West Jordan City Journal | March 2026

Celebrating Cultures

Volunteers can accompany police officers for support Page 9

Multicultural night aims to promote unity Page 20

Ukrainian leaders tour Utah cities looking for ways to develop and thrive

By Rachel Aubrey | r.aubrey@mycityjournals.com

The delegates toured cities with hopes of helping their own communities to progress and develop and not just survive despite war.

In a unique opportunity of collaboration and cooperation, West Jordan city leaders in partnership with the Utah based non-governmental organization, forPeace, hosted a delegation of municipal leaders from Novovorontsovka, Ukraine from Feb. 9-12.

The delegates came with the intention of learning more about local governments, local public works, and local parks and recreation departments in hopes of finding ways for their town’s residents, to not only survive, but thrive in the wake of the Russian invasion.

The delegates included Head of Military Administration Andrii Seletskiy, County Advisor Juliy Morozov, Director of Public Utilities Serhii Pylypenko, and Chief Specialist of Project Work and Investments Karyna Dobrovolska.

The multiday city tour included Sandy, North Salt Lake, Bountiful, West Jordan, Spanish Fork and Nephi.

“We really enjoy Utah,” Morozov said. “We expected to meet a lot of great people who care about Ukraine.”

During the city council meeting held on the evening of Feb. 10, city leaders from West Jordan unanimously approved a motion to sign a memorandum of understanding, a “soft law,” non-binding agreement that outlines a willingness to collaborate with Novovorontsovka.

“We want to learn and to think correctly and have the right vision,” Seletskiy said. “We want to discuss our questions of development with you.”

Watermelons and resilience

Located in the Southern territory, in the Kherson region, the town of Novovorontsovka is primarily agrarian and the main crop is watermelon.

Geographically, Novovorontsovka is situated five miles from Russian occupied Ukraine. Before the war, the 10 villages that comprised the region had approximately 13,000 residents. Currently, the population has decreased by half with one village lost, due in large part to the destruction that has overwhelmed the area.

Part of that destruction included the Kahhovska dam, which once held the equivalent amount of water as the Great Salt Lake. Residents were without adequate water to drink for approximately two years.

Town leaders had to rely on 200-year-old water wells, known only through historians and American archival maps from the 1940s.

The delegates came to Utah in hopes of gaining knowledge and understanding of public works systems, especially water systems.

“We don’t [only want] to survive,” Dobrovolska said. “We want to develop. We have people in our community, so we have to create any opportunities for their normal life.”

After being occupied by Russian forces for seven months, the area was liberated in October of 2022 by the Ukrainian Army. forPeace for progress

West Jordan City Attorney Josh Chandler served a mission in Ukraine for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints approximately 25 years ago. Since that time, he has been actively interested and invested in helping the people of Ukraine.

Chandler connected with Britta Ellwanger, Ukraine relief project director with forPeace. Ellwanger has lived and worked in Ukraine for approximately 10 years. She accompanied the delegates on the various tours of Utah cities. Her mission is to facilitate not only tangible relief but also long-standing solutions to help the Ukrainian people press forward.

“First of all, you see how ordinary Ukrainians have been reacting and responding to the war, which is extraordinary,” Ellwanger said. “These are heroes. But they’re heroes because they’re ordinary and they’re just people.”

According to the website, “The forPEACE Ukraine Relief Project deals in hyperlocalized targeted aid. We focus on precise, small assistance that has force multiplying impact. We work with Ukrainians in the war zone effectively connecting the power of international financial support with the expertise of Ukrainian networks, medical professionals, and trusted community organizers that know what is needed, where it is needed, and how to get it there in record time.”

The Ukrainian leaders along with the leaders of West Jordan City agreed that help and aide come in lots of different ways.

“Once you humanize the crisis, like there’s a natural link, and there’s something you can do, and it’s real, and it has lasting impact,” Ellwanger said. “You know, it’s more than just survival, it’s continued life, and it’s victory.”

Head of Military Administration Seletskiy admitted that there was a lot of work to do once they return to Ukraine.

For more information about how to help and become involved visit forpeace.us. l

A middle school teacher incorporates service into every class, club, school and community activity in which she’s involved.

By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Ann Lobos can find a way to make anything into a service project because she believes, “If you’re here on the earth, you should make it a better place.” As a College and Career Awareness teacher at Joel P. Jensen Middle School in West Jordan, she teaches various topics throughout the year and she fits in a service element into every one.

During the sewing skills unit, her students sew hats for the homeless. During the graphic design unit, her students digitally design a card for veterans or a mug for a teacher appreciation gift. Her manufacturing pathway students design an assembly line for making PB&J sandwiches for the homeless. When students choose her classroom for JPJMS’s daily 30-minute intervention time, they assemble the sandwiches, or color the veterans’ cards or make pompoms for the hats.

And when students needed tickets to play games at the quarterly citizenship reward party, Lobos offered a few to anyone who wrote a thoughtful note to be delivered with the sandwiches.

“I wish that there was more service integrated into schools, because the kids are there and sometimes they’re not doing the most productive things, so we could have them do something that’s doing, giving, making the world a better place,” Lobos said.

For several years, Lobos has hosted family service nights at local libraries, but now that she teaches at Joel P. Jensen Mid-

Service is her subject

dle School, she hosts them there. They are held the second Monday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. Community members often find out about the activities through JustServe or word of mouth. There is always something for young kids to help with. Families express appreciation of having a service project their family can do that they don’t have to organize themselves. Lobos loves to see families spending time together and teaching their kids about serving others.

“For me, it’s as much about the project we’re donating as it is the people,” she said. “Because if you come to the event and see the people at the events, it’s about the dad sitting there next to the son, sewing on a button, right? I get a little emotional, because it’s cute, because it’s about the family doing stuff together.”

Lobos also hosts a 12-18 Youth Service activity, every first Monday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at her school. Students who are earning service hours for National Honor Society come from all over the valley to participate. A Bingham High student who used to be a regular at the family service nights now comes to the youth activities.

“It feels good to do something and make a difference and do something good with your time,” she said.

Lobos said the open community service activities are two-fold. “It’s doing something that’s going to help someone else, but it’s also having people sitting there next to each other and chatting and meeting someone they may not have met somewhere else,” she said.

The projects are mainly funded by Shaun Michel through the South Jordan Rotary Club (of which Lobos is a member and past president) and they mostly benefit local communities. “There’s a lot of people in our state that need help, and so I try really hard to keep those projects in the state,” Lobos said.

Volunteers, including Lobos’ mom

Joann Taylor, made stuffed animal bunnies and ducks to fill Easter baskets given to immigrant families. “We’ll have a stuffed animal in there, and we fill tons of Easter eggs,” Lobos said. “Kids really have a lot of fun filling the Easter eggs with candy and stuff.”

Eighth grader Madeline Young is a regular at the youth service activities and a member of the JPJMS service club. In the last year and a half, she has helped make countless hats, stuffed animals and blankets.

“I always think the blanket one is good, because I know someone’s going to get one, and it’ll probably make them happy,” she said.

Madeline likes knowing she’s helping organizations that help people in need.

“I think we take a lot off their load by helping out,” she said.

She believes her small efforts can make a big difference.

“Something that I always try to remember is, even smiling at someone can make someone’s day, and they can go on to help someone else,” she said. “I think with the hats, it’s going to make someone else’s life easier, and they might be able to help someone else because a bit of their time will be freed up. And just seeing other people serve others kind of motivates me to serve others, too.” l

WEST JORDAN TEAM

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Understanding Endometriosis: Helping Women Avoid Struggling in Silence

For many women, pelvic pain is dismissed as “normal” or “just part of being a woman.”

