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Jason Dimitt (right) from Harbor Freight Tools surprises welding instructor Blair Jensen at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers in Riverton with a $50,000 prize for teaching excellence. (Courtesy of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools)

lair Jensen had to know something was up when he walked into the commons area at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers (12723 S. Park Ave.). He was greeted by applause, balloons, cheerleaders, school officials and the entire student body, who had come to celebrate Jensen receiving the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize. The surprise ceremony was a chance to recognize Jensen, who teaches welding at the school. He was one of only 20 skilled trades teachers nationwide who received the award on Oct. 4. “I’m honored to be here representing Harbor Freight’s Tools for Schools, to give a huge congratulations to Blair Jensen for being one of 20 winners of this year’s Harbor Freight Tools for Schools prize for teaching excellence,” said Jason Dimitt, Harbor Freight Tools district manager. “This is no small achievement. Harbor Freight Tools received over 750 applications from talented, skilled trade teachers from all over the country. Mr. Jensen’s application went through many judging experts in education, industry and civic leadership.”

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Dimitt presented Jensen with a $50,000 check and a Harbor Freight tool cart. The prize was part of $1.25 million presented to trade teachers across the country. Jensen’s skilled trades program will receive $35,000 and he gets to keep $15,000. Jensen was a finalist for the 2019 and the 2021 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, but finally earned the award this year. His parents, sister, nieces, nephews and other friends and family were on-hand to celebrate with him.

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Riverton High still winners in unified soccer By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

hile Riverton High Silverwolves may not have won the state unified soccer title, they are still winners in the

sport. Playing on Real Salt Lake’s home field after Miss America Emma Broyles sang the national anthem, the Silverwolves fell short of beating Murray High Oct. 4 at the 2nd annual Show Up for Unified Sports Special Olympics State Soccer Championship game. The players were congratulated with second place medals in their division by Broyles, Miss Utah Lindsey Larsen, Utah’s first lady Abby Cox and RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath. Unified soccer, a program of Special Olympics Utah in partnership with the Utah High School Activities Association, allows student-athletes with and without disabilities to play on the same team. While the teams are co-ed and play competitively five versus five on a smaller sized soccer field, the focus is on development of skills, friendship, understanding and sportsmanship, Riverton High’s unified soccer team parades into the stadium for the state championships. (Julie Slama/City Journals) as often players on either team will cheer for one another. Riverton began its season playing at a regional tournament they hosted Sept. 20 before competing in the state playoffs Sept. 30 where they qualified for the state championship. From more than 30 high school unified soccer teams in the area, 16 teams advanced in their respective divisions to the state championship games and participated in the parade of athletes. Other area high school teams that competed in the soccer championships or play-offs include Alta, Brighton, Jordan, Hillcrest, Hunter and Skyline. l

Riverton High take a shot on goal versus Murray during the state unified soccer play-offs. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Kennecott goes green By Annabelle Larsen | a.larsen@mycityjournals.com

ennecott Copper Mine has been an icon of Salt Lake County for over 100 years now, with its original opening in 1903. Kennecott has slowly, over time, become the world's largest open-pit mine; able to be seen from space. Starting off as a relatively small mine with simple mining carts and pickaxes, it has developed and become one of the United States largest distributors of not only copper, but several other minerals as well. Kennecott, being as large as it is, experiences inversion along with the rest of the valley. Going up into the mine you can see the pollution clouds from the inversion crawl over the Oquirrh mountains, go into the pit, and settle there, creating an interesting atmosphere and a lingering smell of smoke. Living in Utah, we know the importance of air quality as well as the importance of minimizing emissions as much as possible, and Kennecott, as well as Rio Tinto, are absolutely aware of this concern. They have switched from fossil fuel-emitting forms of transportation and mining equipment, to electrical. The size of the equipment is quite a bit smaller now (but still very large and very cool to see). And Kennecott, being an open-pit mine for many, many years, will now be going underground. When asked about the switch from open-pit mining to underground mining, employees of Rio Tinto stated that it is more ecologically friendly, they do not want to disturb the natural beauty of the Oquirrh Mountains any further. For the reopening of the Kennecott visitors center, which has been closed for several years now due to the Covid-19 virus as well as adjustments in the Kennecott form of mining, they pulled out all the stops. Nathan Foster, the general manager of underground operations at Rio Tinto, was the

first to speak in a press release put on by Rio Tinto to celebrate the new changes happening at Kennecott Copper Mine. Foster stated that the change in machinery is needed to help prevent climate change and keep the air quality in Utah clean and clear. He also stated that copper is going to be very important in the years to come, with the large shift to many different forms of technology being readily available to the public. Foster also discussed the teaming-up of Rio Tinto and a company called Sandvik, an engineering group providing and creating products and solutions for mining and rock excavation, rock processing and metal cutting. Rio Tinto and Sandvic have teamed up to create a better mining experience. After Foster, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson talked about the importance of modern-day mining, as well as the need for clean energy development in our county. She mentioned that Utah alone mines over 200 minerals that are distributed around the United States, and that Kennecott is a large employer of residents in Utah. She stated, "investments in mining are investments in Utah." Joe Thomas from the Utah Division of Air Quality also addressed the crowd. He really emphasized the importance of fixing the air quality in Utah. “We need to buckle down and really start to solve this problem,” Thomas said. The visitor center is now open to the public and the mine itself has a lot to offer Utah, not only in its minerals, but in its concern for the quality of our air and for our planet. If you'd like more information on Kennecott Copper Mine and Rio Tinto, you can go to www.riotinto.com l

Kennecott Copper Mine lower level of Visitors Center. (Annabelle Larsen/City Journals)

Inversion affecting the open-pit mine. (Annabelle Larsen/City Journals)

A Sandvik mining machine looks over the mine. (Annabelle Larsen/City Journals)

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Transportation trucks leave the mine to deliver minerals to a refinery. (Annabelle Larsen/City Journals)

Nov. 2022 | Page 5

Riverton’s annual Halloween Tour scares up some frightening figures

ore than 50 homes in Riverton decorated their yards with spooky, scary, chills-inducing props and lighting to participate in the annual Riverton Halloween Tour on Oct. 19-31. A map found on the city’s website highlighted the properties involved in the tour and allowed people to drive through haunted neighborhoods to see the creative ideas. l

The Winters household (2395 W. 12600 S.) dug up some scary fun for the Riverton Halloween Tour. (City Journals)

The Morgan family’s decor at 12797 S. Ann Christine Court was a shrieking success. (City Journals) Spooky lights at the Sholtis home (12831 S. Timpview Drive) illuminate a terrifying scene during the Riverton Halloween Tour.

Page 6 | Nov. 2022

Riverton City Journal

A couple of ghouls were seen floating around the Dansie home (2111 W. 12920 S.) as part of the Riverton Halloween Tour.

A Harry Potter/Star Wars/Halloween mash-up invites trick-or-treaters to tread lightly at the Hair residence (2198 W. 13035 S.). (City Journals)

Only the bravest souls enter the Vawdrey property at (2242 W. 13070 S. )(City Journals)

A trio of skeletons invite trick-or-treaters to stop in for an otherworldly dinner at the Fullmer home (13167 Meadow Way). (City Journals)

Continued from front page

I’ve known Blair for so many years and let me tell you, he is a champion for students. He wants everything for his students. He teaches them career skills that will better their lives in welding and other trade professions.” The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 to recognize outstanding skilled trades teachers in U.S. public high schools. This year’s contest drew a record 768 applications from across the county. The field was

“This is awesome and it’s proof to you guys that hard work pays off. I’ve been applying for this award for four years now,” Jensen said. “It’s all about persistence. You can get what you want as long as you apply yourself to it. If you dream it and focus on it and fight for it, you can achieve it.” Jensen has taught welding at Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers for the past four years. He helps students build

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skills to help them in future careers by modeling his class like an active shop. Students have to clock in and out each day and Jensen assigns a task each week with an associated hourly wage. Leadership positions come with higher salary and students pay a shop rent for their participation grade. Last year, Jensen was named Teacher of the Year by the Jordan Education Foundation. “We are so excited and so happy to get this award,” said Sonja Burton-Juarez, Jordan Academy principal. “He’s so deserving.

