. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Sale of Grizzlies approved by WVC Council
The owners of the Utah Grizzlies hockey team are selling it, so their last season in West Valley City will start on Oct. 25.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
The first steps in the relocation of the Utah Grizzlies have begun, as the West Valley City Council voted unanimously on July 22 to authorize sale of the team. Councilmember Don Christensen cast a yes vote, but “reluctantly,” as the minor league hockey team will vacate the Maverik Center where it has played hockey for 30 years. This coming season will be the team’s last in Utah.
The team’s owners announced in June that they were exploring a potential sale. According to the House of Hockey website, the club’s longtime owner David Elmore died in 2023, and his widow and co-owner Donna Tuttle “is in failing health and making ongoing family involvement untenable.” Pro Hockey Partners LLC, the
organization who hopes to close on the sale shortly, has plans to relocate the team somewhere in the eastern part of the country, rumored to be New Jersey or Florida. The ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) must all signoff on the deal.
West Valley City bought the team’s minority stake in 2009 to help settle a $600,000 rental debt in the form of cash. Council approval was asked for since the city has a minor ownership in the team, but it was mostly procedural, since the team could proceed with the sale anyway.
Once the deal is closed, West Valley City will get a small amount of the sales revenue from the transaction.
The Grizzlies were part of the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2001 to 2005. Once they moved to the ECHL, they became affiliated with the AHL Colorado Eagles and the NHL Colorado Avalanche. Over the course of the team’s history in Utah, more than 200 Grizzlies players have spent time in the NHL.
Plans for the farewell season for the Grizz are being finalized, though some sort of celebratory events are expected.
Your West Valley Glass Experts
As for the Maverik Center, West Valley City director of asset optimization Andrew Carroll said it will be upgraded to host future events such as concerts or even other sports events. The city council approved $300,000 to begin those upgrades, which will include seat replacements, renovated suites, a new VIP lounge, renovated concession stands, remodeled bathrooms,
a redesigned restaurant and banquet room, parking lot and locker room redesigns, new tech and sound systems, replacement of the ice deck, renovated kitchens and a security system update.
The Grizzlies’ final season in Utah begins on Saturday, October 25 when they host the Idaho Steelheads at 7:10 p.m. l
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The minor league hockey team will vacate the Maverik Center where it has played hockey for 30 years. This coming season will be the team’s last in Utah. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Alliance House is more than a program, its a thriving community
The center empowers adults with mental illness to reclaim independence and find belonging.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Ahand-drawn 1952 neighborhood map appears on a wall at Alliance House. Part of the building was originally Salt Lake Fire Station Number 9 and firefighters used the map to navigate the city’s streets.
Today, that same space serves as a refuge for those experiencing mental health challenges, by offering community and purpose. “What we really love about it is that it reminds us that this building was originally built to save lives,” said Damon Talbot, “and it still does.”
Talbot has been a member of Alliance House for eight years and serves as a board member. He first found the center after going through serious life upheavals that triggered past mental health issues. His attendance was hit-and-miss until his absence was noted and two concerned members showed up on his doorstep.
“They came and found me,” he said. “Since that moment, I haven’t missed a single week at the clubhouse. I’m here most days...It really changed my life.”
Alliance House, located at 1724 S. Main Street, was established in 1987 by three families in Utah with adult children struggling with mental illness. They traveled to New York to learn about Fountain House, a “clubhouse” model that allowed members to share their experiences and participate in events.
They brought the clubhouse model back to Utah and partnered with Valley Behavioral Health to create a supportive space offering structure, education and community for adults with mental illness.
Those who join Alliance House are considered “members,” a term that reflects belonging and shared ownership. Today, more than 340 clubhouse programs operate in over 30 countries, all based on the same inclusive model.
“We want to bust those stigmas around mental health because it’s a thing where there’s a lot of shame around it,” said Margaret Mann, an Alliance House social practitioner. “When you come in these doors, we don’t need to talk about your diagnosis or what meds you’re on. We’re going to talk about your strengths, your interests, or what brings us all together as a community.”
The Alliance House structure encourages members to participate in the daily functions of the clubhouse. Its work-ordered day offers a business, culinary and career development unit where members can choose to spend their time, match-
ing skills to opportunities. The program helps people find employment, finish high school or college degrees and trains them to serve as faculty members.
Deanna Tymofichuk has been a member of the clubhouse for 14 years. With her background in accounting, she works in the business unit, managing fiscal operations including paying bills, handling donations and overseeing housing payments.
“We manage the rental properties and all the management that goes into that,” she said. “We manage the maintenance and then we do other miscellaneous things like help people with their transition out of homelessness and into apartments.”
Because many people with mental illness experience homelessness, Alliance House is dedicated to finding housing support for its members. It has 10 studio apartments for people transitioning out of homelessness. Those units are rent-free for six months and capped at $200 after that.
The organization will also open the new 16-unit, deeply-affordable Nelson-Christiansen Apartments at 1805 S. Main Street on Friday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
While Alliance House was part of Valley Behavioral Health for many years, it broke away to be a stand-alone center to allow its members more decision-making freedom and autonomy.
“It’s given us a chance to work with a lot more partners and, now that everything is settled, and we have made that transition, we’re able to grow so much more,” said Rebecca Cross, Alliance House associate director. “We’re able to build the way we help some of our unhoused members and expand our services…I feel like we have a solid team of great staff and members that work together well.”
Referring to participants as “members” gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility within the clubhouse, along with a feeling of belonging they often don’t find elsewhere. Whiteboards placed throughout Alliance House act as communication centers, outlining daily tasks and noting where help is needed. Jobs are broken into manageable steps, making participation feel less overwhelming.
Each day, the culinary team prepares lunch that can be purchased for $1.50. The team develops menus that include suggestions from members and staff. Talbot makes his homemade chili each October and other members contribute recipes from their own cultures, introducing favorite foods to their friends.
“With the demographics we have, there are some refugees,” Talbot said. “They come and make us Bosnian food or Indian food, all the different things they like from their home countries.”
Support is key to the success of Alli-
ance House. When a member hasn’t been seen for a few days, someone will call or members will stop by their home. There are also regular shout-outs through social media, acknowledging accomplishments with employment, education, housing and personal goals.