But sometimes that pain is a symptom of a chronic condition called endometriosis that affects millions. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, infertility, and a range of other debilitating symptoms.

Endometriosis isn’t just about bad period cramps. It can lead to significant pain during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and is a leading cause of infertility

“The emotional and psychological toll of endometriosis can be immense, especially for women who dismiss their pain and go undiagnosed. This condition han have a profound impact on their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life,” said Lisa Hill, certified nurse midwife at Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley

Endometriosis is surprisingly common. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally. In our local community, this means thousands of women are likely living with endometriosis, many of whom may not even realize they have it. The delay in diagnosis is a critical concern,

with women often waiting an average of 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis. This delay can lead to the progression of the disease and increased severity of symptoms. Raising awareness is crucial to shorten this diagnostic journey for future generations.

“While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches are highly individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, and whether the woman desires to become pregnant,” said Dr. Christopher Hutchison, an OB/ GYN at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Common treatment options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) can help with mild pain, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for severe pain.

• Hormonal Therapies: These treatments aim to slow the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent new implants by regulating or blocking the hormones that fuel their growth.

• Conservative Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon can precisely locate and remove endo-

Nurture what’s next.

metrial implants while preserving reproductive organs. This can significantly reduce pain and improve fertility outcomes for some women.

• Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: In severe cases where other treatments have failed and childbearing is complete, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and/or ovaries (oophorectomy) may be considered, though this is typically a last resort and does not guarantee complete relief from symptoms.

• Complementary Therapies: Many women find relief through complementary approaches such as acupuncture, physical therapy, dietary changes, and stress management techniques. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent pelvic pain, unusually heavy periods, or difficulty conceiving, please don’t dismiss these symptoms. Talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are key to managing endometriosis and living a healthier, more comfortable life. CommonSpirit Health is committed to supporting women’s health and offers resources for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

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Library Winter Reading challenge encourages reading goals

“This challenge is totally doable for anyone, even if it’s 10 minutes a day.”

By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityjournals.com

Whetherit’s been a while since you’ve read, or if you read a lot, the Salt Lake County Library offers its Winter Reading challenge as a way to open those books.

“Reading helps people to build daily reading goals and reinforce new reading habits,” Public Relations Coordinator for Salt Lake County Library Marissa Hodges said.

The reading goal can be small, whatever is attainable for you. The challenge for the readers is to complete your goal for twenty days in the month of January or February. When readers have finished their goal of twenty days of reading then you take your reading record back to the library and receive a prize. At the end of the challenge everyone gets a free book. The library has partnered with Real Salt Lake this year. Everyone will get a 50% off ticket offer to a Real Salt Lake or Utah Royals game.

There is a good turnout for the challenge, said Hodges. They have 18 branches system wide, with the challenge happening at all of the branches.

“We definitely have thousands of participants. This

program helps with cognitive functions and mental health,” Hodges said. When getting started on the reading challenge people usually set big reading goals for their New Year Resolutions.

This challenge is an annual tradition for the library, modeled after the nationwide Summer Reading Challenge; they make it a shorter version for the winter reading.

“Having a challenge is a great incentive for people. You’ll make goals where you want to read more but what will propel you to read more is to make a goal and have something waiting for you at the finish line,” Hodges said.

You can set goals for as easy or hard as you want to. You can read 10 minutes a day or read a page a day. “The nice thing about the challenge is it’s adaptable and accessible for all abilities,” Hodges said.

Just for signing up for the challenge you get a $5 fine waiver. If you have any late fees, the $5 can be used to pay for library fines, then you can check out as many books as you want.

“People have a lot of fun with the challenge and it helps them discover new books they’ve never read before, or pick up something they enjoyed reading as a child, and they rediscover what they can read again,” Hodges said.

People can read what they are interested in, it doesn’t have to be a novel. It can be a magazine, a good article on your phone or iPad or audio books, it all counts as reading.

“This challenge is totally doable for anyone, even if it’s 10 minutes a day,” Hodges said.

If you feel intimidated or you don’t know where to start your reading journey, the librarians are there to help, they will help you with your interests. You can pick up a paper reading record at any branch of the Salt Lake County Library system, or you can sign up to track your progress online using the Beanstack app. Find out more information at saltlakecountylibrary.org. l

Mayor’s state of the city highlights 2025 accomplishments

Landmarks a major throughline as Burton lists arts center, wheels park and water tank as major achievements.

By Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com

Rooted in community, growing with purpose.

Mayor Dirk Burton highlighted that theme for West Jordan several times during his state of the city uploaded to social media at the end of January.

Burton’s address ran through multiple accomplishments from 2025, centering artistic achievements in his speech such as the new art center, sculpture and entertainment stage, in addition to city services.

“From arts and culture to public safety, civic engagement and city services, 2025 was a year full of milestones,” he said.

In June of last year, the long-awaited Canyon View Credit Union Community and Arts Center opened its 12,700 square foot building, which Burton said will act as a hub for theatre, performances, art exhibits and community gatherings.

In January, it hosted the Wasatch Improv Festival for the first time, an event normally held in Midvale.

At the arts center, a giant steel sugar beet sculpture was installed and, Burton said, serves as the inspiration for the year’s theme, “rooted in community, growing with purpose.”

He also pointed out Veterans Memorial Park will now

feature an entertainment stage which can serve as a gathering place for civic events.

Other notable city markers created in 2025, Burton said, included the expansion of the city’s Wheels Park in September which now has opportunities for scooters, skateboards, roller skates, balance bikes, wheelchairs and mountain bikes. Riverton’s recent skate park closure casts a brighter light on amenities like this.

“This one-of-a-kind bike park brought riders, families and neighbors together, creating a unique outdoor space where people of all ages can connect, play and enjoy this amazing new addition to our city,” Burton said.

Its third phase, currently under construction, will include a half pipe, viewing areas, restrooms and more mining equipment.

Another artistic city marker came to the water tank at 4000 West and 7800 South, Burton noted, where a mountain mural was painted.

“(It’s) 100 feet of color that now makes our water tank a cool landmark in town,” he said.

He also emphasized the disc golf course at Sycamore Ridge Park and the Western Stampede’s 70th anniversary.

Burton said the message is simple. “Art in West Jordan isn’t just for galleries, it’s everywhere, connecting residents and celebrating who we are.”

While the mayor spent the first half of his speech on those community amenities, he was quick to point out the city “needs more than art and festivals to thrive.”

The police department launched a drone program and

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was honored with awards from the NAACP as well as SWAT operator of the year. Most notable for the police department was the retirement of Ken Wallentine and the appointment of Jeremy Robertson as its newest police chief.

Other city services he highlighted include a new engine 55 for the fire department, the Citizens Academy, new judge Ryan Holton, the passport office added ASL and Spanish assistance and earned recognition as a Get Healthy Utah city.

He said added lanes to roads improved east to west connections and the columbarium at the West Jordan cemetery offers families a dignified way to honor loved ones. l

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

ChamberWest celebrates 65th anniversary

The chamber gears up for the new year with a series of seminars and events.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

The ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce is beginning its 65th year in 2026, and members celebrated past achievements and future plans at the annual membership breakfast meeting held Jan. 27.

nections, said working with other chambers continued to expand ChamberWest’s reach. He said one focus was helping promote nonprofit businesses with spotlight stories. Chair Leslie Bell presented the date for the annual job fair, which will be held April 23 at Taylorsville High School. Bell said the Granite School District “is always very grateful for the support from the fair” and looks forward to the annual event.

