Holladay Journal | May 2026

From the classroom to the Capitol, Carol Spackman Moss inspires generations

By Peri Kinder |

After serving for 26 years at the Utah Legislature, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss said she knew it was time to go, choosing to step away from a job she loved, and a position that defined her life for decades. Moss will retire at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026.

As an advocate for education, mental health, jail reform and naloxone access, Moss spent her politic al career bringing awareness to difficult topics. This year’s proposed bill to ban character education in Utah schools touched a nerve with Moss, who was adamant that education and character development can’t be separated.

“Turn your work in on time. Come to school. Don’t cheat. Be polite to other peo-

ple. Don’t ridicule anyone. That’s part of life. That’s what public schools do well. Besides teaching the subjects, they socialize kids,” Moss said. “This state was built by public school graduates, and graduates from public universities and colleges. That’s the strength of Utah.”

For Moss, many of the bills introduced at this year’s legislative session seemed geared toward punishment, shame and cruelty. She knew it was time to step down once the political atmosphere changed and said the last few years have emphasized the need for a return to character and values over partisan affiliations.

“I feel a certain sense of loss and

COMMON GROUND

I can’t afford YOUR tax bill

Common Ground will be a column of rotating viewpoints that highlight specific feelings across the political spectrum, and it will always end with possible ways to come together.

Thousands of Utahns put down their phones from their doomscrolling and rage-baiting, to create vulgar poster boards and attend the No King rallies. Because Salt Lake City found it acceptable to shut down blocks of State Street, I watched the crowd waving their signs and chanting as they made their way to the State Capitol.

It was the weekend, and I wanted to be home. I had no desire to sit behind a police roadblock, watching people chanting and waving their signs. But I was working that day, or at least trying to work.

This was the end of a 60-hour work week for me, making sure we covered expenses and payroll for my business, trying to eke out just enough for me to get my bills covered. Then a question took over, a question that nearly every middle-aged, middle-income man finds themselves asking, “What am I doing here? Why am I working so hard?”

Could it be that I’m working so hard just to pay the bills of others?

Look at the facts. The national debt is $40 trillion. The Utah State Budget is over $31 billion. Salt Lake County increased property taxes by 14.65%, with a budget of over $2 billion.

How did we get here?

Let’s look close to home. Let’s start with Salt Lake County. We have a nine-member council, with five republicans, four democrats and a Democratic mayor.

Collectively (8-1), the council approved a $2 billion budget that significantly raised property taxes.

Earlier this year, Salt Lake County Council Members tried to cut the budget, proposing the shuttering of a county-operated senior center and child care facility. Then, all those who have had their hands out for

HOLLADAY TEAM

The Holladay Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Holladay. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.

© 2026 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

John J. Walker Common Ground

years popped out of the cookie-jar, insisting they keep getting their subsidized child care or, in some instances, their jobs.

I watched the parents argue for continued services at below market rates, as if society and the taxpayers were somehow responsible for providing them with subsidized child care.

The same tiny violins were played throughout the legislative session earlier this year, with state legislators lined up to bring bills that would stick the Utah taxpayers with subsidizing or paying more money for child care, more money for property tax deferment/credits and more money for down payments for first-time home buyers, paying more money for Medicaid, more money for the homeless, more money for Title 1 schools, mental health treatments and food pantries.

Have we lost our conservative way of life here in Utah? Are we slowly drifting away from our base and sliding into the pit that California has become?

How much more can we afford? For me the answer is none.

Common Ground: In my late 20s, I asked a friend a question. What is the difference between a Republican and a Democrat? I will never forget his answer, “If you are a Republican in your 20s, you don’t have a heart; if you’re a Democrat in your 30s, you don’t have a brain.” At the time, it made sense; now that I’m in my 40s, it makes a whole lot less sense.

I like to think most of us have brains and hearts, all at the same time.

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com

Marc Davis | marc.d@thecityjournals.com

CLIENT SERVICES

Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022

Big expenses for the general population are best paid for by taxes, such as the military or highways. I am happy to pay my share of taxes to build roads and bridges. I surely don’t want to pay fees at a toll booth.

Sometimes having a monopoly makes sense. I guess the city could stop collecting trash and each home could pay a company to pick up the trash from their home. But I would imagine that would be less efficient and more expensive.

I’m curious to know what residents feel is the purpose of local, county and state government. I think most would agree on roads, bridges, trash pick-up, dumps, water infrastructure and more. But how do we really feel about child care, senior centers, golf courses, zoos, museums, and theaters?

My fear is that when the economy is prospering, we vote yes on these expenses, but now that cost of living has increased and people are struggling more, we are less likely to support these governmental expenses. l

From the Publisher:

Last month, the City Journals launched Common Ground. The column will tackle typically divisive political topics, with a focus to bring the community together. It’s our goal to help community members better understand how their neighbors feel.

We had a large response from readers. With over 100 emails, several mailed letters and phone calls, we consider month one a success. Peri submitted her opinion about local immigration legislation that was proposed during the 2026 legislative session earlier this year. The responses were largely favorable for the Common Ground article, with both supporting and dissenting comments on Peri’s first

submission. Unfortunately, we had some readers who simply were not interested in hearing how their neighbors felt.

The general tone of the dissenting readers was that Peri did not distinguish between legal and illegal immigrants. One commenter wrote, “First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Kinder’s commentary never used the words illegal immigrants…But illegal immigration is the issue the Utah legislature is trying to address.”

Other dissenting views included the large amounts of tax money spent each year supporting and aiding illegal immigrants.

Those who supported Peri’s comments were appreciative of having their views represented, they also commented about how immigration is the “American Way,” a nation built by immigrants. From a workforce perspective, they said our economy needs immigrants and their willingness to take less desirable jobs at lower wages. Others supported immigration from the perspective that fertility rates in the United States are decreasing and our economy is essentially centered on population growth.

Where people did agree was that Congress needs to work together to create effective policies around immigration on a national level, and that those laws need to be consistently enforced and adhered to from administration to administration. One reader wrote, “This is the key to solving our immigration dilemma.”

Hopefully, this fall as we select candidates to represent Utah in Congress, we all remember that we need Congress to fix the immigration issue.

— Bryan Scott

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Lindsay Andreasen | lindsay.a@thecityjournals.com Rack locations are also available on our website.

EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN

Stacey LaMont Ty Gorton

HOLLADAY CITY JOURNAL

9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.

& Distributed by

Joint Replacement

TA New Chapter for Pain-Free Living: Modern Joint Replacement at CommonSpirit

ired of nagging joint pain dictating your life?

The good news: joint replacement surgery has made significant advancements in recent years. Forget the daunting tales of long hospital stays and arduous recoveries. Surgery today is all about quicker recovery, less pain, and a faster return to the activities you love. This isn’t just about fixing a joint; it’s about reclaiming your freedom, and CommonSpirit is at the forefront of this transformation.

What’s driving this revolution? Minimally invasive techniques. Imagine surgery with smaller incisions and less disruption to your muscles and tissues. This “less is more” approach translates directly into less post-operative pain, reduced blood loss, and significantly shorter hospital stays.

“Joint replacement surgery once meant a long, difficult recovery. Now, thanks to minimally invasive techniques, patients are getting back on their feet and regaining their independence far more quickly, significantly improving their quality of life,” said Michael Blatter, an orthopedic surgeon at Holy Cross Hospital – Davis.

This means you can get back to golfing, gardening, playing with grandkids with renewed vigor.