Members enjoy wellness activities, after-hours events and Saturday adventures, as well as relationships gained through working and serving together. They make lifelong friends, often spending the holidays at Alliance House.
The Salt Lake location serves as a training center where members from other clubhouses can learn how to operate a functional space. Recently, it hosted training for members from Norway and Hawaii. It also gives members the opportunity to attend conferences around the country. For many of those people, it’s their first time staying in a hotel or flying in a plane.
“They have never taken a trip like that,” Talbot said. “So to be empowered in that way, to have those opportunities is great for them to share their stories and be a part of that.”
There are six clubhouse locations in Utah. Along with Alliance House, members can find clubhouses in Provo, Tooele, Davis County, Summit County and St. George. There’s also talk of building another Salt Lake County location on the south side of the valley. For more information, visit alliancehouse.org or follow the Instagram page @alliance_houseslc.
The public is invited to attend an Alliance House fundraising breakfast on Friday, Sept. 19 from 8-9 a.m. at Squatters (147 W. Broadway). The annual event allows donors and interested parties to learn about the program.
“We like to refer to ourselves as an opportunity center, a place where members can come and feel valued,” Talbot said. “One in five people has some sort of mental health diagnosis…so we know there’s a lot more in Salt Lake that could use our services or be a part of our community.” l
Kevin Leary serves on the culinary team at Alliance House, preparing lunch for the members and staff. Each member can choose a job that fits their goals and skills. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
The work-ordered day at Alliance House revolves around business, culinary and career development units. With her accounting background, member Deanna Tymofichuk oversees the finances and bookkeeping. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Hope takes center stage at the Healing Utah Success Summit
The summit features mindfulness, motivation and community to create a safe space for healing.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
For those impacted by addiction, the journey to recovery can seem overwhelming. People experiencing substance misuse often feel hopeless, as well as the family members and friends trying to help them.
The Healing Utah Success Summit is a safe space where individuals in recovery can share their stories. HUSS co-founder Al Richards said being open and vulnerable fosters a sense of community, resilience, purpose and hope.
“We bring in so many different people to share their stories,” Richards said. “We talk about mental health and we talk about those on the other side of addiction. We talk to family members and the event helps them understand a little bit more about addiction and what their loved one is going through, because it affects everyone.”
Richards and co-founder Malory Jacob will host the fifth HUSS on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the
(From left) Joe Valentine, Manny Lopez, Malory Jacob, Alan Fahringer, Al Richards, Cap Summerhays, Amber Kay, Brooke Rushton and Tina Erdmann will speak about addiction recovery at the fifth annual Healing Utah Success Summit on Oct. 4. (Photo courtesy of Richards)
Miller Free Enterprise Center (9740 S. 300 West) in Sandy.
Featured speakers include Joe Valentine, Manny Lopez, Alan Fahringer, Cap Summerhays, Brooke Rushton, Tina Erdmann and Amber Kay. They each will share experiences to help break the stigma of addiction and provide a lifeline for those who are struggling.
Life’s not always great. Life hits us and it’s one of the hardest fights we have ahead of us. But you learn certain skills and certain habits to allow yourself to feel those emotions.
Al Richards
Kay spent years living on the streets before starting her journey to recovery. She will share her story at HUSS for the first time in the hope it will encourage others to get the assistance they need.
“Being part of this community helped me begin to see my worth, even when I couldn’t feel it,” Kay wrote on her Facebook page. “It pushed me to face my fears, to lean into the uncomfortable spaces and to believe that heal-
ing was possible, not just for others, but for me too.
“I’ll be speaking at the Summit, sharing a part of my story I’ve never spoken out loud. It’s terrifying. It’s freeing. It’s real. And for the first time, I’m walking in my whole truth, without shame, just raw, honest hope.”
Each speaker will discuss the life changes that took them through addiction into longterm recovery. Many speakers were involved with gangs, spent time in prison, endured the foster care system and carried the shame of those experiences. Richards said HUSS is about releasing the shame and regaining power by showing up.
“You will get something out of it, you will have an aha moment somewhere in that event with possibly more than one aha moment,” he said. “If we could just change one person’s life, just one, the ripple effect will be so huge.”
Richards, who hosts The Other Side of Addiction Podcast, understands that substance misuse recovery can feel overwhelming. He advises baby steps for those looking to regain control of their lives. Taking life one moment at a time, breaking it into achievable steps, makes the process achievable and long-lasting.
“When you find yourself where you’re struggling, there are so many people you can call,” he said. “It’s just putting your mind in a different mindset and then learning how to fire stronger, better neurons and get involved in
the community and have good people around you. That’s what makes a big difference.”
Family members are invited to attend the summit to help gain an understanding of the battles their loved ones face in recovery. Enabling behaviors can keep someone dealing with substance misuse from facing consequences or accepting accountability. Families and friends are given resources and tools to help their loved ones work through difficult issues that lead to healing.
Richards said a lot of recovery is learning to feel emotions. Using numbing tools, like drugs or alcohol, can keep a person from fully engaging in life. HUSS encourages honesty, emotional intelligence and compassion to build a community focused on heal-
ing, recovery and second chances.
“Life’s not always great,” he said. “Life hits us and it’s one of the hardest fights we have ahead of us. But you learn certain skills and certain habits to allow yourself to feel those emotions.”
HUSS tickets are $25 and can be purchased at healingsuccesssummit.com. Group discounts are available for groups from recovery centers. For more information, email hopeandabundance@gmail.com
“I’ve interviewed over 300 people on my podcast,” Richards said. “So many of them have said, ‘When I started my recovery, I didn’t think I was going to make it’…They all said, ‘You know, it was a struggle, but it was worth it.’”l
Show Up for Teachers uplifts 2,500 Utah educators
From massages to mental health strategies, the conference blended fun, purpose and professional learning for Utah’s educators
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
During a break between sessions at the Show Up for Teachers conference, Altara Elementary fourth-grade teacher Clifford Lowe stopped by the STEM Action Center booth—one of 120 offering curriculum ideas, resources and giveaways.
