West Jordan Newsletter | May 2022 by The City Journals

May 2022 | Vol. 8 Iss. 05

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FAMILIES DISPLAY CULTURAL PRIDE By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

o you know where Belize is? “When I say I’m from Belize, nobody knows where that is,” Loyola Urbina said. She was thrilled for the opportunity to help her granddaughter Isabella, a fourth grader, educate her classmates about her country, which is located in Central America. Isabella’s family was one of many who hosted a booth at Mountain Shadows Elementary School’s Culture Night, held March 31. At their booth, they displayed items from their Belize and Mayan heritage, and pictures of when Isabella visited Belize. “It’s part of her culture, part of who she is,” Urbina said. “We want our grandchildren to learn their culture and to know where their ancestors came from. That’s important to us.” Other cultures represented at the community event were Cambodia, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Hopi, Netherlands, Japan, Samoa, Venezuela, Russia, Hungary, Kenya and Somalia. Displays featured family heirlooms, everyday items, photographs and food. Fourth grader Jade Matthes stood at her family’s Samoa display and answered questions about the crafts, jewelry, instruments, books and clothing. Her brother Jonah, a second grader, per-

formed a Samoan slap dance with his classmates, like the one his dad and uncles danced in their youth. Jonah invited his Samoan grandfather, Rudy Matthes, to see his performance. Matthes said he was proud that his grandchildren were excited to share their culture with others. Second grade teacher Janae Robinaugh admits she didn’t even know Jonah had Samoan heritage until he was assigned to participate in the dance. She said it was fun to learn more about her students as they shared their cultures, because she isn’t always aware of that part of their lives. Principal Tina Susuico said about a third of the students at Mountain Shadows come from a different culture. Jade and Jonah’s mother, Adrieana Matthes, believes having a diverse student body helps kids to learn that it’s OK to be different. She said the culture fair gave students an opportunity to highlight their differences and to be proud of where they come from. Susuico also believes learning about differ-

Continued page 7 Jade Matthes shares family treasures and answers questions about her Samoan heritage. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

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May 2022 | Page 3

Local’s love for flowers blossoms into career By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

pring is here. Flowers are blooming. It’s a great time to arrange flowers. Cristine Judd arranges flowers for weddings, parties and events. Her love of flowers started at a young age. Judd has been arranging flowers for 35 years. Her joy of creating flowers is her passion. She loves flowers and likes spreading her passion to help others feel good. “I have always loved flowers ever since I was little,” she said. “I started working at Brown Floral to earn money for a trip with my a capella choir. I thought it would be wonderful to start my own business.” Judd is a one-of-a-kind floral designer. She likes making creative floral arrangements. She adds her own style to her bouquets. She likes seeing the happy look on people’s faces (especially the brides) when she makes a bouquet of flowers. “I like making people happy with my florals,” she said. “I try never to do an identical wedding bouquet. Mine are one of a kind. I don’t like copying from a picture, but if the bride wants it, then I will do it.” Judd has followed her passion of creating floral arrangements, and she has made many brides happy. Judd orders her flowers from Global Rose and Fifty Flowers. “They are awesome flowers and very budget friendly,” she said. “I usually get my greens from Flower Patch.” Judd works with the bride to stay within their proposed budget, and she will work to make sure the bride is satisfied. “I always keep my word by staying within the bride’s budget,” she said. “To do a whole wedding takes about a day. I do the work by myself.” Her time spent to do a wedding bouquet is around half an hour. A cascade bouquet will take longer than a wedding bouquet. Corsages will take about 20 minutes. She gathers the

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flowers, greens and bows, and gets to work on the bouquet, cascades and corsages. She said she enjoys every minute of using her creativity to make these arrangements. She likes seeing the finished product of her work and seeing the bride’s happy face when she finishes the project. Judd works within the bride’s budget. “I understand that prices can be very daunting for brides on a budget,” she said. “I will work with the bride to get exactly what she needs. I will always inform her of any changes on prices or flowers. There is no sticker shock. I know the bride will be happy.” Judd is satisfied with her work. She will keep working with brides to make sure they are happy on their special wedding day. You can reach her on Facebook under Judds Buds Floral. You can also call her at 801-864-7486. l

Arranging flowers is a passion for Cristine Judd, something she’s done for 35 years. (Photo courtesy Judds Buds Floral)

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Local fantasy author wins BookFest award By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

ocal author W.D Kilpack III won the BookFest Award at the semiannual Virtual on April 2. He won in the Epic Fantasy category for his novel “Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood.” “Crown Prince” is the first of the eightbook “New Blood Saga.” It centers around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk.Natharr and is rooted in his Firstblood, giving him insight to see what is to be. He has had sacred duties for centuries since the Firstborn was forced to extinction by the Aa. Natharr stands guard over all men Aa or Firstborn. He decides what will come to pass and what he can avoid and what is not unavoidable. He spends decades planning. He wants to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he can reclaim the throne of the land where mankind was created in the time when the Olde Gods walked. This is Kilpack’s fourth award he has received for “Crown Prince.” In 2021, the other three books include Firebird Book Award in which Kilpack finished runner-up in the Sci-fi/Fantasy category of the OlineBook Club’s 2020 Book of the Year Competition. The Washington-based podcast Sinister Soup named Kilpack Author of the Month in April 2021 for the novel. Kilpack is a critically acclaimed, award-winning international published writer. His works appear online, print, radio and television. His first credit publication was at the age of 9, when he wrote an award-winning poem. He wrote his first novel at the age of 12. Later in his career, he received special recognition from L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest. He has been editor and publisher of 19 news and literary publications—online and print—with circulations as high as 770,000. Kilpack has many other accomplishments too. He cooks every type of food on a grill. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. He double majored in communication and philosophy for his undergrad work, besides completing the honors program. He earned a Master of Professional Communication with a writing emphasis. Not only does he write and has completed all of his degrees and honors, but he is also a high-performing athlete for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a nationally recognized wrestling coach and communication professor. He is happily married and has five children, plus five stepchildren. He was born and lives in Salt Lake City. He continues to teach and coach. “I love science fiction and fantasy,” he said. “I would describe my fantasy novels as ‘real epic fantasy.’ Magic is more subtle. The characters have doubts and everyday concerns, on top of the more traditional plot elements. The truth of the matter is, the best sci-fi and fantasy uses distortion and exag-

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Author W.D. Kilpack III from West Jordan won a BookFest Awards competition. (Courtesy W.D. Kilpack III)

geration to make the human condition that much more apparent. I like that.” According to Sinister Soup co-founder Clay Vermulm, “Kilpack delivers a stunning blow to the belief that Indie-Fantasy is worth any less that its salt. ‘Crown Prince’ is a well-crafted epic with unique plot mechanisms, well-developed and believable characters, and a world grounded in the visceral and the real. I could not recommend this series any higher!” The BookFest Awards honors outstanding books published within the last five years. Desiree Duffy, founder of The BookFest, said: “It was important to highlight books that may not have received the recognition deserved. The BookFest Awards honors outstanding literary achievement. Saluting writers and connecting them with readers is the mission of The BookFest. We welcome submissions and look forward to honoring many deserving books and authors.” According to OnlineBookClub.org: “Crown Prince stands out with amazing descriptions, complex characters, and intriguing supernatural elements … book one in the ‘New Blood’ series, the storyline is incredibly promising … I absolutely loved the descriptive prowess of this author … Kilpack genuinely takes the time to help us immerse

in the fantasy world, no matter if he describes a battle scene, a peaceful moment, or a mythological creature like a hamadryad or a Manticore, he always manages to conjure the best images in or minds … the author does a great job of incorporating the supernatural elements in a general atmosphere of myth and legend … there was nothing I disliked about this novel … the series has the potential to acquire epic dimensions.” For more information on Kilpack, go to www.Kilpack.net. The BookFest has a lot of adventures happening in the Spring and Fall. The BookFest is streamed live on YouTube and Facebook. You can watch the previous BookFest and look at past panels and start conversations. The BookFest offers authors to be recognized for their outstanding literary achievements. You can be considered for Brave New Writer or the Critiki-Bar at the next BookFest Adventure. You can enter The Pitching Room to submit your documents to be seen by literary agents and publishing decision makers. There is The BookFest Big Bundle of Books Giveaway you can enter to win. Five winners will be announced at The BookFest. You can find out all information and pitch your stories by going to www.thebookfest.com/. l

