Holladay City Journal | March 2026

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Special section

Highlighting influential women around the valley Page 19

Holladay’s city manager provides a steady hand of leadership

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Chamness, have lived in Holladay since 2003.

Mostresidents don’t think about how cities are run.

As long as roads are safe, water is clean and parks are open, city administration rarely crosses their minds.

But behind the scenes, it takes a functional team and deliberate planning to make city services seem effortless. In Holladay, the person coordinating that teamwork is City Manager Gina Chamness, who’s been with the city for 10 years.

Chamness is a rarity in Utah. According to a December 2024 policy brief put out by the Utah Women and Leadership Project, of the 250-plus cities in the state, only 13 of them had women serving as city managers or administrators.

“I think that’s starting to change,” Chamness said. “It feels like there are more women in assistant city manager roles, more women as department heads, but as far as my generation, there haven’t been many of us. I’ve been really lucky.”

Chamness never imagined she’d serve in municipal government. She started her career at the federal level, working for a congressional agency, but political dysfunction persuaded her to look for other opportunities.

With a political science degree and a master’s in public administration from the University of Utah, Chamness landed a job with Salt Lake City, working her way up to become the city’s finance director in 2014.

When the Holladay city manager position opened, she felt it was the next best move for her career and family, since she and her husband, attorney Ralph

“I saw this position posted and it felt perfect,” she said. “I was excited to apply. The opportunity to serve a community where you live felt like something I could be really excited about.”

Chamness acts as the CEO of the city, managing administrative functions, working with elected officials and ensuring ordinances, policies and rules are observed. When she first started with Holladay, the city was struggling. Aging infrastructure, stunted growth and a lack of direction left Holladay stagnant.

Working with the mayor at the time, Rob Dahle, Chamness held discussions with city residents, elected officials and city staff to prioritize areas of focus.

“Ten years ago, we didn’t have much of a commercial base,” she said. “We were banking on redevelopment of the [Cottonwood] mall and then the great recession set redevelopment back. The question was, how could we build a city that was going to be financially sustainable? That was a big challenge for several years.”

Investing in infrastructure was another concern. With some parts of the community more than 100 years old, Chamness knew a concerted effort and lots of money had to be allocated to improve infrastructure.

Restructuring the city took patience. Much like turning an ocean liner, it needed a coordinated shift to move something so large and complex.

“Everyone wants to do things quickly. Sometimes people complain about how long the government takes to do things,” Chamness said. “Making sure you have adequate time to listen to residents and making sure you

Continued page 10

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Police Department Officer Carrie Rigby (fourth from right ) is recognized for her service to the Holladay community. (From left) UPD Lieutenant Tyler Ackerman, Holladay Precinct Chief Justin Hoyal, Holladay City Councilmembers M att Durham and David Sundwall, Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham, Councilmember Emily Gray, UPD Chief Jason Mazuran and Councilmember Natalie Bradley join in Rigby’s award ceremony. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

Holladay UPD officers awarded for jobs well done

The recognition highlights professionalism and service within Holladay.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

While officers serving with the Holladay Precinct of Unified Police Department protect residents and business owners every day, Holladay Precinct Chief Justin Hoyal took time to recognize officers in two specific cases that exemplified compassion, dedication and good police work.

Officer Carrie Rigby was presented with a UPD Incentive Award for her investigation into a suspicious driver. Rigby took time to research the suspect’s history and reached out to the woman’s father to get more information.

He told Rigby his daughter was displaying bizarre behavior and not acting like the person she used to be. Although the officer discovered the suspect had no criminal history and the chances of getting released from jail quickly were high, she understood the woman needed medical and mental health care, not an arrest.

“Officer Rigby took the time to get the information and help the suspect, who was in a mental health crisis, as well as her family, who had been desperately trying to get help for their loved one,” Hoyal said. “This is a true example of how police work should entail compassion and empathy towards others. This is just a small example of the work that she does on all of her cases. Every single day, she goes above and beyond to make sure that everybody is taken care of and served 110%.”

Hoyal also presented 12 Holladay offi-

cers and one Murray detective with the UPD Division Commander Award for their collaborative work in a burglary investigation. While the initial crime happened in Holladay, officers discovered the suspect was living in Murray.

In cooperation with the Murray City Police Department, UPD officers solved what at first appeared to be an isolated property crime but soon became a complex investigation. After obtaining a search warrant for the suspect’s home, 10 people were arrested and key evidence was seized, including burglary tools, stolen property, fraudulent documents, drug paraphernalia and firearms.

“[The officers’] collective actions reflect the highest standards of this department and directly contributed to the identification and arrest of multiple suspects involved in a large-scale theft operation,” Hoyal said. “These personnel demonstrated outstanding

perseverance, investigative skills, teamwork and commitment to public safety. These members are deserving of receiving this division commander’s award.”

Officers honored included Holladay Detectives Jason Aposhian, Easton Story, Anna Walker, Chad Pedersen, Angie Oldham, Cody Hampton, Geoff Clark, Johnny Ortiz, Officer Kyle Cadwallader, Sergeants Shawn Fausett and Edward Twohill, Lieutenant Tyler Ackerman and Murray Detective Will Riding.

“Detective Will Riding, with the Murray Police Department, will oftentimes coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, but he was here through the whole enchilada, and stayed with us and worked side by side with our detective to see this whole thing through,” Hoyal said. “We’re very grateful for the partnership that we have with the Murray Police Department.”l

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Defining Moments: Powerful memories shape the future across generations

Holladay Arts Council sponsored workshop lets participants go on an exploratory journey through reflective writing and a mixed-media collage process.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

Arthas the remarkable ability to transport us across time, connecting us with memories, dreams and new possibilities. Defining Moments is an eight-session creative aging art workshop for adults 55 and older offered by the Holladay Arts Council. Twenty participants will explore pivotal life moments marked by change and clarity. Through a montage of art and storytelling, these moments will be captured in a mixed-media collage of tangible expressions.

As we go through life, certain moments stand out more than others. Sometimes it’s an emotion, a choice, a gift, a person or something else that makes a memory special. For artists, these powerful memories are often called “defining moments.” In psychology, they are known as “core” memories and are tied to events that help shape who we are. Older adults have a special role in their communities because they can share these defining moments and shape the fu-

ture. Art, through writing and collage in this case, is a powerful tool for making connections across generations.

The Holladay Arts Council will recognize Defining Moments workshop participants in March for their participation in this creative journey of reflective writing and mixed-media collage.

“A beginner’s spirit is not only wel-

come, but it’s encouraged in this workshop,” said Holladay Arts and Culture Manager Megan Attermann. “Holladay Arts offers one sequential Creative Aging workshop each year, providing high-quality arts education for older adults. Led by professional teaching artists, these workshops focus on skill-building, meaningful social connection, and creative exploration in a supportive environment.”

Under the guidance of writer and facilitator Nan Seymour, class participants will explore reflective writing inspired by defining life moments using the practice of “River Writing,” a writing practice founded and designed by Seymour to foster voice and authentic connection. She shares, “River Writing invites us to practice spacious compassion, a kindness so radical it includes the self. Writing is for everyone. In this workshop, we are not interested in performance; we will hold space for folks to connect and create authentically. The Defining Moments workshop writing experience will foster personal expression, self-discovery and confidence in sharing personal stories.”

The creative art instructor for Defining Moments, Susan McFarland, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Brigham Young University, a post-Baccalaureate Certificate from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from Harvard University. She will instruct participants in creating handcrafted paper through mixed-media collage techniques that engage memory, texture and sensory experience. The resulting paper, referred to as “fodder,” will be produced using five different methods that vary in terms of time and material requirements. Some techniques that will be used are intensive, while others are more expedient and embrace the unpredictability inherent in the process. The completed papers will ultimately be assembled into a cohesive final collage.

