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December 2021 | Vol. 7 Iss. 12

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TEACHER GOES TO MOON AND BACK TO GET STUDENTS EXCITED ABOUT SCIENCE By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

arth science teacher Andrew Holmes goes to the moon and back to inspire students’ interest. “As a NASA-certified instructor, I have the unique opportunity to request actual moonrocks so that my students in our diverse demographic can experience something they never thought they would live to see,” Holmes said. “Billionaires have the opportunity to see space, but my students, who may one day work for them or become one themselves, need to see what is out there to motivate them.” Holmes, who teaches at West Jordan Middle School, requested moonrocks for an earth science lab in October. Students examined samples of rocks and soil and made observations based on what they’d learned about earth’s rocks and soil. Some samples were enclosed in glass but students were able to actually touch some of them. “It’s something other people don’t get to do,” ninth grader Albert Serrano said. “It’s cool to know it’s from the moon.” Ninth grader Phoenix Wright said being able to touch the moonrocks was better than just learning about it from a picture or video. “You can do a lot more observation when it’s right in front of you,” she said. Holmes had some concerns about using the moonrocks in his lesson. They arrived just as a popular TikTok challenge was encouraging kids to steal from their school. However, the security for the samples is tight; Holmes completed a specialized training and followed a strict protocol of how and where the West Jordan Middle ninth graders compare rock and soil samples from the moon with what they’ve learned about Earth’s geology. (Jet Burnham/ rocks could be stored and displayed. He was not allowed to post City Journals) Continued page 4

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Continued from front page anything about it on social media and news outlets could not print anything about the location of the moonrocks until after they’d been returned to NASA. Holmes was also concerned that the students wouldn’t appreciate the opportunity. He said teachers struggle to engage students because they can’t compete with the quickpaced entertainment kids are used to getting on their phones. “We’ve seen a lot of apathy with the students this year, more than ever before,” Holmes said. “It’s like a disconnection—the students just don’t care as much [about their grades] as they used to.” Holmes would have liked for more of his students to be as excited as WJMS staff members were when he invited them to a private viewing of the moonrocks. Science has become a more interactive class, due to new state science standards which encourage student-driven exploration. “I show them data and then give them scenarios and they have to come up with their own point of views,” Homes said. “I think for the most part the kids are enjoying it. Especially since this year, we’ve kind of redesigned the classes to run on new standards. It has revitalized the class.” Earlier this year, he created a starlight lab so that students could see the color signatures of stars illuminated as high-voltage electricity was sent through vials of pure elements. “I had them doing NASA level work,” Holmes said. “The same way NASA uses a telescope to identify what stars are made of, students were doing the same thing.” Holmes incorporates interactive activities and labs as often as he can, but there are limitations due to his large class sizes and equipment costs. Holmes has no specific class budget, but he writes grants, shops for used equipment, asks for donations through online sites and has the support of a generous principal to be able to provide a few interac-

Journals T H E

tive labs and activities each year. He also funds activities himself or finds free ones, such as having students write or draw on postcards which will travel to space in one of Blue Origin’s rocket test flights and then be mailed back to them.l

Closewise: A sample of anorthosite collected on the moon. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Holmes.) Albert Serrano examines a moonrock sample through a digital microscope that was funded through donorschoose. org. (Jet Burnham/City Journals) Lunar samples collected during the Apollo 17 missions. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Holmes.) Students wrote messages and drew pictures that will travel to space in a test rocket. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

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West Jordan honors veterans with memorial day program By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

ov. 11, 2021, at Veterans Memorial Park paid respect to all Veterans who served in armed forces for our country. Keynote speaker Col. Joseph W. Green Chief Of Staff, Utah National Guard. Green said: “The U.S. military is unique because of the way it is interwoven and connected with the citizens of the country. Veterans sometimes feel a little bit nameless and unremembered, and so days like this are important for us to remember.” Green shared a story about when he was a commander in Afghanistan, and one man didn’t get on a helicopter because he felt a prompting that stopped him from getting on. The helicopter did not return, and 32 people lost their lives. “I honor those who passed away, and I honor those who listened to the right voice and acknowledge God’s hand in both of those events,” Green said. “Service is about serving the country in our jobs and those in the military. Think about what we can do as a community and for the country. The crossroads is indolence or action. Take action and get involved.” Rep. Burgess Owens spoke about how he would raise and lower the flag at his grade school and how he was taught to respect the flag. “Utah is unique because of its values,” he said. “These are values that can help build up the country. We are going to look back on these times and realize how blessed we are to be here and have opportunities to thank those who run toward danger and others who are running away from it.” James Shepphard, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7442 and Army Veteran, led an honor guard in a rifle salute during the Veterans Day ceremony and rang the bells of peace. The flag-raising ceremony was done by West Jordan Honor Guard. The National Anthem sung by Janelle Soelberg, Utah Army National Guard. Utah Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace” and a medley of military songs. Mayor Dirk Burton encouraged the public to support veterans and fly the flag at businesses, at home and give a veteran a meal or ask a veteran about their service. “Strive to live our lives better and honor our veterans,” Burton said. “Personally, my time is defined by six years active duty with the most powerful Air Power the world has ever known: the United States Air Force,” Dylan T Steele, Air Force veteran. “During that time, I served five active-duty tours to the Middle-East and Central Asia flying onboard the EBC Joint STARS and the MC-12 Liberty airborne surveillance aircraft. Although the medals and various other achievements are stacked. I know that I

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A Veterans Day program was held at Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 11. (Linda Steele/City Journals)

A picture of Air Force veterans. (Photo courtesy Dylan T. Steele)

speak on behalf of many when I say that these achievements are nothing relative to the relationships built when collectively dealing with the basic elements of life. Military service no matter how long or short creates a special pocket of time carved out that’s viewed upon with the same respect and gravity as major life eras. Within a matter of months or even weeks, lifelong brotherhoods are forged that never decays regardless of the time between hearing from a fellow brother in arms. In

short, military service is indeed timeless, special and sacred. As a veteran, your own service is never the forethought; it’s the service of those around you that inspires and uplifts you. “So in the spirit of timeless camaraderie I offer a toast to those before me and to those after me. To those I stood shoulder to shoulder with and to those we lost in the highest honor. I salute you on this timeless, special, sacred day. Donec Iterum convenient: until we meet again. Cheers.” l

Mayor Dirk Burton and Janelle Soelberg at the veteran memorial. (Linda Steele/City Journals)

December 2021 | Page 5

Copper Hills finishes season fourth in state tournament By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

he Grizzlies volleyball team returned to the state finals and came away with a fourth-place finish. “We were so close,” Copper Hills volleyball head coach Silver Fonua said. “I really did not expect us to get as far as we did. We got so close to beating those teams. This year it was like, wow.” Copper Hills entered the state tournament with the No. 1 seed according to the Utah High School Activities Association ratings performance index. The Grizzlies earned 25 wins while only losing twice during the regular season, including an undefeated region schedule. They cruised through the first two rounds, defeating Weber and Bingham. In the semifinals, they lost to Pleasant Grove 3-1. The semifinals match started well for the Grizzlies; they took the first set 25-18. They seemed poised to capture the victory, but the Vikings rallied and won three straight sets. Copper Hills could not recover and then lost to Syracuse for a fourth-place finish. “We had to work much harder to achieve what we had this year,” Fonua said. “There were games that went four or five sets. We stayed focused for long periods of time this year. We could not afford to take a play off.” Lolo Fonua was named the 2021 Region

Copper Hills competes at the state tournament. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

3 most valuable player. A Grizzly has been named MVP every year since 2017 (Fonua, Teniyah Leuluai, Asiah Sopoaga, Aliyah Sopoaga and Taela Laufiso). She set a school record with 448 kills this season.

