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FUTURE LEADERS DEBATE ISSUES AT STATE CAPITOL

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hould ice cream be the official state dessert? Should pizza be removed from school lunch menus? These were topics of debate on the legislative floor at the state capitol Sept. 29. The special mock session was for a small group of sixth graders from three local Herriman elementary schools who debated and voted on these issues as part of a field trip sponsored by Herriman District 52 Rep. Candice Pierucci. “Our goal is helping them see the process in a very personal way and have a hands-on experience and hopefully a memorable one,” Pierucci said. “It’s one thing to learn about politics in a textbook and by watching “Schoolhouse Rock” but it’s a totally different experience to actually be able to participate in a mock legislative session.” After a tour of the building, students learned the basics of the policymaking process and Robert’s Rules of Order. Then they used legislators’ own seats, microphones and voting pads to debate and vote on issues such as official state desserts, school lunch menu items, school start times and mental health. The Speaker of the House even stopped in to meet with the students. “I’ve been [to the capitol] on tours with students before,” said Spencer Jacobs, student leadership advisor at Herriman Elementary. “It’s always been fun and they’ve always been impressed by the building. But when they actually went on the floor and sat in the chairs and acted like they were doing the process, it was pretty cool. I’d never seen that before.” Jordan District Associate Superintendent Michael AnderSixth graders from three elementary schools receive a personal tour at the state capitol from Herriman Rep. Candice Pierucci. (Photo courtesy son was excited that district students were invited to partici- of Jordan School District.) Continued page 4 pate by their local representative.

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Continued from front page “It was so exciting to watch these future leaders engage in the process,” he said. “In my mind’s eye, I was able to see them in a few years sitting in those chairs as elected leaders, making our schools, cities, state and nation a better place. As I watched the debate unfold it was evident to me that they are more than up to the task.” Pierucci was also impressed by the students’ persuasive arguments. One girl in particular stood out to her. “She was a little spitfire,” Pierucci said. “She wanted to be an attorney some-

day and you could just tell she was a born leader.” The girl reminded Pierucci of herself, when she was a student leader at Herriman Elementary and “probably a little bit more outspoken than most sixth-graders.” That was in 2003. Pierucci continued to serve in leadership positions and political internships and is now Utah’s youngest representative. She encouraged students not to let their age deter them from being involved in their community. Additionally, she told them to exercise their courage muscle. “You be-

come more courageous the more you do it,” she said. “And so we talked about the importance of standing up for others and standing up to bullies.” Jacobs said his students were very receptive to Pierucci’s message. “They want to lead the way of being the nice people—smiling, being kind, being helpful, pointing out and encouraging others when they see them doing it,” he said. Part of the role of Herriman Elementary student leaders is to lead by example and promote the school-wide kindness pro-

gram, which encourages students to report when they see someone being kind. They also introduce assemblies, assist with picture day, take new students on school tours and clean up the school grounds. Jacobs said the experience at the capitol gave students an understanding of the give and take of politics. Pierucci hopes they learned the appropriate way to engage in the policymaking process, which is to get involved early in the process on issues they care about by attending a committee hearing instead of waiting for a decision and then protesting it. l

Sixth grade students debate issues in a practice legislative session on the house floor. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District.)

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Herriman’s annual Great Pumpkin hunt brings community together By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com

rom being tucked away within the shrubbery of a random field to being secluded within the belly of a local playground structure, the Herriman Great Pumpkin traveled to different spots in the month of October as an autumn community activity. Residents were encouraged to search for the decorative orange gourd around the city. Winners received prizes and gift cards donated by local businesses including Peach and Bee Produce, Erica Standing Osborne’s Color Street, Visenya Candles, Sweet Violet, Teri Webb Moji Life, Danny Cakes, Kazya Baum Clayton, and B.R.I.T.E. preschool. Winners had the responsibility of sharing a photo of their discovery, hiding the Great Pumpkin by 6 p.m., and posting a photo of their hiding place on the Herriman Happenings Facebook page. All locations had to be within Herriman City and publicly accessible. Heather Fife Shay, one of the Herriman Happenings administrators said, “Part of a fun community is fun events. Herriman Happenings Great Pumpkin has been a group activity for several years. My favorite story is when the pumpkin went missing one year. I had to quickly make a new one and then re-hid it in the police station to ‘keep it safe’. There was also one year

when the pumpkin was hidden in a field and there were literally five families looking for it at once.” This year, the Great Pumpkin has been hidden and found in various places including Blackridge Elementary, the rodeo grounds, and near the JL Sorenson Recreation Center. Some residents, like Billy Porter, got creative by hiding it in a very obscure place within the branches of a random tree. But the clever sleuthing of Alyssia Brown Minaya’s family uncovered it by The Cove. Even cold, dark evenings won’t deter Herriman residents from finding the Great Pumpkin. On the evening of Oct. 15, it was hidden after dark and after seeing the posted photo hint, Jake Johnson jokingly said, “Do you think if we go pumpkin hunting with flashlights now Herriman’s finest would appreciate the suspicious people out looking around with flashlights?” Fortunately, the pumpkin was found quickly by Brooke Owens before any alarm bells were sounded. The Great Pumpkin is a fun Herriman tradition that brings businesses and neighbors together in a fun, family friendly, festive way. l 8-year-old Sophia and 6-year-old Avery Green found the Great Pumpkin at the Copperfield Equestrian Center. (Photo courtesy of Alicia Green.)

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What’s your legacy?