narrowed to 50 finalists with 20 winners. The remaining 30 finalists each received a $1,000 gift card from Harbor Freight Tools. For more information, visit HarborFreightToolsForSchools.org. “The most rewarding thing for me is celebrating students’ successes,” Jensen said. “To see the joy when they finally master the skill is one of my favorite things about this job.” l

Nov. 2022 | Page 7

Riverton Taekwondo Demonstration Team takes gold at International Expo

By Dylan Wilcox | d.wilcox@mycityjournals.com

he World Marial Arts taekwondo studio sent a 25-member team that represented the state of Utah in the 15th International Taekwondo Expo in South Korea this past summer where several members of the team took home 15 gold medals. Yong Jae Kim, known as Master Dragon, is the general director of World Martial Arts taekwondo school in Riverton. Kim is a 7th degree Kukkiwon Black Belt, former professor of sports medicine at JeonJu University, and a seasoned physical trainer at numerous demonstrations around the world. Kim made his way to Utah by way of Virginia, where he entered the United States to pursue a graduate program five years ago. Since then, he assisted in the opening of the taekwondo studio in 2019 and has been slowly adding more students to his roster. The International Taekwondo competition was a way to help students learn the origin of the martial art. “I was very honored and very excited to represent Utah in the expo. It was a special experience to give my students the opportunity to visit my mother country of Korea. I really want people to experience another country, another experience outside of Utah through taekwondo,” Kim said. During the competition, which was attended by over 2,000 athletes representing

dozens of countries, Kim’s team participated in the sparring section, which is an Olympic-style demonstration giving competitors the opportunity to show the culmination of their training. It was the first time for everyone competing in the taekwondo expo and according to Master Kim “it was a great experience.” He said that although most of his students were not as experienced as other competitors, they performed well. “Our team came first place many times, my students competed very well,” Kim said. “When it comes to sparring, it’s very aggressive. Usually, many schools are engaged in sparring because it’s exciting and it doesn't require a strict mentality. If someone has a fast, aggressive mind, they can do it. It comes down to mindset. When we competed in sparring with other countries, I was very nervous, I realize there were parts we needed to focus,” he added. Pyper Marriott, a freshman at Summit Academy High School, competed with the team. She said the experience was both unexpected and exhilarating. “When we first signed up to go to Korea, I didn’t know I was going to compete. I was so scared and so nervous. It wasn’t for the whole entire tournament. It was fun, I really liked it,” Pyper said. Pyper’s mom, Jennifer, said that the expo was worth it because it allowed Pyper

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to experience a new place and put her training to the test. At first, Pyper did not feel her skills were up to the task, but encouragement from her friends and family changed her mind. “I had strongly encouraged her to change her attitude and compete because it’s not every day a girl from Riverton, Utah competes with 128 other countries in Korea for taekwondo. She left on the plane thinking she was not going to get up in front of complete strangers and compete. Master Dragon had said that anyone who goes on this trip was going to compete. She did not realize that until she got over there,” Jennifer said. Pyper, who has been training with Master Dragon for a year now, said the expo was “like a dream” and that she “did not feel it was real.” Being in South Korea for the first time was a culture shock, but she was most impressed with how respectful and encouraging everyone was being to her and her team. She competed in the sparring form division where she was tested on her abilities and form of taekwondo. She ended up taking gold for her weight division. “It was really cool because I competed against someone that was twice my size. I did not expect it at all. Right after the competition, I was told I won first place,” she recalled. Pyper was very proud of her results and surprised herself.

Another competitor on the team, Elizabeth Miller, competed in the sparring division where she took gold. She learned about taekwondo through a friend. “I had a friend from church introduce me to the school. I met Master Dragon, I got along with him because he has a background in film, which I studied. I wanted something that was about self-defense and fitness, so I felt taekwondo was the perfect thing for me,” Miller said. When Miller attended the expo with her team, she described the experience as “excellent, it was pretty much a life-changing experience. The cultural exchange [at the expo] was excellent,” she said. Miller said that she had been practicing consistently with Master Dragon for a year before she entered the competition. She admitted that she “felt out of place” but was able to quickly keep up and adapt with veterans of the martial art. “Compared to those who have been practicing for years, decades even, I felt out of place,” Miller recalled. “But it is inspiring to see how global taekwondo is throughout the world. There was enough [camaraderie] to break down barriers, and it was impressive to see the breadth of the competition,” she added. According to Miller, she competed against an opponent from Qatar in forms and sparring

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competition. Miller ended up performing better than she had expected and surprised herself and her teammates. “It went well enough,” she said. Citing her teammates’ uniting spirit, she was able to borrow some sparring equipment to continue competing in extra rounds of competition. There were 15 winners of gold from the Utah team, including Miller. “I remember when [Master Dragon] said we can all win gold, but I thought it was a lofty goal. It surprised me to see how much we won,” she said. “It wasn’t on my bucket list to say I won gold at an international taekwondo competition, but I did it and it was fun.” Miller describes the training with Master Dragon as rigorous but rewarding. She said that working with him is a challenge but reaps great rewards. “You have the option to come in when you want, I went in for three times a week. In preparation for the competition we had extra training on Saturdays. It ate up a lot of my spare time, but we developed camaraderie with our team. It made it an enjoyable social activity as well,” Miller shared. Miller said she wants to continue in her quest for a black belt in taekwondo – a goal that isn’t too far away. “I want the black belt and for it to be mine. Just by attending this school, I have learned more about pushing myself beyond my limits. Taekwondo has opened up a new world to me. It’s definitely something I have found a new community that helps me to better myself,” Miller said. The Utah team was able to secure more gold than they had anticipated. Based on their success from the expo, the team is considering competing in more expos in the future. Master Dragon said that seeing his students succeed is one of the greatest rewards in teaching taekwondo. “I can teach any skill and any student can learn those skills. Our vibe is very harmonic, and the students will follow me. We have great teamwork and I appreciate my team because they

Members of the World Martial Arts team compete at the 15th International Taekwondo Expo in South Korea in July 2022. (Yong Jae Kim, World Martial Arts)

trust and follow me. We prove this through the result of the competition. I believe we can be a strong team in Utah state,” he said.

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Nov. 2022 | Page 9

Inaugural Jordan River celebration highlights work being done to preserve the waterway By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

lowing through the center of the Salt Lake Valley, the 50-mile long Jordan River has experienced a revival over the last 10 years. As one of the major tributaries to the Great Salt Lake, the Jordan River has become the focus of conservation and preservation efforts. The Jordan River Commission will celebrate and recognize people and organizations who have spurred the resurgence of the river at an event on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 4-8 p.m. at the new Zions Bancorporation Technology Center (7860 S. Bingham Junction Blvd.) in Midvale. “It’s going to be a multifaceted event with tours of the parkway, with art, with music, with dinner and recognition of these special contributors to the work we’re doing to improve the parkway and make it more accessible,” said Soren Simonsen, Jordan River Commission executive director. “We want to open up opportunities for education and arts and expression.” The inaugural event will feature a tour of the Zions campus and Jordan Riv-

A Jordan River celebration event will be held Nov. 10 at the Zions Bancorporation Technology Center (7860 S. Bingham Junction Blvd.) in Midvale. The event will recognize champions of Jordan River preservation and conservation. (Photos courtesy of Neil Franti/Jordan River Commission)

er Parkway, including a bike ride to the Big Bend Nature Reserve. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bikes, although some bikes will be available on site. The tour is free and open to the public from 4-5:30 p.m. Following the tour, a celebration dinner will recognize Jordan River champions who are dedicated to improving, preserving and restoring the river and the parkway. Tickets are $30 and seating is limited. Ticketing information is available on the Jordan River Commission’s social media pages or at JordanRiverCommission.com. “We’re hoping this will be a magical evening that focuses on the river in a location that’s really beautiful and overlooks the river,” Simonsen said. “It's a brand new facility and is connected to the Jordan River Parkway.” The new Zions Bancorporation Technology Center promotes biodiversity and provides additional habitat for the river. Zions has incorporated a bike share program so employees can use the parkway to bike to work. Artwork in the building focuses on the beauty of the area. During the event, the Center for Documentary Expression and Arts will present photo documentary work created along the Jordan River. The Jordan River flows through three