But the journey to rapid recovery begins even

before surgery. We believe in empowering our patients, and that’s why pre-operative education is a cornerstone of our approach. Our comprehensive classes walk you through every step, covering everything from physical therapy exercises and navigating stairs to home safety. We emphasize two crucial rules: no falls and no infections. Patients consistently tell us they feel better prepared and more confident heading into surgery, which dramatically improves their outcomes.

Our commitment to your well-being extends with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. This isn’t just about the surgery itself; it’s a carefully coordinated care pathway. ERAS focuses on preparing your body for a smoother recovery through optimized nutrition, multimodal pain management that reduces reliance on opioids, and getting you up and moving just hours after surgery. It all works together to reduce complications, enhance your comfort, and get you home safely and sooner.

And speaking of cutting-edge, robot-assisted surgery has become a game-changer. While a surgeon is always in control, robotic systems provide unparalleled precision, allowing for less invasive procedures, greater accuracy in implant

placement, and ultimately, quicker recovery times. This advanced technology ensures your joint replacement is tailored with remarkable exactness.

“Many joint replacement procedures can now be done same day. And with our current techniques and technologies, we are able to facilitate a quicker recovery and healing process for joint replacement. Our patients are able to get back to the activities they enjoy more quickly. For many of our patients, joint replacement is a game changer,” said Dr. Kevin Sagers, an orthopedic surgeon at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley.

At CommonSpirit, we understand that living with joint pain can feel limiting. But with these modern advancements, the path to renewed mobility and a significantly improved quality of life is clearer and more accessible than ever. We’re dedicated to providing not just exceptional medical care, but a supportive and empowering experience that truly makes a difference. If you’re ready to explore how modern joint replacement can transform your life, we invite you to discover the CommonSpirit difference – where your rapid recovery is our priority.

For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

CONTENT

When minutes

count, count on our emergency care. Get to know us before you need us.

When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.

CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria for evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

Copper Rock golf championship set for May 14-16

The road to the LPGA Tour begins with the Epson Tour, and again this month, 132 of the best female golfers on the planet will reconvene for the Copper Rock Championship May 14-16 in Hurricane, Utah. Golfers will compete for $250,000 in prize money and points in the season-long Epson Tour standings.

There were 15 players who gained LPGA status during last year’s Epson Tour season, and 13 of them finished in the top 30 at Copper Rock in 2025. Champion Gina Kim won twice on the Epson last season and is now playing on the LPGA Tour.

Exemptions this year went to four golfers:

Navy Hubbs is a junior at Salem Hills High School who has verbally committed to Boise State University. She started playing golf at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the game. Since then, she has enjoyed competing in both local and national tournaments, gaining valuable experience and continually challenging herself against strong competition.

Hubbs is known for her calm presence on the course and the strong work ethic she brings to improving her game. She approaches competition with focus and determination while enjoying the process of learning and growing as a golfer and developing friendships with others on and off the course.

Maria Jose “MJ” Barragan is a standout collegiate golfer for Brigham Young University, known for her consistency, competitiveness and upward trajectory on the women’s golf scene. A native of Morelia, Mexico, Barragan has quickly become one of BYU’s most impactful players, combining sharp scoring with a calm mindset under pressure. She owns a career-low 18-hole score of 68 (4-under) and a lowest 54-hole score of 210 (−6), achieved at the 2024 Red Raider Invitational where she claimed her best finish with a victory. Barragan has also

Utah golf, recognized for her competitive excellence and advocacy for women’s golf. An inaugural member of the women’s golf team at Dixie State University (now Utah Tech), she was a two-time PacWest Conference Champion, Conference Player of the Year and an All-American.

She competed professionally on the Cactus Tour and is a seven-time Utah PGA Women’s Player of the Year (2019-25), a four-time Women’s Utah PGA Match Play Champion, and the 2025 Utah Section Assistant Professional of the Year. Her career includes numerous Utah Section victories, multiple top-10 finishes in both men’s and women’s events, and an overall championship at The Copper Club Open.

posted strong rounds in key events including the opening rounds of the 2025 San Diego State Classic and the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, and she played a pivotal role in BYU’s 2025 USF Invitational win with a 72-73-69 (214) performance.

Off the course, Barragan is equally distinguished. She’s majoring in pre-business and has earned recognition for her academic achievements, being named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District team. In amateur golf, she finished runner-up at the 2025 Women’s Mexico Amateur in a dramatic playoff and represented Mexico at the Pan American Games in Paraguay, showcasing her talent on the international stage.

Gabby Barker is a professional golfer known for her resilience, consistency and purpose-driven approach to the game.

A standout junior and collegiate competitor, Barker built her foundation through

years of high-level tournament play before turning professional and committing fully to the grind of tour golf. Since turning pro, Barker has competed across multiple professional circuits, including the Epson Tour and various mini tours, steadily gaining experience at the highest levels of women’s golf.

Her career has been shaped by perseverance, adaptability and a deep belief in long-term growth — both on and off the course. In addition to her competitive career, Barker is the first female Native American professional golfer, a milestone she carries with pride and responsibility. She uses her platform to inspire younger athletes, advocate for representation in golf, and share the realities of pursuing a professional sports career.

Haley Sturgeon is an accomplished golf professional and respected leader in

There are always so many things to enjoy during and around the Copper Rock Championship. On Tuesday, May 12, RAM Aerospace presents the 2026 RAM Women’s Business Luncheon. The theme is “Rising Together: Personal Growth and Professional Influence.” Keynote speaker is Stephanie Palmer, Director of Radio Sales for KSL NewsRadio, FM 100.3, The Arrow and the KSL Sports Zone. Whitney Harris, Director of People and Culture at RAM Aviation, will join in that discussion. The luncheon will run from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A free Junior Clinic will be held on Championship Saturday, May 16, at noon. Signups for the clinic and RSVP for the luncheon can be made at Copperrockchampionship.com. There will also be a free photo booth on Championship Saturday, and food trucks will be onsite including Corn Dog Company and Chicharos Tacos.

To get tickets to the tournament go to Copperrockchampionship.com and choose from General Admission, Club 17 or Copper Rock Club tickets, and the website details those options.

Copper Rock is located at 1567 W. Copper Rock Parkway in Hurricane. l

Holladay Artists of the Month to be honored at pop-up event

Holladay Artists of the Month will be recognized at an artist inaugural pop-up event on Friday, June 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Four Lemons.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

The Holladay Arts Council has selected literary poet Monte Hanks and realism painter JoAn Coon to be recognized for their talent and skill in the Holladay art community.

Monte Hanks

A typing class at Olympus High School might have saved Hanks’ life. When he was drafted in 1968 and trained as an artillery crewman for the Vietnam War, his typing skills led to a reassignment as a clerk-typist. Artillery usually has lower casualty rates than frontline infantry, but crewmen still operate near the front, whereas clerk typists are typically stationed farther behind the lines.

“I learned to type at Olympus High School,” Hanks said. “I took the class because I thought it would be easy, but in the end, it may have saved my life. I came home in one piece and consider myself blessed. Our base camp was 11 miles from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and rockets/mortars often flew overhead with some occasionally hitting our base along with all kinds of ‘fun’ stuff. Thankfully, my job was to type up orders during the day and guard our perimeter at night.”

Like many veterans returning home, Hanks faced significant challenges transitioning from war zones to civilian life, often experiencing disappointment, anger and periods of deep despair.

After taking a year off to recalibrate, he enrolled at the University of Utah for two quarters. When he realized college was not a good fit, he worked for his father in the butcher and restaurant equipment supply industry and then drifted in and out of several other jobs just trying to survive. Eventually, he returned to school, but this time with the focus and determination to earn a degree.