“The STEM Action Center booth was awesome; I got some cool stuff from them that I’ll incorporate into my classroom,” said the Canyons School District dual immersion teacher. “The community here is really big in helping and supporting teachers and I’ve been networking with teachers from other districts, getting to know things they’ve done.”
Lowe also took advantage of a free massage and a coconut Creamie while gathering ideas for his classroom’s calming corner.
The full-day event, at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, featured keynote speakers, 40 breakout sessions, and an exposition hall filled with businesses and
organizations celebrating and supporting teachers. Session topics included classroom engagement, personal finance, nutrition and sleep, stress management, leadership, and conflict resolution.
Afternoon keynote speaker Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, addressed the crowd, while local authors signed books and the “Superintendents of Rock”— including Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey— performed live.
Attendees earned re-licensure points from the Utah State Board of Education or could opt for university credit from Southern Utah University. The free event was sponsored by The Clark & Christine Ivory Foundation, the Robert H. and Katherine B. Garff Foundation, Capita Financial, Zions Bank and Western Governors University.
The exposition hall featured giveaways and discounts from organizations including Thread, Chatbooks, Beehive Meals, University of Utah Wellness Hub, RC Willey, Operation Literacy, Salt by Sabrina, Albion Fit, Symbol Arts, Felt Right, Beddy’s, Hogle Zoo and the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
At the BYU Arts Partnership booth, educators learned about the Native American Curriculum Initiative.
“It’s an initiative that partners with the eight sovereign nations in Utah to co-cre-
ate authentic and accurate lesson plans that teachers can teach to students in their classrooms,” said program coordinator Brenda Beyal. “We go to these sovereign nations and ask them, ‘What would you like the children of Utah to know about your tribe?’ All eight sovereign nations have said they want people to know they’re
All eight sovereign nations have said they want people to know they’re still here, they’re thriving, they’re resilient, and they continue to work to better their communities.
Brenda Beyal
still here, they’re thriving, they’re resilient, and they continue to work to better their communities.”
Each nation then wanted to spotlight other points: the Paiutes highlighted their fight for federal recognition, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone shared traditional
songs, and the Navajo Nation emphasized the historical “Long Walk.”
“All these nations have stories or things they want people to know and we use the arts to help tell those stories — and teachers can use the lessons we’ve created on our website along with podcasts and other resources,” she said.
Nearby, the Special Olympics Utah booth promoted Unified Champion Schools. Boston Iacobazzi, college-growth coordinator, said at least five colleges, 85 high schools, 25 middle schools, and 35 elementary schools participate in programs pairing students with and without disabilities.
Special Olympics Utah CEO Scott Weaver said teachers were enthusiastic about the inclusive programming.
“We have gotten some positive feedback from teachers who currently have the program,” he said. “We just had a teacher in her second year rave about the leadership program with youth engagement and a lot of these teachers see the value for their students, both for special education and regular ed students. It’s becoming a regular part of the school culture from reading together in elementary to playing sports, taking classes and becoming school leaders together. It’s rewarding to hear how inclusion is becoming part of the schools’ cultures.”l
The Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health: What You Need to Know
Prostate health may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a crucial one for men’s overall well-being. As men navigate their 40s, 50s, and beyond, understanding and prioritizing prostate health becomes increasingly important. This guide covers the essential things every guy needs to know about this small but vital gland’s role in male reproductive health.
As men age, the prostate can undergo changes, leading to various health concerns, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, and Prostate Cancer.
Recognize the Symptoms – Don’t Ignore the Signs
Being aware of potential symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of prostate issues. Common symptoms to watch out for include:
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
“If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with your doctor. Regular prostate exams are vital, especially as you get older. Talk to your doctor about when you should start getting screened for prostate cancer. Screening typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment for prostate cancer,” said Dr. Blake Johnson, a urologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake.
BPH Treatment Options
The goal of BPH treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Treatment strategies vary based on the severity of symptoms.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can be effective, including reducing fluid intake before bedtime, avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, following a healthy diet, and exercising, especially pelvic floor exercise.
Moderate symptoms often require medications that either relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck or shrink the prostate gland.
For more severe or persistent symptoms, minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery.
• Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): This procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the enlarged areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink over time.
• Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift): Small implants are placed in the prostate to lift and hold the enlarged tissue away from the urethra.
• Water-induced thermotherapy: Uses heated water to remove the extra prostate tissue.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part or all of the prostate.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences.
“For low-risk prostate cancer that is slowgrowing and hasn’t spread, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, digital rectal exams, imaging (for example MRIs) and possibly biopsies, without immediate treatment,” said Dr. Leland Rogers, radiation oncologist at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Cancer Center. “If the cancer is more aggressive, we have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation treatment or hormone therapy.”
Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissues. This can be done through an abdominal incision or laparoscopically, using smaller incisions and a camera.
Radiation Therapy:
• External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT), uses high-energy beams that are targeted at the prostate gland to destroy cancer cells.
• Brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed directly into the prostate gland to deliver radiation internally.
Hormone Therapy reduces the levels of male hormones like testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
“Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your prostate health is an investment in your overall well-being,” Dr. Johnson said.
If you have concerns about your prostate health, schedule an appointment with a urologist by visiting www.mountain. commonspirit.org/care-and-health/urology. For all healthcare needs, schedule a consultation with a primary care physician or a specialist at mountain.commonspirit.org.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Holy Cross Hospitals have been trusted by Utah families since 1875.
For 150 years, Holy Cross Hospitals have cared for Utah families in their most tender, powerful, and vulnerable moments. From newborn checkups to post-op recoveries, we’ve seen generations through their highest highs and hardest days.
We’ve done it all with one purpose: to treat people, not just patients. We care for every person with personalized treatment powered by compassion and respect.
Our belief that we all hold the power to heal helps us provide care that spans generations and stands the test of time.
Learn more at mountain.commonspirit.org/holycross150
Pets
A publication covering local pets, their humans and their care around the Salt Lake Valley
By Peri Kinder |
What’s your pet thinking? This animal psychic knows
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is happy, your lizard is upset or your bird is mad at you, Jennafer Martin could help you find the answer. Martin is a pet psychic with years of experience communicating with animals, getting to the root of what’s bothering your furry, feathery or scaly pet.