“[Lolo] has experience in playing in big games,” Fonua said. “She has worked super hard and may be one of the best players in the state. That speaks volumes; we have had such great players and she broke a record for our

school that was set by some of the greatest players we ever had,” Elle Hutchings turned into a six-rotation player this season. In the past she only played the front row, but her improvement led to more playing time. She was named first team All-Region and her 42 serving aces led the team. “This year [Hutchings] knew it was her year,” Fonua said. “She became a better passer and defender. I think all of her statistics more than doubled. We really saw her work payoff.” Senior Randi Reeves was named Region 3 libero MVP. The libero is considered a defensive specialist. Liberos play the back row and usually have good ball-control skills. She surpassed 1,000 career digs at Copper Hills. “She set a new school digs record and played really good defense,” Fonua said. “Her passing allowed our hitters way more opportunities.” Reeves has committed to continue her volleyball career at Salt Lake Community College. Both Lolo and Hutchings are still contemplating multiple offers. Seniors Courtney Green, Reagan Ricks and Jacie Bell were named to the 2021–22 Academic All-State team. This award recognizes those who excel on the court as well as

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West Jordan City Journal

in the classroom. “Our program has developed every year,” Fonua said. “It feels good to see kids find a sport they love. I understand volleyball will not be something these kids do for the rest of their lives, but it teaches how to do hard things.” This was his eighth year as the Copper Hills head coach. Last season, the Grizzlies finished in second at state. “At the end each year, I take time off to think about it,” Fonua said. “It feels like we have done quite a few things, and the goals the players have accomplished are great. We are not as tall as some of the teams. We work hard to win games. We are able to compete every year in the final four. Some of our kids sit on the bench, but they make us better even through practice.” l

Left: Copper Hills senior Randi Reeves took a moment to clear her mind before the state semi-final match against Pleasant Grove. (Greg James/City Journals) Above: The Grizzlies lined up to take on Pleasant Grove in the state tournament semi-finals. (Greg James/City Journals) Right: Copper Hills competes at the state tournament. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

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At-large council seats filled with two incumbents, one newcomer By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

he West Jordan City Council will have a new face come January. Pamela Bloom outpaced incumbent Chad Lamb by 326 votes to claim the final at-large council seat. Bloom will join incumbents Kayleen Whitelock and Kelvin Green who claimed the first and second spots, respectively. The results were certified Nov. 16. “What a wild ride,” Bloom wrote on her Instagram page a few days after the election. “Thank you for all the support. It really has been a team effort. I look forward to serving West Jordan with everything I have.” Bloom works for the University of Utah Healthcare having recently left her job as the North American account manager for Rotolight, a company that designs lighting equipment for movies and photography. She was appointed to the city’s planning commission in July 2020. Kayleen Whitelock returns to the council for a second term. A former nurse, Whitelock served on the Jordan School District Board of Education as well as various Utah PTA boards—including the state board—prior to her current council seat. She also worked as a nurse and director of a pharmaceutical research company.

After recent elections saw large changes to the council, City Hall will only see one newly elected official take the dais in 2022. (Photo courtesy West Jordan)

Kelvin Green also retained his seat two years after being elected when the third atlarge council seat was created as part of West Jordan’s transition to a new form of government. Green previously served on the planning commission and owns a local business. He is a retired member of the army national guard. After elections in 2017 and 2019 that saw three newly elected officials each time, the 2021 version only features one change. The three election winners will take their oath of office in January. l

Councilwoman Kayleen Whitelock, seen here taking her oath of office in 2018, will do so again in January. (File photo Travis Barton/City Journals)

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Officials researching potential petting zoo at Veterans Memorial Park By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

petting zoo could potentially set up its hay barrels at Veterans Memorial Park. After a majority of the West Jordan City Council signaled interest, city staff were directed to research a petting zoo’s feasibility. The idea, initially brought forward in August and revisited in October, comes from Councilman David Pack, who suggested a discussion about changing city code to allow farm animals for a petting zoo at the city’s primary park. Pack pointed out during an October work meeting that The Farm at Gardner Village is moving, and would like to keep the amenity in the city. “This is a good draw for our city and community,” he said. “And I’d hate to lose this 501(c)(3) animal rescue. It seems like this blends well with the historical nature of West Jordan.” Pack added the city could use more amenities, and having this farm located near the West Jordan Historical Museum (located just off 7800 South on the north side of the park) could be “a destination draw” that could “revitalize this area to safeguard our history.” “It’s recreational, it’s educational, it’s history,” Pack said. “It’d be a good draw for families in our city, and also out of our city, to come learn more about West Jordan. Hopefully that in turn breeds more growth. Seems like a win-win.” Councilmembers were interested and liked the idea, but the—along with city staff— had questions about liability, protection for the animals, costs, who is responsible for those costs, odors and proximity to major roadways among other things. Assistant City Attorney Duncan Murray said because it’s public property, it brings multiple issues into effect. “There’s a lot more issues at play here than even the ones brought up tonight that we’d have to analyze first for you as a council to make a fully informed decision,” Murray said. City officials also noted the corner of the park in question sees many Pokemon Go players congregate, making it one of the highest

visited areas of the park. The Farm at Gardner Village’s owner, Russ Murdock (but commonly known as Farmer Gil), assured city officials there is federal grant funding available for facilities and would have security on site 24/7 and fencing around the property. Many of their animals are rescued, and Murdock wants to keep them from falling into bad situations, he said. Murdock explained their rent doubled last year and are looking for more space. “West Jordan’s been good to us; we’d like to stay here and be part of this community,” Murdock said. Museum officials said the area to the east of their building is utilized for pumpkin walks in the fall and during baseball season, parking becomes an issue. For Councilman Kelvin Green, who likes the petting-zoo idea, the issue helps address a wider problem he would like to see fixed: the city’s facility use policy. Green said they have events going on city property such as parks and parking lots regularly that aren’t addressed in the city’s policies. “I’m suggesting the facility use piece of this is actually a bigger issue we need to address holistically, not just for a potential petting zoo,” he said. Councilman Chris McConnehey said he initially felt a petting zoo didn’t fit but noted side attractions in other cities around the country he’s seen and feels it could work. He also has reservations but wanted staff to research further. “We need to be very careful and very thoughtful about what we’re doing and the way we do it,” he said. But Pack expressed concern about the process, wanting to respect zoning and ordinances but worried how long it could take. “If we follow our normal protocol, it’ll be a year or two until we make a decision,” Pack said, later adding, “Whenever we talk about something it takes forever. I’m trying to expedite the process, not circumvent necessary protocol, but I’d like to see some sort of streamline and get things done. I don’t think Farmer Gil has a year for us to deliberate.”

Pack wanted to direct staff to start facilitating it happen, rather simply a study. McConnehey said he needed his questions resolved to be supportive. “Without answers to those questions, I don’t feel like I’m doing my responsibility as a councilmember with responsibility for the tax funds we’ve received from the residents, potentially expending those or potentially putting them at risk without knowing the answer to some of those questions,” he said.

