April 2022 | Vol. 09 Iss. 04
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earing a black-and-white “Stay Kind” Golden Gate club shirt, Bingham High’s hall monitor was honored at the Capitol with the inaugural Utah PTA Forces for Good award. Jo Ward stood in front of a crowd, including more than 100 students who would sing one of her Golden Gate songs, to address students. “It’s so important that kids understand you are the future, and as I look out over all of you, it gives me hope because we need forces of good in our schools, in our communities, in our homes,” she said. “We need kindness. Kindness can heal the world.” Ward, who is known fondly in the Bingham halls as Momma Jo, was preparing a presentation of “The Power of a Smile,” part of the core fundamentals of her club, when her parents nudged her and said, ‘You’re getting an award.’ “Kids were coming in, and the way the capitol echoes, I didn’t hear it because I was in the back,” she said. “I knew we were having a program; I didn’t know it was an awards program. It’s just an honor being able to do what I do. It’s all about loving kids.” The state PTSA student committee nominated those in the community who set an example as a force for good, said Todd Hougaard, Utah PTA student leadership commissioner.
“They hope others can see what a force for good really looks like and they can try to emulate it,” he said. “If anyone knows Jo, she’s always bubbly, always excited, always smiling.” That’s not only who she is, but what she stands for, Hougaard said. “There’s a statewide SHARP survey (Student Health and Risk Prevention survey given every two years to measure substance use, anti-social behavior, and the risk factors that predict adolescent problem behaviors),” he said. “And one thing that we learned is students need to feel connected to their school, to their friends and family, because when they’re not connected is when they do risky behaviors. Golden Gate that Jo started is a great program for helping students feel connected.” The Golden Gate club started in 2016 when 417 students signed the pledge. It began after Ward and former Bingham High Assistant Principal Mike Hughes saw firsthand the power of Continued page 5 After six years, more than 80,000 students have signed the pledge of the Golden Gate Club, which Bingham High hall monitor Jo Ward started; she recently was honored by the state PTA for being a “Force for Good.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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April 2022 | Page 3
Bingham softball delivers in preseason By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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he postal service delivers the mail come rain or shine. So do the Bingham softball team who did not let something like a complete blizzard squander their Miner Prep Camp. The Miners lost several key players from last year’s class 6A state tournament runners-up squad to graduation. The camp inside Bingham’s gymnasium every Tuesday and Wednesday night in January and February had a specific aim: identify and get freshmen hopefuls ready for the upcoming season. The loss to Riverton in the 6A state championship still stings for the Miners. But, the preseason is already showing that the preparations put in at this camp that started Jan. 10 and ran for six weeks through mid-February have been reaping rewards. Bingham (6-0) stands unbeaten through the first six games, in no small part to several freshmen who have already contributed to the Miners quest to avenge their heartbreaking loss at the state championship. Freshman Shyann Banasky has already hit a home run for the Miners and slapped in two RBI, while another freshman Zalia Carrillo has two RBI to go with a triple. For a team that hasn’t scored fewer than nine runs in any of its six games thus far, the Miners are showing they have considerable depth despite the loss of four players to graduation. Junior Braxton Hunter has smashed three home runs and has 13 RBI, while senior Shelbee Jones also has hit four homers to go with 10 RBI for the Miners, who have dispatched all of their preseason opposition in impressive fashion. Bingham opened the season at Weber March 14, winning 9-0. The Miners then played host to Bear River, last year’s 4A state champion on March 15 and won that game 9-5. On March 18 the Miners hosted Syracuse, winning 10-0 in five innings. But perhaps the most impressive game came in the Region 3 opener at Herriman, in which the Miners thumped their crosstown rivals 18-4 on March 22 in just six innings. Then on March 24 the Miners were back to home, hosting West Jordan, a game that ended in just four innings thanks to a 14-1 victory. The Miners allowed 10 total runs in their first five games — five of which came in the win against Bear River.
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Shelbee Jones helping Bingham to early-season success from the mound. The senior was crucial to the program’s preseason camp as the Miners look to return to the state championship game. (Travis Barton/City Journals) The reason for this is the defense, led by the senior Shelbee Jones who has pitched all five games thus far, putting up a sparkling 6-0 record in the process. Another key contributor on defense for the Miners has been senior Noe Barawis, who at shortstop has been stellar for her team along with senior Chloe Latu, who plays third base. The combination of a lethal offense to go with a solid defense is proof the Miners are ready to contend not only for a region title but avenge that painful loss to Riverton in the state championship game last year. The first shot the Miners will get at rival Riverton comes on March 31, after press
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Continued from front page connection. Hughes received a phone call from a parent saying her daughter, Tiffany Osborne, a senior at the time, had no friends, never went to any activities and just came home and went to bed. The parent told Hughes that “her daughter didn’t want to be here anymore,” Ward recalled. At the same time, another senior, cheerleader Savannah Vigil, would isolate herself, hiding out in the parking lot. She got to know Hughes and realized his office was a safe place. “Kids used to think Savannah was stuck up because she would isolate herself because she couldn’t see anybody because she was visually impaired,” Ward said. “They didn’t know that. Kids don’t understand why students struggle connecting and a lot of them is because they have unseen disabilities. The same is true of Tiffany. She had dyspraxia that affects her motor skills. She struggled writing, and kids would shun her.” Ward introduced the two, and two weeks later, they were walking down the hall together. “Tiffany started showing up at activities; they started going to the mall together and having fun,” Ward said. “Savannah was collecting blankets for the homeless, and she involved Tiffany. They built this amazing friendship and still are best friends six years later.” Soon after, Osborne’s parent came into the office and said, “Savannah saved my daughter’s life,” Ward said. “Then I saw them coming in the hall; they were laughing, and we all hugged. That’s when I realized these two girls literally were transformed, and that’s when I told Mike we need to do what we sent Savannah to do.” With Hughes’ support, they formed a club. “Jo and I started recruiting kids, the kind of student leaders who would be able to make the club be visible to everyone else; we told the kids, ‘We need you, not you need us,’ and the club grew, and we had several hundred members,” he said. Ward wrote the concept: “It was how do we connect students, how do we help them find friends, how do they learn to make healthy positive connections, how do we teach the soft skills they need?” They decided to name it after the Golden Gate Bridge, partly because “it was built to connect isolated communities, and our agenda was to combat loneliness and isolation with our kids,” Ward said. “But also, because there’s a story of a man who was on his way to Golden Gate Bridge who said, ‘If one person smiles at me on the way, I won’t jump.’ That’s why it’s so important to smile; even with a mask, your eyes can smile. The smile is so powerful. Students say it feels amazing to be smiled at; they know they’re seen, they’re acknowledged, they’re valued.” Hughes wrote the first 10 points of the club, which later were tweaked with input
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from students and educators. “My favorite is ‘I will strive to make someone’s day every day’ because by doing that, you make your own day,” Hughes said. “When you strive to make someone’s day, it’s almost impossible not to get a positive response. Kids are dealing with a lot, depression, suicide ideation, and more. And by striving to make someone’s day, giving them a compliment, making a friend, sitting with them at lunch, it’s almost impossible for them not to feel a little better and for you, not to feel bad yourself.” Ward said that students walk by the pledge banner and join. “They say, ‘I will be that person,’ which is our slogan,” she said. “When a student takes the pledge, it’s a personal promise. I tell students to find two points of the pledge, one they love and one that they need to work on and practice implementing those two. When we started, we looked at kindness, inclusivity, positivity, smiling, helpfulness, sharing, knowledge and a whole myriad of values and virtues under pro-social behaviors and we’re like that’s it. That’s what we are—a pro-social club and it’s all in our pledge; You don’t see many programs promoting kindness and pro-social behaviors and that is actually what we need.” Hughes said at the time, he was dealing with students who were “isolated, misbehaving because they’re sad, angry, depressed, felt hopeless. We found that a lot of bullies don’t know they’re bullies. That’s the only way they know how to connect.” Even now, he said the need is great. “I think kids always have struggled, but the struggle now is because we have things like cyberbullying and lack of connection,” he said. “Some of the texts, tweets, social media is horrible; it’s a venue for the most, darkest emotional communication I’ve ever seen. I think we all know that the COVID lockdown added more isolation and lack of connection. We need socialization to be mentally healthy.” Ward agrees. “Now with COVID, there’s more need,” she said. “Our researcher came to Bingham and asked students their top 10 concerns, and No. 1 was social anxiety. Kids just need positive, pro-social connections.” Before the pandemic, Hughes said he had “14 students who said they are alive today because of this one club at Bingham; our aim is different than Hope Squad. We are open to everybody, and our scope isn’t suicide prevention, it’s pro-social behaviors and kindness.” Ward said interest in the club grew, so in 2018, she created a nonprofit, and on the board of directors sits students, educators and researchers, who all are dedicated to establishing a kindergarten through high school senior curriculum, which already has more than 400 lessons and is about a year way from being completed. Already there is a Golden Gate Kids version, with a simplified pledge and lesson plans for at school and at home for the elementary schools—and a few middle schools also have
Bingham High hall monitor Jo Ward, who recently received a state PTA award, started the Golden Gate club, a pro-social club that promoted kindness and connectivity. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
incorporated the curriculum. It’s in more than 35 schools stretching from South Carolina to California. “We’ve gone into elementary schools with Golden Gate Kids and teach the ripple of kindness activity,” Ward said. “We throw a blade of grass into a pail of water, and then the kids can see those slight ripples still makes a difference. Then, each student throws one in and they understand how that’s kindness spreads.” The two original high school seniors are active, as are others at Bingham High and the community. “It’s been a collective effort of educators coming together to build this program,” she said. “Our tagline is Golden Gate is inspired by students, built by educators, backed by research. It’s amazing when you get an idea in your head. It’s not a ripple I ever saw happening. It’s just been gaining momentum; in the past six years, close to 80,000 students participate and sign the pledge.” Former Bingham Principal Chris Richards-Khong said it’s because of Ward and Hughes that students have a place to connect. “They saw a need and developed it into a place where students connect,” Richards-Khong said. “I think what makes Jo so powerful is when kids call her Momma Jo. She has been there for all of them. She has a big heart and is a good friend to kids. Then, she took it further with Golden Gate, and that has built a positive culture at the school.” Ward said when students “really grasp onto the concept of what inclusiveness looks