“While making the different fodder pa-

Defining Moments is an eight-session creative aging art workshop for adults 55 and older offered by the Holladay Arts Council. Twenty participants will explore pivotal life moments marked by change and clarity. Through a montage of art and storytelling, these moments will be captured in a mixed-media collage of tangible expressions. (Photo courtesy Megan Attermann)

pers, the patterns and textures that emerge often reflect the artist’s emotions and experiences,” McFarland said. “It is amazing to see the intuitive responses students make during the creative process. Often, it just takes exposure to a new way of working with familiar materials, like paint and paper, to spark new ideas and encourage creative growth.”

McFarland further explains, “How the students connect the collages to the writing portion of the series will be an individual expression. They may choose a feeling, an object or a place that represents a ‘defining moment’ coalesced from their writing. From this choice, the finished collages become an expression of their lived experience and the artist’s creative choices while making their collage.”

According to Attermann, the workshop is generously underwritten by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. A registration fee was required for participation to help subsidize future arts programming through the Holladay Arts Council with needs-based scholarships available.

The workshop will conclude with an evening reception and public reading. During the evening events, Defining Moments workshop participants will share their written pieces and their mixed media collage art with family, friends and the Holladay community in celebration of telling the stories only they could tell.

The community is invited to the Defining Moments reception and public reading on Saturday, March 14, 3-5 p.m., at Holladay City Hall, 4580 S. 2300 East. l

Holladay rower and coxswain is making waves in the sport

Meet the 14 year old calling the shots.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

MayaMorganti and her rowing partner, Rosie McGinn, sat in a sculling boat in San Diego’s Mission Bay. Waves pulled them in every direction and motorboats crossed their path, making it hard to row. But in the end, the duo beat the elements to win the U19 doubles title at the 2025 San Diego Fall Classic.

But even after a top-10 finish in last year’s Southwest Regionals at Lake Natoma, Maya couldn’t compete at nationals. She was too young.

Maya, a 14-year-old Holladay resident and Olympus High freshman, started rowing only 18 months ago. But she’s making her mark with top finishes, including first place at the 2025 Utah State Indoor Championships and a win in the coxswain 500-meter sprint at the Salt Lake Indoor Championship Regatta in February.

Maya doesn’t mind the calluses, the year-round training, the early morning practices or the blustery rows on the Great Salt Lake. She’s fallen in love with the sport.

“I love rowing because it feels like my thing,” she said. “When I’m on the [stationary rower] or in the boat, everything else disappears. I’m not thinking about school, or people, or stuff that stresses me out. It’s just me and the next stroke. The rhythm is weirdly calming, even when it hurts really bad. What I put in is what I get out, and that makes sense to me.”

Maya discovered rowing at a Learn to Row event and realized she had a talent for the sport that originated in the early 1700s, as London watermen raced on the River

time, but I’m getting better at it.”

Maya coxed her first major event at The Head of the Charles in Boston, the largest crew competition in the world. She led a U17 quad on a challenging course, moving up 11 places to 39th. She was the youngest cox on the river.

“Steering a boat is fun. I like motivating people. It’s fun to see them change the way they’re rowing, or how much effort they’re putting in after what you say. I like to yell at them. Being mean sometimes is helpful, not in a discouraging way, but egging them on.”

Her mother, Melissa Mehan, and stepfather, Chris Brussow, are behind Maya 100%, driving her to practice and traveling to events. They’ve watched her blossom, not only with rowing, but with her mindset.

“As one of the youngest athletes, it’s been cool to watch her develop courage and leadership,” Mehan said. “Physically, I’ve seen her change. She has muscles and strength. That’s been pretty cool, too.”

Thames. She trains with Utah Crew, a nonprofit rowing club for youth ages 13-18.

Her intense training is six days a week, sometimes twice a day. She’ll do indoor rows at the fairpark, cardio and strength training to build endurance, rowing on the Jordan River Canal or Great Salt Lake and competitions around the country.

She’s also taken the role of coxswain, the leader who steers the boat and keeps rowers focused and inspired. Maya compared coxing to leading a business where she tells people how to do their job and creates a cohesive team.

“Coxing is harder for me because I’m one of the youngest people on the team,” she said. “It took a lot of leadership to convince people to listen to me in a boat. It’s taken some

Maya is gearing up for the spring racing season while also staying on top of her Olympus AP classes. Sometimes, the stress of practicing, competing and homework gets to be a lot, but she wouldn’t give up rowing for anything.

“Rowing shows me who I am when things get hard. There are days I’m tired, or scared I’m not good enough, or I don’t wanna be there at all. But once I start, I don’t quit. Even when my legs are on fire and my lungs feel like they’re gonna explode, I keep going.

“And after, I realize I did something I didn’t think I could. Rowing makes me proud in a quiet way. Not like showing off, but I know I earned it. It’s hard and it sucks sometimes, but that’s why I love it. I always come back because rowing reminds me I’m stronger than I think.”l

You Can Adopt: Helping Adopted Pups Feel at Home with the 3-3-3 Method

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You’re giving them the time they need to become family.

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Holladay celebrates the brilliance of artistic expression

The Holladay Arts Council welcomed 197 artists and displayed 364 works of art during the 12th annual Holladay Fine Art Show held at Holladay City Hall.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

The Holladay Fine Art Show, a weeklong event, celebrated creativity and excellence in the community. The art exhibition opened with a reception at Holladay City Hall on Feb. 7 and concluded on Feb. 12 with a final viewing, art sale and a jazz performance by Mina Thomas Brett & Old Soul.

The judges for the art exhibition were a panel of three well-known professional artists with a wide range of knowledge and expertise across various art mediums. According to the Holladay Arts Council judges’ biographical information, Robert Adamson is a professor in the Visual Art Department at Salt Lake Community College, where he teaches drawing, painting, portraiture, landscape painting and figure drawing. Hannah Elliott has over 10 years of experience in the Utah arts community and previously served as assistant curator and registrar at the Springville Museum of Art before joining the Utah Division of Arts & Museums. Virginia Catherall is a textile artist, knitwear designer and museum educator who has been Curator of Education at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts since 1994.

Numerous local artists have exhibited their work at the Holladay Fine Art Show since its inception 12 years ago, while other participants are relatively new to the event.

For the past two years, Holladay artist JoAn Coon has exhibited her work in the Holladay Fine Art Show. As a signature member of the Utah Watercolor Society, she has received awards for her watercolor and colored pencil paintings from the Utah State Fair, the Utah Watercolor Society, the Intermountain Society of Artists, and the Utah Division of Arts & Museums traveling exhibition.

“The painting I submitted to the show this year is a watercolor of a store window and bicycle in Bruges, Belgium,” Coon said. “The painting reminds me of the stories my

mother told of riding her bicycle through the Netherlands over cobblestones and the window display is of her favorite cologne. My recent move to Holladay has been wonderful. The art shows and events are outstanding. My elementary-aged grandchildren are also excited to enter their paintings for the second year. The Holladay Fine Art Show is a great family and community event.”

Krysta Dimick of South Salt Lake is a part-time artist, architect and mother of three. She draws artistic inspiration from her children’s creativity, hiking, travel, and the places we live, both built and natural.

“I entered the piece ‘Tabarelli,’ an ode to one of my favorite architects who worked with a female furniture designer on their home,” Dimick said. “I admired the collaboration and the colors. I always seek to suggest a spatial and architectural feeling in the details as another way to ‘visit’ these spaces.”

Another artist, Melissa Shaughnessy, lives in the Olympus Cove area, and her favorite painting medium is oil.

She has participated in the show for four years and shares her passion for painting flowers. “I enjoy capturing their essence and beauty. There’s nothing more spiritually beautiful to me than a flower garden full of mystery, exotic shapes and vibrant colors. I’ve never met a flower that I didn’t love!”