McConnehey also voiced concern about “crafting policy for a specific person” noting city officials would still need to follow a request-for-proposal (RFP) process. He also suggested Murdock may want to retire at some point so future considerations need to be examined. “We need to make sure this is not done on a spur of the moment,” he said. “That doesn’t have long-term implications well-considered. Because once something goes in, it’s not going to change.” l

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Goats are among the animals at The Farm at Gardner Village, which intends to move from its current location. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

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West Jordan community invited to Paws for a Cause By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

ou never outgrow Paws for a Cause, Copper Hills High School’s annual charity drive. Class of 2018 alum Kathryne Pyne, who helped organize the event when she served on student government, is still thinking of ways to help the school raise money for charity. “That was always my favorite part during high school, at Christmas, just being able to take so much time to serve,” said Pyne, who still loves serving her community. When she began working for Sponsr, a fundraising company for students, she immediately thought of CHHS’s charity drive. “As somebody who’s very passionate about Paws for a Cause, I thought that would be a super-awesome opportunity for them to make some good money,” she said. “What I love about it is that the kids keep 100%.” As a marketing arm, Sponsr connects local businesses with customers. As a fundraising avenue, they provide a link to their platform that credits CHHS students when their friends and family members set up an appointment for a marketing pitch. For each appointment and for each purchase, Paws for a Cause will receive a donation. “It’s nice because a lot of people in our community, the ones that don’t neces-

sarily have the money to donate, it’s a nice way that they can contribute to Paws for a Cause,” SBO Vice President Julia Basinger said. CHHS clubs each have their own link and are competing to be the top earner. Sponsr offers prize incentives for individual students, too. Paws for a Cause is focused on community. All the money raised funds community members’ needs, such as paying for Christmas gifts and medical or funeral expenses. During Odd Jobs, which will run throughout November and December, students go door-to-door offering to do any job, small or large, for community members in exchange for a donation. The student government team has planned even more spirit nights this year to support local businesses and involve more community members. The Arctic Circle by CHHS will donate a portion of the sales of Grizzly Shakes. Details and dates of events can be found on Instagram @chpride. Community members are invited to attend the annual Grizzlies Got Talent talent show Dec. 10. This year’s event will feature a 3-year-old boy in need of a liver transplant, who will receive some of

Students and community members donate to the Paws for a Cause charity drive. (Photo courtesy of Julia Basinger.)

the funds raised this year. SBO President Aidan Sullivan said it will be good for audience members to see one of the kids they are raising money for and help them understand the impact of the charity drive. “It’s for the people to see this is why we do Paws for a Cause,” Sullivan said. Students will have daily opportunities to contribute to the cause. Student government members will sell muffins and comb the hallways with collection jugs. School

club members will sell items and take donations for lunch time activities. Basinger said charity season is a lot of work and it seems as though most student government members don’t sleep at all during December. But she said it is worth it when the final earnings are announced and when they purchase gifts for kids or present funds to a community member. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” she said. l

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Page 10 | December 2021

West Jordan City Journal

Hats are just the tip of the iceberg of new school dress code By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

or the first time in decades, Jordan School District’s dress code has been updated. Specific lists of prohibited clothing and ambiguous language such as “well-groomed” and “modest” have been removed from the policy wording. The new policy gives more autonomy to school administrators to make specific decisions for their own student bodies. Included is a graphic that simplifies standards so that students, parents and administrators can easily identify if an outfit is compliant and how to adjust it if it is not. A district committee, headed by Student Services Director Travis Hamblin, spent over a year reviewing school dress code policies from around the country. The pandemic delayed the process, but finally, after receiving substantial feedback from parents, students and educators, the new policy was approved Oct. 26 and went into effect immediately. The next day, students responded to the news by wearing hats and flipping their hoodies onto their heads, since the new policy no longer prohibits hats. Extreme hairstyles, including hair color, are also no longer specifically prohibited. Some of the specific exclusions listed in the old code, which was written in 1974, were from the post-Vietnam era and based on the cultural norms of the majority culture. “The policy was written back when

everybody dressed a whole lot differently than how they dress now,” said Yan’tu Barber, District Diversity and Culture Specialist and member of the Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee. He said the old policy was problematic for students who wore, for example, baggy pants or a “Boyz in the Hood” movie T-shirt which was acceptable within their culture but cause for being removed from class at school. “We don’t want our kids being sent down on dress code infractions when it’s not even a dress code infraction,’’ Barber said. He said when he was a teacher, he was not worried about what a kid was wearing. “I’m not worried about that, I’m worried about if the kid is sitting in the classroom, that they’re getting the content that I’m teaching,” he said. “Those are the things that supersede how a kid’s dressed.” Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller said the catalyst for the update of the policy was to make it more gender neutral and more culturally sensitive. The dress code is part of the Student Code of Conduct policy, which has also been revised to remove the zero-tolerance responses and punitive consequences for student behavior, including dress code violations. “What we sought to do is avoid prescriptive enforcement to focus on learning

and relationships and to reduce out-of-class time,” Hamblin said. The new policy provides greater flexibility by not specifically listing types of clothing not allowed or requiring specific measurements of clothing. Barber believes it will take time for administrators to decide what works best for their student body and then ensure consistent enforcement among staff members. “The enforcement of it will ultimately indicate if it’s a better policy or not,” Barber said. “If some of our kids of different cul-

tural backgrounds are still getting dress code [violations], maybe at a higher clip, or for something that is maybe pertaining to their culture, then that would be more informative for us to see if the dress code is really being as effective as the new policy is written.” The Jordan Ethnic Advisory Committee is currently trying to revise the graduation dress code to allow graduates to wear cultural decorations, such as leis and national flags, during their graduation ceremony. l

This graphic illustrates general dress standards for Jordan School District students. (Photo courtesy of Jordan School District.)

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December 2021 | Page 11

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Page 12 | December 2021

Tech students are so talented, it’s scary! By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

tudents impressed their peers, instructors and judges at Jordan Academy of Technology and Careers annual hair and nail design competition. Held Oct. 28, the theme was “Fall Fantasy.” Students teamed up to style models as characters such as Edward Scissorhands, Cruella DeVille, evil clowns and autumn fairies, using the techniques and design skills they’ve learned in their nail tech, hair design and barbering classes at JATC. Nail tech instructor Shannon Mechling said nail designers participate in industry competitions regularly as a way to get noticed. “The way to get known is to go outside the parameters,” Mechling said, so she encourages her students to be as creative as they can be. “It’s a lot of pressure for them but it pushes them outside of their box of comfort,” she said. “I just think it’s a lot of fun.” The theme was broad enough that some groups chose to style characters from Halloween movies while others interpreted the theme with characters such as an autumn fairy or Medusa. Angeles Garcia, a senior at Copper Hills High School, was inspired by the Day of the Dead holiday, which she loves celebrating with her family each year. Her team created a model with candy skull make-up and hair styled with braids, victory rolls and colorful flowers. Garcia used meaningful designs on the nails, including a sculpted cross necklace. Logan Carpenter created patterns on her model’s nails inspired by the patchwork dress of Sally and other characters from the movie “Nightmare Before Christmas.” “You can do anything on nails,” Carpenter said. She used the 3D sculpting techniques she’d recently learned in class. “It was fun to learn and see it come to life,” she said. Hair design and barbering instructor Dacia Peterson proudly watched her students creatively apply the skills they’ve learned in class—up-dos, hair additives and special occasion design techniques. Addi Perry, Cambria Young and Emma Harmon worked together to create Medusa, using bobby pins, hairspray, wire and teasing techniques to create a wild head of snakes on Harmon’s head. “They told us the bigger the better, so we thought of all the characters with big hair,” Young said. Most of the students in the competition are in their first semester of classes, only onefourth of the way through their programs. Barbering and hair design students acquire 1,200 hours of experience in the two year program, which prepares them for state board testing. Nail and hair students practice their skills on each other during class. After school, their services are available to the public by appointment. To schedule nail services, call 801-4121325 or 801-412-1316. For hair salon services, call 801-412-1311. Riverton High School CTE coordinator

Students from the afternoon classes show off their designs. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Mechling.)

