February 2020 | Vol. 6 Iss. 02
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NEW CHANGES AT JACKLING FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS By Kathryn Elizabeth Jones | k.jones@mycityjournals.com
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t wasn’t an easy decision, nor a quick process, but come the 2020-2021 school year, Jackling Elmentary will be taking on new students. Jackling currently houses 350 students; Carl Sandburg 240, the number they will be losing as the school year closes. “That little pocket of 40 students will go over to Hunter Elementary because [the students] live close to that school. The 200 remaining will come here,” Principal Robyn Roper said. Roper, who has been with Jackling for four years, is excited to bring in new students and feels that Jackling will be a positive experience for the newcomers. “My teachers overall are excited and feeling positive about the fact that they don’t have to move definitely and they can stay in their building,” Roper said. “I’m sure there’s some anticipation and angst with a new teammate, a new colleague coming into their grade level and new students but I think, overall, the teachers are pretty positive.” Currently, the school has seven classrooms not in full-functioning use, so there is extra space. But that’s not all. “I’m anticipating that we’ll hire one more teacher per grade level,” Roper said, stating that the school tries “really, really hard not to increase class size.” The school itself is in good shape, receiving a score from an outside analysis company of 61 out of 100 for its infrastructure. The score was reflective of how the building would hold up during an earthquake, among other things, Roper said. “Sandburg Elementary was given a score of 8. It is a big difference, particularly because [the schools] were built [in the late 60s and] only a year apart.” “Not only is the population declining in this area, the school enrollments are getting smaller,” Roper said. No longer is there a “high 600, even 700 kids in the school. It’s not fiscally responsible to use the taxpayers’ dollars to leave these buildings open if they’re not operating to capacity.” Still, “hurt feelings” and “negativity” have come from some according to Roper, who admits that a change like this is an “emotional thing,” no matter what the numbers show. She knows that some kids attending Jackling for the first time will feel anxious, so she and her leadership team have some plans in the works. Among the plans include a welcome letter written to every new student from current Jackling students, open houses in the spring, tours of the school for parents and their families, even some big posters that will be hung throughout the school to relay the message, “Welcome, we’re so glad you’re here!” “The transportation department has looked at where ev-
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
Principal Robyn Roper stands in front of Jackling Elementary. By the 2020-2021 school year 550 children will be attending. (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones/ City Journals)
ery student lives over in Sandburg in relation to Jackling and they will do some courtesy bus stops for kiddos that have more than a 10 or 15 minute walk,” Roper said, adding that she and her director have walked the distance themselves and were able to do the walk in 20 minutes. “As a parent myself, I wouldn’t want to send my 8-year-old boy for a 20-minute jaunt in the morning, but a fifth- or sixth-grader would be a walk they certainly could handle.” Along with ease in getting to school, “we are working hard to improve student learning,” Roper said. “We [also] have a big focus on family engagement.” A STEM lab opened at Jackling in the fall of 2019. “We are working so hard to provide programs to improve student learning,” Roper said, adding the lab even has “little lab coats the students can put on and goggles. They’re doing a lot of hands-on learning. It is super powerful for student achievement.” Chromebooks are used by every student at the school. “We are a one-to-one school,” Roper said adding that “students need the technical skills to prepare them for college and career in the 21st century.” Roper and her leadership team, and even some teachers are making home visits this school year. “We talk about goals for life, [about] their wishes and dreams. Just really trying to
get to know them. One of my second-grade teachers, Mrs. Katie Page, has visited every single one of her students. She’s just phenomenal.” Bridging learning between school and home is important to Roper who believes that the greatest success of a student comes from parents who are involved in their student’s mastery. Through the 2019-2020 school year, the students, parents and teachers have been taking part in a “Big 3 Night.” “A couple of months ago, the school held its first event. Previous to the event the teachers in each grade level identified three big math standards for the year,” Roper said. Getting the parents involved and practicing with the child at home “bridges that academic [gap]. If the students can master these three big math standards, they will be successful in the upcoming grade.” Jackling Elementary currently offers an after-school choir program and a junior coach’s program with Playworks Coach Morganne Nielsen to teach leadership skills. A science club began in early 2020. “I would certainly like to include band or orchestra, or something with the arts,” Roper said. “As we grow and have more teachers, perhaps we’ll bring in more programs like that.” l
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February 2020 | Page 3
West Valley runner hopes to motivate others to explore Utah mountains By Jess Nielsen Beach | j.beach@mycityjournals.com
Y