Holladay Fine Art Show First Place Winners

Professional Acrylic “Descending Light” artist Kamette Harmer

Amateur Acrylic “Untitled” artist Emily Monte

Professional Watercolor “Strength in Motion” artist Ruth Nichols

Amateur Watercolor “Boulangerie on Main” artist Nan Gray

Professional Oil “Tour de Scotland” artist

Thomas Embley

Amateur Oil “Castel Comb Garden” artist

Elizabeth Barney

Mixed Media “Upright” artist Rebecca A. Klundt

Sculpture/Textile “Peachy Keen” artist Franchesca Burrell Henicke

Print “Sun and Shadows on Mt. Olympus” artist Rob Chipman

Photography/Digital Media “Early Mass” artist Eric Lewis

Pastel/ColoredPencil/Graphite/Ink “Daughter of the West” artist Sara Austin

Student 13 to 18 “Resilience, Strength, and Fragility” artist Bree Ivory (17)

First Place, Sculpture/ Textile, “Peachy Keen,” by artist Franchesca Burrell Henicke. (Photo courtesy Megan Attermann)

Student 5 to 12 “Over the Great Salt Lake” artist Easton Belt (9)

To see a complete list of Holladay Fine Art Show 2026 winners, visit the Holladay Art Council website: www.holladayarts.org. l

March Is Endometriosis Awareness Month

FUnderstanding Endometriosis: Helping Women Avoid Struggling in Silence

or many women, pelvic pain is dismissed as “normal” or “just part of being a woman.”

But sometimes that pain is a symptom of a chronic condition called endometriosis that affects millions. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, infertility, and a range of other debilitating symptoms.

Endometriosis isn’t just about bad period cramps. It can lead to significant pain during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and is a leading cause of infertility

“The emotional and psychological toll of endometriosis can be immense, especially for women who dismiss their pain and go undiagnosed. This condition han have a profound impact on their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life,” said Lisa Hill, certified nurse midwife at Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley

Endometriosis is surprisingly common. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally. In our local community, this means thousands of women are likely living with endometriosis, many of whom may not even realize they have it. The delay in diagnosis is a critical concern,

with women often waiting an average of 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis. This delay can lead to the progression of the disease and increased severity of symptoms. Raising awareness is crucial to shorten this diagnostic journey for future generations.

“While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches are highly individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, and whether the woman desires to become pregnant,” said Dr. Christopher Hutchison, an OB/ GYN at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Common treatment options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) can help with mild pain, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for severe pain.

• Hormonal Therapies: These treatments aim to slow the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent new implants by regulating or blocking the hormones that fuel their growth.

• Conservative Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon can precisely locate and remove endo-

metrial implants while preserving reproductive organs. This can significantly reduce pain and improve fertility outcomes for some women.

• Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: In severe cases where other treatments have failed and childbearing is complete, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and/or ovaries (oophorectomy) may be considered, though this is typically a last resort and does not guarantee complete relief from symptoms.

• Complementary Therapies: Many women find relief through complementary approaches such as acupuncture, physical therapy, dietary changes, and stress management techniques.

If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent pelvic pain, unusually heavy periods, or difficulty conceiving, please don’t dismiss these symptoms. Talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are key to managing endometriosis and living a healthier, more comfortable life. CommonSpirit Health is committed to supporting women’s health and offers resources for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

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Granite Education Foundation reports successful Scouting for Food Day

Local Scouts helped collect 23,000 pounds of food.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

OnFeb. 7, Boy and Girl Scouts from across the region launched the multiday Scouting for Food donation and collection event. Scouting for Food has been a tradition now for decades, with this year’s installment marking its 40th anniversary. This particular event has operations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Scouting for Food is a collaboration between multiple agencies and Scout troops across the region. In Utah, the event is facilitated and aided by multiple organizations and agencies including the Utah Food Bank, the Utah National Guard and the Granite Education Foundation, which is Granite School District’s philanthropic organization. The Foundation has always dedicated time and effort to connecting the District’s families and students with meals, making its involvement in Scouting for Food a welcome inclusion.

Scouting for Food Day is a busy event and much prep work is required leading up to its February kickoff. Scouts used social media to promote the drive and share which nonperishable foods were most needed. This year’s campaign was named “Serving Oth-

Scouts worked alongside National Guard members to deliver the food collected across the state. (Love Communications)

ers…It’s the American Way.” The choice to name the campaign stemmed from the nationwide organization America250 celebrating its 250 years of American character, citizenship and community.

“Scouting for Food is more than a service project—it’s a living expression of what

makes America strong: neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lorna Koci, Scouting for Food chair. “When youth serve others, they learn compassion, leadership, responsibility— values that guided our nation for generations.”

From there, Scouts teamed up with members of the Utah National Guard, working side-by-side to prepare all of the donated food for delivery. The food was then delivered by volunteers and Guard members.

“We are proud to continue this tradition of service, especially in a year when our nation is reflecting on 250 years,” said Allen Endicott, Scout executive of Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is a powerful example of young people living the Scout Oath by helping others and making a real difference.”

Programs like Scouting for Food are important community mainstays, especially considering the current hunger rates that the state of Utah is facing. Currently, in Utah, one in 10 children face food insecurity. Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, defines food insecurity as the following:

“Food insecurity is when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. It’s a big problem in the United States where 48 million people including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually.”

According to Feeding America, the biggest causes and risk factors for food insecurity are income-related challenges, high cost of living, community issues, health-related problems and systemic barriers to opportunity.

LUNCH: MON - FRI 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM DINNER: MON - THU 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM

This year, organizers set a goal to gather 120,000 pounds of food with help from 6,000 Scouts and 2,500 adult volunteers. The accumulated food was then distributed to local communities in Utah, southern Idaho and western Wyoming. The specific goal of 120,000 pounds was set after Scouts collected that amount during last year’s event.

On collection day, Scouts posted at Smith’s grocery stores across the state, taking nonperishable food donations from the public. As shoppers entered the store, Scouts informed them of the event and invited them to participate. Those who wished to participate were given a list of food items they could pick up during their shopping trip and leave with the Scouts upon completion.

Continued from front page

have adequate time to listen to residents and making sure elected officials build that conversation into their own planning and into the process is critical. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that. I wish the residents understood how critical the services we provide are to their day-to-day lives.”

Over the last decade, Holladay has improved road quality, invested in development, attracted businesses that fit the community, expanded the sidewalk system and recently acquired the Spring Lane Elementary property to develop a new park.

Chamness builds bridges between elected officials, residents and city staff, while working with other government agencies, organizations and committees to create a city

The event comes at a much needed time, as food banks often report a significant decrease in donations following the end of the holiday season.

As the food drive concluded, Granite Education Foundation reported that Granite School District Scouts were able to raise 23,000 pounds of food.

“This effort shows what happens when civic groups, businesses and families unite for a common cause,” said Ken Jeppensen, council president for the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is service in action—it’s The American Way.” l

that residents are proud of.

“I think the best attribute for describing Gina’s success would be ‘trust,’” said Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham. “My colleagues on the council have always felt a keen sense of trust for Gina; trust in her judgment, trust in the depth and breadth of her expertise from budgetary and legal issues to citizen engagement and public policy.”

Chamness admits the job as city manager is stressful, but she’s comfortable with conflict, especially when it leads to a better outcome for Holladay. She encourages women to pursue leadership roles, whether in government or business.

“I tell women, you could absolutely do this,” she said. “I really do feel like I have the best job in the valley.” l

COUNCIL MESSAGE

Working Together to Reduce Accidents

In 2025, Holladay City residents were surveyed about their goals, vision and plans for Holladay in the future. What would they like their neighborhoods to look like? How would they like their stores, parks and streets to function? What is the environment they envision for their children and grandchildren? One of the key findings from the survey results was that Holladay residents desire a walkable, connected community.

Holladay will likely always have a need to accommodate cars,but with increased desire for walking, biking and other active transportation opportunities, we need to ensure that pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars are all able to travel safely throughout our city. Unfortunately, Utah has seen a concerning rise in pedestrian fatalities in recent years. Because of shorter daylight hours, these accidents increase during the winter months. Like many of the problems we see in our country we can benefit from a “shared responsibility” approach where both pedestrians and drivers take ownership of reducing accidents.