Page 10 | Nov. 2022

counties and 16 cities, with each section adding different attractions. Boat launches, nature walks, stormwater treatment and bird sanctuaries have brought attention to the river which connects Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. Keeping the river healthy is one of the ways to help the Great Salt Lake. “It’s hard to talk about the Great Salt Lake without talking about its tributaries. Obviously, when you see the really low water levels of the Great Salt Lake and you see the low water levels of some parts of the Jordan River, it’s easy to make the connection,” he said. “We’ve used the focus on the Great Salt Lake to remind people that the Jordan River is part of the solution to what’s ailing the lake. This is a good opportunity to raise awareness about that.” The event is presented by the Jordan River Commission and Jordan River Foundation, with support from the Salt Lake County ZAP program and Zions Bank. Next year, it will become part of the month-long Get to the River Festival held in September. “There’s a lot that’s been accomplished and you can see a lot of momentum around the river right now,” Simonsen said. “Every city that touches the river is participating in the commission.” l

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Nov. 2022 | Page 11

Managing Grief in the Holidays By William G. Hoy Holidays 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. Next spring, Larkin Mortuaries will host a seminar series featuring Dr. Hoy. For more information on Larkin’s educational program, please call 801-363-5781 or email skehl@larkincares.com.

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RIVERTON REVIEW Official Newsletter of the Riverton, Utah City Government MAYOR’S MESSAGE

UTA Service is Inequitable By Mayor Trent Staggs Since being appointed by the Council of Governments (COG) in February to represent the southwest Salt Lake County region on the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) Local Advisory Council, I have discovered there is enormous inequity in service delivery and public transit access in Salt Lake County.

Further, Salt Lake City has 48% of rail stations in Salt Lake County while southwest cities have only 5%. As proof of the inequitable access to public transportation between these two regions, Salt Lake City accounted for 50% of all UTA boardings across all modes in Salt Lake County in 2021 where southwest cities accounted for just 2%.

Perhaps even more disturbing is a review of geographic financial contribution compared to service. UTA operations are funded largely by sales tax dollars collected from taxable sales in each city that are dedicated to mass transit. Based on a cost per ride and mode review, it costs an estimated Salt Lake City, with just over $27.4 million more than what Salt 200,000 people, or 1,817 people Lake City generates in sales tax per square mile, accounts for 17% to provide their UTA service. In of the population of Salt Lake contrast, southwest cities generate County. The southwest cities of $21.1 million more in Bluffdale, Herriman, sales taxes for transit Riverton and South “Despite the roughly than it costs to deliver Jordan, with just equal population their current level of over 202,000 between these two UTA service. This is people, or 2,996 areas – Salt Lake City inequitable and blatantly people per square has 32% of bus stops unfair. mile, collectively in Salt Lake County account for 17% of I believe our goal should while southwest the population of the county. Despite cities have only 2% of be to have an equitable public transit system the roughly equal bus stops.” that provides reasonable population between access to those who these two areas contribute to its operation. After all, – and even denser southwest the more people who use public population – Salt Lake City has transit, the less congestion we have 32% of bus stops in Salt Lake on our roads and the better our County while southwest cities have air quality will be due to reduced only 2% of bus stops. The cities of emissions. Unfortunately, we are Riverton, Herriman and Bluffdale far from that goal right now. do not have a single bus stop!

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2022

Percentage figures are based out of the total of Salt Lake County. Population figures are from the 2021 U.S. Census estimate. Ridership and service figures are based off of data provided to Riverton City by UTA on September 1, 2022.

Population figures are from the 2021 U.S. Census estimate. Land area in square miles comes for the 2020 U.S. Census listing. People per square mile is calculated by dividing the population by the number of square miles.

I call upon the UTA Board of Trustees and the Utah State Legislature to conduct a full analysis and audit of UTA service and finances to identify inequities in service and lack of access in various geographic regions in UTA’s service area. This audit and analysis should also include cost effectiveness and use of each mode of transit offered by UTA. I encourage those concerned about this inequity to reach out to their state representatives,

state senators and the UTA Board of Trustees to express their concern. I’m confident that southwest Salt Lake County isn’t the only region served by UTA that has incredibly poor access and is massively subsidizing the UTA system elsewhere. Solutions must be put in place that increase access and make the system more geographically equitable. Express bus lines on major east-west and north-south roads in the southwest area would be a good start.

PAGE 1

COUNCIL MESSAGE

It’s Been an Honor to Serve ELECTED OFFICIALS Trent Staggs - Mayor Sheldon Stewart - District 1 Troy McDougal - District 2 Tawnee McCay - District 3 Tish Buroker - District 4 Claude Wells - District 5

CITY MANAGER David R. Brickey

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS CITY COUNCIL November 15, December 13, 7 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION November 10, December 8, 6:30 p.m.

By Councilmember Sheldon Stewart As I write this article, it is a somber moment, as I will soon be ratified as the next Salt Lake County Council member that will represent Riverton as well as other cities in the southwest. As I look back, it reminds me of the great honor it has been to serve in this great community where I grew-up and where I will continue to serve in a slightly different role. It is my love and gratitude for what Riverton was, what is has become, and where it is headed that continues to motivate me to serve. During this time, the framework and structure of the community has changed with growth from the time when I was a kid to now. During my time on the city council, I have seen Riverton grow from around 30,000 residents to our current population of just under 50,000. We have faced many challenges that come with growth, and we have weathered these challenges well. We have

strived to be innovative in our thinking and in how we have dealt with this growth. We have been prudent not only in our financial decisions but also in our planning. The city instituted and adopted plans early on that would set the tone for the future. These plans have established an infrastructure and management plan that keep the future in mind as we address the needs of our community. As members of past, current, and future councils continue our attempt to look into the future and make decisions today that will benefit us in next 30, 40, 50, and even 100 years, we must balance the demands with the limitations that exist. We have worked to revitalize our historic downtown, grow, and develop the western portion of our city, and design infrastructure that satisfies our physical needs with water and roads, as well as the digital needs that have intensified in recent years. These are all programs established to benefit our residents and attract more businesses to our city. As I move on to the county, there

are several things that our residents need to be aware of that I will continue to fight as a representative of the southwest so we can continue to maintain this wonderful region. Key areas of focus will be addressing how southwest cities continue to subsidize the services utilized in the other areas of the county. This includes: • UTA – The cost per resident is ever increasing while access to services are reduced. • Salt Lake County Library – Utilization of physical services are reduced while costs are disproportionately assigned to Riverton with additional tax increases looming. • Unified Police Department – We continue to pay a subsidy through our county taxes that is ultimately offsetting costs for members of Unified Police Department. Moving on to the county, I will continue to be open to your feedback. I appreciate the confidence you have shown in me as I continue in a new role representing each of you.

Report a problem at rivertonutah.gov/report

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RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2022

PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE

How 3-Word Phrases Help Emergency Response By Chief Wade Watkins “Has anyone ever heard of What3Words?” This is what my Chief (my boss) asked us at our last meeting. No one from my team had heard of it. After learning about it, especially being a first responder, I’m sold. Basically, a group of people mapped out every 3-meter square, or ap-

proximately 10 square feet, on earth with a unique three-word phrase. It sounds crazy but try it! I have been on countless calls where a hiker is hurt and stranded, or a medical emergency happens at a large event at a big venue, where it takes us time to locate the patient. Even large buildings with multiple entrances like high schools can delay first responders as we try to navigate to the emergency. I have also been on numerous emergencies where there is no address. We are directed as best as possible by our dispatchers by landmarks or mile markers, but sometimes emergencies are difficult to locate. With the app What3Words, we would have an exact location to respond to.

In Salt Lake County, the Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communication Center, who handles our 911 calls and dispatches our police and fire agencies, has been trained on the use of What3Words. You could give them the unique three-word phrase and they could communicate the location to us, or even the phrase itself for us to locate the emergency. After the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City, the Mexican government used the What3Words system to translate GPS coordinates into three-word locations that it shared with first responders to save people. If you have some time, check it out at www.what3words.com or in your app store on your phone.