A team of students prepare the hair for their model in the annual hair and nail design competition. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Mechling.)

Emma Harmon designed her nails while her teammates designed her hair to create a striking Medusa. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

Gayle Whitefield said the classes offered at the two JATC campuses prepare students for careers right out of high school, many of which are in high demand. She wants students and parents to know that there are a lot of good jobs that don’t require a degree. She said that many of the JATC classes are a great fit for students who learn best through hands-on experiences or are curious about their career options. “It opens doors to careers that they may not be aware of,” Whitefield said. l

Medusa shows off her hair and nails to the judges. (Photo courtesy of Shannon Mechling.)

West Jordan City Journal

MadJags season is here! By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

adJags season has begun and students at West Jordan High School are excited to resume their traditional annual charity drive. “Just with the pandemic last year, we were not able to do a lot of our events and all the stuff that we usually do that are our traditions,” SBO President Macy Dulgarian said. “So this year, we’re able to pick those traditions back up and have more in-person activities rather than online options.” Back are traditions such as Mr. MadJags pageant, Odd Jobs, Christmas movie night and Winter Waltz. Last year, students paid money to throw a pie in one of the SBO’s faces. The activity was a hit and will be offered again this year, along with other pay-to-play lunchtime activities to raise money. New this year is a 12-hour live-streamed telethon. Students and school staff will provide entertainment, demonstrations and interviews to encourage donations 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 10. Students are offering services to community members such as a babysitting night and a gift-wrapping night in exchange for donations. Students are excited to go out into the community to collect donations and provide service with the traditional Odd Jobs activity. Each evening, from Dec. 1- Dec. 16, groups

of students will go door-to-door, offering to do odd jobs and asking for donations. They will also be promoting MadJags as they hand out hot chocolate during school events and near the Christmas light display on Temple Square. Community members are invited to attend WJHS’s holiday music concerts, where donations will be collected. Details and dates for concerts and events, including restaurant spirit nights and skating nights to benefit MadJags, will be posted on the school website and on Instagram @wj_pride. The closing assembly, when the total amount of money raised will be revealed, will also be live-streamed. MadJags is community-supported and community-focused. “We’re really grateful for the support that we get in our community,” Dulgarian said. The proceeds of MadJags this year will help two families with children who have cancer through Ethan’s Super Angels, a small local foundation. SBO Macie Blair hopes community members and students are able to meet the kids at some of the events and see directly how the money they are raising will help these families. “We’d love to just really have the com-

West Jordan High School student government officers surprise the owners of Ethan’s Super Angels with the news that their foundation will be the recipient of MadJag’s proceeds this year. (Photo courtesy of James Myers.)

munity rally around these little boys and their families during this time,” she said. “We just really bring everyone together in a common goal of trying to raise money for the sole purpose of helping others and just trying to spread some light and some joy. Nothing is better than doing service, especially around Christmastime. And when you’re doing service for the community and you’re helping

raise money for a charity, it really just reinforces a positive mindset, both for us as student government and for the student body.” SBO Eliza Coe said MadJags is a highlight of the holiday season for students. “It really helps the student body to get more involved in stuff like this,” she said. “You can really see how it brightens the atmosphere around Christmastime.” l

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Page 14 | December 2021

West Jordan City Journal

G O OD NE IG HBOR

NEWS

DECEMBER 2021

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E Happy Holidays! As we start to say goodbye to 2021 and prepare for 2022, this time of year always has me feeling a bit nostalgic. Do you have a family tradition that you stick to around the holidays? Maybe it’s getting together to go sledding at a local park, shopping at local businesses, or making cookies for Santa. For my family, it’s getting together Christmas Eve to exchange gifts. As my children have gotten older and have started to have their own children, it can make it more exciting to get everyone together. Our tradition makes it possible to spend time with one another before they go on to spend Christmas morning at their own homes.

Schorr Gallery – Featured Artist, Troy Hunter Troy Hunter is a photographic artist with a unique specialty. “I have what is called ‘essential tremors,” Hunter explained. “Some call it a disability; I have to disagree because it results in such beauty.” What he once considered a hinderance, he now embraces in his art. “I used to delete photos that I thought were too blurry,” Hunter said. “A simple photo of nighttime lights helped me think and see things differently. I decided to use the condition to my benefit, by framing a scene in my viewfinder and allowing my shaking to proceed naturally.” Hunter doesn’t sign his name on his pieces because doing so would suggest there is a top, bottom, left, or right side of the photograph. “I truly love what I do, and firmly believe this work to be of great value, as it showcases beautiful art created through a condition once viewed as a hardship, now consciously turned into a beneficial tool and a gift,’ Hunter said. “It is my dream and passion to share this gift with the world.” You can view Hunter’s art in the Schorr Gallery at West Jordan City Hall through December 2022.

West Jordan’s New Look Online As West Jordan residents, we are very good at providing service for our community. However, the holidays are a fantastic time to show our family, friends, and neighbors some extra kindness. Whether that is through a gift or a favor, it’s the time of year to show you care. For decades, West Jordan residents have given back in big ways during the holidays. In 1991, religious leaders from several different backgrounds and churches started holding an interfaith event to assist the homeless. Our own West Jordan Middle School hosted the event and continues to be a meeting place for cooperative efforts that give back to our community. I’m so honored to serve you and I’m proud to call myself a West Jordan resident. Big plans are ahead for our great city, and I look forward to working with you in 2022. Warmest wishes to you and yours,

Mayor Dirk Burton

WestJordanJournal .com

The City of West Jordan is consistently looking for new ways to communicate with its residents. This year, the city launched its new website. It comes with many modernized improvements including an upgraded search system, easy-to-use community calendar, and mobile-friendly design. Marie Magers works in the city’s public relations department; she says this upgrade has been a long time coming. “We are so excited to offer our resident an easier way to find the information they are looking for,” said Magers. “Not only that, but our new site is accessible for people of all abilities.” The new site comes with an “Accessibility Adjustment” option allowing users to switch to a ‘Seizure Safe Profile’, ‘ADHD Friendly Profile’, and more. This option also allows users to adjust the font size and adjust text colors. “We wanted to ensure that anyone could access our site,” said Magers. “These features are necessary to keep all of our residents, no matter their age or native language, to stay informed on what is going on in the city.” Visit westjordan.utah.gov to check out the new features. If you have any suggestions email info@ westjordan.utah.gov. December 2021 | Page 15

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

What to Know for When it Starts to Snow We’ve all been there before, you wake up in the morning to prepare for another day of work, you look outside, and BAM Mother Nature brought a huge snowstorm. Your driveway is covered in snow, your mailbox is covered in snow and your car, which is parked on the street, is also covered in snow. The first thing you probably want to do is climb back in bed, but before you do that… do your neighbors and city a solid: move your car off the road. Here’s why: West Jordan City ordinance 7-3-10 prohibits parking a car, or semitrailer, on the street when it is snowing, or snow is already on the street. The ordinance is in effect from November 1st through April 30th of the following year. If you are parked on the street during the storm you could face a violation and pay a ticket. But aside from just potentially paying up, you may be the reason your street isn’t getting plowed. While some streets CAN still be plowed with cars

costs clearing snow from cul-de-sacs than on typical “uninterrupted” stretches of streets. Because of the high cost-to-benefit ratio, and lower traffic volume, cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets have the lowest priority, and will be the last areas plowed.

parked along the side, many plow drivers will wait until the street is clear to avoid damaging any cars as well as their own equipment. There are more than 800 lane miles of streets in the city of West Jordan. The city’s plow drivers get to those streets by priority.