As drivers, we need to expect pedestrians. We must lower our speed and increase our awareness. This is especially true in high-traffic areas like downtown Holladay, near our schools, and in our residential neighborhoods. Holladay has many neighborhoods that lack sidewalks, where people often walk on the side of the road, creating areas of increased risk. These precautions are especially important when it is dark and when the sun shines directly into your eyes.

In addition, drivers must yield at both lighted and unlighted crosswalks, as well as to stopped school buses. Utah has seen a dramatic increase in the number of cars that are passing stopped school buses. This is not only illegal but is incredibly dangerous.

In all areas, drivers need to make sure that they do not drive distracted or impaired. The consequences for distracted and impaired driving increase with the increased numbers of pedestrians who are out. It is also especially important that we model non-distracted driving for our children, so that as they are learning to drive, they don’t develop these bad habits.

Holladay City Hall to Temporarily Move to Millcreek

Due to construction for a seismic retrofit of City Hall, we will be temporarily moving to a location in Millcreek (3330 S 1300 E) in April.

Some quick facts regarding our temporary move:

• Due to construction for a seismic retrofit of City Hall, we will be temporarily moving to a location in Millcreek (3330 S 1300 E) in April.

• We’ll be opening the doors to our “Millcreek Campus” on April 1st, 2026

• The renovation project is anticipated to be complete by September, 2027, upon which we will be promptly returning home.

• Holladay City Park will remain open to the public during construction! We will be sharing further information on how some events and regular programming will be adjusted to accommodate our move.

• The Justice Court is coming with us to Millcreek, but the UPD Holladay Precinct will remain at our current address (4580 S 2300 E).

• We will still be available via phone at (801)272-9450 pedestrians.

While pedestrians have the right of way on our city streets, there is much they can do to increase their safety. The number one thing pedestrians can do to improve their own safety is to wear reflective gear or carry lights that can make them easier to see. LED clips, reflective tags, and flashlights’ usefulness far outweighs their small cost. In addition, pedestrians need to make sure that they cross at designated crosswalks and take advantage of crossing lights or flags if they are available. It is also helpful before crossing to make eye contact with the driver so that you know they see you before you cross.

Both drivers and pedestrians can do more to reduce the number of accidents we see in Holladay. We all want this city to be a safe place for our parents and our children to be outside and enjoy all that the community has to offer. If we work together, we can continue to make that goal a reality.

—Council Member Emily Gray, District 5

Should I Water my Trees and Shrubs in Winter?

Typically, we do not need to think about winter watering in northern Utah, but since November, temperatures have been warm, and snow and rain have been severely lacking. If the ground is not frozen, tree roots are still active and need water.

Here are some watering recommendations from Utah State University, and the Arbor Day Foundation. If your irrigation water is turned off, either use buckets of water from another source or plan to water deeply once your irrigation is on in the spring.

GENERAL INFO

• For watering, fill 5-gal buckets with holes in the bottoms, move the buckets around the tree.

• Some recommend about 10 gal water per inch of the tree’s diameter.

• Only apply water when the day is going to be 40F or above, and no precipitation has fallen recently. This will prevent the newly-applied water from freezing.

• Water in mid-day to allow for soaking into the soil.

• Trees that are near buildings or streets with reflected heat are more sensitive to root damage and need more water.

• Trees in exposed, windy areas are more sensitive to damage and would need more water.

DECIDUOUS TREES

• For trees that have been in the ground more than 4 years, water once or twice per month during periods of no snow or rain.

• For young trees that are newly-planted and up to 4 years in the ground, water twice per month.

• Add mulch around the base of trees after watering to preserve soil moisture and prevent freeze/thaw.

EVERGREEN

TREES

• For pines, spruces, etc., apply water every other week. Evergreens lose more water during winter because needles are transpiring on warmer days.

• Add mulch around the base of trees after watering (if there is no mulch there) to preserve soil moisture and prevent freeze/thaw.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Paul Fotheringham, Mayor pfotheringham@holladayut.gov 801-424-3058

David Sundwall, District 1 dsundwall@holladayut.gov 801-633-5753

Matt Durham, District 2 mdurham@holladayut.gov 801-999-0781

Natalie Bradley, District 3 nbradley@holladayut.gov 801-243-1139

Drew Quinn, District 4 dquinn@holladayut.gov 801-860-6130

Emily Gray, District 5 egray@holladayut.gov 801-755-3477

Gina Chamness, City Manager gchamness@holladayut.gov

PUBLIC MEETINGS: City Council – rst and third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Planning Commission – rst and third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.

2025 Accomplishments

Lina Costa – Communications & Engagement Manager

As we make headway into 2026, we’d like to look back on what we accomplished together in 2025. This year ushered in a significant period of transition and continued progress for our city. With 2025 being his final year in office, we extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Rob Dahle and Council Member Ty Brewer for the many years of committed service and judicious guidance he gave to our community.

We were privileged to welcome new leadership with the election of City Council members Natalie Bradley and David Sundwall, and former Councilmember Paul Fotheringham as our new mayor. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue serving residents, strengthening our community, and planning thoughtfully for the future.

Throughout the year, City staff, elected officials, volunteers, and community partners worked hard to advance key projects, expand programs, and maintain the high level of service you expect.

We’re excited to share some highlights from 2025 with you!

City Council continues to prioritize responsible stewardship of public funds. Last year, we were proud to announce that, thanks to thoughtful leadership and careful financial decisions, Holladay received a AAA general credit rating, the highest possible score. This allowed us to secure bond funding for two major projects, namely the City Hall seismic retrofit and the Spring Lane park project.

Furthermore, the City continues to leverage outside funding to supplement local resources and expand what we can offer to our community. Our staff works diligently to procure competitive grants from a variety of sources. In 2025, Holladay secured approximately $8.76 million in grant funding that will support infrastructure improvements, community programs, and capital projects.

Several major projects advanced during 2025. The City executed a long-term lease with Granite School District to develop the site of the former Spring Lane Elementary

March Brings New Beginnings

Salt Lake County Animal Services

into a future public park. A lease-revenue bond was issued to support both the long overdue City Hall seismic retrofit and renovation project and the Spring Lane Park development. The Rooted Together project was installed, including a history walk in City Park and history monuments in key public places throughout the community.

The City’s Public Services Department completed several projects and upgrades focused on sustainability, safety, and long-term infrastructure performance. Approximately 4,500 feet of storm drain pipe were rehabilitated using cured-in-place lining technology to prevent deterioration and reduce the risk of roadway failures. The Highland Circle bridge over Big Cottonwood Creek was re-decked and widened, with new safety barriers and drainage improvements enhancing long-term performance and public safety.

The City’s Community and Economic Development Department completed a yearlong process to update Holladay’s General Plan, resulting in Holladay Horizons 2035, a comprehensive planning tool shaped by public input to guide future decision-making and growth. Check it out on the City’s website.

Progress continued at Royal Holladay Hills (formerly the Cottonwood Mall site), where the first residential and commercial tenants moved in for the first time since 2005! At approximately 25% of its buildout potential, the redevelopment is providing new housing opportunities and retail experiences for the community.

Arts and cultural programming experienced impressive growth in 2025. The Arts Council and the Historical Commission hosted more than 40 events with total attendance reaching 25,681 participants, a nearly 6,000 person increase from 2024. The Historical Commission’s annual Historic Home Tour welcomed 10,745 visitors, and Holladay Arts produced its inaugural community theatre production of Newsies. These efforts supported nearly 2,500 artists through the myriad programs and events.

Community support remained strong, with more than 500 volunteers contributing over 1,500 hours of service, the equivalent to $54,000 in donated time.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work to serve you, and thank you for making Holladay your home!

Spring is almost here, and at the shelter, you can feel it in the air! Longer days, warmer weather, and a little extra sunshine mean fresh starts — for our team, our volunteers, and especially the animals waiting for their forever homes.