May 2022 | Page 5

elizabeth.s@thecityjournals.com

ditor, West Jordan residents had better prepare for higher taxes because the mayor and city council have voted to break ground for a new arts building, despite a $2 million shortfall in funding. The projected cost is $10 million, with $6 million from the city, $2 million from a county grant, and $2 million unfunded. The city projects an annual $300,000 operating cost. The mayor told me he is confident he can find corporate sponsorship for the balance, but the Mid-Valley Theater, which can be seen from I-215, could not find a “put-your-name-on-the-building” sponsor, so it is doubtful that a theater which is tucked back in a seldom-seen spot of West Jordan will fare better. When I asked the mayor what he would do if the corporate sponsorship didn’t materialize, he said he would take the money out of city funds. Reasons to build: • Cultural Arts Society of West Jordan (CASWJ), which includes participants from across the valley, would like a place for their bands, orchestra, and dramatic arts groups to practice and perform. • A large tent has been rented in the past to house VIP events held in association with the annual rodeo, and the arts building would be used instead of the tent. • The city doesn’t have a large meeting room for more than 50 people. • An arts building could be used by others in the

community. Reason not to build: • Because an arts building is expensive to build and maintain, the county, in accordance with their master plan to help make the arts available across the valley, built the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. This beautiful, new $38 million facility is available for CASWJ to use. Objections to using the Mid-Valley facility:•Objection: It isn’t in West Jordan. Answer: Located at 2525 Taylorsville Boulevard (just off 2700 west and 5400 south), and slightly over 4 miles from the site of the proposed West Jordan theater near the rodeo grounds, Mid-Valley is convenient for West Jordan residents. And remember, many participants are not West Jordan residents, so easy access from I-215 might be welcomed.• Objection: The rent will be too high. Answer: The mayor has stated that CASWJ will be charged market rates to rent a West Jordan-built facility. Mid-Valley has both a 400-seat and a 200-seat theater available, which CASWJ, as a non-profit, can rent at their below-market, non-profit rate. So, there should be no financial disadvantage for CASWJ to use Mid-Valley. Ten years ago, West Jordan donated land and $2 million to the county to bring the library headquarters to West Jordan. In exchange, the Viridian can be used by West Jordan, so I contacted the director, Tyler Curtis, to verify their use policy. He said: “The policy states that groups can only use the Viridian 10 days per

year, unless approved by the manager. In the case of West Jordan, that approval is almost always given.” He reiterated that all groups are held to the five days in a month maximum. The West Jordan benefit includes no charge for the room, equipment, or staff, and they can book events one year in advance. While the dramatic arts group claims the Viridian is inadequate for their needs due to the five-day limitation, the musical groups have often used it for performances. Until city hall was recently partially closed due to remodeling, the musical groups practiced there. Once the remodel is completed, that can resume. With the arts group well provided for with existing facilities, what about the other three reasons for a new West Jordan building? All have an answer in the Viridian. The city paid a great deal for their usage privilege, so it should be utilized whenever possible. I learned of the planned ground breaking through happenstance about six weeks ago. Since then, I have talked with many about this issue, and, with the exception of the three people in the leadership of CASWJ, none realized that the city was planning to break ground, and most were dismayed at the financial details. At the very least, taxpayers should know what is happening. Please help get the word out, and if you have concerns, contact the council and mayor—SOON. Callean Laird l

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West Jordan City Journal

Letter to the editor: Visiting D.C. national sites is special

ear Editor: I was very encouraged and moved by the front-page article entitled “Students Take Off for Life-Changing Trips” by Jet Burnham in the April 2022 issue of the City Journal. I was proud to learn how the AP government teacher Elaine Grant at West Jordan High School arranged for her students to visit Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, and sadly, today we live in a country where many persons in leadership, politics, education and power increasingly disregard the Framers and blatantly trample underfoot the U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Too many

of whom don’t love this country whose freedoms made such opportunities possible for them. They disdain the Judeo-Christian values and ethics upon which this Republic stands, under God, indivisible. I know firsthand how emotionally touching and patriotically charging it is to visit those historical sites and view the actual documents signed by the Founders of this great nation. The sacredness of Arlington National Cemetery is truly palpable. Her students experienced these live-changing feelings. Well done Ms. Grant! There is yet hope for America! David Dewey – West Jordan l

Continued from front page

from various countries and danced the Mexican Hat Dance, Germany’s “Chicken Dance” and the Samoan Slap Dance. “Our goal was to celebrate diversity and culture within our communities,” Robinaugh said. Her mother, Jan Lance, made costumes for the performance. Families also enjoyed sampling food from onsite food trucks Jurassic Taco and District Thai. Culture Night was not held the last two years because of the pandemic. “It was important to bring it back,” said Robinaugh, who helped plan the event. “It’s part of Mountain Shadows’ history and heritage.” l

ent cultures encourages people to learn from each other. “I think it helps us have a better understanding of our differences,” she said. “I think it helps us to recognize there is so much diversity out in the world that sparks curiosity in us all. It may open up different possibilities for students wanting to study abroad or working in different countries.” Learning about culture and communities is part of the second-grade standards. Under the direction of music teacher Lynmari Taylor and dance teacher Diana Brewster, the second graders performed a musical tour around the world for families at culture night. They sang songs

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Have you seen this tree? If so, call the Beaver Hotline By Deb Hafner | d.hafner@mycityjournals.com

“H

ave you seen this along the Jordan River? ¿Ha visto esto al lado del Río Jordan,” asks a chalk-drawn parody of a wanted poster, with arrows pointing to a whittled, carved-out tree trunk. These wanted posters aren’t meant to apprehend a fugitive, and the suspect at large is not going to face criminal charges. Instead, biologists with Tracy Aviary’s Birds and Beavers program are asking trail users along the Jordan River to help collect data that will be used to make connections between beaver activity and bird habitats. If a trail user spots a nibbled, chewed, or chomped tree, known as beaver gnawing traces, they are asked to take a photo, note the location and text it to the aptly-named Beaver Hotline. Trail users can find examples of gnawing traces on the Birds and Beavers website, along with an interactive map pinpointing beaver activity. Birds and Beavers is a bilingual community science project that launched in April 2021 and is headquartered at Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center. “Some families who live close to or along the river speak Spanish, and we want to be an inclusive project that motivates residents to go outside and walk the trails and look for beaver activity,” says Frances Ngo, the lead conservation outreach biologist on the project. Cities like West Valley City, with an approximate 38% Latino population, inhabit a large stretch along the Jordan River. According to experts, Latino communities in urban areas are often underserved when it comes to environmental education and outreach. Ngo hopes Birds and Beavers will encourage all residents to participate in outdoor activities and wildlife preservation. The trail user photo project and resulting data is part of the three phases of the program that include identifying beaver activity, monitoring beaver activity, and educating the public and government agencies with the findings. To date, trail users have submitted photos of beaver gnawing traces from as far south as Spanish Fork to just above West 2300 North Street in North Salt Lake City. “We are primarily interested in how beaver activity interplays with bird habitat,” Ngo said. “Beavers are a native species prevalent along the Jordan River. They are known as ecosystem engineers because they can alter habitats by creating lush ponds, generating deadfall that attracts bugs, which in turn attracts birds, and facilitating the return of other species to an ecosystem.” Over 200 species of birds, including migratory birds, call the Jordan River home. Protecting trees or leaving fallen trees in certain areas is important for resident birds as they provide places to hunt and nest and insects to eat. Ngo and her colleagues are using the Beaver Hotline photos to assess

Page 8 | May 2022

which trees need to be protected or monitored. Beavers eat tree bark and the softer growing tissue under the bark, called cambium, and they prefer soft-wooded trees like native cottonwoods. A beaver can gnaw the entire circumference of a tree, called girdling, leaving an hour-glass shaped trunk with visible teeth marks. Once a tree has been girdled, it is in danger of dying because it cannot get the nutrients it needs through its narrowed trunk. Some larger cottonwoods need to be protected from too much beaver munching, so Ngo and her colleagues and volunteers have been wrapping endangered trees with chicken wire to encourage the beavers to feast on other species of trees, like the invasive Russian olive tree. Ngo hopes to install motion-activated cameras in the future to continue monitoring beaver activity and to specifically see how long beavers dine at each tree before moving on to a new one. This data will inform city and county management efforts so they don’t remove dead trees and debris, called snags, too soon. “If we see perching, nesting or decomposers occupying areas, we don’t want to see the removal of snags,” Ngo said, adding, “Flickers, for example, create nests in dead trees, and if we remove those dead trees, we remove potential bird habitats.” One sunny morning in early April, Ngo, with binoculars hanging around her neck, and Millcreek District 1 Councilmember Silvia Catten, set off from the General Holm parking onto the Jordan River Trail to look for new beaver activity. Almost immediately, Ngo spotted a muskrat lounging on a log in the river. American coots, a duck-like bird that is not a duck, paddled down the river in pursuit of aquatic vegetation. “Did you hear that?” asked Ngo, excitedly. “That is an American kingfisher.” In a few more steps, Catten spotted teardrop shapes hanging from branches high in a cottonwood tree. “Those are oriole nests,” informed Ngo, “they build new ones every year.” Excitedly, the pair continued south on the trail. “I bet most people don’t know about the myriad species of birds that live on or around the river, or that there is a population of beavers right through the middle of the valley,” said Catten. Catten, who is also a vice chair on the Jordan River Commission, has taken an interest in the conservation and protection of the Jordan River “as a place for wildlife, open space, recreation and beauty in our urban landscape.” Millcreek, 16 other cities and two counties are members of the Jordan River Commission, which helps fund conservation, planning, education, and recreational efforts around and on the river. A partial grant from the Jordan River Commission is helping to support the Birds and Beavers

