Issuu

April 2021 | Vol. 21 Iss. 04

FREE

ALTA HIGH TOP HAWK NAMED UTAH PRINCIPAL OF YEAR By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

he decision was supposed to take weeks. Instead, it was quietly decided within hours. Simply put, Brian McGill is the best in the state. The official announcement that McGill was selected 2021 Utah Principal of the Year by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals was announced months later, in early February—still, without much fanfare. There weren’t any balloons or confetti at Alta High, where he has been a principal the past seven years and since the association’s mid-winter conference was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, word of his award hasn’t reached everyone yet. “It was pretty under the radar; it’s quite an honor and most meaningful to be chosen by my peers across the state,” McGill said humbly, then deflecting the praise to those working alongside him. “It shows the strong sense of value and recognition of great work at Alta and a reflection of the entire community.” He was selected after sharing with the six-principal panel about Alta High through essay response questions and interviews that were held after he was informed he was a candidate. McGill does not know who put his name in the hat. Although he has reached the top award of the state, McGill isn’t done being an example to his 2,350 students—someIn 2015, Alta High Principal Brian McGill lifted 245 pounds to the delights of the student body. (Photo courtesy of Alta High yearbook archives) Continued page 8

Tree Trimming & remOval • Stump Grinding • 24/7 Emergency Services • Powerline Trimming • Land Clearing • Demolition Options Available • Organic Mulch Products • Delivery Available

Mention this ad for

% 10 OFF Tree Services

Now HiriNg!

$35-$80K+

Full benefits & bonuses! Call 801-262-1596 or email Trent@diamondtreeexperts.com

Expires 5/31/2021

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

801-938-4345

DiamondTreeExperts.com

Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190

SPRING AIR DUCT CLEANING SPECIALS

AIR DUCT CLEANING CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS?

UV Purifier & Reme Halo Can Reduce Your Risk of Infection! Ask for Details*

$49

CLEAN OUT SPECIAL Sinus Problems? Allergies? Asthma? Headaches? Excessive Dust? High Energy Bills? Bad Odors?

If it’s in your ducts, it’s in your lungs. Air duct cleaning is one of the best ways to fight symptoms of asthma and allergies. WE CAN SANITIZE YOUR VENTS TO HELP STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

10 VENTS 1 RETURN 1 MAIN

FREE system analysis/inspection. Call for details. Additional vents priced separately. We service all areas. Offer expires 4/30/2021.

FREE 50% DRYER OFF VENT

HOSPITAL GRADE SANITIZER

CLEANING

Helps Support a Healthy Immune System

Page 2 | April 2021

WITH ANY COMPLETE AIR DUCT SYSTEM CLEANING. Call for details. Offer expires 4/30/2021.

HELPS WITH GERMS & BACTERIA

With purchase of complete ductwork cleaning. Offer expires 4/30/2021.

We Will Beat Any Price With Superior Quality 100% Guarantee

801-618-4649

SERVICE

theapexcleanair.com Sandy City Journal

NOW OPEN IN SANDY!

Our newest location on the Southwest Corner of 10600 South and State Street. We’re offering mouthwatering made-from-scratch food and great service in an uncompromising sports atmosphere with more TVs than tables. Featuring Breaking Bingo on Wednesdays, daily food specials, weekend brunch and UFC events every month.

BRING IN THIS AD FOR

FREE IRISH NACHOS Expires May 31, 2021

31 W 10600 S Ste 35

www.bouttimepub.com

An Intermountain Healthcare genetics research project

Protecting Our Health and the Health of Generations to Come Together, we may advance healthcare with the HerediGene: Population Study. Visit the Alta View Hospital lab to join

Learn more at heredigene.org/protectourhealth or call 833-698-1727. S andy Journal .com

April 2021 | Page 3

Union to continue serving students as groundbreaking slated for new school building By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

here’s a rich history behind Union Middle School, a namesake that started when eight families founded Union in 1849, which now is incorporated into the cities of Cottonwood Heights, Midvale and Sandy. Three years later, school was taught during the winter to about 30 students. In another three years, a large adobe schoolhouse was built in the center of Union, which doubled as a meeting house. Union even had its own school district, Union School District 23 in 1877. In 1905, the schools were incorporated into the United Jordan School District and in 1968, the current Union Middle School was built. Now, as part of Canyons School District, the 53-year-old building will be rebuilt, beginning with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 22 on the school campus, 615 E. 8000 South. “The design has been very collaborative with the architects,” Principal Kelly Tauteoli said. “Union has been a community school, so we wanted a lot of input from our community—our elective and core teachers, office staff, SCC (school community council), our families. It’s going to be an amazing, functionable new school that is thoughtfully put together.” With components similar to the recent rebuild of Midvale Middle, Canyons Board of Education member Mont Millerberg said that Tauteoli learned what works well and what should be changed from Midvale Middle’s principal, Mindy Robison. “Mindy shared her likes and dislikes, so Kelly took components and moved them here and there like a shell game,” he said. “I love the design with pods for each grade. It helps the sixth-graders to acclimate to middle school life.” While many of the meetings have been

Journals

online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plans for the $57.8 million school, which will be rebuilt on the same campus, is on schedule for a fall 2023 opening. Students will remain in the current building until the new school is completed. It will be built on the grass field east of the current school building, with the entrance facing west. “Even though it will be closer to 700 East, there will be a good cushion of grass from the fence and the parking lot,” Tauteoli said about the two-story, 218,000-square-foot school building. Canyons Chief Financial Officer and Business Administrator Leon Wilcox said there is a concentrated effort to keep disruptions to students at a minimum during the rebuild. “There will be quite a bit of utility work because we’re going to build it on the play field on 700 East,” he said. “We purchased the seminary and a house (that will be demolished) off of 7800 South to bring in materials (for an access road). Parking is going to be challenging (during the construction period). It will be a coordinated effort with the spots they (Hughes General Contractors) need to use and spots we need to have. That’s always the big challenge when you build on site is parking.” He added that it will affect parent dropoff locations, but that access road will become the bus drop-off point once construction is completed. The school, that will sport the school colors of blue and yellow, will have state-of-theart technology and wiring. “That’s one of the things that just drives up the price tag is electrical capacity that all these buildings have to have,” Wilcox said. Each of the grade-level wings will be wired and have collaborative spaces.

There also will be a wing for students with disabilities and a collaborative area for psychologists, speech pathologists and others. An adapted PE area, that includes a ramp and outdoor learning equipment, for those with physical disabilities is planned, Tauteoli said. The performing arts area, with a 650-seat auditorium, as well as the arts and career and technical education classrooms, will be located near the main office. “Our school auditorium right now seats 1,200, but the cost for one that size is prohibitive. This one will give a more intimate theatre experience, where our patrons will feel part of the production. We’ve had strong turnout for our theater performances the past couple years so we will look at how to accommodate our patrons,” she said, noting that last spring’s double-casted “Once Upon this Island” was shut down during the pandemic. The dance and PE classes in the gymnasium, which will feature an indoor track, will be located closer to the cafeteria. “We moved the cafeteria from the center of the school as it is at Midvale Middle to the end of the school nearer to the gym so we could bring the academic wings closer to the office,” Tauteoli said. “We’ll have more access to classrooms.” The school’s recent tradition of cupcake wars will continue at the new Union as the family and consumer sciences rooms will include a culinary set-up with steel moveable tables so the room can be shaped in lines or in a U-shape to watch demonstrations. “It offers flexibility, more configurations to work as teams or partners. It’s a much more contemporary workspace,” she said. A green screen room also will be by the cafeteria where students can take the challenge to compete on equipment similar to “America Ninja Warrior,” Tauteoli said.

C I T Y

Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S

SANDY CITY TEAM

The Sandy City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Sandy. For information about distribution please email brad.c@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

Page 4 | April 2021

SANDYJOURNAL.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/ SANDYJOURNAL/

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974

TWITTER.COM/ SANDYCITYNEWS

The new Union Middle School, seen here in the rendering, will use its school colors in the new building. (Rendering courtesy of Leon Wilcox/Canyons School District)

“The play equipment will be safe, and it will be an option that during lunch, they can complete the challenge,” she said. There also will be the Bobcat Den, a large learning space where multiple classes can meet, or it might house district professional development staff meetings. “Right now, we are all in the library, so anytime we may have a faculty meeting, we close the library. This way, the library will stay open for our students,” Tauteoli said. Wilcox noted that much of it will be like other recent middle school rebuilds in the district. “It will have the same cafeteria design, same auditorium size, same office suite size, same number of classrooms,” he said. “Midvale, Draper Park and Butler have the same architect (VCBO Architecture)—we just love the design of all three of them. All three of them are very similar. The colors make it look different and the orientation of the buildings look different, but the functionality looks pretty much the same in all three. We just like the flow and design of it.” l

Connect social media

CIRCULATION COORDINATOR

Brad Casper | brad.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974 | Rack locations are also available on our website.

EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Ty Gorton Amanda Luker Wayland Holfeltz Stacy Bronson

INSTAGRAM.COM/ CITYJOURNALS

LINKEDIN.COM/ COMPANY/ CITY-JOURNALS

MISSION STATEMENT

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

PUBLISHER

Designed, Published, & Distributed by

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Keith Curtis| keith.c@thecityjournals.com Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

SANDY CITY JOURNAL

9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

FREE | COMMUNITY | PAPERS

Sandy City Journal

Celebrate NEW BEGINNINGS!

Legends is your home away from home where we create our food with love and welcome everyone as family. This blesses our customers, our community, and our company.

Buy 1 Menu Item Get 1

FREE

DOWNTOWN

677 S. 200 W. • Salt Lake City 801.355.3598

SOUTHTOWNE

10631 S. Holiday Park Drive • Sandy 801.679.1749 S andy Journal .com

Fresh Food,Made Food,Made In-house!

up to $15

One per customer, not valid with other offers. Valid April 1st-15th, 2021

April 2021 | Page 5

Local substitute teachers stepped up with greater demand during COVID-19 By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

chools nationwide have been struggling to recruit substitute teachers, who have been in high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, six substitute teachers speak about their return to the classrooms and the safety precautions in place.

Rebecca Lyon, Canyons School District

It was March 12, 2020, and Rebecca Lyon was substituting at Hillcrest High—the day before former Gov. Gary Herbert placed schools on soft closure to stop the COVID-19 spread. It lasted the rest of the school year. “We could see it coming,” she said, noting teachers were worried and taking some precautions. As a former teacher and parent volunteer, Lyon became a substitute teacher in fall 2019. When Canyons School District reopened its schools in August, she substituted “quite a bit. A lot of them were like ‘can you do the whole week?’” As teachers would have to quarantine from exposure, jobs increased. “The teachers have gotten so good at Canvas, it’s become easier for a sub because the kids can just go there. Or sometimes, the teacher would actually teach the class remotely and I just had to take roll,” Lyon said. “I was substituting third grade one time and those little kids all knew how to get online and what to do. The little kids are so diligent and obedient and wear their masks. (At a middle school), a teacher had a chart on the board of which students were supposed to be the ones in charge of wiping the desk down at the end of every period.” Not only does she substitute for the love of teaching, but also for the pay. She said a bonus working for the district is that she received her COVID-19 vaccinations from the district.

president and a math aide at the school, Sugden decided she wanted to be a substitute teacher. “I love being at school; it’s just my favorite place to be,” she said. She decided last March to substitute teach, right before COVID-19 hit. “I didn’t actually start being a sub until after everything got back going (this past fall),” Sugden said. “I knew the risks of going during COVID. At the beginning of the year, it was really unknown and scary. For me, I was just like if the teachers are going to go in there and my daughter’s there, I may as well go and do what I can.” Since COVID-19, she said teachers’ lesson plans are in place. “Mr. (Aaron) Ichimura (Welby’s principal) is really big on making sure teachers have a plan and that has made a huge difference,” she said. “You know exactly what to do and when they need hand sanitizer and when to wash their hands and clean their desks and the kids just do it. They’re prepared just because they know they could be out at any moment for two weeks.” She also feels safe when she substitutes, and supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer, sprays and wipes have been plentiful. “That’s an amazing thing. I’ve never seen any kid have a big problem with masks at all. It was kind of surprising how well they wear them,” she said. “We wipe down between every kid and you know, with all this cleaning, I think the schools are cleaner than my house.”

has mostly substituted long term at the high school. “I love teaching, but I’m on disability right now. I was a full-time teacher, but I have some issues that I couldn’t do it full time. I need to do it for the money. My husband lost his job and I’m on disability right now,” she said. Being 60, having a husband who is 65 and taking care of her elderly parents has made her more careful when she’s in the classroom. She has learned to wear her mask so it doesn’t fog up her glasses and to follow the directional arrows in the hallways. “COVID doesn’t scare me in the schools. I think the district has done a great job,” she said. “I’ve just been really careful and be smart about it.” By being a long-term sub, Fisihetau is able to access district emails about cleaning and sanitation so she has stayed current with those procedures. She sprays the desks between class periods and allows students to dry them with paper towels. “Sometimes the classes were very, very small. I might only have six kids in class. I think the most I have had is 20—that is not likely as kids can choose to be online or hybrid. I just go with the flow and put a smile on—although people don’t know that I’m smiling with my mask,” she said.

Karla Roberts, Canyons School District

After teaching for 10 years, Karla Roberts has substituted in elementary schools for more than a decade, appreciating the flexible schedule it has given her to care for her mothNatalie Fisihetau, Murray School Dis- er and babysit a grandchild. trict “I sub in elementary. For me, it’s easy Natalie Fisihetau was substituting at Murray High the day the school district closed its doors March 12, a day ahead of the rest of the state. “The principal got on and said, ‘We need Melissa Sugden, Jordan School District everyone to exit the building,’” she said. As Welby Elementary’s former PTA Since school returned in August, she

Canyons School District substitute teacher Nancy Mann looks up from a special education book while at Altara Elementary. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Mann)

Page 6 | April 2021

Substitutes at Murray High are given a badge to wear. (Amber Rydalch/Murray High School)

to follow the outline and pick up where the teacher left off,” she said. “My teaching experience has helped a lot.” During COVID-19, Roberts has opted not to accept any long-term substitution positions. “I’m sticking to two or three schools because I learned their COVID routines,” she said, adding that schools have strongly enforced not sending kids to school sick. “If the kids are even having little sniffles, they’re advising them to stay home.” While kids are wearing masks, washing hands and being socially distanced, Roberts noticed something else about students during COVID-19. “Students are becoming more responsible for their own learning,” she said. “They’re understanding the importance of learning after last spring and are logging on and learning what the teacher outlines. They’re also being responsible for making sure they’re able to stay in school by following the rules and helping to sanitize.” Roberts said she has been grateful that teachers have been shown appreciation this year. “They really do appreciate us so much more this year. They’re more aware and are expressing it,” she said.