CITY STREET PRIORITY CATEGORIES: Priority One: Arterial and major collector streets. Priority Two: Generally, subdivision collector streets. Priority Three: All other residential through streets, (excluding cul-de-sacs). Priority Four: Cul-de-sacs and other dead-end streets. The city incurs proportionally more time and

Something else to keep in mind; not all roads are the city’s responsibility. Some roads belong to the state which are maintained by the Utah Department of Transportation, including: • Redwood Road • Bangerter Highway • 7000 South from the Jordan River to Redwood Road • 9000 South from the Jordan River to 5600 West • U-111 from New Bingham Highway to the Northern City border • Mountain View Corridor • New Bingham Highway from 7800 South to west of U-111 Another important thing to note; police won’t be able to ticket ALL cars parked on the street. If it’s a snowy commute they are likely responding to crashes or helping drivers who get stuck in the snow. It’s best not to bombard dispatch with a list of your neighbors’ license plate numbers, when they’re already receiving calls about potential crashes with injuries. Think two steps ahead: check the local weather, so you can move your car off the road if it’s likely going to snow.

Don’t Forget to Give Back by Giving Blood

Page 16 | December 2021

The City of West Jordan is holding its blood drive Monday, December 6th at City Hall (8000 S. Redwood Road) from 12 PM to 6 PM. Appointments are required, visit redcrossblood. org to make yours today.

West Jordan City Journal

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Christmas not Changing Garbage Day HEADS UP - Christmas will NOT impact anyone’s garbage day. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday this year, your garbage schedule will not be affected.

COUNCIL CORNER With 2021 nearing its conclusion, the City Council would like to thank you for the many hours of service you have devoted to our community this year. Regardless of whether you served within a specified organization, volunteered at city events, submitted city service requests, or provided a warm welcome to new neighbors, your efforts didn’t go unnoticed. “I am always impressed by the many acts of kindness I see from my fellow residents on a daily basis,” said Council Member Chad Lamb. “Service makes our community stronger and friendlier.” The City Council is also excited to announce the onboarding of a new staff member. Cassidy Hansen is our new Public Liaison and Policy Analyst. Some of her responsibilities include responding to your public comments and posting information relevant to community issues on the Council’s social media. Cassidy has asked us to remind you that you can

follow us on both Twitter @WJCityCouncil and our Facebook page titled “West Jordan City Council. After following us on social media, don’t forget to take some time this holiday season to make memories with your loved ones. Council Member Melissa Worthen said, “This time of year, we tend to reflect on what has happened over the months and although we have dealt with a lot of challenges, we have also received many gifts. I hope you choose to focus on the gifts and kindness shared with you throughout the year and passed along to others. Only through on open mind and heart can we learn and grow and have a better future for all.” The City Council wishes everyone a happy holiday season and hopes you will find several quiet moments to enjoy the presence of your friends, family, and neighbors during this special time of year.

City of West Jordan Offering Curbside Christmas Tree Pick-up

Holiday Hotline – Hear a New Message from Santa Dec. 1 -25

Every year, the City of West Jordan offers its residents the option to pick up and dispose of their real Christmas trees. This year it is no different. Starting December 25th through January 21st, residents can place their Christmas trees curbside on their trash collection day. Residents may also opt to drop off their tree at a designated drop-off location.

It’s not every day you get to team up with the North Pole! This year, West Jordan is working with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the workshop elves to bring you new messages for 25 days.

The three drop-off locations include: • The parking lot at the County Pool/Gene Fulmer Rec Center located at 8125 S. 2200 W. • The parking lot of Constitution Park located at the southeast corner of 3285 W. 7000 S. • The south parking lot at the West Jordan Soccer Complex located on the west side of 4000 W. at about 8070 S. Trees will be delivered to the Trans-Jordan Landfill to be composted. Please do not bag your trees, be sure that all your ornaments, tinsel, and other décor are removed. If your tree has been flocked (given a treatment to make it look like snow is on the branches) it will not be collected. This program is only for real trees, artificial trees will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding this program, call: 801-569-5700.

WestJordanJournal .com

How do I participate? Call 801-256-2057 to hear a new message from the North Pole everyday December 1st through 25th. How’d you get ahold of Santa? Believe it or not HE asked us! Apparently, the girls and boys of West Jordan have been SO good this year he wanted to send a special message to them throughout the month. Questions about the service? Email our events department: events@ westjordan.utah.gov.

Holiday for the Animals – Support the West Jordan Animal Shelter Help us save the animals by donating to the West Jordan Animal Shelter on Saturday, December 11 between 10 AM – 2PM. Drop off donations at the West Jordan Animal Shelter 5982 New Bingham Highway. Contactless donations are also available online: bit.ly/wjanimalshelter. Donations needed include adult cat and dog food, cat furniture, kitten food, scratching posts, puppy food, treats, toys and bones, cat litter, and dog and cat beds. If you have questions, call the West Jordan Animal Shelter 801-282-3951. December 2021 | Page 17

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

DECEMBER

1-25

DECEMBER

1-26

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR

WEST JORDAN’S HOLIDAY HOTLINE Hear a new message from Santa every day 801-256-2057

Find more information on Westjordan.utah.gov

DECEMBER

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN

BLOOD DRIVE

West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 7 p.m.

Find more information on westjordan.utah.gov

DECEMBER

PLANNING COMMISSION

HOLIDAY FOR THE ANIMALS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

West Jordan City Hall 12 – 6 p.m.

West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 6 p.m.

DECEMBER

West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 7 p.m.

DECEMBER

23-24

DECEMBER

PLANNING COMMISSION

CITY HALL CLOSED

CHRISTMAS

West Jordan City Hall & online: bit.ly/WestJordan 6 p.m.

The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 Join the conversation! (801) 569-5100 West Jordan – City Hall www.wjordan.com

West Jordan Police Dept. 8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 801-840-4000 Dispatch

When it Snow: Check Fire Hydrants WINTER FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE FROM THE WEST JORDAN FIRE DEPARTMENT This small act is critical and could save lives. When it snows, you are used to shoveling the snow off your driveway, sidewalks, and around your mailbox. This year don’t forget about the fire hydrant that may be in front of your home. If there is a hydrant near your property be aware of the things you can do to ensure firefighters can access the hydrant when needed. • Shovel or snow blow at least 3-feet of space around the hydrant. • Maintain an open space between the street and the front of the hydrant. • These clearing should go all the way to the ground, when possible, but not less than one foot below the hydrant caps. It’s a simple and quick act that can save many lives in the case of a fire.