Stephen Smith, who chairs the Legislative Institute, said the chamber is already following 91 bills that have been filed for lawmaker consideration, as well as attending subcommittee hearings. He said this year’s legislature agenda “looks as busy as any we’ve seen in the past.”

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Chairman of the Board Ryan D. Nelson said the chamber is “in great position going forward. We added 96 new members in 2025, reviewed 157 bills that were before the Utah Legislature and offered 47 positions on those bills and hosted 36 events.”

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Those included two golf tournaments and an international trip. He said the chamber also has plans for a trip to Greece this year.

The Leadership Institute, chaired by Jason Helm, continues to coordinate a 10-month program for training and education for businesses. Along those lines, the Professional Development Series, chaired by Steve Pluim, works with personal development as well, inviting guest speakers in for training opportunities.

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President/CEO Barbara Riddle introduced the board of directors, who received unanimous approval from members in attendance. She also paid tribute to Connie Bailey, who recently retired after serving in the chamber office for 35 years.

Leaders then spoke about various committees they chair. Mikey Smith said the ambassadors helped welcome new businesses, conduct ribbon cuttings and attended groundbreakings. He said the chamber has 21 ambassadors.

Cameron Wilkins, chair of Friday Con-

The Women in Business committee, chaired by Maggie Cline, continued to grow last year, offering eight events and being an integral part of the chamber’s spring conference.

Five new board members were approved for two-year terms: B. Murphy from Anchor Financial Services; Mark Thorne from Thorne & Associates CPAs; Rick Clasby from the Utah Trucking Association; Ryan Perry from Rio Tinto; and Stephanie Lyon from Stratus HR. l

West Jordan police start new chaplain program

The volunteers will provide spiritual and emotional support for victims as well as officers.

By Linda Steele l.steele@mycityjournals.com

Anewresource is coming to West Jordan.

The West Jordan Police Department decided to start the Volunteers Police Chaplain program to help provide 24/7 confidential support to officers, their families and the community during a crisis.

What they will offer is a “ministry of presence,” said Gary Cox, executive officer of West Jordan police department. The West Jordan Police Department will recruit six to eight volunteer chaplains who will assist during critical incidents, attend roll calls, ride along with the patrol officers, give prayers at events and provide counseling.

Chaplains are not police officers. They will not do the job as a police officer. They will be trained as spiritual and emotional support providers for victims. Some of their responsibilities will include assisting officers in notifying family members in the event someone has been seriously injured. They serve as a resource for department members if incidents occur like serious accidents or deaths. They provide referrals for professional and ecclesiastical support if needed. They will attend department cer-

emonies and social events as requested.

The police department will provide regular training to the volunteers to make sure they are well trained and can handle the duties they are assigned, make sure they stay current on department issues and work closely with police officers to help with the quality of life in West Jordan.

Chief of Police Jeremy Robertson said this program will help provide support for officers and employees and bridge the gap between departments and community. The chaplains will ride with the officers to be present, listen and give spiritual support.

“While I have been out on too many death scenes and investigating the families suffering, they’ve had to reach out to spiritual leadership. This program will help people to respond to those people in need,” Robertson said.

The program will fulfill a wide variety of duties in the agency that will relieve the officers from tasks that do not require sworn in authority. Some of the tasks include neighborhood patrols, vacation watch, public assistance at city events, fleet vehicle maintenance, animal shelter assistance and training division assistance. This is the first time this program has been offered in West Jordan. It is working in other cities within the Wasatch Front.

If you have any questions or want to join this program you can call Gary Cox at 801-256-2060 or visit wjordanvounteer. applicantpro.com/jobs. l

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Skills students ready to level up

JATC students practiced at regionals and are ready for this month’s state SkillsUSA competition.

By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

EveryDecember, students in JATC’s nail design and hair design programs work together on a themed challenge which stretches their skills and imaginations.

“They have to think outside the box,” JATC hair design and barbering program instructor Kisty Butcher said. “Within these programs, there’s a very creative element. Even cutting hair is a creative element -- you’re creating art on hair.”

This year, the theme of Christmas movies inspired students to turn hair into trees and fabric and to elaborately decorate nails.

Students had a week of prep and planning and then one hour and 45 minutes to create their look on a model. It was a fun warm-up for students to prepare for SkillsUSA competitions, which challenge students’ skills in preparation for trade, technical and skilled service careers.

There are more than 100 different categories in SkillsUSA competitions and JATC programs send teams of students to showcase their technical skills as well as soft skills in topics ranging from agriculture to food services to welding. Not only are students judged on practical skills, they are rated on leadership, customer service, teamwork, communication, marketing, interpersonal skills and confidence.

“Every program has different standards that they have to follow, so basically they take something right from every part of the pro-

gram to showcase,” Butcher said. For example, instead of showing skills in hair sculpture, students will give a presentation about hair color.

Competitions include skills-based categories and leadership and communication skills categories for all the career and skills pathways. To help prepare students to compete at the state SkillsUSA competition at the end of March, and nationals competition in June, JATC hosts the SkillsUSA Wasatch South Region Leadership & Communication Contest every February.

“The whole purpose of this is to get the yips out, get them familiar with how the competition runs, so that they can perform better when it comes to state,” SkillsUSA Utah Contest Manager Blair Jensen said.

At the region contest, CHHS senior Chloie Rock, a senior in the Nail Tech program, competed in the job demo A event, presenting on a specific skill of nail design- line art. She wasn’t being judged on her work but rather her ability to explain the techniques, products and skills required.

Taylee Steed, a CHHS senior in the Nail Tech program, competed in the job skills open category in which she had to demonstrate skills outside her program. She chose to teach how to make a boutonniere which exhibited communication, organization and time management skills. She felt good about how she performed at the regional and was preparing for state but wasn’t worried about qualifying for the national competition this summer. “I might go to state but I wouldn’t go to nationals-- it’s the same day as graduation,” she said.

JATC Principal Sonja Burton-Juarez said the regional competition is so beneficial for

students. “They can get good feedback, and then they can make changes for the next level so they’ll be prepared at state,” she said.

A team of students in the JATC construction management program competed in jobs skills demos, job interviews and speeches, and medaled in the entrepreneurship skills events.

“I think what we’re getting out of this is a taste of real life, what it’s going to be like in the workforce, maybe, like doing a presentation or a job resume or application, something like that which kind of requires you to go out of your way, above and beyond,” one participant said.

Another of the students, who owns a seasonal landscaping and lawn mowing business, said participating in the entrepreneurship event has helped him learn more about successful business models and professional communication. “I had a little bit of knowledge, but going more in-depth has really benefited me,” he said. “I will be making changes once I start [my business] back up again.”

Alyanna Patel, a junior from Riverton High School, signed up to participate in SkillsUSA to get some practical experience and gain more confidence. She was put in a role-playing scenario in which she demonstrated her customer service skills as she responded to customers, prioritized tasks and solved problems.

“Working with people has always been something I enjoyed, and I love problem-solving and trying to help people to the best of my abilities,” she said. “I feel like it’s really just a good skill to have--at least from my perspective. I work at a coffee shop. Interacting with people, even on a daily basis, is a very important skill to have. I think it’s very important that

they do this, because it really gives students an opportunity in the scholarship realm and just to get really good life skills.”

Serenity Lefevre, a student in the welding program who was named region champion in the prepared speech event, said, “I do still get kind of nervous talking in front of people, but I feel like this will make it easier.” She believes the skills she developed to write and memorize a speech can be applied in a future job to communicate with co-workers, write reports and maybe even give some kind of speech.