Shopping local this holiday season supports neighborhood entrepreneurs By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com

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hen it comes to holiday shopping, one of the biggest stressors is finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. While the convenience of a big box store or an Amazon click can make your shopping tasks much simpler, some of the best holiday gifts may come from your neighbor who owns an Etsy shop or from a booth at your local craft fair. Someone once said, “Small businesses are the heartbeat of your neighborhood, the spine of your local economy, and the spirit of your town.” In addition to supporting your neighbors and community, you can give presents that are unique and special. Several local Utah entrepreneurs shared their thoughts about owning a small business and invite you to consider their products as you shop this year. • Herriman’s Kaela Batson owns www. kaelabatsondesigns.com and offers Screen-printed shirts by local Herriman company custom gifts, apparel and home decor. Wildberry Waves support a women-owned business. (Photo courtesy of Wildberry Waves) You can visit their website or Etsy shop laundry service with free pick-up and under Kaela Batson Designs. delivery. Visit https://laundryladies. • Spice up your holiday meals with com/stores/liliana-arnold/ Hook’s Rubs and Spices which is • Dawston, owned by Herriman’s Kaiowned by Herriman’s Jared Hooker. li Ackerman, sells unique accessories They offer all-natural BBQ seasoning like spoon rings and hair claws and and dry rubs for all of your cooking clips. Visit their Facebook page: Dawneeds. Visit them at www.HooksRub. ston com. • Stephanie Brady owns www.paint• Visit www.wildberrywaves.com, a nightpallet.com which specializes in women-owned t-shirt shop. Owners all-inclusive step-by-step paint kits that Jen and Chelsea screen print their tees bring paint night to your home. in their home shop in Herriman. • Laura Carpenter owns Paper Mill Po• Moonshine Crystals, owned by Hersies, which offers custom floral arriman’s Dallas King, offers various rangements and gifts. Visit their Facecrystals from statement pieces to rough book page: Paper Mill Posies. stones to jewelry and tools. Visit their • Macrame by Tiffany Marie offers lowebsite at www.moonshinecrystals. cally-handcrafted macrame accessories com and decor. Visit their website: www. • Spruce up your holiday festivities with macramebytiffanymarie.com or FaceThe Balloon Billow, owned by Ciera book page: Macrame by Tiffany Marie. Binks who creates custom balloon gar• Add some face painting fun to your lands and decor. Visit their Instagram holiday shindigs by hiring artist Amy page @theballoonbillow. Birkner. Visit her Facebook page: Face • South Jordan’s Shelly Brewer owns my Paint. www.bathbombdiva.com which offers • Cate Sievers owns Beck Engraving Defun and colorful bath bombs for all sign Studio which offers personalized ages. event decor, signage, and gifts. Visit • Herriman’s Sweet Violet is a destheir Instagram @beckengravingdesert business and food truck that ofsignstudio or their Etsy shop: https:// fers sweet treats like ice cream, fancy www.etsy.com/shop/BeckEngravingshakes, and handcrafted chocolate Design treats. Visit their Facebook page: • Herriman’s Kristina Butterfield creates Sweet Violet. plush, poseable sloths with a bluetooth • Alix Law owns Oakriver Crystals and speaker and lavender inside that are offers high quality crystals and minerdesigned to encourage self-love and als from around the world. Visit their meditation. Visit her Instagram page: Etsy shop: oakrivercrystalsco.Etsy. @yourzenfriends or her website: www. com. yourzenfriends.com • Give a loved one the gift of time by • Kelsey Moe’s The Elf Kit Co sells comhelping them with their laundry! Herplete Elf on the Shelf kits that includes riman’s Liliana Arnold runs a mobile

Herriman City Journal

Give a beautifully engraved personalized gift from Beck Engraving Studio. (Photo courtesy of Beck Engraving Studio.)

accessories and props for your daily Elf on the Shelf holiday tradition. Visit her website at: www.theelfkitco.com • Sherry Jann owns a wreath and home decor business for all holidays and every day use. Visit her Facebook page: Sherry’s Creations. • Herriman’s Stephanie Joy Wilkinson sells essential oils and 100% natural health and body products on her website: www.jadebloom.com. Their retail space is also available for vendor

HerrimanJ ournal.com

Soft poseable sloths provide comfort and peace.

events, paint classes, yoga, and con- (Photo courtesy of Your Zen Friends.) signment items. www.mychunkytable.com • Give the gift of relaxation and balance • Professional photographs are always with www.thebalancedsole.com. Mia a perfect holiday gift so consider hirRich Merrill specializes in acupressure/ ing professional local photographers foot zone therapy and works out of her like www.simonesportraiture.com and Herriman home as well as travels to www.vanderrose.com. Or try somemeet clients. thing a bit more daring with pin-up and • Beverly Weber Constantine offers boudoir photography by visiting www. cooking and baking classes in Herbonniesjoy.com. riman. Create memories this holiday • Herriman’s Jen Draughon is the genseason while learning new talents. Visit eral manager of HOTWORX Riverton

which is a 24 hour virtually led sauna fitness studio. Visit www.hotworx.net for more information. • Lisa Bodero Call owns Amavi Rose and offers trendy hair accessories such as scrunchies, headbands, claws, and clips. Visit www.amavirose.com • Deborah Suliin-Drew owns Salt City Sweet Shop which offers fresh made fudge, gourmet apples, truffles, handdipped chocolates, and baked goods. Visit their Facebook page: Salt City Sweet Shop. In addition to supporting these local businesses, you can support many others by going to the Herriman Holiday Marketplace on Nov. 19 (2 p.m - 8 p.m.) and Nov. 20 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at Butterfield Park. The market will feature over 90 local vendors. Visit the Facebook page Good4Life Markets to get updates on the event. Continue your local shopping on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. These and many other local businesses rely on your patronage. The website Enterprise League said, “Giving a gift from a small business is giving a gift twice. When you buy from a small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.” l

November 2021 | Page 7

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Herriman and South Jordan teens chat with Gov. Cox, Apple CEO Tim Cook

ov. Spencer Cox and first lady Abby Cox, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Domo CEO Josh James and his wife Marina, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds and his wife Aja Volkman, Qualtrics founder and Utah Jazz owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, and NBA All-Star and Jazz co-owner Dwayne Wade met and spent time with two South Valley teens on Oct. 13. Along with three other youths from Salt Lake City, Herriman’s Gavin Wassom and South Jordan’s Melissa Harper were joined by Gov. Cox and Tim Cook in a Friendship Circle, or small group discussion, at John Williams Encircle house in Salt Lake City. The teens shared their thoughts and experiences about being LGBTQ+ in Utah. Seventeen-year-old Harper said, “While it was scary being so vulnerable around such big names, they were so warm and kind and really listened to us. It was cool that they made time out of their busy schedules to hear us.” Gov. Cox said, “It was a group of friends talking and sharing vulnerable things and bonding. Everyone was asked what Encircle means to them. They said connection, comfort, love, and my favorite: family.” After the Friendship Circle, the teens joined a 45-minute press conference at the Salt Palace Convention Center which was led by Stephenie Larsen, founder and CEO of Encircle, a resource center which provides mental health services and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. “The goal of Encircle is to bring family and community together to enable LGBTQ+ youth to thrive,” Larsen said. Gathering community leaders who advocate for them shows the kids that they are supported. “It’s incredible what powerful change can happen when we bring tech, government, business, sports, music together... thank you for these leaders for standing by these kids and telling them that you matter, your life matters, and you have a bright future,” Larsen said. Cook, who came out as gay in 2014, said, “Encircle’s mission is very personal to me. Because I see myself in so many of these young people. I understand what it can feel like to be isolated or like you can’t share your truth with anyone else. It’s not easy when you’re made to feel different or less than because of who you are or who you love...but slowly, too slowly, we have seen that begin to change...because of organizations like Encircle. I am so inspired by what Encircle offers to the young people who walk through its doors; not just tolerance but acceptance, not just community but a home, not just kindness but love. These are precious and life-changing gifts...they are gifts that everyone deserves. I am honored to be a part of Encircle.” Ashley Smith said, “Encircle is about safety. To be a part of providing a safe place for youth to wholeheartedly and openly be