Big eSports online tournament held for local students By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

he idea of gamers living in their parents’ basement and never seeing the light of day is no more. In the fall festival held in November, 695 Utah high school and middle school students gathered online in a friendly eSports competition. “The ability of eSports to be online at any time makes it possible for us to hold a large tournament,” co-owner and operator of The League Esports Danny Jacobson said. “We both got into eSports years ago for a local company, LDS Gamers,” co-owner and operator of TLE Shawn Fisher said. “We decided to open our community and host games. We were contacted by some high school organizations, and through networking it has become a nation and worldwide opportunity.” The Fall Festival, sponsored by Ken Garff eSports, was the largest school event held in the state, as 221 middle school and high school teams gathered online Nov. 11–12. In the 5A and 6A division, 24 schools were represented. Teams played Smash Bros Ultimate and Rocket League. Each game can be played as teams and supports quick timed battles. RL (Rocket League) was played in teams of three. It is a vehicular-style soccer game. Both games are popular games with youth competitors and could be adapted to a large online gathering. “My teacher brought it up in a class, and Rocket League is a game I like to play, so I

WestJordanJournal .com

signed up,” a middle school student that goes by the user name “Elimantor” said. “I like competing against my friends.” “A tournament this large had never been held in Utah,” Jacobson said. “Some schools had multiple teams, some schools had as many as 30 kids. The goal would be to hold it as an in-person event eventually, but lots of logistics would need to be figured out. Rocket League and Smash Bros are two of the most popular, and they are good family-friendly games.” League of Legends is also a popular game that will be introduced into a big tournament, but the speed of games in Rocket League and SuperSmash fit better into the large tournament. Rocket League is one of the most popular eSports games, West Jordan and Mountain Ridge high schools played “The goal of this particular event was not an online match. (Photo courtesy of TLE to see who the very best was,” Jacobson said. “We wanted the most participation and the op- through games,” Fisher said. “We also have sense of community. That is a reason we startportunity to get kids to play with others from high school quarterbacks, soccer stars and ed TLE was to make a safe place to play and even band kids that like to play games when make new friends—some of my best friends I all over the place.” Ken Garff eSports, iTeamUSA and Code they get home. It is not an absolute that if you have never met.” to Success has pinpointed that gaming can de- play games you live in your mom’s basement. Like a local recreation center, TLE holds velop potential workplace applicants. Jobs in- Some of us are older, and we own our base- gathering points for gamers to gather and play cluding coding and cyber security have many ments.” competitive video games. The online community has helped many silicon slopes companies seeing the opportuni“As we started ‘adulting,’ we wanted students with mental health conditions. ty to find possible future employees. a place where we could play our games, just “Just like anything, there are negative like rec leagues play basketball or softball,” Ja“This is a great gateway to introduce these jobs by finding kids that like to play video things if you look for them,” Jacobson said. cobson said. “Gamers can play competitively “The community involvement can help with in college and earn scholarships or job offers. games,” Jacobson said. “Kids can go on to college and pay for it kids that can be introverted. Gaming is a big That is how we got started.” l

December 2021 | Page 19

Jaguars basketball tips off with a new head coach By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

he boys basketball team at West Jordan is in uncharted territory with a new head coach. “This job has big shoes to fill,” firstyear Jaguars head coach Christian Wouden said. “West Jordan is known as a basketball school and has a very rich tradition. I am excited to carry the torch. I just hope I don’t drop it.” Wouden takes over a program that has had two coaches in the past 25 years. Scott Briggs left in 2018 when Mason Sawyer took over. Both had been Jaguar alums and members of the coaching staff before becoming the head coach. The new coach is no different. “I have been an assistant coach for three years here and spent some time as the freshman coach at Joel P. Jensen,” Wouden said. “Taking over for Mason has brought our team very close together. We have dedicated our season to him and his family.” In June, Sawyer lost his wife and two of his children in a car accident near Beaver, Utah. His son Blue survived the accident. He stepped down as coach of the team. West Jordan High School had been his alma mater and the place he met his wife.

Mason Sawyer stepped down as the Jaguar head basketball coach after a tragic car accident claims the lives of his wife and two of his children. (Greg James/City Journals)

The Jaguars have adopted a new motto this year, “Blue Strong,” after Mason’s surviving son. They have patches on their game uniforms and shooting shirts de-

signed in his honor. “It has been extremely hard,” Wouden said. “He has found a place with family and friends. Scott Briggs at Mountain

Ridge has given him a spot to help and he is trying to get to a good place.” This year’s team has seven seniors. All of them played under Sawyer’s tutor-

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ship, and Wouden is thrilled for them to show what they have. “I am super excited for this season,” Wouden said. “We have a strong core group. I think it is the most seniors to have been on the team. I think they have been playing ball together since second grade. They are best friends and work hard. We will surprise a lot of people.” The Jaguars boast four returning starters: Logan Prince, Brandon Christensen, Boston Farmer and ‘Esafe Taufahema. As a sophomore, Prince was named Region 2 MVP. He has averaged 10.6 points per game in three seasons. “They are a big group, and I can’t really pick one as a player to watch,” Wouden said. The team has been working on defense to start the season. Last year the Jaguars averaged over four steals per game and only allowed 51 points per game, tops in 6A. “We want to be fast-paced on offense and feisty on defense,” Wouden said. West Jordan will compete in the Class 6A’s Region 3. “Bingham, Mountain Ridge and Copper Hills should be really tough,” Wouden said. “I feel blessed with this team. They are easy to coach. They are fantastic kids, and if I told them to run through a wall, they would do it. They want to be successful. At 6 a.m., we have kids coming in and getting shots up to get better.” l

West Jordan has had a rich basketball history. This season they will have only their third head coach in 25 years. (Greg James/City Journals)

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The Stars are back at Bruin Arena By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

he Salt Lake City Stars are back playing basketball at Bruin Arena. It has been a long time. “The game and experience is definitely family friendly,” Stars basketball Communications Manager Derek Ahrnsbrak said. “We have some up-and-coming players on the team this year, including Thurl Bailey’s and Dwayne Wade’s sons, Brendan Bailey and Zaire Wade.” The home opener (Nov. 17 after press deadline) will mark the first time the Stars have played in Salt Lake City since March 6, 2020. They play their home games in Bruin Arena on the campus of the Salt Lake Community College. The Stars began this season by dropping their first three games, all on the road. They hope playing in a friendly environment will change their results. “We have former NBA players on the roster and two current Jazz players, as well as players that spent time in Jazz camp this fall,” Ahrnsbrak said. Derrick Alston Jr. is one of the affiliate Jazz players on the Stars roster. (NBA teams can assign up to four players to their G League team.) His basketball career has come full circle. He began as a ball boy

Carsen Edwards (#9) of the Salt Lake City Stars has spent time in the NBA with the Boston Celtics. (Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake City Stars)

for the Houston Rockets. He spent his time grabbing rebounds for the players during warmups. Now he plays the game professionally.

He was not highly recruited after high school, but with the help of a junior college coach he convinced Boise St to give him a shot. He averaged 14.2 points per game as

a Bronco. He went undrafted out of college but joined the Golden State Warriors G League team and eventually earned a tryout with the Jazz.