JATC students traditionally perform well at SkillsUSA competitions. JATC students earned second and third place medals at last year’s nationals competition. “We always have at least two people that win,” Burton-Juarez said. “We like Skills--it’s what we do.”l

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Do you want to speak freely about alternative medicines (cannabis, etc.) with your provider without fear of being judged or punished? Do you need primary care, labs or prescriptions? Do you want to go to one clinic for all of these things? Then visit KindlyMD.

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Give us a call! Our team is eager to answer all your questions and help you feel better. We likely take your insurance plan, so what do you have to lose? If we don’t take your insurance, we have affordable self-pay options.

We want people to know that we’re here, we’re patient-focused and we accept most major insurance plans. We want what is best for our patients, and we love what we do.

What is your favorite product/service your company offers?

I like the way we help people lose weight with GLP-1 medication and the way we help people reduce opioids and prescription medications. Our team’s incorporation of mental healthcare has shown to improve outcomes in both areas, and they remain promising aspects of our program.

KindlyMD was started solely as a Medical Cannabis Card clinic, so I’ll always have a soft spot for what we’ve accomplished in Utah’s cannabis space and for cannabis patients.

When it comes to insurance, Ryan Davis wants to protect the community and clients he serves. Davis is a locally based Allstate agent dedicated to helping people choose the right coverage and nd the products they need to weather any storm.

Davis & Davis Insurance, located at 7478 S. Campus View Dr., Ste. 102 in West Jordan, has a number one rated claim service on auto insurance for its customers and Davis brings that same passion to every product he sells.

“Insurance doesn’t mean much until you need it,” he said. “It’s gratifying to give people really good pricing, but also to make sure that they’re properly covered. To be able to work with a national brand, a reputable company that also o ers phenomenal pricing, has been pretty awesome.”

His team of experienced professionals builds lasting relationships with clients, giving them personalized attention and tailoring solutions for each situation. Insurance choices can be overwhelming, but Davis ensures his clients are getting the policies they need to t their lifestyle and budget.

Not only does Davis & Davis help with home, car and life insurance, but it also o ers policies that cover businesses, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, renters, pets and more.

Davis knows insuring a teen driver is expensive. Allstate helps young drivers improve their driving skills by providing interactive feedback. “Oftentimes, parents are very frustrated because their kids get in an

Ryan Davis Helps Protect What Matters Most

accident, but they get immediate accident forgiveness and they get the best pricing on the planet,” Davis said. “Our customers are normal. They make mistakes, they have tickets and accidents. We rarely say no.”

Renters can especially bene t from insurance and Davis said it’s usually cheaper to purchase a renter/auto policy than just an auto policy alone. The inexpensive renter policy covers a client’s possessions anywhere in the world.

At Davis & Davis, its mission is simple: nd insurance that ts a customer’s speci c needs. Those interested can call 801-280-7115 for a FREE quote.

Davis and his wife, Melissa, are committed to community building. His o ce sponsors several events throughout the year, including movie nights, pumpkin patch and corn maze activities, and a meetand-greet with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Davis & Davis also supports the local women’s shelter.

The West Jordan resident earned a degree from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Western Governors University. Davis loves playing basketball, trying new foods and spending time with his wife and their four children. He also loves nding the best insurance for anyone who walks through the door.

“We have the best close rate in the state, and we’ve had that for ve years, because we know what we have, and we’re not afraid to share that with our customers,” Davis said. “Our customers don’t just pay for insurance, they pay for peace of mind, and they get a lot back in return.”

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

The small team holding up the hope of change for Utah women women’s SECTION

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

The Utah Women and Leadership Project, founded by Susan Madsen, is a research pumping machine with a goal of making Utah a better place by empowering women and removing obstacles.

A lone silhouette is a harsh contrast against the glare of a lit monitor.

Before the sun comes up, Susan Madsen sits at her computer: inbox and task list open for the day. While the house is quiet, her inbox starts to fill up for the day.

“Early morning…it’s been invaluable for me,” she said. “I always was up earlier than anybody, and it would be quiet, and I could make sense of the world.”

She uses the slow time to plan out her day and answer each email, following her team standard that “everyone deserves an answer.”

“I have a process of looking at my day, looking at my workload, figuring things out,” she said. “I reprioritize every single day.”

She might even reprioritize multiple times in a day. She’s constantly moving and pushing forward despite the odds and a small team.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship at Utah State University, is the founder of the Utah Women and Leadership Project, which has published 21 research-based white paper reports, 65 research snapshots and infographics, 68 research and policy briefs and hosted 45 “Think Tank” gatherings in Utah since 2010.

Madsen and four full-time employees — associate director Brie Sparks, local outreach and curriculum manager Deborah Lin, marketing and communications coordinator Emmalee Chastain, program assistant Kylie Hollingsworth — have

made a big push to raise awareness of the existing gaps in Utah for girls and women.

“Our work is having an impact across the state, and that is what motivates me,” Lin said. “In my role, I have visited 20 of our 29 Utah counties to get to know residents and build relationships to help with grassroots efforts to raise awareness and impact change around issues facing girls, women and families.”

“Everywhere I have been, men and women recognize the need for change.”

The “change” she is referring to encompasses topics like making more leadership opportunities available for more women, daycare options in the state, and homelessness resources for women.

Currently, the project involves close to 7,000 people statewide, with 500 partners and 300 leaders in different counties and cities, Madsen said.

Four counties and seven cities/towns have passed official resolutions to support the project’s initiative they call “A Bolder Way Forward.”

“Our efforts to equip Utah communities with the data and resources needed to help more girls, women and families thrive are just one piece of the way forward,” Sparks said. “Creating lasting change for future generations of girls and women requires a systems-based approach, and I’m honored to help build the strategic connections that make that possible.”

Madsen admits that it hasn’t been

easy for any of them, but she continues in her efforts because she feels called to help women through the best way she knows how: research.

“What has driven me for decades is research,” she said, “and getting it into the hands of people that are making decisions.”

And in the hands of decision makers it is.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship and affiliation with USU, considers herself an activist and encourages others to be too. She is frequently on Capitol Hill

advocating for change with her research and “works alongside legislators.”

“We should all be advocates and into the work of social justice,” she said. “If we care about other people, if we care about our communities, if we care about our state, if we care about our extended family, if we care about any of that, we should be in whatever topic connects with us.”

For the research and recommendations on how to get involved in UWLP for Salt Lake County or any other country in the state, visit www.usu.edu/uwlp/research/what-can-i-do.

Women are stepping up to lead Utah’s cities

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Female mayors move from the exception to the norm.

When South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood was first elected in 2010, she was a notable exception. Along with Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini, Wood was only the second female mayor serving in Salt Lake County at the time.

She and other women, including Riverton Mayor Sandra Lloyd, Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger and Holladay Mayor Liane Stillman, were trailblazers and glass ceiling-breakers, setting the stage for women to take the lead, and it’s paying off.

“It’s always been a passion project for me to make sure we have women at tables where decisions are being made,” Wood said. “So I’m always encouraging women to run for office.”

Entering such a male-dominated field wasn’t easy. While many of their male counterparts offered support and encouragement, the women also encountered misogyny and roadblocks. Learning to navigate their leadership roles took patience, balance and a thick skin in order to stay the course while representing their cities.

Now, many cities in Salt Lake County are led by female mayors, including the newly elected Cottonwood Heights Mayor

Gay Lynn Bennion and Riverton Mayor Tish Buroker. Add in Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, and female leadership is becoming the norm, rather than the exception.