This time of year is busy. More dogs and cats are coming in, which means more hands are needed to help with care, enrichment, and socialization. That’s where our amazing volunteers and foster families make all the difference. Even small moments — a walk, a play session, a tasty treat, or a cozy foster bed — can brighten an animal’s day in a big way.

Want to help make new beginnings possible? Here’s how:

Foster a pet: fosters@saltlakecounty.gov

Volunteer at the shelter: animalvolunteer@saltlakecounty.gov

Every bit of help matters. By fostering, volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our posts, you’re giving animals a chance to thrive and find the loving homes they deserve. Thank you for being part of our community and helping create new beginnings — one paw at a time.

LIBRARY HAPPENINGS

Decades Month: Music Bingo

Monday, March 30th 6 pm to 8 pm

Hear a song, sing-along and get bingo! Play music bingo with songs from across the decades to win prizes.

Letter Writing Social

Wednesday, March 25th 6 pm to 8 pm

Write letters, journal, and enjoy the company of others. Supplies and hot drinks provided. Try out different fountain pens and inks with the owner of Parry’s Office Supply.

Naloxone Training

Wednesday, March 18th 6:30 to 8:30

Administering Naloxone can save someone’s life. Learn how to do it and pick up a Naloxone kit for your first aid supplies.

Top spellers to compete at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee

The Greater Northern Spelling Bee will be held on Saturday, March 7, at Wasatch Jr. High.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

More than 100 schools will be represented at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at Wasatch Jr. High in Millcreek (3750 S. 3100 East). Sponsored by the City Journals community newspapers, the winner of the event will travel to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee during the final week of May.

Students participating in the regional bee will complete a written test before the competition, and everyone will have the opportunity to spell one word on stage. After finalizing the written test results, the top spellers will be announced and they will compete for the state championship, starting at approximately 11 a.m.

“The spelling bee teaches children the importance of hard work and aiming for the best,” said City Journals People Leader Elizabeth Sweat. “Preparing for an experience like this helps them gain confidence while strengthening language skills that further their education.”

The City Journals has hosted the regional spelling bee since 2014 and covers the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott is proud to host the event each year, allowing these students to shine.

“I’ve been honored to host and sponsor this event for the last 12 years because it’s an investment in future leaders,” Scott said. “It’s been so much fun sending the winner to Washington, D.C., and watching them compete at the highest level. We’ve had some really smart kids come through this program.”

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik from Challenger School Traverse Mountain, won the regional bee and took the stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, finishing tied for 36th.

Help send the regional champion to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee by donating through the QR code. l

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik, won the Northern Utah Regional Spelling Bee presented by the City Journals and went to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national bee. This year’s regional bee will be held on Saturday, March 7. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

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Residents fight back against proposed gravel mine

By Alexandra Straumann a.straumann@mycityjournals.com

Hundredsof residents came together at Millcreek City Hall to voice their concerns about a proposed gravel mine to be located in Parley’s Canyon. The open-air mine would be built by Granite Construction Company (GCC), a California-based company, on a 6-acre plot just 2 miles up Parley’s Canyon.

The permit for the mine was originally submitted in 2022 with a request to make the mine cover 20 acres, but the revised 6-acre operating permit was submitted in August of 2025. The revised plan is set to be approved by the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ), a state-run organization responsible for monitoring the standard of air across Utah, whose representatives were present at the meeting.

While the updated plan implies the intent to generate a smaller-scale operation, some worry the mine could expand far beyond its stated intent. Utah State Legislature HB 355 permits mines to widen their scope of operations beyond the original boundaries and prevents local governments from denying the expansion.

For concerned residents, the potential of this weighs more like a promise, as representatives of GCC have previously indicated their long-term vision of turning the mine in to a 635-acre quarry in Parley’s Canyon.

Dr. Brian Moench was present at the meeting and offered a clinical perspective on the impacts of corporate interest-based decision making. Moench serves as presi-

ticularly vulnerable to its harmful effects. Toxic dust and inhalants being released into the air create increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses, cancer and asthma.

Millcreek Mayor Cheri Jackson was present at the meeting to voice concerns as a representative of Millcreek. Prior to the meeting, the mayor and councilmembers had submitted a letter to DAQ citing evidence to support their concerns over the mine’s development, proposed and potential operations.

During public comment, Jackson stated that GCC has not once attempted to speak with her to discuss the project plans, but noted the company has made many legal challenges to the Utah governing bodies attempting to stop or slow the implementation of the project.

dent of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. He explained that Utah’s lack of regulations makes the state a prime target for the mining industry, calling Utah, “the No. 1 stooges for the mining industry in the entire world.”

“They’re trying to get their foot in the door now with an extremely small mine that doesn’t make any economic sense,” he said. “If this mine actually happens, it will be the poster child of an utterly failed Utah state government.”

The proposal has been widely unpopular since its first announcement in 2022, evidenced by a petition that garnered 20,000 signatures opposing the mine (as of press deadline, it was at over 27,000). Those in attendance had the opportunity to speak directly to the DAQ and residents did not hold back about their worries.

The potential location of the mine leaves residents par-

Salt Lake County has previously attempted to put their own regulations in place to mitigate corporation’s ability to use the area in Parley’s Canyon. In 2022, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously voted to prohibit mining within the Wasatch foothills and Canyon Overlay Zone. This decision was almost immediately challenged by GCC, and the strength of the company’s financial power is not lost on residents and community leaders determined to fight for their quality of life.

When describing the gravity of the situation, Jackson said, “These are not hypotheticals...I visibly see the dust coming out of the canyon. This is not just a one time or a couple of times a year thing, it’s something we live with daily.”

DAQ’s presence at the meeting was to hear public comments. A statement will likely be released along with their final decision, which is not expected to be made for at least a month. To find updates on the status of the decision and the estimated impacts visit www.saveparleys.org. l

answered questions. Healing, as Smithson emphasizes, is not a race. It is a long, inten-

long-term, compassionate support rooted

The statistics are sobering. One in three women will experience abuse in her lifetime. Yet numbers fail to capture the bravery required to reach out for help. At Beauty from Ashes, the first goal is simple but profound—that every woman feels heard, believed and respected. There is no pressure to make immediate decisions, no imposed timelines and no shame. Survivors are met exactly where they are.

What distinguishes Beauty from Ashes is its emphasis on empowerment rather than rescue. Women are not told what to do; they are supported as they reclaim agency over their own lives. Trained advocates walk alongside survivors as they explore options, build safety plans and begin to trust their voices again. Support groups offer something many women have never experienced before: a space where their stories are met with understanding rather than doubt.

Healing often extends beyond emotional wounds. Trauma can fracture trust, relationships and even faith. For some survivors, spiritual manipulation or deep disappointment has made it difficult to reengage with God at all. Beauty from Ashes honors that complexity, allowing women to move at their own pace—whether that means studying scripture together or simply holding space for grief, anger and un-

Hope, however, has a way of appearing in unexpected places. Smithson recalls women facing overwhelming odds—no financial support, limited community and ongoing hardship—who nonetheless find stability, provision and renewed purpose through faith and connection. Many eventually give back, becoming advocates themselves. These stories are reminders that restoration is not theoretical. It is happening, one life at a time.

March also invites reflection. It asks what must be released for growth to occur. For survivors, that first step might be journaling to recognize patterns, seeking trauma-informed counseling, setting boundaries, or simply speaking the truth aloud. Truth, after all, is often where freedom begins.

Perhaps the most important message is this: no woman has to walk this path alone. Fear thrives in isolation, but healing grows in safe, supportive community. When women are believed, empowered, and surrounded by care, even the deepest wounds can give way to something new.

For those seeking support, or for individuals interested in volunteering or getting involved, Beauty from Ashes Ministries welcomes connection. Help is available, and no one has to navigate abuse or healing alone. To learn more about services, request support or explore volunteer opportunities, visit www.BeautyfromAshesMinistries.org.