By tapping into an animal’s emotions, Martin offers insight into their behaviors, fears and level of contentment. She first realized she could communicate with pets when she received a Teddy Bear Hamster for her 14th birthday.
“For three days, she was happy, playful and delightful, but on the fourth day, I felt she was sad,” Martin said. “She wasn’t sighing heavily, or anything like that, I just felt like she wasn’t happy…Two days later, she had 13 babies. I would think if you’re gestating 13 of anything, you wouldn’t be very happy.”
It was the first time she realized she could pick up on things other people couldn’t. It was easy for her to read the emotions of the animals and share that insight as a way to create better understanding between humans and pets.
Martin had been a tarot reader and energy worker for several years before she decided to become a professional pet psychic in 2013.
“Even if I’m reading for animals, I’m still reading for people, so they understand how interesting their animals are,” she said. “I’ve read for reptiles, rodents, fish and large animals like ostriches and horses.”
Whether it’s decoding a bird’s persistent squawking or helping a rescue dog settle into a new home, Martin said her work bridges the gap between human and animal hearts.
Most animals have the mental capacity of a 2- to 5-year-old and she doesn’t receive fully-formed guidance from the
pets. Instead, she feels their emotions, sees images or has an intuitive sense about what’s going on in the pet’s mind.
While reading for a French Bulldog, Martin said the dog kept sending her an image of something orange and puffy, and the dog didn’t like it. The owners couldn’t think of any blanket or clothing item that would cause her such annoyance until they remembered a Halloween costume from the previous year. They’d dressed her as Nemo, from “Finding Nemo,” made with orange, puffy fabric. Martin had picked up on the dog’s irritation with the costume, which the owners promised never to use again.
Holly Esch regularly reaches out to Martin for help with her six lizards and she believes it’s kept them healthy and happy. After her lizard’s partner died, Esch asked Martin how her lizard was coping with the loss and if he was open to meeting another lizard. When Esch was trying to hatch lizard eggs, she asked Martin to do Reiki energy work to keep them from dying off.
“I ask relationship questions about them because they’re kind of like humans,” Esch said. “They bicker, they fall in love, they have their own little dramas and they have their own little different personalities. [Martin] just knows a lot of things and offers another perspective.”
When a family’s rescue tortoise kept trying to escape, Martin let them know he was looking for a mate. She discovered why an anxious cat had stopped using its litter box and why a puppy wouldn’t use the bathroom outside if he was alone. When Martin’s sister had a cat dying from cancer, Martin let her know when it was time to relieve its suffering.
Martin is often met with skepticism and is sometimes “tested” by pet owners when she’s asked to work with an animal, but she’s fine with that. She said it’s not her job to convince anyone that what
she’s doing is real.
“It’s fine to come with a sense of curiosity or a sense of skepticism,” she said. “At the end of the day, hopefully you know a little bit more about why your pet thinks or feels or behaves the way they do. You don’t have to buy in on what I do, as long as you resonate with the message that I give.”
Animals don’t always see the world the way humans do. Martin hopes her ability to communicate with pets helps owners become more patient and un-
derstanding with “naughty” behavior, especially when the animal is trying to be heard.
“I’d say 90% of the time, they’re not trying to be difficult. They’re just trying to get their needs met,” Martin said. “Sometimes, they’re just a little misguided or misunderstood…If you understand your animal better, then you feel like you can take care of them better, and then everybody’s happy.”
To schedule an appointment with Martin, visit readingsmorebyjennafer.com.
Jennafer Martin is a pet psychic in Salt Lake County who works with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and reptiles. She’s shown here with Rosey. (Photo courtesy of Martin)
A Paw-sitive Legacy: Humane Society of Utah Marks 65th Anniversary
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Sixty-five years after opening its first shelter in a modest West Valley City facility, the Humane Society of Utah marked its journey from humble beginnings to becoming the state’s largest open-admission animal resource center. The nonprofit celebrated its anniversary with a free community birthday party at its Murray location on Saturday, July 12.
“We are throwing a fun-filled all ages welcome birthday party!” the organization stated in a press release prior to the event. “Enjoy activities such as a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, and more.”
Founded in 1960, HSU has operated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded entirely through donations, without government or state support. Its mission has remained consistent for more than six decades: to protect and improve the lives of animals across Utah.
“This summer, the Humane Society of Utah is thrilled to celebrate 65 years of saving pets and supporting families in Utah,” the release stated. “As we celebrate this special birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, and the generous community support that made this milestone possible.”
HSU opened its first facility in West Valley City before relocating in 1992 to its current Murray site, the Janice R. Johnson Center for Animals, funded by a request from Utah schoolteacher Janice Johnson. The larger building allowed the organization to expand its services and later add specialized adoption areas, including Kitty City, Bunny Bungalows, Dawgville, Tiny Town, and Critter Country.
“In 1972, HSU opened the first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the Intermountain West,” the release noted. “This essential milestone helped to prevent overpopulation in the area, and gave countless pets the chance for a healthier, happier life.”
The Murray facility also continued to offer a range of services through its integrated clinic, including low-cost spay/
neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchipping, wellness exams, and heartworm testing. Specialized programs such as CATNIP, a community cat spay/neuter and trap initiative, and SNIP, a spay/ neuter incentive program for pet owners experiencing financial hardship, were developed to address specific needs.
In 2020, HSU opened a second clinic in St. George to expand access to affordable veterinary care in southern Utah. In 2024, wellness exams were added to its Murray clinic offerings. “These preventative care services are vital to protecting pet health and wellness,” HSU stated. “They allow pets and families to enjoy longer, healthier years together.”
In 2023 alone, HSU reported placing 5,529 homeless animals into new homes and assisting approximately 1,189 community-owned pets through its retention and diversion programs. The organization emphasized an education-focused adoption process and a policy of no time limits for healthy or treatable pets awaiting adoption.
Staffing included 53 full-time employees and numerous volunteers. Community engagement extended through adoption events, humane education, foster programs, rescue and transfer initiatives, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing animal cruelty and addressing the root causes of pet homelessness.
“Donations from our caring community have been the backbone of every expansion, every new program, and every life-saving effort over the years,” the release stated. “It is inspiring to see how our community has stepped up to the plate, generously giving love and hope to local pets in their time of need.”
