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FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS SEEKING SANCTUARY By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

tah, like every state in the union, is often defined by its stereotypes. Outside onlookers tend to regard Utah as a land of perpetual virtue, dominated by families, religion and conservative values. When most people think of crime in the United States, rarely does their mind conjure up images of the Beehive State. This is precisely why many people might be surprised to learn that Utah ranks in the top 10 nationwide when it comes to human trafficking. In light of this information, people might also be surprised to learn that Utah has no long-term resources or residential programs available specifically for human trafficking and sexual exploitation survivors. Yet, the need for such services is dire and undeniable. Enter Aspen Magdalene House, a nonprofit, grassroots organization that is finally on the precipice of opening its doors after five years of hard work and development. Aspen House will be the first of its kind in Utah, operating as a sanctuary for women who are 18 years and older and are ready to leave behind “the life.”

On their website, Aspen House states that their mission is to “provide a home-like residence offering a safe and nurturing environment to empower women on a path to self-sufficiency.” Establishing and maintaining privacy is of the utmost importance for survivors, so while the actual address of Aspen House cannot be disclosed, the residential home, which will treat up to 12 women at a time, is located in the Millcreek area. Despite the strict adherence to anonymity, on Oct. 27, members of the press were invited to join board members, government representatives and trafficking survivors at an exclusive open house event. While the Aspen House team is still sourcing the necessary funds needed to purchase the home, in the interim, it remains under contract. Terry Palmer, who is cochair of the board for Aspen House, is optimistic that they will finally close on the property in early 2024. At that point, Aspen House will be able to fully implement their mission, purpose and programming, which they have been meticulously developing over the past

five years. Aspen House has crafted their treatment guidelines based on the “Thistle Farms Model” which originated in Nashville, Tennessee at the Thistle Farms Residential Program. Since its inception, the Thistle Farms Model has been implemented throughout a network of 58 affiliated homes nationwide. As of fall 2023, an additional 35 homes are currently engaged in planning or startup phases, as they work toward joining the aforementioned network. The Thistle Farms Model boasts an impressive 75% success rate, with an overall goal of helping women who have been exploited and/or trafficked achieve a series of goals including processing trauma, establishing financial independence, cultivating sisterhood, returning to school, maintaining sobriety, and ultimately, reclaiming their lives. Continued page 15 Terry Palmer, cochair of the board for Aspen House, addresses the media at the open house on Oct. 27. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)

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Nov. 2023 | Page 3

Millcreek saluted for health initiatives by Get Healthy Utah By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

oth Millcreek and West Valley City were saluted by Get Healthy Utah at the nonprofit’s ninth annual stakeholder retreat held Oct. 4 in West Jordan. West Valley City was presented an award for its pilot program to increase awareness of how a city’s policy affects health. Alysia Ducuara, executive director for Get Healthy Utah, praised both cities along with Manti City for efforts to help build a culture of health across the state. The communities received grants from GHU for the pilot programs. Representatives from both Salt Lake Valley cities conducted a panel titled “Health in All Policies,” emphasizing the need to have city leaders’ buy-in to the healthy community concept. Kiana Dipko, Promise Health coordinator for Millcreek, said creating a program for her city presented “a unique opportunity to work with our planners as they were updating the land use code and some of our bylaws.” She stressed the importance of that connection within the community. “Millcreek City has some unusual borders,” she said. “We stretch from the east bench across to the westside of the valley, and that means different social-economic groups. So we’ve had to create a plan that takes into account those lifestyle differences but remains equal in terms of our messages.” Students from the University of Utah performed a walkability audit, garnering feedback from residents about their needs and incorporating environmental factors and accessibility to healthy food choices for residents. “We found places where sidewalks were cracked or uneven, making it difficult for those in wheelchairs, or areas with few trees that can assist some in walking,” Dipko said. “We used that to formulate a health impact assessment to begin working on policies.”

Journals T H E

Millcreek was among the cities recognized by Get Healthy Utah at the nonprofit’s ninth annual stakeholder retreat Oct. 4. (Stock photo)

The Healthy West Valley Committee was created last March, and leaders Alex Kidd and Kevin Nyugen both spoke on the panel. Kidd said they have followed a process in organizing programs that includes brainstorming, chatting as a committee with residents, then taking information to city staff members. “We want to have a benefit across the city,” she said. “We created a checklist, asking how healthy goals and programs are achieved. We refined it, made it manageable, then set up a staff training program. Over a few weeks, we moved that message up to the city council.” Nyugen, who serves as chair for the

committee, said one key was the city’s proclamation for Healthy West Valley, establishing it as an official community committee. “It means the city recognizes the impact policies have on citizen health,” he said. “It holds itself accountable. We bought a city official onto the committee. We created a health lens checklist to see how we’re doing and looked at what policies and practices need to be changed and took a collaborative approach in making those changes.” All panelists agreed that speaking in layman’s terms—taking medical words and phrases and changing them into languages everyone can understand—is vitally important to run a healthy community program. Time constraints also make facets of the pro-

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grams difficult for staff members. “We’ve had a few false starts,” Dipko said. “It takes a lot of time to start some of these initiatives.” Kidd added that “everyone wears a lot of hats in city government, so scheduling of events or training presents some challenges.” Nyugen said holding events like the panel at the retreat allows for collaboration between cities, “kind of hearing something that makes the light bulb go on and realizing it’s an area we can all work on.” “It’s going to take time and some patience for these programs to reach their maximized goal,” Dipko said. “The key is to be diligent. I think these healthy community programs can be rolled out across Utah. We’re just getting started.” l

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Millcreek City Journal

Granite School District holds meetings on school boundaries, seeks feedback

or many school districts, boundary studies and population surveys serve as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of current school systems, consolidate schools and facilitate closures when deemed necessary. Earlier this year, as prompted by boundary studies and population surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023, several elementary schools in Granite School District were permanently closed. The response to these closures was mixed. Back in June, three elementary schools, Twin Peaks, Spring Lane and Millcreek hosted their final classes before closing permanently. Months prior, many parents had voiced their concerns and opposition to the school closures, urging the board to reconsider the decision. Parents who opposed these closures argued that the schools were being unfairly targeted due to the populations they served. When the schools were still operating, they served populations that had significant numbers of students who identified as people of color. Specifically, Spring Lane’s student body included 43% of students who identified as people of color, and Twin Peaks’ student body was 43% Latino. Furthermore, parents argued that these schools were all located in important areas, given their close proximity to all kinds of services and resources. In summation, these schools were important community touchstones and served underrepresented socioeconomic populations. April Flores, former PTA president at Millcreek Elementary School was among the most vocal contesters stating, at the time, “Representation matters. It matters in the classroom, and it matters at the administrative level.” Ultimately, the board decided to move forward with the closures after putting the decision to a final vote. While they claimed to have understood the concerns of the parents, they cited their own set of reasons for closing the schools, with the most prevalent of reasons being the steady decline in enrollment, especially at the three elementary schools in question. Declining enrollment has been an issue for many school districts in the Salt Lake Valley, and according to various school representatives, COVID has played a major role in exacerbating enrollment disparities. At the peak of the pandemic, schools across all districts were trying to decide how to enforce rules and CDC guidelines while still attempting to give parents autonomy in their decision-making. Parents who were disenchanted with how their assigned district handled the pandemic found themselves withdrawing their students, either to put them in a different district or transfer them to charter institutions, both locally and regionally. In September 2022, Ben Horsley, the chief of staff for Granite School District, ad-