To hear more stories like this and learn how women are reclaiming hope and purpose, listen to the Holly’s Highlights podcast wherever you stream podcasts and at www.hollycurby.com. l

Nominate a Utah Top Workplace for 2026

Great workplaces don’t happen by accident. They are nurtured and built to bring out the best in people. If you know of one, nominate it as a Utah Top Workplace.

For the 13th year, employers with outstanding workplace culture in the state will compete for Utah Top Workplaces recognition. This is the first year the award is in partnership with the Salt Lake Business Journal. Any organization with 35 or more employees in the state is eligible to compete for a Top Workplaces award. Standout companies will be honored in fall 2026.

The nomination deadline is April 10. Anyone can nominate an outstanding employer: Public, private, nonprofit, a school or even a government agency. To nominate an employer or for more information on the awards, visit slenterprise.com/nominate or call 801-803-6841.

There is no cost to participate. To qualify as a Utah Top Workplace, employees evaluate their workplace using a short 26-question survey that takes a few minutes to complete. Companies will be surveyed through late June.

“As a people and culture leader, I know the strongest organizations invite honest feedback and use it to get better,” said Eliz-

abeth Sweat, people and culture leader of the City Journals and Salt Lake Business Journal. “Utah Top Workplaces provides leaders with a meaningful way to measure culture, celebrate what’s working and identify opportunities to invest even more intentionally in their people.”

Energage, the Pennsylvania-based research partner for the project, conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media in 65 markets nationwide and surveyed more than two million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the past year.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a celebration of excellence,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “It serves as a reminder of the vital role a people-first workplace experience plays in achieving success.”

For the 2025 awards, more than 3,500 organizations in Utah were invited to survey their employees. Based on employee survey feedback, 154 earned recognition as Top Workplaces. l

Monthly memberships for physical and mental health care

Companies

By Cassie Goff cassie.g@thecityjournals.com

Paying a monthly membership is a somewhat expected norm now for services like streaming, deliveries, spas and gyms – but what about health care? Medallus Medical has been reimagining what healthcare can look like for individuals, families and companies.

“We come up with innovative solutions to help people with high deductibles and companies who have increasing health care costs and reduce those while giving quality care with friendly delivery,” said the founder of Medallus Medical Dr. Rachot Vachathrone.

Working in the healthcare industry since 1997, Vachathrone noticed his patients were waiting until their health was severe before seeking treatment. They would tell him about their stresses and fears of high insurance deductibles and co-pays. Vachathrone began imagining how he might encourage patients to be more proactive with their healthcare if it were more affordable.

“Insurance is supposed to be for major things like surgeries and, God forbid, cancer or any of those diagnoses,” said Chief Business Development Officer Arliss Fernandez. “For everyday things like a cold,

vide patients with predictable access to care at an affordable monthly rate.

“Medicine should not be expensive,” Fernandez said. “We are trying to transition where we’re not going to be so reliant on insurance. It gives the opportunity for the provider to have more one-on-one with the patient.”

Medallus Medical offers urgent care and walk-in primary care for individuals, families, school districts, companies and cooperations based on a monthly membership structure. Medallus Medical can treat minor injuries and illnesses to ongoing primary care needs with basic labs and in-office procedures.

“If you look at the local school districts, their insurance is just skyrocketing and it’s out of control. It shouldn’t be that way. We are being an advocate…to structure insurance correctly and give insurance to employees that they’re going to use,” Fernandez said.

“We decided to make it walk-in. That way our day is not scheduled full and patients don’t have to go somewhere else and wait another day,” Vachathrone said.

This year, Medallus Medical is work-

program where patients have zero copays for medications.

“We are growing, improving our services, and expanding our employer programs because we believe families and businesses deserve better options than what traditional healthcare usually provides,” Fernandez said. “Mental health and medications are what people need.”

New companies signing up for Medallus Medical’s membership and/or programs can meet with their Patient Advocate Team who will visit with their employees to teach them how to use the Medallus membership and invite them in for their first primary care visit.

“We want you to be proactive,” Fernandez said. “If you’re getting vitals checked or same-day prescription refills – just walk-in. We encourage that.”

Medallus Medical has eight locations throughout the Wasatch Front; all open at 9 a.m. and close at either 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Medallus Medical’s urgent care locations can be found in: Holladay (3934 S. 2300 East), Draper (1126 E. Draper Pkwy.), Sandy (7998 S. 1300 East), South Jordan (10433 S. Redwood Road), Riverton (13348 S. Mar-

women’s SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

The small team holding up the hope of change for Utah women

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

The Utah Women and Leadership Project, founded by Susan Madsen, is a research pumping machine with a goal of making Utah a better place by empowering women and removing obstacles.

A lone silhouette is a harsh contrast against the glare of a lit monitor.

Before the sun comes up, Susan Madsen sits at her computer: inbox and task list open for the day. While the house is quiet, her inbox starts to fill up for the day.

“Early morning…it’s been invaluable for me,” she said. “I always was up earlier than anybody, and it would be quiet, and I could make sense of the world.”

She uses the slow time to plan out her day and answer each email, following her team standard that “everyone deserves an answer.”

“I have a process of looking at my day, looking at my workload, figuring things out,” she said. “I reprioritize every single day.”

She might even reprioritize multiple times in a day. She’s constantly moving and pushing forward despite the odds and a small team.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship at Utah State University, is the founder of the Utah Women and Leadership Project, which has published 21 research-based white paper reports, 65 research snapshots and infographics, 68 research and policy briefs and hosted 45 “Think Tank” gatherings in Utah since 2010.

Madsen and four full-time employees — associate director Brie Sparks, local outreach and curriculum manager Deborah Lin, marketing and communications coordinator Emmalee Chastain, program assistant Kylie Hollingsworth — have made a

big push to raise awareness of the existing gaps in Utah for girls and women.

“Our work is having an impact across the state, and that is what motivates me,” Lin said. “In my role, I have visited 20 of our 29 Utah counties to get to know residents and build relationships to help with grassroots efforts to raise awareness and impact change around issues facing girls, women and families.”

“Everywhere I have been, men and women recognize the need for change.”

The “change” she is referring to encompasses topics like making more leadership opportunities available for more women, daycare options in the state, and homelessness resources for women.

Currently, the project involves close to 7,000 people statewide, with 500 partners and 300 leaders in different counties and cities, Madsen said.

Four counties and seven cities/towns have passed official resolutions to support the project’s initiative they call “A Bolder Way Forward.”

“Our efforts to equip Utah communities with the data and resources needed to help more girls, women and families thrive are just one piece of the way forward,” Sparks said. “Creating lasting change for future generations of girls and women requires a systems-based approach, and I’m honored to help build the strategic connections that make that possible.”

Madsen admits that it hasn’t been

easy for any of them, but she continues in her efforts because she feels called to help women through the best way she knows how: research.

“What has driven me for decades is research,” she said, “and getting it into the hands of people that are making decisions.”

And in the hands of decision makers it is.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship and affiliation with USU, considers herself an activist and encourages others to be too. She is frequently on Capitol Hill

advocating for change with her research and “works alongside legislators.”

“We should all be advocates and into the work of social justice,” she said. “If we care about other people, if we care about our communities, if we care about our state, if we care about our extended family, if we care about any of that, we should be in whatever topic connects with us.”

For the research and recommendations on how to get involved in UWLP for Salt Lake County or any other country in the state, visit www.usu.edu/uwlp/research/what-can-i-do.

Utah Women’s Day in Sports empowers next generation of female athletes

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 400 high school student-athletes from across the state gathered for a morning focused on teamwork, leadership, mental health and empowerment in girls’ sports.

It began as a simple game of rock, paper, scissors, but quickly became a lesson in teamwork. Everyone played at first, then losers backed their opponents until only two players remained. Silence fell as they competed, then cheers erupted when the round ended in a tie. After four rounds, one girl finally emerged victorious.