Theresa Johnson, Jordan School District

Theresa Johnson started substitute teaching as a way “to get out of the house.” Twenty-two years later, she still can’t stay home and is substituting in classrooms. “Back in August, I was a little afraid and I brought my little bag in case I felt like I needed to clean something more,” she said.

Substitute teacher Theresa Johnson has been helping Jordan School District students for 22 years. (Aaron Ichimura/Welby Elementary)

Sandy City Journal

THE RIGHT PERSON

THE RIGHT TIME

THE RIGHT REASON

Paid for by Linda Saville for Sandy Mayor

Melissa Sugden began substituting at Welby Elementary in Jordan School District during the uncertainty of the pandemic. (Aaron Ichimura/Welby Elementary)

“But I didn’t need to. They supplied cleaners so when students switch half the day in dual immersion classes, we cleaned every desk and chair. We even clean every ball they use on the playground.” Johnson has substituted consistently even though she is around her mother and her son’s mother-in-law, who has stage 4 colon cancer, as well as babysits a grandchild. “I have been really careful. I don’t go into the lunchroom with the teachers; I stay in the room and eat behind a plexiglass shield. I’m 55 and I actually was one of the first in line the first day (Jordan School District) gave out the COVID shot. It surprised me that we were included and are being appreciated,” she said. “The principal comes in every morning and says, ‘Thank you and we appreciate you coming in.’” Substituting on Fridays is one of her favorite times. “That’s when certain kids come in, maybe that’s for extra help, or it could be your top students who want to come in because they want to be at school. This week, I had

Murray School District substitute teacher Natalie Fisihetau has had several long-term substitute jobs at Murray High School during the pandemic. (Amber Rydalch/Murray High School)

S andy Journal .com

three kids come in and we had a ball there and got those kids caught up,” she said.

Nancy Mann, Canyons School District

For a decade, Nancy Mann has been a substitute, often in special education classes where she once taught full time. In addition to substituting, Mann is a competency base measure tester where she typically tests students in their literacy skills. However, she was hesitant about returning to the classroom during COVID-19. “I decided to wait to see what the schools were like during testing in the fall before I decided to return to substituting,” she said. “After testing, and I saw how things worked, I knew it would be fine. I saw that the teachers, the administration and all the schools have done a great job trying to keep the kids and teachers safe, and trying to keep everything running as smoothly as possible. At every level, preschool to high school, I saw how often they’re cleaning and sanitizing, and they’re wearing masks.” Mann remembers on March 13 she was substituting at Brighton High when she heard announcements “track got canceled, baseball got canceled, everything got canceled.” Later, she learned schools were canceled. “I thought about how the students were going to learn. I thought about the teachers. As teachers, you spend all your days teaching and your nights preparing. It’s a hard profession. I love a good teacher—there’s nothing better in the world,” she said. “Do you know growing up what a lot of people say is the worst thing ever? A sub. I know when I walk in, and I’m qualified, I’ve taught. I’m not going to be a sub who will turn on a movie. I’m going to carry on, keep the kids on task and carry out the day. I take it very seriously. I respect the kids and they respect me. They’re wanting to learn and I’m there to help them.” l

S c a n M eca mera h o n e ’s w it h y o u r p

www.lindasaville.com April 2021 | Page 7

Continued from front page thing he demonstrated earlier when he went back to school to earn his doctorate in educational leadership and policy in social justice. As his students did their homework, he was doing his own. “One of the best investments is in educating yourself,” McGill said. “The sky is endless.” Now, as Utah’s nominee, he will be completing more essay questions for a chance to be selected as the national principal of the year. The national conference is scheduled to be held in July in Denver, if allowed with the pandemic’s safety and health guidelines. McGill likely will share more about the programs he has introduced at Alta High that are working for his students. “When I walk through the doors every day, I have to do everything in my power to do what is best for kids,” he said. “When I was here there were a lot of cliques; we’re more inclusive today, but still not perfect. We have a good climate and have introduced programs to support our students.” Those programs McGill highlights are ones that he introduced, beginning with the Link Crew program, where upperclassmen reach out to freshmen with a call before school begins in the fall, welcoming them to Alta and answering any questions they may have. Then, in a typical year, the Link Crew members invite the freshmen to games,

dances and other activities throughout the year to give them a positive high school experience. “The Link Crew members are their advocates, their mentors and their peer-to-peer connections,” McGill said. “We’re seeing a stronger, more unified culture as a result of the program.” It also is lending leadership experience to the 110 juniors and seniors as well as role-modeling— both which inspire the younger students to want to apply to be on Link Crew when they’re older, he added. McGill also advocates for leading schools to use the SafeUT mobile app to prevent suicides, reduce instances of bullying, and maintain a safe learning environment. As a recipient of the Champion of SafeUT Award, McGill carefully monitors and follows up on tips he receives. He said Alta was the first high school to use the state-funded SafeUT. The mobile app gives students immediate, all-day-and-allnight access to school staff and counselors at the University of Utah’s Neuropsychiatric Institute, and has proven effective in reaching struggling students. During his seven years at Alta, the school has had four student suicides. McGill, who has master’s degrees in clinical psychology, school counseling and school administration as well as bachelor’s in psychology, also has used land trust grant funds to support an additional counselor and

part-time counselor to the school’s counseling center. “I’ve learned in my 20 years of education, we first need to have the right culture where students feel welcome, safe and connected, then academic achievement will follow,” said McGill, who himself was a guidance counselor at the middle and high school levels. “Now, especially during COVID, we know kids are struggling. We want students to have that connection and to use the app if they know there is a way we can reach someone and support one another.” McGill, who previously served as a state director for College Access and Outreach for the Utah System of Higher Education, also developed Step2theU, a program that supports Alta students who want more of a challenge in high school. Five years ago, Alta High partnered with the University of Utah that currently allows 160 Alta students in the program to complete two semesters of college credit as upperclassmen. The students work in cohorts through the program, supporting one another while being challenged—and through the program, each student saves $15,000 in tuition and completes university general education requirements. “It’s been a tremendous success and as a result, students are redoing their schedules knowing they can take more rigorous classes—advanced courses and AP (advanced placement) classes—with this heightened

confidence that will springboard them for college,” he said. With the 12-step “pretty intense” application for the national award, McGill will be submitting other data, such as Alta’s yearend test scores (which may be difficult since COVID-19 pandemic prevented those from happening last year); its diversity—21% identified as minorities; and graduation rate, which averages about 93% , he said. While McGill has received awards— educator of the year, coach of the year and the Milton Bennion Scholar at the University of Utah, and he has served as assistant principal at Corner Canyon High and principal at AMES (Academy of Math, Engineering and Science), being principal at Alta is significant. That’s because Alta just isn’t a school. It’s home. McGill graduated from Alta with a 3.9 grade-point average in 1991. His wife, Jody, his daughter, and soon, his son, are all graduates. That has meaning for McGill. He wanted all students to feel like they have a place at the school. “It’s all about the relationships, the rapport, the connections, and building trust,” McGill said. “We want our students to succeed. We want to give them the best possible community that will support them getting the best educational experience that will shape the rest of their lives.” l

Funeral Pre-Planning Services Gain peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of, your way. 4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781

Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582

Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771

Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850

LarkinMortuary.com Page 8 | April 2021

Sandy City Journal

Announcing: URGENT AND PRIMARY CARE:

PROVEN LEADERSHIP

Only $10 A Visit!

Monica Z for Sandy Mayor

WITH MEMBERSHIP

Medallus Medical Membership is a simple membership program to all of our 8 clinics. Members can receive discounted medical services at $10/visit flat fee in exchange for a monthly membership fee: • $50 / month (1 member) • $75 / month (party of 2) • $100 / month (family of 3) • $120 / month (family of 4 to 6) *$25 additional per person (family of 7 to 12)

$20 registration fee – 12-month contract

801-810-7058

arlissf@medallus.com AfterHoursMedical.com

Current City Council Member, District 4 My voting record shows I • Protect Neighborhoods from High Density • Defend Police, Fire, & Essential Workers • Demand Transparency for the Taxpayer • Inform Residents, Seek Out Opinions & Listen! Dimple Dell Organizer, Community Advocate • Led the “Don’t Pave the Park” Campaign & Won • Organize Earth Day Cleanups & Preservation Events Seasoned Professional • Possess Know-how and Work Ethic as Small Business Owner • Attorney, Former Sandy City Prosecutor

votemonicaz.com | (385) 440-1070

Donate • Host a Yard Sign • Walk With Me

VOTE ZOLTANSKI FOR MAYOR

PLASMA DONATION EARN $600 IN YOUR FIRST 6 DONATIONS. Must bring matching photo ID and Social Security Card and be 18+ years on your first visit to be eligible to give plasma.

GO TO GRIFOLS.COM TO FIND LOCAL CENTER HOURS AND LOCATION.

WALK-INS WELCOME

S andy Journal .com

Paid for by Monica Z for Sandy Mayor

NEW DONORS! Bring in this coupon & receive an extra $50 on your first donation.

April 2021 | Page 9

GET YOUR MEDICAL CANNABIS CARD TODAY Utah Medical Cannabis Card Clinic

Your #1 place for cannabis cards in Utah

Visit us today at: 420CardClinic.com Ailments Medical Cannabis Can Help: - Pain without Opioids - Tremors/Epilepsy - Cancer & Nausea - PTSD - Arthritis, Joint or Nerve Pain - Recurring Headaches & Migrains - Back, Neck or Spinal Injury - And Many More

Why Choose Us? - Immediate Service - Experienced Physicians - Personalized Treatment - Get Your Card Quickly - Walk-ins Welcome

$50 OFF

Use Coupon Code 420-SAN Make an appointment at 420CardClinic.com OR CALL FOR ASSISTANCE TODAY:

385-324-3591

922 Baxter Dr, Suite 110 South Jordan Page 10 | April 2021

In mid-March, Albion Middle student-thespians rehearsed a basketball scene in “High School Musical, Jr.” in preparation for their late April opening. (Photo courtesy of Juliana Brassfield)

‘High School Musical, Jr.’ on stage at Albion as Knights stand united By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

he next step big step for the middle-schoolers is high school. Preparing for their upcoming four years and living through a pandemic the past year has made Albion Middle School students realize that they’re “all in this together.” The Knights will showcase how they’ve united—“everyone is special in their own way; we make each other strong; we’re not the same, we’re different in a good way; together’s where we belong”—through the lyrics of song and working together to put on “High School Musical, Jr.” The show is scheduled for 7 p.m., April 22-23 and again, April 26-27 in the school’s kiva at 2755 Newcastle Dr. Tickets and livestream options will be available through the school’s website, albion.canyonsdistrict.org. Dates and options may change following COVID-19 safety and health guidelines. “As an arts department we have spent a lot of time talking about belonging and the differences we all make in the world,” show director Jenni Perkins said. “Our hope in performing ‘High School Musical, Jr.’ is to help further that concept of the connections they make, the differences they have, and all of those working together help everyone to be stronger.” Working with Perkins is music director Taylor Rowley, choreographer Sofia Waugh, costumer Emalee Brown and backdrops and photographer Tiffani Sullivan. The musical leads are Miles Layton playing Troy Bolton; Marley Sokia as Gabriella Montez; Eddie Garner as Chad Danforth; Macy Hanks as Taylor McKessie; Ali Nikolaus as Sharpay Evans; and Aiden Allred as Ryan Evans. All lead students are eighth-graders. More than 200 students auditioned to be part of the musical. “We were so excited to have the highest number of auditions in our school history. It shows that the kids need this opportunity to

perform. Since day one, we’ve had students express how grateful they are able to perform and we’re glad that we can make this happen, with precautions,” Perkins said. She said that while students, who all are rehearsing in masks, are cast in different groups such as the thespians, the brainiacs, the jocks or the cheerleaders, they’re able to keep them separated for contact tracing. Even with the large ensemble, students in early rehearsals only practiced in-person once per week and have been socially distanced throughout the kiva. “We’ll space them in the aisles and back of the auditorium to keep them distant and we’re in the process of making sure family groups are separated and spaced out as well,” Perkins said about the performances. Rehearsals started in mid-February, first with music, then choreography and blocking were added. In addition to in-person rehearsals, Perkins and other teachers have created a Canvas course for students to practice on their own—with music and choreography. After learning their part, students submit a video of them performing so teachers can review it. “The idea is that they can learn it stepby-step and then we’ll put it all together during rehearsals. It’s different, but turning out to be really positive,” she said, adding it’s how she, and other teachers, have offered their classwork, so it’s been consistent for student learning. While they’re working together to put on the musical, Perkins said that they’re also finding a connection. “The kids need a focal point, a place of belonging. They’re finding acceptance in their world and at school,” she said. Much like the cast in “High School Musical, Jr.” found theirs —“We’re all in this together; and it shows; when we stand handin-hand; make our dreams come true.” l

Sandy City Journal

RETIREMENT SEMINAR Given the current political & economic climate, many people are worried about their future

10 Important Topics Addressed In This Presentation

Get answers to your specific retirement planning questions. April

Attend

15th 6 - 7:30PM

Thursday

April

22nd 6 - 7:30PM Thursday

9750 S. 300 W. Building 1 Sandy UT 84070 Room 220

Learn how to protect your estate from long-term care expenses while remaining in your own home

Lessen the chance that you outlive your retirement income due to taxes or inflation

Learn how to avoid being forced to sell your assets or surrender your money to Medicaid

Learn how to donate to charity (including tithing) tax efficiently

Learn how to decrease the tax on your IRA or 401(k) for a more comfortable retirement

Learn how to avoid being taxed on your social security benefits

Discover the pitfalls of probate and the steps you can take to avoid it

Learn why a living trust may be more effective for you than a regular will, and why you may need one

Learn when you should not put your children on your bank accounts and property titles

about best practices to investing 10 Learn and alternatives to the stock market

Robert J. Beck CPA

Kelly G. Purser CPA

Elliot P. Smith JD, CPA

No cost to register now! Visit WealthCPAs.com/Retire or call (801) 797-2954 Two complimentary consultations & a personalized retirement plan with registration ($1,000 Value)

Advisory services are offered through Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Utah. Tax services offered through Wealth Management Tax Solutions, an affiliated company. Insurance products and services offered through Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC, an affiliated company. Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, Wealth Management Tax Solutions and Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Masks required at seminar.