“I went to Salt Lake Community College and ended up with an Associate’s degree in Ethnic Minority Health and Human Services,” Hanks said. “Then I finished my college experience at an accredited college out of California earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business.”

A poetry-focused journaling assignment in an English literature class sparked Hanks’ interest in writing. Over the next decade, in the red rock landscapes of Southern Utah, solitude enveloped Hanks and encouraged introspection supporting the development and ability to find his writing voice.

“I considered the time I spent in Southern Utah a healing journey for me,” Hanks said. “It was a peaceful, quiet place where I

For 30 years, literary poet Monte Hanks worked with people experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City. He spent 26 years working at the Fourth Street Clinic. Also, he cofounded The Inn Between, helping create a specialized hospice for the homeless. (Photo courtesy Monte Hanks)

could finally hear myself think. That’s when the poetry began to come to me. I’m not sure where it came from, but it just started to flow, and eventually I found my voice.”

For 30 years, Hanks worked with people experiencing homelessness in Salt Lake City.

He spent 26 years working at the Fourth Street Clinic. He cofounded The Inn Between, helping create a specialized hospice for the homeless. First and foremost, he spent decades being present for homeless men and women, offering resources, kindness and above all, hope.

Recently, Hanks retired and has returned to writing poetry. He has written two volumes of beautifully illustrated poems. These works evoke the emotions associated with untouched landscapes, vivid colors and the unique serenity of Southern Utah. Hanks engaged the homeless, helping their voices emerge through themes of daily struggle with poverty, discrimination, domestic violence and addiction. Primarily, the poignant narrative voice of a young man returning from the Vietnam War can be heard as he navigates painful memories, tempered by gratitude and hope.

JoAn Coon

From instructing to creating, Coon closed the classroom door for the final time after a successful 30-year career in education. She then stepped into a world where the school bell’s rush has faded into a rising tide of inspiration and creativity.

Coon’s childhood unfolded beneath the shadow of the Oquirrh Mountains in Tooele, before life led her to Stansbury Park, where she raised her family and became a career educator. She taught sixth grade, served as

As a signature member of the Utah Watercolor Society (UWS), JoAn Coon has received awards for her watercolor paintings and colored pencil art from the Utah State Fair, the Utah Watercolor Society, the Intermountain Society of Artists and the Utah Division of Arts & Museums traveling exhibition. (Photo courtesy JoAn Coon)

an elementary school administrator, and was the Stansbury Area Director for the Tooele County School District, overseeing local schools. But all of that was about to change.

“About two years ago, I retired and left a career I had enjoyed and decided to move to Holladay to be closer to my children and grandchildren,” Coon said. “Retirement has also allowed me to spend more time creating art—a passion that had to wait until 60-houra-week school days were behind me.”

Art is at the core of the Holladay community. The city is a thriving cultural scene with many artists living within the city, supported by a dedicated arts council.

“I learned from several art friends that Holladay has an active art community and several opportunities for exhibiting my paintings,” Coon said. “I haven’t been disappointed!”

Coon has displayed her art in the Holladay Fine Art Show and the Tiny Art Show, both organized by the Holladay Arts Council.

“Tiny art allows an artist to capture intimate moments,” Coon said. “Creating smaller paintings is both rewarding and challenging. The reward is completing a painting in less time than it takes to complete a larger piece. The challenge is focusing on what is essential to catch the viewer’s eye.”

Her miniature piece “Pink Petals” transports the viewer across the pond to the English countryside, where the delicate fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers encapsulates the traveler.

“‘Pink Petals’ was painted from a reference photo I took while traveling through England and Scotland,” Coon said. “Cottage homes in the local villages often had small

gardens beautifully arranged and blooming with color. The grayed wooden trellis on the pink cottage wall was covered in shades of pink, peach and orange blooms. Rather than painting the entire cottage and garden, a section of the flowered trellis was perfect for a tiny art painting.”

Coon works primarily in watercolor. She has been painting with other artists at The Petersen Art Center every Saturday for over 20 years.

Harold Petersen, the founder of the art center, was a renowned Utah watercolor artist and mentor to Coon. She studied under Petersen for 10 years and now carries on teaching adult students at the center the principles and structured approach to painting that he pioneered.

“I love the magic that happens on paper with transparent paints and water,” Coon said. “The medium is very versatile. Artist are able to adapt the paints to their style with a wide range of techniques.”

As a signature member of the Utah Watercolor Society (UWS), 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. Coon received the Merchant Award from the UWS for her watercolor painting “Summer Blooms in Ketchikan.”

Coon mentioned how much she enjoyed “Mona’s Eyes” a fiction novel by Thomas Schlesser because she has visited many of the Paris fine art museums mentioned in the book, such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. However, her favorite is the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve been impressed with the Impressionists,” Coon said. “The Van Gogh Museum is one of my favorites because it is such a great size. You can walk slowly and take time to reflect and contemplate on his entire artistic works.”

Due to renovations at Holladay City Hall, the Holladay Artist of the Month monthly art display will be relocated to Four Lemons – Art within Reach, hosted by owner Nanette Amis. An artist pop-up event recognizing the Holladay Artists of the Month will be held during the first Friday of each month. The community is invited to the inaugural pop-up event on Friday, June 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Four Lemons will host a collection of Coon’s paintings, a poetry reading by Hanks and light refreshments. Paintings will be available for purchase, and a book signing will be held.

Four Lemons is located at 4850 S. Highland Drive. For more information, contact Holladay Arts and Culture Manager Megan Attermann 801-527-2677 or email at mattermann@holladayut.gov. l

6 things to know about Holladay’s City Hall relocation

Seismic retrofitting will take 18 months.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Holladay

City Hall has temporarily relocated its office to 3330 S. 1300 East, the former location of Millcreek City Hall. The move was made so the historic City Hall building can be seismically retrofitted and updated. Here are six things to know about the move.

1. Holladay City Hall will be closed until the fall of 2027. While under construction, City Hall will undergo some vast renovations to improve the life of the building and the safety of the occupants. The 18-month project will include seismic upgrades to allow the building to withstand a 7.0 earthquake.

“The building is built from unreinforced masonry. The floors and the roof are not tied very well to the walls,” said Holladay City Public Services Director Jared Bunch. “We will demo the main hallway and construct new masonry that’s reinforced, starting at the foundation level. It will extend from the lower level

and main level, up to the roof, and tie the roof into those new walls.”

2 Police services will stay in the Holladay building. While city services will move to the new location, including planning and zoning, business licensing and day-to-day functions, the Unified Police Holladay Precinct will remain open on the north side of Holladay City Hall. That portion of the building had more recent renovations and doesn’t need to be updated.

3. Holladay Municipal Justice Court will move to the temporary location. For anyone who needs to attend a hearing, make a payment or make a court filing, that will be done in the Millcreek location. Hours of service will remain the same: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit holladayut.gov for the court calendar or jury information.

4. Holladay City Park remains open. Located west of Holladay City Hall, the city park will host regularly scheduled annual events, including the Fourth of July celebration and the Blue Moon Festival. The park will also be the site for outdoor movies and concerts.

“We’ll be in our temporary space for

Holladay Home Repair Grant available for qualified homeowners

The five-year forgivable loan covers all types of improvements.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Thanks to a grant offered through the Salt Lake County Housing and Community Development Department Home Repair Loan Program, Holladay homeowners can have access to home improvement funds of up to $25,000.