MillcreekJournal .com

By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

Granite School District will be hosting various open houses to discuss boundary studies and population survey results throughout the next several months. (Granite School District)

dressed the issue of declining enrollment and how it played a hand in determining which schools to permanently close. “The reason why we’re looking at these closures is because we are not growing like places like Jordan, Davis, and Alpine school districts with a ton of new growth. We anticipate that by 2024/2025 we are probably going to be around 50,000 students, so we actually expect to lose a few more thousand students,” Horsley said. Horsley also noted that the schools in question, Twin Peaks, Spring Lane, and Millcreek, were operating under capacity, and the District could no longer justify allocating funds to these schools. He explained to parents that these closures would ultimately benefit all students districtwide and allow for a better-concentrated division of funding and resources. After going back and forth for months, the decision was final, and the schools were ordered to close, and they did, at the end of the 2023 academic year. At the time of these closures, parents were told that more boundary studies and population surveys were incoming and that more closures and changes were likely inevitable. A month after the closures, in a July 2023 board meeting, it was announced that the board had authorized the Population Analysis Committee (PAC) to proceed with the following boundary studies: 1. The board authorized a recommendation to narrow the school closure consideration to one school, Western Hills Elementary. Additional boundary adjustments to neighboring schools in the area would be necessary. Any decision on closure will happen in late 2023, and any closure will not take effect until the fall of 2024. 2. Brockbank Jr. High is anticipated to reopen in conjunction with grade reconfiguration and the opening of the new Cyprus High School in the fall of 2025. The board authorized the continuation of a study to reopen Brockbank Jr. High and develop a new boundary and feeder pattern. Granite School District will need three viable junior high schools to accommodate sixth- to eighth-

grade reconfiguration in the Cyprus High and Hunter Jr. networks. On Sept. 13 there were two separate meetings held to discuss the proposals. The meeting to discuss the first boundary study was held at Western Hills Elementary School and the meeting to discuss the second was held at Matheson Jr. High. Parents and community members were encouraged to attend the meetings and they did. As expected, the studies and proposals have caused a divide in opinions. While these initial meetings mark the first of several, Granite School District re-

mains adamant that they would like to hear feedback from both parents and the community at large. Those who are not able to attend the meetings are still encouraged to voice their opinions. The District has set up an online form where parents and community members can provide feedback on a specific proposal. In addition, parents can also email their thoughts to Steve Hogan, who is the director of planning and boundaries for Granite School District. Hogan was present for many of the meetings and discussions surrounding the closure of Twin Peaks, Millcreek and Spring Lane. At the time he stated that the imminent closures were “very very tough, but [not really] a surprise.” He also echoed Horsley’s sentiments, before stating that many of these studies will continue to take place well into 2024 and 2025. Granite School District regularly updates the community about these meetings and proceedings, which have the ability to significantly impact the future of students. Because of this, they continue to urge community involvement, welcoming parents to observe and partake in future board meetings. It is likely a decision regarding the aforementioned proposals will be reached within the next few months. l

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Biker Bill Christensen says he’d love to see bike lanes to the top of Millcreek Canyon. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

A shuttle in Millcreek Canyon? Maybe…but not just yet

huttle service in Millcreek Canyon was proposed long ago, there are many players involved, and funding is complicated. But things are happening. “The secret about Utah is out and people are coming and staying. Easy access to the mountains from a major population center is one of the main reasons,” said Lindsey Nielsen, executive director of the Central Wasatch Commission (CWC). “With increased use, we see a need for different modes of transportation for our canyons.” Millcreek Canyon, like the other canyons easily accessible from the Salt Lake Valley, has experienced exponentially increased visitation in recent years, and the U.S. Forest Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) supports the option of shuttle service in Millcreek Canyon. However, before the shuttle is even a consideration, the road, especially the narrow road above the Winter Gate, must be improved, as it currently cannot accommodate a bus or transport shuttle. Additionally, trailheads must be improved to accommodate an increase in visitors. But is the shuttle a good idea? “I love the shuttle in Zion National

Page 6 | Nov. 2023

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com Park, and a shuttle in this canyon makes a lot of sense,” said Anna Kate Hammond, a Marmalade resident, while hiking at Elbow Fork on an autumn day. “It would be much more relaxing to arrive at the trailhead and not have to search for a parking spot. I do wonder about dogs on the shuttle, though.” The construction project, slated to start in spring 2025, will provide the safety and reliability requirements of the upper canyon road via improvements to the roadway width, sightlines, drainage, crosswalks, uphill bike lanes (where possible), and parking areas, paving the way for a shuttle option. The road above the Winter Gate, which is the access point to upper Millcreek Canyon, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians during the period of construction, spring of 2025 through the fall of 2026. There will be a winter shutdown of construction activities allowing for ski grooming and pedestrian access on the roadway from mid-December to late-March. “I bike up the canyon so I wouldn’t take the shuttle, but I would absolutely welcome a wider shoulder and the possibility of less traffic. Biking the road now, especially

above the gate, feels dangerous,” said Bill Christensen, a Murray resident and mountain biker. “But my wife is a hiker, and I bet she’d ride a shuttle.” There are many parties and involved, and interests to consider, so the project is complicated. Millcreek Canyon is primarily federal forest land, but the road is county-owned and maintained. There are private businesses and residences that must also be considered in making upgrades. In 2020, the U.S. Forest Service, Salt Lake County, and the city of Millcreek applied for a FLAP grant to explore the possibility for transportation improvements in upper Millcreek Canyon. The Federal Lands Access Program, also known as FLAP, was established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. FLAP grant funding for improvements in the upper canyon (only) was granted in 2021, in the amount of $19,600,000. The required local match is $4,276,200. Even further back, in 2013, local elect-

ed leaders, transportation officials, the general managers of the Cottonwood Canyon ski resorts, private property owners, representatives from the environmental and recreational communities, adjacent cities (such as Millcreek) and others organized to develop a plan to sustain the Central Wasatch Mountain Range for generations to come and to plan for increased visitation and use of the mountains. At that time, stakeholders identified four major issues affecting the longevity of the mountains: transportation, economy, recreation and environment, and created the Mountain Accord to address these issues. One of the “transportation” action items identified in the accord was the need for increased public transportation options in Millcreek Canyon and a pilot shuttle program. The Mountain Accord also created a government entity to carry out these mandates. That entity is the Central Wasatch Commission. “It is the job of the CWC to coordinate action items in the Wasatch Mountains while working with all interested parties including, in the case of Millcreek Canyon, the county,” Nielsen said. “The

Millcreek City Journal

Autumn colors this year inspired record visits onto Millcreek Canyon trails. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Anna Kate Hammond enjoys an autumn day in Millcreek Canyon with her dog named Pocket. She wonders if the proposed shuttle will allow dogs. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

CWC would love to see a shuttle implementation on the docket for Millcreek. But a lot has to happen before then.” The public is not entirely unified about the nature of the proposed changes. Tom Diegel spoke as chair of the Central Wasatch Stakeholders Committee on Millcreek Canyon, a citizen’s advisory council to the CWC, at a recent county council meeting, claiming that, “Recent research shows that narrower roads and less striping makes for more attentive drivers and lowers the speeds, so some of the initial goals to improve the safety of the upper canyon have not been verified.” County Councilman Jim Bradley added, “The U.S. Forest Service views their mission to get as many visitors into public lands, but on the other side of that coin is how many people should you get into a particular canyon? Is it time to look at ways to limit the use of Millcreek Canyon?” Details regarding the upgrades are not fully finalized, but the construction is still