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3 Reasons to Clean Up Fall Leaves

Vehicle Emergency Kit

Winterize Your Sprinkler System

1) Cleaning up leaves help keep Riverton beautiful. 2) Leaves block gutters and storm drains, increasing the likelihood of flooding. 3) Leaves end up in the river where they cause smelly water and harm fish habitat.

You never know when you will find yourself in an emergency on the road. With winter conditions just weeks away, now is the time to put together a car emergency kit. See details on what to include in your kit at linktr.ee/rivertonprep.

Now that secondary water is off for the season, make sure to winterize your sprinkler system to protect it from freezing in the cold winter temperatures. Drain backflow valves, open ball valves, and blow out sprinkler lines.

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2022

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UPCOMING EVENTS

RIVERTON REVIEW

Santa’s Arrival

Holiday Donation Drive

Christmas Card Contest

Bring the kids to see Santa Claus arrive in Riverton! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the park on a bright red fire engine. Children can greet Santa to make their Christmas requests and also write their letter to Santa that evening. There will be free scones, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, crafts, and entertainment.

Riverton City is collecting holiday donations for The Christmas Box House – an organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter to children in need. Donations will be accepted from November 7 to December 12 at Riverton City Hall. Donated items must be new and unwrapped.

Riverton City is again holding a design contest to select the city’s official Christmas card! Children enrolled in an elementary school in Riverton OR who are of elementary school age who live in Riverton are invited to submit a card design in the contest. The creator of the winning Christmas card will receive a $100 Walmart gift card.

Monday, November 28, 6:30 p.m. Riverton City Park For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/santa

Christmas Night of Music Concert

What to Donate: • Children’s Clothes • Children’s Sneakers • Educational Toys • Hair Brushes

• Body Lotion • Teen Clothing • Teen Shoes • Healthy Snacks

For a list of more items to donate, visit: rivertonutah.gov/holiday-donations

Entry Deadline: Wednesday, November 16 For more information visit: rivertonutah.gov/christmascard

Riverton Tour of Lights

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Couch to 5K Training Program

Come enjoy all your favorite classic Christmas hymns at Riverton City’s annual Christmas Night of Music Concert! Free and open to all.

Join Riverton City’s Mission Slim Possible weight loss challenge to lose weight and start next year off right. Begins Wednesday January 4, 2023.

Show off your awesome Christmas light display by entering your home in the Riverton Tour of Lights. Your home will be placed on a tour map. Free to enter.

Attend a free QPR suicide prevention class to learn how to respond to someone in crises. Classes occur monthly, excluding July and December. Registration required.

Come participate in the Couch to 5K program to gradually build up your running ability from January 30 to March 25 in a positive, stress-free environment.

• Monday, December 12, 7 p.m. Riverton High Auditorium

• Register online at rivertonutah. gov/possible

• Enter online at rivertonutah.gov/ tour-of-lights

• Thursday, November 17, 7 p.m., rivertonuutah.gov/qpr

• Register online at rivertonutah. gov/couch-to-5k

For details or registration information, visit rivertonutah.gov/recreation

PAGE 4

RIVERTON REVIEW | NOVEMBER 2022

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Nov. 2022 | Page 17

Budgeting simulation yields dividends for students at two schools By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

oung adulthood is full of tough financial lessons, including how to live on a budget and how to avoid scams. These lessons are even more challenging for young adults with developmental disabilities to master. “A lot of our students are at a very young developmental age in their minds so they're very trusting, and they're easily made to do things that you wouldn't regularly do,” said Eric Slaymaker, a transition teacher at South Valley School, which provides post-high school transition training for 18-21 year olds with disabilities. Students have weekly lessons about finances and budgeting. Slaymaker said repetition is important for his students to gain the skills they need to live independently, which is the goal at graduation. Herriman High School business students Katelyn and Elizabeth Anderson have tried to share what they’ve learned about finance with their 20-year-old brother who is developmentally delayed and was recently scammed out of hundreds of dollars. “He's had a lot of problems managing his money and spending it wisely,” Katelyn said. For a school project, the Andersons decided to team up with fellow business student Emily Reinoso to develop a budgeting lesson plan which they shared with students at SVS,

where their brother attends school. Their lesson included an explanation of the envelope method for budgeting and an activity to practice spending money within a budget. They organized other HHS business students to assist SVS students as they rotated through stations representing a grocery store, cell phone company, real estate office, sporting goods store and credit union to practice making financial decisions. Actual employees from Harmons Neighborhood Grocer, Cyprus Credit Union, and Zander Real Estate Team were invited to participate in the simulation to make it a more realistic experience for the students. “We wanted real people to come so it was a real environment, having adults rather than students,” Katelyn said. “We’re all younger than the students that attend the school so we wanted people older than them to give them that experience.” Cyprus Credit Union representative Wendy Buckner was glad to be involved in the simulation, which lines up with the company’s values on financial education for young people. “We just want them to learn about money, the younger the better,” Buckner said. Some business representatives brought products for students to purchase during their transaction; Harmons had candy for sale and

Scheels sold small items such as keychains. Slaymaker said the simulation was good practice for his students, who responded well to the social interaction of the lesson as well as to the students teaching the lesson, some of whom they attended high school with. Elizabeth said, unlike her high school friends, these young adults are already working and paying rent, trying to live on a tight budget. “It's a lot harder for them to get the jobs that will pay well,” she said. “With less money, you need to budget much more because you need to save and to work with the money you have.” About 60 SVS students participated in the lesson and activity. HHS business teacher Rickee Stewart was impressed when Elizabeth, Katelyn and Emily were able to impro-

vise when the set-up of the classrooms was different than they anticipated. She said they also adeptly adapted their memorized speech to a more personalized approach to better connect with the varying abilities of the students they were teaching. The three girls will write a 20-page report detailing their “Beyond Budgeting” project, analyzing how it went and describing what they learned from the experience. They will present this report at the competitions for two high school business club organizations, FBLA and DECA. Katelyn and Emily have competed at state and national competitions with previous business projects and hope to qualify again this year. It will be Elizabeth’s first year competing, but she said she gained confidence through this experience and is hopeful of performing well at the competitions. l

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A student-planned budgeting simulation included financial transactions with representatives from Harmons Neighborhood Grocer. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Riverton City Journal

Ugandan refugee shares her story to help others By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

f someone had told 10-year-old Desange Kuenihira that she’d be living in America, graduating from college and starting a nonprofit to help people in Uganda, she would never have believed it. But now at 21, Kuenihira has accomplished all of that and is taking the next steps on her journey. As a child, she fled her home while the civil war raged in the Congo. With her siblings and her aunt, Kuenihira survived deprivation and abuse at a refugee camp in Uganda before making her way to a foster home in the United States. The Salt Lake County resident recently graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in health, society and policy, and a minor in business, and she just released her memoir “unDEfeated Woman.” Her nonprofit, unDEfeated, supports women and youth in Uganda. “The first 10 years of my life really prepared me to live the life I’m living right now. I cry when I think about it,” Kuenihira said. “I’m on a different journey. I’m more grateful for this life and all the opportunities that have come my way. The first 10 years of my life really made me value the life I’m living today.” Her story of resilience and courage reflects the hardships faced by women in Uganda who often experience sexual abuse, poverty and child marriage. Kuenihira hopes to break the cycle of

poverty by creating opportunities for women to start and operate their own businesses. unDEfeated provides education for underprivileged youth and women. Donations to the organization can send a person to high school or college. Over the summer, Kuenihira went to Uganda to meet with women in the community to create the most effective way to provide education, financial support and confidence. “I was able to sit down with these women and some of them have lost hope. I want to give them their voice and help them find who they are,” she said. “Someone gave me a chance. I imagine, if I was still home, I would have been married and I’d probably have kids and that cycle would continue. I want to give them opportunities and fight for these girls and give them the love I never truly had for myself.” Kuenihira plans to continue her education and will go back to school in the future, but right now she is spreading awareness through public speaking, her nonprofit platform and her memoir. She would like to collaborate with businesses that are invested in helping women gain a foothold in the corporate world. She said if she can help women raise themselves to a higher standard of living, the next generation of daughters won’t have to endure what she went through. She wants to help them shift from trauma into successful and happy lives. For more information, visit Speakunde-