like and what kindness and all those things look like, it just starts to help them become who they are. Most kids need to be loved and need to feel connected so every day, that’s what I do, I see these kids, I let them know I see you; I love you and hope you know your value. I always want these kids to know their worth and that they’re loved. Just that much will turn it around for a kid. I see it day in and day out. “ Hughes said that describes just who she is. “Jo is a person who just loves you,” he said. “No matter who the person is, she just loves them.” With the presentation of the Newton’s cradle, the Utah PTA award Ward received, Hougaard said it was to signify the effect of one person. “Like this cradle, their work keeps momentum, keeps changing people, long after the initial impact,” he said. “And that’s Jo.” In years past, Ward also has received the National Spirit of Inclusion and 13 Most Influential Women for Humanitarian Service. “The awards are one thing, but those awards don’t signify a payday to me,” she said. “My payday is when a kid comes up and tells me, ‘Momma Jo, this year is the first year I haven’t been bullied all my life.’ That’s my payday. When I hear students say this club saved my life, then I know my work is rewarding. The awards are great, but at the end of the day, that’s why I’m doing it.” l
April 2022 | Page 5
The cast and directors of South Jordan Elementary’s production of “Seussical the Musical, Jr.” were all smiles after a successful run. (Photo courtesy of Alex Grazier.)
Story of friendship shared in South Jordan Elementary musical
“A
person’s a person no matter how small,” Horton the elephant told others to the delight of South Jordan Elementary students in their school production of “Seussical the Musical, Jr.” The musical was selected to be performed this year in part for its storyline about bringing
community together, said set designer and choreographer Diane Witt-Roper. It also was performed on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. “Seussical” was the ninth musical South Jordan students have performed but the first in the round. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Although he faced ridicule and danger, Horton promised to look after the Whos in South Jordan Elementary’s production of “Seussical the Musical, Jr.” (Photo courtesy of Alex Grazier.)
Page 6 | April 2022
Mayzie La Bird takes advantage of Horton’s loyalty when she leaves her egg in his care during South Jordan Elementary’s production of “Seussical the Musical, Jr.” (Photo courtesy of Alex Grazier.)
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April 2022 | Page 7
Female golfers will mix business and fun at the Copper Rock Championships in April By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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ormer Utah Senator Pat Jones understands not all business discussions happen in the office. Often, valuable deals are made on a golf course. When she realized many women aren’t usually involved in golf tournaments, she understood how often they are left out of important business decisions. As the CEO of the Women’s Leadership Insititute, Jones organized a women’s golf clinic and tournament where they could build relationships, learn the basics of game and golf etiquette, participate in a scramble, and put themselves in a better position for inclusion. “What I’ve learned, and I knew it intuitively, is that golf is the language of business,” Jones said. “That’s just how business has worked for so many years. It’s important for women to learn a sport that can help further their careers.” The program was so successful that the WLI entered into an exclusive three-year charity partnership with the LPGA Epson Tour at the Copper Rock Golf Course near Hurricane, Utah. The event is a week-long immersion for female leaders in Utah with the opportunity to play with top golfers and network with other professionals. This year’s Copper Rock Championship event will run from April 18-23 and feature 220 pro female golfers. Last year’s event was a success, although Jones admitted she was a little intimidated playing with pro golfers. She even took a few lessons. “I felt I had to play in the Pro-Am,” she said. “Since I was encouraging women, I felt I had to walk the talk. I can’t wait to go again this year. The pro golfers were so generous with their time and advice.” The event starts on Monday, with the WLI Pro-Am, fol-
lowed by a Meet the Pros Night on Tuesday. Wednesday is the ElevateHER Challenge Luncheon with keynote speaker Sharlene Wells Hawkes. The luncheon will be a time to recognize companies that have accepted the ElevateHER Challenge. Thursday through Saturday is the Copper Rock Championships where the women can cheer on their Pro-Am teammates as they vie for the title. “ElevateHER is a corporate challenge with six actions companies can take based on best practices that will elevate women in business,” Jones said. The program’s goal is to increase the number of women in leadership positions and the retention rate of female workers. Companies are asked to increase the number of women who serve on community and corporate boards, establish a women’s leadership development program, close wage gaps, and encourage women to run for public office. WLI started in 2015 to elevate female leaders in Utah. With the WLI Career Development Series, companies can sponsor female leaders, investing in their future. “It’s been hugely popular,” Jones said. “Companies who have accepted the challenge can send female leaders, mid to senior level. When women go back and teach their teams, it helps them be seen as the leader they are. It’s really magical.” WLI also offers a Political Development Series that coaches women who want to run for office. The program started seven years ago and more than 300 women have completed the course. Several women currently serving as mayors in Utah went through the program. “I couldn’t be happier with how this is shaping up,” Jones
The 2021 Copper Rock Championship was won by Bailey Tardy, who prevailed by three shots. The 2022 championships and WLI Pro-Am run Apr. 18-23 at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. (Photo courtesy of Copper Rock Championship)
said. “[Men] are our allies and advocates for women. There are some awesome men in our state. They are part of the solution.”l
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Elk Ridge choir teacher intermixes love of performing with teaching
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lk Ridge Middle school choir teacher Keith Goodwin may finally be able to sit, but don’t expect him to put his feet up. The past few weeks have been “pretty crazy,” as he not only rehearsed 4 1/2 hours nightly and then performed as pirate Tom Morgan and a pirate drummer in Hale Centre Theatre’s “Treasure Island.” But he also directed the music in the school production of “The Music Man” all while teaching his choir students. “I am a performer,” he said. “I feel like it is important to teach performance, but also be able to perform and be currently performing. Teaching at Elk Ridge is my dream job. There always are implications of teachers teach, because they couldn’t do. Or teach middle school because they couldn’t get a job at a high school or college, but that’s not true. This is where I want to be.” Goodwin uses his knowledge as a performer to teach his students. It may begin with music, but it stretches into performance and life. “I just finished my master’s degree in vocal performance at the University of Utah,” he said. “And as a master student, my technique was perfected, my range increased, I got to study the voice and how it works more in depth, which translates to being a better singer and that translates into being a better voice teacher. [As voice teacher] I can hear problems in the students’ voices, and I can assess them more quickly and diagnose quickly where problems are coming from and fix them faster. I think it results in the kids being better singers. I think there’s a trickle down when my students have a better understanding of the voice and how the voice works, then they’ll use their voices correctly and that makes great choirs even better.” Goodwin said about half of “The Music Man” cast are in one of his choir classes. “There’s a crossover with acting. If you’re alone on the stage or if you’re in a choir of 300 kids, you still have to perform while singing, so there’s an element of acting that goes into that. It’s comes down to storytelling, you’re learning the skill of using the music and learning the script to tell a story,” he said. That begins with preparation and auditions. “I talk about the audition process when we do audition workshops here before the school musical,” Goodwin said. “I do two workshops where we teach audition songs to students that they can use for their auditions and then we go through audition techniques, so they know what it’s going to feel like that’s very similar to the audition process I go through at Hale. I’ll talk to them and say, ‘Hey, look, I know this is scary, but I’m doing it too. I’m putting myself out there and sometimes you get it and sometimes you don’t.’” Goodwin goal is for students to try, to reach beyond their comfort zone. “I always tell kids they have these opportunities; all they have to do is audition,”
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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com he said. “It’s better for a director to tell you whether or not you’re right for the part than for you to tell yourself that. Don’t reject yourself. That’s not your job. Your job is to audition and do your best. A lot of people hold themselves back because they think, ‘I’ll never get cast’ or ‘I won’t even make it in that show’ so they never try. There’s a lot to overcome, a lot of inhibitions. I think that’s the point for me. I like the challenge and I like challenging myself, learning new skills, how good I can be, putting myself out there.” To help students break out of their comfort zones such as singing a solo, Goodwin will ensure they know the material well. Then divide into sectionals, then perhaps a duet or trio, before “talking to them and saying, ‘whoa, you didn’t die. Your heart’s beating really fast, but being nervous is part of the process.’ Ultimately, every student was able to perform a solo in front of the class.” Ninth grader Joshua Demke said he’s been in choir under Goodwin’s direction for three years. “He has given us the mindset that we can make it if we prepare and try,” said Demke, who played Salesman 2 in “The Music Man.” “He inspires us and teaches us to bring out more of ourselves.” Goodwin said the skills he teaches extend beyond choir or theater. “Most of the arts you’re learning in classes, but that can definitely apply to the rest of your life,” he said. “I know that all these kids I teach aren’t going to become professional singers, but that experience teaches these kids way more than music experiences. It teaches these kids that they can do hard, scary things— to believe in themselves, to trust in themselves, that they’re not going to let themselves down.” He also said it opens their eyes to careers they may never have considered. “What you see in theaters on stage is 10% of what this industry has to offer,” he said. “There are set designers, costume designers, sound engineers, sound mixers, recorders, mic technicians, wardrobe personnel, makeup designers, wig maintainers, marketing, education outreach, administration, writers, directors, composers. There’s just so much more to go into it. Everybody always told me that there’s no money in the arts, but really, there’s money everywhere with so many different careers.” It's also important to Goodwin that students see professional theater. Since teaching at Elk Ridge, he has been able to bring three student groups to Hale—“Phantom,” seen before the pandemic, and “The Secret Garden” this past fall, and now, “Treasure Island.” “Exposing them to art is really important to me,” said the performer who first appeared on Hale’s stage in 2013 in “Tarzan” as an aerial acrobat and has been seen in 13 shows there since. “Treasure Island” appealed to Goodwin since he could act and play the Celtic Bodhram
Elk Ridge Middle School choir teacher Keith Goodwin believes teachers should practice their craft so he performs regularly at Hale Centre Theatre. Here he takes a bow in “Treasure Island.”