MillcreekJournal .com

slated to begin in 2025. “It’s a complicated project and public comment has been going on for years,” said Catherine Kanter, deputy mayor of Regional Operations, in a recent county council meeting. “The FLAP grant money awarded to address the needs the Forest Service was articulating [about the necessary canyon improvements] is a first step toward a potential shuttle in the future.” The county council will have a robust conversation about the proposed upgrades at a council meeting in late 2023 or early 2024, actual date TBD, and county council agendas can be found at: www.slco.org/council/ agendas-minutes/. For more specific details regarding upper Millcreek Canyon upgrades see: www.slco.org/regional-development/planning-transportation/plans-projects/uppermill-creek-canyon-road-improvementsproject/ l

Summer access above the Winter Gate in Millcreek Canyon will be unavailable from Spring 2025 to Fall 2026 for road and trailhead upgrades. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Upgrades improved the Rattlesnake Trailhead in lower Millcreek Canyon. Future trailhead upgrades are planned for the popular and crowded upper canyon trailheads, along with necessary road improvements. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Nov. 2023 | Page 7

Page 8 | Nov. 2023

Millcreek City Journal

Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind provide summer fun for students By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

ith summer over, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) is celebrating the end of yet another successful summer camp season. For generations, summer camp has been an essential rite of passage for children and teenagers in the United States. Despite this longstanding tradition, the same camp opportunities have not always been available for children who are blind, have low vision, deafblind, or deaf or hard of hearing. In response to this issue, USDB has worked hard to create summer camp opportunities for students with visual and/or hearing impairments and disabilities who are chronically overlooked and underrepresented. Their venture has been extremely successful, with this year culminating in over 40 different camp opportunities for students to pick from. No longer are these students excluded from the traditional camp experience. Camp Abilities is one of the most notable camp destinations, hailed as “a dozen summer camp opportunities in one, [Camp Abilities] is tailor-made for students who are blind or low vision,” according to Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. The camp was created as an extension of the Utah School for the Blind’s (USB) expanded core curriculum. Held at Rockin’ R Ranch in Antimony, Utah, students attended

This past summer several students participated in a three-week STEM summer camp program. (Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind)

camp with a parent or guardian and one other family member of their choice. The camp focused on three areas of the expanded core curriculum: recreation and leisure, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility. Breakout sessions further focused exclusively on one of the aforementioned areas. Camp Abilities was also helpful for parents, who received a binder of materials, and were encouraged to journal their experiences and thoughts on how to apply the skills learned at camp to the home environment. Additionally, USB’s Robin Clark facilitated a meeting with all parents in attendance

and the four young adult camp staff members who also have vision loss. In addition to the camp curriculum, campers were treated to classic activities like campfires, songs, family skits, water activities and more. The camp’s dual focus on entertainment and life skills proved extremely valuable for students. USDB has always emphasized the importance of connecting its students with opportunities to hone their skills, develop their interests, and learn through hands-on experience. This summer provided opportunities for students to engage in learning activities, including a three-week STEM summer camp,

a judo workshop, and an American Sign Language book reading event in American Fork. Another notable summer venture took place in the San Francisco Bay, where 11 students from the Utah Schools for the Deaf enjoyed a summer camp experience aboard a tall ship. According to the Utah Schools for the Deaf, “The crew taught them all about sailing and put them to work as members of the crew.” The ship staff implemented American Sign Language into all of the onboard activities. l

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Two students’ dreams come true thanks to help from Helen Keller National Center team By Lizzie Walje | l.walje@mycityjournals.com

ince its inception over a century ago, Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) has worked to connect students who are deaf or hard of hearing and/or blind or have low vision with quality education, resources and opportunities. Moreover, it has always been a goal of USDB to show its students that they can achieve their dreams, find major success, and thrive in whatever pursuits they put their minds to. This same philosophy has also guided the work behind The Helen Keller National Center. Given their similarities and shared missions, this past summer when USDB and The Helen Keller National Center combined forces, the result was lightning in a bottle. For context, The Helen Keller National Center has various campuses and locations throughout the country. Since 1893, they have provided services to individuals who are blind, deafblind, have low vision or have combined hearing and vision loss. This past June, a team from the Helen Keller National Center visited Utah, marking an important occasion as this was the first time these deafblindness experts had worked in another state to launch a new program and engage in exploratory work. Despite the center’s national reach, its headquarters are located in New York. In the past, individuals who were deaf and blind, from ages 16-22, could go to New York and participate in a deafblind immersion program. The immersion program helps connect these individuals with work-related experience while simultaneously developing their skills. This year, Utah’s deafblind education experts worked to bring the immersion experience here to the Beehive State, more specifically, in the student’s own neighborhoods. During their time in Utah, the Helen Keller National Center team worked exclusively with two students, Simon Dodart and Randy Neumann, who both have multiple disabilities. During their work together, the center’s team helped Dodart and Neumann as they sought to transition from education to employment. The team also hosted a training for deafblind post-high coaches, teachers, caseworkers and special education personnel. Neumann and Dodart are both blind and experience significant hearing loss. Nevertheless, like all children and young adults, they also have dreams, aspirations and interests. For Neumann, that interest is a love of cooking, and for Dodart, that dream is to become a DJ. Dodart, 18, was able to get a taste of his dream when he worked as a DJ for the first time in a public café with help from the Helen Keller National Center. Dodart’s desire to be a DJ is rooted in his passion for and love of music, however, the nature of his disabilities has presented difficulties along the way.

Page 10 | Nov. 2023

Thanks to the Helen Keller National Center, Randy Neumann was able to participate in cooking classes designed specifically for individuals who are deaf or have partial hearing loss and/or have low vision or are blind. (Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind)

To help Dodart navigate the process more effectively, adjustments were made to the DJing equipment. “The way he did that (DJed) was we set up an adaptive switch, so it had two components. So, his left hand, he would start and stop the music, and with his right hand, he would progress the tracks. And he had an audience there and got to decide what music to play” said Erin Farrer, program director for deafblind services with Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. “He was so excited the whole time.” The Helen Keller National Center has historically used its immersion program to help individuals at a “transition age” make the leap from education to employment. The “transition age” marks a new chapter for students, as they prepare to enter the workforce. During this transition, the team helps these individuals as they prepare to navigate the challenges of adult life, just like their peers of a similar age. The only difference is these individuals have disabilities, which pose extra challenges when it comes to adapting to adult life. Over the course of their trip, the Helen Keller National Center team worked for three days with Dodart. They were able to find him a place to DJ at Ogden’s Kaffe Mercantile, thanks in part to the efforts made by Dodart’s mother, Valerie Dodart, who played an integral role in the planning process. The payoff was immense, as she was able to watch her son independently control the music and ac-

tualize a longtime dream. “He was just very pleased with himself, so that was really nice to see him just so happy and the confidence, you know, giving him more confidence that he was in control of that music completely, and he really liked that,” Valerie Dodart said. Not only did the team help Simon Dodart with his DJing pursuits, but they also explored a variety of life skills and activities with him, including planting, vacuuming, car cleaning and shredding paper. As for the other student, Neumann, the team was able to help him explore his love of cooking. With assistance from the Helen Keller National Center team and the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Neumann was able to cook several meals in an effort to hone his skills and develop his craft. Neumann made some of his favorite dishes including meatball pizza and nachos. He also learned how to work with Braille measuring cups and use hand-guard equipment designed to protect his fingers when undergoing tasks like chopping and cutting fruits and vegetables. Learning how to cook not only helped Neumann to engage in a longtime interest of his, but it also helped boost his confidence and instill in him a sense of pride. In addition to cooking, Neumann was also able to gain some hands-on work experience as he practiced stocking shelves at Smith’s, where he learned how to put items away based on their textures and placements.