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A recent graduate from the University of Utah, Desange Kuenihira has written a memoir about her life as a Ugandan refugee and started the nonprofit organization unDEfeated to help youth and women in Uganda. (Photos courtesy of Marty Nicole)

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Gov. Cox speaks to Rotary Club members By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

“O

Gov. Spencer Cox takes questions after an address to Rotarians in August. (Photo courtesy Mike Peterson)

ne of the reasons I wanted to speak to Rotarians is because I believe that you are the best and most important thing happening in our country and I’m devastated that we are in such a small room right now,” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. On Aug. 25 Cox spoke to a group of 100 members of local Rotary Clubs and Chambers of Commerce at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sandy. “Essentially, the governor spoke to us about increasing our community service by working more closely with local government and business leaders,” said Mike Peterson, public image chair of the South Valley Rotary Club. “He’s concerned that service-based institutions like Rotary are decaying.” Rotary International is a worldwide, charitable society of business and professional people. “I told my staff I have to talk about Rotarians because it’s so important to me,” Cox said. “And they looked at me and said ‘is that still a thing?’ I said ‘yeah, it’s still a thing and it needs to be a bigger thing.’” Even those not familiar with Rotary Clubs might have heard of the Four-Way Test, a set of ethical questions to guide in-

teractions in relationships. The test asks that before you think, say or do something, consider: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? “That Four-Way Test is the secret to everything,” Cox said. “Can you imagine if every politician, myself included, every time we had a decision to make, or a press conference to hold, or a tweet to send out, if we went through that Four-Way Test, how different would our country be right now?” Cox went on to say that he no longer pays attention to what part of the political spectrum people subscribe to, whether it be far left, far right or moderate. Instead, he notices if a person is a builder or a destroyer. The governor made it clear he believes Rotarians fall solidly in the “builder” category. “We felt honored that he wanted to meet Rotarians,” said Steve Schoonover, president of the South Valley Rotary Club. “He was just down to earth, like a regular guy in your neighborhood.” Cox wanted to speak to a large group. So the South Valley Club, which has 22 members from Draper, Riverton, Herriman and Bluffdale, worked quickly to invite

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12 other local clubs and three chambers of commerce. The governor’s remarks were preceded by a video introduction made by a former Rotarian that was a humorous mix of satire and biography. For example, it poked fun at Cox’s commute from Fairview to Salt Lake City when he was lieutenant governor by suggesting that he drove the Mormon Meteor III, an historic race car that was used to set speed records on the salt flats. “The next day we were asked if we could forward (the video),” Schoonover said. “Spencer showed it to his staff and they really got a kick out of it. He literally was laughing, just chuckling the whole time.” Rotarians like to have fun, but they also get a lot done. Service projects can be as small as having lunch with a special needs teen or as large as partnering with Rotarians in Kenya to provide life-changing access to water. They also award scholarships to high school students, sponsor a scout troop and organize an annual roadside cleanup at Rotary Park, which they built. “We’ll collaborate with other clubs and other entities,” Schoonover said. “Some projects happen on a recurring basis. Some are things on the fly that we find out about.” When a nonprofit in Riverton called Bear-O Care had the catalytic converters stolen from their vans, South Valley Rotary stepped up to raise the money to replace them. An upcoming collaboration is Thanksgiving Heroes, which provides full Thanksgiving meals to Utah families in need. “People can contribute money, nominate a family or participate on the day,” Schoonover said. “Last year we made thousands of deliveries.” Those interested in helping out can go

to https://www.thanksgivingsheroes.org/svrotary. “Since I’ve been in it, I can tell you: government was never designed to solve all of our problems,” Cox said. “It was designed to solve some of our problems, like protecting us from outside forces. It’s designed to help us build roads because if you had to build your own road to your house, that doesn’t make sense.” Cox recommended a book called “A Time to Build” and summarized a main idea that “We are a nation built on institutions: government, higher education, the media, faith-based institutions, and the family as an institution. There is concern that our institutions are breaking down and failing us because we’ve lost trust in them, and both the right and left are actively breaking them down in different ways. If we’re going to survive as a nation, we need to build up institutions like Rotary and other service-based institutions. Institutions are made to bring us together and hold us accountable.” “As a nation, we know that the best solutions are when you come together with your neighbors,” Cox said. “It’s cheaper, it’s more meaningful and it’s much more lasting.” At the end of his remarks, Cox opened the meeting for questions and answers. Topics ranged from air pollution to mental health to geriatrics to water to school funding, which shows the concern and care Rotarians feel for their community. “We are dedicated to the youth in our community,” Schoonover said. “They are our future leaders.” l

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Nov. 2022 | Page 21

Summit Academy’s after-school program offers creativity, opportunities for learning By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ummit Academy sixth-grader Lena Surapaneni doesn’t mind staying at school until 5:30 p.m. “She actually complains if I’m early,” her mother Sri Koduri said. Lena is enrolled in Summit Academy’s after-school program, where she can get homework help, go on field trips, learn from presenters and engage in several different activities. This is her second year in the program. “Lena’s a happy camper; she’s glad to connect and likes the different field trips they offer,” Koduri said, adding that her daughter has visited museums and attended reptile shows that their family hasn’t been to, so it’s offering her more opportunities. “Lena is a born leader and likes to help, so they let her help with the younger kids, which she loves. I’ve been impressed with all the ideas and activities the teachers have, but also how they manage students and communicate with parents.” Summit Academy offers its after-school program at the Draper campus as well as the Independence school in Bluffdale. About 30 students are enrolled in each program. Nathaly De La Torre began the program at the Independence campus in 2018.

She expanded to Draper in 2021. “I wanted to have a safe, fun and convenient environment for the kiddos while their parents may be at work,” she said. De La Torre said to make it easier for parents is that they only charge on the days students attend. There is a $75 registration fee, on www.summitacademyafterschool. weebly.com, but once that’s complete, students pay $13 per day Monday through Thursday, and $19 on Friday as it is an extended day since students are dismissed from school earlier. On one Friday per month, the after-school program offers a field trip. On other Fridays, presenters are invited to the campus. “Last week, we just went to the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point, and we’ve been to the Living Planet Aquarium and the Olympic Oval. We’ve had LEGO car races, Scales and Tails, Kim’s Cold-Blooded Creatures, magicians and others come in. We’re going to Wilkerson Farm in Orem soon; they have fruits and vegetables, but also a corn maze and pumpkin patch,” De La Torre said. She said that often students will talk to their classmates about the program, “then we get more friends coming in. I

Students in Summit Academy’s after-school program played “hockey” in their own Olympic Games. (Nathaly De La Torre/Summit Academy)

love it because we’re not only bringing groups from the community in, so they get introduced by all these awesome companies, but we’re going out into the community. One time, I was told by a student that their favorite part of the field trip was the bus ride. Some have never been on one and they wanted to ride a bus. It was so cute.” The typical day begins with a healthy

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snack and then the students go outside “to get their wiggles out. After recess, we do homework. I’m a pretty big stickler on homework,” said De La Torre, who has degrees in human development, family studies and psychology. “We have teachers helping and supporting, and I want them to get it done so they can go home, have dinner and have family time. I appreciate when parents tell me the kiddos need help or need to get their homework packet done. Our teachers are great to work with as well.” Following their 45-minute homework or reading time, students are engaged in a 30-minute enrichment activity. “It can be science, art, active, cultural—I have a list. We’ve played games like backside tag and it’s a skill level that everyone can participate in. We always do amazing art projects, and we have themes every month which we try to match not only our activity, but our presenter and field trips as well,” De La Torre said. The activities have ranged from making cookies at the Independence campus to STEM activities. “The teachers are doing some real incredible things, and some are common and practical. I like that the enrichment is meant to build a skill or teach them a new skill. For example, we can introduce sports; many kids don’t know how to throw a football. Or we can teach them how to measure their heart rate, resting heart rate and after running,” she said. Pick-up is one of De La Torre’s favorite times—and not because she gets to relax and put her feet up. “What makes me know that I’m doing the after-school program right is when kiddos get picked up and I hear them say to their parents, ‘You came here too early,’” she said. “Then I know they’re loving it and are wanting to learn more.” l