as an accomplished musician. “They created a score for our show,” he said. “I get to play a part of that music creation process, adding my instrument along with the violin and the guitar, and that’s exciting to me.” Demke, who saw the show with the concert choir, said Goodwin becomes the pirate drummer after his character dies in the first act. “I think he dies in every role he’s been in,” the student said. “Before we came, he told us the show was based on the book, and it was a fun adventure, with a lot of pirates and water.” Students also were provided a study packet from Hale’s education department to prepare them for the show with information on the author and book, the characters and “what was culturally acceptable during this time period,” Goodwin said. “They just have a little bit more knowledge about the show, and that just enhances their experience,” he said. Goodwin’s performing arts career started early, taking up the violin in second grade as he was told he could have his grandfather’s instrument if he learned to play. He now can play violin, viola, cello, bass and piano. He self-taught himself to play the Celtic Bodhram. He first took the stage in third grade in an abridged production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where his St. George class performed it on the Globe Theatre replica in Cedar City.
He received scholarships in high school and college to pay his way through earning his undergraduate degree at Dixie State University. “I always knew I wanted to teach,” he said. “I work really well with kids and like giving them the gift that somebody gave me and helping them on their musical journey.” While he has previously toured, been a 2016 quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY music education award, and has had other opportunities in performing, Goodwin choose to live in Utah to balance his family, “a wonderful job” and “getting the opportunity to perform at Hale.” Goodwin hopes to pay it forward and inspire students. “To this day, my parents have never missed a show or concert, not a single one— their support and my teachers’ have meant a lot,” he said. “My high school theater teacher said, ‘The hardest things in life are often times the things that will bring you the most joy.’ Putting on a musical is really hard, and being in one is, too, but at the end of it, while you’re actually doing, it, you’re like, ‘Yeah, this actually is bringing me a lot of joy.’ It uplifts my life.”l
April 2022 | Page 9
Board of Education Update - Spring 2022 Brand New Literacy Launch
We know when students learn to read in the younger grades, they can read to learn in the upper grades. With that in mind, we launched a brand new literacy curriculum this year. All teachers are working harder than ever to provide a solid reading foundation so students are fluent in reading by the end of third grade.
2016 Bond Update – All Projects Completed
All six schools in the 2016 Bond Plan opened on time or ahead of schedule. They were under budget enough to help pay for a seventh new school, Antelope Canyon Elementary in West Jordan. • Mountain Creek Middle in South Jordan • West Jordan Middle (Rebuild) in West Jordan • Mountain Point Elementary in Bluffdale • Ridge View Elementary in Herriman • Mountain Ridge High in Herriman • Hidden Valley Middle in Bluffdale
$34,339
16-17
$40,000
$42,800
$48,000 $48,625
New Schools Funded by School District Capital Reserves
The Board of Education authorized the use of District capital reserves for the construction of three new schools to address overcrowding in high growth areas. • Antelope Canyon Elementary in West Jordan • Aspen Elementary in South Jordan • Oak Leaf Elementary in Herriman opening for the 2022-23 school year
$50,500
Increased Teacher Pay
The Board of Education approved increased base pay, a more flexible leave policy, and additional parent leave benefits for teachers. 17-18
18-19
19-20
20-21
21-22
To receive Board of Education updates via email, subscribe today at jordandistrict.org/board/update Page 10 | April 2022
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Board of Education Update - Spring 2022 The Supercast
Enjoy following Superintendent Anthony Godfrey as he travels throughout the District telling amazing stories of students, teachers and staff on his podcast the “Supercast.” Subscribe today @ supercast.jordandistrict.org
Jordan Virtual Learning Academy
The Board of Education authorized the District to open the first of its kind K-12 Jordan Virtual Learning Academy. The online schools put students on a path to personalized learning with weekly in-person options. The schools are tuition free and open to any K-12 student in Utah. Find out more at virtual.jordandistrict.org
Majestic Elementary Arts Academy
The Board of Education authorized Majestic Elementary Arts Academy in West Jordan to offer all K-6 students a new choice in education beginning in the 2021-22 school year. The school focuses on Instrumental Music and Visual Arts as part of students’ daily classroom instruction. Find out more at majestic.jordandistrict.org
Partnership with Special Olympics Utah to Offer Unified Sports in Schools
The Unified Sports program brings students with and without special needs together on the playing field, using sports as a catalyst for social inclusion.