“It is so important that young women and young men see women in leadership,” Bennion said. “It’s important for them to know that women can do a great job as leaders.”

Organizations like Utah Women Run and the Women’s Leadership Institute have provided training for women who want a leadership role, whether in politics or business. Women are taught to participate on boards, campaign, fundraise, advocate for themselves and develop a platform and voice that others want to follow.

Initiatives like A Bolder Way Forward focus on creating safe spaces for women in boardrooms, education, political office and civic organizations.

WLI’s Director of Programs and Operations, Nicole Carpenter, said the organization’s founder, Pat Jones, is a former Utah Senator who believes women need a seat at the table.

“We need the voices of women in all areas of leadership, particularly on Capitol Hill, where women can make decisions,” Carpenter said. “It’s important for women to

have a vote, but it’s even more important for women to have a voice. To have a voice in those political circles, you need to hold an office, or you need to be a lobbyist, or have some type of political influence. So we encourage women to run for political office.”

It’s not just Salt Lake County; Utah County and Davis County have also had their share of female leaders, including Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran, who was just elected to her second term. Not only is she a political leader, but she’s the CEO of a tech company, Rylex.

“When I became a mayor five years ago, for my first term, there were nine mayors who were new in Davis County, so almost half, since there are 15 cities,” Tran said. “Nine of us were new and three of us were women, so it was awesome to mentor each other and learn from each other. Women can see things in such a unique way, because we bring different perspectives to the room.”

Tran hopes more women run for political office, whether on the local, state or federal level, but acknowledges some women worry about balancing leadership roles with family.

Wood was a single mother, raising two boys, when she became mayor in SSL. She understands the fear and uncertainty, but she found support and people who believed in her. She said behaviors are slowly chang-

ing, with more understanding and empathy for women in leadership.

“I know it’s intimidating,” Wood said. “But there’s so much value to having different lived experiences and perspectives on councils and in elected office seats. When you invite all of those perspectives and give them a safe place to be heard, that’s when you’re going to solve big problems.”

For information about running for office, visit UtahWomenRun.org.

The Boob Bus makes mammograms accessible for all women

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

“Let’s get all the girls together to go get dinner and mammograms!” is the vibe Rena Vanzo is going for with mammogram screenings on The Boob Bus.

One in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. For every Utah woman, that translates to about a 12.5% chance of developing cancer.

“Every family, every community, every church group, every book club—all of them will be impacted. Prevention is the best medicine,” said CEO and co-founder of The Boob Bus Rena Vanzo.

The Boob Bus is a mobile unit that offers mammograms, health care screening, breast cancer assessment and other healthcare services to women locally. The main goal of The Boob Bus is to make mammograms more accessible and comfortable.

“Utah women are just not doing their mammograms. We’re way below the national average,” said Vanzo. In 2022, Utah was ranked 48th out of the 50 states in the nation for mammogram screening.

Vanzo and her team have been working to change that statistic by transforming typical health care screenings into modern experiences. The Boob Bus was fully customized as a health care space with neon

pink lights and vaulted ceilings.

“On The Boob Bus, you can expect to feel like an individual,” said driver and Patient Care Coordinator Kayla Pacheco. “Your history, your experiences and your fears are heard.”

An average visit to The Boob Bus begins by checking in to answer medical history questions. The data collected related to menstrual changes, hormones, breast density and personal medical history is used to calculate individual cancer risk.

“Breast density is really becoming more of a topic of conversation,” Vanzo said. “And it should be. Women with dense breasts do have a higher risk of breast cancer.”

Patients are offered heated pink robes instead of hospital gowns during their appointment. Individual women will meet with a licensed certified technologist privately in the mammogram suite for a screening.

Results are within one week. (Vanzo emphasizes that patients may be referred to a hospital for diagnostic screening depending on risk.) Patients leave The Boob Bus with branded lip balm, nail files and educational cards.

The entirely female Boob Bus team emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing women’s health with less shame and

embarrassment through more conversation.

“I want to live in a world where even the men are saying to their partners ‘Hey, did you get your mammogram yet?’” Vanzo said.

Vanzo and her cofounders started The Boob Bus in 2022 after being personally impacted by individual family members battling cancer diagnoses. It took her two years to get The Boob Bus fully operational.

“I had to learn all of these extra things that are very useful in your life but you wouldn’t think they’d intersect in business,” Vanzo said.

Vanzo needed to get a CDL so she could drive the oversized custom bus. In preparation, she worked for UTA for six months to get trained as a driver in a structured environment.

“Rena is a superstar. I have never met anyone so driven to help others,” said Office and Billing Manager Jen Bartunek.

The Boob Bus primarily meets women for their mammograms all across Salt Lake, Utah and Davis Counties. Through their partnership with the Central Utah Health Department, The Boob Bus also travels to Central Utah.

The Boob Bus provides heated robes for mammogram appointments so it “feels more like a spa experience,” The Boob Bus founder Rena Vanzo said. (Photo courtesy of Rena Vanzo, The Boob Bus CEO and co-founder.)

The Boob Bus works with the Utah Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (UCCP) so uninsured women can still access their mammogram screenings through a voucher program.

El Programa de Detección del Cáncer de Mama y de Cuello Uterino es facilitado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Utah y está financiado con fondos estatales y federales. El formulario de solicitud está disponible en español a través de lo siguiente: www.cancer.utah.gov

Individual women can book appointments online (even same day) through The Boob Bus website: www.theboobbus.com.

Organizations, businesses or school districts can email or call The Boob Bus team (866-747-BOOB) to set up a day for group appointments.

Utah Women’s Day in Sports empowers next generation of female athletes

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 400 high school student-athletes from across the state gathered for a morning focused on teamwork, leadership, mental health and empowerment in girls’ sports.

It began as a simple game of rock, paper, scissors, but quickly became a lesson in teamwork. Everyone played at first, then losers backed their opponents until only two players remained. Silence fell as they competed, then cheers erupted when the round ended in a tie. After four rounds, one girl finally emerged victorious.

The exercise wasn’t about winning, but about being a good teammate.

“How does it feel to be celebrated by your peers?” asked Poudre School District (Fort Collins, Colorado) health and physical education coordinator Jo Dixon, who emphasized that every player has a role — scorer, defender, supporter, teammate. “Being a part of someone else’s fan club is just as important and powerful as being in the spotlight, because lifting others up feels awesome.”

The interactive activity was part of a breakout session at the third annual Utah Women’s Day in Sports conference held Feb. 4 at the Delta Center, the day before National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

Dixon continued the partner activities designed to build unity. Student-athletes stood toe-to-toe and told each other: “Everyone is battling something in life, and I’m glad you’re battling with me.” Then, they stood back-to-back and said, “I’m so glad someone has my back — and I have yours.” The activity ended with a pinky promise and the words: “I pinky promise to help you unlock your greatness so the world can see it like I do.”

“We want you to be a good teammate from the inside out,” Dixon said.

The event’s origin began with Andee Bouwhuis, past president of Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Deseret Peak High School athletic director, along with Utah High School Activities Association Assistant Director Jan Whittaker and UIAAA communications coordinator and Cedar Valley High School Athletic Director Sharon Mardesich.

“Our goal is female empowerment; support our female athletes; grow leaders,” Bouwhuis said. “We’re letting these female athletes know that we hear them and we see them. We want them to be successful.”

More than 400 student-athletes statewide attended, supported by about 100 coaches and athletic directors. Participation from each school was limited to ensure broader representation.

“The athletes are charged to take back what they learned and teach it to their teammates,” she said.