S andy Journal .com

April 2021 | Page 11

Alta Canyon a main focus for city council in 2021 budget discussions By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

uring its Feb. 23 meeting, the Sandy City Council held a discussion about members’ priorities as they head into the thick of the next budget season. One of the top priorities for many of the councilmembers was the Alta Canyon Sports Center. The center, located at 9565 Highland Dr., has long been in need of repairs and upgrades. When the center opened in 1985, much of the equipment was bought used in order to save costs. Now those features—some as old as the 1950s and 1960s—are starting to break down. “Right now we’re putting out fires as fast as they’re appearing. As soon as we fix one thing, there’s another that needs to be addressed. It’s a struggle for sure,” said Jetta Marrott, who managed the center for years before being promoted to be the assistant director of the whole Parks and Recreation department earlier this year. There were plans for major renovations of the center in 2008, but the Great Recession brought those plans to an end. Ever since then, the center and the city have been in a “vicious cycle” of trying to figure out what the next steps should be, according to Marrott. However, it’s looking like 2021 might finally be the year that the long-term fate of the center gets decided. And ironically, it might be possible because of the COVID-19 recession…that didn’t actually end up being a recession. (At least for Sandy City.) Between a freeze on certain categories of spending, an influx of federal relief funds and an unexpected increase in sales tax revenue, the city may be in a position to tackle some of the capital projects that have been on the back burners for

years, including Alta Canyon. “It might be time to chip away at those capital projects,” said Councilwoman Cyndi Sharkey. “We can seriously contemplate chipping away at those things.” What exactly the improvements might look like is up for debate. The center could simply be renovated, replacing old equipment and getting new carpet. It could be expanded, either by adding more programming space or possibly as the new home for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department offices. There’s also a question of how to operate the center. Currently, the center collects property tax revenue from a special service tax district that encompasses some, but not all, of Sandy City. The gap in the center’s budget could be filled by increasing fees for those already inside the district, or by expanding the district to all of Sandy. (Currently, residents inside the district pay about $40 per year to help fund the center.) All these questions will be analyzed by a consultant who will give recommendations to the city on how to proceed. “The city’s in the process of hiring an outside group to come in and do a study to figure out what the needs are in the community and what kind of facility would best address those. Hopefully, that will break us out of the cycle and set us in a direction,” Marrott said. As for how the city will pay for whatever plan is eventually chosen, the city council was clear that it wouldn’t include a general property tax increase. Instead, the money would The tennis courts at the Alta Canyon Sports Center, seen here, are in likely come from reserve funds and a possible bond. l major need of repair. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

35+ Years of Helping People... ...SELL their current home and BUY the new home of their DREAMS.

COOKING WITH CHEF SHARON LIAPIS Cooking with Sharon, LLC

2021 Cooking Classes! Participate by Zoom from your own home. 801.918.7142 | sharon@mealswithsharon.com www.mealswithsharon.com

Upcoming Dates:

April 16th: Spanish Appetizers & Paella

With rates at an alltime LOW, there is no time like the present to buy or sell a home.

$125 per couple + $15 for wine pairings

May 21st: Get Ready for Grilling Season I prep and deliver the ingredients along with the recipe to participants homes on Thursday evening and we cook together on Friday at 6:00 PM.

Page 12 | April 2021

WORK WITH SOMEONE

YOU CAN TRUST!

“Real Estate Joe” Olschewski 801.573.5056 joeolschewski41@gmail.com

Sandy City Journal

Jordan High principal thanked, named outstanding administrator by Utah Music Educators By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

n late January, Jordan High Principal Wendy Dau received the Utah Music Educator Association’s Outstanding Administrator Award at Abravanel Hall. The honor is awarded to a public school administrator who has demonstrated commitment to and support of music education in the schools. “I love the high school because of the extracurricular activities, but I especially love music and theater,” Dau said. “Growing up, my family emphasized the importance of music, and my involvement in choir (a cappella as well as show choir) as a high school student provided me with lifelong memories and friendships that have influenced my dedication to music and the arts as a high school principal.” She was nominated by Jordan High choir teacher J.P. Kentros, who wrote: “Mrs. Dau is the fourth principal that I have worked with in my career, and she is everything a music teacher could ask for in a principal. Mrs. Dau is always tuned in to the arts, and is a huge advocate for music and performing arts programs.” Kentros pointed out that Dau has supported both on- and off-campus performances, from recognizing students’ accomplishments to coming through when the choir

trip’s flight was canceled one year during a snowstorm and when it was rebooked on four flights, Dau managed the last flight with the majority of students who left last, and were most upset. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kentros said that Dau approved equipment to maintain live streaming capabilities as well as funds for blended learning technology. She also advocated for 25% capacity to attend in-person performing arts, matching those of sporting events. Former Jordan High and current Brighton High Principal Tom Sherwood also received the Outstanding Administrator of the Year award. UMEA awards committee co-chair Jenni Perkins said the nominations for both of the teachers were “just awesome” and it’s her favorite part of her position. “I feel like I’m bringing sunshine everywhere,” Perkins said. “We have the greatest opportunity in the world because we get to tell people that they’re being recognized by their peers for the great things they do in their classroom, and the administrators for all they support they provide to their teachers. It’s humbling to interact with each of them as they are contacted and receive this recognition.” l

UMEA President-Elect Geoff Anderson presented Jordan High Principal Wendy Dau with the Utah Music Educator Association’s Outstanding Administrator Award at Abravanel Hall. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Dau/Jordan High)

Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge

Krispy Kreme vaccine 1/2/3: Have a completed COVID-19 vaccination card? Krispy Kreme in Sandy has one free original glazed doughnut for each inoculated customer. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)

A doughnut a day to keep the virus at bay

By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

rispy Kreme Doughnuts announced via social media on March 22 that they will give a free original glazed doughnut to customers who bring in their COVID-19 proof of vaccination card. The Sandy location at 10600 S. State Street is part of the national promotion, which runs through 2021. The limit is one doughnut per day, no purchase required. “[We] wanted to find a way to show our support for those who are protecting themselves and others by getting vaccinated,” the company wrote on their social media and website pages. l

S andy Journal .com

Now Hiring

BEAT WRITERS Earn extra cash. Be involved in the community. Write for the City Journals. Send a resume and writing sample to

writers@mycityjournals.com

Are you a business leader? At no cost, the ElevateHERTM Challenge is easy to accept and will benefit your company.

Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and on politcal ballots.

LEARN MORE: www.WLIUT.com/challenge

April 2021 | Page 13

Tails will wag with plenty of active play and exercise By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

uring the month of April, National Canine Fitness Month focuses on keeping our loyal companions happy and healthy. “Dogs definitely need a lot of exercise and activity,” said Cindy Christensen, an experienced dog trainer and owner of Let’s Train Your Dog. “Activity is where a dog gets its mental health. Any dog can become depressed and destructive, and I think it is one of the biggest things that dogs do not get enough exercise.” Directing your dog through a timed obstacle course may not be the type of exercise your companion needs. The size and breed of the dog will dictate the type of training it needs. “Walking your dog is a relatively new thing. In my day we opened the back door and let them run around. Working dogs like a German shepherd or labradoodle are high-energy breeds and they need a lot of exercise. A Newfoundland is a giant dog but will sleep all day. The breed of the dog is a big factor,” Christensen said. Active play is one way to incorporate more exercise for your dog. Throw a ball or stick in a safe environment or better yet run or jog alongside it. Others may use their own yoga routine, asking the dog to lay down when you’re in a cobra pose or sit when you’re in a downward-facing dog pose. The company FitPaws spearheads the month-long awareness to help prevent canine obesity and keep dogs active. Just like their human counterparts too much sitting around and large amounts of treats can cause weight gain,

Silly, Jonesi, and Call sit patiently waiting for their owner to take them for a walk. (Photo courtesy of Kortney Wilcock)

sore joints, difficulty breathing, and a higher risk of other diseases. Sedentarism, the lack of movement, has become a normal lifestyle for many canines and their humans. The opposite of a sedentary lifestyle is movement. Canine Fitness Month encourages dog owners to take a step toward a healthier lifestyle with their four-legged friends.

“Sometimes we wonder why dogs go crazy. I had a depressed pit bull in Magna that jumped through a plate glass window. It had so much energy and needed to expend that energy. I really believe that people don’t exercise their dogs enough,” Christensen said. The amount of exercise a dog needs should be a deciding factor in the type of dog you bring into your life and home. “Do research before you pick a dog. Learn about the mom and dad of the puppies. Are they high energy or do they have other health issues? I believe many of the backyard breeders do not know what they are doing. Do your homework. Don’t pay a fortune for a dog that you don’t know much about,” Christensen said. Obedience training can begin when a puppy reaches four weeks, but it is never too old to learn. “I think anyone can teach sit, come, heal, stay. It takes more than that to help the dog become well behaved,” Christensen said. Types of training methods vary. Christensen recommends teaching the dog respect, others use e-collars or treat recognition. “A dog really needs a couple of hours a day. A dog needs activity and if you are not willing then you probably should not buy one,” Christensen said. FitPaws is encouraging dog owners to share successes and tips using #caninefitnessmonth on social media. l

Dr. Mark W. Peterson Non-Surgical Orthopedics Sports Medicine

Not sure if surgery is right for you?

Dr. Peterson uses conservative treatment to prevent surgery whenever possible. He specializes in ultrasound-guided injections and non-surgical orthopedic care.

See ME for Knee and Shoulder Pain SALT LAKE CITY 6360 S. 3000 E., Ste 210 Salt Lake City, UT 84121

PARK CITY 2200 N. Park Ave, BLDG D, Ste 100 • Park City, UT 84060

435-615-8822 • www.heidenortho.com Page 14 | April 2021

Canyons District spent beginning of the year rolling out vaccine

anyons School District, along with other area school districts, rolled out COVID-19 vaccinations the week of Jan. 11. On March 11, one year from Utah’s initial outbreak, the last 297 employees received their second doses of the Moderna vaccine. Beginning with the oldest age group, 1,280 Canyons teachers and employees were invited to roll up their sleeves to receive the first dose on Jan. 14. Among them, was Curriculum-Based Measurement tester Beverly Bartel, pictured here. “I’m so grateful for being able to get the vaccine,” Bartel said. “It was great to see a good turnout of teachers and employees being vaccinated in such an efficient manner.” During the weekly vaccination, 73% of Canyons employees volunteered to be vaccinated by Community Nursing Services. (Julie Slama/City Journals) l

Sandy City Journal

Jordan LIA donates hundreds of cereal boxes to elementary students By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

his winter, Bell View Elementary students and families have appreciated the support of their local community, said Principal Chanci Loran. “We are so grateful for our community partners and all of the collaboration that went into this drive for our students,” Loran said. “Parents appreciated this, and our students loved being able to take home three boxes of cereal for the winter break.” Through the efforts of 35 Jordan High Latinos in Action members, about 600 boxes of cereal arrived in time for the holiday break. “Jordan LIA students have participated in some form of grocery handout like this for the last 10 years,” LIA adviser Matt Bell said. “As a service learning group, LIA loves making this happen. They love being a part of something that is bigger than themselves. It’s been fun to see how the students light up when we deliver—especially when it benefits future Beetdiggers.” Bell said to make it possible, LIA typically pairs up with a community group. This year they partnered up with Alta High tennis coach Lori Sperry, who “pulled her neighborhood together along with her team to help us in a big way,” he said. In addition, Meraie Kimball and Tyler Sperry also contributed to the drive. Loran also said that Horace Mann Educa-

tors Corporation, and state Rep. Preston Day’s agency, donated $800 and purchased cereal at cost from Harmons. The neighborhood grocer coordinated free delivery of more than 500 additional boxes of cereal to the school. “We were able to give the kids a ton of cereal and make sure they had at least breakfast to eat (during winter break) because I know a lot of those kids eat breakfast and lunch at the school,” said Day about the pallet of cereal they donated. Day was able to help distribute the cereal to students in the classrooms. “They were pumped up. It was fun to just see (the students say), ‘Oh man, I got Trix’ or ‘I got Lucky Charms’ or ‘I got Honeycombs,’” he said, adding that Horace Mann’s guidelines were that the students could receive cereal they may enjoy. “They just wanted to make the kids happy. We dropped off what they’d be excited to eat.” Day said that if he were to have received one of those cereal varieties: “I would have probably eaten them all before my parents got home from work.” He also is looking to support educators by funding their projects through DonorsChoose grants. “This was actually really cool, and Chanci was awesome to let me be a part of it,” Day said. l

Horace Mann Educators Corp. and state Rep. Preston Day, right, helped Bell View Principal Chanci Loran deliver their donated cereal to students. (Amber Tuckett/Bell View Elementary)

MAYOR

I'm running to be

Sandy City’s next Mayor! Want to help? visit my website: Votekrisnicholl.com

email me:

Votekrisnicholl@gmail.com

donate to my campaign: S andy Journal .com

Paid for by Kris Nicholl for Sandy Mayor

April 2021 | Page 15

Canyons School District Community Report Safe, Healthy, Learning Support a Classroom. Build a Future.

Help Wanted!

Spring into Volunteering for your Neighborhood School

The weather is warming, all signs are pointing to an easing of the pandemic, and Canyons’ classrooms are reopening to volunteers. Help us finish strong. Spring into volunteering for your neighborhood school! See canyonsdistrict.org for safety and sign-up information.

Fundraising to Support Student-Centered Learning If the pandemic has revealed how inequity in access to technology can be a barrier to student success, it’s also reinforced how technology can remove barriers. Learning need no longer be confined to the four walls of a classroom. Today’s teachers must find ways to connect with students face-to-face and remotely. Today’s schools must find ways to ensure students have the tools they need to excel in both learning environments. Introducing Connect Canyons, a partnership to equip all Canyons students with computing devices and Internet access. Donate and join our generous partners: the Jose Antonio Grifols Lucas Foundation, Ken Garff Hyundai Southtowne, Lone Peak Hospital, Jordan Credit Union, Lowry & Associates, Inc., VCBO Architecture, Scheels, WCF Insurance, and the cities of White City, Draper and Midvale.