The exercise wasn’t about winning, but about being a good teammate.

“How does it feel to be celebrated by your peers?” asked Poudre School District (Fort Collins, Colorado) health and physical education coordinator Jo Dixon, who emphasized that every player has a role — scorer, defender, supporter, teammate. “Being a part of someone else’s fan club is just as important and powerful as being in the spotlight, because lifting others up feels awesome.”

The interactive activity was part of a breakout session at the third annual Utah Women’s Day in Sports conference held Feb. 4 at the Delta Center, the day before National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

Dixon continued the partner activities designed to build unity. Student-athletes stood toe-to-toe and told each other: “Everyone is battling something in life, and I’m glad you’re battling with me.” Then, they stood back-to-back and said, “I’m so glad someone has my back — and I have yours.” The activity ended with a pinky promise and the words: “I pinky promise to help you unlock your greatness so the world can see it like I do.”

“We want you to be a good teammate from the inside out,” Dixon said.

The event’s origin began with Andee Bouwhuis, past president of Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Deseret Peak High School athletic director, along with Utah High School Activities Association Assistant Director Jan Whittaker and UIAAA communications coordinator and Cedar Valley High School Athletic Director Sharon Mardesich.

“Our goal is female empowerment; support our female athletes; grow leaders,” Bouwhuis said. “We’re letting these female athletes know that we hear them and we see them. We want them to be successful.”

More than 400 student-athletes statewide attended, supported by about 100 coaches and athletic directors. Participation from each school was limited to ensure broader representation.

“The athletes are charged to take back what they learned and teach it to their teammates,” she said.

Another breakout session focused on nutrition, led by Intermountain Health’s Josseline Kelley, who emphasized fueling, hydration and sleep.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re eating something every three to four hours as athletes,” she said as she gave the student-athletes specific suggestions. “The worst thing you can do is go into a competition or training session without fueling. Under fueling can be very common in teens.”

University of Utah Assistant Director of Olympic Sport Performance Carly Fehler addressed competing in college athletics.

“Your whole life is going to change

overnight,” Fehler said. “Your city, your bed, your routine, your team and coach. Literally, everything changes. And are you prepared for that? Only nine percent of high school girls will go on to play in college. Two percent of all high school athletes will play Division I.”

While some student-athletes attended workshops, adults participated in a “Coach Beyond” session focused on supporting athlete mental health.

“I’ve been an athlete for my whole life, and I’ve seen the way mental health affects the performances of athletes,” said college athlete and presenter Makayla Pitcher. “Coaches are the front line, so it’s important for them to understand and help.”

Cottonwood High Principal and presenter Justin Pitcher emphasized the need for better training and resources for coaches.

“We need to do better by our athletes here in Utah, he said. “Our data shows over half of every female team has experienced significant sadness or depression. We look at our coaches and their training. Many of them were former athletes so they understand the game well, but they don’t always know how best to handle these tough situations that we’ve been put in.”

Speaker Amy Donaldson highlighted the origins of Title IX and opportunities it presented.

“They drafted a piece of legislation that was unlike today, with 37 words,” she said. “Even though everyone thought it was this little administrative adjustment…they had no idea of (the impact of) that law.”

Donaldson encouraged student-athletes to examine their journey, to be optimistic, to wire their brains for gratitude and forgiveness, to know “no accomplishment is an individual accomplishment.”

Karissa Niehoff, National Federation of State High School Association’s executive director and CEO, challenged the next generation to continue advancing opportunities for women.

“Look at the women who came before us, and look at where we are now, and look at the future of growth in women’s and girls’ sports,” she said. “We’ve come a long way. As a woman CEO in a sports world, I feel blessed, but I challenge you as a younger generation…to carry this forward. We have to be committed to working forward so we continue the growth we need in girls who play sports in Utah.”

UHSAA Assistant Director Jeff Cluff said the progress in girls sports, including expanded championships and the addition of girls wrestling, has helped to equalize opportunities.

“We’re trying to create equal opportunities for the girls that boys have been getting for years,” he said. “We have still more to do and more to change.”

Copper Hills High seniors Brynlee Morton and Kaysha Millet said the conference left a lasting impression.

“I love how inclusive it is,” Morton said. “Everyone has valuable knowledge, and they’re sharing their expertise with us.”

Millet added: “They’re spreading awareness and information; it’s empowering to us as women athletes.”

Women are stepping up to lead Utah’s cities

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Female mayors move from the exception to the norm.

When South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood was first elected in 2010, she was a notable exception. Along with Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini, Wood was only the second female mayor serving in Salt Lake County at the time.

She and other women, including Riverton Mayor Sandra Lloyd, Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger and Holladay Mayor Liane Stillman, were trailblazers and glass ceiling-breakers, setting the stage for women to take the lead, and it’s paying off.

“It’s always been a passion project for me to make sure we have women at tables where decisions are being made,” Wood said. “So I’m always encouraging women to run for office.”

Entering such a male-dominated field wasn’t easy. While many of their male counterparts offered support and encouragement, the women also encountered misogyny and roadblocks. Learning to navigate their leadership roles took patience, balance and a thick skin in order to stay the course while representing their cities.

Now, many cities in Salt Lake County are led by female mayors, including the new-

ly elected Cottonwood Heights Mayor Gay Lynn Bennion and Riverton Mayor Tish Buroker. Add in Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, and female leadership is becoming the norm, rather than the exception.

“It is so important that young women and young men see women in leadership,” Bennion said. “It’s important for them to know that women can do a great job as leaders.”

Organizations like Utah Women Run and the Women’s Leadership Institute have provided training for women who want a leadership role, whether in politics or business. Women are taught to participate on boards, campaign, fundraise, advocate for themselves and develop a platform and voice that others want to follow.

Initiatives like A Bolder Way Forward focus on creating safe spaces for women in boardrooms, education, political office and civic organizations.

WLI’s Director of Programs and Operations, Nicole Carpenter, said the organization’s founder, Pat Jones, is a former Utah Senator who believes women need a seat at the table.

“We need the voices of women in all areas of leadership, particularly on Capitol

Hill, where women can make decisions,” Carpenter said. “It’s important for women to have a vote, but it’s even more important for women to have a voice. To have a voice in those political circles, you need to hold an office, or you need to be a lobbyist, or have some type of political influence. So we encourage women to run for political office.”

It’s not just Salt Lake County; Utah County and Davis County have also had their share of female leaders, including Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran, who was just elected to her second term. Not only is she a political leader, but she’s the CEO of a tech company, Rylex.

“When I became a mayor five years ago, for my first term, there were nine mayors who were new in Davis County, so almost half, since there are 15 cities,” Tran said. “Nine of us were new and three of us were women, so it was awesome to mentor each other and learn from each other. Women can see things in such a unique way, because we bring different perspectives to the room.”

Tran hopes more women run for political office, whether on the local, state or federal level, but acknowledges some women worry about balancing leadership roles with family.

Wood was a single mother, raising two boys, when she became mayor in SSL. She understands the fear and uncertainty, but she found support and people who believed

in her. She said behaviors are slowly changing, with more understanding and empathy for women in leadership.

“I know it’s intimidating,” Wood said. “But there’s so much value to having different lived experiences and perspectives on councils and in elected office seats. When you invite all of those perspectives and give them a safe place to be heard, that’s when you’re going to solve big problems.”

For information about running for office, visit UtahWomenRun.org.

Sen. Luz Escamilla is presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The senator was recognized for her work championing families and justice.

Each year, the Salt Lake NAACP recognizes a community leader who advocates for justice, equal opportunity and community empowerment. At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Luncheon in January, Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla was honored with this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award.

Escamilla was elected to the Utah Senate in 2008 and is now serving her fifth term, representing Senate District 10, which covers portions of Salt Lake City and West Valley. Escamilla serves as vicechair of the Senate Ethics committee and champions policies she believes strengthen families, expand opportunity and protect the rights of all Utahns.