Another breakout session focused on nutrition, led by Intermountain Health’s Josseline Kelley, who emphasized fueling, hydration and sleep.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re eating something every three to four hours as athletes,” she said as she gave the student-athletes specific suggestions. “The worst thing you can do is go into a competition or training session without fueling. Under fueling can be very common in teens.”

University of Utah Assistant Director of Olympic Sport Performance Carly Fehler addressed competing in college athletics.

“Your whole life is going to change

overnight,” Fehler said. “Your city, your bed, your routine, your team and coach. Literally, everything changes. And are you prepared for that? Only nine percent of high school girls will go on to play in college. Two percent of all high school athletes will play Division I.”

While some student-athletes attended workshops, adults participated in a “Coach Beyond” session focused on supporting athlete mental health.

“I’ve been an athlete for my whole life, and I’ve seen the way mental health affects the performances of athletes,” said college athlete and presenter Makayla Pitcher. “Coaches are the front line, so it’s important for them to understand and help.”

Cottonwood High Principal and presenter Justin Pitcher emphasized the need for better training and resources for coaches.

“We need to do better by our athletes here in Utah, he said. “Our data shows over half of every female team has experienced significant sadness or depression. We look at our coaches and their training. Many of them were former athletes so they understand the game well, but they don’t always know how best to handle these tough situations that we’ve been put in.”

Speaker Amy Donaldson highlighted the origins of Title IX and opportunities it presented.

“They drafted a piece of legislation that was unlike today, with 37 words,” she said. “Even though everyone thought it was this little administrative adjustment…they had no idea of (the impact of) that law.”

Donaldson encouraged student-athletes to examine their journey, to be optimistic, to wire their brains for gratitude and forgiveness, to know “no accomplishment is an individual accomplishment.”

Karissa Niehoff, National Federation of State High School Association’s executive director and CEO, challenged the next generation to continue advancing opportunities for women.

“Look at the women who came before us, and look at where we are now, and look at the future of growth in women’s and girls’ sports,” she said. “We’ve come a long way. As a woman CEO in a sports world, I feel blessed, but I challenge you as a younger generation…to carry this forward. We have to be committed to working forward so we continue the growth we need in girls who play sports in Utah.”

UHSAA Assistant Director Jeff Cluff said the progress in girls sports, including expanded championships and the addition of girls wrestling, has helped to equalize opportunities.

“We’re trying to create equal opportunities for the girls that boys have been getting for years,” he said. “We have still more to do and more to change.”

Copper Hills High seniors Brynlee Morton and Kaysha Millet said the conference left a lasting impression.

“I love how inclusive it is,” Morton said. “Everyone has valuable knowledge, and they’re sharing their expertise with us.”

Millet added: “They’re spreading awareness and information; it’s empowering to us as women athletes.”

Sen. Luz Escamilla is presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The senator was recognized for her work championing families and justice.

Each year, the Salt Lake NAACP recognizes a community leader who advocates for justice, equal opportunity and community empowerment. At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Luncheon in January, Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla was honored with this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award.

Escamilla was elected to the Utah Senate in 2008 and is now serving her fifth term, representing Senate District 10, which covers portions of Salt Lake City and West Valley. Escamilla serves as vice-chair of the Senate Ethics committee and champions policies she believes strengthen families, expand opportunity and protect the rights of all Utahns.

“Dr. King taught us that the greatest danger to justice is not loud hatred, but quiet acceptance,” she said. “Not just overt cruelty, but systems that institutionalize injustice. He warned us that injustice thrives when it is legalized, bureaucratized and justified as necessary. This lesson matters. It mattered then, and it matters now more than ever, es-

pecially here in Utah.”

This year’s award theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” reflects King’s call for action and accountability in the face of injustice. At the luncheon, Escamilla spoke out against a proposed 7,500-bed ICE detention center in Salt Lake and said Utah faces a moral crossroad where people must decide whether they choose fear or courage, whether they will learn from history or repeat harsh lessons from the past.

“As a woman of color and an immigrant, I carry this reality with me every day, and I feel for all the families and children who are fearful that you can’t believe in the power of the beloved community,” she said. “Dr. King often reminded us that the law is not the same as justice. He challenged the idea that legality alone makes something right. He called on people of conscience to disrupt unjust systems even when they were politically inconvenient.”

Salt Lake NAACP President Jeanetta Williams said the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award recognizes individuals whose service and leadership advance the ideas of advocacy and a deep commitment to equity.

The organization is dedicated to en-

suring the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminating discrimination based on race. Williams said Escamilla’s accomplishments include helping to establish the West High School medical clinic for students and fighting for social justice for people across all demographics.

“The award honors a Utah citizen whose work has advanced civil rights in our state through Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence,” Williams said. “We looked at a lot of the legislative bills that Sen. Escamilla had worked on, some passed, some didn’t, but for the most part, the bills affected the entire state of Utah and followed the vision of Dr. King.”

Originally from Mexico, Escamilla became the first immigrant elected to the Utah Legislature and the first Latina elected to the Utah Senate. She said she’s committed to building community as a promise to protect each other, especially during times of fear.

“To everyone else: organizing and advocating and speaking out at this moment, you are carrying the legacy of Dr. King,” Escamilla said. “I accept this award, and I celebrate it in a personal way, but I’m also seeing it as a charge. A charge to speak the truth, to stand firm and not be afraid, and to

ensure that when history looks back on this moment, it will say that Utah did the right thing and that we choose justice, that we choose courage, and that we choose each other, with love.”

From ashes to agency: Women find renewal through community

Beauty from Ashes nonprofit emphasizes empowerment for survivors of domestic abuse.

By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com

March carries a quiet promise. It’s the month when light stretches a little longer, winter begins to loosen its grip and renewal quietly takes root. For many women navigating trauma or abuse, healing unfolds in much the same way—gradual, unseen at first and requiring immense courage.

Lori Smithson knows this journey intimately. Widowed at 39 and later emerging from a destructive marriage marked by control, isolation and fear, she understands how disorienting trauma can be—especially when you don’t yet have the language to name what’s happening. “I just knew something was off,” she has shared, echoing the experience of countless women who sense danger long before they can articulate it.

Today, Smithson serves with Beauty from Ashes Ministries, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside survivors of domestic abuse. Founded in 2019 after its director received a call from a woman hiding in her closet, the organization was born from a clear and urgent need:

long-term, compassionate support rooted in truth, dignity and hope.

The statistics are sobering. One in three women will experience abuse in her lifetime. Yet numbers fail to capture the bravery required to reach out for help. At Beauty from Ashes, the first goal is simple but profound—that every woman feels heard, believed and respected. There is no pressure to make immediate decisions, no imposed timelines and no shame. Survivors are met exactly where they are.

What distinguishes Beauty from Ashes is its emphasis on empowerment rather than rescue. Women are not told what to do; they are supported as they reclaim agency over their own lives. Trained advocates walk alongside survivors as they explore options, build safety plans and begin to trust their voices again. Support groups offer something many women have never experienced before: a space where their stories are met with understanding rather than doubt.

Healing often extends beyond emotional wounds. Trauma can fracture trust, relationships and even faith. For some survivors, spiritual manipulation or deep disappointment has made it difficult to reengage with God at all. Beauty from Ashes honors that complexity, allowing women to move at their own pace—whether that means studying scripture together or sim-

ply holding space for grief, anger and unanswered questions. Healing, as Smithson emphasizes, is not a race. It is a long, intentional process.