EARN A BADGE! $100 Club $500 - Bronze $1,000 - Silver $1,500 - Gold $5,000 - Platinum

Donate Here

A digital badge and window cling provided for each level.

THANK YOU!

PODCAST: What are schools doing to bridge the digital divide, and how can families and businesses help?

Page 16 | April 2021

Building Momentum Keeping our Promise, Rebuilding Communities This spring marks an important milestone for Canyons School District: Construction crews will have either completed or broken ground on all but one of the 46 school improvement projects promised to voters a part of the passage of general obligation bonds in 2010 and 2017. We’ll have done it while maintaining our AAA bond rating. and in keeping with our promise to residents of the five communities who, in 2007, voted to create CSD.

2010 Bond Projects Bengal Building, Brighton High Science Building, Hillcrest High Corner Canyon High Rebuilt Midvale Elementary Remodeled Albion Middle Mount Jordan Middle Rebuilt Butler Middle Rebuilt Butler Elementary Rebuilt Alta View Elementary Draper Park Middle Rebuilt Midvale Middle Renovated Indian Hills Middle Upgraded Sandy Elementary

2017 Bond Projects Rebuilding Brighton High Rebuilding Hillcrest High Remodeling Alta High Rebuilt Midvalley Elementary Rebuilding Peruvian Park Elementary Building Glacier Hills Elementary Rebuilding Union Middle Classrooms at Corner Canyon Six elementary office upgrades 18 natural lighting upgrades COMING SOON: West Draper Elementary

9361 S. 300 East, Sandy | 801-826-5000 Sandy City Journal

Celebrate National Walking Day with a stroll or hike By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

National walking day Caption: Get out and stretch those legs with a good walk around the block. (Greg James/City Journals)

top talkin’ and start walkin’! Get up, get out and form an exercise plan because National Walking Day is April 7. “Walking at a nice pace will give you all the exercise you need for your heart and lungs,” said Bill Caughey, personal trainer at Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness center. Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your health. Just 30 minutes a day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost muscle power and endurance. Exercise does not need to be vigorous or done for long periods of time to improve your health. A 2007 study by betterhealth.com of inactive women, found that even low levels of exercise, 75 minutes a week, improved fitness levels immensely compared to a non-exercising group. “Walking forces your heart and lungs to work. I prefer having my clients walk rather than run. The reason is running is

S andy Journal .com

high impact and will bother their hips, knees and ankles,” Caughey said. Walking is low impact, requires minimal equipment and can be done at any time of the day. “Young folks and older folks can do it. There is no down side. Start by going around your block once. Listen to your body, if once around is good it is OK. The next day you might do a little more. In two or three weeks you could easily walk a mile,” Caughey said. Walking is known as a weight bearing exercise. Its benefits include: reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, improved management of conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes and reduced body fat. To get the health benefits, try to walk at least 30 minutes as briskly as you can each day. Brisk means you can still talk, but not sing. Moderate activities pose little health risk, but if you have a medical condition speak to your doctor before be-

ginning any exercise program. Some suggestions to build walking into your daily routine include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away from the store entrance and walking to your shopping destination, if possible. “At a certain point you will feel good, the endorphins are being released. A suggestion when you walk, expand your gate (lengthen your stride). It will stretch your hips and joints and the muscles around them,” Caughey said. “Sweating is not a function of how hard you have exercised.” Walking is a low-cost exercise. Good shoes and loose fitting clothes are important. “Shoes are important, watch them closely. If you use them regularly the soles will get crushed. That is natural. Be prepared to get new ones about every six months,” Caughey said. Walking can be used along with resistance training to increase fitness

levels. Caughey uses it for his personal training experience. “I am a competitive powerlifter. After a strenuous workout I will walk around the block or on the treadmill. It will flush my body full of blood and carry nutrients all over. It feeds the parts of my body that need it. Walking is also great after a crappy day at work. Come home and immediately go for a walk. It will settle your mind and allow your body to relax. Then go eat dinner and do your evening chores,” he said. Personal trainers and physical therapists are available to help you make a plan to improve your health. Caughey can be contacted through kopfc.com for more information. He has earned six certifications including personal training, youth fitness and strength and conditioning. He is a master trainer through the International Sports and Sciences Association. l

April 2021 | Page 17

Jordan boys soccer welcomes new head coach Justin Jahnke By Tavia Dutson | t.dutson@mycityjournals.com

s the Beetdiggers begin the 2021 season, they are busy adjusting to being back on the field after their 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19. To help the boys navigate this, the team can look to new head coach Justin Jahnke. Jahnke has been in the Jordan soccer program as an assistant for the past two years and is excited to have the opportunity to coach these boys. He is ready to direct the program toward some big goals. “I think our main goal is to do well in region. I don’t remember the last time we won region,” Jahnke said. “When setting goals as a new coach I wanted to set the bar high. Winning region is a big goal for me and our team. I think we have the talent to do that. Of course, making a run in the state playoff is a goal as well.” Cole Kartchner, a senior striker for the Beetdiggers, is confident that the team can achieve these goals and more. “I want us to have a good playoff run. I’d love for us to make it to the semifinals. If we make it there, I will feel like we have done a good job,” Kartchner said. With only a few second-place finishes in the region since 2000, the Beetdiggers are hungry for a title. If anyone can catapult them to the top of the ranks, it’s coach Jahnke. Before Jahnke came to Utah, he spent years making a name for himself in Missouri. Jahnke finished a successful collegiate soccer career at Lindenwood University where he helped the Lions claim a NAIA national title in 2004. Since then, he spent several years coaching high school programs in Missouri. Now that he is with the Beetdiggers, Jahnke hopes to pass on some of his knowledge and experience to his team.

One of his goals for the program is to get more colleges looking at Jordan soccer players. “That is something I liked when I was a coach in Missouri was seeing guys that I coached go play at that next level. I think that is something that successful programs have,” Jahnke said. “I’d like to see some of my guys get some offers, go to the next level, and get some help with school.” Along with an experienced head coach, the Jordan soccer team is beginning this season with an important intangible—perspective. After the cancellation of the 2020 season, the Beetdiggers were able to see how lucky they were just to get out on the field every day. “We got more excited and more hungry just to play. I think us and maybe some other teams around took it for granted,” Jahnke said. “That thought of ‘here’s another spring we get to play’ and then it didn’t happen. I think we just got really excited for this year.” Kartchner agrees that although last year was hard, particularly for the seniors, he has been able to see the fire that the missed season has ignited in his teammates. As a captain, he has found it easier to keep the team motivated. “I think it actually helped a lot of the guys. They’re not taking the team for granted anymore. They’re here to actually work and know that it may get taken away at any moment, so they are all pushing it, giving it 110%” Kartchner said. As the Beetdiggers get ready for region play, they are working on reining in their excitement so that they can play relaxed. After a tough loss to Westlake on March 12, Jahnke knew that his team was ready to learn from the experience. “I think we might have been overly excited, but the guys

Seniors on the Jordan boys soccer have big goals for their last season. (Photo courtesy Justin Jahnke)

are just ready. Our last game was against Westlake, a good, disciplined team, it was a learning experience. We will watch the film and get better from it,” Jahnke said. With a new appreciation for the sport along with a new head coach, the Jordan boys soccer team is ready to make waves in Region 3. As Kartchner would say, “Don’t sleep on Jordan.” l

THE SANDY CLUB

“A Safe Place for Boys and Girls” www.southvalleychamber.com

Members of the Month

March 31st: Digital Marketing / Social Media (9-11 AM – SLCC Sandy Campus)

April 7th: Business Academy – Quickbooks Training (9-11 AM – SLCC Sandy Campus)

April 14th: Let’s Do Lunch – Connect / Lawn Educatiion (11:30-1 PM – Lowes Riverton)

April 28th: Business Academy – SHRM Intro (9-11 AM – SLCC Sandy Campus)

Pre-register at www.southvalleychamber.com

Congratulations to our March Members of the Month, Elicio Mora, Marlo Swenson, & Genesis Garcia! Elicio is 9 years old: he wants to become a kind person when he grows up, he has been attending the Sandy Club for 1 year, in that time he has learned to be respectful, to be kind, and to be fair when playing video games. Marlo Swensen is 9 years old: he wants to become a firefighter, he has been attending for 1 year, in that time he has learned to be friendly, and to help people. Genesis Garcia is 7 years old: she wants to become a doctor, she has been attending for 1 year, and in that time, she has learned to be responsible. Congratulations once again, we are so proud of you all!

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please call 801-561-4854.

Page 18 | April 2021

Sandy City Journal

Families bond over activities, service through Alta View’s Family Fun app By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

his spring break, Alta View Elementary students and their families won’t be sitting idle. Thanks to their school PTA, there will be activities to do, service projects to take part in and recipes to create, all available on their Family Fun app. Alta View PTA president-elect Heather Huish designed the Family Fun app using the free Glide app that can be downloaded on devices. It comes with an instruction tab and different activities for families to participate. “The overall concept was to create activities for families to do every school break,” Huish said. “When they do them, they can take and submit pictures to enter to win a prize.” She said each photo of an activity counts as one submission. From all of the submissions, three families are randomly chosen to receive family games as prizes. “Families bond and can grow closer as we play games,” she said about the prizes. Already, families had the opportunity to take part in the Family Fun app during fall break, Thanksgiving break and winter break. The PTA creates a Google sheet to brainstorm and vote on the activities. “We just find ideas and they inspire more,” she said. “The whole idea is for families to connect and build their relationships. It’s an outlet, a way they can connect and be

able to do creative things together during COVID-19.” For example, in the fall, families could choose to go on a family hike or walk, have a dance party, carve pumpkins or make haunted gingerbread houses. At Thanksgiving, there were pom-pom pumpkins to make, a chance to play turkey bowling or go on a scavenger hunt. She said that through building strong family relationships, students learn to become leaders and exemplify traits in their own homes. “We may talk about how important kindness is, but by doing kind acts with our families, we’re empowering students to make good choices and we show how they can impact their community,” she said. For example, during the fall, students and their families could have chosen “You’ve Been Boo’d” service project where they take a purchased treat or fun surprise and secretly drop it off at a neighbor’s home or in the winter, when they could have taken someone a surprise. That’s what third-grader Mikayla Brun and her blended family did. “We made Christmas cards and bought fun little things at the dollar store, then delivered them to neighbors and friends,” said her mother, Natalie Brun. “It was fun to make people smile and the kids had as much fun

Pure Barre Opens New Location in Sandy Pure Barre, with over 500 studios across the country, has expanded in the Salt Lake Valley into a new location in Sandy- conveniently located in the Commons at SouthTown on State Street! Pure Barre's innovative, proven technique comes in a range of class offerings that target strength, cardio, and flexibility for people of all levels. Featuring small class sizes that allow for social distancing, Pure Barre Sandy has also installed the Reme Halo Air Purification system to keep our members, employees, and guests safe as we recover from the pandemic. Check out our Facebook page @purebarresandy or Instagram #purebarresandy for details on our schedule and how you can try our Foundations class for free! Pure Barre Sandy is locally owned, and like most small businesses right now, appreciates the support from our community.

801.999.4139 10489 S. State Street Sandy, UT

S andy Journal .com

Alta View third-grader Mikayla Brun is joined by first-grader Liam Johnson painting festive pinecones as part of a family activity suggested by the school’s Family Fun app. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Brun)

picking out superhero figurines, slime, suduko and other fun activities and wrapping them themselves.” Brun said that they also drove the area looking at Christmas lights, played glow

stick tag for New Year’s and made a fort out of blankets, pillows and couch cushions next to their Christmas tree to watch movies. “We watched movies and stayed two nights in it,” Mikayla said. While those activities were free, and therefore within their budget, Brun said it meant more. “We had fun, we interacted and got to spend time together. We came together as a family,” she said, adding that the whole family unit—from first-grader Liam Johnson, and his dad, Trak, and her son, Cadence, who is a high school senior—took part in making their own ornaments. “Each of the kids were involved, making the ornament about themselves, their personality in it.” She said that Liam constructed a paper game controller to place in his acrylic ball, Mikayla’s was filled of ribbons, unicorns and mermaids and Cadence’s had little jingle bells and scrolls of paper with messages he wrote. Brun said the kids picked the activities from painting pinecones red and green to making indoor s’mores. “The kids were excited to pick the activities and then, compared with their peers at school,” she said. “It’s a great way for them to get families to become a team and for all the families at school to be involved, doing things at home and in their community.” l

CAPITOL RAIN GUTTERS & EXTERIORS

REMEMBER YOUR PINEWOOD DERBY? The Crossroads of the West Council is holding Pinewood Derby!

• Rain Gutters • Siding • Windows Highly Qualified Professionals

Saturday, April 17th from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Camp Tracy 3901 E. Millcreek Canyon Rd. Come watch and find a unit where your youth can participate in cub scouting.

Go to beascout.org to sign up for Cub Scouts

www.CapitolExteriors.com Calls us Today!