HerrimanJ ournal.com

By Karmel Harper | k.harper@mycityjournals.com

themselves is amazing...we feel privileged that we are close to this organization.” Ryan Smith added, “Encircle is providing a solution to a challenge that is everywhere in the world...every city in the United States and the world needs an Encircle. We are here to help.” Dwayne Wade said, “You have to take the opportunity to visit an Encircle. You have to go in and feel the energy that’s in there...and see the vision [we all] believe in.” Wade’s daughter, who was assigned male at birth, expressed her desire to live her truth as a female when she was 8 years old. Wade said, “I stand here as a representative of the Utah Jazz but also as a father, as a parent...I had to do a lot of learning and a lot of listening...this is what this is about...we need to listen, have empathy and compassion...we are all trying to reach the same goal - to be our best selves in life. I stand here as a proud parent of a beautiful daughter who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. [Encircle] is groundbreaking...this is special. To be seen and heard is not common.” Dan Reynolds said, “It’s really easy for a straight, white, heterosexual man to kind of skate through life and not have difficult conversations. But it is such an easy concept that we are fighting for. Our kids are born knowing this - that life is about loving. To restrict someone and tell them how they should love does not make sense. I am here because I have had the great honor of meeting our LGBTQ+ youth who are so patient, so kind, so intelligent. I am going to say ‘patient’ twice because they have dealt with a world that is just so behind on the most simple concept of let them love and let others love.” Reynolds’ wife, Aja Volkman, said, “Live your truth. It’s who you are. We are here to support that. That’s the beauty the world needs. Love needs to be the highest truth.” Marina James said, “It’s heartbreaking to know we have neighbors and friends who don’t feel supported. Josh and I, along with Domo, look forward to a more accepting and loving world for everyone.” When Domo put up billboards in Utah County expressing support for LGBTQ+ youth, Josh James experienced the polarizing effect of this topic. James said, “When we put these billboards up some people loved them and some people hated or were confused by them. Executives and members of the community would sometimes come in hot...and invariably after talking for a few minutes, they would talk themselves into saying, ‘Yeah this makes sense...of course we should be sharing this message.’ That’s what this is about.” Utah first lady Abby Cox said, “We had the privilege of learning about LGBTQ+ youth because they were our kids’ friends... they were just part of their circle of friend-

ship. We are grateful for them and for what they teach us. This world is going to be such a better place when they are in charge. We are so excited to be a part of this.” Gov. Cox said, “I remember coming home one day and the house was full of kids and Abby said, ‘I think we have every color of the rainbow in that room.’ And it was an awesome feeling to see those kids interacting and the love and friendship they share... there are a lot of really important, powerful, and influential people in this room but no one matters more than these kids that are sitting behind us right now.” “We know,” he continued, “and the data is very clear, when a LGBTQ+ child experiences complete rejection, that suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide completions go up significantly. If they receive even one person in their family who accepts them, the rates plunge. That one piece of acceptance changes everything. That’s why Encircle matters. What Encircle has done is provide that piece of acceptance even if—especially if—there is no acceptance anywhere else. The piece of Encircle that I so appreciate is about families...to give parents a place to come in and learn and feel community. And then the community grows and the kids feel acceptance and they stay. We need them

to stay to create beautiful things, save others, and make the world a better place.” Just earlier this year in February, Cook, Reynolds and Smith appeared on “Good Morning America” after collectively donating $4 million to announce that they were going to raise $8 million to build eight new homes for Encircle. That goal was exceeded. Currently there are Encircle homes in Provo, Salt Lake City, and St. George. Additional Utah locations include Heber, Ogden, and Logan. Expansion outside of Utah includes Arizona, Idaho, and Nevada. With the sponsorship of the Kahlert Foundation, Encircle will be building a ninth home in the southern end of the Salt Lake Valley. Heather Kahlert, who made the announcement, said, “For too many of our LGBTQ+ youth and young adults who still do not have access to critical mental health services in their communities, our family could not be more proud to partner with such an excellent organization to help all youth in our community feel loved and supported.” Larsen said that the location of this ninth home will be built in an area with the highest rate of LGBTQ+ youth suicides in the state. l

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Providence Hall students get first-hand experience in court By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

few dozen Providence Hall students experienced a taste of the criminal justice system on Oct. 14, as they gathered in the Herriman City courtroom for a simulated criminal trial. The event was the idea of Ron Rice, the school’s first-year resource officer who also teaches two criminal justice classes. “I’m not really big into lecturing and that kind of thing, so I like to get the kids involved,” Rice said. The mock trial dealt with the issue of human trafficking—a question of whether an immigrant woman was being held against her will in the defendant’s basement. While based loosely on a real-life case, Rice made some changes to the scenario to make it more suitable and relatable for his students. For weeks the students prepared for the case by studying police reports and other documents prepared by Rice. The class divided into two sides: prosecution and defense and began to build their cases. “It was fun. I liked preparing for the case. I’m really fond of doing research for stuff, so doing this was really fun for me,” said Ella Fraser, a member of the prosecution team. “It was so much fun,” echoed Elizabeth Brinkerhoff, a member of the defense. “We got to interview everyone, it was like an actual trial.” For the actual mock trial, students volun-