For the latest news & information please visit us at jordandistrict.org or find us on S outh JordanJ ournal.com
April 2022 | Page 11
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Gold Star Family Memorial Monument to be placed in South Jordan
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By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
he city of South Jordan, in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation, will be adding a Gold Star Family Memorial Monument to the South Jordan Cemetery located at 10630 S. and 1055 West. The monument will aim to honor the families of those fallen, who continually live with the loss of loved ones. The Woody Williams Foundation is a nonprofit organization named after the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, Hershel “Woody” Williams of Quiet Dell, West Virginia. The mission of the organization is “to honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their loved ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” According to the American Legion, during the first world war, a blue star flag represented that a family had someone serving in the U.S. armed forces. If the family's service member died, the blue star was replaced with a gold star. “We have so many memorials for those veterans, and on-service members and for those fallen service members,” said Alex Nauret, Director of Programs for the Woody Williams Foundation. “A lot of times, and even still today, [it’s] the education about the families of those service members, they also sacrifice too.” What started as a one-time monument placing in West Virginia, now has become a national acknowledgment with 90 monuments, at least one in each of the 50 states including one U.S. territory, and another 85 monuments in progress. The monument to be placed in South Jordan late this year will be the fourth in Utah once completed. A completed monument was dedicated in August 2020 in North Ogden, one was dedicated in March in St. George, and a monument is planned for Sandy
City for the year 2023. “Woody’s vision and his mission and his goal in life [was] to ensure that the education of the community and the citizens, [that] they truly understand what a gold star family member is,” Nauret said. The monument is made from India black granite and displays a gold star and cutout soldier standing at salute on one side, and on the other side four images are selected by the monument committee in the given location and display the words: homeland, family, patriot and sacrifice. Cemetery Sexton Kyle Bowen heads the committee for South Jordan which was formed by Mayor Dawn Ramsey. Bowen manages and oversees the daily operations of the cemetery including maintenance and burial-related activities. According to Bowen, the images selected for the four panels of the monument will be unique to South Jordan. The Foundation requires that all monument committees, no matter the location, have at least one representative who is a Gold Star family member. Sergeant First Class Scott Moxson, a former South Jordan resident, joined the Utah Army National Guard when he was 17 years old back in 2008. Moxson’s two younger brothers followed suit shortly after when they came of age. In January 2020, while on active duty, Moxson’s brother, Sergeant Douglas Lee Moxson, took his own life as a result of the traumatic things he saw and dealt with during the approximately nine months he spent working with the Southwest Border Mission. “Gold Star families are families of service members who died while on active-duty orders,” Moxson said. “Whether they
Woody Williams stands at salute through opening of a Gold Star Family Memorial monument. (Photo courtesy of Woody Williams Foundation)
died while in the United States or serving in a combat area.” After his brother’s passing, Moxson was made more aware of the Foundation and the Gold Star Family network. He subsequently worked on the committee for the North Ogden monument. His parents worked on the committee for the St. George monument. “The memorials are not about the soldier who has fallen,” Moxson said. “The memorials are about the survivors and families that have to live without their son, daughter, mom or dad.” Moxson hopes that this memorial and the others like it will help bring awareness to the mental health of the families who have lost loved ones to traumatic experiences. Those wanting to donate to the monument may visit the following website woodywilliams.org/monuments/jordan-ut. html. l
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April 2022 | Page 13
Annual art show boasts largest turnout By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
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he 14th annual South Jordan art show awards night was held on March 21 at the Gale Center of History and Culture. This year’s art show had more than 150 pieces of art ranging in 2D and 3D pieces by local artists, both amateur and professional, as well as youth artists. According to Triana Ord, the arts program coordinator for South Jordan City, it was the best turnout to date with more than 60 applicants, the youngest being 6 years of age. The entries were brought to the Gale Center on March 14. In charge of the voting were members of the South Jordan Arts Council, who had the unenviable task of selecting the third, second, and first place winners in each of the various categories. Janis McClellan has been a member of the South Jordan arts council for eight years. A professional painter and muralist herself, McClellan has painted numerous pictures for clients both commercially and privately. She was among those asked to select the prize-winning entries. “I’m always amazed at some of the talent,” McClellan said. “It’s fun to see the different artists and what they create.” One such artist was South Jordan resident Sushma Siddamsettiwar, who was unable to attend the show in person, but sent her husband Raj and son Rohan to attend in her place. A self-taught artist, according to her family, Siddamsettiwar had two entries in the art show, one was done in acrylic paint boasting vibrant colors and one drawing done in gray pencil. This is her third time entering work into the art show. The winner for the adult 3D category was Lee Allen Dillon, who had two pottery piece entries in the show. Dillon holds a bachelor’s degree in Art and Design and a master’s of Fine Arts, both from Brigham Young University. He has taught
pottery and sculpting classes across the Salt Lake Valley, both at the secondary and the collegiate level, and internationally in China. For Dillon, pottery is more than just a hobby, it’s a professional pursuit, as he has created and sold practical pieces of pottery such as dinnerware. According to Dillon, holding art shows encourages people to move away from screens and use a different part of the brain. “Having artwork, both 2D and 3D, around us everyday truly improves our aesthetic environment,” Dillon said. Mayor Dawn Ramsey attended the event and applauded the efforts of the applicants and those who coordinated the evening. The mayor acknowledged all the talent that is out there in the community and acknowledged that the art show provides a way for that talent to be seen and appreciated. “I love the art show, it is a really unique opportunity, one that I hope we continue doing forever as a city,” Ramsey said. “I think art is an important part of community and has proven to be important to our residents.” The public may visit the Gale Center and see the art on display until April 28. For a complete list of winners visit the following link www.sjc.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/1651/South-Jordan-City-14th-Annual-Art-Show-Winners-2022. Those wanting updates about the arts council events and contests can text SJCARTS to 85775. Those wanting to become more involved with the arts council may apply by completing the following application ww2.southjordanutah.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2016/02/APPLICATIONFORCOMMITTEES.pdf. l
Raj and Rohan Siddamsettiwar stand next to a drawing that was done by their wife and mother, Sushma. The piece is pictured to the top right and was drawn with pencil. (Photo by Rachel Aubrey/City Journals)
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Mayor Ramsey recaps legislative session, ‘a lot of really good outcomes’ By Collin Leonard | c.leonard@mycityjournals.com
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he 2022 Utah state legislative session wrapped up at the beginning of March, and Mayor Dawn Ramsey is excited to share what the state’s elected officials have been working on. As the President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Ramsey had the opportunity to represent South Jordan and 248 other cities and towns in talks with policy makers and elected officials. Her goal: “to be a strong and well informed voice for local government in these policy discussions.” In those sessions, there was a great deal of work on issues surrounding transportation. As new legislation is passed down from state officials, some cities struggle to find adequate resources for the technological improvements required. The mayor championed an initiative requesting additional funding for technological assistance so that cities can implement these requirements. Ramsey said “we are lucky to have many smart and talented people working for our city,” and this initiative will help many cities with resources and training. Water conservation throughout the state was another important topic this session. Around 100 lawmakers were flown above the Great Salt Lake in Black Hawk helicopters so they could see the seriousness of the problem first-hand. Some described the shrinking lake as nothing short of an emergency. In the session, $40 million was set aside from the general fund for conservation of the lake. Bills were also passed establishing a Utah Lake Authority, forbidding cities and HOAs from prohibiting water wise landscaping, and requiring water use reporting in various applications. The state will also require secondary water to be monitored. Ramsey was involved in securing a $200 million investment from the state. “[The requirements] come at a huge cost to the local governments, so I worked to make sure the state would
cover about 70% of the mandate,” Ramsey said. Ironically, the city of South Jordan has been proactively adding meters to secondary water connections and the project was completed just as the bill passed, so it won’t be receiving any funding. Ramsey is well known for her widespread involvement in the community, and is currently listed as being part of 32 boards and committees. Ramsey said “it’s important South Jordan has a seat at the table” when discussing important issues, and believes speaking from a knowledgeable place is the best way to gain the respect of legislators. In her second term, the mayor feels she is reaping the benefits of strong relationships with policy makers who want to listen. Ramsey was heavily involved in HB462, to put programs in place to collect data on housing. She feels “we can’t make the best decisions on housing unless we have good data.” Additionally, the mayor worked on HB440, involving services for those affected by homelessness, and HB151, a retail tax incentive bill, as a member of the governor's State Unified Economic Opportunities Commission. Some of the most contentious debates of the session revolved around education. As president of the Jordan Education Foundation, Ramsey was keeping a close eye on the proceedings, but was not personally involved in the legislation. A bill was passed approving the removal of sensitive materials from public schools; critics of the bill expressed concern about censorship. A proposal to introduce more requirements for curriculum transparency was another topic of debate, but was not passed. “Overall, there were a lot of really good outcomes for the city,” Ramsey said, as South Jordan officials begin adjusting to new changes and tackling new challenges. l
SALT LAKE VALLEY JOURNALS 7.73x5.49.eps
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Mayor Dawn Ramsey with retiring Rep. Lowry Snow at the Utah State Capitol. (Photo courtesy Dawn Ramsey)
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My year with the City Journals: A reflection and review of the contributions of women By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com
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ince I began as a reporter for the City Journals, I have had the privilege of interviewing some amazing people. The interview process has always been my favorite part of reporting. I have always enjoyed meeting someone new, learning about what makes them unique and writing their story for others to read. During March, the stories being shared were about women. March 8, officially known as International Women’s Day, was a day to highlight the unique contributions and achievements of women the world over. To put it more eloquently, “to provide education on how women helped shape the nation [world].” I’ve come to learn through my first year writing for the City Journals just how much women help shape our community and world. And how important their stories are to tell. I got the lead for my first story from Facebook, where I was able to get in touch with Kim Deverall, who specialized in giving haircuts to those living with special needs. We met at the salon she worked at, JCPenney at the District. Deverall works to meet new clients and make new connections providing one-on-one service for clients who have special needs due to autism or other neurological divergent disorders. “I am so lucky and honored to be in a position to help a population that is so frequently misunderstood,” Deverall said. “I love working for a company that has given me the ability to give neurodivergent individuals the dignity and socialization they deserve.” I then had the opportunity to interview another woman who took a big chance only to have it pay off in a delicious way. I met Carol Timmons, a business owner in South Jordan, and reported on her little slice of heaven in Flake Pie Company. Recently, Flake contributed $11,152 to help those in Ukraine through the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund. According to an Instagram post, the Flake Pie Company team baked and sold 3,477 flakies, their signature pastry. Anna Linner was a true gem from the moment I met her at the South Jordan Public Library. I wandered in one day looking for story leads actually, and Linner greeted me at the front desk, behind a large plastic shield (thanks Covid). I knew she had a story to share. And it turns out, I wasn’t wrong. Born in Hungary, she went on to earn a master’s of library sciences degree at age 50, to become a full-on librarian. Linner continues to work at the South Jordan library. I was enthusiastic to learn that there was a new Girl Scout troop being formed in South Jordan last summer for girls enrolled in kindergarten or first grade, and that Jen Bingman was to be their leader. Twice a month Bingman lets a group of talkative and eager five to seven year olds in her backyard to teach them things about building robots, planting trees and selling cookies.