801-253-2566

April 2021 | Page 19

Sandy pediatrician says viral illnesses down, but mental health concerns up By Heather Lawrence | h.lawrence@mycityjournals.com

ASK ABOUT OUR APRIL MOVE IN SPECIAL

Crescent Senior Living has a cure for those stay at home social distance blues. Spring into one of our lovely Studio, One bedroom or Two bedroom apartments and start making new friends and memories the Crescent way.

omething interesting happened to pediatric flu and RSV cases this past winter: they practically disappeared. It’s a welcome break from COVID-19 worries, but Dr. Lisa Palmieri at Alta View Pediatrics in Sandy said there’s more to the story than that. Palmieri said two things on her mind are that being healthy doesn’t mean never getting sick, and measures to prevent spreading COVID-19 have increased anxiety and isolation. “We’ve had virtually no viral illness at all this year. There’s been no flu and no RSV in my practice. Zero,” Palmieri said. In a typical winter season, Palmieri said she’d see two to three patients per day with either the flu or RSV. If the season were particularly bad, she’d also be admitting two to three of those patients to the hospital per week. “It makes sense rationally that the decreased numbers are due to the COVID-19 precautions we’ve taken. It’s not just in Utah; it’s across the world. So hand washing, social distancing and keeping your kids home when they’re sick are likely what’s kept the numbers lower,” Palmieri said. That’s especially great for those who are vulnerable to illness. But the majority of the population actually needs to get sick to stay healthy. “The real question is this: is it advisable to keep our kids from getting viruses on this scale? Your immune system works by being exposed to illness, then you build up immunity by fighting things off. Your immune system needs something to do, otherwise it gets ‘bored,’” Palmieri said. So getting sick once in a while isn’t all bad. “You don’t want to go into

11052 Grapevine Cove Sandy Utah 84070 CALL 801-790-2400 www.crescentseniorliving.com Page 20 | April 2021

To boost mental health and retain social skills, Dr. Lisa Palmieri encourages kids to socialize safely. “Just because there’s a pandemic doesn’t mean you can’t see anybody.”

your adult years never having built up antibodies,” she said. Palmieri suggests a lesson from our pandemic year is the understanding that our actions have consequences on others’ health, and then acting accordingly. “Maybe we’ll be less cavalier about exposing those around us to illness. If your sick child goes to school, maybe all the kids there are OK and can handle the exposure. “But what about those kids who are going home to a vulnerable family member—they expose a preemie or grandparent to illness. What is your duty to your community? Maybe we’ll be more cautious,” Palmieri said. Palmieri said she’s decided to continue wearing masks for “sick visits” (as opposed to child wellness visits). But she acknowledges the lower rates present moral and ethical questions. “In the history of man we wouldn’t have guessed we could prevent disease at this level.” One thing clinicians wondered about from the onset of the pandemic was mental health. Palmieri said that’s proved to be a valid concern. “I’m particularly seeing mental health issues that start in the middle school population, and they accelerate from there. This age group is peer-driven. The isolation and the lack of contact with others creates problems,” Palmieri said. Palmieri said the kids who stayed home for school did a good job protecting themselves and others, but their social lives are drastically limited. “I have kids at my practice who haven’t seen anyone [socially] in a year,” she said. Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation are all things she’s seeing in patients right now. Instead of admitting patients for RSV, she’s admitting them to inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Some students learning from home have seen mental health issues intensified or brought to light. “Screen learning has increased rates of identifying ADHD. Kids who were functional in the school setting just can’t sit still and do screen learning at home,” Palmieri said. Palmieri said school can be a big anxiety producer for kids even outside of a pandemic. Going back to in-person learning and getting their screens taken away could increase that anxiety. “They’ll have to confront something—socializing—that they’ve been able to hide from for months. The tran-

Dr. Lisa Palmieri has practiced pediatrics at the Alta View Clinic in Sandy for 20 years. She saw a decline in viral illness this season, but a spike in mental health issues. (Intermountain Healthcare)

sition has just begun, and the outcomes are unknown,” Palmieri said. Palmieri suggests taking manageable steps to transition kids back into socializing. “Encourage them to put down the screens and get together with others. Go outdoors, and get them back into the idea that they can have a life outside. They need to do things that have a social component,” Palmieri said. Palmieri loves hearing that people are getting vaccinated. “We have an ethical and moral responsibility to protect the vulnerable people in the community,” she said. While families wait for a vaccine that’s approved for younger kids, Palmieri encourages them to do the things that will keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. “There are waitlists everywhere for mental health—access is a big problem. So don’t wait until it’s a crisis before you seek help,” Palmieri said, and she doesn’t just mean kids. “I’ve seen more postpartum depression this past year than in other years, especially in new parents. There’s just a general level of exhaustion among parents,” Palmieri said. If you have a hard time getting mental health services, she suggests resources like school psychologists and Employee Assistance Programs. In a crisis, the University of Utah has a mobile crisis outreach team that responds to mental health challenges in person. They can be reached at 1-800273-TALK (8255). It’s a free and confidential service available 24/7. These visits include help with kids who are a danger to themselves or are having an acute mental health crisis. l

Sandy City Journal

GIVE US A CALL!

OVER 200 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE UNDER ONE ROOF

YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!

(800) 888-4545

WHERE KNOWLEDGE MATTERS!

NEW PRODUCT

MOUNTAIN WEST - ORGANIC COMPOST

COARSE VERMICULITE Helps with aeration and moisture retain moisture

4 cu. ft.

Gives added nutrients to soil

$40.40

1.5 cu. ft.

$6.50

PROFESSIONAL RAISED BED GERMINATION & GARDEN SOIL SEEDLING MIX blend of peat moss, organic bark soil, coco coir, compost & perlite

Fine Grade

3.0 cu. ft.

$20.20

1.5 cu. ft.

$7.36

UTELITE - SOIL BUILDER MAX Mix of mycorrhizae, organic compost, humate & Utelite

1.0 cu. ft.

SPECIAL OFFER Highest quality, commercial grade weed barrier on the market! A large variety of sizes. Best value compared to our Competitors!

4-Step Lawn Care Program

$145

FREE

$12.99

Compare to IFA at $13.49

Now is the perfect time to get your yard ready for Spring by: Installing edging & landscape fabric Applying preemergent weed control Overseeding Lawns Prepping Garden Soil Planting cool season vegetables

Salt Lake City 4215 S 500 W (801) 268-4500

S andy Journal .com

Logan

765 W 200 N (435) 752-0592

WORMER - LIQUID DOG - 2 OZ

$5.98

LILLY MILLER ALL PURPOSE PLANT SPECIAL FOOD - 5 LB.

Root Stimulator

BUY!

Promotes rapid establishment of trees, shrubs & flowers

Compare to Amazon at $13.79

$5.00 OFF

Any gardening seeds when you bring in this ad to any of our locations. *Limit 1 per customer

CONTAINS SLOW RELEASE NITROGEN FOR LUSH, STEADY GROWTH

$6.50

$8.72 1 Gal. $17.92 1 Qt.

Compare to Miracle Gro all purpose plant food at Home Depot for $9.98

PREMIUM GRASS SEED - 5 lb. bag Starting at:

HI-YIELD KILLZALL QT. CONCENTRATE

Richfield

789 E 300 N

(435) 893-0199

TREFLAN PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE GRANULES 15LB COVERS 2,400 sq. ft. prevents weeds for 8-10 weeks

$19.98

Delta

Spanish Fork

(435) 864-3011

(801) 798-6474

69 N 300 W

$15.99

STOP WEEDS COLD!

Non-selective weed and grass killer. 41% Glyphosate. Comparable to RoundUp Makes 10 gallons

$18.88

Follow Steve Regan for more deals and updates!

Full-Year Program

Buy four 10,000 sq. ft. 50 lb bags and get one 50 lb. bag of Granular Gypsum

Scratch Grains 50 lb

KNOWLEDGE CORNER

Controls both hookworms and large roundworms

CUSTOM

Steel edging Strong enough to last and Flexible enough to bend! STAKES INCLUDED!! Poly Bender Board & Black Diamond Edging 20 feet long and 5.5 inch deep also available!

$8.67

721 S Main St

St. George

725 Industrial Rd (435) 656-0030

We have a wide variety of grass seed mixes specially blended for lawns along the Wasatch Front. 100% seed. No Fillers! Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft.

Caldwell

3801 US-20

Burley

(208) 454-2051

1184 E Main St (208) 878-9536

April 2021 | Page 21

Utah’s poet laureate helps communities celebrate National Poetry Month By Joshua Wood | j.wood@mycityjournals.com

tah has a thriving literary community, and the state’s poet laureate has worked to let people know about it. Paisley Rekdal, a distinguished professor at the University of Utah, has built a website featuring over 200 Utah writers, and she has helped organize activities for National Poetry Month this April. Mapping Literary Utah is a website that encourages readers to discover Utah authors and their connections to places in Utah. The site lists novelists, poets, playwrights and nonfiction writers by region so readers can learn more about them and how their work connects to their part of Utah. “I remember when I was growing up in Seattle and none of the poetry anthologies had something from the Pacific Northwest,” Rekdal said. “I think Utah suffers from the same mental blind spot. There is a very vibrant group of writers in this place.” Rekdal hopes the Map of Literary Utah helps connect writers, build readership, and show that Utah has a strong literary culture. She also hopes the site will inspire budding writers in the state. “Seeing it, someone might say, ‘I can do this too, I can also be a novelist or a poet or a playwright,’” Rekdal said. Rekdal has also worked with others to mark National Poetry Month this April. This will include online poetry readings and regular social media posts featuring poets of all ages. National Poetry Month will also feature the Utah Poetry Festival, a virtual event this year from April 16-18. People can register on the festival’s website and view events on the Utah Humanities YouTube channel. The event will provide materials for educators, showcase poetry in the pandemic, and more. Rekdal has published several collections of poetry. She

Paisley Rekdal’s works, including the collection “Nightingale,” are widely available. (Joshua Wood/City Journals)

has also written nonfiction, including the book “The Broken Country: On Trauma, a Crime, and the Continuing Legacy of Vietnam.” With her literary versatility, she has long gravitated to poetry. “I think poetry is private,” Rekdal said. “I like it because it’s quiet, meditative, and slows things down.” Part of Utah’s literary community is its local bookstores. Aaron Cance regularly features local authors at his bookstore, The Printed Garden in Sandy, and he maintains a substantial poetry section. “Poetry enriches lives in a lot of different ways, and I think that poetry enriches not just a reader’s life but also a writer’s life,” Cance said. “Even people who are unpublished, their lives

2021

U T A H

will be enriched by the act of writing poetry, in the act of trying to find a new way to describe or perceive the world around them. Any kind of writing like that is very satisfying and enriching whether you wind up getting published or not.” The Printed Garden regularly hosts the 15 Bytes poetry awards each year in November, and Cance hopes to resume the tradition after the pandemic prevented it in 2020. “I think the best poets are poets who can get you to see the world in ways that you didn’t see it before,” Cance said. “That to me is the primary function of poetry.” What better source for advice on writing poetry than the state’s poet laureate. Rekdal has a straightforward formula for writers. “You have to read a ton,” she said. “You can judge what is more urgent, see trends in poetry, and see the larger conversation in poetry, what makes a poem work and what makes it less successful.” Finding subject matter can be different for each writer. Utah’s poet laureate doesn’t necessarily search for subject matter for her poems. “I think largely the subject matter chooses you; you don’t choose the subject matter,” Rekdal said. From the recent soaring success of Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, to an already steady rise in poetry readership, Rekdal sees Utah’s literary community growing. As for those who might think poetry is beyond them, Rekdal thinks there’s enough variety for everybody. “There’s so many different types of poems out there,” Rekdal said. “I think it’s sad when people say poetry isn’t for me. That’s like saying food isn’t for me.” l

HOME SCHEDULE

W A R R I O R S

R U G B Y

O F

M A J O R

L E A G U E

R U G B Y

SCAN TO

FIND

TICKETS

QUESTIONS ON TICKETS? CALL OUR TICKET OFFICE

Page 22 | April 2021

(801) 477 - 7652 Sandy City Journal

Silver Mesa kindergartners recall virtual field trip, visit with Gov. Herbert in everyday lessons By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ilver Mesa kindergarten teacher Lynette Keller said she couldn’t imagine anything like a day back in November, but she is reminded of it periodically from her students. “We talk about listening when our friends are speaking or about the cafeteria staff wearing gloves or about us washing hands; and they say, ‘it’s just like the governor and the farm event,’” Keller said. “It’s a lifestyle lesson that has made an impact. I mean, who would have thought that virtual field trips would become the norm, then they would mean so much to our students or that the governor would come on and answer kindergartners’ questions—just at our school.” She recalls the virtual field trip back in November when 35 Silver Mesa kindergartners got to meet the state’s governor virtually. “We usually go down to the capitol on a field trip to understand where produce comes from as part of the farm-toschool learning,” she said. “Instead, they came to us and asked if we’d like to do a virtual field trip learning from farmers and that Gov. Herbert would be there. I thought it would be like 15 schools and instead, it was just us. We had the full attention from the governor. That is something still unbelievable that he would find that time during this year to devote to kindergartners’ learning.” Keller said it surprised her so much, she almost forgot what she was doing to record the virtual meeting, which was replayed later that day for the afternoon kindergartners. Even more surprising was that Herbert took the time to answer the students’ questions. Remi Taedara was one of those who asked the governor a question: “I was happy I got to ask a question to the governor, and it was really fun!” The virtual field trip was to replace the “Apple Crunch” visit to the capitol and was coordinated by Kate Wheeler, the farm-to-school/procurement specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. “Typically, students across the state come eat an apple and do apple-related activities and learn about healthy eating during that field trip,” Keller’s colleague, Victoria Crabtree said. “It’s really fun to hear the crunch of apples when all the students eat them at once in the rotunda.” Keller said that on the virtual Harvest Gratitude Day, students not only learned about getting apples from the orchard to the store or through machinery to make

S andy Journal .com

Silver Mesa kindergarten students learned about farm-to-school and eating healthy last fall from then Gov. Gary Herbert, a lesson that has stuck with them through the year. (Julie Whipple/Silver Mesa Elementary)

juice, but also the basics about cows and cattle—those they milk versus those who provide them protein. “A student asked the rancher, ‘How do you milk the cattle?’ It was answered simply: ‘We don’t milk them here,’” she said. “There really were some good questions and then, that’s when the governor got on and introduced himself. It was really nice, so kind that he took the time to be there for the students.” Crabtree said that the governor then answered questions like Remi’s. “He answered questions from what it means to be and eat healthy to what was his job and where does he work to what it means to be the leader of the state,” she said. “I think he made an impact on the students now and when they reflect back, it will bring even more importance.” Herbert also thanked teachers for facing the challenges during this COVID-19 year. The day also tied into the kindergartens’ annual Friendship Feast. Although this year, it looked different with sack lunches and students sitting apart from each other. Still, Remi liked to celebrate with his friends. “Friends make me feel happy,” he said. “It was fun to sit across from Ryker!” l

Does your water cooler have ICE?

Ours Does! MOST WATER COOLERS COME UP SHORT Our office coolers and ice machines employ a nine-stage purification process that cleans the water for your office far beyond the capabilities of our competitors’ equipment!

Call today to get your free home or office trial!