Ella Fraser and Maya Heesch, who led the prosecution, consult with one another during a mock trial. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

teered to fulfill certain roles on the two sides, as well as on the jury. At first there was a little hesitancy among the students, according to Rice. Some of them didn’t love the prospect of so much public speaking in front of their peers. But Rice had the class do a few public speaking exercises in the lead up to the trial in order to help them get more comfortable. For Brinkerhoff, the public speaking lesson was a valuable lesson that extends beyond the

realm of a court case. “I feel like you have to be confident with what you’re saying or it will never get across. You have to be passionate,” she said. For Maya Heesch, a member of the prosecution, the mock trial, as well as the class as a whole has “cemented her desire to go into law enforcement.” “The way [Mr. Rice] teaches the class is really hands-on. He’s brought in industry profes-

sionals to talk to us. He brought in people who work for a foundation trying to help with human trafficking cases. He’s given us so many resources to help us succeed,” she said. That potential to impact a student’s future career path is one of Rice’s favorite parts of the job. “You might have a kid who comes back one day and says, ‘Hey man, I’m a lawyer because of what you did.’” l

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Herriman City Journal

Local non-profit fighting to preserve the Oquirrh mountains By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

n a state that includes such natural wonders as the Wasatch front, the Uintas and a host of national parks, the Oquirrh mountain range sometimes gets overlooked and forgotten, even by those who live in its shadow. But one group is trying to help more people realize that the mountain range is worth exploring and worth protecting. “Most people just don’t even know what they have to offer, because no one knows where they can go legally. People don’t know how great they are,” said Bennion Gardner, founder of the Oquirrh Foundation. The foundation was founded in 2020 to educate people on “the importance of preserving open space in and surrounding the Oquirrh Mountain Range.” Gardner grew up in Taylorsville, then spent years living in Magna, but now resides in South Jordan. Over the years he’s seen how development has slowly crept closer and closer to the base of the mountains. “Living in the west side of Salt Lake County, I’ve watched as development has crept closer and closer west, closer to the Oquirrhs. There hasn’t been much planning about what will happen once that development runs into the Oquirrhs,” he said. According to Gardner, Salt Lake County is working on a general plan for the west

bench, which has included proposals for developments not only going right up to the edge of the mountains, but extending up through its canyons. The foundation has been in communication with the county to let them know of their concerns about how such developments would impact the ecosystem, among other things. “You have pristine wilderness, it’s the last stop for wildlife as they migrate through the Oquirrhs. We feel like that could become the centerpiece for a major conservation area, and the county’s plan right now calls to develop it. We’re very concerned about that. We don’t think that’s the most appropriate use for that land,” Bennion said. Another challenge for the mountain range is its complicated legal boundaries. Much of the land is owned by the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine. Much of Butterfield Canyon is technically off-limits for that reason. Other parts of the range are even more closed off. “In the north, it’s barbed wire fences everywhere. It’s off limits,” Bennion said. Recently, progress has been made on that front, as the county has worked with the Bureau of Land Management and Kennecott to build new trails, including some that would connect Butterfield Canyon to Yellow Fork Canyon.

Members of the Oquirrh Foundation gathered at the Yellow Fork trailhead to clean up the popular hiking destination earlier this fall. (Courtesy of Bennion Gardner)

In addition to its policy advocacy and education efforts, the foundation has also begun organizing regular service projects. In the spring, a group of volunteers cleaned up sections of Butterfield Canyon. This fall, they tackled Yellow Fork Canyon, which included the difficult task of hauling out several rainsoaked couches that had been left along the popular hiking trail. The event drew 30-40 volunteers, some of whom serve on the foun-

dation’s board. “The board is made up of ordinary citizens on the west side of the valley. We all work full time and have jobs and families that we take care of and then do this in our spare time,” Bennion said. Anyone interested in getting involved with the foundation’s work can is welcome to join. Visit www.oquirrhfoundation.org to learn more. l

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‘The Three Musketeers’ is one play for all By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Mountain Ridge High School presents Ken Ludwig’s “The Three Musketeers.” Nov. 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 adults, $7 students/seniors.

his adaption of “The Three Musketeers,” based on the novel written by Alexandre Dumas in 1844, centers on the wannabe hero D’Artagnan (played by David Oliphant) who is determined to become a musketeer like his father. With enthusiasm and youthful confidence, he sets out for France where he meets

and Aramis (played by Liam Owens, Cole Barton and Sterling Lund)—and immediately becomes entangled in multiple conflicts, both personal and political. Oliphant said the production has something for everyone—comedy, drama, action and romance. “There’s not a lot of places doing ‘Three Musketeers’ all the time, even though it’s a pretty well known story, so it’s a lot of fun seeing the characters on stage,” he said. “Every character is highly entertaining, we’ve

Multiple storylines and conflicts weave together, with both comedy and drama, for an entertaining and inspiring story, Lund said. “D’Artagnan is coming from nowhere and he’s getting somewhere,” Lund said. “Even in the face of adversity, he keeps working towards that final goal, and because of that constant persistence, even though he didn’t come from somewhere with a bunch of status and privilege, he’s able to get to where he wants to be.” The play consolidates an entire novel into a running time of just under two hours which cuts a lot of the characters’ backstories, said Owens. But the parts of the story that made the cut are action-packed. “‘Three Musketeers’ has the visual aspect—you can see what’s going on,” Owens said. “And the way we’ve choreographed things, you can see the power levels each of the characters have.” All 17 cast members are involved in some kind of physical comedy, stage combat or swordplay (choreographed by Anton Moss.) Each of the three musketeers has their own fighting style that shows their personality. “Aramis is the respectful gentleman,”

Barton said. “Athos is definitely the more confident, better fighter—all of his moves have precise movements. And Porthos is more comical, taunting, with lots of fancy jabs and swings that distract people to get an upper hand.” This story adaptation includes a new main character—D’Artagnan’s sister Sabine (played by Jill Thomas), who accompanies her brother to France, hoping for more adventure and romance in her life. “She’s really energetic and curious and ready to take on life,” Thomas said. She said the interactions with the musketeers onstage is a lot like messing around with her own three brothers—the teasing and playful shoving comes naturally. The production is directed by theater teacher Bradley Moss, who said the cast and crew have exemplified the musketeer motto of “One for all, and all for one!” as they’ve prepared for this performance. “We start off working in smaller groups,” he said. “But as we start to pull it all together, everyone is working all together. We see the work that other people are doing and we get to build off of it. That’s where it comes together as a cohesive whole.” l