Hope, however, has a way of appearing in unexpected places. Smithson recalls women facing overwhelming odds—no financial support, limited community and ongoing hardship—

who nonetheless find stability, provision and renewed purpose through faith and connection. Many eventually give back, becoming advocates themselves. These stories are reminders that restoration is not theoretical. It is happening, one life at a time.

March also invites reflection. It asks what must be released for growth to occur. For survivors, that first step might be journaling to recognize patterns, seeking trauma-informed counseling, setting boundaries, or simply speaking the truth aloud. Truth, after all, is often where freedom begins.

Perhaps the most important message is this: no woman has to walk this path alone. Fear thrives in isolation, but healing grows in safe, supportive community. When women are believed, empowered, and surrounded by care, even the deepest wounds can give way to something new.

For those seeking support, or for individuals interested in volunteering or getting

involved, Beauty from Ashes Ministries welcomes connection. Help is available, and no one has to navigate abuse or healing alone. To learn more about services, request support or explore volunteer opportunities, visit www.BeautyfromAshesMinistries.org.

To hear more stories like this and learn how women are reclaiming hope and purpose, listen to the Holly’s Highlights podcast wherever you stream podcasts and at www.hollycurby.com. l

Photo: Don Polo Photography

Top spellers to compete at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee

The Greater Northern Spelling Bee will be held on Saturday, March 7, at Wasatch Jr. High.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

More than 100 schools will be represented at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at Wasatch Jr. High in Millcreek (3750 S. 3100 East). Sponsored by the City Journals community newspapers, the winner of the event will travel to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee during the final week of May.

Students participating in the regional bee will complete a written test before the competition, and everyone will have the opportunity to spell one word on stage. After finalizing the written test results, the top spellers will be announced and they will compete for the state championship, starting at approximately 11 a.m.

“The spelling bee teaches children the importance of hard work and aiming for the best,” said City Journals People Leader Elizabeth Sweat. “Preparing for an experience like this helps them gain confidence while strengthening language skills that further their education.”

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The City Journals has hosted the regional spelling bee since 2014 and covers the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott is proud to host the event each year, allowing these students to shine.

“I’ve been honored to host and sponsor this event for the last 12 years because it’s an investment in future leaders,” Scott said. “It’s been so much fun sending the winner to Washington, D.C., and watching them compete at the highest level. We’ve had some really smart kids come through this program.”

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik from Challenger School Traverse Mountain, won the regional bee and took the stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, finishing tied for 36th.

Help send the regional champion to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee by donating through the QR code. l

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik, won the Northern Utah Regional Spelling Bee presented by the City Journals and went to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national bee. This year’s regional bee will be held on Saturday, March 7. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

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Celebrating cultures

A West Jordan school community demonstrates they value their diverse community by inviting students to share their cultures.

By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Withcolorful costumes, games, crafts, dances and treats, Fox Hollow Elementary students shared their cultural heritage with their classmates and their families. A Multicultural Week, culminating in a Multicultural Night, was organized by the Fox Hollow PTA to promote school unity.

“I wanted a way that we can celebrate that we’re all different, and that it’s great, and that there are things that we can learn from each other,” PTA President Jenny Patterson said. “And I want everyone to feel proud of where they’re at, and that here in the United States we want everyone to be here, and we celebrate diversity.”

Fox Hollow Elementary School has a diverse student body, with students from other countries and students participating in the French dual immersion program in which learning about different cultures is part of the curriculum.

At Multicultural Night, held at the end of January, students and their families hosted booths representing more than 14 countries and six continents. Their exhibits included various aspects of their country and culture such as art, toys, crafts, books, treats and clothing.

Morris Muhia, who is from Kenya, brought games, maps, jewelry and clothing to display. He was glad his daughter Ella, a sixth grader, had an opportunity to share her fami-

ly’s culture with her classmates.

“It just kind of shows a different side of her,” he said. “This is what makes her who she is.”

Ella was excited to demonstrate how her family members living in Kenya make jewelry.

“They make their own jewelry out of paper, wire, leather -- and anything they can find,” she said.

Students received stamps in a passport for each booth they visited, which they turned in for prizes donated by local businesses such Pirate O’s, Red Balloon Toys, The King’s English bookshop and a West Valley theatre.

Second-grader Ashlyn Wells said one interesting thing she learned from visiting the booths at Multicultural Night was that Norwegians “really, really like trolls.”

Melissa Brown and her daughter, Eloise, who is a first grader, hosted the Norwegian booth. Their display included several troll figurines and books about trolls, as well as items painted in the traditional Norwegian style of rose mulling.

Brown admitted trolls are a big part of her family’s culture. “We just have been raised with trolls,” she said. “My dad is from Norway, and I’ve been raised my entire life in the rich culture of Norway. I just think Norway is the greatest and so I wanted to help share that with people—and also tell amazing, scary stories of trolls to children.”

Brown can trace her ancestors back to Eric the Red and Leif Ericson and that knowledge of her heritage has shaped her family’s traditions which she is now passing down to her children. “I think if we can continue that, we should, so we don’t forget where our families came from or the things they went through to bring us this life we have,” Brown said.

“My favorite part about culture night was that it was an event where everyone felt like they could attend and participate,” she said. “My hope is that families who don’t typically come to school events feel more welcome and understood and know how valuable they are in our community.”

Patterson said many of the nearly 300 people who attended the event were families who don’t usually attend PTA activities. She believes these kinds of activities benefit students and the community.

“It’s just different ways of reaching out and creating that understanding that a community is not just family, it’s also what’s around you, and if you are living within that community, you’re bringing your past, like what you’ve learned about what your family traditions are,” she said.

Many families expressed appreciation for the opportunity to highlight their heritage.

“Being able to celebrate our culture made us feel seen, welcomed and truly feel part of the school community,” Oli Tapia, who hosted a booth about Mexico, said. “We are deeply grateful for a space where our families and traditions are valued.”

Megan Park, who brought a quilt and authentic handmade items representing her family’s Hawaiian culture said, “We clearly love our cultures and it means a lot to teach others why we are proud of where we come from. I loved getting to meet new families and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.”

The night ended with traditional dance performances from Tonga, Ireland and Mexico.

Principal Amy Adams was happy with the school community’s participation and support for the family activity.

Multicultural Night was preceded by Multicultural Week. Activities to learn about and celebrate various cultures were incorporated into classes throughout the week. Fifth-grader Zoe Wells said it was fun to listen to music from different countries and learn an Irish square dance in her music class. She also learned about other cultures in PE class.

“We learned about some games that they play in different countries, and sometimes we played some of those games,” she said. “We played this game from France, I think, one from Mexico and one from here.”

Students were given a bingo card with activities they could do on their own to encourage them to learn more about their own background and family history as well as other cultures. Zoe filled out a few spots on her bingo card. “On my MP3 player, I listened to this song from Mexico, and that was one of the things: listen to a song that speaks a different language,” she said. l

A much-needed mid-year mental-wellness boost

Educators are given a day of relaxation, exploration, laughter and connection.

By Jet Burnham j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

For the fifth year, Jordan School District held a Health and Wellness Day the first Friday in February to give students and employees a day to prioritize personal wellness. Schools were closed and no official assignments were given but the district provided a list of suggested activities.

Students were encouraged to focus on sleep, being active, getting sunlight and doing relaxing activities. Employees were invited to participate in optional wellness activities. Each year, more discounts and activities are added, ranging from free Swig drinks, to Zumba classes and art lessons, to BBQ demos, crafting, games and more. This year there were more than 50 activities for employees to do, including a session at Top Golf.