801-997-6164

HydrateYourOffice.com April 2021 | Page 23

In a heartbeat, Mt. Jordan staff sprung to action to save boy’s life By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

here are no words that quite express the gratitude a sixth-grader’s mother must feel after Mt. Jordan Middle School faculty and staff stepped in to save his life after he collapsed. She had received a phone call from the school office alerting her of her son’s collapse. But Melissa Allred tried, amongst tears, at the March 2 Canyons Board of Education meeting. “As you can imagine getting a phone call like that is quite unnerving,” she said, adding that this was her son’s fifth incident with his heart condition. “As I’ve talked to the doctors, they are amazed at how fast these faculty were able to assist him.” Her son, Stephen Allen, has CPVT—a rare, life-threatening heart disorder that is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm. As his heart rate increases in response to physical activity or strong emotions, it can trigger an abnormally fast heartbeat and fainting can be a common first sign. “One in every 10,000 kids have this condition, 25% don’t even live to be diagnosed, because they go into cardiac arrest and die before being treated, so for him to have five incidences and still be standing here is truly a miracle,” Allred said. “I’m so very grateful for the people who helped him that day, who jumped into action, who didn’t hesitate to do

CELEBRATING

what they needed to do.” The “lifesavers” were at the board meeting, being thanked with a standing ovation and letters of recognition from the Canyons board members and Supt. Rick Robins for jumping into action when a student needed them the most. Those recognized for their quick response were physical education and health teacher Ashley Anjewierden, Principal Matt Watts, hall monitor Kami Ottman, head secretary Kim Mitchell, attendance secretary Amy Beardon, office aide Brenda Castillo and school nurse Angela Despain. It happened Feb. 11 during passing time when Stephen was walking to his next class, PE. Suddenly, he collapsed in the main hallway of the school. Fortunately, his mother had made the staff aware of his life-threatening heart disorder and they had a plan. Luckily, Ottoman was behind him and radioed for help. She stayed with him even though he was nonresponsive. Watts jumped into action, making his way to the student to provide aid. Mitchell called 911 while Beardon identified the student and pulled his healthcare plan. Castillo called his mother, who was able to get to the school before he was taken away with the paramedics. Anjewierden, his PE teacher, who learned from her coworker that a student

27 Years

SELLING PREMIUM LANDSCAPE MATERIALS FOR 26 YEARS

• Barks • Colored Mulches • Replenish Compost • Premium Soil Blends • Playground Chips • Sand - Gravel • Landscape Fabric & More

AVAILABLE IN: BAG BULK OR SUPER BIG BAGS (1 cu. yd)

DELIVERY OR PICK-UP 4660 South 200 West

801-252-5962

replenishcompost.com

801-252-5962 Page 24 | April 2021

RECEIVE A

10% DISCOUNT

ON ALL PRODUCTS & MATERIALS

replenishcompost.com

Mt. Jordan Middle School staff reacted quickly when sixth-grader Stephen Allen collapsed and were recently acknowledged by the Canyons Board of Education and thanked by his mother, Melissa Allred, on the left. (Photo courtesy of Canyons School District)

needed aid, realized Stephen hadn’t made it to class and bolted down the hallway. Anjewierden had been an EMT for a few years prior to teaching and relied upon her training. Watts stayed by her side, which provided “calming support,” she recalled. “I knew immediately he would need an AED and Kami got it,” she said about the automated external defibrillator, a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. “I applied the first shock within two-and-one-half minutes of Stephen going down. I began (chest) compressions when I recognized he didn’t have a pulse.” After 90 compressions, he was grasping for breath on his own, but the AED, which gives instructions on application, said to apply a second shock. At that time, Despain arrived and nodded to proceed, backing up Anjewierden’s instincts and what was heard from the AED. “That second shock got his heart back into rhythm and then, paramedics arrived,” she said about the entire process that lasted less than seven minutes. “It was all instinct. It went by so fast.” Anjewierden was thankful she had her EMT training—some of the same training in first aid and CPR she provides students in her health classes. “I’ve told my students that it can happen to anyone at any time, and it did. I’ve never had to use it at this level before, but by having the knowledge, it has come in handy as a coach, working in youth activities, sports and school. The most extreme I’ve had before this was sprains and broken legs,” she said.

“It’s the first time I’ve done compressions. I’ve only practiced before on a mannequin, but I just knew when to do it and when to stop. I knew it needed to be perfect to save his life.” After paramedics took Stephen, Anjewierden returned to the gym, where a student teacher had taken over her class, allowing for her to decompress and gather her thoughts. Counselors were available for Anjewierden, other staff and faculty and students. Mt. Jordan staff and faculty as well as families were informed about what happened through an email. “I definitely felt like I was in the right place at the right time, and I was supposed to be here to help him,” she said. “I had a great team of individuals to help me. It is incredible act of teamwork and I couldn’t do it without any of these wonderful people.” As a token of the Board’s gratitude, a signed AED device was given to Anjewierden, who coaches Hillcrest High softball and left practice to see Stephen for the first time since his collapse shortly before the board meeting. While all Canyons schools have AEDs and staff are provided annual training, Canyons spokesman Jeff Haney said that only 17% of schools and government offices have AEDs. He also said that survival rate is fewer than 10% of the about 360,000 people who have Emergency Medical Services-assessed cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting. Haney also said that “life changes in a heartbeat” as it truly did for this sixth-grader and for those who brought him back. l

Sandy City Journal

Edgemont’s hidden treasure needs community’s help By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

n late January, Jordan High Principal Wendy Dau received the Utah Music Educator Association’s Outstanding Administrator In 1956, two years before Edgemont Elementary opened its doors, Erma K. Yengich moved into the new White City subdivision with her spouse, Nick. There was no mail delivery, the closest grocery store was Loren’s by Jordan High (now the site of Jordan Commons Megaplex) and her kids were picked up on the corner of 700 East and Sego Lily to be bused to Sandy Elementary via “all over the Sandy and Granite area” as they picked up other school children. When Edgemont Elementary was built, a summer program was sponsored by Salt Lake County recreation that included crafts, dance and baseball, she recalled when she wrote about the history of the area in 2006. Joyce and Kay Hair moved into White City two years after, in 1960, and said there were apple orchards to the north and fields to the west, in their recollections, also dated 2006. But what wasn’t mentioned was the possible time capsule that is believed to be buried at Edgemont Elementary. Michelle Snarr, Edgemont’s current principal, and Julie Winfree, principal of Glacier Hills, which will be built on the site of Edgemont Elementary beginning this spring,

A framed picture of what Edgemont Elementary looked like with fields around it when it was built in 1958 hangs inside the school today.

recently learned from a community member that there is a time capsule buried at the school. “We do not know when it was placed,

we have just been told it is there,” Winfree They ask if anyone in the community said about the treasure that could contain knows where this time capsule is buried to more information about early days of the please notify the Edgemont Elementary ofschool and community. fice at 801-572-7010. l

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today.

801-262-5200

1399 W 9000 S, West Jordan Saving people money on more than just car insurance.® Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO

S andy Journal .com

April 2021 | Page 25

Sandy Elementary provides virtual lessons for parents during pandemic By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

very other month, a group of dads or male figures would join their kids at Sandy Elementary for a lesson and activity to build those bonds. Female role models would meet on opposite months for a lesson how best to support their children and have a continental breakfast with their kids at school. That was before COVID-19. While no in-person large group gatherings are allowed following safety and health guidelines during the pandemic, those at Sandy Elementary found a way to continue providing

All Pro Dads at Sandy Elementary is so important to second-grade teacher Zach Van Dyke, seen here, that he spends time recording the lessons and posting them online so the program can continue during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Elementary)

the support to parents—virtually. “Zach Van Dyke goes through the entire All Pro Dads lesson and records himself for the fathers and students so they can do them,” Sandy Elementary Community Schools Facilitator Isa Connelly said. “He feels so strongly about it. He really is the energy behind it.” The program, which also is translated into Spanish by Principal Shawn Walker, then is posted on the school’s website, Facebook page and on its YouTube page. There also is information about it in the school newsletter. The Moms Matter programs are available online as well. Connelly said All Pro Dads topics have ranged from compassion to humility. Moms Matter topics are tied into important issues surrounding children and families, such as internet safety and reading strategies. “When we shut down last March, every single family could have a hot spot and Chromebook so we know they have access to it. It’s such an important program to us we want to get it out to our families to offer support, especially in time like this,” said Connelly, who added that now families can access the videoed programs at their convenience. “Students need to know that their home, their parents are a safe place. They can provide us direction in this time of uncertainty.” Van Dyke, who teaches second grade, said that the national All Pro Dads program began at the school two years ago when they wanted to build their community. “This program helps strengthen the relationships between kids and their dads,” he said. “Sometimes parents don’t know how to have these conversations with their kids, so this helps them take those first steps.”

Van Dyke said it was a natural transition to be a positive role model as a male teacher who leads the program. “I’ve had students who don’t have male figures in their lives, so I’ve been able to share with them. Anytime I teach, I love to share my own experiences,” he said. “For example, one topic is about passion, what is the passion in your life? It gives students and their dads or male figures an opportunity to talk about what it is and why it’s worthwhile to them. Sometimes, we wouldn’t know things about one another if we didn’t have these conversations.” Van Dyke also has similar conversations with his 5-year and 7-year-old daughters. “I have one daughter who loves to act and another who wants to get into calligraphy,” he said. “I see kids ask a lot of questions that prompts their dads to share their experiences. It’s when I see them listening and sharing and explaining— that’s when the magic happens.” As a result of these conversations, Van Dyke said he sees a direct correlation to school. “When a child has positive role model, they do better in school,” he said. “Then, when they do better in school, they can see that they may be able to become who they want to and what career they want.” Van Dyke said in his classroom, he talks about the importance of schoolwork and their goals. “It’s hard to be happy when they’re dealing with hard things, but if we can help provide them the tools they need and the support they need, it will help them with their academics and becoming better people,” he said. “These conversations make a difference.” l

*We are dedicated to ensuring your home is protected year round, which is why we offer a no-clog guarantee.* If your LeafGuard® gutter ever clogs, we will come out to clean at no cost to you. • One-Piece System • Protective Overhang/Trim

The permanent, clog free gutter solution!*

• ScratchGuard® Paint Finish

• Customization Options • Professional Installation`

385-300-0869 RECEIVE a $25 Lowe’s gift card with FREE in-home estimate!*

85% OFF Labor*

Does not include cost of material.

Bonus! Call during this program & receive a $200 Visa Gift Card with your LeafGuard purchase!* *Conditions and restrictions may apply. Call for details to learn more.

LeafGuard operates as LeafGuard of Utah in Utah under license number UT 11650889-5501

Page 26 | April 2021

Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free! Sandy City Journal

Silver Mesa Student Council leads fun, service-oriented activities to spread kindness, lift spirits By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Silver Mesa student council members organized a day each week to donate a canned good for the right to wear a hat to school as a way to keep school fun and be kind and serve the community throughout the year. (Janae Powell/Silver Mesa Elementary)

his Thursday is Hats Off Day at Silver Mesa Elementary. Next Thursday is too. So was last Thursday. Every Thursday this school year, Silver Mesa students can wear a hat—and bring a can of food to donate to the Utah Food Bank. It’s an idea that the school’s Student Council came up with to help in their community and provide their peers with something fun and positive they can do during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our student council is creatively coming up with ways to encourage students to stay positive during COVID,” said school education specialist and behavior coordinator Janae Powell. “It supports our school theme, ‘Kindness is Cool,’ and lets them support the community during this time when many can use an uplifting hand.” Student council member Rush Larsen has brought in diced tomatoes to put in the Utah Food Bank barrels in the multipurpose room. “We’ve had a tradition where kids get to pay 50 cents to wear hats,” said the fifth-grader. “We wanted to still let kids wear them, but we thought this was a better way.” His classmate and fellow student council member Lucas Featherstone added: “It’s an important time to help; a lot of homeless have really been hit hard.” They carried the year-long approach as they redesigned the look of spirit week to spirit days. Spirit days, Powell said, allows students as well as faculty and staff to have a little fun and is designed to lift their outlook to what some educators are saying has been a difficult school year. Fifth-grade student council member Alexander Gonzales said spirit days are suggested, voted upon and then shared with the student body to encourage everybody to participate. This year, the themes are getting creative. “We hold our meetings socially distanced around a meeting room, and our ideas are different because we can’t do some-

S andy Journal .com

thing like moustache day so instead, we had unibrow day and crazy mask day,” he said. “We’re trying to find fun ways during COVID-19 to provide hope. We want to spice things up a little.” Rush said in the past they’ve had days where they have dressed up like superheroes or Harry Potter characters. “I love spirit days. They’re so much fun and it’s fun to see how everybody dresses up,” he said. Fifth-grader Evelyn Jensen is excited about some of the activities she and the Council has led their peers around their kindness theme. For example, they have written thankyou letters to people who have treated them kindly and have placed notes in a box of classmates they see who are doing “kind stuff.” “When I’ve seen someone inviting a kid sitting alone to play at recess or helping someone with their work, I can write a note and put it in the box; all the teachers have boxes in their rooms,” she said. “On Mondays, our principal gives them a shout out on the announcements. It makes people happy when they get their name shouted out and it keeps our school safe and kind. I like it because I always help anyone I can.” Rush said that they also give students a different challenge every month. One month it was to “write a kindness thank-you card. I wrote it to my brother. He is always the best friend to me he can be.” Lucas thanked his supportive family: “They’re always nice to me and encouraging me.” Alexander wrote his letter to his mother. “She’s a single mom as my dad is in Mexico; she takes care of me, makes sure I’m healthy and active,” he said. “I like that we’re doing these activities during a time like this. It shows us that normal people can make a big change in the way they see things in their own lives, and they can make a change in someone else’s lives.” l

Exclusiv e Charter Resident Incentiv es!

South Jordan View

Retire Well. Retire Here. At South Jordan View, we offer more than justa community, we offer worry-free independentretirement living. Designed exclusively foradults 55 and over, we take care of everything with one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can enjoy the good things in life.

All-Inclusive Amenities  Live-In Managers  Month-to-Month Rent with No Buy-In Fee  Signature Freedom Dining Program  Three Chef-Prepared Meals Daily  Fitness Center

 24-Hour Emergency Alert System  Concierge and Valet Parking Services  Travel Program  Paid Utilities  And more!

Call today to learn more about our limited-time Charter Residency Program with special pricing, exclusive rate guarantees, and much more!