The lead actors of Mountain Ridge High School’s production of “The Three Musketeers” are Sterling Lund, Jill Thomas, Liam Owens, Cole Barton and David Oliphant. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Pageseasoned 12 | Nmusketeers—Athos, ovember 2021 Porthos got great actors—it’s definitely a must-see!” three

Herriman City Journal

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November 2021 | Page 13

Freshman golfer leads young Herriman squad to a top-five finish By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

he Herriman golf program has a bright future ahead, if their performance at the state tournament is any indication. Its six-member squad, four of whom are freshmen, earned a fifth-place finish at the 6A state tournament last month. “We’re going to be really good in these coming years,” said Ryker Lind, one of those freshmen. Lind finished the highest among his teammates, and tied for fourth place in the individual standings. Being one of the younger squads helped take some of the pressure off the Mustangs as they headed into the tournament. “If I shot a bad score, no one would hold it against me because I’m just a freshman. But if I shot a really good score, everyone would just be even more impressed,” Lind said. The state tournament was held at the Davis Park golf course, though that was a last-minute change. Originally, it was scheduled to take place at a course in Utah valley, but the course in question had gone through a redesign process and UHSAA officials determined it wasn’t in good enough shape to play on. Lind was able to make it up to the Davis Park course a few times during the week be-

fore the state tournament. One of those practice rounds he played was with his dad, Jesse Lind, who played collegiate golf at Westminster. He has been Ryker’s personal coach since he started golfing around the age of five. Having your dad as your primary coach has its advantages and disadvantages though. “Sometimes it’s hard, with a normal coach I wouldn’t talk smack to him and all that stuff,” Ryker said. “On the other hand, he’s always there and someone I can go to.” Playing through the Davis Park course with his dad the day before the tournament definitely seemed to help, as Ryker shot an impressive score of 66 (five under par). That was good enough for first place through the first day. Ryker continued to hold the individual lead through the first half of the second day. With a potential state championship in his sights, he began to feel a little more pressure. Then a bogey on hole 12 threw Ryker off balance. “I got really flustered and lost my composure. Everything just went downhill from there,” he said. Although the defeat certainly stung, Ryker said he can appreciate how that experience will help him in his golf career going forward.

Ryker Lind was one of four freshmen Mustangs to compete at the state tournament, and finished with a top five score individually. (Courtesy of Lindsay Murdock)

“I went to play with my dad and brother recently and we had a little wager. I was up the whole time, and I was just thinking of the experience at state and it helped me keep my composure,” he said. The three other freshmen who competed for Herriman at the state tournament were Elliot Bond, JJ Tomsick and McKay Linford.

Seniors Taeson Holt and Clayden Brandon rounded out the six-man team. With three more years to play, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lind and his talented fellow freshmen hoist a state trophy sooner or later. l

It’s a good play, Charlie Brown By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

ike the Peanuts comic strip it is based on, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is a series of short scenes featuring characters from the Peanuts gang: Charlie Brown panics about a book report, Sally’s jump rope gets tangled, Linus gets teased about his blanket, Snoopy imagines an intense battle as the Red Baron, Lucy torments Charlie Brown. Tanner Bowen plays the role of Charlie Brown, who flies a kite, plays baseball and writes a Valentine’s Card with his usual pessimistic attitude and annoyed exclamations of “good grief!” “This whole show is about how bad things have been happening to Charlie Brown and how nothing has gone right for him,” Tanner said. However, the story ends on a positive note with Charlie Brown realizing he’s a “good man” after all. “I like the part where it shows that you can still be happy, even with irritating or hard circumstances,” Tanner said. That’s a lesson he said everyone can relate to. “Especially after the tough year we’ve had last year, it helps remind us that we should look for the happy and the good things in life.” Alexis Pavlides, a ninth grader in the cast, said Charlie Brown’s story is relatable for everyone—even teenagers.. “He’s an awkward kid who thinks everybody’s out to get him but really everybody loves him,” she said. “He’s very insecure and every teenager goes through that.” Forty-eight cast members, most of which are not insecure teenagers, exude confidence and enthusiasm in their roles as young children. Ninth-grader Tilly Twitchell plays Snoopy, a character she describes as “a dog who doesn’t think he’s a dog.” Snoopy takes the audience on adventures into her vivid imagination in brief vignettes throughout the play. The classic comic strip humor of the script is illustrated with colorful costumes, clever music and spirited choreography that will draw audiences The cast of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” rehearses at Copper Mountain Middle. (Jet Burnham/City Journals) of all ages. l

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Herriman City Journal

The cast of “Puffs” prepares for a performance of Potter parody. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

A new spin on a familiar story comes to the HHS stage By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Herriman High School presents “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” written by Matt Cox. Nov. 10, 11, 12, and 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 adults, $5 students/seniors, and are available for purchase at herrimanhigh.org.

“

Puffs” is an unauthorized parody of a popular book and movie franchise (that rhymes with Fairy Plotter.) The familiar story is told from a different perspective—the students (with slightly altered names) who spend seven years at a school of magic, hearing tales of a hero named Harry (sometimes referred to as Potter, but never as Harry Potter—that would infringe on copyright.) The script is packed with inside jokes and not-so-subtle references for HP fans but even non-Potterheads will appreciate the humor and storyline. Though there is plenty of satire and humor, it is not a comedy. Things get pretty serious at times. However, the overall message is inspiring. “The tale of “Puffs” is about the unfortunate kids who don’t get the spotlight,” said Caleb Glad, a senior. “In the end, the play teaches that even if you don’t seem important to everyone around you, that doesn’t mean you’re not important.” Glad plays the lead role of Wayne, who yearns to be more than just a Puff , whose defining quality is that they always fail. “Wayne is a very geeky kid who is pretty unashamed of who he is,” Glad said. “So I just get to go up on stage and just sort of channel my little middle-schooler self.” The original show had a cast of 11 playing multiple roles. This production has 45, with ample opportunities to work