Page 18 | April 2022
After many rounds of selection from Rocky Mountain Power Company, LiveDaybreak and the City of South Jordan, Durga Ekambaram’s painting was featured on a utility box in Daybreak. (Photo courtesy of Durga Ekambaram)
“We’ve had a fun first year with our Daisy troop,” Bingman said. “Our troop has had special challenges regarding meetings with Covid restrictions, cookie delays due to supply chain issues, and losing four troop leaders, but our families rallied around our troop to provide the support we needed to continue with our endeavors.” Then I met Durga Ekambaram after I saw her mural under the bridge of the Jordan River Trail at 10600 South. I have been able to follow her work on social media. The patience and the persistence it must take to create, to have an idea and to have to slowly nurture it to life is inspiring on many levels. The trail mural project has given Ekambaram the confidence to explore new mediums and techniques. In February, her mixed media artwork was selected to be displayed at the World of the Wild art show at the Hogle Zoo. Her watercolor paintings were also selected in November 2021 to be featured on a utility box in Daybreak. She is looking forward to several art displays at South Jordan City Hall, Millcreek Library and Utah Cultural Center. I was once again amazed not only by the physical strength of women, but their mental strength as well. I met Debbie Millet, a former weightlifting champion and now a coach to young women competing in the clean and press and the snatch. I spoke to some of these young women, in particular Malia Levy and Maci Wynn, who talked about their training schedules and their determination, and what it meant to have a female role model like Millet. According to Millet, Levy took gold at the American Open in Ohio late last year, and will
Girls from Troop 583 visited the fire station in Taylorsville in February to learn about respecting authority. (Photo taken by Jessica Ballard)
represent team USA at the Youth Pan Am and Youth Worlds this upcoming summer of 2022. Wynn is now one of the top three women in the country, lifting the previous American record in the snatch event. Wynn is now in a position to make the 2024 Summer Olympic team. Most recently, I met the heartwarming group known as Females in Action Salt Lake Valley or FIA. They welcomed me into their group, challenged me to a little physical exercise routine, gave me a nickname and explained how they as a group look out for one another. It
was heartwarming to see, as we live in a world that can be so divided, that these women will welcome and accept other women regardless of race, religion, economic status and a host of other things that often keep people at bay. We have women in our communities who are leaders, mentors, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, volunteers, professionals and all-around positive influences. All of these women, and many others like them whose stories I have yet to share, help shape the community, and their stories are relevant. l
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April 2022 | Page 19
Close to home: South Jordan’s surprising ties to Ukraine By Collin Leonard | c.leonard@mycityjournals.com
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tate Rep. Jordan Teuscher from District 42 took to the podium at South Jordan’s City Council meeting ahead of the approval of a new resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The South Jordan native’s ties to the region run deep; he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Ukraine, and met his wife Aliona while practicing law there. He still volunteers as a translator for families adopting Ukrainian orphans. The invasion has forced the Teuscher's friends and family to join the mass exodus of more than 3 million refugees pouring into Eastern Europe. Thankfully, Aliona Teuscher’s mother and sister safely made the journey to Romania for sanctuary. The state representative began his statements by reading a short poem from the poet Taras Shevchenko, a major figure of the Ukrainian national revival. The poem starts: Dear God, calamity again!.. It was so peaceful, so serene Teuscher used these lines and a brief historical account of the region to provide context for current events. "I strongly believe that if we don’t take the necessary steps right now this
is not going to stop at Ukraine," he said. “It’s not simply just a civil war, it's really an assault against democracy and an assault against all of us.” The cities of Kyiv, Mariupol, and Kherson, among others, have been especially devastated by airborne attacks since the invasion began on Feb. 24. The state representative is looking forward to “the opportunity to step up as a state and accept those refugees… integrate them into our great community.” The refugee ceiling has increased from 18,000 to 125,000 in the past two years, but according to the National Immigration Forum, resettlement infrastructure remains depleted. Currently the lengthy resettlement process takes an average of 18-24 months. Some criticized the council’s actions online, questioning the practical value and political timing of the action. At the state legislative session, an identical resolution co-sponsored by Jordan Teuscher was passed on Feb. 28. The city’s resolution was initiated by Councilmember Don Shelton, who was at first hesitant to bring it forward. “We’ve really made an effort to not get caught up in political machinations that are going on outside our city,” he said, but indicated the reality of the situation
Rep. Jordan Teuscher speaking at the Support for Ukraine rally, with wife Aliona and daughter Madeleine. (Photo courtesy Jordan Teuscher)
“was just weighing on [him] so much.” The approval came the day before Ukrainian President Zelensky, from a bunker in Kyiv, gave his virtual address to Congress to plead for the U.S support of a no-fly zone and a complete withdrawal of American businesses from Russia. President Biden committed another $800 million in military assistance following the address. Mayor Dawn Ramsey was a strong advocate for the resolution, while acknowledging how limited the options are for action on a local level. “We re-
alize there is not much South Jordan can do to end the conflict in Ukraine,” Ramsey said. “However, President Zelensky has asked for expressions of support from governments across the world.” She recently took to the steps of the state capitol along with hundreds of others during the Utah Ukrainian Association’s rally. “We want to add our voice to the global response for democracy by publicly expressing that we stand firmly with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.” l
2022–23 registration opens for Mini-Miner preschool By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjouirnals.com
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egistration now is open for Bingham High’s preschool. The preschoolers, who must be potty-trained and 4 years old by Sept. 1, usually come two mornings per week. The preschool class, typically with about 16 students, usually fills by summer. An online $40 deposit is required to hold a spot for the Mini-Miner preschool. After opening the Bingham Website at binghamminers.org, look under the resource tab for Preschool Mini-Miners. Additional information is there, including the monthly tuition of $85 per month for two days per week. Tours of the facility are available by emailing the instructor, Janae Dunn, who has her email listed on the webpage. Every day, preschoolers learn a letter
Page 20 | April 2022
and number along with a poem or story that helps them remember the sound. For example, preschoolers may have a space theme and learn the number 7, so high school students, who are teaching the preschoolers under the supervision of Dunn, will share a story about the moon and space that ties in with the number. Preschoolers may make their own moon rocks or create their own astronaut masks to tie to the theme. All the hands-on activities are developmentally appropriate, Dunn said. Themes have ranged from water and ice to jungle animals or dinosaurs, and the activities extends to art, science or sensory, literacy and math. High school students, who each usually oversee two preschoolers, adapt the lessons to fit each individual’s ability.
The room has multiple stations, including a large carpet area where high school students, many who want to enter a career in education, lead beginning activities and story time and hands-on stations for science or sensory, math and language arts. On Fridays, without preschoolers, high school students, who already have taken child development or early childhood education I courses, focus on lesson planning and going through curriculum with Dunn. The preschool also traditionally offers guest speakers from a firefighter and a dentist to a magician or a clown. They celebrate holidays as well, including the recently scheduled leprechaun hunt around Bingham High with each preschooler wearing leprechaun glasses. l
S outh Jordan City Journal
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55+ Community offers better living for retirees While nobody likes to see another open field disappear to housing, it is nice to see that it will be constructed by a builder who has a strong reputation for not only building quality homes, but homes and communities that are attractive and fun. Hearthstone Villas, located at 9550 S. 3400 W. has just opened its first building for sale. While supply and labor shortages threaten to slow construction, the builder is committed to doing all in their power to open four new homes for sale each month. This long-anticipated community will soon have its community clubhouse under construction also, with its accompanying amenities, like a pool, theater, exercise room, billiards, library, community gathering areas. This community is also planning on installing two pickleball courts and some horseshoe pits in the next phase of construction. Needless to say, there will be plenty to do, and great people to do it with. If you would like more information about this new community, you can speak with a representative by visiting the sales office on site, or by calling: 801-653-1291.