Frances Ngo, a biologist with Tracy Aviary, shows Millcreek District 1 Councilmember Silvia Catten what to look for when searching for beaver-chewed trees along the Jordan River. (Deb Hafner/City Journals)

program. “Millcreek is planning to complete a trail—a loop—on the east side of the water that connects to the existing Jordan River Trail,” Catten said, adding that “while a lot of the work for Millcreek’s portion was completed last year, we are awaiting funding to finish the loop access to our portion. We’re hopeful it will be complete within the next few years.” Ngo said that as part of the education phase of the program, they will offer guided and self-guided beaver tours and install interpretative signage along the trails. Catten and Ngo headed south where the meandering trail led them to a small meadow, in the middle of which stood a large cottonwood tree with recent beaver chew marks. To the left was another dined-upon tree, and to the right an abandoned dinner spot. Across the river were more trees with beaver gnawing traces. While Millcreek touches a small portion of the Jordan River, cities with larger portions of the river have led conservation efforts, and according to Catten, “When we became a city we wanted to follow suit and be good stewards, too. We have a relatively small portion of the river and we are so lucky to have bordering municipalities that

manage their portion of the river so well, like Murray. Our portion has benefited from that for sure. Our goal is to be a vested partner with the agencies, like the Jordan River Commission, who take prudent care to plan for the conservation of the river as a whole. It’s our job to help as we can, even if it’s just for our tiny portion.” As for the Birds and Beavers program, Catten believes “the knowledge gained from programs like this one does have a wider reach as I see it—the trees, plants, and weed management plans affect the wildlife, so as far as what might guide future plans for conservation, understanding the broader ecosystem is always helpful.” Ngo and Catten took a photo of the beaver gnawing trace they discovered and sent it to the Beaver Hotline for Ngo to plot on the map. If you see beaver activity along the Jordan River, take a photo and text it to the Beaver Hotline at 801-381-6349. You can visit the Jordan River Nature Center at 1125 W. 3300 South at the James Madison Oxbow Park. The Birds and Beavers website can be found at www.tracyaviaryconservation.org/ birdsbeavers.l

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Do I need to worry about taxes in retirement? What will happen to my retirement plans if taxes increase in the future? Are my accounts positioned to mitigate this risk? If there’s a market crash, will I be okay? How can I harvest my recent investment gains in my 401ks and IRA and protect them from market swings and losses?

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Bingham Creek Library 4834 W 9000 S West Jordan, UT 84081

Financial Strategies Institute, 6955 Union Park Ctr, Ste. 410, Midvale, UT, 801-316-4100. Derek Bohne, CLU, ChFC, is a Registered Representatives of and offer securities through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Financial Strategies Institute and the Securities America companies are separate entities. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your speciﬁc situation.

WestJordanJournal .com

May 2022 | Page 9

RISE hype: Getting students excited for end-of-year testing By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

C JUNE 2021 EVENTS

2022

EVENING SERIES

EVENING Season Tickets: $49 Adult,SERIES $45 Senior, $29 Child Amphitheater Parking: Amphitheater Parking:495495East East5300 5300South South Ticket Information: 801-264-2614 www.murray.utah.gov Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or orwww.murray.utah.gov

June 3 .......................... The Sound of Music, Movie Sing-Along June 44 ................................. Les Miserables, Sing-Along June .......................................................... Murray Movie Symphony Pops June 5 ................................................... Murray Concert Band June 16-18, 20, 23-24 ......... Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical June 17-19, 21-23 ........................ Disney's The Little Mermaid June 25 .............................................................. Murray Concert Band June 26 ...................................................... Murray Symphony

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* Tuesday at Noon in Murray Winterwood, Park PavilionHeart #5, FREE June 7 ....................................................... & Soul June 14 1 -................................ BD Howes ...................................................... Acoustic June Rumor Has It, Classic Rock/Country June 8 - Vaudeville Nouveau ................................... 50's - 80's June 21 ........................................ The Will Baxter Band, Soul/R&B June 15 - Wasatch Jazz Syndicate ........................ Jazz Quartet June Vibes/Jazz June 28 22 -...................................................................... Riding Gravity ..............................Zenith, Surf & Rockability

LLIBRARY I B R A R Y SUMMER S U M M E R SHORTS SHORTS *Wednesday Wednesdayatat11p.m. PM inin Murray MurrayPark ParkPavilion Pavilion#5, #5,FREE FREE June 8 ...................................................... Magic Mont, Magic Show June 2 ............................................. Magic Show, Paul Brewer June 15 9 ........................................... & Tails AnimalShow Show June .............................................. MadScales Science, Science June 16 ................................................................ Mad Science June 22 .................... Spiderman/Black Widow, Meet & Greet June 23 .......................................... DJ Juggling & Magic Show June 29 ............................... Miss Murray, The Gift of Movement June 30 ......................................... Woody & Jessie, Characters

CCHILDREN H I L D R E N MATINEE M A T I N E E SERIES SERIES *Thursday Thursdayatat22p.m. p.m.ininMurray MurrayPark ParkPavilion Pavilion#5, #5,FREE FREE June 2 ............................. Two Shields, Native American Dance June 93 -.............................................................. Just Jumpin' .............................................. Jump Rope June Noa Polynesia, Dance June 10 - Spiderman ...................................... Karate & Photos June 16 ................................. The Puppet Players, Puppet Show June 17 - Ballet Folkorico .................................... Las Americas June Viva Mexico Ballet, June 24 24 ................................................... - Ballet Center Utah, Inc .......................... BalletDance Dance June 30 ......................................... Ballet Center Utah, Inc., Ballet

F A M I L Y NIGHT N I G H T SERIES S ERI ES FAMILY

Bring Whole Family Young The 2nd the Monday of every month at 7and p.m.,Old! FREE The 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m., FREE Murray Senior Recreation Center (10Murray E 6150 Senior S – 1/2 Recreation block west Center of State) (#10 E 6150 S – 1/2 block west of State) June 13 ......................... The Flashback Brothers, Classic Rock June 14 – Pick'ee Out the Stingers .................. Bluegrass Music

STOP IN FOR STORIES S TEvery O P Tues/Wed/Thurs I N F O R atS11:15 T Oa.m.R IinE S

Murray Park White Gazebo, FREE * Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday at 11 a.m. Murray City Library sponsored outdoor story time full of in Murray Park White Gazebo, FREE books, songs and action rhymes for kids ages 2-7 and Murray City Library sponsored Storytelling their families. Bring your blanket or lawn chair.

Location mayfunding changesupport from This program*has received residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & This program has received funding support from Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts and Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and Humanities, NationalEndowment Endowment Arts. Museums and & National forforthethe Arts.