Ultimately, the Helen Keller National Center’s team trip was an abject success. The trip provided the team with opportunities to help students work toward employment goals, collaborate with local communities, and partner with sister agencies in the area. “We’re just trying to learn from our sister agencies and just see how we can provide the best support for local students,” Farrer said. “We’re really hoping that this can be a continuous thing where annually we get to focus on students and collaborate.” l

Music lover Simon Dodart played to a crowd at Kaffe Mercantile in Ogden, Utah. (Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind)

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Nov. 2023 | Page 11

Nonverbal doesn’t mean noncapable By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

sing a spoon, riding a tricycle, exploring on the playground, even learning to do a somersault, may be typical traits for youngsters, but not for Klaus Sloan. Like many of his peers, Klaus attends preschool four mornings per week. There are bright toys, a colorful rug and innovative games to play. However, Klaus was born with numerous fragile, complex medical needs. He sits in his wheelchair with a bright purple neck support pillow as he is unable to hold his head up on his own. Klaus is nonverbal, but according to his teachers, he wants to communicate and express his thoughts the same as any 4year old. Klaus attends Jordan Valley’s preschool, which helps 3- to 5-year-old students receive severe special education services. His class has about 80% of the students receiving special education services; the other 20% are peer models, said his teacher Rylee Barstow. “It’s really awesome and a unique part of our programming in Canyons School District,” she said. After his teacher and Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s outreach teacher of the visually impaired Madelyn Stafford tried several adaptions for Klaus, Stafford reached out to Debbie Inkley, the executive director of The Opportunity Foundation of America, to see if EagleEyes would be a possibility for Klaus. EagleEyes is different than many communication devices since it doesn’t use eye tracking. “These kids don’t have purposeful head movement; their heads go either right or left or down to their chin, so they’re unable to use their eyes to track,” Inkley said. The Opportunity Foundation’s Director of Training Ron Williams, who was helping Klaus with his third 30-minute session, said the biggest difference between EagleEyes and other technologies is that there isn’t an infrared camera that may be disrupted when students flail and would need to be recalibrated to continue. “EagleEyes captures it externally, so it really embraces their disability and allows them to do what they got to do,” he said. “It’s really forgiving if they’re a mover and a shaker, and other technology isn’t quite as sturdy.” For the adaption to work, electrodes are placed above and below the student’s dominant eye and on both temples. They pick up the way the cornea and retina rotate in the eye socket and magnifies the electrical signal of the eye 10,000 times, converting it from the eye movement to a mouse cursor, Inkley said. The result is when Klaus has the electrodes placed in position, the mouse cursor follows the location where Klaus is looking at the screen. This way, he can focus his eyes to a response—and he is able to communicate.

Page 12 | Nov. 2023

The Opportunity Foundation’s Director of Training Ron Williams and Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind’s outreach teacher of the visually impaired Madelyn Stafford help Jordan Valley’s Klaus Sloan communicate using EagleEyes technology. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

While EagleEyes is relatively new to Klaus, he showed that he could respond during a computer educational activity to a particular quadrant on the screen. “Through this activity, he is able to understand, focus his eyesight and learn cause and effect. Once the cursor hits the correct icon, it will continue. Once he’s mastered cause and effect, he absorbs this knowledge that his eyes are a tool and they’re making it happen,” Williams said. The educational story was accompanied with a fun rhythmic beat, to which he responded well; his teachers say Klaus loves music. They noted some of his response times, which were immediate to several seconds, were faster than the last time he used EagleEyes. “What’s lovely about EagleEyes is it really gives us real-time feedback as to how students see, how they move their eyes,” Williams said. Stafford said that information is invaluable. “When we know how he is using his eyes, we can help him train to use his eyes a little bit more. Then, we can take that to the classroom. As the vision teacher, I can

educate everybody on what is he doing and how can they help with his modification and accommodations,” said Stafford, who also provides other modified activities in his individualized educational plan. Inkley has been pleased with Klaus’ initial response. “This particular technology is just incredible for Klaus because there is really nothing else out there that can help a student like this does,” she said. Barstow, who said they’ve tried adaptive switches, visual cues, sound cues, tactile cues and other methods, said this is the first adaption that has helped him consistently be successful. “For almost a year and a half now, we’ve just been working really hard trying to find a way where he’s able to communicate and we see intention from him,” she said. “The big difference with EagleEyes is that we are able to see that he is understanding and he’s doing things intentionally and he wants to communicate. It’s just been finding the right device and adaptation to help him do that.” About 525 devices are in use in homes and schools across the United States, about 50 of those are in Utah. At Jordan Valley, four

students, including Klaus, use EagleEyes. Usually, candidates for the device are older than age 4, Stafford said. “It’s a very complex system,” she said. “You want to try the tactile, the visual, the more low-tech methods first, because they’re more accessible. EagleEyes can help Klaus with CVI, cortical visual impairment, and help those eye muscles start working so then, maybe he can use those visual cards.” In her classroom, Barstow teaches students who range from speech language impairment to autism and Down syndrome. Klaus is pulled out of his classroom to work with EagleEyes in a more controlled, quiet environment so he can concentrate. “These kiddos are dependent on everything from somebody else for them to just sustain life. What’s amazing about EagleEyes is that interaction is the first time where they have 100% independence. They make it happen. It’s his first form of feeling empowered,” Williams said. If Klaus continues to be able to make choices correctly, the team believes he may respond well to communicating through personalized programming. “We would create an activity with buttons on the screen, maybe a picture of Mom or of Dad or a picture of brother or sister, and we would ask him to click on say, his sister. Then we have that understanding that he’s verbally understanding what we’re saying and he’s making the right choice. It just builds confidence, his and ours, that he’s understanding and making an actual choice,” Williams said. What Klaus’ timeline to do that is anyone’s guess. “Some of our kids never get there. They just don’t get it. But some of our kids grasp it in weeks,” Williams said. Stafford is optimistic. “Klaus has just been this really amazing student that we’re trying to figure out his puzzle pieces. We have an amazing team, and we keep trying 100,000 things. EagleEyes is this awesome technology that we’re able to bring him to right now, but what is all going to collectively be Klaus’ way of communicating? To even see some reaction was the biggest we’ve seen all year and Rylee’s had him since last year. She’s tried and we’ve tried things all year and we’ve gotten no reaction. So, the sheer fact that he let these electrodes be on his face and he can respond with his eyes is a big win. We are excited he is engaged and he’s showing that he understands cause and effect. He’s not just that passenger letting life happen to him. He’s showing that he wants to be a part of that life. That’s why we’re all here. We know these students are capable. We just have to figure out what those puzzle pieces are.” l