Riverton City Journal

Angel’s Hands offers financial help for children with rare diseases By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

hen Mark Kristensen’s son Matt was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis, a rare genetic disease. They were told he would probably not make it to his 12th birthday. Not only did Matt celebrate his 12th birthday, but he lived another four years before he passed away in 2002. His life inspired the creation of the Angel’s Hands Foundation, an organization that is now his legacy. “It started with 10 families that had a child with MPS in Utah,” Kristensen said. “Our mission has evolved over the years to improve the quality of life for individuals with rare or undiagnosed medical conditions.” Because they understand the financial implications of having a child with a rare disease, Kristensen and his wife Roxann started Angel’s Hands to help families pay for things insurance wouldn’t cover like therapy equipment, specialty strollers and bikes, travel expenses for medical purposes and deductibles or coinsurance payments. “Utah’s medical community is fabulous but when you’re working with these rare diseases you might have to travel to Boston or Dallas and no insurance will pay for the travel and lodging and meals when you do that,” Kristensen said. “Anything that could improve the quality of life for families, we’ll consider assisting with.” Kristensen said Matt influenced many people throughout his short life. He was the unofficial No. 1 fan/mascot for the Utah Grizzlies ice hockey team and dyed his hair green during the team’s season. He also ran the smoke machine with the Grizzlies’ mascot, Grizzbee.

Matt wanted Kristensen to read him every Grizzlies article in the newspaper so he could talk about the team’s season at the games. In the 20 years since Matt’s death, Angel’s Hands has helped hundreds of families. Kristensen considers it a paying forward for the wonderful people who helped his son. “He was so social that people didn’t know what his cognitive limitations were,” Kristensen said. “He was loved by everybody and had a charisma that not every kid has, but a lot of special needs kids do. I call it the ‘It Factor’ where people just want to know them and befriend them. He was one of those.” The organization founded for their son has allowed the Kristensens to offer assistance to other families like theirs. Angel’s Hands will help pay for home or van modifications, track systems that allow parents to move older children around the house, therapy hot tubs and specialty camps. “Let us pay for the things we can pay for and you take your money and enhance the quality of your life by taking a family vacation,” he said. “Back when we were dealing with my son, we would spend that money on medical bills instead of taking a vacation. There are families that won’t ask for help because pride is a powerful thing.” Angel’s Hands receives a lot of community support. Friends and families have organized motorcycle rides, hockey and golf tournaments, and car shows to help raise money and the Friend Raiser Gala on Nov. 13 at the Viridian Event Center (8030 S. 1830 West) in West Jordan brings in lots of financial resources. Local high schools have also held fundraising events for the group with students from Herriman High, Mountain Ridge and

Bri (left) enjoys one of the many activities Angel’s Hands organizes for children and their families. (Courtesy of Angel’s Hands Foundation)

Bingham High donating tens of thousands of dollars. “We are very blessed with great people who support us,” Kristensen said. “The money is secondary. We’ll make good use of the money, but the fact that young people are doing service for others, that just melts my heart.” The nonprofit is a 100% volunteer organization with 95% of donations going to families. To learn more, visit AngelsHands. org. l

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Nov. 2022 | Page 23

Nature’s Virus Killer Copper can stop a virus before it starts By Priscilla Schnarr

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cientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast. Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness. Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery. CopperZap® and put it on the market. Hundreds of studies confirm copper Soon hundreds of people had tried it. kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly 99% said copper worked if they used it just by touch. right away at the first sign of bad germs, That’s why ancient Greeks and like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy Egyptians used copper to purify water throat. and heal wounds. They As thousands more Users Say: didn’t know about tried it, some found viruses and bacteria, other things they “It works! I love it!” but now we do. could use it against, “I can’t believe how good “The antimicrobial including: Colds, my nose feels.” activity of copper is flu, new viruses and “Is it supposed to work well established.” variants, sinus trouble, that fast?” National Institutes of cold sores, canker “One of the best presents Health. sores, strep throat, ever.” Scientists say nighttime stuffiness, “Sixteen airline flights, not copper’s high morning congestion, a sniffle!” conductance disrupts nasal drip, skin “Cold sores gone!” the electrical balance infections, thrush, “It saved me last holidays. warts, styes, and in a microbe cell and The kids all got sick, but ringworm. destroys it in seconds. not me.” The handle is The EPA “I am shocked! My sinus curved and textured recommended cleared, no more headache, to increase contact. hospitals use copper no more congestion.” Copper can kill germs for touch surfaces like “Best sleep I’ve had in picked up on fingers faucets and doorknobs. years!” and hands after you This cut the spread of touch things other people have touched. MRSA and other illnesses by over half, Scientists placed millions of viruses and saved lives. on copper. “They started to die literally The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in Keevil. Tarnish does not reduce how well the bottom of the nostril, where viruses copper works, EPA tests showed. collect. CopperZap is made in America with When he felt a tickle in his nose pure copper. 90-day full money back like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds. guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold code UTCJ20. never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad See www.CopperZap.com or call tollcolds every year. Now I use my device free 1-888-411-6114. whenever I feel a sign I am about to get Buy once, use forever. sick.” Statements are not intended as product He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years. health claims and have not been evaluated After his first success with it, he by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, asked relatives and friends to try it. treat, cure, or prevent any disease. They all said it worked, so he patented advertorial

Page 24 | Nov. 2022

Riverton City Journal

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CHOIR & ORCHESTRA Senior outside hitter Ireland McNees goes up for a hit during the Sentinels’ Oct. 11 match against Herriman. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

Mountain Ridge volleyball wins region By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

he Mountain Ridge volleyball team secured their first region championship last month as they finished the regular season with a record of 25-4, including a 9-1 record in region play. The Sentinels are led by a strong senior class, headlined by Ireland McNees. Already committed to play at the next level for Loyola Marymount, she leads the team in kills, is second in digs, and boasts a serving percentage of over 90%. Fellow seniors Rylee Parnkinson and Kiera Cook have accounted for 234 and 156

RivertonJournal.com

kills, respectively. Managing the ball distribution this season has been sophomore setter Sadie White, who split time with a senior last year. Now with full responsibility for the position, she amassed 850 assists over the course of the season, 85% of the team’s total. The 2022 girls volleyball 6A tournament was scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, with first round games taking place at higher seeded teams’ home courts, with following rounds taking place at Utah Valley University Nov. 3-5. l

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Nov. 2022 | Page 25

Mountain Ridge football stumbles down the stretch By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

fter a strong 4-0 start to the season, the Mountain Ridge football team finished by losing three of their last four games before the 6A playoffs. The Sentinels, who experienced some unfortunate injuries including to star RB/LB Cade Uluave, finished with

an overall record of 6-4, with a 2-3 record in region play. They were scheduled to play Westlake in the first round of the 6A playoffs on Oct. 21 (after the Herriman Journal’s press deadline).l

The Sentinels run onto the field prior to a Sept. 30 game against West Jordan. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

Members of the Mountain Ridge defense, getting ready for the next play. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