Page 10 | May 2022

osmo and the BYU cheerleaders and dunk team visited local charter school Summit Academy Bluffdale to get elementary students excited about RISE testing. The Readiness Improvement Success Empowerment assessment is a computer adaptive criterion referenced assessment system, required by federal law for students in grades three through eight. Testing measures students’ proficiency and growth in language arts, mathematics, science and writing. “RISE is the high stakes test that everyone stresses over and worries about,” Principal Diana Brantley said. But at Summit Academy Bluffdale, they don’t stress about it, they celebrate it. In addition to the kick-off assembly with Cosmo, students created a music video called “Rock This Test” to an energizing popular song “Light it Up” by Fallout Boy, to be played each day before testing. Younger students hung posters in the hallways with encouraging messages of “You’ve got this!” and “We are proud of you!” for the older students who would be taking the test. Brantley hopes that when it’s their turn to take the RISE test, those younger students will remember the positive messages that they helped reinforce. “We just try to get the whole school involved in being proud of the job well done and not worrying about the final outcome,” Brantley said. “We’re going to care about learning all year long, and then we’re going to take an opportunity to show what we know.” ‘Show what you know’ is the phrase the staff uses when talking about RISE testing. They encourage students to just do their best. “That’s our attitude that we take,” Brantley said. “Because we’re trying to teach children, not stress them out.” All the positive hype is to help students have a growth mindset and positive attitude about the test. “A lot of it is the emotional support they need to take such a heavy test,” Brantley said. “It’s more of a mental health focus, but I do believe it does actually help give a truer score.” She said when a child approaches the test with a can-do attitude of doing their best and to show what they know, there’s no need for them to panic. In the classrooms, teachers prepare their students mentally for the test. “We do a lot of practice tests to show them that it is not as hard as they hype it up to be,” fourth-grade teacher Mariah Curtis said. “We also talk about test-taking strategies and how to calm themselves to prevent the anxiety.” The RISE testing window is from March to May. Teachers at Summit Academy Bluffdale chose to break up the testing into 45-60

Summit Academy Bluffdale invited Cosmo and the BYU cheerleaders to get kids hyped up for end of year RISE testing. (Photo courtesy of Diana Brantley.)

minutes chunks, spread out over five weeks, limiting disruption to lessons and preventing what Brantley calls “brain drain.” COVID-19 has disrupted RISE testing statewide the past two years. Testing was canceled in 2020 when schools went virtual and participation was down in 2021. USBE Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction Darin Nielsen said that overall student performance on RISE testing was notably lower in 2021 compared to 2019. Testing scores don’t affect students’ grades but schools receive a report card based on their students’ performance. These accountability ratings were not calculated for 2021 because of the missing 2020 data. Kim Rathke, test administration and data coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education, said the results can be a tool for teachers to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in their instruction and in their students’ proficiency so they can prepare to best meet the needs of their students the following school year. RISE scores show a proficiency level score, on a scale of 1-4, which represents a student’s progress toward individual growth targets. It indicates their rate of growth within a three year timeframe and their progress toward achieving or maintaining grade level proficiency. Because of the missing data from 2020, student growth percentiles were not calculated for 2021 RISE scores. RISE scores also show how a student performed compared to their peer group

within the school, district and state. Lower participation rates from last year could affect this year’s student percentile rankings, with fewer peers to make comparisons with. Schools look for growth in the percentage of students that perform at or above grade level on RISE testing as a measure of how well their students are learning. Summit Academy in Bluffdale saw an increase—11% in language arts and 14% in math—in the percentage of students at or above grade level proficiency between 2019 and 2021. 2021 is the year that they started their campaign to hype the kids up for the RISE testing. “You could not say that the assembly pulled off that kind of growth,” Brantley admits. “But the assembly itself supports their enthusiasm and their confidence.” She said the kick-off assembly and positive hype is just one piece that affects students’ readiness to perform well on the test. “The right instruction, the right teachers, the right curriculum, that is a part of it, but none of that affects the state of mind that they take that test with,” she said. “Some of them are feeling stress over it and some of them are just completely unengaged. And so getting them to engage in it, getting them to be excited about it, getting them to know that their best is phenomenal and that we’re going to celebrate, that is a piece of it, too. And so the assembly takes care of that piece, and my brilliant teachers and their talented teaching take care of the other piece.”l

West Jordan City Journal

How will state legislation affect West Jordan? By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

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Police, council and land-use are among the departments that need to make changes. (Image courtesy West Jordan)

very year, the state of Utah holds a legislative session for six weeks, discussing and debating potential changes to the state law. West Jordan City leaders monitored and participated in the session this year, watching for bills that could transform how to run the city. In April, West Jordan Communications Director Tauni Barker and Senior Assistant City Attorney David Quealy presented a list of bills to the City Council that would make the biggest changes. House Bill (HB) 22, “Open and Public Meetings Act Modifications,” “requires a public body to establish how a quorum is created when they’re conducting an electronic meeting,” Barker said. This will likely only include a policy change. HB 23, “First Responder Mental Health Services,” requires cities to provide mental health care to spouses and children of first responders. “We have some concerns because we don’t currently extend benefits to spouses and children,” Barker said. “That will be a fiscal cost to us.” The estimated cost will be presented in the upcoming budget in May or June this year. Senate Bill (SB) 126, “Officer Intervention and Reporting Amendments,” requires police officers to watch fellow officers, reporting any misconduct. West Jordan’s police chief Ken Wallentine was a central part of making this bill. “[This] mandates intervention when an officer sees misconduct, if it’s safe to do,” Quealy said. “Regardless, if an officer observes misconduct, then they need to report that. There are very specific reporting pro-

WestJordanJournal .com

cesses. Even if you see a police chief or your lieutenant, you still have somewhere to go.” “Police policies may change, but it’s already how [Wallentine is] running things,” Barker said. HB 282, “Water Wise Landscaping Amendments,” “prohibits the city from barring residents from installing water-wise [plants] or insisting on turf in areas less than 8 feet,” Quealy said. Residents will still need to keep the landscaping healthy. HB 440, “Homeless Services,” “requires counties of the first class to have homeless overflow plans,” Barker said. The plans need to include space for 75 beds. However, an overflow shelter cannot be near schools, residential areas or churches. “There are very few places in the city,” Barker said. “At the maximum, [we will host] every four years, unless we choose to host more often.” State officials have allotted West Jordan $250,000 to help. West Jordan Police Chief Ken Wallantine said this amount of money will “be eaten up by police fees in a month.” “I don’t think any [other city] has enough space,” Barker said. HB 462, “Utah Housing Affordability Amendments,” “may have the largest impact,” Barker said. “In the end it will modify moderate income housing plans. There’s additional reporting required. As a city, we can’t create affordable housing. We can create zoning that would allow it, we can encourage affordable housing. At the end of the day, developers are going to sell what they can sell for.” Modifications will be made over the next year, and some changes will be announced in city council meetings. l

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Boys approved for sanctioning in 2023-24 By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

epresentatives of the Utah Boys Volleyball Association had sat in meetings with the Utah High School Activities Association before—over the past four years in a formal fashion. So, when the UHSAA board again put the sanctioning of boys volleyball to a vote, the UBVA members braced themselves. They had been here before, and had walked out disappointed every time. Yet, on this day, March 24, 2022, it would finally be the outcome they had wanted when their organization was formed in 2015. After decades of boys playing the sport in Utah, boys volleyball is official, and with a 10-4 vote, will now be a UHSAA-sanctioned sport beginning in the 2023-24 school year, joining the ranks with 25 other states nationwide. “We had a lot more hope and momentum this time, but it was so surreal to sit there and hear it announced. We were just in shock,” said UBVA co-founder Jill Davis. This latest attempt at sanctioning laid 10,000 signatures in front of the UHSAA board along with written support from local politicians, including Norm Thurston of the Utah House of Representatives, who was in attendance at the meeting, to BYU athletic director, Tom Holmoe, BYU men’s volleyball coach Shawn Olmstead and USA national men’s volleyball coach John Speraw. UHSAA assistant director Jan Whittaker said, “The UHSAA is excited to be sanctioning boys’ volleyball for the 2023-24 schools year. This will allow many boys who have not been competing in a sport for their school the opportunity to be part of the high school sports experience. They will be able to benefit from the positive impact that high school athletics has on students.” Davis said, “It’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment and it was an honor to be in the seat. A lot of people told us it wouldn’t happen, but our grassroots efforts and the community support made this happen. This is a victory for everybody, especially the boys and their families.” Davis has helped spearhead the UBVA’s effort the past few years to get the sport sanctioned. Her sons, Parker and Price, were part of a Bingham High boys volleyball program who three-peated in state titles from 2017 to 2019. She, UBVA co-founder Warren Van Schalkwyk and Duke Mossman, who coaches at Wasatch High, formed a collaborative effort of continually gathering statistics and surveying coaches statewide to keep up with the growing interest and participation in the sport. What they found was: • Boys volleyball is one of the fastest growing sport in high schools across the nation. • Boys volleyball is one of the largest club sports in Utah. In 2015, the state had 24 club teams; last fall, that number was up to 56. • In 2019, 81 high school teams represented 56 schools in Utah. This year, 122 high school teams are playing from 64 schools with more than 1,500 boys competing. • More than half of those 64 high school teams had such a demand in numbers that coaches had to cut players at tryouts due to popularity of the sport and lack of facilities. • Most of the 5A and 6A schools have full teams with the 3A and 4A classifications having a more mixed representation and the more rural schools in 1A and 2A coming in with the lowest participation rates. • 53% of the boys volleyball programs pay for gym rentals from their schools in order to play and practice. • 90% of participants statewide just play boys volleyball and are not multi-sport athletes. “The push that Jill stayed on to make was really key,”