As part of its anniversary message, HSU highlighted plans to modernize its facilities and expand collaboration with other organizations. “Caring for pets does not exist in a vacuum. Protecting vulnerable pets begins with supporting our human neighbors,” the release said.
While reflecting on its past, HSU also
pointed to the future. “We have accomplished so much together in 65 years,” the organization stated. “We cannot wait to see what the next 65 years will bring for pets and families in Utah.”
For more information on the Humane Society of Utah’s programs, adoption services, or volunteer opportunities, visit utahhumane.org.
A dog comes in for a veterinary check-up at the Humane Society of Utah in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
The Humane Society of Utah celebrated 65 years of caring for animals. (Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Utah)
By Tom Haraldsen |
Animal advocate opens her own Nonprofit spay/neuter clinic
t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Temma Martin’s personalized license plate reads “PETLADY.” As it should. For nearly 30 years, she has been the voice for pet protection in Utah, both before and after they’re born. Her latest efforts are part of the new nonprofit she has founded and created, “Operation Pawpulation” in Millcreek.
The clinic focuses on spay/neuter services, coming at a time when the numbers of dogs and cats in animal shelters have been increasing. She has championed adoption for decades, but has turned her efforts into prevention of unplanned litters for dogs and cats. Martin first became involved in this world while she was in college, concerned about animal welfare but not really thinking it would become her career.
“I didn’t start in any other area or direction,” she said. “When I was finishing my senior year of high school in Colorado, I got a little bit involved with animal rights stuff, like protesting research labs and more like actual animal rights than animal welfare. So I was sort of interested then, but when I moved back here, I worked at several businesses. When I worked at Golden Swirl’s corporate office, I saw an ad in the paper for a job posted at the Humane Society of Utah in 1993 for an education director.”
She worked for them for four years but felt she wanted to do more public relations, so after a short stint with the American Heart Association, she became media specialist for Salt Lake County Animal Services.
In that role, Martin appeared on every local TV morning program — news or lifestyle shows — bringing dogs or cats on air who were waiting for adoption from the shelter. She brought on an estimated 5,000 animals over her career, and her name and face became synonymous with pet adoption in the Salt Lake market. It often meant going to the shelter in very early morning hours, waking up a pet to take them to a station, and all four local TV stations had segments with her regularly.
A countywide reduction of force led
to her leaving the post in 2008. She was quickly approached by the Utah Animal Adoption Center, where she worked for one year, then joined Best Friends Animal Society.
Her messages about pet adoption helped. When the No More Homeless Pets coalition started in 1999, Utah shelters were alarmingly still killing almost 40,000 pets a year. But by 2020, with more and more no-kill shelters coming online, that number had fallen to 829.
Good news, with numbers headed in the right direction toward making Utah a no-kill state. Then COVID arrived, and things changed. Today, an average of 2,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in Utah.
“The numbers of animals killed has steadily increased, not just in Utah, but across the country,” she said. “People are watching what feels like a pretty major backsliding of progress, and some of the reasons for that are there’s a shortage of veterinarians. A lot of veterinary clinics are being bought out by corporations and private equity firms, and prices of all veterinary care have risen at a rate much higher than the rate of inflation.”
Two years ago, she left Best Friends to start her own nonprofit using her own money. She bought a storefront in Millcreek that was once a boat repair shop to create a clinic offering spay/neuter services to pet owners at very reduced costs, a service that she says has “gotten outrageously expensive in a lot of places.” She said the universe had something else in mind for her.
“I made some phone calls to clinics in Salt Lake County, and some of them are places I either am or have been a client,” Martin said. “A cat neuter is the lowest. They’re the least expensive and quickest surgery. And so on the low end, I believe it was just less than $300 for a cat, but on the high end, for a large dog spay, one clinic said that it could be more than $2,000. Most people can’t afford that — it’s a mortgage payment, a rent payment. So for a lot of people it’s out of reach. And for some reason, even nationally, a lot of
animal welfare organizations have shifted their focus away from spay/neuter, which is largely why I felt like I needed to go off on my own.”
Shelter Animals Count, a trusted source for animal sheltering data, has reported that 28% of the 2.9 million dogs entering shelters in the U.S. were puppies under 5 months old. That was an increase of more than 31,000 from the year before. More than half of the felines entering shelters were under five months old as well — 1.7 million. Those are signs of unwanted or unplanned litters of young animals given up to shelters.
“We can’t solve this problem after all the pets are born,” she said. “There will always be people who choose to buy pets, but there are so many pets in need outside of shelters. The only way we can get back on track is getting pets spayed or neutered and prevent the downstream that creates animals in need.”
Martin is proud of the 5,000-plus animals she took on TV for adoption, but “we can help a much larger number of animals by preventing them from being born. Coupled with the shortage of veterinarians, we need to refocus on spay/neuter as a normal part of pet ownership.”
Operation Pawpulation is open on Thursdays. Call 801-509-8334 to set up an appointment or get more information.
Dr. Emily Kirkpatrick offers her veterinary services to Operation Pawpulation on Thursdays each week. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Operation Pawpulation offers low cost spay/neuter services to pet owners. (Photo courtesy of Operation Pawpulation)
Your fall guide to dog-friendly activities
By Sienna Chubak | s.chubak@thecityjournals.com
With summer coming to a close, many people are trying to find all the possible ways that they can spend their final warm nights before winter hits its full peak. If you have a dog, or a few of them, you also might be wondering how you can utilize the next couple of months to include your pets in your plans.
That’s why we’ve created a list of some local spots that you can bring your dogs to. Whether you’re looking for your dog to join you on a solo outing, you’re hoping to bring them along with you and some of your friends, or if you’re looking to have them third-wheel one of your dates, here are some great restaurants, parks, and even some bookstores that you’re welcome to bring your best pals to.
Stopping for coffee first? Bjorns Brew is a well-known pet-loving business that has a small front patio for you and your pup to enjoy the morning. While you sip your coffee, the Bjorn’s barista crew has got your dog covered with a small treat or pup cup to enjoy right along with you. So not only can they enjoy your morning coffee with you, but they will also get plenty of smiles and waves from every dog-lover in town. They even have a Pet of the Week highlight, so your pet can get some Instagram likes from their page and a special
gift from them.