“I look forward to this day every year,” Kristen Jepson said. She and a group of her colleagues from Kauri Sue Hamilton School took a sourdough bread class and enjoyed a wellness therapy session at Ahh hsome Relaxation.

Kallie Timothy, who works with stu dents with special needs, said the oppor tunity to focus on self-care and wellness awareness helps employees de-stress and recharge, but the benefits ultimately extend to the students. “This helps us refresh so that we can help our students,” she said.

That was the goal for Health and Well ness Day, JSD Board Member Darrell Rob inson said. After 40 years of teaching, he understands educators need a boost about this time in the school year. “February is always the hardest month to get through,” he said. While this has not been a normal snowy, dreary winter, JSD employees still appreciated the gesture.

“I really love working for Jordan School District because I know that they care about me as an employee, even though I’m just a staff,” KSHS staff member Tracy Mitchell said. “I feel like I’m cared about and that I matter, and it makes me feel like this is a place I want to work because they provide opportunities like this for us.”

Employees from all levels within the district participated, including full-time teachers, part-time staff, and employees from the district offices, transportation, nu trition services, etc. Some of the activities got people out of their comfort zones and learning new things such as cookie decorat ing, fly tying, junk journaling and laughter yoga. Others were focused on opportunities to socialize through quilting, hiking, golf-

ing, crafting and role playing games.

The wellness activities gave educators an opportunity to strengthen relationships outside of work and many attended activities with colleagues. Several elementary school cafeteria workers took a line dancing class for a fun team-building experience. A group of elementary school staff members took a class together to learn how to make a salt scrub.

“Just being together, that is what has brought us wellness,” Liz Christensen said.

Her Riverton Elementary School co-worker, Kira Frischknecht, was impressed with the number and variety of wellness activities provided. “It’s cool that the district cares about our wellness this much,” she said.

Megan Napaepae said after taking some classes together, she and her friends planned to make sure their kids got some benefit from Health and Wellness Day, too. “We’re going to go make our kids go outside-- for their wellness,” she said.

As a county councilmember, I spend a lot of time listening to concerns from constituents. I hear from parents who are stretched thin, seniors who feel lonely, young people who are anxious about the future, and workers who feel burned out even when they’re doing everything “right.” One thing is clear: many people are searching for happiness, but they aren’t sure where to find it.

Research from social scientists points to a clear answer. Happiness does not come from money alone, social media attention, or having an easier life. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, social scientist and bestselling author teaches the science of happiness. He says that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friendship and meaningful work.

The first is faith. People are happier when they believe their lives matter and are part of something bigger than themselves. For some, this comes from faith or spiritual beliefs. For others, it comes from serving their community, caring for others or living by strong values. Faith gives people

Simple Ways to Build a Happier Life

tions—can make a big difference.

strength during hard times and helps them see challenges as part of a larger purpose. Even small habits—like volunteering, mentoring, or reflecting on what matters most— can build a deeper sense of meaning.

The second is family. Strong family relationships are one of the most reliable sources of long-term happiness. This doesn’t mean family life is easy. It takes patience, forgiveness and time. But people who invest in their families tend to feel more supported and less alone. Family can mean parents and children, grandparents, chosen family or relatives who show up when it counts. Simple actions—shared meals, regular check-ins or family tradi-

The third is friendship. Healthy friendships protect people from loneliness and stress. They give us someone to laugh with, talk to and lean on when life gets hard. Yet friendships often get pushed aside by busy schedules and screens. Reaching out, making time for face-to-face connection, and being present for others helps build trust and belonging. Often you will have to be the one to reach out and make this happen. Communities are stronger when neighbors know each other, not just online, but in real life. Do you know the people who live three houses on either side of you and across the street? If not, make it a point this year to get to know them better. It helps keep your neighborhood safe and builds connection when you can all look out for each other.

The fourth is meaningful work. This does not mean everyone has to love every part of their job. But people are happier when they feel useful and see how their work helps someone else. Whether paid or unpaid, work gives people dignity and purpose. Parents raising children, volun-

teers, caregivers, students and workers all contribute value. When people feel needed, their confidence and happiness grow.

One important idea connects all four of these areas: happiness is not about chasing pleasure. Pleasure fades quickly. Real happiness builds slowly through effort, relationships and responsibility. It grows when we use things but care for people— not the other way around. Being “happy” doesn’t mean you will never have sadness, anger, frustration or problems. Everyone has hard times. But by focusing on the things that really matter, you increase your opportunities for better overall happiness.

As a community, we should make it easier for people to build these four foundations. That means supporting families, creating spaces for connection, valuing service and helping people find meaning in their lives. Happiness is not something government can give—but it is something we can support by strengthening the places where people live, work and belong. Make a goal this year to find ways you can help increase your own happiness.

Remember when you thought Mr. Monopoly wore a monocle, or you were convinced Curious George had a tail? Memory is a funny thing.

Or how about when NBC anchor Brian Williams “misremembered” being in a helicopter hit by anti-tank weapons in Iraq? His faulty memory got him suspended.

We all misremember things, but when an entire group does it, it’s called the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon that occurs when millions of people are confidently wrong. Like, remember when we all believed Vladimir Putin was a war criminal? LOL. Good times.

If you’re a Gen Xer, you might remember when the VHS tape got eaten by the VCR and you had to use brain surgeon-style techniques to carefully respool the video. But then the tape always had a wrinkled section where the movie would go wonky for a few seconds. That’s what my memory feels like most days: warped and staticky.

My husband is basically a human computer. He remembers everything. When we meet new people, he lights up like an exploding star. He’s curious about their background, hometown and their connection to any celebrity-type person.

Months later, he’ll say, “Remember at the Yankees game when we met that guy who was married to the cousin of a friend who knows Ryan Reynolds? I think his name was George.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“No.”

“Yeah, you do. He owned a horse farm outside of Albany and loves the color orange.”

“What are you talking about?”

His memory recall is slightly unsettling. He’ll drop info like, “I remember the 1968 World Series when the Detroit Tigers came from behind to beat the Cardinals. They hadn’t won since 1945 and Mickey Lolich was the MVP.”

And then there’s me, having to watch a recap for a TV show I watched the night before. But then I remember random things, like when Sen. Mike Lee advocated for term limits. Hahahaha. The good ol’ days.

I was playing a “Frozen” matching game with my 9 year old granddaughter, trying to remember where the pair of Olafs were hiding. I kept turning over the same two cards, a Sven and an Elsa, convinced I’d finally cracked the code.

My granddaughter found it hilarious watching her doddering old granny lose a game. But there was a time I was the matching

game champ. At least that’s my recollection.

I can still sing Abba’s entire “Arrival” album from 1976 but I’m not quite sure I actually attended a single day of high school. I used to know dozens of phone numbers, but now I couldn’t call my daughters if the world were ending and I had to use a rotary phone.

When it comes to remembering the names of dogs I met at the dog park, I’ve got it down. But their owners’ names? No clue. I can make my mom’s mac and cheese by heart, but need to read the directions on a cake mix four times before I get it right.

It makes me second-guess my memory, like, do you recall when Gov. Spencer Cox took the side of trans kids? Or was that also the

Mandela Effect?

If you’ve ever had a sibling contradict your side of a story, or you can’t remember your eighth-grade science teacher, you’re not alone. Or maybe you had an existential crisis when you realized C-3PO’s lower right leg was silver, not gold.

Memory isn’t just fleeting, it’s fluid. When time blurs the moments we fell flat on our faces, it’s a reminder that our flashbacks are edited highlight reels, usually with a laugh track.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com

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