Page 12 | May 2022

Corner Canyon High boys volleyball director Dan Penrod said. “Over this long process, there have always been a few parents that wanted to get the sanctioning ball rolling, but when their boys were finished playing, the momentum died down. Jill staying on after her boys graduated was everything in making sure this happened.” Whittaker noted how the Emerging Sports Program that the UHSAA formed three years ago played a key role in the sanctioning of boys volleyball. “That program was created to grow meaningful participation opportunities for student-athletes, particularly for female student-athletes, in sports and activities,” she said. “A sport can be considered for sanctioning after it meets a certain threshold of participating of our students in member schools. Boys participating in volleyball has steadily grown over the past few years.” Whittaker said once boys volleyball had met initial criteria for sanctioning consideration the UHSAA Board of Trustees looked at several factors in the ultimate decision-making process including: • The impact on Title IX compliance • The percentage of member schools that facilitate interscholastic competition in the emerging sport • Participation in community-sponsored leagues for the sport • Whether other state high school athletic associations sponsor or sanction competition in the sport • University, college and junior college opportunities for participation after high school • Whether the sport is a lifetime sport or activity, easily accessed in later life, that contributes to public health or fitness • Whether the NFHS or other recognized governing body publishes rules for interscholastic competition in the sport • Assistance available for growing the sport from national governing bodies, in-state coaches association and/or in-state officials associations • Significant obstacles to growing the sport, such as lack of facilities, expensive equipment, risk of injury, lack of experienced coaches and officials • The opportunity for student-athletes to participate equally from all socio-economic backgrounds • Whether sanctioning the sport will divert participants from and weaken an existing sanctioned or emerging sport • Whether there is significant competition for student-athletes to participate in this sport outside of school • The length of time the sport has been an emerging sport • The burden on member schools, districts and on the UHSAA of sanctioning the emerging sport • Utah Division of Risk Management concerns and input “This is not a check off list, but are items that were discussed prior to making the decision to sanction boys volleyball,” Whittaker said, adding that each school and district will “make the determination whether they will sponsor a sport that UHSAA sanctions.” Davis said that the sanctioning of boys volleyball is a “win-win.” “This legitimizes it for the boys and creates stability and consistency across the board under a fabulous umbrella. Scholarships are secondary,” she said. “Plus, county rec leagues can still function for those who were cut from their high school teams as well as those who just want to play.” Davis, the former director of Bingham boys volleyball

Skyline’s Kai Sorenson and Nick Allen reach to block a Bingham attack with Jordyn Vagana also ready on defense during a game at Riverton High School. (Photo credit Josh Henderson)

teams, has been gearing up to step away from UBVA since 2020 when her son graduated but “needed to stay in the game” to see the sanctioning process through. “Personally, to be able to serve these boys has been a thrill, and it’s an even bigger thrill to betting Utah on the map with boys volleyball,” she said. “I’ll forever be a part of the sport, but this ‘cherry on the top’ is so exciting for these kids and a great way to go out for me.” “Jill is an absolute angel for doing all of that. She did an amazing job, and it means so much to the boys,” said Olympus High boys volleyball club director Brett Peterson. Peterson, who has been directing the Olympus boys volleyball program for several years—with Ben Chamberlain coaching the varsity squad—said he’s thrilled to have the boys experience sanctioned volleyball. Peterson’s own experience was competing for two years in sanctioned play in California, and then helping build a club team at Olympus High, where he was a player/coach over his final two seasons, while his mom, Chris, ran the program. The UBVA will continue to host the state boys volleyball tournament for the next two seasons as budgets, schedules and regional alignments are put in place for the 2024 spring season when UHSAA will take the reins. For more information on the UBVA, visit www.ubva. info or email ubva.info@gmail.com. The addition of boys volleyball will come just after Salt Lake City hosts the high school boys volleyball national championships in summer 2023.l

West Jordan City Journal

Government 101: Types of zoning By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

ieces of land, or parcels, in a city are divided into zones. The zone is a description of what is allowed—buildings, open space, parking, etc.—on that property. Property owners can only build what is allowed by zone, though they can always appeal for a zone change. Usually, if two neighboring zones are different, they must complement each other in some way. It is unlikely that a single-family residential zone will be next to a large manufacturing zone, unless divided by a major road or landmark.

Who is responsible for zoning?

Each city has a master plan map that shows the borders of the different zones in the city. To begin making a zoning map, the city planning department will host “charrettes,” public workshops and meetings with the public to decide the best use for each zone. The zones are recorded on a Master Plan.

How to change zones?

If a property owner wants to change the zone, they must get approval from the city. First, they submit an application to the planning department. The application will be reviewed by city staff, then passed to the Planning Commission. (The commission is a group of volunteer residents that are the front lines of city plan proposals before it goes to

The exact labels may vary from city to city, but the basic concept will be the same. AG - Agriculture preserve and protect agricultural uses in suitable portions of Salt Lake City until these lands can be developed for the most appropriate use. BP - Business Park Offices, light assembly and warehouses. M (M-1, M-2) Manufacturing is for making products or Cities assign properties a “zone” which restricts what the land can be used for. warehouses. These may be loud and the council.) The final say comes from the city busy. council, the elected legislative body. HowevNOS - Natural Open Space protects imer, the council usually takes advice from the portant natural open land areas of citywide or city planning employees. There is always a regional importance. public hearing if a property owner requests a OS - Open Space preserves areas of zone change. Residents can talk to their city public and private open space and have more representative if they have concerns. rules over what the space can be used for. Common zones in Salt Lake County PF - Public Facility is a place for gov-

ernment buildings, libraries and schools. R (R-1-12,000, R-1-7,000, R-2, R-3, etc.) - Residential is for homes. The last number in the label is the smallest square footage allowed for each property. Ex: R-1-7,000, homes cannot be any less than 7,000 square feet. R-2 and R-3 allow homes to be closer together. The higher the number in the zone, the more homes allowed on an acre. RR - Rural Residential, space for low density properties with few residents and allows for limited farming. RMF (RMF 35, 45, etc.) - Residential Multi-Family allows for different types of homes that hold more than one family. The number restricts the allowed height of the building(s). CB - Community Business allows for mid-sized commercial businesses to be next to residential areas. CC - Commercial Corridor allows for a collection of commercial buildings and are placed along high-traffic roads and freeways. CG - General Commercial can be used for small and large retail, entertainment, offices and light manufacturing. Note on churches: A religious building is allowed on most zones, with city approval. l

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May 2022 | Page 13

Westland students finally get their Broadway debut By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

ifty-six students, wearing glittering gold top hats and sequined vests, hit the stage for their Broadway debut March 24. The stage was in the cafeteria of Westland Elementary School, and the students were participants in the school extracurricular program Broadway Kids. Arica Walker, whose children attend Westland, started Broadway Kids in 2016. “I wanted it to be a little bit different from a typical choir performance,” she said “I wanted to give them the full stage experience—the costumes, the script, the moving on and off stage, and having that opportunity to sing and dance that a lot of kids at this age don’t have. This is their first experience on stage, and sometimes their first exposure to Broadway music, that hopefully will create a lifelong love of music and theater.” This year’s Broadway musical review included songs from classic shows, such as “Sound of Music,” “Music Man,” “Chorus Line,” “Cinderella,” “Grease” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” and from modern musicals “Newsies,” “Wicked” and “Anastasia.” The program is open to fourth, fifth and sixth graders interested in acting, singing and dancing and who are willing to rehearse three days a week before school for three months. The show was truly a debut for every student this year. Because of COVID-19,

there have been no shows for the past two years. “For the sixth graders this year, this is their one and only chance, because they were fourth graders the year we didn’t get to perform, fifth-graders the year we couldn’t do it and this year, finally they got to perform,” Walker said. “So it was really special for them.” Walker said kids gain so much confidence from participating in the program. “There’s one student in particular this year who came in very introverted, very quiet, and by the end, he was up there, in his little Newsies cap, smiling and giving it everything he’s got,” she said. “That’s my favorite part: seeing the way that this opportunity and this experience can change a kid’s life.” While some kids are hesitant to be on stage, others live for it. “I like singing and acting, and I like having a big group of people looking at me,” fifth grader Tessa Tobler said. Sarea Steele, also a fifth grader, has participated in Westland’s junior choir and has enjoyed watching the older kids perform in the annual Broadway Kids shows. She was excited to finally be able to participate this year and to have an opportunity to sing a solo and to use a microphone. Her family members came from as far as Layton to see her

perform. Both Sarea and Tessa were soloists for “Once Upon A December,” which also featured ballroom dancing. Jill Tobler was surprised that her daughter Tessa got up early on her own to attend the early morning rehearsals. She is grateful that Broadway Kids gives local families an alternative to costly and time-intensive community performance groups. Walker started Broadway Kids (inspired by her mother’s Granite District program) to provide her daughter with an opportunity to

perform. Walker and choreographer/parent volunteer Kara Crook have written three rotating shows which highlight a wide range of Broadway music. Walker’s husband, Kevin, provides accompaniment and a male role model during rehearsals. Other parent volunteers help run the program. Rachelle Mann was this year’s lead volunteer. “My three goals are that we learn to respect one another, we work hard and we have a lot of fun,” Walker said. “And I think we accomplished that this year.” l