801-441-3235

11352 S. Redwood Road  South Jordan, UT 84095 SouthJordanViewRetirement.com

April 2021 | Page 27

Jordan Valley pool reopens during pandemic, staff provides therapy in water to students By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

fter nine months being closed for COVID-19, Jordan Valley School’s pool opened to provide physical therapy to students. While in a typical year, about 95 students would use the physical therapy pool, this year, it is more restrictive, with about 20 having access, including 13 of those non-ambulatory students. Jordan Valley students have severe multiple disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, communication impairments, genetic disorders and syndromes, deaf–blindness and students who are extremely medically fragile. The goal at Jordan Valley School is to improve the quality of life for students, age 5 to 22, and their families. “We’re helping stretch muscles in the water that is about 103-104 degrees so we can help them facilitate their range of motion,” said adapted PE instructor Ashley Raucci, who added that during the closure, mechanical issues, including the pool’s pump and chlorine system were fixed in the 46-year-old pool. While following safety and health guidelines during the pandemic, Jordan Valley physical therapy and adapted PE staff

Know WHERE to look!

serves students in the water from four classes separately. Each student is given one-on-one attention in the water and tailored exercises to their abilities during their 30-minute session, she said. The 15-yard by 10-yard pool has a ramp and step entryway as well as a gurney to assist students into and out of the water. While this time gives wheelchair-bound students a chance to be non-weight bearing and stretch their muscles outside of their chairs, it also allows some who are walking with walkers or are more flexible a chance to have exercise with flotation devices in shallow water, Raucci said. “Some students may have their fingers, hips or knees contracted; by being in the water, we’re able to work with them on their range of motion,” she said. These students are able to push water for water resistance or kick upward on their backs, so their feet don’t hang down or even float, Raucci said. However, it isn’t as easy as asking them to do a certain stretch that is illustrated on signage on the pool deck. “A lot of the kids are non-verbal. Some use devices or sign language, but we work with them and their body language and reac-

HOUSE HUNTING TIP #2

tions,” she said. “Most of the kids love to be in the water; they love the sensation. They’re calm since the water is so warm.” Raucci said that the pool experience isn’t just clinical. “We talk, we play, we joke and laugh. I was even dancing with a student and making the exercises entertaining. We know each other,” she said, adding that while she, and other faculty and staff wear masks in the building, students have seen photos of them all without them so they’re able to relate to one another. Jordan Valley students do not wear masks. In a typical year, these students may be in the water typically for an hour each session while other students in the school who are more ambulatory may be in the pool twice per week, 30 minutes each period. For those students who are able, it also gives them a chance to practice other life skill lessons such as showering and dressing. However, with keeping classes separate and needing time to sanitize the pool deck and equipment, time is restricted. While some students either have adapted PE twice per week or others have adapted PE and a physical therapy, or pool time, once per week, Raucci said that she and colleague, Jinger Yawn, received a PTA grant earlier in the year to put together PE wagons for each of the classrooms. “We came up with other ways they can do exercises on their own and use it in their classroom or outside. We put in sensory balls, bean bags, ribbons, beach balls, basketballs,

Jordan Valley student Angel Campos Lucena uses a neck floatation device, which allows his head to be supported above water while adapted PE teachers help him with his range of motion in Jordan Valley’s pool, which recently reopened during the pandemic. (Donata Trussell/Jordan Valley)

playground balls and activities they can do with them if it’s just for a brain-break or for their own PE time,” she said. While those wagons have provided additional support, Raucci said she is grateful the pool reopened for her students. “It’s an awesome place; we’re so glad they’re able to get in,” she said. “The students benefit so much, in a huge way.” l

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HOUSE & NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! It's every real estate agents' mantra and for good reason. Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important (and difficult) parts of the house hunt. Trust our experience, let us research the market and find you a home within your budget that you will love.

Jeron & Heather DuPaix 801-897-1133 findmyhome@dupaixgroup.com www.dupaixgroup.com

Page 28 | April 2021

Adapted PE teacher Ashley Raucci works with Miles Askvig, while Ahmed Hmedia gets help from physical therapy assistant Elise Tautkus; they are helping the wheelchair-bound students with their range of motion in the recently reopened Jordan Valley pool. (Donata Trussell/Jordan Valley)

Sandy City Journal

EARTHQUAKES. FIRES. GLOBAL PANDEMIC. CONTAMINATED WATER

ARE YOU PREPARED?

LET US HELP CHECK A FEW THINGS OFF YOUR LIST AND GIVE YOU THE PEACE OF MIND YOU NEED. WATER STORAGE FOOD STORAGE

370

494 Now$

Was $

160 Gallon Water Tank 29” x 36” x 45”

STAKE/NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT: Buy 10 or more water barrels, get

FREE DELIVERY (central location) &

2,675 Bundle Deal

Includes Harvest Right Freeze Dryer & FREE 55 Gallon Water Barrel GET YOURS TODAY! IN STOCK TODAY!

FREE WATER STABILIZER ($40 value)

Official dealer of

801-797-3362 • GETPREPAREDUTAH.COM S andy Journal .com

April 2021 | Page 29

Tails will wag with plenty of active play and exercise By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

Silly, Jonesi, and Call sit patiently waiting for their owner to take them for a walk. (Photo courtesy of Kortney Wilcock)

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Taking Your Family’s Comfort to the APEX!

Your satisfaction is guaranteed!

FREE In-home Estimates • Comprehensive Tune-ups • Repairs • Installations • Best quality install

$ Ask about Flexible Payment Plans

801-758-2539

Page 30 | April 2021

500 GET A

AMAZON GIFT CARD

FREE

Comprehensive A/C Tune-up

with any Repairs

$49

Diagnostic

with the Purchase of an A/C System Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/15/21.

only

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/15/21.

Over 50 years combined experience

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5/15/21.

theapexcleanair.com Sandy City Journal

Construction continues on new Bells Canyon trailhead By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

ikers who have a hard time finding a parking spot to hike up Bells Canyon can celebrate. There will soon be a brand new trailhead and parking lot to accommodate visitors of the extremely popular destination. The project encompasses 10.6 acres of land located to the southeast side of the intersection of Wasatch Boulevard and Little Cottonwood Road. For years, the land was home to two of the oldest families in Sandy: the Evans and the Richardsons. They agreed to sell the property to Sandy City for a discounted rate with the promise that it would be preserved and turned into a community resource. “We were willing to look away from these other offers so children can have the same adventures that we had when we were kids,” said Chad Evans during a Sandy City Council meeting at the time. Since then, the city has drawn up plans, held community feedback meetings and finally started construction last year. One of the first steps involved an environmental cleanup. The property had accumulated a large amount of physical waste, such as tires, scrap metal and chemical supplies, which needed to be removed before construction could begin. That cost about $25,000-$30,000 according to Parks and Recreation Director Dan Medina. Other obstacles have included numerous large boulders “the size of a Volkswagen” that have had to be cleared by jackhammer and of course, COVID-19 related setbacks. The contractor’s crew caught the virus and had to quarantine for a time, setting the project back about three weeks, according to Medina. The project’s timeline was also changed by the death of Kyle Richardson, the last remaining member of the Richardson family to actually live on the property, earlier this year.

Original plans for the project included two phases, the second of which would only be started after Richardson’s passing. Now the city is constructing both phases simultaneously, which added about three months to the project timeline. Medina said the estimated completion date is now looking like sometime in July. The finished product will include about 130 parking stalls, bathrooms, a short nature loop with picnic tables and a helipad. (The area is expected to serve as the base of operations for forest fires or search and rescue operations.)

Dan Medina

Overseeing the project has been Dan Medina, who in January was promoted to be the head of the Parks and Recreation Department. He replaced Scott Earl, who retired last year. While studying to become a stockbroker in college, Medina joined the city’s parks and rec department as a seasonal worker over 30 years ago. But his versatility was quickly noticed by the department and they quickly started to move him up the ranks. “They needed someone to do some computer programming stuff. Being a college student and being into that kind of stuff, I helped with that. Then they said, it’s nice having someone who understands budgets so they made me a budget analyst,” he said. Medina said that what has kept him working for the city all these years is the great people—both fellow city employees and residents. “It’s been great because I love Sandy. I love the people that I work with. I think we have an awesome team. That’s why I stayed A trench that will house sewer lines for the bathrooms that will be built as part of the project. (Justin Adams/City Journals) here.” l

Construction crews work on a retaining wall, as well as the road that will connect the new parking lot to Wasatch Boulevard. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

S andy Journal .com

What remains of the Richardson family home. The passing of the last inhabitant earlier this year allowed the city to pursue phase two of the project sooner than expected. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

April 2021 | Page 31

Are You an Aging War Time Veteran or Spouse in Need of Care?

"I had arthritis in my knees, and now the pain is almost gone!" -Linda

Simple three button control panel for frequency, time and power

Va aiD anD attenDanCe pension for wartime Veterans, their spouse and surviving spouse. if you are 65 years old and in need of care, the Va aid and attendance pension may assist with paying for your care. Care may be provided in a home, independent living, assisted living or a nursing home (private pay), to be eligible.

aiD & attenDanCe for VeteranS Call Senior Care aSSoCiateS to see if you qualify.

2020 Monthly tax free pension aMounts Veteran ......................................$1,911 Surviving Spouse ........................$1,228 Veteran & Spouse in need of care ..$2,266 Dependent Spouse ......................$1,499 2 Veterans .................................$3,032

www.seniorcareassociates.com | 801-424-1444

Strong structure engineered to last a lifetime Whisper quiet vibrating base designed by medical experts

Three handles to accommodate different heights and exercise poses

GET A CASH OFFER FOR YOUR HOME IN 10 MINUTES! CLOSE IN SEVEN DAYS OR LESS!

Circulates oxygen and lymphatic fluid to eliminate pain and heal the body

We pay cash! Take care of closing costs! Assist with anything you may need!

Call now for $500 off - Free 14 day trial

801-770-2343 lifetimevibe.com

Page 32 | April 2021

SELL YOUR HOUSE FOR CASH NOW!

✓ Absolutely no closing costs ✓ No hidden fees ✓ No commissions ✓ No repairs or cleaning needed ✓ We work with any situation ✓ Foreclosures, divorce, financial struggles, etc. ✓ Structural damage, unfinished interior, any situation

JHBUTAH.COM • 801-701-3539 Sandy City Journal

Waterford endurance runner finishes 100-miler, sets goal for Grand Slam endurance races By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

his spring, Waterford School junior Howard Wang is training for races. Not a typical 5K or three-miler, although he does run those with his school cross country team, but rather endurance races. Flashback to this past fall. Bear 100. It’s described as “a cool autumn loop through the pines, golden aspen and red maples” with an average elevation of 7,350 feet and a gain of 22,518 feet. At age 18, Wang became the second youngest to complete the 100-mile endurance race that traverses the Wasatch and Bear River mountain ranges; he finished in 196th place. He completed his first 100-mile race. “The 100 is definitely different than a 50,” he said afterward. “It was a good day. The weather was perfect, and everything was good. The only thing about that made it hard was the distance and the elevation.” Few people think about running 100 miles, let alone racing it. The race began Friday, Sept. 24 and Wang finished it on Saturday, Sept. 25. At the start, he wasn’t sure he would be able to finish and said few people believed he would. “It’s a tough race,” he said. “I set my expectation lower and I think that kind of mindset helped me to get through that kind of tough situation.” Wang hasn’t always been a runner. As a freshman student from China living with a host family, he was introduced to endurance running by his coach, Tyler Waterhouse. Although Wang runs cross country, his teammates don’t have the same mindset as he does as they concentrate on a three-mile race. “I approach things differently. Sometimes we’re not even thinking the same way. It’s hard for them to conceptualize doing something like a 100,” he said, adding that even his parents in China also aren’t sure what to think of his new sport. “They think I’m crazy; they don’t do sports at all. To be honest, I’m not a good runner. I have flat feet and sometimes, I just feel like I can’t keep up the pace (during high school cross country races). But I can go longer so I still like to push myself.” Wang set a goal to run the Bear 100 with Waterhouse, who finished 13th and finished in 22 hours 48 minutes. “I did this because my running coach was doing it and it was going to be his last 100 (race). He kind of inspired me to run so I was like, ‘Oh, I have to do this because he’s doing it.’ You know, this is my last chance ever,” Wang said. He also was inspired to run a 100-mile after his first cross country meet freshman year, where he saw the finish line of the Wasatch 100. “I saw a guy tripping though the finish line and I thought, that’s something I’m going to do. Running 100 has been my goal since

S andy Journal .com

Waterford School junior Howard Wang, left, and his coach, Tyler Waterhouse, show their belt buckles from the Bear100. (Tyler Waterhouse/Waterford School)

then,” he said. With all the miles he puts in, people believe he must love running, but Wang doesn’t go there. “It depends what I’m doing that 20 miles—and like at mile 18 or 19, I’d say I don’t (like running), but the accomplishment or the feelings after a run is the good stuff. I like that,” he said. To prepare for the Bear 100, Wang ran two 50-milers. His first was Antelope Island as a virtual race in March 2020, which he ran with his coach. “It was really hard because I paced it wrong. I went out too hard for the first 30 miles and the last 20 was horrifying,” he said, saying that his coach “didn’t say anything. He just helped me through it.” Although the Antelope Island race, which he ran in 10 hours 44 minutes, well under 16hour mark qualifying him for the Bear 100, Wang still chose to race Squaw Peak in June. “Mostly it was just for fun and for the experience. I like the pain at mile 40. It’s so painful, but I like the feeling. I like to cry, I like to yell and just keep going and crying and ‘oh no, I have to do this.’ The key is not to stop,” he said. But Squaw Peak was a different experience. “That one was surprisingly easy, even though it’s like 13,000 feet of elevation gain. I felt great the whole day,” Wang said about the race he finished in 12 hours 11 minutes. “I trained more and have more experience with the pace. It was a natural race. We had eight (aid) stations and people cheering for us and

that’s the major difference.” Both races helped to prepare Wang for the Bear 100. “Training is definitely the key and the only approach is just to run more. (On school days,) I like to run four to six miles and I run 20 miles-ish on Saturday and a half-marathon on Sunday,” he said, adding that most of the runs are trail runs. “I just practice, power hiking, and getting used to the elevation gain. Power hiking is really the key. It’s really fun.” Wang also cross-trains, sometimes riding a 100 or 200 miles on his bike in one day. Fast forward to Bear 100 race day—and he did notice the beautiful trees described in the run for “the first 40. After that, it gets dark and the next morning, it’s nothing about the trees.” After starting the race, Wang told himself mentally that he could make it by saying to himself to just make it to the next aid station, where he could get supplies he left or help if he needed it. But the hardest part of the Bear 100, he said, wasn’t at mile 40. “The low part was like mile 72. It was dark at 2 a.m. It was cold. It was windy,” Wang said. “There was a really big hill and my headlamp ran out of battery and I didn’t have extra batteries on me. I ran into a guy and he gave me a new headlamp. He encouraged me to keep going. At the aid station, I sat there for 15 minutes and just told myself, ‘I have to finish this. I signed up and I’m ready for it.’” At mile 76, he admitted to himself he was tired and needing sleep, so at the aid station, he set a timer to rest. “At mile 76, it’s been a day and it was just