If you want to head a little bit up the street, you can then stop by Corner Brew Pub, which is equipped with a dog-friendly patio. Whether you’re looking for a short stop to enjoy a beer or for a nice, relaxing lunch, feel free to bring along your pups.
On your way back to South Salt Lake, take a stop at Fairmont Dog Park. They have a large open space for your dogs to run off-leash. Afterwards, you can lead them around the pond, play some pickleball, or join in at the skate park (although I wouldn’t let your dogs run in there).
For an afternoon drink or late-night dinner spot, Level Crossing Brewing has a large patio that welcomes dogs. Although you can’t take your dog into the bar, the patio doors are often open so you can hear the live music on Sunday nights or open mic night on Wednesdays. They also have board game night on Tuesday, so feel free to bring your crew (with your dogs!) and choose from their board games, and let your pets join in on the fun.
If you’re ready for another early morning stroll, the Jordan River Trail offers tons for you and your doggo to look at. While they have to be leashed most of the time, if you walk, bike, or run up to Jordan Park, they’ve got another large
off-leash area for your dog to get some free run time, while you can cool down from yours.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more relaxed to do and are ready to take your dog on a short drive (or long walk), head over to Lovebound Library or King’s English Bookshop, both bookstores let you and your dog browse the books. That way, you can both get out of the house, and then you can both cozy up later that night while you read your best book find.
King’s English Bookshop in Salt Lake City.
Corner Brew Pub’s dog-friendly patio in Sugar House.
Bjorn’s dog-friendly patio in South Salt Lake.
Petapalooza is back, where rescue animals take center stage
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Join Salt Lake County Animal Services for a celebration of our furry family members at Petapalooza. This free, family-friendly event turns Wheeler Historic Farm into a haven for animal enthusiasts with pet adoptions, free microchips for licensed pets, food trucks and local pet-friendly vendors.
The two-day event will host hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats and small animals from local rescues and shelters. Friday’s experience is mostly for pet adoption, while Saturday features a full range of activities.
Guests can get a photo of their pet, talk with dozens of vendors dedicated to helping animals and visit with pet psychic Jennafer Martin for insight into their pet’s emotions and health.
“This event helps clear out not only the shelter and rescues, but also allows more eyeballs on these pets, even if people are not looking for a pet,” said Ashley Bales, Salt Lake County Animal Services communications coordinator. “People show up and support what we do. They visit the vendors, too, because typically
these vendors are in the local communities. They’re local businesses, small businesses and family businesses.”
Attendees can also donate to Salt Lake County Animal Services and learn about No-Kill Utah, an initiative led by Best Friends to end the killing of animals in Utah shelters. Learn more about animal services at saltlakecounty.gov/animal-services.
Petapalooza will be held at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S. 900 East) on Friday, Sept. 12 (3-7 p.m.) and Saturday, Sept. 13 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.). The event is sponsored by Salt Lake County Animal Services and No-Kill Utah.
“Our photographer will also be there,” Bales said. “Once a month, she goes into the shelter and donates her time to do photos for all of our dogs. It’s proven that shelter dogs with a better photo have a higher adoption rate. So she volunteers her time, and she’s been doing it for like 10 years. It’s great to have her at the event to do photos for dogs in the community.”
Petapalooza at Wheeler Farm showcases hundreds of adoptable pets while introducing visitors to local animal-focused vendors and services. The two-day event will be held at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S. 900 East), Sept. 12-13. (File photo Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Petapalooza, seen here in 2023 (right) and 2024 (far right), is an annual event at Wheeler Farm showcasing hundreds of adoptable pets. (Shaun Delliskave and Cassie Goff/City Journals)
No more bribing the pet to go to the vet: Mobile Veterinary Options brings the vet to the pet
By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Do you know where the closest veterinarian is to you right now? Or how you’d get your pet there? Sometimes, getting our non-human family members in to see the doctor can seem like a daunting task. That’s where Dr. Kate Swain has Salt Lake County residents covered. Swain is the owner and operator of Mobile Veterinary Options: a mobile veterinary service. Yes, you read that right – a vet van.
After working in two clinics for over 12 years, Dr. Swain noticed how the animals that had bad experiences in the vet’s office wouldn’t come back. When dogs and cats would get panicked on the way into the vet’s office, they’d react based on their fear instincts.
“It’s also a lot of stress on the owners,” said Swain. “It’s stressful when you know taking your pet in isn’t going to go smoothly. It makes people just stop taking their pets in.”
Dr. Swain wanted to provide better options for pet-owners as, just like with us humans, yearly exams are important for animal health.
“We are trying to get ahead of diseases,” Swain said. “If animals can get in once per year, same as with people and our yearly exams, we can catch things early with bloodwork.”
Mobile Veterinary Options travels throughout Salt Lake County to visit dogs, cats and horses outside of an office environment. During an appointment, Dr. Swain can either come into the animal’s environment or walk the animal out to the van.
“Some dogs are protective of their own space; some do better when we come to them. It’s really variable,” she said.
Swain shared how visiting the animal’s environment can help to provide some insight into what problems may exist. For example, one of the top three issues she visits clients for is allergies. Peaking into the animal’s environment who is experiencing allergy symptoms can help her deduce if they’re suffering from food or environmental allergies.
Together with Veterinary Technician
Stacie Moseley, Dr. Swain offers a variety of services for dogs, cats and horses throughout the valley. They can conduct wellness, emergency, and quality of life exams as well as mobile surgeries including dental surgeries, general surgeries and spay and neuter. They’re also equipped and prepared for home hospice and endof-life care services including qualify of life examples, pain management and euthanasia.
“It’s just the two of us and we love it,” Swain said. “We get to go on beautiful drives. It’s, overall, so much better for my personal wellbeing to be out.”
Moseley grew up in upstate New York and has been in the veterinary field for over 18 years. Her areas of interest include animal behavior and training, feline diseases, surgery and pain management. She is a certified dog trainer, pet sitter and gardener.
“Stacie is one of the best techs I’ve ever worked with,” Swain said. “I don’t know what I’d do if she quit. She’s irreplaceable.”