Westland Elementary students perform a Broadway music review March 24. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

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Page 14 | May 2022

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G O OD NE IG HBOR

NEWS

MAY 2022

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E

Garbage Day Changes for SOME Residents this Month

On Wednesday, May 11, I will share my proposed budget for the City’s 202223 fiscal year with the City Council and residents. It will be publicly available for review on the City’s website at www.westjordan.utah.gov/financedepartment/city-budget. Growth throughout the city has driven our population up. The U.S. Census shows that West Jordan is now the third largest city in the State of Utah. I am thrilled that so many people are choosing to build homes, families, and careers in our city. Many assume that an increase in the number of homes is a financial boon for the city. However, West Jordan receives only a small fraction of your property taxes. Most of your tax dollars go to the school district and county. The property tax revenue we receive doesn’t meet the demand on services, particularly public safety. Despite the challenges, we will continue a fiscally conservative path. Minor increases will be dedicated to the following initiatives: • Further stabilizing the budget, in front of evolving changes in local and national economies. • Maintaining critical infrastructure and improving community spaces, including continued development of regional and neighborhood parks. • Continuing to develop customer service and operational efficiencies, utilizing best practices and investments in technology • Retaining a professional and qualified workforce by remaining competitive with the marketplace. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished, given the challenges that have occurred in my short time as mayor. We’ve made vast improvements to the city’s financial outlook, sought and received millions of dollars in outside funding to offset costs, rolled back planned fee increases to residents and vastly improved administrative efficiencies. The future of West Jordan is bright! Sincerely,

Mayor Dirk Burton

WestJordanJournal .com

On May 2nd, garbage day changed for SOME West Jordan Residents. West Jordan has experienced rapid growth over the last several years, causing uneven garbage pick-up distribution days. Pick-up day shifted for some neighborhoods to help even out the number of dumpsters picked up every weekday. You can find more information on our website: westjordan.utah.gov/garbage-day.

West Jordan Activity Guide Coming to your Mailbox soon! We are finishing up the final touches on our 2022 Summer Activity Guide. The guide will be sent to all West Jordan residents and will contain information about all the upcoming summer events in the city. It will feature monthly calendars with activities, council meetings, public meetings, and information about the city. We’re excited to get this information out to our residents and look forward to seeing you at all our city events!

May 2022 | Page 15

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Mrs. West Jordan Helps Local Families “Walking around in heels and pretty dresses is great, but really, I’ve gained a greater understanding of what our community is facing… especially the community of West Jordan.” Kimberly Frandsen was crowned Mrs. West Jordan earlier this year and she’s using her new title to spread awareness about a topic near and dear to her heart, postpartum depression. “Sometimes when you become a momma you get lost in a whirlwind of diapers, burping, and late-night feedings. You start to lose a bit of yourself,” explained Frandsen. “What really sparked my interest in the Mrs. Utah Pageant was claiming a part of myself again and with that I also

Page 16 | May 2022

discovered a community in which women needed resources.” Frandsen herself has experienced postpartum depression. She is one of more than 3 million women in the U.S. who report feeling mood swings, anxiety, and depression following the birth of their baby. “You can be happy one minute and sad the next. My husband didn’t quite know how to help me, and neither of us knew where to turn,” said Frandsen. “That’s when we discovered that there needs to be more awareness regarding resources that are available to women and men, and families.” In Frandsen’s search to find help for herself, she’s found a way to help others. She now offers free wellness kits that come equipped with resources to help those battling postpartum depression. “Check in on yourself,” Frandsen said. “There have been so many women who have shared their own stories of postpartum depression who have really opened up and shared with me what they’ve gone through. It’s OK to say you’re struggling. Let’s start the conversation surrounding mental health.” If you’d like to learn more about local resources or receive a free wellness kit, email Frandsen at kimfrandsen123@gmail.com

West Jordan City Journal

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Wildfires: Here to stay

COUNCIL CORNER

A MESSAGE FROM WEST JORDAN’S EMERGENCY MANAGER

As the weather warms up, many Utahns will take to the mountains and deserts for night skies, outdoor fun, relaxation, and campfires. May is national Wildfire Awareness month. Unfortunately, wildland fires are all too common these days, and are no longer defined as a season. Two summers ago, I was heading south to White Mountain for an archery hunt. As my hunting buddy and I got close, we could see a lot of smoke. Turned out, our hunt spot was engulfed by the Cowboy Fire (August 2020). Not much hunting got done as we sat on a ridgeline watching trees go up like torches. Sitting there, my thoughts turned to what would I have done if I had to evacuate because of the fire. What steps would I have taken? Evacuation routes? What gear, etc.? As you head out, think about the potential for wildfire in your favorite camping area. If you’re allowed to have a fire, make sure you have a rake, shovel, and five-gallon bucket of water at the fire pit. Also, pre-planning can be valuable. Here are some ideas to help prepare before heading out: 1. If you will have cell service/wifi, make sure you have ways to received alerts. Download the FEMA application to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service. 2. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which requires no sign up. 3. Take along a NOAA radio. 4. Pay attention to air quality alerts. 5. Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to evacuate the area. 6. Have digital and paper maps of the area and plan multiple evacuation routes with “what ifs”. 7. Plan several locations where to meet if separated. 8. Consider resources you might need in a wildfire event. Get outdoors, enjoy the wild, and come home safe. For more information on emergency preparedness, call Jeff Mulcahy, City of West Jordan Emergency Manager, 801-834-8502 or jeff.mulcahy@westjordan.utah.gov.

The month if May is wildfire awareness month. Wildfires can be caused by lightning, human carelessness, or arson. “Approximately 99-percent of Utah is in a severe drought condition, which means many water conservancy districts have enacted restrictions on water use,” said Council Member Pamela Bloom. “Putting out wildfires can take valuable water from Utah’s local reservoirs.” For example, suppressing three major fires in Washington County during Summer 2020 drew approximately 765,000 gallons of water from local reservoirs. Preventing wildfires is a surefire way to help conserve water. Here’s what you can do to help. 1. If you start a pit fire, make sure there are no glowing embers, and that the pit fire area is cold to the touch before you leave. 2. Don’t start fires in high winds or areas with lots of dry brush. 3. Abide by local firework ordinances and maps. 4. If you light fireworks, be sure to have water handy, including a hose or bucket of water. 5. Keep vehicles off dry grass, hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires. “Following firework restrictions is essential in reducing fire risk,” said Council Member Kayleen Whitelock. “Restrictions are placed in areas where it is difficult for the fire department to fight a fire—often due to geography, dry vegetation, or water availability.” By keeping fireworks in designated areas, residents help ease the burden of the fire department by greatly reducing the chance of starting a fire. You can find the finalized firework restrictions recommended by the Fire Marshall and approved by the Council on the City website.

COPPE R HILLS BASEBALL

WestJordanJournal .com

It takes a village – that’s not only true when talking about raising the next generation. It also applies to maintaining a community. The Baseball fields at Veterans Memorial Park have remained nearly unused due to the West Jordan Pony league closing. Cue the West Jordan Copper Hills Baseball League. The league currently has limited space available because of growing popularity. While this is great news for the team, it can make it difficult for them to find a place to play. Starting this year, the CH Baseball league is expanding to use the baseball fields at Veterans Memorial Park, giving players on the east side of the city a field a bit closer to home. “We are grateful for the opportunity to give back to baseball and the community,” said Logan Jensen, a senior at West Jordan High School. “And we look forward to helping each year.” The league currently held a joint service project between the West Jordan High School baseball team and the West Jordan Smith and Edwards store. Around 40 high school baseball players and Smith and Edwards employees cleaned, weeded, repaired, and painted the fields at Veterans memorial Park to get them ready for the season. May 2022 | Page 17

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

M AY

PLANNING COMMISSION

E-WASTE & SHRED EVENT

BLOOD DRIVE

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

West Jordan Public Works 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WJPD – ABLE Training

Pioneer Hall 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

6 – 9 p.m.

M AY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

WJ FIRE DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE

WJ CONCERT BAND: SPRING SHOWCASE

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan 7 – 10:30 p.m.