ou see them every time you drive down the street: runners, of all shapes and sizes, pounding the pavement in snow or shine. For Jill Wilkins, a West Valley resident, you’re more likely to see her at a more elevated level. Wilkins, 39, grew to love trail running after a prolonged childhood illness. “I was really sick my whole life,” Wilkins said. “I missed four years of school. I had to have daily nutritional IVs, and I was very unhealthy. I was always ‘the sick one.’” Rather than let her illness defeat her, she used it as a way to better herself. “I always loved the strength of runners. You’ll be driving and see people running in bad weather and think, ‘Wow, good for you!’ I wanted to be the strong one, because I’ve always been the sick one.” Although the fitness guru now has years of training under her belt, it didn’t come easy. Her first 5K was with her uncle, who was nearing his 50s. Her only goal was to not let him beat her—which he did, sooner than she expected. “We started running and an eighth of a mile in, not even a half mile, my uncle takes off,” Wilkins said. “There’s nothing more humbling than seeing your older uncle take off and there’s nothing you can do about it.” After finishing that race, Wilkins was determined to get better. Being beaten by the race wasn’t something she wanted to become habit. She began to train and love the workout, and, as a mom, she wasn’t about to pay for a sitter. “It’s so simplistic,” Wilkins said, explaining her routine as a parent who loves to run. “You don’t need a babysitter for the gym, you’re not stuck in a room with sweaty, smelly people not knowing what to do and being intimidated. You just put one foot in front of the other.” Once her love of exercise was cemented, Wilkins began to explore the nearby moun-
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tains. “I’ve always loved hiking and running, and then I found trail running, which just combines it all.” Along those stunning trails, Wilkins found another love: photography. Her social media is filled with breathtaking images of all the Utah landscape has to offer: cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and several otherworldly views of the Salt Lake valley from the tallest peaks. “I have an iPhone 6, so it’s nothing fancy,” Wilkins said. “We live in such a pretty place, and I usually happen to be in the right spot at the right time.” Last year, Wilkins was thrilled when KSL found one of her photos on her Instagram and asked Jill Wilkins admires the sunset after conquering Lake Blanche. (Photo courtesy Jill Wilkins) if they could feature it on their website. With that being said, Wilkins is quick to running takes. Rather than the flat, monoto“I didn’t enter a contest, I just tagged them on social media. nous pavement on roads and sidewalks, the mention that it’s important to pay attention to They reached out and asked to use it, and I dirt and snow acts as a cushion to not wear what your body is telling you before, during and after a run. When times get rough, she has was blown away.” The mention on the news you down as much. “I like the mountain running because it’s even had to ground herself from hitting the outlet’s page brought more people to Wilkins’ platform, which she uses to show others that very hard to do, but it’s much easier on your road. “I recently did a track run on the junior body. It’s less impact. There’s also trail varithey, too, can get out in nature. high track for 40 miles for a fundraiser,” ances, there’s rocks, roots, ups, downs; you’re In addition to the scenic views and fresh air, Wilkins is grateful for the easier toll trail using all the parts of your legs and all different Wilkins said. “Myself and a bunch of other ultrarunners were raising money for the food tendons.”
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What new runners and moms should know
If you’re looking to start trail running, or running in general, don’t be scared. According to Wilkins, there is one important factor if you decide to get outside, even in the snow. “Running is not for everybody, but hiking is for almost everybody. You can get enjoyment out of it and you don’t have to do hard hikes. It’s putting one foot in front of the other. If you have to take a breather, do it. Get yourself out and enjoy the mountains. We are so lucky. There are so many people who pay to travel here and experience our trails, and they’re right here.” As for fellow moms with young children, she added, “Most people think it’s complicated to get kids out, but it’s really not. It’s no different than going sledding or seeing the lights at Temple Square. Warm clothes, snacks if they’re hungry and hand warmers.” The first few times might be difficult with children, but Wilkins encourages people to push through. “Your kids need to be taught how to be in a backpack or carrier,” Wilkins said. “It’s just like being in a car seat. When you’re driving and your kid is screaming, you leave them. You aren’t going to take them out on the middle of the freeway.” She recommends that, while the first few times might be miserable for children and they might cry or throw a fit, try to make it a positive experience. Talk them through it, explain where you’re going, and perhaps even point out animals along the way. “Boundaries at the beginning,” Wilkins said of trail-training kids. “They learn that once they’re in the backpack, they’re not getting out. Just make it as fun as possible, sing songs, play games, etc. When they get a bit older, they can walk with you as long as it’s safe.” A few items that Wilkins will not leave home without may seem like no big deal, but they can be the difference between misery and fun. “Things I keep in my backpack at all times are sunscreen, ChapStick, and my salt tabs. I also take ibuprofen along, because you can get an elevation headache if you aren’t used to the elevation. Also, if you have kids, always pack a diaper or two, because guaranteed your child is going to need a change at the top of the mountain.” However, for those who intend to invest in this sport, Wilkins has several recommendations that will be helpful in terms of equipment. While some heavy-duty items are
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a must, she has a few hacks for those on a budget. “With my gear, I don’t spend the money and buy waterproof shoes,” Wilkins explained. “I do the redneck hack: I just put plastic bags on my socks. Almost every single winter picture you see of me, I’m wearing my plastic bags. I do wear wool socks, but the bags work great.” Another must-have trick from Wilkins is simple gloves from the dollar store. “There’s no tech or anything,” Wilkins said, showing off several pairs of simple matching gloves. “They work great. They keep my hands warm and almost all of my runner friends use them.” Also recommended are shoes with an aggressive tread, which work for both winter and summer sports. Regardless of weather, such shoes are able to grip slick rocks or snow patches along the trail. “The one investment I’ve made is more for steep or technical trails, and they’re called micro spikes,” Wilkins said. “I can tell you right now, don’t scrimp. If you want to get outside, invest in the Kahtoola ones. They just slip right over your shoes. I’ve bought cheap brands online, but they rust and just don’t last. You won’t replace the Kahtoola ones every year—I’ve had mine for three years so far.”