a lot of pain and it’s kind of close to the end, but not exactly the end. I felt like if I kept going, maybe I would die—I don’t know. So, I took a 15-minute nap,” he said. “The moment I started to sleep, the timer went off. I woke up and was gone. I told myself that if I didn’t finish, it would last forever. I told myself, ‘For the next eight hours, I’m going to finish and have this to remember my whole life.’” At an earlier aid station, he had left extra layers of clothing to help him get through the cool night air as well as the headlamp and poles. He ran with a hydration pack. “I knew I’d stop running because it was dark so I just power hiked through the night,” he said. “I think the last 20 miles, I was walking. My hip hurt really bad after I kicked a big rock by accident.” He knew he wouldn’t drop out at that point. “The only way you can fix (the pain) is to drop out and that’s not a way to go. That’s not an option,” he said. “In the moment, it’s like ‘Why? What the h—?’ but after you finish your race, you’ll go out and sign up for another race.” When he finished 35 hours and 13 minutes after the race began, his first thoughts were: “Thank God, this is over.” Then, he asked himself, ‘Yes, this was the time I wanted, or I never am going to do this again?’” After receiving a black bear belt buckle for finishing under 36 hours, Wang began to wonder “what I’m going to do next. I like to set goals, keep setting goals and just keep going, never stop.” While he took one month to set his next goals, and continued to run, he picked up a paintbrush —another activity he never did in China—to paint landscapes, including nearby mountain peaks. It earned him $3,000 for second place in an art competition. “I just observe it in my head, and just paint it out. Last year, I don’t remember what mountain it was in Utah, but I painted it and won a scholarship for painting. It’s kind of relaxing change from running so much,” Wang said. The breather was short-lived as he now has his eyes set to race a Grand Slam, which in endurance terms is to run four 100-mile races, this summer before he graduates high school. Then, before he graduates college, he wants to study engineering in the United States, he has a goal to complete a triple crown—three 200-hour races in one summer. “It’s mostly mental. It’s not really about just running that distance, but also conceptualizing that distance and paying attention to the whole process,” Wang said. “I know I can do 100, so now I want to know what can I do? It’s accomplishing things that are harder is inspiring to myself.” l

April 2021 | Page 33

Mother’s Day 1/4lb Novelty bags.

20% OFF

Original, Sea Salt, Lemon, Orange, Cinnamon, Black Licorice, Vanilla and Rootbeer.

ONE ITEM – in store only 801-790-0065

*BUY TWO GET ONE FREE USING CODE MOTHERSDAY IF YOU ORDER ONLINE JULIEANNCARAMELS.COM

892 E 12300 S. Draper, UT 84020

385-695-5419 or office@julieanncaramels.com

www.piperandscoot.com

$5 0FF $25 Or More Limit 1 per table. Expires 4/30/21.

Mention this ad and we will pay of your bill! (bills over $500)

$50

28 West 700 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84101

801-446-6644 www.tusharexpress.com 1078 West 10400 South • South Jordan, UT 84095

801-363-4400 rickwarnerbodyshop.com

SANDY

PROFESSIONALS

Value Electric

PLACE AN AD: Call

801-254-5974 ROOFING

HARVEY’S ELECTRIC 801-833-0998

801-272-7000

Over 10 years in business Licensed and Insured.

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

All types of electrical work. Residential and Commercial.

All types of roofs

Call and ask about Breaker Box Labeling!

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

YARD SERVICES

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

Call Dan:

801-518-7365

Page 34 | April 2021

FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS PREPARE FOR ICY WINTER

• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches • Steel Handrails • Quality Decks

Call John today for a FREE estimate.

801-205-5999

Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years

PLUMBING/HVAC

24Hr Rooter Connectionz Drain, Sewer, Plumbing, Heating & Air Services. $49 OFF Any Service! Call Today

801-758-2095 UtahsPlumber.com

CONCRETE

T3 Concrete LLC

Tile and Flooring Powell Tile and Laminate Flooring Tile, Back Splashes, and Bathrooms Laminate Flooring, Finish Work, and Services Call Chris for a free estimate 801.708.1123

VEHICLES WANTED

We’ll buy your running & non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.

TREE SERVICES

INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS

Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience

801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES

DOG PRODUCTS

(801) 506-6098

Use Happy Jack ToneKote to treat allergies, stop shedding & insure a warm winter coat and Seal’N Heal to protect wounds with a bitter taste to prevent gnawing and allow healing.

A Local Utah Company

Available at Tractor Supply or online at www.kennelvax.com.

DRYWALL REPAIR & PAINT

LAWN MAINTENANCE

SIDING

40 Years Experience

PRO LAWN MAINTENANCE

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

801-918-8843

Focus on Quality & Honesty! Textures, Water Damage, Patches, Trim, Basements

Call Mike for Free Estimate

801-696-7735

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Apex Clean Air

Installations & Repairs Call today for a free in home estimate.

801-449-1939

CarSoldForCash.com

IN BUSINESS 42 YEARS!

Spring Aerations, Weekly Lawn Maintenance

Spring Clean-ups

FREE Estimates

801-550-6813 or 801-347-1238 CONCRETE WORK

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Dan:

801.518.7365

Capitol Exteriors

Siding – Soffit – Fascia – Raingutters

Call NOW For SPECIALS (801) 253-2566

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING

NobleOne Professional Painting Residential, Commercial, Interior, Exterior Reliable, Dependable, and CLEAN 25 Years of Experience

Call: 801-750-0977

www.nobleonepropainting.com

Sandy City Journal

Coming to the rescue Teaching yoga at Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center means I need to stay certified in CPR and first aid. After completing my recent CPR class, the only thing I know for sure is, “Hi, I’m Peri Kinder and I’m certified in CPR” is not the same as “Hi, I’m Peri Kinder and I can save your life.” My previous medical training was years of watching M*A*S*H episodes, specifically the one where Father Mulcahy performs a tracheotomy on a wounded soldier by slicing open the man’s throat and sticking a pen down his windpipe. We didn’t learn how to do that. Theoretically, we learned how to identify serious injuries, how to administer aid and how to use an AED (not to be confused with an IED or an IUD). We were taught the signs of shock, which include being irritable and restless, and I realized I’ve been in shock for a half-century. If someone is in shock, you should cover them with a blanket. I do that after work. I wrap up in a blanket and tell my family, “Stay away. I’m in shock.” Another technique we covered was how to make small talk with people who are injured. We’re supposed to put them at ease until emergency personnel show up. But I’m terrible at small talk. Someone could have a bone sticking out of their thigh and I’d say, “So, do you like to eat food? Have

Life

Laughter AND

PERI KINDER

PROFESSIONALS

Value LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

REPLENISH LANDSCAPE

Barks, Colored Mulch, Compost, Soil Blends, Playground Chips, Sand-Gravel, Landscape Fabric & More

801-252-5962

4660 S 200 W Murray

Mention this ad for 10% Off YARD CARE

Michael Deagle LANDSCAPING

Utah’s Finest in Lawn Care, Spring/Fall Clean-ups, Aeration, Weekly Cuts All Your Landsape Needs

Call Mike 801-597-0143 CONCRETE

CONCRETE CHAMPS Stamp Color | Driveways | Sidewalks Foundation | Retaining Walls | Patios

Free Estimate - Call Yama 801-835-0051

S andy Journal .com

PLACE AN AD: Call

801-254-5974 WATER FILTRATION

NuWater Technologies 801.981.5865 www.nuwatertec.com Call for a NO COST water analysis

METAL ROOFING

Metal Man Roofing LONGEVITY, DURABILITY SAFETY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, LIFE-TIME WARRANTY Call Today for a Free Estimate!

you always had legs?” Then I’d throw up. And pass out. Concussions are all the rage, so we studied how to recognize signs of a brain injury. (After banging my head against the wall for the last year, I’m permanently concussed.) The concussion lecture reminded me of a time when I was 12 and running with a friend. I jogged backwards so I could talk to her, then turned and ran smack into a telephone pole. I saw stars and birds circling my head, just like in the cartoons. My friend didn’t warn me I was going to hit the

SPARKLE WINDOW WASHING SPRING SPECIAL

average two-story home $425 - $325 average three-story home $525 - $425

Mention this ad for an additional $50 OFF

801-347-6404

CALL PAUL TO SCHEDULE YOUR HOME TODAY

LEAFGUARD RAIN GUTTERS

Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home. If it clogs, LeafGuard will come out and clean it for you.

One-Piece System, Professional Installation

CALL AND RECEIVE A $200 VISA GIFT CARD WITH YOUR LEAFGUARD PURCHASE!

Free Estimate - 385-300-0869

OIL PAINTING CLASSES Take Home a Finished Painting! 3 to 4 Hour Classes All Supplies Included

Beginners Welcome!

® 801-635-5692

pole. She wasn’t a particularly good friend. Anyway. We learned about the signs of a stroke. The instructor said if you think someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile. But here’s the rub--you should never ask a woman to smile, even if it could save her life. Because if she isn’t having a stroke, she’ll murder you. Did you know a wound from nuclear radiation is considered a critical burn? Here’s my idea of a critical burn: “Your hair is so ratty it squeaks when you walk.” Anaphylaxis (a.k.a. severe allergic reaction) is pretty nasty, too. If you have an epi-pen, I hope you’re conscious enough to use it because needles make me faint. And don’t you think anaphylaxis sounds like the name of a Jane Austen character? “Anna Phalaxis was prone to consumption and frailty.” During the class, I expressed concern that I wouldn’t be able to remember all this info if there was an actual emergency, but the instructors were truly kind. They said, “Don’t overthink it. Let your training kick in.” So, if you’re in my yoga class and have a medical emergency, I’m trained to get someone else to help. You can thank me later.

PLUMBING

PLUMBING SPECIALISTS Up to 50% OFF most competitors’ pricing

Main water & sewer line replacement Water softener & tankless water heaters

Call 801-262-6111 Service-disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

PRESSURE WASHING

PATRIOT POWER WASH

Residential & Commercial Exterior Home Cleaning - Decking Driveways - Rain Gutters Semis - Trucks - Cars - Garbage Cans

Call or text Tye - 801.657.1851 We’ll Beat Any Price!

ELECTRICIAN

FUSION ELECTRIC 24 Hour Electrical Service Over 15 Years Experience Licensed & Bonded

LAWN MOWING

Mr. Mow It All Weekly Mowing - Edging - Trimming 20+ Years Experience

Call or Text Gary TODAY for your Free Estimate

801-860-2260 REAL ESTATE

NEED YOUR PROPERTY SOLD FAST? Estates or Foreclosures Empty lots or buildings

Free CASH offer FAST

Call us, we can help! Call or text Dawn 801-808-5762

TRAVEL AGENT Let Our Experienced Agents Show You How Easy Booking the Perfect Trip Can be!

Travel Safe ~ Travel Smart ~ Best Pricing ~ Local Support 801-466-1101

801-509-9007

peggyllew2@hotmail.com Call for Class Times and Locations

385-212-9531

www.AllPointsTravelOnline.com

HVAC

GUTTER REPAIR Jack’s Pro Gutter Repair and Cleaning

LAWNCARE SERVICES Lawn Care Service

Utahs Best Decks

CTR HEATING & AIR

High efﬁciency furnace & A/C units 20 years experience Financing available FREE diagnostic with repair Call for seasonal specials:

(801) 999-4220

85% of gutters are repairable!

20 years experience - licensed and insured SENIOR DISCOUNTS De-icing and leaf protectors Call or text Jack

801-865-6382

30 Years Experience

Spring Yeard Clean Up Mowing, Trimming, Edging, Aeration, Aeration & Power Raking, Sprinker Repair Reasonable Prices! We also accept Venmo. Ask for Bernie 801-916-5463

DECKS & HANDRAILS

Building Utah’s BEST Decks for over 25 years with quality & integrity. BestDecksInUtah.com Call John today for a FREE estimate.

801-205-5999

April 2021 | Page 35

ion at lts alu du Ev A ti c n d on n a od re th i ld Or Ch for

10220 South 1300 East Sandy

801-523-1111

www.DrSkanchy.com

BRACES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS Utah’s #1 Invisalign Provider

$750

OFF

UCR

FULL INVISALIGN TREATMENT Expires April 30, 2021

April 2021 | Vol. 21 Iss. 04

FREE

ALTA HIGH TOP HAWK NAMED UTAH PRINCIPAL OF YEAR By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

he decision was supposed to take weeks. Instead, it was quietly decided within hours. Simply put, Brian McGill is the best in the state. The official announcement that McGill was selected 2021 Utah Principal of the Year by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals was announced months later, in early February—still, without much fanfare. There weren’t any balloons or confetti at Alta High, where he has been a principal the past seven years and since the association’s mid-winter conference was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions, word of his award hasn’t reached everyone yet. “It was pretty under the radar; it’s quite an honor and most meaningful to be chosen by my peers across the state,” McGill said humbly, then deflecting the praise to those working alongside him. “It shows the strong sense of value and recognition of great work at Alta and a reflection of the entire community.” He was selected after sharing with the six-principal panel about Alta High through essay response questions and interviews that were held after he was informed he was a candidate. McGill does not know who put his name in the hat. Although he has reached the top award of the state, McGill isn’t done being an example to his 2,350 students—some In 2015, Alta High Principal Brian McGill lifted 245 pounds to the delights of the student body. (Photo courtesy of Alta High yearbook archives) Continued page 8

Tree Trimming & remOval • Stump Grinding • 24/7 Emergency Services • Powerline Trimming • Land Clearing • Demolition Options Available • Organic Mulch Products • Delivery Available

Mention this ad for

% 10 OFF Tree Services

Now HiriNg!

$35-$80K+

Full benefits & bonuses! Call 801-262-1596 or email Trent@diamondtreeexperts.com

Expires 5/31/2021

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

801-938-4345

DiamondTreeExperts.com

Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190