M AY

Station 53 5 – 8 p.m.

M AY

Viridian Event Center 7 p.m.

M AY

13-14

ADULT NIGHT OUT SCAVENGER HUNT

PLANNING COMMISSION

TheCountyLibrary.org/ AdultNightOut

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

WEST JORDAN SYMPHONY’S SPRING CONCERT Viridian Event Center 7 p.m.

West Jordan Police Officers are receiving first of its kind training in the state of Utah. The “Active Bystander for Law Enforcement”, or “ABLE” Project, is a national program that prepares officers to successfully intervene to prevent their fellow officers from causing harm or making costly mistakes. The project not only teaches why peer intervention is important but also how to intervene successfully. It is especially valuable when use of force and/or physical arrests are involved. To access the training an agency must be “certified” by ABLE. Certification is accomplished through letters of support from the city leaders as well as from community groups. It also requires a commitment, from the agency, that they will accept, and abide by, ten program standards. ABLE goes hand-in-hand with “Developing and Implementing an Outward Mindset” training that employees have already received, and it is consistent with one of the department’s core beliefs that “You matter like I matter.” These programs, along with the professionalism and excellent work of our officers and employees, are helping build trust and positive relationships with the good citizens of the City of West Jordan.

6 – 9 p.m.

M AY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MEMORIAL DAY CAR SHOW & TRIBUTE

FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

Veterans Memorial Park 12 p.m.

Ron Wood Park 5 – 8 p.m.

7 – 10:30 p.m.

Page 18 | 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 ay

2022

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

West Jordan City Journal

WestJordanJournal .com

May 2022 | Page 19

Families excited about literacy night; teachers excited about literacy program By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

iverside Elementary was transformed into Hogwarts School of Magic for Literacy Night March 31. Families entered through Platform 9 ¾ and then headed to four house common rooms for literacy activities such as code-breaking and word games. They ate a hot-dog dinner in the Great Hall and entered a drawing to win “Harry Potter” books. The purpose of all the hocus pocus was to get kids excited about reading. “Our ultimate goal is for kids to want to read and to enjoy reading and to read to learn,” fourth grade teacher Alisa Belliston said. Families were invited to peruse tables full of new and used books and find titles they were interested in reading. Boxes were provided for families who chose many books, such as one family who collected stacks of chapter books to replace the easy reader books in their home library, now that their youngest child is in sixth grade. Copper Canyon Elementary also held a Literacy Night. On April 12, school administrators and teachers invited students to bring gently used books from home to exchange for new reading material. The evening’s activities and handouts were centered on the five pillars of literacy—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,

vocabulary and comprehension—which are the foundations of Walk to Read, the research-based literacy program implemented in Jordan district schools this year. “Phonemic awareness is a foundation for phonics,” Copper Canyon Literacy Specialist Jennifer Knowles said. “We really can’t have fluent reading until we have a solid foundation with phonics that will lead to fluency. And then once we have fluency, we can continue to build with developing our vocabulary, which eventually leads to comprehension, which is our ultimate goal in reading.” With Walk to Read, teachers identify specific gaps in students’ skills in these areas. For 30 minutes, four days a week, students work in small groups with teachers and literacy aides to receive targeted intervention. “We find where the specific need is, and that’s how the different groups are formed, so during that time, each kid gets what he or she needs,” Riverside third grade teacher Olena Bradford said. Riverside literacy coach Emily Doll said the whole Riverside staff has embraced the new literacy program and works together as a team to make it successful. “They’re really taking the time to analyze the data to be responsive to what students need to succeed, no matter where

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they’re at,” she said. When students master the skill, they are reassigned to another group to work on another skill deficit. Or they may be grouped with other on-level students to work on advanced skills. Angela Richards said her children, who are in kindergarten, third and sixth grades at Riverside, are motivated to pass off skills so they can move to a new group. “When they move levels, it encourages them to do better,” Richards said. Jordan District teachers are already seeing measurable successes in the Walk to Read program’s first year. Michelle Lovell, an elementary language arts consultant for Jordan District, said every school is seeing student growth in literacy skills. Typically, K-2 Acadience testing data, which is collected three times during the school year, shows a dip in reading proficiency between the beginning of the year and middle of the year testing. “This year, we did not see that,” Lovell said. “We saw an increase in the middle of the year, which makes us really hopeful that what we will see at the end of the year continues on that trajectory.” Riverside Principal Dr. Mike Trimmell said this year’s mid-year Acadience testing results were already as high as year-end data

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Families receive a magical welcome to literacy night at Riverside Elementary School, which was transformed into Hogwarts for the evening. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

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West Jordan City Journal

Copper Hills boys volleyball preps for sanctioning By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

oday, boys volleyball is a club sport, organized by the Salt Lake County Recreation Department. In 2023, it will become a sanctioned Utah High School Activities Association sport. Copper Hills has had a competitive team for nearly eight years. “I have coached these kids for seven years,” Grizzlies head coach Earle Fenstermaker said. “It has been a challenge to keep the team together. Up until last season, we were not allowed to use the school, but the Jordan School District has helped us out, and we are able to practice at the school and have time at West Jordan Middle School.” The county hosts a competitive league that begins in early March and continues into April. The Utah Boys Volleyball Association is scheduled to host the state tournament May 6–7 at Wasatch High School. The county high school league is not a super league. The teams must honor eligibility rules. All players must live in the county. They must play for the team representing the school they attend. If there is not a team at the school, players may join any team with coordinator approval. This season, there were 16 teams from Salt Lake Valley. In the last full volleyball season (2019), Bingham won the state cham-

WestJordanJournal .com

pionship. In 2015, there were 24 club teams in the state. In 2021, there were 56 registered teams. Of the UHSAA schools, 57% are currently represented by a boys club team. “I think sanctioning is great. I am excited for the boys,” Fenstermaker said. “They have always wanted to be representatives of the school. Club volleyball is very competitive, and I think high school teams will be a

step-down, giving more boys the opportunity and expand the number of players.” The boys game can be very athletic; it is fast with lots of power. “Our games do not have long rallies like the girl’s game,” Fenstermaker said. “We are not as good at passing as they are.” The Grizzlies came into the region tournament as the fifth-seeded team. They

Spencer Maruji (blue jersey) is considered one of the best liberos in the state. Copper Hills boys volleyball team is headed to the state tournament May 6–7. (Greg James/City Journals)

finished the regular season 17-7 overall. In the tournament, they defeated East in the first match and lost to Skyline in the second round. In the consolation bracket, they defeated Paradigm, Mountain Ridge, Bingham and Corner Canyon. This year’s team has three seniors and a mixture of underclassmen, including a freshman that plays significant time, Cooper Varner. “Copper is going to be phenomenal when he gets older,” Fenstermaker said. Davis McCurdy is a left-handed opposite outside hitter. He has received offers to continue playing after high school. “I think we have the best libero in the state, and I have a setter with a crazy jump serve,” Fenstermaker said. Spencer Maruji is a senior leader of the team. As a libero, his main job is to pass the ball into the offense. “We are a very well-rounded team,” Fenstermaker said. “The boys are awesome; they work hard and are super competitive.” This year’s team includes Varner, Davis McCurdy, Eric Hammond, Ian Allgrunn, Jevaun Harris, Kielan Gasu, Mitchell Barney, Porter Jensen, Raife Mayhew, Maruji and Terran Black. They play twice a week from mid-March through May. l

May 2022 | Page 21

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West Jordan City Journal

Jaguars top 10 in 6A entering final few weeks Photos by Travis Barton Left: Mason Alcaraz picks up an infield single. The Jaguars were 3-3 in region as they hit spring break in mid-April, chasing after pace setters Riverton and Bingham. Right: Senior Weston Robins pitches against region rival Riverton where the Jags went 1-2. Overall West Jordan sat 10-6 at press time holding the 10th seed in the RPI.

Left: Senior Jack McQueen celebrates a double with his dugout. McQueen leads West Jordan from the plate batting .381 through 16 games. Right: Weston Robins looks to pick off the Riverton runner at second.