April 2022 | Page 21
Welby students solve math problems to locate their missing mascot
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hanks to some Welby students, Special Agent Whiskers has been safely located. The mystery began in mid-February when the school’s mascot went missing. Special Agent in Charge, aka Principal Aaron Ichimura in shades, told Michelle Smith’s fifth grade class as newly deputized special agents, their mission was to solve math problems for secret letters. Once the problems were all solved, they would have the code to reveal the location of the missing mascot. But it wasn’t as simple as that. Wearing special agent stickers, the students went to their class to find it a maze of math problems that were attached to strings that crisscrossed the room. The room was dark with the problems illuminated by colored café lights and black lights. “Ms. Smith is always looking for exciting ways for students to learn and review concepts,” Ichimura said. “It’s always appreciated when teachers go through extra efforts to make learning a fun experience for students.” This day, students were reviewing their math, answering “how can you easily solve two-digit division” or solving 52/103 or identifying which is the divisor in a math problem. “The kids love when we intertwine something unusual into a normal day, so to have an adventure while reviewing for a test, it makes it fun,” Smith said. She recently received the black lights when her Donors Choose grant was funded and has plans to use them in other fun ways. “This is not just a way for them to review the con-
Page 22 | April 2022
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com cepts, but it’s a fun way to make sure they understand, and it’s inquiry-based,” Smith said. “If they have questions about learning, they ask. They also are moving about; I can’t expect them to sit all day long.” Fifth grader Aaron Beck said he appreciated the chance to decode the mystery of Special Agent Whiskers while doing math problems. “By solving the math problems, I’m decoding the secret message,” he said. “It’s a fun and interactive way to do math.” Classmate Charly Stoker said that some problems were easy to solve while others they had to slow down to make sure they got the answers correctly. “We’re practicing for the test,” she said. “Ms. Smith tries to make all our learning fun.” Her friend, Sela Maumau said Ms. Smith recently dressed up to help them learn their history lessons. “She dressed up like [Meriwether] Lewis when we were learning about the westward expansion with her coon hat and ox bag,” she said. Smith also recently dressed as Ben Franklin when her students were learning about the Declaration of Independence. “I try to bring history to life, and in any way I can, I make learning fun and engaging,” she said. Ichimura appreciates her ingenuity. “She’s very creative and looks for new ad fun ways to teach the kids the core curriculum,” he said. “The vibe I get is that these students are very excited about it. They’re
Welby fifth grade teacher Michelle Smith helps her class, as special agents, with their math problems that reveal a code to solve the case of the missing school mascot. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
hyped up and that’s a good thing, especially as they get into older grades; she has a way to get students excited about learning and participating in activities.” l
S outh Jordan City Journal
Elk Meadows Elementary students’ random acts of kindness brightness others’ days By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ricia Troester is hoping Elk Meadows students are spreading a little kindness in their worlds. The school production and recess assistant recently headed Elk Meadows Random Acts of Kindness Week in February to unite the school community. “We wanted students to learn kindness changes everything—no matter how small, no act of kindness goes unappreciated,” she said. “Students are learning that together we become stronger and rise when we lift each other up, and it doesn’t have to end once our Kindness Week is over.” Along with the other two production and recess assistants, Suzanne Drake and Elisa Bateman, Troester set daily themes during the Kindness Week such as Thank-you Tuesday where an appreciation station was created in the lunchroom that had paper and pencils for students. “The students wrote short appreciation letters thanking Mr. Jeff (Welch, the custodian) for everything he does, to the cafeteria
workers for providing good healthy meals, to their bus drivers, the principal, the librarian, everyone,” she said, adding that she received notes for keeping them safe on the playground. “The students put a lot of thought into their notes.” The next day was “Warm Fuzzy Wednesday,” and students wrote notes to their classmates, complimenting them. “There were all sorts of positive messages about a person on the note. Every student got a note, a warm fuzzy,” said Troester, who remembered doing something similar when she was a student. On Friday, students ate lunch with other peers who shared the same birthday month, so they had an opportunity to eat with someone outside their classroom. Fifth grader Katie Giles was sitting alongside others in her birthday month. “It’s a really good way to make friends and get to know them better since we have something in common,” she said. “It’s been a special week, and we’re all being a little
kinder. I think it’s helping to unify our school.” To further promote the week, every day students could share their random acts of kindness by drawing a way they can be kind or writing it on a paper heart. The hearts ranged from “I helped with the dishes” to “I can be kind by taking turns” to showing how they can play with someone who needs a friend at recess. By the end of the week, the paper kindness tree was adorned with hearts that stretched throughout the hallways of the school. Troester also works monthly with classes to create a guided art experience that often ties into the season or monthly holiday. For February, it tied into kindness and Valentine’s, in the style of pop artist Chris Uphues’ “Beautiful Days” with bright colored hearts with smiley faces. “The kids love learning about an artist, and this has been such a fun one to create art in his style,” she said. “They’re getting into it, and it just makes everyone’s day.” Students also could try to work
At Elk Meadows, a kindness tree was adorned with hearts representing random acts of kindness students did during the school’s kindness week to brighten someone’s day. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
on the random acts of kindness challenge bingo, which they completed when they played with someone new at recess, offered to help someone who needs, told a friend what they liked about them, smiled to someone in the hallway or other simple acts.
“The big thing is that we just want to bring smiles of kindness with just simple, small things we can easily do,” Troester said. “Just by being kind, we can make someone’s day.” l
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Paradigm students on way to raising thousands of dollars for American Cancer Society By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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lmost everyone has been impacted by someone having cancer, including students at Paradigm. That’s why they earmarked funds raised from their annual Penny Wars fundraiser to go to the American Cancer Society. “Our student congress talked about a lot of ideas and the impact we have—a couple of mentors (teachers) and scholars (students) whose families have been affected by cancer—made this really close to their hearts,” said Keith Debono, Paradigm teacher and student government adviser. “After last year, with making a big difference in people’s lives, they liked the idea of helping people.” During the three-week charity drive last year, they raised more than $25,000 to support Operation Underground Railroad, an organization that has been dedicated to rescue children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Debono said that’s enough funds to help on three rescue missions or the organization could buy and train a rescue dog who could save even more lives. “The look on our scholars’ faces when they realize a game they’re playing or the pennies they’re contributing can change lives, it’s intense,” he said.
“Le Dad” band played at Paradigm where concert-goers could donate to the school’s annual Penny Wars fundraiser; this year, the benefactor is the American Cancer Society. (Photo courtesy of Paradigm Schools.)
The year before they raised $21,000 to help farmers who lost their livelihood during the Australia bush fires. “It helped five different families rebuild and purchase livestock that had been lost in the fires,” he said. “We contacted Vinnies (Bush Appeal) a week before sending them the check and said, ‘We’re this charter school of 400 people in South Jordan, Utah, and we decided that we’re sending you thousands of dollars. They were receiving a lot of donations at the time, but to have such a random one from this tiny school half the world away, was a bit of a shock for them. The families were super grateful.” Debono said the students want to raise even more money this year. “Our enrollment is up, and I’m hoping that, along with some new strategies to raise money, will help us reach more people who want to support the kids’ raising funds for the American Cancer Society,” he said. “Every single step goes to the cause; last year someone asked why we didn’t print a giant check to give to our cause. It’s because every cent goes to the charity.” The school backs the students, hosting jazz concerts, a carnival, a Broadway showcase and other events, where donations can be collected. This year, Le Dad band also performed at the school to support their fundraiser. Students also will be collecting funds from individuals. Some students go door to door while others have been able to get donations as people exit at nearby stores. Some local businesses also support their cause and dedicate proceeds from the day. While the goal is for the school to help
their cause, there also is a mini-competition within the school walls, with “Kedge,” or a preparatory-homeroom, classes each battling to see which can bring in the most funds. That is one of the things senior Daniel Furniss, who has attended Paradigm Schools since seventh grade, likes about the annual Penny Wars fundraising. “It brings a little competition to the school, but it also is a uniting factor as we’re all in the end working toward one big goal of donating money, but it’s still super fun to have that competition between classes,” he said, adding that students in classes try to reach out to businesses to contribute and when they do, their donations count to the class and ultimately, the school total. Classmate Kelln Pratt said as a former student cabinet member, the experience of organizing and seeing Penny Wars was “one of the hardest, most stressful experiences, but the reward is so beautiful.” “It’s so cool to see the school come together to raise money for such amazing causes. Just to see all the good and bring about such unity. There are no words to describe the feeling; it’s just a positive energy and we’re helping so many,” she said. Pratt said she and other students are close to a teacher who has been going through cancer treatments. “When you see somebody that we love so deeply go through this type of thing—and I know many people at the school have family members who have struggled with cancer—it’s just so rewarding to be able to do something to help,” she said. l
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S outh Jordan City Journal
After a state title in lacrosse’s inaugural year in Utah, Bingham’s girls settle into Region 3
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