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olidays in grief can be particularly challenging with familiar and sentimental sights, sounds, and smells reminding us our loved one is not here. Because this period of the year is built around relationships, a death in the family can make these weeks very difficult. But rather than attempt to just “grope our way” through these special days, there are ways to grow personally through the holidays as grief becomes transformative for us. Saying goodbye to a loved one is anything but easy, especially if well-meaning friends and family members expect you to just “get on with your life.” Allow time and space for grieving and crying this holiday season. Keeping a journal can provide a vital opportunity for reflection during the holidays. These weeks will not be the same as before because of the “empty chair” at the table so the pain is inevitable. A list of favorite holiday activities might be quite lengthy but make that list anyway. The list might include many holiday traditions such when the house is decorated, when and where worship takes place, and in whose home the family meals are shared. Though it is impossible to do everything “just like when Mom was here,” you can evaluate what you do for the holidays and determine, with your family’s help, which of those traditions you want to preserve. In evaluating holiday traditions, consider creating something new. Lighting a special candle, purchasing a unique holiday decoration, providing gifts to a needy family, or hosting an international student can become meaningful holiday traditions. Well-meaning friends or family may want you to attend parties and gatherings, hoping to “cheer you up” but take control of your schedule and do only as much celebrating as you feel ready to do. Choosing which events to participate in acknowledges that grief is a tiring experience. Even under the best of circumstances, holidays can be taxing so attempting to attend every event, party, or celebration may bring about total exhaustion. Instead, say “no” to some well-intentioned invitations. Simply remind friends, “My energy level hasn’t returned to where it was before he died; thank you for understanding my need to decline.” Pay close attention to physical well-being, too. Adequate rest, good nutrition, and moderate exercise is essential for the grief process. Lean meats with fresh fruits and vegetables are better choices than sugar- and fat-laden treats. If your health care provider approves, a brisk walk or other moderate exercise can help you feel better physically and emotionally. And eating a healthy diet coupled with moderate exercise is a remedy for insomnia for many mourners. Be sure to consider the spiritual aspects of life, too. Because holidays have spiritual roots make sure to include time for worship and reflection during this period. Volunteering to help others or making a memorial contribution is a meaningful way to put feet to faith during the holiday season. While it is inevitable to face pain at the holidays, following these suggestions can help bereaved individuals and families find transformative growth during this special season of the year. William G. Hoy is educational consultant to Larkin Mortuaries in Salt Lake City. Following a career of care for the dying and bereaved for a Long Beach, California-based hospice program, since 2012, Dr. Hoy has been Clinical Professor of Medical Humanities at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

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Continued from front page “This has been something that has been needed for a long time,” Palmer said. “There’s actually nothing like it in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, actually in Utah. So, this is a long-term house, a home, for women who have been exploited, who have been out on the streets, to come and live and get the treatment that they need for the trauma that they’ve been through.” Beyond their residential housing aspirations, Aspen House as an organization has made massive efforts to shed light on a subject that is chronically underdiscussed. While it is often difficult to have open and honest conversations about subjects that are considered taboo like human trafficking and sexual exploitation, it is imperative that the community continue to do so. Human trafficking is a global epidemic, that effects men, women, adults, children and everyone in between. Despite often being relegated to the shadows, statistics help illustrate the prominence of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. According to figures provided by Aspen House, the human trafficking industry is worth $150 billion worldwide. The International Labour Organization estimates there are 40.3 million victims globally. What’s even worse, is that these figures are likely significantly lower than the true numbers. Due to a multitude of reasons, crimes of a sexual nature are notoriously underreported, meaning that the data received is not even close to being comprehensive. In fact, law enforcement has further reinforced the data gap by stating these figures represent “just the tip of the iceberg.” Speaking of law enforcement, Palmer candidly stressed the importance of Aspen House’s need to partner with Salt Lake’s local businesses and government agencies in an effort to help survivors successfully transition from “the life” to mainstream society.

“I really can’t emphasize enough how much law enforcement can help especially if they are trained,” Palmer said. Partnering with law enforcement and maintaining an ongoing dialogue remains a crucial component in the fight against human trafficking. Unfortunately, many women who are victims often find themselves at the mercy of the legal system because, even if they’ve been forced, coerced, or threatened into servitude, they are still technically engaging in criminal activity. As people have learned from years of recidivism data, incarceration rarely helps to rehabilitate victims, moreover, in some cases it can actually push women further into the hands of their abusers. This is precisely why organizations like Aspen House are so crucial for the community, as they offer a safe, effective and non-judgmental space for survivors to connect, heal and grow. “Many of these women, in an effort to escape found themselves going to homeless shelters,” said Pamela Atkinson, a longtime community advocate and vice chair of the Aspen House board. Atkinson further explained that these women were often subjected to bullying and forced to hear an array of pejoratives. “They were technically rescued but not suitably placed,” Atkinson said. Aspen House has officially entered the last leg of a highly stressful, but extremely rewarding journey. Nevertheless, the organization still needs assistance in meeting their funding goals, which is why they are turning to the community for help. To donate time and/or money, learn more about the Aspen Magdalene House, or simply educate yourself on human trafficking in Utah and abroad, visit Aspen House’s website: www.aspenhouseslc.org. “We are going to be able to love and accept these women, and it will go a long way,” Atkinson said. “Utah women

Aspen House residents will live communally amongst other survivors in an effort to build sisterhood and foster support. (Lizzie Walje/City Journals)

who have been trafficked need solutions that surround them with love and offer an opportunity to heal.” l

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Nov. 2023 | Page 15

Utah’s transportation partners release statewide master plan for future By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

overnment leaders and transportation gurus have released an updated Unified Transportation Plan for Utah, one aimed at addressing the state’s needs through 2050. It encompasses all forms of transportation, from cars, buses and rail to bike and pedestrian paths. The plan was a collaborative effort created over a fouryear period between the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Transit Authority, the Mountainland Association of Governments, the Wasatch Front Regional Council and several metropolitan planning agencies. Its stated goal is “preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Utah” as Utah’s population grows. “Utah’s great quality of life keeps generations of families here and attracts many new residents every year,” Governor Spencer Cox said. “Careful, collaborative transportation planning is key to ensuring safe, efficient and comfortable travel for all Utahns. Community health, economic vibrance, and livability are closely linked to travel choices—from walking and biking to riding transit to driving.” Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson said the plan “ties things together nicely. We realize all the growth the state will have over the next 30 years and the need to start on some projects immediately.” The trail systems along the Wasatch Front, for example, are being completed to literally connect with each other. The Parley’s Trail completion in West Valley City in early October helped link east and westside communities, and a new section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Davis County was planned to open on Oct. 24. South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey, who chairs the

WFRC, said “the planning process looks at the relationship between transportation, land use and economic development by thoughtfully coordinating housing, jobs and transportation connections together. City and town centers yield numerous benefits by improving access and reducing the time spent getting from point A to point B.” Of immediate concern is the rebuild of Interstate 15 from Farmington to North Salt Lake, with plenty of questions and concerns expressed by residents in the communities affected. It’s a challenge for UDOT. “As our state grows, we are committed to providing safe transportation choices for all people to get where they want, when they want, in the way they want,” said UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras. “Those needs are different today than they were in previous years, and in the Unified