The Holladay Home Repair Loan/Grant Program was started in January and will award a total of $220,000 to low-to-moderate-income families. It covers costs for improvements that address health and safety hazards, emergency repairs, accessibility modifications and energy conservation.

“We’ve had applications for new windows, roof, electrical, plumbing, bathroom conversions and for ADA access modification,” said Holladay Economic Development and Housing Manager Ann Frances Garcia. “It’s first come, first served. It’s who gets their paperwork together and gets it submitted.”

Holladay partnered with NeighborWorks and paid the nonprofit a portion of the grant funds (approximately 10%) to administer the program, gather paperwork and process loans.

With a 0% interest rate on the HRLP loan, the five-year forgivable loan becomes a grant to homeowners who don’t refinance or sell the home, or don’t take out a loan against their property. If the home is sold or transferred be-

fore the five years is up, a repayment will apply to some or all of the funds.

“We have technicians that are inspectors that go to the homes once they get awarded. They discuss and review the home and evaluate and they’ll get up to the $25,000, if possible,” she said. “If homeowners are in their home for five years, then it becomes a forgivable loan, so it’s a grant, basically.”

To be eligible for the loan, the property must be within Holladay city limits and improvements must be part of a primary residence. All work must be new, so no improvements, including purchasing or contracting, can be made before funds are officially awarded. l

18 months. That puts us into the early fall of 2027,” Bunch said. “That will give us two summers of events at the park during construction.”

5. Holladay City Council meetings remain the same. During construction, the city council and justice court will share the same space, but the council will continue to hold its regular meetings at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Other commissions and committees will also meet at the temporary location.

6 The main exterior of Holladay City Hall will not be changed. Saving the his-

toric building is a priority for city leaders. While the exterior will remain the same, a new addition to the south end of the building will include some safety elements.

“We will be doing a small addition, which includes some emergency exits on our main floor and a better entrance into our Big Cottonwood room on the lower floor,” Bunch said. “A redo of that parking lot will optimize the parking and enhance the landscaping. In addition to that, we’re also remodeling some of our spaces to better optimize the use of the space.” l

Beating Afib Without Meds

Beating Afib Without Meds

Date: Time:

Date: Time: Location: Thursday, May 7 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Attend virtually or in person at St. Mark’s Hospital, Lamb Auditorium

This seminar will cover:

How specific daily habits can act as powerful medicine for your heart.

Identifying the environmental and dietary triggers unique to your routine.

How modern "pulsed" technology is helping patients reach remission without long-term drugs.

How

Navigating the medical process of tapering off AFib medications under professional guidance.

To

Navigating the medical process of tapering off AFib medi i d r professional

•

•

•

•

TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroStar, you can live on your terms

What Should You Look for in a Dog Daycare?

EDUCATION

MATTERS

When choosing a dog daycare, it’s important to look for more than just a place for your pup to play. You want an environment that prioritizes education, safety, socialization, and exercise.

POSITIVE HABITS SAFE SPACE ROUTINE

One key thing to look for is how dogs are guided throughout the day. Practices like leash desensitization are important, as they allow staff to gently redirect behavior and reinforce positive habits in real time.

These types of practices are signs of a daycare that focuses on education, not just supervision. If you don’t see dogs being redirected or given opportunities to rest, it may be something to take a closer look at.

You should also expect to see structured rest. At Dogtopia, we use crates, what we call “home,” as a safe space for dogs to reset when needed. This helps dogs understand boundaries in a calm, consistent way.

Equally important is the team caring for your dog. At Dogtopia, our Canine Coaches are highly trained and certified, completing a full training course and shadowing between 5-10 sessions before leading a room on their own.

In addition, we incorporate a daily nap time from 12–2 PM, which is essential for safe regulation. Just like children, dogs need time to rest and recharge. This routine helps prevent overstimulation and supports better behavior throughout the day.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A DAYCARE that prioritizes safety, structure, and education,

The term “historic” is used by many residents when describing our city. Holladay was the second settlement established after pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley in 1847, and we are fortunate to have homes and other buildings from past eras that have been preserved for us to learn from and enjoy. May is National Preservation Month when communities across the country recognize the importance of their historic places. Holladay will be celebrating our history in several ways during this month.

Green Signs: Hopefully, you have noticed the green signs in front of historic homes, businesses, and even one street. By clicking on the sign’s QR code, you will find photos, history, and architectural descriptions about the structure. There are more than 40 of these signs around our city. You can find where they are located by visiting the Holladay Arts and Culture website at holladayarts.org and choosing your favorites to visit. For example, fans of midcentury modern architecture can stroll through Holladay’s nationally registered historic district featuring homes that were in the 1955 Salt Lake Parade of Homes.

Historic Walk: Learn even more about Holladay’s history by strolling through our new history walk, called “Rooted Together,” located on the west side of City Hall in Holladay City Park. This new historical exhibit celebrates Holladay’s rich history and highlights the people, places, and stories that make our community unique using murals and interactive activities. It also includes kiosks located in community centers and parks around the city. Displays in Holladay City Hall will showcase historical artifacts when it reopens. Please join us for the official opening of “Rooted Together” at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18 at noon.

Speaker Series: Holladay’s Historical Commission sponsors monthly gatherings on a variety of topics relating to Holladay’s history. This month, author and historian Bim Oliver will speak on “The Making of Modern Holladay,” sharing his expertise on midcentury modern architecture on May 20 at 7 pm at Kiln, located in the new Holladay Hills development, 1895 E. Rodeo Walk Drive.

Scavenger Hunt: How well do you know Holladay? Test your knowledge and find new places around the city by participating in our annual scavenger hunt. Photos and information are in this issue of the Holladay Journal.

— Council Member Drew Quinn

District 4

Dog Safety in Hot Weather

Salt Lake County Animal Services

Summer heat can be dangerous for pets, so it’s important to take extra precautions to keep your dog comfortable and safe. From hot cars to heated pavement and even balconies, being mindful of your pet’s environment can prevent serious harm.

Hot Cars: Temperatures inside a vehicle rise quickly—even when it doesn’t feel extremely hot outside. On a 70-degree day, the inside of a car can exceed 116 degrees within minutes. Cracking windows or parking in the shade does not prevent dangerous heat buildup. Leaving a pet in a car can lead to heatstroke, brain damage, or death. If you see a dog in distress—excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or unresponsiveness—contact Animal Dispatch at 801-840-4000. Do not attempt to break windows; instead, gather details like the license plate and take photos to assist Animal Control Officers.

Hot Pavement: Sidewalks and asphalt can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws. Before heading out, place the back of your hand on the pavement—if it’s too hot to hold for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pet. Plan walks during early morning or evening hours, and avoid taking your dog to crowded outdoor events during peak heat.

Hot Balconies: Even shaded balconies can trap heat and quickly become unsafe. Pets left outside may become overheated, dehydrated, or anxious, increasing the risk of injury or escape. If you notice a pet in distress on a balcony, contact Animal Control at 801-840-4000 right away.

For more information, visit AdoptUtahPets.org or email animal@ slco.org.

Keep your pet cool, safe, and happy all summer long!

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:

Updated Planning Counter Info: Appointments Needed

Spring means new home renovations and yard projects. It may also mean you have questions about where to start. If you are starting a project for a new structure, home addition or remodel, a commercial change of use, or that pickleball court you’ve been dreaming about over the winter, the Planning Counter should be your first contact. During the Holladay City Hall renovation, you can visit with a planner at our temporary location on 3300 South and 1300 East. There you can get information and guidance on your project.