“Dr. King taught us that the greatest danger to justice is not loud hatred, but quiet acceptance,” she said. “Not just overt cruelty, but systems that institutionalize injustice. He warned us that injustice thrives when it is legalized, bureaucratized and justified as necessary. This lesson matters. It mattered then, and it matters now more

than ever, especially here in Utah.”

This year’s award theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” reflects King’s call for action and accountability in the face of injustice. At the luncheon, Escamilla spoke out against a proposed 7,500-bed ICE detention center in Salt Lake and said Utah faces a moral crossroad where people must decide whether they choose fear or courage, whether they will learn from history or repeat harsh lessons from the past.

“As a woman of color and an immigrant, I carry this reality with me every day, and I feel for all the families and children who are fearful that you can’t believe in the power of the beloved community,” she said. “Dr. King often reminded us that the law is not the same as justice. He challenged the idea that legality alone makes something right. He called on people of conscience to disrupt unjust systems even when they were politically inconvenient.”

Salt Lake NAACP President Jeanetta Williams said the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award recognizes individuals whose service and leadership advance the ideas of advocacy and a deep commitment to equity.

The organization is dedicated to ensuring the political, educational, social and

economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminating discrimination based on race. Williams said Escamilla’s accomplishments include helping to establish the West High School medical clinic for students and fighting for social justice for people across all demographics.

“The award honors a Utah citizen whose work has advanced civil rights in our state through Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence,” Williams said. “We looked at a lot of the legislative bills that Sen. Escamilla had worked on, some passed, some didn’t, but for the most part, the bills affected the entire state of Utah and followed the vision of Dr. King.”

Originally from Mexico, Escamilla became the first immigrant elected to the Utah Legislature and the first Latina elected to the Utah Senate. She said she’s committed to building community as a promise to protect each other, especially during times of fear.

“To everyone else: organizing and advocating and speaking out at this moment, you are carrying the legacy of Dr. King,” Escamilla said. “I accept this award, and I celebrate it in a personal way, but I’m also seeing it as a charge. A charge to speak the truth, to stand firm and not be afraid, and to ensure that when history looks back

Utah State Sen. Luz Escamilla addresses those attending the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Luncheon, where she received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award. (Photo courtesy of Luz Escamilla)

on this moment, it will say that Utah did the right thing and that we choose justice, that we choose courage, and that we choose each other, with love.”

Four Simple Ways to Build a Happier Life

As a county councilmember, I spend a lot of time listening to concerns from constituents. I hear from parents who are stretched thin, seniors who feel lonely, young people who are anxious about the future, and workers who feel burned out even when they’re doing everything “right.” One thing is clear: many people are searching for happiness, but they aren’t sure where to find it.

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3

Research from social scientists points to a clear answer. Happiness does not come from money alone, social media attention, or having an easier life. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, social scientist and bestselling author teaches the science of happiness. He says that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friendship and meaningful work.

The first is faith. People are happier when they believe their lives matter and are part of something bigger than themselves. For some, this comes from faith or spiritual beliefs. For others, it comes from serving their community, caring for others or living by strong values. Faith gives people strength during hard times and helps them see challenges as part of a larger purpose. Even small habits—like volunteering, mentoring, or reflecting on what matters most— can build a deeper sense of meaning.

The second is family. Strong family relationships are one of the most reli-

able sources of long-term happiness. This doesn’t mean family life is easy. It takes patience, forgiveness and time. But people who invest in their families tend to feel more supported and less alone. Family can mean parents and children, grandparents, chosen family or relatives who show up when it counts. Simple actions—shared meals, regular check-ins or family traditions—can make a big difference.

The third is friendship. Healthy friendships protect people from loneliness and stress. They give us someone to laugh with, talk to and lean on when life gets hard. Yet friendships often get pushed aside by busy schedules and screens. Reaching out, making time for face-toface connection, and being present for others helps build trust and belonging. Often you will have to be the one to reach out and make this happen. Communities are stronger when neighbors know each other, not just online, but in real life. Do you know the people who live three houses on either side of you and across the street? If not, make it a point this year to get to know them better. It helps keep your neighborhood safe and builds connection when you can all look out for each other.

The fourth is meaningful work. This does not mean everyone has to love every

part of their job. But people are happier when they feel useful and see how their work helps someone else. Whether paid or unpaid, work gives people dignity and purpose. Parents raising children, volunteers, caregivers, students and workers all contribute value. When people feel needed, their confidence and happiness grow.

One important idea connects all four of these areas: happiness is not about chasing pleasure. Pleasure fades quickly. Real happiness builds slowly through effort, relationships and responsibility. It grows when we use things but care for people— not the other way around. Being “happy” doesn’t mean you will never have sadness, anger, frustration or problems. Everyone has hard times. But by focusing on the things that really matter, you increase your opportunities for better overall happiness.

As a community, we should make it easier for people to build these four foundations. That means supporting families, creating spaces for connection, valuing service and helping people find meaning in their lives. Happiness is not something government can give—but it is something we can support by strengthening the places where people live, work and belong. Make a goal this year to find ways you can help increase your own happiness.

Suffering from Depression, Anxiety, or OCD?

Remember when you thought Mr. Monopoly wore a monocle, or you were convinced Curious George had a tail? Memory is a funny thing.

Or how about when NBC anchor Brian Williams “misremembered” being in a helicopter hit by anti-tank weapons in Iraq? His faulty memory got him suspended.

We all misremember things, but when an entire group does it, it’s called the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon that occurs when millions of people are confidently wrong. Like, remember when we all believed Vladimir Putin was a war criminal? LOL. Good times.

If you’re a Gen Xer, you might remember when the VHS tape got eaten by the VCR and you had to use brain surgeon-style techniques to carefully respool the video. But then the tape always had a wrinkled section where the movie would go wonky for a few seconds. That’s what my memory feels like most days: warped and staticky.

My husband is basically a human computer. He remembers everything. When we meet new people, he lights up like an exploding star. He’s curious about their background, hometown and their connection to any celebrity-type person.

Months later, he’ll say, “Remember at the Yankees game when we met that guy who was married to the cousin of a friend who knows Ryan Reynolds? I think his name was George.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“No.”

“Yeah, you do. He owned a horse farm outside of Albany and loves the color orange.”

“What are you talking about?”

His memory recall is slightly unsettling. He’ll drop info like, “I remember the 1968 World Series when the Detroit Tigers came from behind to beat the Cardinals. They hadn’t won since 1945 and Mickey Lolich was the MVP.”

And then there’s me, having to watch a recap for a TV show I watched the night before. But then I remember random things, like when Sen. Mike Lee advocated for term limits. Hahahaha. The good ol’ days.

I was playing a “Frozen” matching game with my 9 year old granddaughter, trying to remember where the pair of Olafs were hiding. I kept turning over the same two cards, a Sven and an Elsa, convinced I’d finally cracked the code.

My granddaughter found it hilarious watching her doddering old granny lose a game. But there was a time I was the matching

game champ. At least that’s my recollection.

I can still sing Abba’s entire “Arrival” album from 1976 but I’m not quite sure I actually attended a single day of high school. I used to know dozens of phone numbers, but now I couldn’t call my daughters if the world were ending and I had to use a rotary phone.

When it comes to remembering the names of dogs I met at the dog park, I’ve got it down. But their owners’ names? No clue. I can make my mom’s mac and cheese by heart, but need to read the directions on a cake mix four times before I get it right.

It makes me second-guess my memory, like, do you recall when Gov. Spencer Cox took the side of trans kids? Or was that also the

Mandela Effect?

If you’ve ever had a sibling contradict your side of a story, or you can’t remember your eighth-grade science teacher, you’re not alone. Or maybe you had an existential crisis when you realized C-3PO’s lower right leg was silver, not gold.

Memory isn’t just fleeting, it’s fluid. When time blurs the moments we fell flat on our faces, it’s a reminder that our flashbacks are edited highlight reels, usually with a laugh track.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com