quite adept at slinging the ball in 2021. During what was also their inaugural season in the sport of lacrosse, the Miners went 12-3 overall in Division A. One of the more impressive statistics was that the Miners boys scored 10 or more points in 11 of those 15 regular season games. They also had five shutouts in those 15 games before falling in the first round of the Division A state tournament at Davis in a back-and-forth 12-9 loss. The Miners boys are four games into their current season, sitting at 1-3 overall after some tough losses to open the season: at Pleasant Grove 4-9; at Bountiful 7-8 in overtime; and in Bingham’s home opener against American Fork 2-11. Bingham boasts 10 seniors and 11 juniors on its roster, which is among the largest in the state. A player to watch on the team is junior Nicolas Anderson, who scored four goals last year in just one game against rival Herriman. Another is senior Jaxon Butterfield who also had a huge game last year against Herriman, flinging in two goals and tossing over three assists. Now that all Utah high school teams
The 2022 Bingham girls lacrosse varsity and junior varsity squads. (Photo courtesy Sydney Christensen)
participating in lacrosse are classified into the same regions as in other sports — save for West — there is still a lot of lacrosse
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MAY 13-MAY 28, 2022
arrying inside its stick the hopes of a team that won four straight games to capture a state title, the Bingham Miners girls lacrosse team goes into the 2022 season with the aim of flinging the ball back to that promised land. “We are very excited for this season,” said Bingham head coach Sydney Christensen, whose team competed in what was the first year that girls lacrosse was recognized and officially sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association. Therefore, all participating schools last year were grouped into three separate divisions rather than regions, and Bingham’s was placed into Division C for girls lacrosse only. This year marks the first year that all Utah high schools will be grouped into the respective regions in which they play their other sports. That means that going into the 2022 season the Miners will be in Class 6A Region 3. They opened their season on Wednesday, March 22 at Copper Hills, winning in decisive fashion with a score of 16-3. “The girls came together yesterday and worked as a team,” Christensen said. “They were communicating what needed to happen, connecting their passes, and being smart with their shots.” The coach added that it’s really hard to single out any one specific player for Bingham to look out for on the field this season, but when the Miners play as a team they are going to be hard to contain. “We have very talented girls that, put together, are unstoppable! It’s hard to pick out specific players because of the amount of talent,” added the coach. “But, some of my returning contenders are Ashlyn Smith, Afton Wilson, Kaycee Ellison, Brenna Miller, Addison Hatch and Sophie Curtis. Some new players to my varsity that are already showing that they are a force to be reckoned with are Bailey James, Taylor Ford, Sophie Grizzle and Norah Davis.” Region 3 will be no cakewalk in girls lacrosse for the defending state champions, a fact that the coach is acutely aware of. “We will definitely have some tough teams in our region,” said Christensen. “Mountain Ridge, Herriman, and Riverton are all going to be tough competitors, but if we play like we did last night [at Copper Hills] they will be close, good games.” Boys Lacrosse The Miners boys started their first-ever Region 3 campaign on March 22 as well, winning 6-5 over Copper Hills in a battle. The two teams also met last year, with Bingham taking a convincing win by the score of 13-0. On the boys' side, Bingham was also
APR. 1-16, 2022
C
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
left to be played under the boys' head coach Brent Everill, who has a 12-6 career record at the school. l
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If it’s moist, the tree is getting enough water,” Trent says. One way to help your trees stay moist is with mulch, and spring is a perfect time to add mulch to your yard. Mulch improves soil moisture and prevents soil from drying out too quickly. Customers might not know that Diamond Tree has a vibrant green waste-to-mulch program. All tree branches, stumps and trunks are converted into mulch; they have colored mulch in red, dark brown, chocolate brown, black to just a natural color for
decorating your yard. They also have a fine mulch product that’s good for gardens to break up the soil. They will have an organic mulch or soil product to fit any of your needs. Diamond Tree also excels in tree trimming and removal, so if you have a dead or damaged tree, they can grind the stump and roots so another tree can be planted in the same location. If you have damaged branches, they can come and remove those for you and trim your tree for optimal growth and health. Damage to trees and shrubbery can come from pests, diseases, or pollution, but the experts at Diamond Tree can identify the problem and create solutions for long-term health. The company provides soil testing, tree spraying and deep-root injections to promote viability. “We’ll come out and take a look at it and let you know what’s going on with your tree,” says Diamond Tree CFO Elvin Serrano. “If anyone ever calls for tree work, we always send an estimator to provide a free expert evaluation of the tree and estimate for any work needed.” That personal service is one reason Diamond Tree Experts is a leader in the industry. Building long lasting relationships is a big factor in the success of the company. Hiring professionals who are hardworking and trustworthy is a must for Diamond Tree and has helped establish its legacy of excellent customer service. “When I’m taking care of customers, I’m making sure I’m treating everybody’s yard like it’s my own backyard,” Trent says. For more information or to have an expert check out your trees, call 801-938-4345 or visit DiamondTreeExperts.com.
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S outh Jordan City Journal
Bingham boys soccer chipping away after a state quarterfinal exit last year
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he preseason is all about tinkering, according to head coach Leo Gonzalez. Fine-tuning lineups with the ultimate objective of reaching a decision about which 11 players will take the field for the Region 3 opener. And who better to tinker and chip away at something than a miner? Namely, a Bingham Miners boys soccer team that lost more than a few players due to graduation. “We lost about 14 to 15 seniors last season,” Gonzalez said. “Pretty much the whole varsity team, so the fact that we are where we are; we’re pleased with the progress.” According to Gonzalez, who is now in his fifth year at the school, his 2022 seniors are responding. Kids who played largely on the Miners’ junior varsity team last year—13 in all, he added, are stepping up to the varsity role Of those senior players, Gonzalez said that he likes what he’s seeing from his backline at Bingham thus far and believes they will form the backbone to this year’s team. “Our whole defense is key [to success],” added Gonzalez, whose
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com team has had two overarching goals — win region and advance deep at state — every season that he’s been Bingham’s coach. The four-man backline consisting of Bridger Heyward, Adam Goodrich, Connor Youlton and Gabe Morris — all seniors — is critical to what Gonzalez hopes his team will accomplish. Behind this backline stands the goalkeeper, a position whose fulltime starter is still undecided, Gonzalez said. At this point he’s been rotating between two boys: freshman Riley Whicker, who has had the Miners’ only shutout to date, and Collin Canning, a junior who just moved into the area and is new to Bingham. “We’re excited with what we have, but definitely the defense will be key in giving these goalies a little time to settle and grow into their position,” added Gonzalez. To date, Bingham [4-1] has played highly competitive games this preseason, never allowing more than two goals in any game. Another reason the Miners have been seeing some success, said
Gonzalez, is due to a very talented and deep midfield/forward line. Led by senior midfielder/forward Ethan Beckman with three goals, one in each of the wins at Pleasant Grove and at Westlake, he has been helped by the play of senior midfielder/forward Hampton Davis, who has a goal and assisted on the two goals that Beckman scored. The dynamic duo has combined to help lead the Miners to a 2-1 victory over a red-hot American Fork team on March 14, a 2-1 win at Westlake March 16, the 1-0 shutout victory at Pleasant Grove and a 1-0 win at home to Wasatch. The only blemish on the Miners' record has been a 2-1 defeat at home to Lone Peak on March 23, in which Beckman continued his torrid scoring pace [3 goals in 4 games] with another goal for Bingham. Other attacking contributors thus far in the preseason, according to the coach, include senior midfielder Caleb Nance, who scored a goal in the American Fork game, and senior midfielder J West Lee, who combined on the goal with Davis in that game as well.
Gabe Morris is part of a formidable Miners team reloading from a year ago. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
“I think these boys will be crucial to the way we’re going to play this season,” added Gonzalez, who said he has a few returning varsity players in this year’s squad, including Beckman. “We keep finishing second every season [in region] but we have what it takes this year, from what I’m seeing, to progress further at state, and the kids understand what we want to accomplish.” Along with the 13 seniors these Miners will bring to the pitch in 2022,
two juniors made the varsity squad as did one sophomore and one freshman. In order of their jersey numbers the Bingham boys soccer varsity for 2022 will be: Riley Whicker, Andres Weller, Mason Guymon, Bridger Heward, Gabe Morris, Caleb Nance, Jaxon Simister, J West Lee, Kade Davis, Hampton Davis, Adam Goodrich, Kade Whipple, Chase Kartchner, Brendan Parker, Connor Youlton, Ethan Beckman and Collin Canning. l
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with in-home estimate & FREE gutter inspection! EXPIRES APRIL 30, 2022 Consumer Disclosure/Award Rules: All participants who attend an estimated 60-90 minute in-home product consultation will receive a $50 gift card. No purchase is necessary. Retail value is $50. Offer sponsored by LeafGuard Holdings, Inc. Limit one gift card per household. LeafGuard procures, sells, and installs seamless gutter protection. This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. If married or have a life partner, both cohabitating persons must attend and complete presentation together. Participants must have a valid photo ID, understand English, and be legally able to enter into a contract. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of LeafGuard or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a LeafGuard in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former LeafGuard customers. Promotion may not be extended, transferred, or substituted except that LeafGuard may substitute a gift card of equal or greater value if it deems it necessary. Gift card and terms and conditions (https://www.darden.com/gift-cards/terms-and-conditions) of such gift card will be mailed to the participant via first class US Mail within 21 days of receipt of promotion form provided at consultation. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount of any kind. Offer not sponsored or promoted by Darden Restaurants and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation.