Appointments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the following email addresses or contact us at 801-527-3890.

To make an in-person appointment, please email us at:

Building Dept: permits@holladayut.gov

Zoning (property changes) planning@holladayut.gov

Business Licensing: cnicholas@holladayut.gov

Cottonwood Council PTA honors outstanding volunteers

Awards ceremony recognizes the dedication of volunteers, school staff and educators.

By Collette Hayes c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

With 80,000 members statewide, PTA volunteers are the superstar volunteer heroes who tirelessly champion all children, helping make every child’s potential a reality by empowering and engaging families and communities.

Utah PTA is the nation’s largest child advocacy group, with 80% of Utah schools participating, which far exceeds the national average of 20% to 30%. Utah PTA members contributed an astonishing $17,237,060 in volunteer service hours in 2025.

This commitment to advocacy and service is evident in Utah PTA’s impact statewide. The Utah PTA’s dedication to supporting public-school children played a significant role in Utah achieving the highest national ranking for community life by the 2025 Social Capital Index (Utah Foundation). The index comprises eight measures, each evaluated on a scale from 1 to 50. Utah ranked first nationwide in charitable donations, volunteerism and neighborhood participation.

Reflecting this statewide spirit of dedi-

cation, in March, the Region 5 Cottonwood Council PTA, which serves Granite School District schools, held an awards ceremony at Cottonwood High School to celebrate the commitment of volunteers, school staff and educators who strive to create excellence for every child.

Participants included Granite School District principals from all six schools in the network. In addition, mayor and councilmember representatives from Millcreek, South Salt Lake, Murray and Holladay were present.

Keynote speaker Robyn Ivins shared her 23-year journey as a PTA volunteer beginning from serving on the PTA board at

Woodstock Elementary to being a contributing founder and longtime volunteer at the Cottonwood High School food pantry which serves over 100 students each time it opens.

The Cottonwood Council PTA award recipients for 2026

Millcreek

Moss Elementary

Lupe Herrera – Spirit of Inclusivity

South Salt Lake

Woodrow Wilson Elementary

Andrea Arcos – Outstanding Volunteer

Anne Marie Pace – Development

Holladay

Oakwood Elementary

Jenette Stewart – Development

Debra Larsen – Outstanding Support Staff

Lu Yan – Outstanding Elementary Educator

Megan Carter – Spirit of PTA

Mistie A’Hearn – Outstanding Volunteer

Bonneville Jr. High

Alyssa Longstaff – Outstanding Administrator

James Reese – Outstanding Secondary Educator

Lyndsie Anderson – Outstanding Volunteer

Maren Erickson – Outstanding Support Staff

Stacy Wood – Advocacy

Tiffany Woods – Development

Murray

Woodstock Elementary

Melissa McQueen – Outstanding Administrator

Antonia Salinas Ventura – Outstanding Support

Staff

Brynn Richards – Outstanding Volunteer

Natalie Bradley – Spirit of PTA

Cottonwood High

“We opened the food pantry in January 2017,” Ivins said. “We’ve served thousands of students and their families since then. We offer school supplies, hygiene products and food. Parents are also invited, and often kids come with a list from their moms to do the shopping. It’s a magical place. The Cottonwood Food Pantry and Teen Center came about because regular people in the community cared that kids have access to a place to shower if they don’t have access to a shower, a place to do laundry, and a place to do homework. Kids in need also have access to mental health resources. Connection to community and school helps kids succeed. An amazing group of people worked hard to secure $750,000 for this facility.”

Michelle Call – Engagement

Ashley Snarr – Outstanding Administrator

Andrew Strauss – Outstanding Secondary Educator

Melisa Carpenter – Outstanding Volunteer

Teisa Linscott – Spirit of PTA

and ultimately you care about ensuring that kids know someone cares about them.”

The evening concluded with remarks from Cottonwood High School Principal Justin Pitcher, who emphasized the significance of the Spirit of Inclusivity Award as one of the PTA’s highest honors. This award recognizes individuals who welcome families, advocate for every child, and collaborate with the school community to support student success. Pitcher explained, “Being a member of the PTA means you are an advocate for academic literacy and support; you care about students’ sense of belonging in their schools,

This year, the PTA honored Lupe Herrera with the Spirit of Inclusivity Award for helping the Moss PTA represent the diverse voices of the Moss Elementary community. Her ongoing commitment ensures families feel respected, seen and supported at Moss.l

High school teen centers support students beyond the classroom

High schools are redefining student support by combining academic assistance with life resources.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Across Utah, high schools are recognizing academic success depends on more than classroom instruction. For many students, unmet basic needs — food insecurity, clothing shortages, housing instability and mental health challenges — can make it difficult to focus on learning.

In response, school districts have developed teen resource centers in the high schools, safe spaces offering essential supplies and emotional support while building stronger connections between schools, families and communities.

Canyons School District

Brighton High School’s teen center, opened recently with a $250,000 Utah State Board of Education grant, has quickly become a vital resource for its nearly 2,500 students.

Inside the center, students can access showers, laundry, toiletries, food and clothing, including Brighton apparel.

“Their basic needs are being met. They don’t have to worry about where they’re going to get snacks during the day; if they’ve showered, they’re going to feel better about attending class,” Principal Marielle Rawle said. “If they have clean clothes, that impacts their attendance. We just want to make sure basic needs are being taken care of. When we can help with these things, then they can focus on learning.”

Teen Center Facilitator Taya Shaw bridges students with academic services, such as FAFSA, scholarships and McKinney-Vento.

“I’m the first line of students’ defense, just helping them out as much as I can,” she said.

Shaw sees 50 to 60 students per day, many of whom eat lunch there or come after school.

“I’m open till 3:30, but I do stay later sometimes because I don’t want them out in the cold,” she said.

Brighton staff and community members contribute donations, from hoodies to food

items, and teachers often bring students to introduce them to the space.

For Shaw, the work is personal.

“I grew up in a very displaced home so having a center where I could have gone and talk to somebody about, ‘hey, this is going on at home’ and ‘I don’t feel safe at home’ would have been awesome for me,” she said. “I want to continue to be here and advocate for the students who I already know and those who I may not know yet.”

Jordan High School’s Digger Den, which opened in fall 2024, supports students facing food insecurity, academic challenges and everyday stress.

Teen Center Facilitator Ruth de La Cruz-Nava keeps the center running.

“Our primary supplier of food is the Utah Food Bank,” she said. “They bring us food once a month. It’s mostly shelf stable.”

Donations from local youth and church groups helped fill shelves before the holidays.

The center also partners with community organizations and businesses, including Smith’s.

“Right about the time the SNAP benefits were paused, they let us know they would give us their wholesale pricing on a few items — sugar, apple juice, oatmeal, pasta sauce and other times,” de La Cruz-Nava said.

Weekend food packs come through the USANA Kids Eat program and students can access the pantry up to three times a month.

The Digger Den goes beyond food. It offers laundry facilities, clothing, birthday cake kits, hygiene items and even formal wear.

“Anyone’s welcome here,” she said.

With 150-180 students visiting daily for snacks, support or a quiet space, the center has become integrated into school life.

“Schools have generally been the central place in the community so it’s always important to be able to provide for its community,” de La Cruz-Nava said, adding she collaborates with nearby Hillcrest High’s teen center, which opened after the school’s rebuild in 2021.

Granite School District

At Cottonwood High School, the Teen Wellness Center and Food Pantry provide

food, hygiene supplies, emotional support and a place to breathe during the school day.

Principal Justin Pitcher calls the center essential to the school’s mission: “Cottonwood’s teen center is a good example of what all schools should be providing.”

Social worker Wendy Hutchinson works alongside longtime volunteer Robyn Ivins, who helped open the center in 2023 and has coordinated the pantry since she opened it in 2017.

The District’s only teen center includes two showers, laundry and basic clothing. Hutchinson said the stigma-free space serves all students: athletes washing uniforms, students grabbing snacks or those needing a quiet space.

The center provides fruit, snacks, burritos, bagels, frozen waffles, milk and more.

“We even teach them about nutrition a little bit,” she said.

About 40-60 students stop in daily, with about 15 at lunch seeking “a less chaotic, quieter place to eat.”

The pantry opens Mondays and Thursdays, serving up to 100 Cottonwood and AMES students, with food supplied by the Utah Food Bank and the Granite Education Foundation.

With Cottonwood’s diverse and low-income student population, Hutchinson said the center fills critical gaps.

“I love we have this inclusive space; it’s safe for kids to come and get their basic needs and emotional needs met here,” she said, adding counseling and crisis support are available for students.

Ultimately, Hutchinson said, the goal is helping students “be successful in school and graduate.”

Murray School District

At Murray High School, student support centers around a carefully run system of closets, pantries and calming spaces, coordinated by social worker Jennifer Ketchoyian.

The effort began in 2017 when students

Emily Bowen and Kate Spackman created “Cinderella’s Closet” for free formal wear. Community members Pam and Darv Andersen expanded it in 2021 to include other clothing and food. It has since grown into the Spartan Closet, a boutique-style space where students can select clothing, hygiene supplies, backpacks and warm gear without stigma.

Teachers can open the closet at any time for students and hallway racks of clothing items provide easy access.

Student aides vet donations to ensure items are suitable, Ketchoyian said. Longtime volunteers Bonnie Poulsen and Mary Jane Siebenberg organize donations weekly.

“We tag to track and rotate items,” Poulsen said. “If we see something that’s been there for two or three months, we’ll start rotating clothes.”

Siebenberg added: “They asked for help, we saw a need and here we are.”

Principal Quinn Linde estimates 600 students use the Spartan Closet each year.

The school also provides food for unstably housed students, including USANA’s Kids Eat backpacks and other items. Hygiene, laundry supplies and even showers at the school are available.

“When students are in survival mode, they don’t learn as well,” Ketchoyian said. “We try to get them to where they can learn.”

Mental-health support includes the Zen Den, funded by a Murray Education Foundation grant, where students use art and calming tools.

“Someone today came here with a panic attack; they needed a place to calm down,” she said.

The District plans to open a full teen center in the high school’s new wing in 202728 with showers, laundry, a food pantry and additional resources.

“I’m looking forward to having our new teen center,” Ketchoyian said. “Teen centers change lives.” l

Small business SECTION

a business in Salt Lake County? Your costs may depend on the city

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Ranging from $0 to more than $300 for a base license, business licensing fees differ across Salt Lake County.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a company in Salt Lake County, location can shape the cost of opening that business. Licensing fees vary drastically as cities determine costs and define regulations. Fees can fluctuate based on the type of business, number of employees, impact on city services and required inspections.

On one end of the scale is Riverton, which in 2018 became the first city in Utah to eliminate all business licensing fees. The move was orchestrated by the mayor at the time, Trent Staggs, who wanted to let companies know the city was open for business.

“He wanted Riverton to be a business-friendly community,” said Riverton Business Licensing Coordinator Angie Keller. “We’re also very user-friendly when it comes to getting a license. They click on our website and it guides them through the process. I don’t get many phone calls asking for help…I feel like Riverton has gone above and beyond, as far as pointing them in the right direction and giving them all the information they need.”

Draper’s base fee for a commercial license is $82, with additional fees for alcohol or firework sales, sexually-oriented businesses and solicitors. Murray charges $100 for a commercial license with regulatory fees on companies like auto towing, tobacco retailers, tattoo parlors and convalescent homes. Midvale has a base fee of $137 for commercial businesses with add-on charges for industries including bars, hotels, pawn shops and restaurants.

For companies in the county’s newly incorporated areas, including Kearns, Magna and Copperton, the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District administers those business licenses. The district charges a $150 base fee for commercial businesses and home-based locations that have customers coming to the home.

On the higher end of the scale, South Jordan charges $337 for a general business license application fee, with additional charges for hotels ($2,700), restaurants ($633), big box stores ($3,331) and entertainment/recreation facilities ($1,727).

Brian Preece serves as South Jordan’s Director of Planning and Economic Development. He said the city’s licensing fee structure wasn’t put together haphazardly, but was based on a feasibility study that determined the cost impact of specific businesses to the city. More fees are placed on businesses that have a higher volume of calls for police or fire services.

“We have a fire inspection for most businesses and that’s part of the [licensing] fees,” Preece said. “Even though Riverton doesn’t have a business licensing fee…it’s being paid for somewhere. The general fund is paying for it.”

South Jordan Public Information Officer Rachael Van Cleave added, “If we weren’t to charge these fees, taxpayer dollars would be subsidizing these costs for businesses. So the fees help to take that off the general taxpayer.”

For home-based businesses, Utah Code states that cities cannot charge a licensing fee unless the business impacts the neighborhood, such as having customers or an unusually high number

of home deliveries. However, several cities, including Taylorsville and South Salt Lake, charge administrative processing fees of $100 and $59, respectively, for home-based businesses.

Riverton requires every home-based business to have a license, but there is no fee. South Jordan does not require home-based businesses to have licenses unless they operate a daycare/preschool or if they have regular clients coming to the home.

“We made the decision to not charge for or even require a home license business,” Preece said. “If somebody wants one, then we’ll get you a license, but you have to go through the regular process, and that’s your choice.”

While getting a business license is certainly an important step in starting a business, it’s not the only step. Business owners need to make sure that the company is registered with the state and, if sales are involved, with the Utah State Tax Commission. Owners must ensure all licenses and inspections are complete before a business license can be issued. Most cities have license approval completed in two weeks or less.

The wide-ranging business licensing fees and processes across the county impact business owners and municipalities differently. For some entrepreneurs, that difference could be the deciding factor on where they ultimately locate their business.

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Indoor facility features 10 proprietary slides for riders of all levels.

The first indoor dry-slide recreation facility in the state is now open in Millcreek at 2330 E. 3300 South. Slick City Action Park took over the former Joann’s building, a 24,000-square-foot space that is now home to 10 slides, a dodgeball air court, a web crawler and a Junior Jungle for guests 5 and under.

Franchise owner Jordan Wade brought the experience to Utah after meeting the man who created the slides and trying it for himself. When he found out the heart-racing slides had been implemented into a Slick City Action Park franchise, he knew he wanted to be involved.

“It’s like a water park with no water,” Wade said. “Every one of these slides is inspired by an extreme slide, maybe that you’ve seen at a water park, but they’re coated in a proprietary slick material. Then we cover it with a silicone lubricant and then you go down on a mat. It can be pretty fast with lots of adrenaline.”

The patented slides create a high-energy experience. With 10 slides to choose from, visitors can start slow, with the 80-foot-long Cowabunga with banked curves and bumps, or they can go right to the Mega Launch, which thrills riders with a steep drop and an airborne landing.

Other attractions include the Fast Lane, a four-lane slide track built for racing; the Royal Flush, which swirls riders around before dumping them out of a massive bowl; the Python that features tight curves that wind guests through a fast-paced slide; and the Tailspin, a spiral ride good for first-time sliders.

Wade’s favorite slide is the Big Wave, which shoots rid-

Slick City slides into Millcreek

ers into a giant half-pipe, where they glide back and forth.

“It combines my favorite parts of the slides,” he said. “There’s the initial speed, just the thrill of the drop. Plus, the fun of actually sliding down the slide, just the back and forth that you get after, it’s very fun. My second favorite is Riptide, our steepest one, and it’s just fast. You just go straight down.”

While some indoor recreation parks cater to children, Slick City Action invites adults to get involved. Wade said jumping on trampolines requires a degree of physical fitness, but at the slide park, besides climbing to the top, riders just have to sit and enjoy the experience.

Millcreek officials were on hand to welcome the slide park to the community during a grand opening in March, where they toured the facility, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and encouraged residents to check out the new venue.

“This is exciting,” said Millcreek Mayor Cheri Jackson.

“We need more fun amenities like this in Millcreek. So having this open will be a really fun place for families, for teenagers, and just a great opportunity for everyone to do something,”

Custom murals line the walls at Slick City Action Park and the facility has two private rooms for hosting birthday parties or group events. There’s also a snack bar and arcade games. Wade hopes the park becomes a place where people can put down their phones, turn off their screens and interact with each other in a fun, safe environment.

“It’s becoming so easy to become a recluse at home,” he said. “Creating fun experiences is actually a mission for me. Getting people out of the house and interacting with people in real life is important…This is a super fun way to create memories with your kids, with your friends, with your coworkers, whatever. So that’s the broader mission. We just want people to get out and interact with each other.”

For more information, visit slickcity.com/ut-east-slc.

Bobby’s Burgers marks another step in growth for Holladay Hills development

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

“The halo effect in business could occur here. When a well-known brand with a large advertising budget moves in, it can encourage people to visit other nearby businesses too.”

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay just moved in around the corner from Trader Joe’s in the Holladay Hills shopping center. Bobby’s location is one of several spots for grabbing a bite after grocery shopping or before catching the latest blockbuster at the Megaplex Luxury Theatres at Cottonwood, located across the street.

A crowd, including Holladay City officials, staff, local business owners and community members, attended the March 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay marking the official opening of the casual restaurant’s Holladay location.

Holladay Business Advisory Board organized the event under the direction of Economic Development and Housing Manager for the city of Holladay, Ann Francis Garcia.

“It’s always exciting when a business chooses to make Holladay their home,” Garcia said. “The city works hard to establish and maintain good relationships with existing and new businesses. My role as Economic Development and Housing Manager for the city of Holladay is creating a strong local economy by making sure our local businesses are resilient, thriving and feel supported. The Holladay Business Advisory Board helps us with this by making a concerted effort to build relationships with our business community and by providing opportunities to connect and network, like this ribbon cutting for Bobby’s Burgers. Working with Bobby’s team has been great. They were very excited to be a part of Holladay and wanted to engage with us right away.”

Local resident Jeni Bennion and a friend were caught by surprise by the ribbon-cutting grand opening as they

had just sat down in the restaurant to enjoy lunch.

“We had no idea the grand opening was today,” Bennion said. “We were looking for a new place to have lunch and decided to try Bobby’s. We’re happy we did. The onion rings are outstanding and the blue bacon burger is simply delicious. I would highly recommend it! The sauces and dips are great too! I love having the choice of picking up and taking it home or sitting and enjoying a meal here. We really love all the options for places to enjoy lunch in Holladay.”

Holladay City enjoys a balanced mix of small town and big city national chain businesses. Both necessary in maintaining the economic growth of the city.

“All the restaurants, small business shops, and movie theaters will benefit indirectly from having national chain businesses like Bobby’s Burgers in the area,” said Jason Woodland, a member of the Holladay Business Advisory Board. “The halo effect in business could occur here. When a well-known brand with a large advertising budget moves in, it can encourage people to visit other nearby businesses too. This includes The French Bakehouse and Four Lemons across the street, Magnolia’s next door, and Trader Joe’s around the corner. They will all support each other, helping both small and large businesses succeed.”

The president of Bobby’s Burgers, Michael McGill, expressed his thanks for the support of Holladay City and the warm welcome the franchise has received.

“We’re thrilled to be in Holladay and grateful for everyone who came out this morning for our opening,” McGill said.

“Our hope is to become the go-to burger spot where families celebrate and teams gather after games. We’re also looking forward to a visit from chef Bobby Flay in the near future. Bobby’s is an unbeatable burger experience, and we’re happy to bring it to Holladay City.”

Mayor Paul Fotheringham provided the opening remarks during the event and shared his support and excitement of bringing a world class dining experience to the community while maintaining the unique and close-knit character of Holladay City.

“Bobby Flay is a name synonymous with excellence in culinary innovation,” Fotheringham said. “By selecting Holladay for his newest burger franchise, he is not only opening a restaurant but also investing in our vision of a vibrant, walkable and gathering-oriented community. To the management and staff, welcome to the Holladay community. We are excited to have you join us.”

According to a local press release, this new restaurant is the brand’s second location in the area. Joe Sample, franchise owner and founder of Crave Management Company, opened the first Utah location in Orem in 2024. Strong guest response in Orem led to the decision to expand to Holladay.

“We really appreciate all of you for coming out to celebrate our opening,” Sample said. “What a warm welcome from the Holladay community. This is our second location, and we’re happy to be here in Holladay. I’ve recently relocated to Holladay, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited about this little town.”

Bobby’s Burgers offers signature items, such as the Bacon Crunchburger, topped with crispy potato chips and Bobby’s signature sauce. The menu also includes a variety of burgers, fries and spoon-bending shakes that reflect Flay’s recognized culinary style.

“For me, a great burger starts with great ingredients and layers of flavor,” Flay said in a statement. “That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Bobby’s Burgers. Our goal is to serve food that people crave and come back for again and again, and we’re excited to share that experience with the Holladay community.”

sadness,” Moss said. “I saw really good Republicans shift their values in terms of how they voted and the kind of bills they had, and they were catering more to the leadership…and blatant cruelty toward others, going after marginalized populations like transgender kids or LGBTQ, and making attacks on Democrats.”

It hasn’t always been this way. Moss served as a Democrat, representing District 34, which covers East Murray, Holladay and Millcreek. She worked across party lines to create legislation that served all Utahns, often partnering with Republican State Senators Curt Bramble and Todd Weiler. She said creating effective legislation means making friends and finding common ground, something she learned to do at a young age.

Moss’s life started with tragedy. She was a 1-year-old when her father, a B-17 side gunner during WWII, was killed when his plane was shot down over Germany. He was only 19 years old. Later, Moss was eli

ference in people’s lives.”

Moss taught thousands of students during her 33 years of teaching English and student government classes at Olympus High School. She often jokes that the decades she spent teaching teenagers prepared her for a political career.

Learning how to communicate, compromise, listen and engage with her students allowed her to do the same with her political colleagues and constituents, many of whom she taught at Olympus. Working with students from different racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds also taught her empathy, which shaped many bills she sponsored during her tenure.

Her legislative efforts included tackling societal issues like supporting refugees, preventing bullying behaviors, educating students about sexual violence and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. Many students, community leaders and colleagues have said her influence made them better people.

“To many of my generation in Holladay, Carol Spackman Moss is more than a leader; she is like the community’s favorite aunt,” said Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham. “Her perpetual optimism has a unique way of calling upon our ‘better angels,’ challenging us to step beyond our comfort zones for the greater good. Whether at a neighborhood meeting or a city event, she is constantly bridging generations, proudly introducing former students who have become our newest elected officials (myself included) and community directors. The magnitude of her positive influence on Holladay truly defies measurement.”

Moss holds the record as the longest-serving female legislator in Utah’s history. Although she’s stepping away from political office, she is not ready to sit back and do nothing. She’ll continue to fight book bans and anti-DEI policies while championing women’s rights, voting access and common-sense legislation.

She enjoys volunteering with the Holladay Arts Council and is involved with One Table Together, an organization that brings diverse groups of students together to share a family-style meal and have meaningful conversations.

Moss also enjoys spending time with her daughters, reading good books and supporting live theater. She always attended the Utah Shakespeare Festival with her husband Bob Moss, who passed away in July 2021.

Moss was recently named the Women’s Democratic Club of Utah’s Woman of the Year, which is only the latest of awards she’s won during her time as a teacher and representative. She is hopeful that the political landscape can return to one that values respect, open discussion and empathy.

“I wish more people would look at someone’s character and their values, and not [vote] strictly on a partisan divide,” Moss said. “That’s the only way we’re going to change and get this country back to a place that we recognize.” l

Granite School District faces a nearly $1 million school lunch debt

Local nonprofit jumps in to help, asking for donations.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

AlthoughGranite School District has some of the lowest school lunch fees in the state, the District’s lunch debt has grown to nearly $1 million. Schools on the west side seem to have been hit the hardest, with West Valley’s Granger High racking up nearly $73,000 and Beehive Elementary in Kearns approaching $15,000.

GSD Director of Child Nutrition Dana Canino oversees the District’s vast lunch program that provides 7,500 breakfasts and 24,500 lunches each day. Even with lunch debt, no child is denied a meal but Canino wants parents to know they can apply for free or reduced lunch anytime during the year. In fact, for the last decade, students who qualify for reduced lunch have been given meals at no charge.

“We were awarded grant funds to continue doing so through the state of Utah,” she said. “So we’re going to continue that program. We also provide universal free-of-charge breakfast to approximately 80% of our students.”

As GSD’s current school lunch debt exceeds $940,000, the Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation is bringing awareness to the problem and raising funds to help cover some of those costs. The organization just paid off lunch debt for its 41st school and paid off the entire debt for schools in Lehi with a $52,000 donation.

For UTLDR Executive Director DJ Bracken, the GSD situation hits close to home. As a Kearns resident, he discovered many schools in his community have thousands of

School lunch debt in Granite School District is more than $940,000 and growing. Utah Lunch Debt Relief Foundation offers ways to address the problem. (Stock photo)

dollars of lunch debt.

“I understand the incentive the schools have to get this money paid, because if they don’t, it’s the money for teachers, field trips and school supplies,” Bracken said. “That’s the money that ends up covering this debt. Literally, the money that’s paying people’s salaries. It’s not like they can just magically summon the money.”

GSD does have recourse to recoup some of those costs. Once a student leaves the District, the lunch debt is sent to a third-party debt collector, or if a student’s debt reaches $500, that is also turned over to a collector.

While it is true that seniors cannot walk during graduation if they have lunch debt, GSD uses donations to pay those students’ debts first, so they can walk with their class.

“For the last several years, our senior student balances have mostly been paid off through very generous donations,” Canino said. “When we take in nonspecific donations, donations that aren’t tied to a specific school or specific grade, we concentrate first on applying those to our graduating seniors to help them.”

GSD has some of the lowest school lunch prices in the state, with daily fees costing $1.50 for elementary schools, $1.65 for junior high and $1.75 for high school. But even with low lunch prices, struggling families deal with an uncertain economy, which contributes to the debt.

Canino said applying for free or reduced lunch is the best way to help families moving forward, and it benefits the District.

“We want parents to apply because it doesn’t just count towards lunch, it can help the schools retain other funding. There are also additional benefits from private companies that offer benefits to families and households that have qualifying indicators,” she said. “We work hard over here to take care of the students and feed them meals so they can prepare for studying and learning.”

For those who would like to help pay off school lunch debt, visit Utldr.org. Donors can also select a specific school for their donation. Bracken said another way to help is to contact him to organize a fundraising event for a school.

“They can contact me through my website, and often I’m able to get businesses around the state to give 100% matches,” Bracken said. “Maybe we can come together as a community and cover one school at a time until suddenly we’re covering the entire state.” l

Titan soccer powering through tough region

Photos by Travis Barton

Whenastronaut Neil Armstrong took those first steps on the moon, I had just celebrated my first birthday. I don’t remember either event, but the entire world held its breath as it watched Apollo 11 land, while I shoved my hands into a birthday cake.

That moon mission used less technology than your bathroom scale. It was basically human calculations, a slide rule and a Rand McNally paper map that guided those astronauts on the first lunar road trip.

We were told that space was the final frontier; space was the future. We learned that, like age and teenagers, space isn’t forgiving.

As a Murray High School senior, my home ec advisor wheeled a TV into the classroom to watch the Space Shuttle Challenger carry the first teacher, Christa McAuliffe, into space. We were speechless when the shuttle blew up at 46,000 feet. In February 2003, I watched the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster unfold as the spacecraft disintegrated on re-entry.

To say I was apprehensive watching the Artemis II mission launch to the moon would be an astronomical understatement.

On April 1, NASA perched the Orion space capsule atop a 300-foot rocket, one of the most powerful ever built. It launched a team of four astronauts 250,000 miles away from Earth, the farthest humans have ever traveled, discounting alien abductions, of course.

Unlike the catapulted station wagon that

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Copy, Moon Joy

somehow got us to the moon during Apollo missions, Orion uses autonomous navigation and extreme precision, carrying astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in more than 50 years, traveling at speeds up to 25,000 mph.

It was the 10th manned moon exploration, or for conspiracy theorists, the 10th “faked” moon mission. The entire adventure was livestreamed so we could travel together.

Space exploration is equal parts wonder, technology and angst. During the 10-day moon trip, I endured galactic levels of anxiety. Launch sent my blood pressure soaring. My jaw clenched while they circled the moon on April 6, and my internal organs somersaulted during splashdown on April 10.

I was hyperaware that dreams explode and rockets fall apart.

Apollo missions were built on bravery, and America was racing to beat Russians to the moon. Now, Artemis is an international collaboration, one that should remind us we only sur-

vive this wild ride by working together.

In Greek mythology, Artemis is Apollo’s twin sister and goddess of the moon. It is an apt comparison: while the first moon missions had bro energy, the Artemis program continues the story in a wiser, more thoughtful way.

Women play key roles in the Artemis program. Besides the first female to fly on a moon mission, there are female science officers, mission leads and launch directors. In fact, for the first time in NASA’s history, the current astronaut class has more women than men.

If I could do math while enduring crushing g-forces and the stomach-dropping sensation of freefall, I would definitely have been in the space program. Instead, I appreciate the life of an astronaut from the comfort of my recliner.

Apollo gave us “One giant leap,” Challenger dropped us to our knees and Artemis refocused our gaze. These missions remind us to look to the stars, but also look to our beautiful, blue planet. We only have each other. We should start acting like it.

As I approach my next birthday, one I hope I remember, I raise a glass to the dreamers, the heroes, to the brilliant engineers in mission control and the fearless astronauts who explore new paths. It reminds us that even when the story goes wrong, we need to keep looking up.

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