Plan, transportation partners throughout the state collaborate to identify solutions for the evolving needs that we anticipate in the years ahead.” “Utah’s quality of life revolves around transportation choices,” said Carlton Christensen, chair of the UTA board. “UTA is proud to be part of Utah’s Unified Transportation Plan as we work closely with UDOT, regional planning partners, and municipalities to ensure every community has accessible, healthy options. Riding transit offers a less stressful way to get there.” The plan, which is available to read online at unifiedplan.org, outlines goals for its implementation. An interactive map on the site is broken down by regions, modes of transportation and into 10-year segments, highlighting what projects are scheduled. It estimates that households will experience almost six days of less driving per year once improvements are completed. The state’s economy will be bolstered through infrastructure investments and job growth. Utah’s GDP will grow by approximately $247 billion and over 271,000 jobs will be created. And the changes will reduce air pollution from emissions by 13%. Over the course of the plan’s implementation, more than 4,700 miles of transportation roads and pathways will be added. This is the latest version of a plan that’s been updated for years. Previous versions have been praised by the U.S. Department of Transportation as setting a standard for cooperation between entities with varying needs.l

Remembering the state’s military veterans during November

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

here are many ways to honor Utah’s military veterans this month, including volunteering at the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs or the Military and Family Support Center. Additionally, cities, businesses and organizations in Salt Lake and Davis County will honor Utah’s vets for Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Here are some ways to show appreciation for the vets in the community. Visit the Fort Douglas Military Museum Learn about the role of the military in Utah and honor those who served their country. Tuesdays-Saturdays, Noon-5 p.m., Free 32 Potter Street, Salt Lake City Visit the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park Honor the sacrifice made by men and women in the armed services. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 17111 S. Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale Riverton City Veterans Day Concert

Page 16 | Nov. 2023

Draper City Veterans Day Ceremony and Field of Flags Saturday, Nov. 11, 11-11:30 a.m. Draper City Park, 12500 S. 1300 East The Field of Flags features hundreds of flags displayed from Nov. 10-12.

Organizations along the Wasatch Front will honor Utah’s military veterans during November.

Performance by the Riverton Jazz Band. Flag ceremony conducted by the American Legion Post 140. Thursday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. Old Dome Meeting Hall, 1452 W. 12600 South Alta High School Veterans Day of Honor Friday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m.

Alta High School, 11055 S. 1000 East Free Pies for Veterans - Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek Bountiful Veterans Day Program Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Bountiful Veterans Park, 795 S. Main Street

Layton City: Veterans Parade and Veterans Honors Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11, 11:11 a.m. Parade starts at 465 N. Wasatch Drive and proceeds through Layton Commons Park. Ceremony will be held at the Vietnam Memorial Wall Replica site within the park. Utah National Guard Veterans Day Concert Saturday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Free The Tabernacle on Temple Square, 50 N. West Temple Street AFC & USU Symphony Orchestra: Veterans Day Memorial Concert Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., Free Ticket Required Chase Fine Arts Center, Daines Concert Hall, Utah State University l

Millcreek City Journal

Consumer resilience suggests solid holiday shopping season By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Economist

he hustle and bustle of the holiday season generates a flurry of economic activity, from hiring to retail spending to demand for travel and services. Holiday sales are also a barometer of how the economy is doing locally and nationally. As we head into the winter holidays, here are several factors impacting the holiday shopping outlook: Utahns are feeling merrier about the economy compared to a year ago. Consumer sentiment rose to 76.3 in September, as measured by the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Institute’s Survey of Utah Consumers. That’s up from 63.9 in September 2022. Consumer confidence has also improved nationally in the comparable University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index. Higher confidence often leads to increased spending. Inflation is slowing but still too high. Despite the gradual slowdown in price growth over the past year, a third of shoppers expect inflation to influence the way they shop during the 2023 holidays, according to Bankrate’s 2023 Holiday Shopping Survey. Annual inflation slowed to 3.7% in September, still above the Federal Reserve’s target rate of 2% inflation. Wage growth has boosted purchasing power. Wage growth has been outpacing inflation since May. While this will help ease some families’ holiday budgets, household

income has yet to fully recover the purchasing power lost to inflation in recent years. Utah’s total personal income, the sum of income earned by all Utahns in the state, grew by 4.5% in the second quarter of 2023, compared to 4.3% nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Retail spending may soften. After stronger-than-expected consumer spending over the summer, a recent Federal Reserve report suggests retail spending might be slowing, particularly on non-essential items. “Consumers may have exhausted their savings and are now relying on borrowing to support spending,” according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book report. However, that doesn’t mean consumers will stop spending. Bain & Company has projected 3% growth in U.S. retail sales during the win-

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ter holiday season. Meanwhile, Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast predicts sales will increase by as much as 4.6% this holiday season. Most of that growth will come from online sales. Household budgets are still tight. Nearly 40% of shoppers nationally planned to start this year’s holiday shopping earlier than normal, according to a National Retail Federation survey. This is not necessarily to get their shopping done early, but rather to distribute the financial cost across the entire season. Just over a quarter (27%) of U.S. holiday shoppers have money set aside for this holiday shopping season, according to Bankrate. Employment is strong. U.S. employers added 336,000 jobs in September, far surpassing expectations, while the unemployment rate remained at a low 3.8%. Utah’s job market continues to show strength, gaining 35,200 jobs in September, with unemployment at a very low 2.6%. Because a higher employment rate correlates with higher spending, the strong job market is good news for local retailers who get a boost from holiday sales. Lags in economic data and outside factors influencing consumer behavior make retail sales hard to predict. Uncertainty from global conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine could impact the holiday retail outlook. But current signs of a resilient consumer point to a solid holiday shopping season. l

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Salt Lake County won’t be shutting down

e’ve all heard the threat of a possible federal government shutdown if Congress can’t get their act together. A stopgap bill was passed to push the Oct. 1 deadline to Nov. 15. But what will happen on Nov. 15? No one really knows. Here in Salt Lake County, you don’t have to worry about programs not getting funded, budgets not being balanced or debts escalating. Our Salt Lake County Council takes very seriously our charge to ensure a balanced budget will keep the county operating. October begins the county budget process with the mayor presenting her 2024 budget to the council, setting the stage for a meticulous six-week evaluation by the council. During this time, we scrutinize proposals, dissect programs, and engage department heads in rigorous discussions. Every decision is weighed against the ultimate goal of a balanced budget that will sustain the county operations. The final budget will be passed on Dec. 5. The Salt Lake County Council will be passing a balanced budget before the end of the year to keep Salt Lake County operating. You won’t need to worry about the jail not operating, your favorite recreation center closing, libraries

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

shutting their doors, meals not getting delivered to vulnerable seniors, or conventions getting canceled at the Salt Palace. We take very seriously our charge to not only fund what taxpayers expect, but to do it in a fiscally responsible manner. Our Triple A bond rating is a source of great pride for Salt Lake County, placing us among an elite group of only 29 counties in the nation. This rating is hard earned through maintaining the county’s strong financial health, which includes balanced budgets, controlled spending, and effective financial planning. This special rating helps you, the taxpayer, because it means we get lower interest rates. We are dedicated to ensuring that your hard-earned money is used wisely. In Salt Lake County we know how to work together, and our success lies