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Riverton City Journal

Needs Beyond Medicine reduces financial stress for cancer patients By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

cancer diagnosis brings up so much uncertainty. Along with the emotional and physical fears of possible surgery and treatment, cancer takes a financial toll on patients as well. Many patients miss work and people in rural areas might have to travel to get the chemotherapy or radiation procedures they need. That’s where Needs Beyond Medicine steps in. The organization was founded by Philip Brown in 2006, and expanded to a 501(c)(3) in 2009. It offers living expense grants to cancer patients who need help paying for food, bills and transportation. The goal is to alleviate some of the stress that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. “I don’t think people realize the toll [cancer] takes, along with everything else you’re dealing with in your life,” Brown said. “We help current cancer patients with non-medical costs. That includes transportation, groceries, rent or anything considered non-medical. We also do education outreach.” A longtime advocate for cancer education, early detection and care, Brown has his own connection to the disease. His mother passed away in 1996 after an 18-month-long battle with ovarian cancer. His mission is to raise awareness about cancer screenings in

the hope more lives can be saved. The concept for Needs Beyond Medicine started when Brown was going to school to earn his bachelor’s degree. He got an internship working with doctors, nurses and social workers who created a task force to help cancer patients. Brown eventually took it over and has helped nearly 2,000 people with the nonprofit’s relief program. Because the group is not aligned with any specific hospital or provider, people across the state are eligible for its services. Patients are usually referred to Needs Beyond Medicine by a social worker who knows what the individual is going through. “We’re Utah-based and cover the whole state. I think people don’t realize we help a lot of people in the rural towns who have to travel a few hours a day to get treatment,” Brown said. “We can work with all the cancer programs in the state, which is unique, so we’re able to help all the patients.” On Friday, Nov. 4, Needs Beyond Medicine will hold its annual canSURVIVE gala at the Cottonwood Country Club (1780 Lakewood Drive) in Holladay, from 5-9:30 p.m. The fundraising event lets cancer survivors tell their stories and helps raise money for the organization with a raffle and silent auction. All proceeds go to help Utah cancer

Heidi Jo Taylor (left) and Annette Page are cancer survivors who volunteer with Needs Beyond Medicine, a nonprofit that helps cancer patients with living expenses and provides education about early cancer screening. (Courtesy of Chad Hurst)

patients with living expenses. Needs Beyond Medicine helps an average of 15 people each month as they go through their cancer journey. For information about sponsoring the canSURVIVE gala or to donate items for the raffle and silent auction, email Brown at info@needsbeyondmedicine.org. To learn more about the relief

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Nov. 2022 | Page 27

Breaking the cycle of poverty through allyship By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

lthough Utah’s poverty rate is one of the lowest in the nation, thousands of children in the state grow up in intergenerational poverty. More than 70% of children growing up in IGP are under 10 years old, and women have much higher odds of struggling with poverty than men. The cycle of IGP begins when a child is born in poverty. This has shown to create disadvantages at school and difficulty developing social skills. As the child grow into a teen and young adult, they struggle to find work and end up raising their own family in poverty. And the cycle continues. But Circles Salt Lake (2530 S. 500 East) is a community for those in poverty to help break the cycle and give them tools to succeed by creating allyships that support individuals and families as they learn to lift themselves to a new life. “People living in poverty don’t know the value of social capital,” said Michelle Crawford, Circles Salt Lake executive director. “When someone’s in generational poverty, they were born into poverty, most likely everyone in their circle of influence is also in poverty, they don’t have the lens to get out of it.” The Salt Lake chapter of the national program started in 2017 with two goals: help

families break the chain of poverty and address barriers that keep people stuck. People who come to the program are called circle leaders because they are leading their families in a better direction. Each circle leader is matched with an ally, a bridge between economic classes. Participants go through an initial 12week training and are asked to commit to a minimum of 18 months. Once a circle leader has increased their household income to at least 200% of the federal poverty level, Circles holds a big celebration. “Our focus is to get them completely independent of government services,” Crawford said. “We love Medicaid and Medicare and all they do to help our participants manage their situational poverty, but we don’t want them to stay there. We want them to become independent of those services.” Circle leaders are asked to attend weekly meetings, make progress toward an economic stability plan and become a leader in their community. Many circle leaders who complete the program come back to be allies to new participants in the program. An ally’s role is part mentor, cheerleader, friend and bridge builder. Each ally is invited to attend meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month and is asked to be

Members: $500 Nonmembers: $750*

a consistent support for those trying to break the cycle of IGP. “What I’ve learned is that, sadly, many people in poverty are conditioned to think that’s all they’re worth. They grow up being told not to expect a better life,” Crawford said. “An ally can connect their circle leader with people in the community that can help them work toward their dream.” Living in poverty usually comes with layers of trauma including abuse, domestic violence and mental and emotional damage. So there's more to breaking the cycle of IGP than an increase in salary. Circle leaders undertake a massive mindset change that allows them to dream big and work toward a better future. If a circle leader doesn’t graduate in 18 months, they can keep attending, as long as they’re participating. Nationally, the average for graduating from the Circles program is three years. Not only do circle leaders come back to

be allies, recently one was appointed to the Circles Salt Lake board of directors. “It was important to us that we weren’t just talking about poverty, that we had someone who could contribute to that conversation,” Crawford said. “Having somebody who’d recently experienced poverty to be able to give us input on the decisions we make was critical.” For more information about becoming a circle leader or ally, visit CirclesSaltLake. org. Crawford has big goals for the upcoming year, hoping to get 25-30 circle leaders enrolled in the program. Because each circle leader has two allies, Crawford is looking for 60 people in the community to become allies. “I would love Utah to set the example of how a program gets participants independent of government services and breaking that cycle of poverty,” Crawford said.l

While their parents are learning how to break the cycle of poverty, children learn social skills, create art projects and make friends in the community. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Crawford)

*($250 can be applied to Chamber membership)

Page 28 | Nov. 2022

Riverton City Journal

Utah Jazz and Instructure accepting nominations for top educators By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ominations are now open for the Utah Jazz Most Valuable Educators, presented by Instructure, the Utah-based creator of the Canvas Learning Management System. The public is invited to nominate local teachers who make an impact at their school, in their community, and who inspire students. The appreciation program will honor 14 educators throughout the 2022-23 Jazz regular season with the first recipient announced on Friday, Nov. 18 at Vivint Arena (301 S. Temple) during the Jazz home game against the Phoenix Suns. “The outpouring of nominations last season only reinforced the importance of this program and the community’s desire to publicly thank and recognize our educators,” said Jim Olson, Utah Jazz president. Each winning educator will receive a $1,000 classroom grant (courtesy of Instructure), a surprise classroom visit or assembly, a personalized Jazz jersey and free tickets to a Jazz game where they will be guests of Instructure. Students, parents, peer educators, principals or school administrators can nominate the person they consider to be the most valuable K-12 and higher education teachers in Utah. Find the nomination form at

utahjazz.com/MVE. “Our program recognizes teachers that go above and beyond every day to engage our kids’ curiosity and show them just how fun learning can be,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure. “It’s a tough time for educators and it’s more important than ever to recognize all they do and find ways to do more for them. Join me in nominating your favorite teacher and showcasing the amazing work they are doing to help our children feel safe, heard and excited to learn.” Instructure will also provide 300 tickets for Utah educators to attend the Jazz game on March 18, 2023. Throughout the game, teachers will be recognized for their work in the community and given the opportunity to participate in activities. Fans who attend the game can write their own messages of gratitude for educators. All 14 honorees of the Most Valuable Educators program will be invited to attend an awards dinner with the Utah Jazz and Instructure at the end of the season. “We are grateful for Instructure to honor and showcase the hard work of our educators by putting a spotlight on them and acknowledging their tremendous impact on our children,” Olson said. l

Alison Bulson (right) is honored as one of the Utah Jazz and Instructure's Most Valuable Educators at a Jazz game during the 2021-22 season. Joining her in the game-day recognition were (from left) the Utah Jazz Bear, Jim Olson, president of the Utah Jazz, and Steve Daly, Instructure CEO. (Courtesy of Utah Jazz)

Salt Lake County Mayor and Council pass resolution opposing the gondola By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

fter the Utah Department of Transportation identified Gondola Alternative B as the best option to improve transportation in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and the county council passed a joint resolution asking UDOT to remove the gondola from consideration. The resolution suggested that UDOT adopt the Common-Sense Solutions Approach, stating it would be more fiscally responsible and help protect and preserve the canyon. “Instead of constructing 23 skyscraper-sized gondola towers that will devastate the majestic views of the canyon, UDOT should pursue common-sense solutions that invest in more practical, adaptable, and less invasive transportation strategies,” Wilson said. “These solutions on their own have the potential to solve the traffic problem without destroying our canyon. This common-sense approach will demonstrate that the costly and unsightly gondola is not right for our canyons.” Common-sense solutions include creating a toll for the canyon, providing electric buses with mobility hubs, adopting parking management strategies that would include parking reservations and a smartphone app, and adding incentives for carpooling and rideshare programs. Environmental organizations and many city leaders in the county have come forward to oppose construction of the gondola, which has a $550-million price tag, just for initial construction costs. Concerns were raised that the gondola only stops at two private ski resorts, only removes about 30% of canyon traffic and involves constructing nearly two dozen gondola towers up Little Cottonwood Canyon, plus a