As Utah’s Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low, Lack of Labor Lingers By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank Senior Economist Utah’s unemployment rate hit the lowest level ever recorded in October. The Utah Department of Workforce Services’ most recent jobs report, released in November, shows that only 2.2% of the state’s workers are unemployed and actively looking for work. This historic low comes only 18 months after the state’s unemployment rate reached a record high of 10.4% in April 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Utah’s job recovery from such a massive disruption has been impressive. Our state’s two-year job growth leads the nation at 3.7%, compared to a 2.2% job decline nationally. The state has added 58,500 jobs added over the past two years, with the construction; financial activities; and trade, transportation and utilities sectors growing the fastest. This job growth is limited, however, by the lack of available labor. Utah, like the rest of the nation, is struggling to find workers to fill job openings. A recent analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts found that the ratio of jobs-to-jobless in Utah is more than

Page 22 | December 2021

Utah Unemployment Rate at Record Low 13.0% 12.0% 11.0% 10.0% 9.0% 8.0% 7.0% 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% October 2.0% 2021 1.0% 2.2% 0.0% 1/1/00 1/1/02 1/1/04 1/1/06 1/1/08 1/1/10 1/1/12 1/1/14 1/1/16 1/1/18 1/1/20 Source: Utah Department of Workforce Statistics

2 to 1. Many residents who dropped out of the workforce during the pandemic have not returned. Even so, the labor force participation rate – an estimate of what percent of the state’s population is working or looking for a job – is the fifth highest in the nation. Labor force participation remained steady from September to October at 67.9%, though still below the 68.6% of two years ago in October 2019. The very tight labor market continues to cause wage pressure. Nationally, average hourly earnings were 4.9% higher in

October, compared to one year ago. This wage inflation, which is a welcome trend for workers, is placing more strain on employers, who are facing both the labor shortage and continued supply chain struggles. Despite these challenges, Utah’s economy – and the U.S. economy – continue to improve and recover. More people are returning to work as the latest wave of the delta variant of the Coronavirus subsides, vaccination rates increase, and the impact of enhanced unemployment benefits ends. l

West Jordan City Journal

His story is typical of what types of players spend time in the G League. Generally, it is filled with up-and-coming athletes trying to earn a shot and some players trying to hang on to their careers. Carson Edwards, a 5-foot-11-inch guard joins the Stars this season. He was the 33rd pick in the 2019 draft by the Boston Celtics. He played in 68 games over two seasons for the Celtics. Brendan Bailey and Zaire Wade have garnered the most attention this fall as members of the Stars. They have both come off the bench and averaged seven and five points, respectively, in the first few games of the season. “We have some great talent on the team,” Ahrnsbrak said. “Our head coach is a first-class guy. This is officially his second season with the team.” Head coach Nathan Peavy is starting his second season in the first chair for the team. He coached last year with the Stars in the G League’s abbreviated season in Orlando. Because of the pandemic, the league played its entire schedule in a one-location bubble. He has been an assistant coach with the team for five years. “[Peavy] is really a great guy and very down to earth,” Ahrnsbrak said. “All of the staff with the Stars are great people. I encourage everyone to come check it out.” Ticket prices for the Stars range from $10 to $35 and can be purchased on the

Macio Teague (#31) of the Salt Lake City Stars drives to the basket against the Oklahoma City Blue during an NBA G League game on November 5. (Photo courtesy of the Salt Lake City Stars)

Stars’ website. The G League functions as a headway league for potential NBA positions such as players, officials and front-office staff. The league began as the Developmental League in 2001, and in 2005 they gained a title spon-

sor, Gatorade, and changed the name to the G League. “This is an opportunity to see the Jazz future players and players from around the league,” Ahrnsbrak said. “The Stars of today can be the Jazz of tomorrow.” l

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Art show attracts talented artists from around the valley By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

he Midvale Arts Council’s Art Show was held Nov. 6 and attracted talented individuals from around the valley. The normally annual show, which did not take place in 2020, is typically held during Harvest Days. “We had to separate this event from Hall of Honors because of COVID, and we probably had a third of the usual participation,” said Stephanie Johnson, treasurer of the council’s board of directors. “We didn’t want too many people in the building at one time. But it was nice to have the show upstairs this year, instead of in the basement.” The show was held at the Midvale Performing Arts Center, 695 W. Center St., during the afternoon with awards announced that evening. Bree Morris, a local graphic designer, coordinated the judges and hung the art. The Best in Show ribbon went to Brian Abel for his painting, “resume.” The other painting he entered, “fallacy,” won the People’s Choice award, which was decided by votes from attendees of the show. Abel grew up in Midvale and moved back last year after a nine-year stint teaching art in San Diego, California. “I was lucky,” Abel said. “I had people in my life telling me to keep doing it. This is my

Page 24 | December 2021

first time doing art things since I’ve been back. It’s an honor.” Abel asks friends to model for his stylized portraits. He says the messages in his paintings are autobiographical and tell stories about his life experiences and lessons. The Chairman’s Choice award, which was determined by members of the council’s board of directors, went to Stephen Hiatt, who also won first place in the Traditional Media-Drawing category. A team of judges determined the winners in the seven general categories: Children’s Art (ages 10 and under), Youth Art (ages 11-18), Traditional Media (Drawing and Painting), Three Dimensional Art, Heirloom Art and Digital Media. There is also a Special Needs category (art of any kind by all ages), but no art was submitted in that category this year. Each winner received a gift certificate to Michaels arts and craft store. Walter Cifuentes of West Valley won first place in the Traditional Media-Painting category for his striking portrait of Pancho Villa, a general in the Mexican Revolution. Cifuentes has been doing oil painting for seven years and enjoys using a vibrant pallet. “The colors give it life and texture,” Cifuentes said through a translator. “I like it to

Heidi Darden’s third place painting, “The Journey,” was inspired by her own life journey. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

look like a painting, not to look as lifelike as a photo. The camera is for realism.” Cifuentes applied many layers of paint to the portrait, each color with a different thickness. “You can enjoy it close up and far away,”

Cifuentes said. Kevin Richards of Midvale won second place in the Three Dimensional Art category for his wooden bowls. The wood for all of Richards’ bowls comes from within 20 miles of Midvale, including several pieces made

West Jordan City Journal

from trees felled in September 2020’s devastating windstorm. “Everything has a story, and trees don’t last forever,” Richards said. Durga Ekambaram of Sandy won third place in the Three Dimensional Art and Traditional Media-Drawing categories. “Art is my true calling,” Ekambaram said. “I’m an engineer, but genetically I’m an artist.” Her mother is an artist in India, and Ekambaram herself has shown her art throughout the valley. She frequently uses a wide range of Indian themes and techniques in her art. Ekambaram’s daughter, Akshara Sudhakar, won first and second place in the children’s art category. Sudhakar also used a traditional Indian technique: crushed eggshells, glued to a board, then painted. Another mother/daughter pair in the show was Heidi Darden and Kenzie Miller, both painters. Heidi Darden’s third place painting, “The Journey,” was inspired by her own life journey. Darden has always painted, and taught the craft to her daughter at age seven. Darden survived a bad marriage for years before leaving her home state of Colorado. “In 2017, we packed what we could fit in our car and never looked back,” Darden said. “We slowly started to buy a paint brush and a tube of paint here and there, slowly building up our supplies. We slowly started to paint again and now we do it about 10 hours a day. I do about 20 paintings a year and Kenzie does

Youth Art (1-18) 1. Audrey Schmachtenberg 2. Audrey Schmachtenberg 3. Chanlie Russell Traditional Media - Painting 1. Walter Cifuentes 2. Lisa Owen 3. Heidi Darden Traditional Media - Drawing 1. Stephen Hiatt 2. Walter Cifuentes 3. Durga Ekambaram

Walter Cifuentes of West Valley won first place in the Traditional Media-Painting category. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

about the same.” Darden and Miller, who was in high school when they came to Utah, both worked full time and were eventually able to secure an apartment in Lehi. They both worked at a hardware store before taking the leap to start their own house painting business, Two Girls n’ a Brush. Along with a new career, Darden has found romance. “We had lived here about a month when I ran into my high school crush from Colorado,” Darden said. “A year later we were married.”