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What makes a great Girl Scout leader? One leader sets example for others to follow By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ifty-seven-year-old Shari SolomonKlebba was harnessed, dangling about 100 feet from a tree. She was with her Girl Scout troop on an approved climb to scale giant, old-growth pines to see the views of the Olympic Peninsula from Washington’s San Juan Islands. Solomon-Klebba wasn’t scared or mad. Instead, she was joking as a guide was helping her accomplish her goal. It was her first-time trying tree canopy climbing — and it wasn’t the only thing that didn’t go as planned for the co-leader of a high school-aged troop of girls. After trying 20 minutes to learn how to climb the tree ropes, Solomon-Klebba didn’t master it. Instead of giving up or becoming frustrated, she graciously accepted an ascending device to help her summit the 250 feet so she wouldn’t deprive the girls of the unique experience. Through this experience, the Taylorsville role model exemplified the mission of Girl Scouting: courage — being willing to take on challenges and showing resilience from setbacks; confidence — accomplishing what she set out to do; and character — showing positive values in a challenging time. In Utah, there are thousands of Girl Scouts. They’re learning first aid, scaling new heights and advocating to better the community — in addition to performing service projects and selling Girl Scout cookies to earn money to go to camp. Supporting them are countless volunteers. While volunteers serve many roles, they are the backbone support to a troop of girls age 5 through 18 running program-based meetings to provide Girl Scout experiences. These troops may be a group of neighborhood girls, those in community and refugee centers, or in homeless and domestic shelters. Many of these volunteers were Girl Scouts themselves. According to Girl Scouts of the USA’s 2021 alumni facts, more than one in three women in the United States were Girl Scouts at some point in their lives, resulting in more than 50 million Girl Scout alumnae. More than 80% hold positions of leadership — 71% of the women in U.S. senate are Girl Scout alums and every female U.S. secretary of state has been a Girl Scout or Girl Guide (as they are commonly called in other countries). Girl Scouts volunteer alumni earned higher levels of education (78%), more satisfied in their careers (68%) and are more likely to be involved civically (86%). If they earned the Gold Award, the alums are more likely to become more committed and volunteer.

Page 20 | Nov. 2023

The majority, like Solomon-Klebba, assert Girl Scouts has a positive impact on their lives. Growing up, Solomon-Klebba was a member in several troops, including being part of what is now-known as Girl Scouts Overseas and a Mariner specialty troop. She found a place of belonging where others not just accepted her, but welcomed her. She thrived in this niche, earning her Girl Scout’s highest awards, First Class and Gold Award, and now, pays it back, volunteering to regularly mentor high school age girls who are earning their Gold Awards. As a teacher for the deaf, Solomon-Klebba not only champions for those kids, but also for Girl Scouts. Just days after returning from her troop trip from the San Juan Islands, she dedicated several days to teaching new skills to Girl Scouts who came to statewide camporee. She also helped with the triennial 53rd Girl Scout Convention held in Salt Lake City in 2014. Solomon-Klebba joined Girl Scouting as a 7-year-old Brownie in a multi-level troop in Norway. Her sister, Peg, was three years older and had already been a Scout when the family lived in Alaska. Finding no existing troop at the American school overseas, her mother started one for girls of all ages. When the family moved to multiple Midwest states for her dad’s civil engineering job, her mother continued to be the troop leader. Camping was a big part of her life growing up, both with Scouts and her family. Her father liked to tinker and make things work, much like she does as she and her family recently converted a van and a school bus into campers. “I’ve always had strong science interests. Nature, plants and flowers, animals — it was a big part of my life,” she said. “I thought I’d be a vet.” Her family moved again, to Salt Lake City, where she joined another Girl Scout troop, and attended Churchill Junior High and Skyline High. Solomon-Klebba bonded with the girls in that troop. They worked on badges and performed service projects. Five of them joined her in the summers to be counselors at Cloud Rim residential camp, something she did every summer for seven years. She also served as a girl representative on the council’s board of directors and a co-leader for an elementary-age troop at the YWCA. Several of her troop members were part of a specialty Mariner troop. “We did everything boat and water related. We sailed, canoed, kayaked, wind sailed, rowed boats. We’d go to (Newport) California and compete at the Girl Scout gathering with other Mariners and be tested on parts of a ship, semaphore, Morse code, and knots, and we had boating and swimming races. We’d draw the shape of a ship around our

This past June, Girl Scout leader Shari Solomon-Klebba joined her troop tree canopy climbing in Washington’s San Juan Islands. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

At the 2018 Girl Scouts of Utah Camporee, Shari Solomon-Klebba directs Girl Scouts to their next activity. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

campsite, so we had to keep everything shipshape,” she said. Solomon-Klebba was one of eight girls across the U.S. selected to go to Venezuela to celebrate the country’s 25th anniversary of Girl Guiding shortly after the U.S. celebrated 70 years of Girl Scouting. “We slept in army tents at a primitive camp in the back of a jungle. The camp was militaristic. We’d line up for uniform inspections and have calisthenics. We learned that

girls in Venezuela were selected, so it was distinguished to be part of their eight-member patrol,” she said, adding that girls from Trinidad and Tobago participated in the gathering, too. Solomon-Klebba also found a direction for her life. In her troop, she learned some sign language to accompany Girl Scout songs. As a counselor, she used that skill to communicate with girls who were deaf and attended

Millcreek City Journal

Check out the library during Family Literacy Month By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

here are many ways to develop a child’s love for reading. Having books around the house, reading stories together and setting a good example as a reader are just a few. Another, is to be a regular visitor to the public library. Since November is Family Literacy Month, and parents are encouraged to bring literacy opportunities into the home, it’s a good time to explore programs at the local library. “If you don't have books in the home, it’s sending a message to children that this isn’t important, this isn’t part of our family culture,” said Nyssa Fleig, Salt Lake County Library program manager. “So when the whole family gets in on it, you create a culture of reading and literacy in the home.” County library branches offer early learning programs. With in-person or Zoom storytimes and singing activities, babies and toddlers are introduced to the five learning skills of playing, talking, reading, writing and singing. Fleig said incorporating an at-home, 10-minute bedtime story routine for small children will have a long-lasting effect on literacy. For children learning to read, the library’s online programs, including Miss Humblebee’s Academy and World Book Early Learning, provide early reading education. Additionally, the Reading Buddies program brings in United Way volunteers to read with children using the Dyad reading method. “Dyad reading should happen after a student has completed phonics instruction. It’s a method of practice that increases fluency and speed,” Fleig said. “So once they’ve got that proper phonics instruction, and we leave that expertise to the schools, then the library can step in and say, ‘OK,

camp sessions and with a deaf staff member at camp. But at Utah State University, she was studying science. “Even though I love science, I wasn't enjoying it. I liked my sign language class, and I was told I should be a teacher. I remembered as a kid, I always played school and I loved teaching at Girl Scout camp, so I sat down with my professor and asked how I should pursue it,” she said. Solomon-Klebba earned her bachelor's in elementary education with a minor in communicative disorders and has her master’s in deaf education. She also has a science endorsement. “I’m a teacher for the deaf who teaches science. I love science and like that I can make learning accessible for deaf students,” she said. She has taught 30 years in deaf education. She has worked at Jean Massieu School of the Deaf, as well as in Wyoming, Colorado and Maine. In 2019, she was nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year award. “Many of the things I learned in Girl Scouts, I incorporate in my teaching, both in science and leadership such as taking care of environment and making sure everyone knows what’s going on and is included. I teach them to think outside the box, how to work as a team and how to problem solve, skills I learn and teach in Girl Scouts,” she

MillcreekJournal .com

said.