Tips to stay safe while hiking
If you’re ready to get out there, Wilkins recommends checking online for avalanche dangers as well as consulting the app, All Trails. “All Trails will filter hikes, show the distance, elevation gain, etc. That way you can see oh, this will be an easy trail versus something more challenging,” Wilkins said. “If you have a pair of hiking boots, you’re fine. Just pick a trail that doesn’t have a lot of steepness. I like trekking poles, they’re great for balance. In the snow, you might be a little off, so pull out your poles and get going.” One last safety tip Wilkins offers is especially for women planning on running or hiking alone or with their small children. “First off, just be brave. It’s okay. It’s not dangerous,” Wilkins said. “There are no creepers in the mountains, I promise. Especially being a woman, I go alone a lot. I have been doing this for a long time. A lot of times, I have to go alone.” Wilkins encourages people to pay attention and use caution at popular trailheads and bathrooms. If possible, carry a self-defense tool that you can access quickly without it posing a danger while not in use. “I have a little necklace that’s a knife that I hike with when I run alone. I got it at Cabela’s and I can just pop it out when I need. I’ve never, ever come across anyone questionable in the mountains. A creeper is not going to take time to hike up a trail and hide in a bush. It’s not predictable.” Although she is cautious and aware of potential problems, Wilkins is determined not to let hypotheticals keep her stuck at home. “My husband works in sex crimes and whatnot. He’s a special victims detective, so I hear about all the things, but I’m not going to let that stop me,” Wilkins said. “I just make
Jill Wilkins and her daughter, Katie, pose near a frozen waterfall in Bells Canyon. (Photo courtesy Jill Wilkins)
sure I’m not on a predictable schedule, I always keep my knife on me and I’m aware. I don’t zone out to my music and I pay attention. It sucks that, as a woman, you have to be so hyper aware of that. My guy friends can just go out. They never have to worry about it. It sucks, but you have to keep yourself safe.” Wilkins has one last piece of advice once you’ve done the research, gathered your gear, and are ready to explore the Utah scenery. “It’s okay to make goals and do hard things. It’s okay to fail. I didn’t get this distance, I didn’t finish this race. It’s okay to feel that way, but be brave. Take that step and you’ll realize how fun it is to get out there and try something new.” What mountain of a goal will Wilkins climb next? She is currently in the lottery for the Wasatch 100, with the Bear 100 being her backup plan. “They are both very, very difficult 100mile races and I’m terrified. The Wasatch goes from Kaysville to Heber, and the Bear goes from Logan to Bear Lake. They all go through the mountains, and I’m legit terrified, but I’m turning 40 next year and I want to do this crazy thing. I feel like I’m pretty legged
up and if I can continue doing what I’m doing, I’ll be ready for it.” For more of Wilkins’ journey of fitness, tips and tricks, and photos of Utah’s most captivating views, follow her Instagram page: jillrwilkins. l
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bank (they raised $15k) and we ran from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. The flat running beat me up more because there’s no variance. And running in a circle, I kind of got some tough tissue on the insides of my feet.” Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up a pair of your first shoes, make sure not to overdo it. “I listen to my body,” Wilkins said. “If I feel tired or fatigued, I will take a break. Or if I feel a little ache or pain. It’s not worth pushing through that and getting an injury and then taking a month or two off.”