Dr. Swain studied veterinary medicine at Glasgow University for five years before
returning to Utah to continue her education and career and be close to her family. Her areas of interest include surgery, dentistry, acupuncture and rescue medicine.
Mobile Veterinary Options also offers their four-legged clients options for acupuncture and laser therapy services. Acupuncture benefits include relaxation, endorphin release and response from tight muscles (especially in the backs of horses).
“Laser therapy is an option for animals who can’t have more pain medication,” Swain said. “It’s really easy to do without touching them.”
Mobile Veterinary Options has a class 4 laser that can penetrate to the bone— which can help with things like bone fractures, ear infections, and bladder stones.
Swain mentioned that chronic pain in animals is more common than many pet-owners realize. Chronic arthritis in older animals, as well as soft injury tissue in horses, is a common occurrence in their day-to-day.
“When they see their dog or cat everyday, they just don’t see that their animal is in pain,” said Swain. “A lot of animals are living with chronic pain.”
Dr. Swain highly recommends for all residents with pets to invest in pet insurance.
“It’s super helpful for people to have pet insurance because we can do more for the animals,” she said.
In addition, Swain thinks we’re still catching up on spay and neutering, even in 2025. She would like to see more education throughout the County on spay and neuter.
Mobile Veterinary Options celebrated their two-year anniversary on Aug. 14. Dr. Swain’s and Moseley’s next big step in their business is to acquire a full body x-ray machine—which costs roughly $80,000.
Besides equipment, Dr. Swain has
noticed a huge need for large animal vets in the area. About once per week, she gets a call about a goat, pig or cow and has to decline. She’s also noticing an increasing call volume for chickens.
Mobile Veterinary Options is currently traveling to take appointments throughout Salt Lake County: between West Valley and the Pointe of the Mountain. Routine check-ups and exams can be booked out for about two weeks as Swain and Mosesly plan to leave room in their daily schedules for emergency calls.
Find information and news about petcare through their socials on Facebook and Instagram at @mobileveterinaryoptions.
To request an appointment through Mobile Veterinary Options call: 801-200-3607.
Or visit their website at: www.mobileveterinaryoptions.com.
This gentle giant (155 lbs.), Tootsie Bear, did amazing for his exam with Dr. Swain! Any guesses on his weight? (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Cheeto, the chihuahua, gives Dr. Swain and Mobile Veterinary Options two paws up. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Dr. Kate Swain is dedicated to your pet’s pain management, and offers “at your home” acupuncture and laser therapy. These services are especially helpful for horses and their back muscles. (Photo courtesy of Mobile Veterinary Options)
Pet Photo Contest!
WINNER
Pet Name: Sam
Description: Sam’s the kind of cute that makes your heart melt—fluffy, soft, and effortlessly photogenic, with a blissful little smile that says he knows exactly how adorable he is. His luxurious coat and regal posture make him the definition of majestic charm.
Human: Submitted by Dani Williams
2ND PLACE
Pet Name: Finn
Description: Finn loves all things snuggles and is as sassy as can be!
Human: Submitted by Mindy Martin Tamburrion
3RD PLACE
Pet Name: Dax a Doo
Description: Dax is our baby boy. We call him our BGB. Big Giant Boy. He’s a snuggle boy and best little brother to Xico.
Human: Submitted by Kristi Dancer
Pet Name: Nikki
Description: Nikki is a spunky lady. Always following around wherever we go, yowling for attention.
Human: Kelly Dam | Graphic Designer
STAFF PET PHOTOS
Pet Name: Zoya
Description: Too smart for her own good, Zoya knows a handful of tricks. Her favorites are fetch and dance – and her least favorite is stay. If she could do anything for a day, it would be chasing squirrels and birds with no idea what she would do if she caught either. Zoya is a 7 year old Weimaraner who loves cuddles and barking at anything.
Human: Cassie Goff | Editorial Staff
Pet Name: Bentley
Description: Now pushing 15 years young, “Crazy Boy” has long been the affectionate nickname for this four-legged whirlwind, rescued from the humane society. Named after Snowflake Bentley, the famous snowflake photographer, he clearly took his name to heart by becoming a full-time snow sprinter and part-time icicle connoisseur. He is a devout enthusiast of both the trail and the beach, never tiring of either. His superpower includes turning complete strangers into lifelong friends in less than 10 seconds. Basically, if joy had a fur coat and four paws, it’s Bentley.
Human: Julie Slama | Writer
Pet Name: Binx Katherine Wallet Crayon People Sink Andreasen
Description: Meet Binx, our very first kitty and the queen of our hearts! With her fluffy coat, tufted ears, and Maine Coon charm, she’s a mix of elegance and playfulness. She’s endlessly curious—especially about water—and never turns down a good cuddle.
Humans: Lindsay | Advertising Specialist and Emmie & Gracie
Pet Name: Luna
Description: Luna is a princess and always sits upright and proper. She loves to talk and is very loud! She is shy with strangers but cuddly with those she knows. She has opinions and will let you know!
Human: Stacey LaMont | Graphic Designer
Pet Name: Cash
Description: Cash is so loving and has a playful nature, often acting as my best friend and companion. Cash thrives on interaction with me but also loves my kids and their families. Human: Yvette Newton | Marketing Strategist
A Navajo Code Talker statue has been added at the Utah Veterans Memorial
Phase 2 of the Utah Veterans Memorial was unveiled and dedicated, with a statue paying tribute to the Navajo Code Talkers unveiled during a ceremony on Aug. 14.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
It took more than two decades to come to fruition, but the dream of a long-time West Valley resident, and his hopes to recognize the contributions of his Navajo community, came true on Aug. 14. In an emotional ceremony at the Utah Veterans Memorial in the city, a statue dedicated to the Navajo Code Talkers was unveiled at the memorial, which sits just south of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
Harry James Sr. passed away in February 2024, but not before he lobbied for years with the city to have a statue included at the Memorial. He started the West Valley Annual Powwow and was given a Key to the City. He served in the U.S. Army for three years, and he loved the role that Navajos played in the nation’s war efforts, particularly during World War II.