WestJordanJournal .com

May 2022 | Page 23

Athletic trainers have an important place at the school By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

igh schools have several coaches and administrators that keep programs running smoothly. A position that is often overlooked but very important is the athletic trainer. “I overall have liked being a trainer,” former Copper Hills and West Jordan High School trainer Chaz Beckstead said. “Depending on the size of the school it can be overwhelming. Copper Hills is one of the largest schools in the state so that means a lot of athletes.” Trainers are contracted to high schools to provide health options for the student-athlete. They work for an outside agency and are located at the school to provide the service. Their duties include pre-practice events like taping ankles or providing physical therapy for injuries with the athletes. During games, they provide coverage in case of injuries. “It can be fast paced. Sometimes we had four or five events going on at the same time. It is very time-consuming,” Beckstead said. Sports trainers need to meet qualifications including board certification exams and state licensing requirements. They provide more than triage or emergency care. The student-athlete can be diagnosed, treated, and receive rehabilitation. “We can make referrals and many will go to their own doctor for treatment. We can save

Athletic trainers provide triage care for injured high school athletes. (Stock photo)

the athlete from going to additional doctors. It is also convenient because they can get treatment right at the school,” Beckstead said. The student-athlete usually understands the trainer’s role, but many parents do not. “I have had instances when going to an athlete that was injured and the parents have

questioned what I was doing. It is understandable that most people do not know what we do,” Beckstead said. Hailey Pabst is the current trainer at Copper Hills High School. She is employed with University of Utah Health. They are contracted to the school to provide trainer coverage.

She worked at West Jordan High School and started at a school in Las Vegas. “I love working at the high school,” Pabst said. “The kids are hilarious. They can say the strangest things. I get to hear all about prom and the stuff that is going on. High school kids can say some strange things, but it is more about the relationships we can build. Some of these kids are going through a traumatic injury. In the time we work together we can talk about a lot of things and get to know each other.” Pabst works with all of the coaches and gets to know how the athletic program works. The trainers see different types of injuries depending on the sports season. Ankle sprains and strains top the list of the most popular injuries. They also treat swollen muscles, knee injuries and lacerations. During football season they see concussions and broken bones. “It is super rewarding. I get to see the kids grow. They grow from a little freshman to big seniors, not only in stature but in maturity. Plus, I can provide help to them at times when they really need it,” Pabst said. “Most people do not understand what we do,” Beckstead said. “We do provide a necessary service.” l

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Jaguars hope to improve on last year’s fourth-place finish By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

ield events such as shot put, discus, javelin and high jump are becoming a dominating strength of the West Jordan team. Team members hope scoring points in multiple events will propel the Jaguars up the standings. “We started the season with some crappy weather,” Jaguars head track coach Taylor Hatch said. “We have had quite a few kids qualify for state, but I feel we are getting ready to peak. I feel things will get better from here on out.” West Jordan had two athletes win state championships last season: Austin Klingler and Syrus Webster, That carried the team to a fourth-place finish at state. Both athletes have since graduated, but the team hopes to keep that momentum this year. “We are strong in the field events again,” Hatch said. “That has carried over from last season.” Seniors Shannan Fonua and Ulu Havea are one-two with the top shot throws in Region 3 this season. Fonua set a personal record of 38 feet 10 inches. Havea is only seven inches short of her teammate at 38 feet 3 inches. They both have top five distances in the discus too. “Ulu (Havea) broke the school record in the discus, and Shannan placed third at The Arcadia Invitational,” Hatch said. The invitational is one of the most prestigious events of the year. Since its beginning in 1968, more than 200 future Olympians have qualified and competed in the event. This year, 622 schools from 29 states participated. Aleka Leusa and Anthony Macedo lead the boys team throwers. Leusa launched the discus 152 feet 11 inches for the best distance in Region 3. Macedo has the longest distance in the shot at 53 feet 4 inches. “They are both right behind the Layton kid (Tyler Poole),” Hatch said. “Last season, Austin and Syrus showed our athletes what they are capable of.” To repeat last year’s fourth-place finish, the Jaguars will need to make up points in multiple sports. “We are filling the gaps that we did not have last year,” Hatch said. “Corner Canyon is still the team to beat. They seem to score points in every event. I think that is what we need to do. The biggest thing is we are strong now in a few areas.” Sophomore Jackson Roybal, Esafe Taufahema and Boston Farmer have had good seasons throwing the javelin. Roybal has been fighting an injury but qualified for state in his first event back. Alex Maxfield and Dominic Overby

Junior Alex Maxfield ran a personal record 51.65 at the Bingham Invitational this season. (Photo courtesy of West Jordan track.)

are expected to score in the 400 and 800 meters. “Neither of them are Austin, but they will score at the state meet for us,” Hatch said. Senior Logan Prince went over 6 feet 2 inches at the Coper Hills Invitational high jump. Junior Gabe Remy ran an 11.17 in the 100 meters, a position West Jordan struggled in last year. This is Remy’s first year to participate in track. West Jordan alum Jacob Garlick spoke to his former team last season. He was a 10-time All-American and was a

state record holder in five events and a BYU and Oregon track athlete. He taught the athletes that it doesn’t matter where you come from. “He talked about being a nobody,” Hatch said. “He asked the kids to trust their coaches. You can become a state champion. I think that motivated the kids. He had been where they are now. I feel like Austin and Syrus put West Jordan on the map. Our team wants to continue toward a state championship.” l

West Jordan City Journal

In grueling region, Copper Hills hanging tough Photos by Travis Barton Left: Madison Jennings has been a fiend for the Grizzlies earning wins from the mound and giving life to the team’s offense with five home runs and 14 RBIs. The junior is batting .522 through 14 games. Cienter: In a region that has three of the top four teams in 6A, Copper Hills has battled. At the spring break of the season, the Grizzlies were 2-4 with a close loss at Bingham. Copper Hills also traveled to Las Vegas early in the season where it went 2-3 in the Bishop Gorman Tournament. Right: Ambrea Hudson throws out the runner at third base during a 9-7 loss at Bingham where the Grizzlies took the lead with a five-inning fifth before a Miner comeback thwarted the upset bid.

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ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country. Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 am.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

The featured speaker is Congressman Chris Stewart. Program will include: Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet and Refreshments Courtesy of Cedarwood at Sandy. OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Page 28 | May 2022

Attendees at the 2019 SHINE Gala helped raise money for The Children’s Center of Utah. The annual fundraiser helps pay for comprehensive mental health treatment for children up to 6 years old. (Photos courtesy of Sparkle Photography)

The Children’s Center of Utah recognizes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ach year on May 7, Children's Mental Health Awareness Day brings recognition to the value of a child’s mental health. But The Children's Center of Utah will highlight the importance of children’s mental health all month long. “Our organization is inviting the whole community to become involved,” said Rebecca Dutson, The Children's Center of Utah president and CEO. “On our website, people can find a whole lot of ideas they can be engaged in or their business can be engaged with. The more we talk about it, the less there will be a stigma.” The Center is asking businesses to give a portion of proceeds to The Children's Center of Utah during May and invites everyone to promote its mission on social media platforms. Yard signs are available to put outside a home or business, promoting awareness for children’s mental health. Anyone interested can contact Joni Clark at jclark@tccutah.org to reserve a sign. Or visit childrenscenterutah.org/awareness for more ideas on how to become an ambassador for mental health and raise money for the cause. “The best thing we can all do is start talking more openly about not just our own mental health but mental health in the family,” Dutson said. “There is so much support. One of the promises we make to our community is that we do not turn anyone away for inability to pay.” Supporters are also invited to attend The Children's Center of Utah’s SHINE Gala on Friday, June 3, at the Gallivan Center Plaza. The gala will be in-person, the first time in two years, and there is lots of interest from long-term supporters.

The SHINE Gala, which started more than 20 years ago, features a social hour, silent and live auctions, entertainment and a buffet dinner. In the past, the event has raised more than $500,000 to help pay for children’s mental health services. Registration is available on The Children's Center of Utah website. “We’re shining a light on the importance of early childhood mental health and comprehensive mental health care for children,” Dutson said. “Every child and every child’s needs are unique. We encourage families who have concerns about their child to reach out and start a conversation.” COVID shone a light on mental health issues. Children were heavily impacted by their parents’ stress, the change of schedules and isolation from friends and family during the pandemic. “[The pandemic] allowed for more conversations about mental health. We just want to continue to build on that,” Dutson said. “The relationships that children have with their caregivers and parents are so important. It’s usually those adults that realize there might be a concern. When we talk about mental health it can change the trajectory of a child’s life.” The Children's Center of Utah works with children from infants through 6 years of age. Its mission is to bring a heightened awareness to the issue of children’s mental health. For more than 50 years, the organization has used evidence-based treatments, helping more than 1,800 children each year to increase resilience and develop healthy emotional well-being.l

West Jordan City Journal

Presenter

Jason Perry, JD

New 55+ Community Now Building in South Jordan Just south of Salt Lake Community College, Utah’s leading builder of active adult communities has begun construction of their newest development. Leisure Villas, known for their lifestyle-oriented neighborhoods, has broken ground on what is promising to be one of their more premiere locations.

Professional nt Develop me series Save the Date

Tuesday, May 17, 2022 11:30 am – 1:00 pm