February 2020 | Page 5
Ancient Chinese martial arts training comes to West Valley City Story and Photo By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
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t’s an unlikely story, to say the least. An Israeli-born Jew who is half Filipino opening a Chinese martial arts training studio in West Valley City. But it’s true, thanks to an interesting sequence of events in the life of Lei Shoa Long. The 37-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen has opened the Shoa Long Academy of Chinese Martial Arts at 1906 W. 3500 South. By the way, Shoa Long, which means “young dragon,” is a name given to him when he trained a few years ago at a martial arts school in China. More on that later. Lei specializes in tai chi, gongfu (also known as kung fu), and Wudang, which has historical origins in kung fu. In fact, he is the only certified Wudang instructor in Utah. He also teaches a weekly yoga class. “This has been a dream in the making for years,” Lei said as he sat on the floor of his training facility, which had a soft opening in December. In just a couple of months, Shao Long Academy has grown to include classes six days a week. Sessions are conducted during the early mornings and evenings when most people are free from work and school. Even Lei has a separate day job to support his family. Chinese martial arts is more than learning how to kick, punch and immobilize people through certain holds and grips. It also promotes respect and discipline. “Traditional Chinese martial arts have a lot of aspects that make it special and unique, whether its culture, history, tradition, or rules. It’s kind of this holistic system of how to be a better person,” Lei said. Lei teaches a broad range of male and female students, from preteens and teenagers to adults in their 60s. That requires a balancing act of knowing how hard to push based on their age and physical stamina. “I need to know what they can handle and how to get the most out of that,” Lei said. That doesn’t mean he goes easy on them. “I’m hard on my students, but they trust me that I’m doing this for their own good.” His pupils are part of what several sources estimate to be 3.6 million martial arts par-
Page 6 | February 2020
ticipants in the United States. Many of them are learning the craft in the 75,000 martial arts businesses that are believed to exist in the U.S. today. A majority of them, like Shoa Long Academy, are owned and operated by a single instructor. Lei says students are drawn to martial arts for a variety of reasons, including “some who saw kung fu (on television and film and say) ‘show me the way,’” those who want to learn self-defense, and others who “just want to learn how to relax.” Tai chi incorporates a bit of each with a combination of martial arts, controlling one’s energy, and meditation. A misconception is that meditation is sitting and letting one’s mind go blank. “That’s impossible,” said Lei, noting that it involves a redirection of thoughts so that people can relax by focusing on the moment rather than what happened yesterday or what will or could occur tomorrow. “Worry about this current minute, bring it back to your breathing, and that’s what gets them to relax.” Lei’s story began at Utah’s Hill Air Force Base where his father, a mechanic in Israel’s air force, was sent for training. There, he met a Filipino-American woman who was a civilian employee at HAFB. They moved to Israel and Lei and his younger brother were born. His parents eventually relocated their young family back to Utah. As Lei reached adolescence here, he says he was sometimes picked on at school in part because he is Jewish. The bullying became physical at times. So he decided he would learn some basic martial arts to better defend himself. After having to use those skills a few times, Lei gained confidence in himself, and the grudging respect of the kids who pushed him around and had any thoughts of doing the same to his younger brother. “I was able to not only protect myself and demonstrate this confidence that I’m not going to put up with this anymore, but as I transitioned into high school, people knew they couldn’t pick on me or my brother. I didn’t want him going through what I went through,” Lei said. Still, fending off people
with martial arts was “not something I’m too proud of, but at the same time I was proud I was able to take care of myself.” Lei continued learning the craft during his high school years. After graduating and turning 19, he joined the Marine Corps in 2002. He was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California and was assigned to be a “combat correspondent,” delivering base news and information. When the Marines Corps modified its hand-to-hand combat training to include martial arts, Lei signed up to teach it to his fellow Marines. “It was the most physically grueling course I had to go through,” he said. It was no different for Marines he trained. Of the 25 who started, eight finished and graduated. “We were just dropping like flies” either through injuries or the sheer difficulty of the training. Lei served active duty until 2006, followed by another four years in the reserves. When it was time to move on to the next chapter of his life, he asked himself and others, “What’s next?” The answer: “Go to China.” After all, where better to acquire more training than the place where the history of martial arts dates back hundreds to perhaps more than 2,000 years. “I sold my house, sold everything I had, packed my bags and I went to go live in China,” specifically the rural central province of Hubei. Up to then, he practiced mostly gongfu, so he wanted to focus more on learning the finer points of tai chi, which is a slower, more deliberate art form than the quicker, sharper moves of gongfu. “Because it’s the birthplace of tai chi, people flock to that specific area to learn tai chi,” he said. Lei trained there for seven months between 2015 to 2016. He enjoyed the authentic environment of the place. Students wandered around town, clad in martial arts uniforms specific to their schools. People practiced tai chi in the park. “You feel like you’re in an old-school martial arts movie,” he said, adding, “You grab your stool, you have fresh noodles made for you, prepared
outside.” Upon returning to Utah, