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Dec. 2023 | Vol. 05 Iss. 12

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MILLCREEK CITY HALL OPENS WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

illcreek City Hall is officially open! The grand opening celebration was in November where Millcreek’s city officials greeted locals and allowed the community to tour the entire building. There was live music, free ice skating, swag, samples of local fare, and catered with food for all to enjoy on the top floor plus fireworks to end the celebration. “I am super excited about this building, and it is something we have been working on for a long time,’’ Mayor Jeff Silvestrini said. “The vision for this building actually came from the residents of Millcreek. We did a survey before we built anything and the people of Millcreek wanted the city to own it not rent and they wanted space for the community in the facility and not just a government building.” The Millcreek City Hall is located next to Millcreek Commons on 1330 E. Chambers Ave. “We have space for the public in the building like the ballroom on the top floor and ground floor public market,” Silvestrini said. The second floor will house the new city council chamber and the third floor will be for the Unified Police Department. “Our police department and city employees are so happy to

get out of the cramped quarters that had no windows and terrible heating and cooling issues. We will be able to better serve the public in this space,” Silvestrini said. The United Police Department Precinct of Millcreek or UPD was on hand with officials expressing excitement about the new offices. The UPD offices are on the third floor with a holding cell in the basement. The main floor of the new city hall is a public market from Utah’s Own that has local vendors selling their products similar to a farmer’s market. “Utah’s Own is a State of Utah program that seeks to connect consumers with Utah grown and Utah made products.” said Tamra Watson of Utah’s Own. “We were approached by Millcreek City to do a collaborative partnership to open their holContinued page 4 The new Millcreek City Hall building located at 1330 East Chamber Ave. just off of 3300 South in Millcreek, Utah. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

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Continued from front page iday shops and see if Utah’s Own would want to become a vendor at the newly opened public market,” she added. “Five beautiful shops that have Utah grown and Utah made products, which means that they either come from Utah land, livestock or soil.” Uncle Hoss’s Crisscross Crunch has a space in the public market. “We are Utah born and bred and this is our locally owned business,” said owner Sonya Erickson. They gave out many samples of the Crisscross Crunch that included peanut butter, pumpkin and toffee. “We also make caramel and chocolate pretzel rods,” Erickson added. Crisscross Crunch will be in the public market of the Millcreek City Hall until the end of December. The new city hall is unlike other government buildings in that it is an inviting place for the community to spend time together. The top floor is a ballroom with views and available for rent for private events. Tours are still available to the community who may have missed the grand opening. l

Mayor Jeff Silvestrini of Millcreek in his new office at the newly opened Millcreek City Hall during the grand opening. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Tamra Watson of Utah’s Own helping the public navigate the new market during the grand opening in November. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals) Millcreek City Commons skating ribbon used for ice skating from November until April then roller skating for the rest of the year. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Some of the Unified Police department of Millcreek pose for a photo. From left to right, Detective Marshall, Chief Christine Petty-Brown, Sgt. Mays, Sgt. Allen and Detective Thompson. (Jolene Croasmun/ City Journals)

Journals T H E

Owner of Uncle Hoss’s Crisscross Crunch, Sonya Erickson gives out samples of the sweet treat at the city hall grand opening. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

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Millcreek City Journal

Over 50 years later, a gardener once again helps light up Temple Square

cott Goold helped to create special Christmas memories for visitors to Temple Square this year. In his position as Head Gardener, Goold is one of the workers who puts up the holiday light display that draws thousands of visitors each Christmas season. As a young boy in the 1960s, Goold helped his grandfather put up the first light displays in Temple Square. "I just find it interesting that the first job I ever had was doing the lights in Temple Square. Now that I'm back at the Church and taking care of the grounds, I've come full circle," he said. T h e first holiday lighting ceremony on Temple Square was held in 1965 when nearly 15,000 people gathered to watch former Church President David O. McKay push the button to illumi- As head gardener, Draper resident Scott Goold nate 40,000 maintains the grounds at Temple Square and helps lights. Even put up the annual Christmas light display. (Photo though there by Scott Goold) is no longer a formal lighting ceremony, the lights have continued on Temple Square each year as a reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ. Goold grew up in White City, but spent a good deal of time in Temple Square helping out his grandfather, Joseph Leland Behunin. Behunin was a trained arborist who was given the job of putting lights in the trees at Temple Square by President McKay. “I sat near the old pioneer museum on a wooden bench taking Christmas lights out of their boxes,” Goold explained. “My grandfather showed me how to take the brand new lights out of the box and wrap them around so that he could throw them over the tree branches.” He continued to help his grandfather and later his uncle put up the lights for years. The process of hanging them has changed over time. “When I was younger I would climb up on a ladder and climb the trees,” Goold said. “Now we do it all from man lifts. You’re able to reach anywhere you’d want to be.” Years ago, the gardeners had the creative license to put certain colors of lights on the trees. “Nowadays I believe the Church has a small planning committee,” he said. Goold started his current position last April. Four groups of gardeners maintain different areas of Temple Square. Goold handles the area around the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Relief Society Building, Administration Building and the Church History Library. For much of the year, he divides his time between working at the Church-owned nursery and maintaining the grounds at Temple Square. Setting up the Christmas lights is a project that brings all the workers together. “With the missionary volunteers, there’s probably about 30 of us that work on the lights,” Goold said. “This year we started the process in mid-Sep-

MillcreekJournal .com

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

The lights at Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City have been a holiday destination since 1965. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

tember.” Approximately 4 million tiny light bulbs twinkle from the trees and other structures on Temple Square. Each year the lights on Temple Square are a little different, perhaps more so in recent years due to the ongoing construction. This year, the Church has added metal snowflake sculptures and artificial trees to the display. Even during the years when Goold was working elsewhere, making an annual trip to see the lights each Christmas has been a family tradition. “We went all the time,” Goold remembered. His wife, Angela Oldroyd has her own special memories of seeing the lights at Temple Square and tossing a coin into the Seagull Fountain. "It was probably the highlight of the season with my family. I remember my dad giving us money. I was always so excited to make a wish, a Christmas wish,” she said. Oldroyd is happy that Goold is enjoying his work. “Scott loves working in Temple Square,” she said. The lights at Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City are put up every year by a crew of “The environment is awesome, the about 30 workers. (Photo by David J. Weinstein) best I’ve ever worked in. You would be surprised at how many people you meet,” it’s going to look and see the branches in front of you. The he said of the tourists who walk through Temple Square ev- idea is to turn how you hope it will look into reality. You ery day. become an artist.”l Putting up the lights is a very special part of his job. “I’ve always been fascinated with the lights. It’s easy for me to get carried away,” Goold said. “You try to imagine how

Dec. 2023 | Page 5

Historic significance might not be enough to save community of Mountair By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

ucked into a narrow box canyon near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon is a ribbon of cabins and summer houses full of stories and deep history. It is accessed from an unmarked freeway off-ramp and hidden behind a non-descript gate. This is a place unknown to many. The cabins here are small with screenedin porches, hand-troweled stone walls, wood shingles and log siding. Many of the 50-plus historically significant dwellings perch on stilts above the canyon floor to evoke the sensation of living in the treetops (and also to limit access of critters to the rustic cabins). One well-preserved cabin was designed by renowned architect Taylor Woolley, a draftsman for Frank Lloyd Wright, who also designed Memory Grove Park and This is the Place Monument. This isn’t a canyon where the history has been torn down and replaced with Park City mega-mansions. This is the historic district of Mountair. “People hardly know the place exists,” said cabin owner Sam Dunham. “But for seven generations it’s been a place where families gather to celebrate, to slow down, to enjoy the mountains.” Seven generations, what does that mean? It means there are existing cabins in Mountair that were built as far back as 1890, several of which are connected with any one of the first seven presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then there’s the Free family cabin, the original owners of Hygeia Ice; there’s the Willard Richards family cabin, the first editor of the Deseret News; the Richard Warner (Rick Warner Ford) family cabin, and the list goes on. Mountair recently received a historic district designation by the State Historic Preservation Office and the nomination is on its way to receiving a National Register of

Site of a proposed 634-acre mine near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon (Courtesy SaveParleys.org)

Historic Places designation. “There’s deep, preserved history here. These are the summer homes of the original builders of Salt Lake City,” said Dunham, both preservation advocate of SaveParleys. org, a grassroots organization of individuals and organizations dedicated to saving Parley’s Canyon, and a cabin owner. “But after all these generations, all of this layered his-

tory, this place is at risk of being destroyed.”

A mine versus a community

Local developer Tree Farm LLC and California-based Granite Construction have proposed and petitioned for a new 634-acre open-pit gravel quarry near the mouth of Parley’s Canyon. There is an existing and visible quarry already in operation on the north side of I-80, the Harper’s Quarry. Harper’s

currently operates on 11 acres, which is not even 2% of the proposed 634-acre site. It would be tempting to believe that an open-pit mining operation of this size so close to a population center would be a clear-cut nonstarter, but there are historic mining-rights laws that affect the Wasatch Front, laws that were put in place when the valley was sparsely inhabited, and building

The original “glamping.” Young ladies camping in the early 1900s. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker) Existing 11-acre quarry operation in Parley’s Canyon, the Harper’s Quarry. Size of Harper’s is less than 2% of proposed quarry (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

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Millcreek City Journal

Cabin hand-built with local stone, late 1800s. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker)

Stilt construction common in Mountair Historic District, designed to catch the breezes and get away from forest critters. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker)

Cabin designed by renowned architect Taylor Woolley who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker)

Listening to the phonograph on a screened-in porch, a construction feature still present on many Mountair cabins. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker)

Treehouse for the children, nicknamed Bird’s Nest. (Courtesy Kirk Huffaker)

Zion from the ground up was the top priority. Although the proposed site is currently zoned for Forestry and Recreation, which means it should be unavailable for development, via lawsuits and most recently through the defeated HB 527, developers and some lawmakers are attempting to invoke these historic “vested-interest” mining laws to expand quarry operations. Residents have responded to the threat. In 2022, the Salt Lake County Council amended the zoning ordinances to prohibit new mines in the Wasatch foothills, over 26,000 residents signed a petition to stop the mine, 14 community councils spoke out against it, Gov. Spencer Cox said he would have vetoed HB 527 which attempted to invoke the historic laws had it hit his desk, Fraser Bullock, the president and CEO of the Committee for the Olympic Games, has written a public letter to the governor emphasizing the negative impact of an open-pit mine on the potential future of another Olympic games.

Lake’s drinking water, and dust would darken the winter snow pack, accelerating snow melt. Additionally, the mine would require millions of gallons of already scarce water for extraction and dust mitigation. There’s the quality of life issue. The Wasatch Mountain range frames the valley, the proximity to the city a feature that makes Salt Lake unique. Locals treasure the wild foothills and access to nearby trails. The mine would also scar the scenic gateway to Park City, a major tourist destination, economic driver and location of (possible) future Olympic events.

So much at risk

MillcreekJournal .com

The historic Mountair community will be impacted, as many of the homes are within one-quarter of a mile (as the crow flies) of the proposed mining area and the structures are fragile, but as summarized by SaveParleys. org, and based on articles from the Salt Lake Tribune and other sources, the environmental impact of an open-pit mine at the mouth of Parley’s Canyon could affect not just Mountair, but the entire valley in a myriad of ways: There’s the air quality issue. Gravel pits produce a high volume of dust which contains toxins such as crystalline silica, a carcinogen known to damage lung tissue. Despite efforts to tamp dust, persistent canyon winds would make suppressing fugitive dust nearly impossible, and on windy days that dust would funnel into the valley. There’s the water issue. Parley’s Canyon is a designated watershed for the Salt Lake Valley, and according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, provides 20% of the valley’s water supply. Airborne dust would fall into the reservoirs and steams polluting Salt

Gravel is necessary for growth

Construction materials are necessary for growth, and infrastructure materials such as gravel and fill are critical. But these materials are found throughout the valley, present in existing mines and approved locations close to new construction projects in the south end of the valley. “This isn’t lithium or another rare commodity we’re talking about,” said Dunham. “Gravel isn’t just a Parley’s Can-

yon resource, it’s found everywhere.” Legally, neither the state nor national historical seal of approval can put a full stop on the proposed mine. The designation only requires state permitting agencies to assess the impact on the community. However, when asked what the Mountair community hopes to achieve with the designation, Dunham’s voice changes, his enthusiasm present in every word. “Because of this threat, the cabin owners and their families have come together to dig deep into the history of the place, to gather, to tell stories and to pull out old photos. It’s reignited a sense of community and pride. This place means something to these families. It’s meant something for generations.” The Mountair Historical District hopes that in documenting and preserving its historical significance, the state legislature will appreciate the deep history of the place, and in turn, will help preserve the place, itself. l

Dec. 2023 | Page 7

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Millcreek City Journal

Granite officers honored for their life-saving actions By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

t wasn’t the first time Detective Brandon White had used CPR to save a life, but it was the first time he’d performed it on someone so young. The sense of urgency he felt to help the teen was heightened when White saw the extent of his injuries. When the 15-year-old Granger High student was hit by a vehicle near 3450 W. 3500 South on Sept. 19, White, a Granger High resource officer, jumped into action. He was patrolling the area and came upon the accident. He found that the student was not breathing and did not have a pulse. White began performing life-saving CPR immediately and was soon joined by Officer Garrett Penrose, a canine patrol officer, who responded to the scene and assisted with CPR. The two officers took turns providing CPR to the teen for more than eight minutes until the student began to respond. “You could tell when he came to that he was in pain, but he was making noises and he was breathing and, seriously, tears welled up in my eyes because I couldn’t believe it,” White said. “It was a miracle to me because he was in bad shape.” The teen was transported to the hospital in critical condition where they had to revive him two more times. He was then transferred to Primary Children’s Hospital where they

diagnosed his internal injuries. Doctors told White that if he had waited to administer CPR, even just for one more minute, the student probably wouldn’t have survived. The young man is expected to make a full recovery. “God put me in the right place at the right time,” White said. “I was needed right then and things just happened for a reason.” White and Penrose were honored with Distinguished Service Awards for the heroic actions that saved the young student’s life. During a Granite Board of Education meeting, Granite School District Police Department Chief Randy Porter said he was honored to present the awards to his officers. “The actions taken by Officer Brandon White and Officer Garrett Penrose saved this young person’s life,” Porter said. White is a police veteran who retired from the Sheriff’s department after serving for 20 years. He is currently in his fourth year working for the Granite Police Department. Penrose was hired after graduating from the police academy and is in his third year with the department. “I came out of retirement so that I could unconditionally love people and show them that love by my service to them and try to do an effective job,” White said. “This had

From left, Granite School District Police Department Chief Randy Porter joins Officer Garrett Penrose and Detective Brandon White, and Granite School District Superintendent Richard Nye during a GSD board meeting in November where the officers were honored for their role in saving the life of a Granger High School student. (Photo courtesy of GSD)

a good outcome and I’m truly blessed to be a part of it.” The student’s mother reported that her

son is home recovering from his injuries and is anxious to get back to school. l

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Dec. 2023 | Page 9

Skyline hits the court with familiar faces, but a new coach Photos by Travis Barton

Leelu Bare returns for the Skyline basketball team. The guard helped lead the Eagles to the semifinals last year overcoming Olympus, Payson and Timpview before falling to Bountiful. Skyline finished the year 11-13 and fourth in Region 6, earning the No. 22 seed for the 5A state playoffs.

Lauren Johnson and her senior leadership will be key this season. Johnson has been a steady contributor since her freshman year for the Eagles program. Skyline opened the year at home against Herriman on Nov. 15 with its first region game set for Jan. 3 at Brighton.

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Millcreek City Journal

Eagles return for Frazier’s second year Photos by Travis Barton

Navigating Grief and the Holidays By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness. As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some find meaning in following cherished traditions, and others benefit from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people find great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.

Malakai Philip returns for the Skyline Eagles boys basketball team. Skyline will play in a slightly altered Region 6 this year with Park City departing and defending 5A state champion Alta arriving.

Plan ahead for the holidays: The first step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology. Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have significantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you. Accept that the holidays will be different this year: The holidays are often filled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and find a balance between continuity and change. Many people find a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died. Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are different from yours. You all may need to make compromises.

Students fill Skyline’s new gym last season. The Eagles went 17-8 on their new court last year falling to region rival Brighton in the second round of the playoffs.

If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new. For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal significance or not, it can be a season in which we reflect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.

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Landon Shaw is back for the Eagles to provide an inside presence as a senior.

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Marcus Frazier returns for his second season after going 17-8 in his inaugural season.

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Skyline swimming back in the water in search of another state title Photos by Roger V. Tuttle

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Millcreek City Journal

Former NBA coach hosting local basketball camp By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

tah native Barry Hecker, who coached in the NBA for more than two decades, continues to teach the game of basketball to young players. During the winter break, he will host a camp for boys and girls in third through ninth grades on Dec. 27-29 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Sandy Recreation Center, located at 440 E. 8680 South. “These camps are all about the basic fundamentals of basketball,” Hecker said. “We focus on quality fundamental instruction, we work hard with a lot of discipline and structure and we have a lot of fun. When these kids walk out of there, they know they’ve been taught and improved.” The cost of the camp is $65. Registrations are open online by visiting www. sandy.utah.gov/registration and clicking on “Basketball Camp – Barry Hecker” under Quick Links. The veteran coach, who lives in Murray, said the values he has learned from his basketball coaching journey—beginning at Maryland’s Oxon Hill High School and spanning through Salt Lake Community College and stints with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies—are invaluable. He loves nothing more than being able to

share those principles of hard work, teamwork, unselfishness and persistence, along with the physical skills of the game itself, with others. “I don’t care who I coach or when I coach,” Hecker said, who has worked with current Jazz players Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, said. “I simply enjoy teaching the game. It’s great to see a smile on someone’s face as they experience success. If you help somebody, you’ll be somebody.” Hecker has conducted clinics all over the world for more than 40 years, including many since his retirement from coaching in the NBA. He said he particularly enjoys working with the youth. “If you teach skills, that leads to confidence and that confidence can allow anyone to do anything they want,” he said. “I have more fun with young kids than with the pros. In the NBA, you have guys who are making millions and they don’t listen. These kids are making nothing and they’ll listen to you.”l

Former NBA coach Barry Hecker, who has been teaching the game of basketball for more than 40 years, will host a winter camp for young players. (Photo courtesy Barry Hecker)

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Millcreek City Journal

County art exhibit salutes National Caregivers Month By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

here are an estimated 336,000 unpaid family caregivers in Utah. November is the month these caregivers are saluted nationwide. On Nov. 16, Salt Lake County’s division of Aging and Adult Services (part of the county’s Human Services Department) offered its own salute. The Portrait of a Caregiver Exhibit at the county government center featured photos, displays and stories of local caregivers from a wide variety of backgrounds. AAS promotes independence for older adults through advocacy, engagement and access to resources. “One of the things that caregivers often say is ‘you don’t know unless you’ve been a caregiver,’” said Charise Jensen, program manager for AAS. “We wanted a way for other caregivers to be able to see themselves and recognize themselves in these photos.” There were a number of photos on display, each with a short story about the caregiver or a description of their efforts. One display was a series of postcards from a caregiver named Nia. “It’s kind of her art therapy,” Jensen said. “It tells of her caregiver journey, and it relates so closely to many of our caregivers. We encourage both the givers and the receivers to express their feelings with art, which many have.” Caregivers are those who help loved ones manage household tasks and assist with person-

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al care. The division said the average caregiver in Utah is a 59-year-old woman who works full or part time and cares for a loved one over age 76. “Nineteen percent of all Utah caregivers are over 65, 58% are women, and 22% are caring for someone with dementia,” said Afton January, grants and communications manager for the division. “Nearly 1 in 7 non-caregivers expect to become caregivers within two years.” She said nationally, the estimated value of unpaid family caregiving is over $470 billion. Jensen said caregivers offer help to people of all ages, from grandparents to siblings to young children. She said everyone’s story is unique, as were the exhibits on display. “Each caregiver featured here has a powerful story to tell, and to share,” she said. “They are all very endearing to those who give and receive that care.” The annual event is held each November during the national month of celebration. Last year’s theme was the Mad Hatter Tea Party because, as Jensen said with a smile, “at times you think you’re going mad as a caregiver.” “I came to see the exhibit because I remember how our family took care of Grandpa after my Grandma died,” said Rachel, who didn’t want to give her last name. “My memories of being with Grandpa—hearing his stories

Photos of caregivers along with their stories were part of the exhibit at the county government building for National Caregivers Month. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

of his life—will be something I’ll never forget. I know it took a lot of time and sacrifice to be with him for the last few months of his life. My family received a lot more from those days than we ever gave to him.”

Jensen said the message for caregivers at the yearly event is the same. “We just want them to know that they’re not alone, that this is a journey and that there’s support out there. And we’re here for them.” l

Dec. 2023 | Page 15

Jourdon, Favero lead Olympus to solid showings at 5A state cross country championships By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Adria Favero, Olympus (871) finished second in the State UHSAA 5A Cross Country Championships at The Regional Athletic Complex in Rose Park, Utah, Oct 24th. Her time was 17:29.8. (Photo by Roger V. Tuttle)

he cast of runners at the 5A state cross country meet was strong, and two of the best performances came from Olympus runners. JoJo Jourdon was first among all runners on the boys’ side, while Adria Favero posted the second-best girls’ time. Jourdon, a senior, ran the race in an impressive time of 14:58.3. His sub-15-minute time was the second best among all runners in the state, just behind Class 6A’s Daniel Simmons of American Fork, who beat Jourdon’s time by 14 seconds. Meanwhile, Favero, just a freshman, ran her race in 17:29.8, 15 seconds behind the winner. The Titans came in fifth on the boys’ side, while the Lady Titans were 11th in 5A. The boys team’s top four runners are all seniors, with Kyle Berkson placing second on the team and 14th at the 5A championships with a race time of 16:00.9. Dillon Elliot was 44th with a time of 16:32.7. For the girls, junior Sophia Jourdon finished in 18th place overall with a time of 19:16.2. As for JoJo Jourdon, he’s just getting started doing huge things on the cross country course. Next year, he’ll be running in North Carolina at Wake Forest University, where he’ll also run track. He’ll be part of a program that is improving and has been nationally ranked.

Page 16 | Dec. 2023

JoJo Jourdon, Olympus (green jersey, 864) leads the pack of 5A runners in the State UHSAA 5A Cross Country Championships at The Regional Athletic Complex in Rose Park, Utah, Oct 24th. Jordan took First Place in 14:58.3 with his team taking fifth overall. (Photo by Roger V. Tuttle)

“I'm excited to watch his progress as he competes against the best runners in the country week in and week out,” Olympus head coach Christophe Humbert said. “JoJo will be studying engineering there, which I'm happy about, as I've been lucky enough to have JoJo in my computer science, engineering and architecture classes at Olympus High School.” During his career at Olympus, Jourdon has excelled— not just because of his abilities and talent but because of his dedication. Humbert said he has done everything a successful cross country athlete should do, from the little things on up. “JoJo has a natural talent, which he discovered before he started running with Olympus High School,” Humbert said. “But what truly makes him exceptional is his work ethic and his focus. JoJo is willing to work very hard and push himself very hard, then rest and recover so his body can rebuild and get stronger. He has a very good attention to detail, is very coachable and tries to do everything right: training, diet, sleep, rest.” Humbert believes Jourdon will transition well to the collegiate level because he has already gone through college-level training programs and workouts. Humbert said

Jourdon should only continue to get better and faster. He’s a runner who has worked as hard or harder than anyone on the high school level. Obviously, the Olympus team has benefit from Jourdon’s running prowess. He has also been a leader and set the pace—literally and figuratively—for others on the team. “JoJo is one of our team captains, and more than anything, leads by example,” Humbert said. “He is a very strong student as well as a great athlete. As both his teacher and one of his coaches, I love this, as his leadership among his team is noticeable both at practice and in the classroom. JoJo is showing his younger teammates that one can be a successful, driven athlete while also prioritizing academics.” Jourdon will graduate and leave a big hole on the cross country team at Olympus. Five other boys who ran at state for the Titans are seniors. However, the girls team has multiple state qualifiers coming back. Five of the seven Lady Titans who ran at state will be coming back in 2024. l

Millcreek City Journal

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r. Corey A. Miller started Mountain States Eye Center in 1984 as a comprehensive ophthalmology practice using state–of-the-art equipment and techniques. Up until he retired in 2022, Dr. Miller offered top-notch care and treatment to all his patients. His son, Dr. Corey J. Miller, joined him in his practice a few months and took over once his father retired. Corey J. Miller, M.D. graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah and was awarded the Eli G. Alcorn and John B. Alcorn Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Ophthalmology for his research and dedication to ophthalmology while he attended The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Following his residency at the University of Minnesota, he completed a prestigious fellowship at Minnesota Eye Consultants, receiving training in cornea, cataract, refractive and external disease.

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How long have you been with Mountain States Eye Center? I had the honor and privilege of joining my father, Dr. Corey A. Miller, in his practice where we worked together for five months prior to his well-deserved retirement. I’m excited to be back where I grew up to serve the community. I’m committed to providing excellent eye care and treat everyone like family. I’m also board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. I am committed to teaching, research and helping underserved populations. I’m fluent in Portuguese and love to spend time with my wife and four children. We enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing and biking together.

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What’s your advice for someone considering doing business with you? We want each person to feel like family when they come to see us. We strive to be honest in all that we do. We don’t outsource your care or cut corners for the sake of profit. What’s your favorite service? Good quality eye care. Are you running any specials? We periodically have specials on laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK. We provide free screenings for anyone that’s interested in laser vision correction to determine if they’re a good candidate. More information can be found at www.slceyes.com. What is your service area? We have patients from all over Utah as well as Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada.

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Dec. 2023 | Page 17

A Labor of Love in Salt Lake County By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

t’s been 50 years since a group of parents got together to create a program where adults with disabilities could live in a traditional setting and experience being part of a community. Project TURN is now TURN Community Services and its mission is to turn dreams into reality. Two-time Best of State winner, TURN offers day programs, residential living, summer camps, supported employment and art programs to participants from 11 to 80 years old. It also provides Christmas gifts to 200 people with disabilities through its Labor of Love project. “We provide Christmas for people with disabilities and we open that up to the community,” said Alyssa DeHart, TURN director of development and communication. “People are able to submit names and profiles of people who would like help…It’s entirely funded by donations and volunteers who shop, wrap and then deliver the presents as well.” The Labor of Love project has been going on for at least 30 years, helping hundreds of people with disabilities enjoy a fun holiday. Volunteers in the community deliver gifts to each one of the TURN offices in the state, from Ogden to St. George. The gifts are then distributed to some of Utah’s most vulnerable residents. “We have volunteers that come year after year, some have participated for more than 20 years, and they bring more friends and extended family members each year because they find it so rewarding to help these people who often have no family members left to help with their basic needs and holiday celebrations,” said Cynthia Proctor, Labor of Love director. “They know they are extending critical help to this overlooked and underserved part of the community whose

needs are very real, extensive, and still often invisible.” For information about volunteering with the Labor of Love project, contact DeHart at alyssadehart@turncommunityservices.org. The drop-off location in Salt Lake County is at 423 W. 800 South. Along with the Labor of Love project, TURN provides support for individuals with disabilities by providing individualized care in a residential setting. Support includes health care, socialization, financial management, transportation, leisure activities and community events. TURN’s art centers help people express themselves through the power of creativity with art classes, dance lessons and music education. The classes offer a chance for participants to build skills, explore the world, enhance self-expression and tap into their own artistic talents. Several artists in the program have submitted art for various fairs and contests. A popular program at the nonprofit is employment services which helps individuals with disabilities, ages 14 and up, to find work in their community. Counselors take time to meet with each person to determine their skills, interests and abilities and then help them find a job that matches their preferences, allowing them to develop independence. “Our mission statement is turning dreams into reality and that helps us focus and maintain our ideals of serving people,” DeHart said. “Sometimes we focus on sustaining life but enhancing life is really what we want to do. We want each individual to be able to have dignity and hopes and dreams and discover new abilities.” l

TURN Community Services volunteers shop, wrap and deliver Christmas gifts to more than 200 people with disabilities throughout the state. (Photo courtesy of TURN)

Food pantries face high demand and low inventory By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

he number of children living in poverty in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past year and a half, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It issued a release in September saying 12.4% of youth under 18 are living below the poverty line. That’s up from 5.2% in 2021 and totals over 9 million children. Inflation overall, added to the expiration of the Child Tax Credit program that Congress instituted during the pandemic, has added to the economic challenges families are facing, including here along the Wasatch Front. It’s estimated that in Utah, one of every 11 residents will go to bed hungry tonight. So many are turning to local food pantries for help—and that’s a problem. Food pantries are seeing lower inventories and fewer donations. With the holidays approaching, pantry leaders are alarmed. “Our needs are extreme,” said Rebekah Anderson, executive director of the Bountiful Community Food Pantry. “Every single day, we have at least one new family come in who we haven’t served before. Two weeks ago, we served over 100 families in one day—the most in a single day since I’ve been here.” She said most of the pantry’s clients are not destitute—many come from families

Page 18 | Dec. 2023

where both parents are employed or have second jobs. “Every day Davis County residents are finding their paychecks aren’t going as far as in the past,” she said. “They still need help to feed their families.” At the Open Doors pantry in Layton, executive director Jason Wilde tells a similar story. “For the first nine months of this year, we’ve seen a 40% increase in the numbers of families we’ve served,” he said. “At least half of those are families that have never come into the pantry before. At the same time, our donations have dropped by about 10%. So there’s a great inequity between needs and our ability to meet them.” The Murray Children’s Pantry serves clients from throughout Salt Lake County. Jim Brass, president of the pantry board, says donations have dwindled throughout the summer, as they traditionally do, and he’s hopeful the upcoming holidays will put “people in a more giving mood.” As with Bountiful and Layton, clients have increased in numbers the past few months. “We’re hearing the biggest challenge is rent—the costs of housing,” he said. “We’ve seen our client base grow by 30% to 40% some weeks. We have put together what we

call family boxes—enough to feed a family of four for a week—and demand for those has steadily grown. There are new families coming in for the first time every week.” Anderson said the Bountiful Pantry is blessed to have over 200 volunteers who help with food organization and distribution. She said one of those volunteers came back into work after being off for about a week and said “she couldn’t believe how empty our warehouse looked…in just a few days.” And she’s concerned that with November and December holidays just around the corner, when the demand usually doubles or triples, her inventory continues to drop. In Bountiful, Anderson’s crew is being extra careful with distribution. “We’re not rationing food, but we are taking steps to make sure we reduce waste,” she said. “We can extend the shelf life of canned vegetables, for example. The USDA provides a shelf life guide because many products are still good past their published expiration dates. That said, we still offer clients many healthy, fresh perishable food items as well. Our number one focus is always on our clients.” So how can the public help out pantries? One way is through food drives at schools or through churches or community groups. The

Farmington High National Honors Society is planning a food drive from Nov. 6-10 for the Bountiful Pantry. Anderson said she’ll provide either barrels or large wire containers to gather food. Bountiful also received a $5,000 donation from the Bridge Community Church in Centerville, which held a golf tournament as a fundraiser for the pantry. “We’re so grateful to both Farmington High and the Bridge Community Church for doing these,” Anderson said. “It helps take stress off of the pantry.” Bountiful Pantry’s annual Sub for Santa program—which can assign clients to be Santas for families in need of help—is taking registrations through Nov. 18. Low-income families are vetted, and last year more than 4,000 children received gifts. Brass said the Murray pantry is working for the third year with the Frank Cordova Foundation to provide Thanksgiving dinners for families. The foundation provides turkeys, and the pantry provides the rest of the fixings. Those wishing to make donations and help out should reach out to the pantries on their websites. Each director says the needs are continuing to grow every day. l

Millcreek City Journal

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Millcreek City Journal

The City Journals is recognized for its pay equity and women-friendly practices By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

he City Journals has been named as one of the 100 Companies Championing Women. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Cox-Henderson Administration and the Utah Women & Leadership Project created the initiative in 2022, as part of the Inspire InUtah program, to recognize businesses that offer family-friendly policies and women-specific practices that advance women as managers and leaders. Listed in the 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women, The City Journals joins other organizations like Davis Technical College, Women of the World, Bennett Communications and Saprea. The City Journals publishes 18 community newspapers each month, along with the weekly Davis Journal. It also creates the Value Pages coupon magazine. “Women are imperative to our business at the Journals,” said Bryan Scott, City Journals owner and publisher. “Women make up the majority of our readership. Women make up the majority of our employees, particularly our writers. And if most homes are like mine, most of our shopping decisions are made by women, which makes it important to our advertisers.” State leaders believe when businesses unite in their mission to champion women, it creates a force that can reshape the corporate landscape, and change the lives of women as it paves the way for equality and empowerment. While Utah continues to rank as the worst state for women’s equality, the gover-

City Journals staff members include (from left) Brialee Nelson, Kayla Palmer, Elizabeth Sweat, Bryan Scott, Rachael Roberts and Mieka Sawatzki. They join Alderman Properties Managing Partner Trish Alderman (third from right), at the Chamber West Fall Conference. The City Journals was recently named as a 100 Companies Championing Women organization. (City Journals)

nor’s office and Inspire InUtah hopes to create a business community where women are supported, whether that’s through pay equity and childcare support, or professional development and leadership programs. Elizabeth Sweat, people leader at The City Journals, said the company has focused on women-friendly practices, including pay equity for all female employees. “We are transparent about our pay,” Sweat said. “We have the same pay for all of our beat writer contractors based on their length of service and we pay our commissioned sales reps the same, based on the

amount they sell. Women and men are paid the exact same for the exact position.” The City Journals also implements recruitment strategies, focused on increasing the number of women employees, with flexible work schedules that accommodate workfrom-home situations. “Some were hesitant to say they had school drop-off or such, but I let them know that we love working moms,” she said. “Prior to COVID, we had a program called Project Homemaker where we specifically targeted stay-at-home parents. They were appointment setters that worked approxi-

mately 12 hours a week based on their children’s school schedules. That is a program that we hope to bring back soon.” The Women’s Evolution group at The City Journals used to meet in person every month, but with so many remote workers, Sweat sends out a calendar of community and business events that women can choose to attend. The calendar also includes community resources geared toward women. Female employees are encouraged to find a Women in Business group based on their personal interests and schedules, although they are not required to attend because many have limited time for networking. The City Journals supports women in leadership positions. Currently, the sales manager is a woman, as is one of the three community newspaper editors. Full-time employees include nine women and seven men. “It became very evident to me a few years ago that the success of our company will be dependent on our ability to have women work for us,” Scott said. “Our journey started with our staff making sure we were building a company where women would be comfortable working. We still have a long road to go, but I think this award demonstrates the strides that we have made.” The 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women joins the inaugural 2023 group that includes organizations like Clearfield City, Cotopaxi, Goldman Sachs and the Women’s Leadership Institute. For more information, visit InUtah.org. l

SLCO highlights from 2023 - improved trails, mental health resources, and fiscal responsibility

s 2023 closes, I am thrilled to share some remarkable accomplishments that highlight the progress and success that Salt Lake County has experienced over the past year. From the pristine trails, the compassionate care for our furry friends, and an emphasis on mental health resources, Salt Lake County has truly shone in its commitment to excellence. One of the standout achievements is the recent inauguration of the Butterfield Canyon Trail at the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, Rio Tinto Kennecott, and the Bureau of Land Management, we cut the ribbon on this expansive trail on August 31, 2023. This trail, spanning 14 miles, showcases our dedication to outdoor recreation, and welcomes hikers, equestrians, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. When it comes to animal welfare, we take immense pride in Animal Services

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Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

achieving a decade of no-kill status. We stand as the first capital area to reach this milestone, and one of the pioneers nationwide. Additionally, Animal Services has been recognized as the best in the state for the 15th time, showcasing our ongoing dedication to the well-being of our community's animals. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute’s Receiving Center bridge program is now open, thanks to funding from Salt Lake County. This expansion increases access

for mental health needs in our community, providing crucial support and resources for those who need it most. This location will provide service until the new mental health crisis center opens in 2025. Our Salt Lake County Library has gained national recognition from the National Association of Counties, honoring the outstanding services and resources it provides to our residents. This acknowledgment reinforces the importance of education, literacy, and community engagement. Let's not forget the heartwarming success of the Meals on Wheels program, delivering nourishment and companionship to those in need. By the end of the year Salt Lake County will have delivered more than 375,000 meals. This invaluable service supports all members of our community who may be vulnerable or isolated. Addressing the pressing issue of jail services, we acknowledge the need for expansion. As we grow and evolve, it is essen-

tial to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members. In terms of fiscal responsibility, Salt Lake County has balanced its budget while maintaining a AAA bond rating. This achievement reflects our commitment to sound financial management, ensuring stability and security for our community. Our convention centers, the Salt Palace Convention Center and the MACU Expo Center, have hosted a multitude of successful events, attracting visitors and revenue to our community. These venues continue to be vital components of our local economy and end up saving taxpayer dollars as we generate sales tax revenue from out-of-town guests. As we think about all these great things we've done, let's remember how strong and connected Salt Lake County is. We are lucky to live in this beautiful, vibrant place!

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