RivertonJournal.com

base-camp location at the mouth of the canyon. “We are moving into a difficult time in our economy,” said Salt Lake County Council Chair Laurie Stringham. “As UDOT looks at building a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon, I would urge the State of Utah to look at all facets of this issue: water protection, fire safety, two ways in and out of the canyon in case of fire or avalanche, and other options available that solve more than just a narrow scope. It is easy for an entity with a narrow scope to come to a conclusion, but as public officials, we have a range of problems to solve and we need to look at solutions that solve those problems, not just a narrow scope.” UDOT’s decision comes after a four-year Environmental Impact Study that started in the spring of 2018. The intent was to create transportation solutions to improve mobility and safety for visitors to Little Cottonwood Canyon and along Wasatch Boulevard. For information about the results of the study, visit Littlecottonwoodeis.udot.utah.gov. “Taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for a permanent and risky project like this, especially when we could invest in common-sense solutions like electric buses that can also be used to benefit transportation issues across Salt Lake Valley,” said Salt Lake County Council Member Jim Bradley. After heated public comment and a debate between council members, the resolution narrowly passed with a 5-4 vote. Council members Dave Alvord, Aimee Winder Newton, Steve Debry and Dea Theodore voted against the resolution. “I was a ‘No’ vote on this resolution because the resolution had misleading information and I also believe we need

A mock-up of the proposed Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola shows one of the 23 towers that will be built up the canyon as part of the project. The Salt Lake County Mayor and Council recently passed a resolution opposing construction of the gondola. (Photo courtesy of UDOT)

to keep all options on the table for consideration as we look at long-term solutions to the traffic in the canyon,” Newton said. l

Nov. 2022 | Page 29

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Barking up the wrong tree

y dog Jedi started barking at cars. All the time. I don’t know why but my best guess is she a) hates cars, b) loves cars, c) wants to scare cars or d) she needs a ride to Petsmart to pick up some jerky treats and tennis balls. I stop her from dragging us both into traffic by creating a distraction, usually with yummy treats. I tell her to look at me, hoping to snag her attention away from the tempting Hondas and Toyotas with their tantalizing and rumbly engines. Sometimes she continues flinging herself toward cars but once she realizes a treat is coming, in the form of mozzarella or pepperoni, she usually stops barking and waits to be rewarded. Not really rocket surgery, but it works. Someone suggested Jedi’s barking could be a reaction to stress which is probably true because we’re all as stressed as a Yellowstone bison being approached by human-shaped idiots. Jedi also feels the urge to run outside at 3 a.m. to bark at neighbor dogs, tree shadows and (probably) aliens. Her woofing seems to be important. It’s like breaking news in the canine world. I can’t yell at her to be quiet because then we’d both be barking at three in the morning. Plus, she’d translate my yapping as, “You are doing such a good job at howling, Jedi. Please, continue louder. Some neighbors might still be asleep.” Once the noise levels drop, I check social media where barking has been elevated to an Olympic sport. Viral TikToks catch people in the act of snarling at each other. Twitter feeds show a slow regression back to our caveman roots where everyone spoke in grunts and howls.

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Parents bark at teachers and librarians. Drivers bark at each other. Customers bark at grocery store cashiers, and let me tell you, cashiers don’t get paid enough to put up with

that baloney. Restaurant guests bark at the waitstaff, which usually ends with a footprint on your waffle. Y’all bark so much, I think some of you might have rabies. Dogs bark because they’re excited, hungry, bored, scared, tired, playful and frustrated. The trick is to distract them and teach them a different way to communicate. Humans also need a different way to communicate, because barking isn’t working. It doesn’t matter if you’re barking in fear or anger or fatigue, your message gets lost in the noise. Every time. Have you ever screamed at someone and thought, “Boy, I really think I got my point across. I feel so heard”? Yeah, me neither. On the opposite end of the rainbow, my daughter had a teacher who only spoke in a whisper. The kids had to be quiet to hear what she was saying. It was kind of creepy talking to her because she’d forget she was talking to an adult and keep whispering. Maybe there’s a happy medium between barking and mumbling. I know, let’s call it “civil discourse” where our conversations actually promote understanding and connection. Revolutionary! Instead of talking to prove your point, can you kindly explain why you hate avocados, without melting into a puddle of sweat? Can you avoid the gnashing and spittle that comes with barking and just talk like a human being? It might take practice but maybe if we calm down, our families will settle, our communities will rebuild and our civil discourse will improve. Less barking, more listening. And lots of treats. l

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TOOL & MACHINERY SALES & REPAIR

M&M

• Zero maintenance • No breakdowns • 2/3 LESS salt

Power Tools • Woodworking Parts and Accessories Warranty and Repair Services

For free in-home estimate:

GUARANTEED

without the typical water softener problems

visit www.KineticoUtah.com or call 801-890-5344

CONCRETE

T3 Concrete LLC

Specializes in Driveways, Walkways, Patios, Foundations, Retaining Walls, Basement Entrances Stamp & Color Concrete Call Mate’ for a FREE Estimate

801-918-8843 TREE SERVICES

INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS

Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 30+ Yrs Experience

801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES

ROOFING

801-272-7000

All types of roofs

$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.

mmtoolparts.com

801-484-8200

SIDING

Capitol Exteriors

Siding – Sofﬁt – Fascia – Raingutters

Call NOW For SPECIALS

3362 South Main Street

(801) 253-2566

Automotive Services

CONCRETE

Randy’s Tire and Mufﬂer

Complete Auto Repair & Service Manager Owned and Operated Serving Bluffdale/South Valley for 3 Generations 14250 S Redwood Rd 801.254.9971

RandysTireAndMufﬂer.com FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

SUGARHOUSE HEATING & AIR

Residential and Light Commercial

SERVICE & REPAIR

Call Jeﬀ at 801-347-1150 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

24 Hour Emergency: 801-484-0506 www.sugarhousehvac.com

Call Ala for Estimate 801-835-0051 AnEConstructionLLC@gmail.com

PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS

ENJOY THE OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches NOW • Steel Handrails HIRING! • Quality Decks Call John today for a FREE estimate.

801-205-5999

Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years

YARD SERVICES

Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Mowing, Concrete Senior Discounts

Call Dan:

801-518-7365

Nov. 2022 | Page 31

NO SURGERY. NO DRUGS. NO GIMMICKS.

THE PAIN STOPS HERE

• BACK PAIN • SCIATICA • SPINAL DEGENERATION • NEUROPATHY • FAILED SURGERY • SPINAL STENOSIS • ARTHRITIS • WHIPLASH • HERNIATED & BULGING DISCS • AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES AND MORE

Join the hundreds of patients that have experienced complete relief from the frustrating pain of severe back, neck, and joint problems without surgery, without drugs, and without having to live feeling miserable.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

86-94%

ROBOTIC GUIDED CLASS IV LASER

SUCCESSFUL in the Treatment of Serious Spinal Conditions!

“Dozens of doctors told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to be in a wheel chair. I went from the top 1% in the army Special Forces to being in so much pain that I could not tie my shoe or hold my new daughter. I did physical therapy and pain killers for years, but nothing worked. Finally, I went to Dr. Smith and I improved exactly as he told me I would. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.” —Steve M., Army Special Forces

Comprehensive Spinal Exam, Consultation (X-rays if needed) & 2 Pain Relieving Treatments for $27

(801) 302 02-- 0280 AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES ARE 100% COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE

Matthew D. Smith

D.C. CSCS Chiropractic Physician