Code Talkers were crucial to U.S. military operations in the Pacific Theater, and the concept of using Native American languages for military communication actually went back to World War I. In 1942, Philip Johnson, a civil engineer who grew on on a Navajo reservation, proposed the idea of using the Navajo language to create a code, and the U.S. Marine Corps approved and initially recruited 29 Navajo men who became the original Code Talkers. Those soldiers were called instrumental in several key
battles, including the Battle of Iwo Jima, where they transmitted over 800 messages without error.
But James knew those men remained largely unrecognized for years. In the 1980s, they began to receive various honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2000. The Utah Veterans Memorial in West Valley City opened on November 11, 2021 following six months of construction and about $1.3 million in business and individual donations to make it possible. Its 75-footlong memorial wall contains the names of some 4,800 Utahns who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts from World War I to the war on terrorism that started in the 1990s and included military actions in Afghanistan
and Iraq. A tribute to the Code Talkers was not part of that first phase.
James worked with city leaders as plans for phase 2 were underway, with an adjacent park planned for about three quarters of an acre. As funds were raised to create the Navajo Code Talker statue, officials contacted Stan Watts, owner of Atlas Bronze Casting, and Andrey Sledkov, a sculptor who did the majority of the sculpting and who works for Stan.
“I went to the Navajo trading post and I asked if they knew someone who did eagle dancing and he said Harry James,” Watts recalled. “I called Harry and he said ‘you should do a Code Talker–Allen Dale June, one of the individuals that lived in
West Valley City,’ I said okay, I will do a bust of June who was one of the 29 original Navajo Code Talkers. He also resided in West Valley City for a number of years.” Watts said he felt that the experiences of June, along with Harry James, championed the idea, and James passed away just as Watts and Skedkov were getting started. Sledkov, who came to the U.S. from Russia and is still in the process of learning English, said that “I think today talking about the Code Talkers, Normandy for me is the greatest operation– its key operation in the second World War. It changed the war. They helped my country (Russia) significantly in aided the Soviet Union by opening a second front against Nazi Germany, thus diverting German troops and resources from the Eastern Front. This diversion of forces allowed the Red Army to advance more effectively against the weakened German forces on the Eastern Front. I hope the Code Talker sculpture can keep Harry’s vision alive and to be a reminder to all people.”
Prestine James, Harry’s widow, said she hopes that “Having a statue of the Code Talkers will be a reminder of their sacrifice, to be a reminder of their contributions, to be a reminder that our language is sacred and the power it represents. This has been fulfilled today.”
The ceremony included a rendition of the Star Spangler Banner sung in the Navajo language by Ronda (Honey) Duval, a flag ceremony by members of the West Valley Police Department, U.S. Marine Corps and Navajo Nation, a ribbon cutting ceremony including the Salt Lake Southern Drum with John Begay as lead singer, and blessing of the statue by Stephen Todachiny, a Marine veteran. l
The Navajo Code Talkers statue, created by Stan Watts and Andrey Sledkov, has been dedicated at the Utah Veterans Memorial in West Valley City.
Ronda (Honey) Duval sang the National Anthem in Navajo during the dedication ceremony.
Members of the West Valley City Council placed a wreath at the memorial, located near the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. Photos by Tom Haraldsen
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It’s barely September and social media pages are already flooded with autumn recipes, pumpkin hacks and tips on how to dress for sweater weather. For Utah, sweater weather in September is just dumb because it’s still 90 degrees in the shade. Wear a cute, fall pullover at your own risk.
Instagram influencers suffer from September insanity, bizarrely excited to roam through corn mazes (nature’s escape room), decorate porches with scratchy hay bales and crooked scarecrows, and stage family photo shoots at apple orchards with everyone grumpily dressed in red and black flannel.
In September, you’re legally required to wear a wool scarf when ordering at Starbucks, where each drink has a dash of cinnamon. Pumpkin spice is everywhere, from pancakes to deodorant, popping up out of nowhere like political yard signs and herpes.
These aren’t necessarily bad things. I love me a plaid shirt and fresh-baked apple crisp, but until Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:19 p.m. (MDT), it’s still summer and I will behave accordingly.
Here’s what shouldn’t happen before Sept 22: high school sports, pumpkin patches, hay rides, the NFL. None of those are summer activities. Nada.
Even if the temperature drops to 45 degrees by mid-September (which it won’t), I’ll still wear flip-flops and gym shorts as
Stop Pretending it’s Autumn
my casual work outfit. Well, flip-flops only if I’m going somewhere fancy, like Dollar Tree. I might as well not own shoes during the summer.
After going barefoot since April, my feet have reached the hardened leather stage where I could safely walk across a lava flow. My granddaughter recently poked my heel and asked, “What happened to you?” I tried to explain the development of callouses due to traversing 110-degree asphalt with no shoes, but she’d already turned her attention back to Roblox.
Even Mother Nature betrays me as the Wasatch Mountains start to turn a brilliant red, orange and gold. Sunset gets earlier each night, disappearing a little bit at a time, like when I’m trying to sneak out of a networking event. The air takes on a distinctly “autumn” glow, but that might be arsenic floating over from the Great Salt Lake. Living in Utah is exciting.
Farmers’ markets are still open, but
the options quickly turn from juicy, sweet peaches to…umm…squash? Who eats squash? Raccoons? Hardened criminals? I use pumpkin for cookies, bread and carving, but no one actually EATS pumpkin. That’s like saying someone actually eats rhubarb. I don’t have time for your nonsense.
One good thing about September is that Michaels no longer sells Halloween items (which they started promoting in May) but is now decked out for Christmas.
Believe it or not, I love fall, but only when seasonally appropriate. Summer flies by, so I must savor every sunny moment before Salt Lake sinks into six months of cold,
gray darkness, like Persephone descending to the Underworld.
On the first day of autumn (Sept. 22, not Sept. 1), I’ll drape fall garlands around the kitchen, light apple-scented candles, put on cozy socks (an easy transition from being barefoot) and make a big pot of stew that no one will eat because it has onions.
Within a few weeks, my social media pages will display photos of squirrels gathering nuts, my grandkids bickering at a harvest festival, Tom refusing to eat apple cider donuts and my fire-orange pedicure hidden inside a cute pair of fall boots. But only in appropriate autumnal timing.