$99 Installation EXPIRES APRIL 30, 2022
Offer does not include cost of material. Discount applied by representative at time of contract execution.
LeafGuard operates as LeafGuard of Utah in Utah under license number UT 11650889-5501
Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free!
I WILL SELL YOUR PROPERTY FOR 2% THINKING OF SELLING? I WILL SAVE YOU THOUSANDS! 4.5% TOTAL 2% listing side and 2.5 % buyer includes MLS, open houses, professional photos, negotiating, and yard sign. LOOKING TO PURCHASE?
Let me help you find your dream home! Full-service realtor serving all of Utah with 21 years’ experience.
Buy One Get One 1/2 Off Open for Take Out
$5 0FF $25 Or More
801-280-4099
801-446-6644 www.tusharexpress.com
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 4/30/2022.
DELIVERY: Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats
7251 Plaza Center Drive • SpudToddos.com
Page 30 | April 2022
1078 West 10400 South • South Jordan, UT 84095
S outh Jordan City Journal
Taken to the cleaners
A
ppliances are like Christmas lights. When one goes out, they all go out. We’ve spent the last couple of years replacing appliances, and not easy things like toasters or the electric carving knife. We’re talking a dishwasher, a dryer, a refrigerator, and now our washing machine. I hated to tell my husband the bad news, not because of the expense but because I had to brace myself for the laundry puns. He has loads of them. But I threw in the towel and waited for his list to unfold. “Well, sheet,” he started. “I spilled laundry soap and now my hands are Tide. I’d better come clean ‘cause I’m in a lot of hot water. I’m all washed up. Oh, the irony!” Once that was done, I had to decide the best way to clean our clothes until the new washer was delivered. Options were 1) go to a laundromat, 2) drive to Utah Lake where I could wash my clothes against a rock until developers make Utah Fantasy Island, or 3) say, “Alexa, do the laundry.” The laundromat won. It’s been years since I’ve visited a laundromat. I bought a chai tea latte to sip, packed a book to read whilst waiting for clothes to dry, and a notebook to write pithy thoughts. My first impression of the laundromat was the warmth from the dryers and the smell of fabric softener was so cozy. This will be joyous, I thought. Maybe I’ve found
SOUTH JORDAN
YARD SERVICES
Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Mowing, Concrete Senior Discounts
Call Dan:
801-518-7365
CONCRETE
T3 Concrete LLC
Specializes in Driveways, Walkways, Patios, Foundations, Retaining Walls, Basement Entrances Stamp & Color Concrete Call Mate’ for a FREE Estimate
801-918-8843 GUTTER REPAIR
Jack’s Pro Gutter and Cleaning 85% of gutters are repairable!
21 years experience - licensed and insured
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
my new community. Things went downhill quickly. While inserting 19 quarters (!!) into the machine, I shoved clothes into the washer and noticed my tea had spilled all over the laundry basket. I grabbed my tea, closed the washer door, and sliced my finger open, leaving bloody fingerprints on the handle. Trying not to think about what types of bacteria live on the handle of a laundromat washing machine, I considered leaving the blood there so the next person would wonder if a serial killer had washed his T-shirts. But I used a damp, tea-soaked towel to wipe it up and looked for a place to sit. Making my way to a row of stiff, plastic chairs, I sat down to enjoy the lukewarm remains of my tea. I opened my book and looked around the room where people sat staring at cell phones. No one made eye contact.
LAWNCARE SERVICES Lawn Care Service 30 Years Experience
Spring Yard Clean Up Mowing, Trimming, Edging, Aeration, Aeration & Power Raking, Sprinker Repair Reasonable Prices! We also accept Venmo. Ask for Bernie 801-916-5463
PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS ENJOY THE OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER
• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches • Steel Handrails • Quality Decks
Call John today for a FREE estimate.
Call for a FREE estimate today
801-882-2332
www.aspen-roofing.com
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Free Estimate - 385-300-0869
METAL ROOFING
801-449-1939
Randy’s Tire and Muffler
Complete Auto Repair & Service Manager Owned and Operated Serving Bluffdale/South Valley for 3 Generations 14250 S Redwood Rd 801.254.9971
RandysTireAndMuffler.com
Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.
Call Dan:
801.518.7365
CONCRETE
Call Ala for Estimate 801-835-0051
SIDING
Installations & Repairs
CONCRETE WORK
Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service
WE SPECIALIZE IN CONCRETE.
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Apex Clean Air
dryer (another eight quarters!) and sat mesmerized as my clothes flailed through the hot air, like a wacky inflatable man at a car dealership. Then, time was up. I took my stilldamp clothes and waved farewell to my new friends, eyes locked on their screens. I returned home to find my husband pacing and muttering. “I’m so agitated. You just wring me out. Am I bleaching to the choir? Can we have soap-a-pillas for dinner?” Now that our new washer is connected, we’re as happy as two peas in a Tide pod. I’ll let myself out.
Metal Man Roofing LONGEVITY, DURABILITY SAFETY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, LIFE-TIME WARRANTY
801-509-9007
Automotive Services
Specializing in metal roofs, wall panels, and exterior window treatments.
CALL AND RECEIVE A $200 VISA GIFT CARD WITH YOUR LEAFGUARD PURCHASE!
801-205-5999
METAL EXTERIORS
ASPEN ROOFING
One-Piece System, Professional Installation
Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years
De-icing and leaf protectors Call or text Jack
801-865-6382
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.
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
Call today for a free in home estimate.
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
I leaned toward the young man next to me. “Do you come here often?” I whispered, like a crazy lady. It sounded like a bad pickup line at a laundry-themed bar. He shifted his body away from me and continued Tik Toking. My finger dripped blood on the floor. My brain conjured a Broadway musical set in a laundromat. It could have country-western songs, cowboy boots, and line dancing on the machines. It would be called “Bleach, please.” I googled “Broadway laundromat” on my phone. There it was: “Honky Tonk Laundry.” Well, I tried. I moved clothes from the washer to the
Capitol Exteriors
Siding – Soffit – Fascia – Raingutters
Call NOW For SPECIALS (801) 253-2566 ROOFING
801-272-7000
All types of roofs
$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.
Concrete Installation & Removal | Flatwork Patios | Walkways | Driveways | RV Pads Stamp & Color | Garages | Retaining Walls
AnEConstructionLLC@gmail.com
TREE SERVICES
INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS
Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience
801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES
WATER SOFTENER RELIABLE SOFT WATER without the typical water softener problems
• Zero maintenance • No breakdowns • 2/3 LESS salt
For free in-home estimate:
visit www.KineticoUtah.com or call 801-890-5344
DECKS & HANDRAILS
Utahs Best Decks Building Utah’s BEST Decks for over 25 years with quality & integrity. BestDecksInUtah.com Call John today for a FREE estimate.
801-205-5999
VEHICLES WANTED
We’ll buy your running & non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.
(801) 506-6098 CarSoldForCash.com A Local Utah Company
FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS
OLYMPUS ROOFING
801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973
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
April 2022 | Page 31
NO SURGERY. NO DRUGS. NO GIMMICKS.
THE PAIN STOPS HERE
ROBOTIC GUIDED CLASS IV LASER & SPINAL DECOMPRESSION • BACK PAIN • SCIATICA • SPINAL DEGENERATION • NEUROPATHY • FAILED SURGERY • SPINAL STENOSIS • ARTHRITIS • WHIPLASH • HERNIATED & BULGING DISCS • AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES AND MORE Join the hundreds of patients that have experienced complete relief from the frustrating pain of severe back, neck, and joint problems without surgery, without drugs, and without having to live feeling miserable.
86-94% SUCCESSFUL in the Treatment of Serious Spinal Conditions!
“Dozens of doctors told me that there was nothing more that they could do to expect to be in a wheel chair. I went from the top 1% in the army Special Forces to being in so much pain that I could not tie my shoe or hold my new daughter. I did physical therapy and pain killers for years, but nothing worked. Finally, I went to Dr. Smith and I improved exactly as he told me I would. I couldn’t believe it! My wife cried, “I have my husband back.” —Steve M., Army Special Forces
Comprehensive Spinal Exam, Consultation (X-rays if needed) & 2 Pain Relieving Treatments for $27
(801) 302-0280 AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES ARE 100% COVERED BY AUTO INSURANCE