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together as an ensemble as well as to have their own moment in the spotlight. Many of the cast members still play multiple roles. Sophomore Kenna Graddy plays two contrasting characters— Helga, head of Puff House, and a student in the Snake House. “For Helga, I’m a lovely/dainty/goldhearted person,” she said. “And for my ensemble character, I’m this dark, brooding character that hates most of the other houses. So I just have to really channel the angst for that one and then immediately, when I’m Helga, I have to turn that off and become this other thing.” Graddy’s favorite part of being in the play has been developing friendships with cast members and the inside jokes they now share. Junior Kaitlyn Losada said the cast is very tight this year. She is the production manager responsible for the story happening backstage. She manages the props and scenery, and keeps the crew and cast organized and calm—scolding them when they are noisy and leading them in breathing exercises when they are nervous. Originally an Off-Broadway hit, the script allows opportunities for actors to improvise, so director KayCee DeYoung never quite knows what Radley Haws, who plays Mr. Voldy, will do—he does something different every rehearsal. “Puffs” is promoted as a story for those not destined to save the world. “I just love that,” DeYoung said. “Because as much as all of us do amazing things throughout our lives—we save the world but we save it in small ways and not always the way that the big hero does. And so it’s very sweet, it’s very honest and it’s very relatable.” l

November 2021 | Page 15

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Elective lit classes attract fans of fantasy, history, movies By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Mythology students study the symbolism of this Aztec Calendar to better understand their mythology. (Brianne Anderson/Mountain Ridge High)

igh school students are diving into literature that they love, with a variety of elective language art classes offered at local high schools. “It is a really fun way for seniors who might feel like the traditional language arts model is a bit stale to mix things up and get a new experience,” said Connor Bertoch, who teaches a sci-fi/fantasy literature class at Mountain Ridge High. Students earn a senior language arts or elective credit while reading books by Tolkien, Bradbury, Sanderson, Steinbeck, Le Guin and Butler. “Science fiction and fantasy as genres often deal with high concepts and big questions, and some of the most thought provoking and talented writers of the last century have been doing phenomenal literary work exclusively in those genres,” Bertoch said. The class is designed to be more discussion-based than a traditional language arts course. “Most of the learning and work we will do will be to prepare for and make the most of class discussions related to the texts we are reading, so we can come to some dialectical conclusions as a class,” Bertoch said. Erin McGuire, who teaches the sci-fi/fantasy literature class at Riverton High School, said the genre is very appealing to high school students who love the elements of fantasy, magic, creatures and the possibility of becoming an unlikely hero. “Usually the protagonists are in their age group, so that is one big connection with them,” she said. “They can connect to them—they’re the same age, they’re thinking the same things

Page 18 | November 2021

but they’re overcoming these enormous obstacles.” McGuire’s students read about characters in their fantasy worlds and then bring them into the real world. One assignment is for students to create a song playlist for one of the characters in the novel they’re all reading. Another is to create social media posts a character would share at a certain point within the novel. Students also build a character and a world, draw a map and write a short story set there. They have fun writing a b-movie screenplay and then filming it. Students who take the class in the first semester celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday in September by enjoying the Hobbit tradition of eating second breakfast during class. Popular books like the “Percy Jackson” series have inspired young peoples’ interest in mythology, which is both historical and fictional, said Brianne Anderson, who teaches a Mythology class at Mountain Ridge High. She introduces students to mythologies from around the world—Greek (Pandora, Hercules, Perseus, and the Trojan War), Norse (Thor and Loki’s exploits in Asgard), Aztec and Latin American and Ancient Egyptian. “A lot of mythology was passed down orally for generations before it was written down- it’s cool to hear stories from centuries ago that are still relevant to us today,” she said. After they’ve studied a text, Anderson often shows students the movie based on the story. Many of the books students read in the alternative language arts classes are so popular among teens, they have inspired movie adaptations.

Herriman City Journal

Comcast makes a $1 billion commitment to digital equity

omcast Corporation, the global media and technology company, connects people to moments that matter. In fact, over the last 10 years, Comcast has connected more than 160,000 people in Utah to low-cost, high-speed, in-home internet services. Now, the company is doubling-down on its commitment to help low-income families in the state gain access to the internet. “Utah is one of the most collaborative states we work with across the country when it comes to helping its citizens gain digital equity,” said J.D. Keller, senior vice president, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Leaders from the state, county and city are working together as we open more free WiFi Lift Zones, connect more families to the Internet at home, and increase speeds for businesses and families across the state.” Comcast has pledged $1 billion to establish WiFi-connected safe spaces, or Lift Zones, in 35 community centers in Utah, and more than 1,000 zones across the country. These centers help students participate in online learning and will connect more than 8 million low-income people to the internet. The COVID-19 crisis put low-income students at risk and Comcast’s Internet Essential Partnership Program is focused on creating digital equity, allowing students to continue their schooling, even when they can’t attend class. Just this year, Comcast estimates students across America will complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened. “We are delighted to work with such outstanding corporate partners, such as Comcast, as we connect more Utahns to the Internet,” said Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox. “Utah is regularly lauded for its innovative vision in numerous categories, and increasing our digital access helps everyone, including families, students and businesses.”

The Comcast investment includes laptop and computer donations, more than $100,000 in digital equity grants for local Utah nonprofit community organizations, and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said Comcast is advancing the county’s effort in supporting economic prosperity throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The county is responsible for launching unique digital equity initiatives to connect its community. “We have one of the most forward-thinking counties in the country and having such a robust partnership with leaders in government and community organizations means we can connect the pivot points quicker and more securely for all involved,” Wilson said. “We’re committed to digital equity. Our Salt Lake County libraries have more than 300 hotspots and 150 Chromebooks in circulation to assist residents with digital needs in their homes.” As Salt Lake County collaborates with Comcast, the country’s largest internet provider, programs in the area will benefit from the partnership. Comcast recently gifted Neighborhood House with 300 computers and laptops to help clients in its programs, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake was awarded a financial grant to support its mission to empower youth and guide them toward success. “We are very grateful for this timely grant from Comcast,” said Amanda Ree Hughes, president and CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. “Comcast is a 360-partner because they give more than just dollars for computers and programs. Their employees bring skills, experience and knowledge to create a whole solution in providing access and technology to help our kids succeed.”