Makai and his daughter Madeline read together every Thursday when they visit the West Jordan branch for a daddy/daughter date night before enjoying the playground at Veterans Memorial Park. (Photo courtesy of The County Library)

you’ve got the basics, now we can help you increase your confidence.’” My First Books Club is available at several branches, for children beginning to read chapter books. Also, Read to a Dog is a popular event that has students reading out loud to a therapy dog. Although the program is only available at Holladay, Whitmore and Millcreek, the library hopes to expand it to other branches. For middle readers, the Great Reads book club is open to youth ages 8-12. Participants read the book then meet as a group with an adult who leads a discussion and provides a

She is an advocate for her students. She leads after-school activities such as FIRST LEGO League, Battle of the Books and Academic Bowl. “I’m giving my deaf students opportunities the same opportunities as everyone else,” she said. “When I was in Colorado, our students competed against traditional schools in an academic speed event called Match Witz. We lobbied to have questions given ahead of time to our interpreters so our deaf students would be on equal playing ground as others because when you're interpreting, there's always a delay. It’s important that we give everybody equal footing.” She can make connections between her profession and her personal life. “I'm a member of the LGBTQ community, and I see lots of similarities with the deaf community. The oppression they've encountered and are still battling, such as accessibility. The incident with Match Witz happened a while ago in a different state, but that kind of thing continues to happen. Similarly, there’s lots of oppression in the LGBTQ community. We've had to go through same sex marriage, and it's still something we’re having to fight for constantly,” she said. Solomon-Klebba said it’s through Girl Scouting that she found a place to connect. “I was shy as a teen, probably because I didn't have interest in the normal stuff teen-

craft that goes along with the book. For teen and adult readers, the library provides programs based on reading ability and interest. Project Read, a local nonprofit, helps adults who are learning to read and a partnership with the English Skills Learning Center offers English classes for those learning to speak and read the language. “Our libraries represent our communities, so a lot of our westside libraries do have a Spanish speaker on staff,” she said. “If we have a staff member who speaks another language, that will be represented on their name badge… We’re letting them know that we’re here and happy to support them.” The library launched a new reading challenge for November. As part of Native American Heritage Month, libraries will have displays highlighting indigenous cultures to acknowledge the tribes that were here in the Salt Lake Valley. The reading challenge is to spend 300 minutes reading as an individual or family during the month, especially from books written by indigenous authors. For more information, visit slcolibrary.org. “We are big supporters of literacy at the library, it’s probably a core value,” Fleig said. “I think [illiteracy] is one of those things we struggle with invisibly, and that goes from children all the way to adults. There’s support here, no matter where the struggle is with reading. The other thing we like to say is the library is especially for people who don't like to read. It’s really simple. You just haven’t found the right book yet.” l

agers typically do. I didn't go to dances; I didn’t go to prom. I didn't enjoy high school at all,” she remembered. “As soon as my schoolwork was done, I got to do Girl Scout stuff. Girl Scouts was my connection. Girl Scouts kept me alive. I think if I hadn't had it….I connected with people and made lifelong friendships. It wasn’t all talk about who you're dating. Girl Scouts gave me a place where I could succeed and become who I am today.” Solomon-Klebba didn’t come out until college. “I was raised in the Catholic Church, so I thought my only choice was to become a nun. When I told my parents, I was expecting that my mom would be OK with it and my dad would be the one that struggles. Dad was sitting across the table and Mom was sitting right next to me. Dad got up and came around the table and gave me a hug. Mom couldn't even look at me. It was the weirdest thing because it was totally not what I expected,” she said, adding that it was the initial shock that surprised her mother. “Now, I talk openly and freely about my wife; I'm not afraid of people’s views.” She also had to face not being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Being in Utah and not part of the dominant religion was a learning curve for me,” she remembered. “Within the first three min-

utes of any conversation, they want to know what ward you’re in. It was an assumption that everybody in Utah is LDS. I felt excluded. I knew I was Catholic, but I didn’t know what that meant as my family didn’t talk about it much. I had to find who I was, what worked for me.” Now, she’s married to her spouse, Cindy, who not only is a college history professor, but also a minister. She, too, is a Girl Scout, as is their college-age daughter, who was a member of both a traditional troop and as a specialty outdoors troop. “I know how important Girl Scouts can be to someone. I want to make sure girls have a connection because I know how that feels,” Solomon-Klebba said. “Girl Scouting is part of who I am. When I make a decision, it’s based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law. My actions and my words show I’m a person of character and I have confidence and am courageous. Like with tree climbing, it didn’t go as planned, but I was able to see everything, feel the movement of the tree and made sure the girls had that same opportunity. Girl Scouts made me feel comfortable in that situation. I want girls to know that they have a place where they have agency. I want them to know who they are, what they want and have that faith in their abilities. It’s important we empower girls and young women.” l

Nov. 2023 | Page 21

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Hark! the Herald Angels Scream

t was the Peri Kinder Cabbage Patch Kid Life and Laughter frenzy of '83 and parents had lost their dang minds. I was a young mother and didn’t think my 6-month-old daughter needed the trendy toy of the year, but watching crowds of people attack each other over a doll was inconceivable. TV news showed Black Friday sales where hundreds of loving parents trampled their friends and neighbors to get one of the elusive Cabbage Patch dolls. I understand wanting to find the perfect present, but having mom arrested the day after Thanksgiving because she shot a store employee with a crossbow doesn’t exactly ring in the holidays. Each year brought a new toy so necessary and valuable that people went shopping armed with baseball bats and pepper spray to ensure they got the Furby, Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo or Teddy Ruxpin for their child who already had too many toys. Shoppers expected riots, looting, broken bones and black eyes for every Black Friday sale. News reporters showed videos of chaos, pandemonium and anarchy. If you didn’t get a concussion while saving on bath towels, was it even Black Friday? I didn’t often participate in Black Friday, although I once waited outside Toys R Us at 5 a.m., in freezing temperatures,

to save $50 on a Barbie Dreamhouse. My early-morning shopping adventures ended when a full-grown adult stole my 8-year-old daughter’s promotional football at Mervyn’s. If I wanted to experience holiday anxiety, panic and frustration, I didn’t need to shop the Black Friday sales. I could feel all that stress in the comfort of my own home. But now, if there was a Black Friday sale on gas, gluten-free cake mixes or bags of dog food I’d definitely get up at 4 a.m. Today, Black Friday just isn’t the same. Instead of waiting in line for hours while your toes freeze, people just turn on their phones and cybershop until their fingers bleed. There’s no frenzy, bedlam, fracas, turmoil or mayhem. Not even a hullabaloo. Just scrolling and clicking. Like every other day. Americans are a wacky bunch. We spend Thanksgiving Day offering appreciation for our abundance and then eat until our livers explode. By midnight, gratitude is over and it’s time to spend until our credit cards warp. Within hours of Thanksgiving dinner, we’re in combat-mode, ready for holiday shopping. It’s so on-brand for Americans. Buddhists teach about a realm of hungry ghosts who have large stomachs but tiny mouths. They are tormented by unrelenting cravings that can never be satisfied. A student once asked Buddhist teacher and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, “What is it like in the realm of hungry ghosts?” he answered, “America.” Ouch. But accurate. Because it’s not just Black Friday anymore. It’s Small Business Saturday, Shell Out Sunday, Cyber Monday, TakeAll-My-Money Tuesday and What-Did-I-Even-Buy Wednesday. Social media platforms taunt us with shiny items that

might ease the relentless craving for more. But only for a moment. Back in 1983, I never imagined how the world would change in 40 years. I thought we’d go on beating each other up for toys until the end of time. I never dreamed we’d be buying holiday gifts online, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on our phones or hanging Christmas lights that could be controlled through an app. I probably wondered if we’d ever learn that violence isn’t the best way to start the holiday season. Especially a holiday with the catchphrase, “Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.” Let’s face it, holiday shopping will always be a jungle. Speaking of jungles, what’s on sale at Amazon?

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