Darden, Miller, and all of the artists featured in the show exemplify how art can elevate life, and anyone can do it. “Most of my neighbors have these cinderblock, two-car garages with studios inside,” Richards, the wooden bowl artist, said. “I wonder what they are doing in there?” The full list of winners: Children’s Art (ages <10) 1. Akshara Sudhakar 2. Akshara Sudhakar 3. Anna Harman

Three Dimensional Art 1. Daniel Harman 2. Kevin Richards 3. Durga Ekambaram Heirloom Art 1. Janci Lawes Digital Media 1. Wendy Dewey Chairman’s Choice 1. Stephen Hiatt Best in Show 1. Brian Abel People’s Choice 1. Brian Abel l

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West Jordan City Journal

ICYMI: Google fiber coming to South Jordan By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

oogle is coming to a street near you. The South Jordan City Council passed a resolution in early October that will allow Google Fiber to install network facilities in the city. “We’re excited to have another internet provider here in South Jordan,” said Mayor Dawn Ramsey in a press release. “Our residents and businesses have asked for more choices, and our City Council is happy to do its part to make that happen.” Starting in 2022, Google Fiber Utah will begin installing fiber along roads throughout South Jordan. “We’re continuing to grow our network across the Wasatch Front,” said Jacob Brace, Google Fiber Government and Community Affairs Manager, in the press release. “We look forward to connecting South Jordan residents to fast, reliable internet and expect to start offering service in some areas in early 2022.” Google Fiber began creating their buildout plan and planned to notify residents and businesses before work begins in their area and when broadband internet service would be available. “Google Fiber will work to reduce the disruption and impact to our residents by using

smaller trenches,” said South Jordan City Public Information Officer Rachael Van Cleave. In order to implement Google Fiber in the city, a fiber ring needs to be placed around the city, one of the company’s main build accomplishments. Part of the process includes identifying where utilities and telecom lines are located to not disrupt existing lines. Brace told the City Journals in 2016 that working with a city and its residents is essential to minimize construction impact on the area’s infrastructure. “It’s a partnership to coordinate the efforts so we can come in as quickly as possible, building out a quality network with the least amount of construction,” Brace said at the time. The South Jordan announcement makes it just the next city in line to get Google Fiber this year after South Salt Lake, Taylorsville and Sandy all announced the hi-speed internet provider would begin installation soon. South Salt Lake was part of the extension process as Google Fiber started in Salt Lake City, before moving onto Millcreek in 2020. Provo was the first city to receive Google Fiber. As for South Jordan, city officials will release more updates as they become available. l

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December 2021 | Page 27

Beloved ballet returns to Capitol Theatre for the holidays By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

allet West’s most popular show and annual tradition, “The Nutcracker,” returns to the Capitol Theatre for live performances Dec. 4-26. It’s been two years since the holiday ballet was performed for a live audience, since COVID-19 shuttered entertainment venues in 2020. Audiences are eager to get back to live ballet as more than 13,000 tickets have already been sold and this year’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is expected to bring in the highest level of sales in 25 years. “Following the successful production of ‘Dracula,’ where many performances were sold out, demand for ‘The Nutcracker’ is expected to be high,” said Adam Sklute, Ballet West artistic director, in a media release. “We encourage all ‘Nutcracker’ fans to purchase tickets early so they have a seat and don’t miss out.” Made possible through support from The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the $3 million production is a classic ballet in two acts based on the fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The iconic score by Tchaikovsky will be performed live, featuring the Ballet West Orchestra. Choreographed by Ballet West founder Willam Christensen, “The Nutcracker” has evening performances at 7 p.m., matinees

Artists of Ballet West perform in “The Nutcracker” at Capitol Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Beau Pearson)

at 2 p.m., and a special holiday matinee on Christmas Eve at noon. Immediately following each matinee (except Dec. 24), Ballet West hosts a Sugar Plum Party where young audience members can join the Sugar Plum Fairy and other favorite characters from the ballet for a special treat.

“Each year, hundreds of Utah children from across the Wasatch Front audition for the opportunity to perform in Ballet West’s ‘The Nutcracker,’ with just over 100 children being selected for the coveted roles,” Sklute said. “The story tells of a Christmas party at which little Clara, daughter of the house, receives the gift of a nutcracker from

her mysterious uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer. After the party, she falls asleep and dreams of snow castles, sugarplums, and her nutcracker, which has turned into a handsome prince.” Ticket prices range from $25 to $104 and are available at BalletWest.org or 801869-6900. l

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Page 28 | December 2021

West Jordan City Journal

Immerse yourself in art at new Leonardo exhibit By Justin Adams | justin.a@thecityjournals.com

here’s a new way to experience classic works of art at the new IDEA space at the Leonardo museum in downtown Salt Lake City. The acronym stands for “Immersive Digital Exploratory Art.” Occupying a large chunk of the museum’s second floor, the new space may seem sparse when the lights are on—large blank walls, a few mirrors, some benches and cushions for visitors to sit on. But turn off the lights and fire up the dozens of projectors strewn across the ceiling, and suddenly you’re flying through Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” or are nestled peacefully in Monet’s lush gardens. Each scene of artwork transforms seamlessly into the next with animations that bring each piece to life. Accompanying the artwork is an occasional voice-over that provides context for the artwork, but more often a piece of music; from classical music for the Romantic period to jazz music for the post-modern. The exhibit, Immersive Art Series, was created by Universal Exhibition Group and has previously been shown in Moscow, Dubai, Belgium and Switzerland. The Leonardo will be its first home in North America. The series consists of five shows, each centered around a different era or theme. The first show being played at the Leonardo is ti-

tled “Monet to Kandinsky” and features the work of “10 artists who revolutionized the art world.” The next show that will be added to the rotation focuses on the Italian Renaissance. “[The Leonardo] is the perfect space for this because it’s all about science, technology and art and that’s exactly what this is all about,” said Steve Boulay, COO of Magic Space Entertainment, a local company who partnered with the Leonardo to build the IDEA space and bring the Immersive Art Series to Utah. Although he’s surrounded by world class entertainment throughout his career of bringing Broadway productions to cities around the world, Boulay said there’s something “different” about this exhibit. In fact, he said he spent three hours just sitting in the space and enjoying the show all by himself. Although the IDEA space was built with the Immersive Art Series in mind, Boulay and the Leonardo envision many other uses for their investment. “If we have the space, we can also curate local content. We’re going to be able to do things like have shows based on Utah history or shows that highlight Utah artists,” he said. “I think you’re going to see shows here for a decade, which is fantastic.” The new space is also a perfect addition to the Leonardo as the country slowly

Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” fills the walls (and even the floor) of the Leonardo’s new IDEA space. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

emerges from the pandemic, said Executive Director Alex Hesse. “This new space is very open, it’s ‘no touch,’ and we can also restrict how many people are inside. It’s a very COVID-friendly experience,” she said. “It

also feels joyful, inspiring and uplifting and that feels very important to all of us at this time.” Tickets for “Monet to Kandinsky” are now available through the Leonardo’s website, www.theleonardo.org. l

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December 2021 | Vol. 7 Iss. 12

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TEACHER GOES TO MOON AND BACK TO GET STUDENTS EXCITED ABOUT SCIENCE By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

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