Keller commends Utah for its “can-do attitude” and the willingness of state and county leaders to create long-lasting collaborations that will benefit students and impact Utah’s prosperity. “Together, we have been able to connect tens of thousands of Utahns to the power of the internet at home and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides,” Keller said. “Today, we are rededicating ourselves to this mission to ensure the next generation of students in Utah has the tools, resources, and abilities to succeed in an increasingly digital world. “Whenever we can help our community neighbors connect to reliable, high-speed internet access, we work to do that. It helps keep us all moving forward one family, one organization, and one community at a time.” l

SUPPORT FOR THE HAYES TOUGH FOUNDATION Larkin Mortuary has donated $12,500 to the HayesTough Foundation from proceeds received from its annual golf tournament at the Eaglewood Golf Course in North Salt Lake, Utah on August 25, 2021. The contribution from the Larkin charity event will support the mission of the charity to provide financial support and hope to families affected by childhood cancer. The mission of The HayesTough Foundation is to fund research for childhood cancer and support families with a child experiencing a terminal cancer diagnosis. Every year nearly 100,000 kids die from childhood cancer, which is almost 300 kids per day. Despite these numbers, childhood cancer research is vastly underfunded. The HayesTough Foundation believes that every child deserves to have a better quality of life as they battle this disease. After reading “The Book of the Dead”, students create their own cartouche with authentic hieroglyphics. (Brianne Anderson/Mountain Ridge High)

Students in Cassie Astle’s Film to Lit class watch a movie for each of the novels they read. After reading fairy tales, they watch “Shrek” and “The Princess Bride.” They study historical fiction novels “The Help” and “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” and then compare them to the films. “We look at archetypes and how they are represented in each novel and film,” Astle said. “We look at the choices the directors make while filming a scene. They compare and contrast the book and the movie and ultimately have to determine who did it best. Students have to show an understanding of the complexity of the original work and their interpretation of the movie. They must back up their opinion with textual evidence, which teaches them to

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think critically and provide support for their opinions.” Astle hopes students learn to love the art of storytelling and develop a critical eye as they read books and watch movies. Creative assignments for the class include writing a fractured fairy tale by changing the setting or flipping a character from antagonist to the protagonist. As part of the study of “Guernsey” the students write pen pal letters to sixth grade students in the district. Teachers choose books and movies for their classes based on what they think will be compelling for students. They choose from those that are approved by the district and also request parent permission. l

“We are extremely grateful to our vendors and supporters who generously rallied to offer their support for the ToughHayes Foundation this year,” said Lance Larkin, President of Larkin Mortuary. “With this year’s donation, we look forward to stepping up our long-term commitments to benefitting children with terminal illnesses.” Founded in 1885, Larkin Mortuary is one of the most respected funeral homes in the Salt Lake Valley and offers six generations of experience in the funeral and cemetery services industries. The family-owned company offers four funeral homes in Salt Lake City, Sandy, and Riverton, as well as an on-site crematory and two fullservice cemeteries.

LarkinMortuary.com

November 2021 | Page 19

Jordan Education Foundation, Chick-fil-A franchises, others pledge support to schools’ unified programs By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

core! Not only was it the state unified soccer semi-finals and finals where teams from Bingham High and Riverton High took to the field and scored goals, but many of Jordan School District’s schools scored with the announcement made at a press conference at Rio Tinto stadium. Jordan Education Foundation pledged $20,000 to aid Unified Sports in 10 of its schools, supporting Utah first lady Abby Cox’s statewide “Show Up” initiative to introduce the Unified Sports program to more schools – from 40 across the state to 100 by the 2022-23 school year — and expand it from soccer, basketball and track to more sports. Jordan Education Foundation President Dawn Ramsey made the announcement. “We are really excited about this,” she said. “Unified Sports gives opportunities to students who may not have those same opportunities to be on a team in another way. We are very excited to be able to provide this partnership with Special Olympics Utah to provide an opportunity for these kids to be included. It helps to foster empathy, where each of these athletes have a buddy who plays with them. This is just such a great opportunity to experience joy, to learn to play together,

to include everyone in opportunities and to meet the needs of these students.” Unified Sports, like the state soccer tournament where Bingham won its division and Riverton scooped up fourth and fifth places with its two teams, is a UHSAA-sanctioned sport program supported by Special Olympics Utah that joins high school-age students with and without intellectual disabilities together, playing side-by-side on the same sports teams. Through playing Unified Sports, students build friendships as well as improve sports skills, said Unified Champion Schools manager Courtnie Worthen, who hopes all students are supported inclusively in their community to succeed and belong. South Jordan and Mountain View Village (Riverton) Chick-fil-A franchise owners Becky and Scott Pickle, the Renae and Joe Ingles family and the Salt Lake Bees also pledged their support, totaling 25 additional teams. “I just love that this creates opportunities for kids to connect; it creates opportunities to learn empathy and compassion; to learn teamwork; to learn how to handle disappointment and situations of so many social and emotional skills,” said Becky Pickle, adding that her franchises also have provided several thousandmeals for Special Olympics

athletes, coaches and volunteers. “We really want to support this initiative, this idea for them to be the first district to lead out on this and grow it in their district. I really wanted to support that and match what they were doing so they can take it further.” Ramsey, who has been on the Jordan Education Foundation for nine years, learned about the program from Worthen and the first lady and brought it to the attention of the Foundation. Supporting Unified Sports was a unanimous decision at the foundation’s Sept. 16 annual meeting. Ramsey, who also serves as South Jordan mayor, said that the school district’s goal is “Every Child, Every Day” and the foundation’s is to engage the community to provide support to help build success in Jordan District. “This is a perfect match and it’s a way we can help,” she said. “We’ve chosen to step up and raise the funds to be able to provide this program to the schools in every community in Jordan School District. This will strengthen every community in the district.” Those schools will include all six high schools as well as four middle schools: South Jordan, Mountain Creek, Joel P. Jensen and South Hills.

The Pickles pledged $20,000, which should help an additional 10 schools that have yet to be determined. This was the first time Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey has attended a Unified Sports tournament. “It’s really exciting to be a part of this initiative right from the start, and to have so many schools out of the chute; I have no doubt that this program will continue to spread,” Godfrey said. “Thanks to the enthusiasm of our families and employees. We’re overwhelmed at the show of generosity for our students, both from the foundation and Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is always a great partner and the foundation is always looking for ways to help support student opportunities and this is the best kind of student opportunity. It allows students of all abilities to be part of activities at their schools.” Miller, who also serves on the foundation, said it was her first time watching Unified Sports as well. “I love that we have athletes of all abilities working together,” she said. “The feeling of empathy and inclusion that is created is really neat. It’s a great concept and a neat experience to witness. I was all choked up watching; it’s just a special thing.” l

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Mountain Ridge football finishes 8-2, earns first-round bye in state playoffs By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

s junior running back Cade Uluave plunged into the end zone from one yard out, it wasn’t just a game-winning touchdown against a cross-town rival on senior night; it wasn’t just the final play of an 8-win regular season that earned the Sentinels a first-round bye in the playoffs; it was the culmination of a three-year-long journey defined by overcoming adversity. As a brand new school three years ago, the Mountain Ridge football team was full of underclassmen—sophomores and even freshmen who started on varsity. The result? The Sentinels didn’t win a single game that first year. Last year, the team improved to 4-4 in a shorter COVID-impacted season. Entering 2021, the Sentinels had high expectations for themselves. The sophomores from that first difficult year were now seniors, playing with the advantage of more accumulated experience than your average senior class. “Those guys, they’ve had to endure more than what a lot of other teams have had to endure,” said head coach Mike Meifu. “I think that’s helped shape who they are. They know how to compete as hard as they can, even when they come up short.” “I think that [first season] matured us

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The Mountain Ridge defense celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Olympus earlier this season. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

early and got us ready for what we’re doing today,” echoed senior defensive back Demarco Brimmage, who led the team in tackles this season. The team’s collective ability to bounce back from hardship has been evident over the course of this season, and even within a single game. In the third game of the season, the Sentinels made the trip to Heber valley to take on Wasatch High School. They trailed 24-7

as they entered the fourth quarter. A lot of teams could have given up at that point. But Mountain Ridge outscored Wasatch 33-6 in the final quarter to secure a 40-30 win. Senior quarterback Ayden Helm also pointed to two overtime games against West Jordan and the season finale against Herriman, as examples of when the team had to draw on its experience of overcoming adversity. “Because we got our butts kicked for a

long time, that built up some mental toughness. So now when we’re in those tight games, we came through and we played well,” he said. Racking up the wins this season has also helped to change the team’s mentality, according to Uluave. “I think our biggest improvement this season has been our mentality,” he said. “I think we all flipped the switch and said, ‘This is our time.’ With everyone’s mindset being higher, it raises everyone’s game.” As for the team’s mentality as they head into the state playoffs, they’re just taking it one week at a time. “Our mentality is the same as it is every week. We just want to be 1-0,” said offensive lineman Nick Lober. The Sentinels secured a five-seed in the state playoff bracket, based on the state’s RPI system which ranks teams based on their record and strength of schedule. The high seeding means they’ll have a first round bye, before playing Syracuse (who beat Pleasant Grove) on Oct. 29. “It’s a good thing that we have a firstround bye. It’s a credit to them and the schedule they played,” Meifu said. “It’s nice because we have some guys who are beat up.” l

November 2021 | Page 21

Utilizing your tax dollars in the best way possible Every fall, Salt Lake County goes through its annual budget process. As the government entity with the second largest government budget in Utah (coming behind only the state budget itself), there are a myriad of programs, services, and expen-

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ditures that comprise the now roughly $1.5 billion budget. On October 21st, Mayor Wilson presented her proposed budget to the county council. In subsequent weeks council members have the opportunity to review all new budgetary requests, ongoing expenditures, and any reinstatement of funding previously cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the County will also review budgetary requests for funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Salt Lake County is a direct recipient of these federal dollars provided to support COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost public sector revenue, support immediate economic stabilization, and address systemic public health and economic challenges. One of the most important parts of being an elected official is acting as a steward of taxpayer dollars. Residents entrust those who run the government to judiciously use their tax dollars to perform essential functions for the community, and as such residents expect that every dollar spent by the government will be carefully scrutinized. Here are some key principles I prioritize during the budget process, this year included. First and foremost, tax dollars don’t “belong” to the county. The funds are

yours. Taxpayers entrust the county, or any government for that matter, with a portion of their hard-earned money because they expect that entity to provide essential services for society to function. Second, I believe that all government functions should be viewed in two different categories: “need to have” and “nice to have.”

The “need to have” list includes things that are statutorily required of the county to perform, think constitutionally mandated services such as criminal justice and election administration. I also consider public safety to be in this category, since keeping our residents safe is a core function of government. However, just because they are essential does not mean they are above scrutiny. Efficiencies can still be found. The “nice to have” list includes quality of life services the county provides, as well as any other program or initiative that can easily be described as a benefit to county residents, but not necessarily considered essential. Libraries and open space are some of the things in this category. Lastly, I review each aspect of our budget and ask, “Is this the proper role of county government?” There are many programs or services that are better suited to other government entities, nonprofits, or the private sector. It is always important to review each program, service, or expenditure and ask that question again and again. I’m confident that these principles are the essence of good budgeting and fiscal discipline, and I will always advocate for this approach any time the government is entrusted with taxpayer dollars.

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forms of sugar, because that was one of the main food groups in the ’70s. Our meal was nothing like the first Thanksgiving where lobster or eel was probably the main course, not turkey. I don’t know how they stuffed an eel, but I’m sure it wasn’t pretty. The teacher told us to write down things we were grateful for. My list included my family, Nancy Drew mysteries and apple pie. We also brought offerings for a food drive where some lucky family in the neighborhood received 25 cans of cranberry sauce, four boxes of Stove Top stuffing and a case of olives. Maybe the Pilgrims also made gratitude lists, including finding a land so completely devoid of other humans that they could take whatever they wanted and build a country. Did they think the people native to this continent were just visiting? Lost? The official Thanksgiving holiday start-

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ed in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln was so tired of the Civil War, he just wanted a piece of pumpkin pie. Since then, in typical American style, the holiday evolved into a food orgy, consisting of overcooked turkey, mountains of mashed potatoes and nine different Jell-O salads. My food tracking app usually starts to smoke during dessert. Although it’s true Pilgrims celebrated days of thanksgiving, those observations usually involved fasting and prayer, not gluttony. These “thanksgivings” often occurred after a massacre of Native people. For instance, in 1637, Massachusetts Colony Governor John Winthrop called for a day of thanksgiving after hundreds of the Pequot tribe were massacred. Not really something you celebrate with grandma’s homemade rolls and jam. Along with your holiday celebration, maybe you can learn about the challenges still faced by Native Americans including poverty, domestic violence, healthcare and the continuation of harmful stereotypes. As a 7-year-old, I didn’t know cultural prejudice or appropriation was a thing. I didn’t realize the Disneyfied version of the first Thanksgiving wasn’t accurate, with its cartoonish Pilgrims, smiling Natives and bouncy soundtrack. But now I do. When you gain wisdom, you get to make better choices.

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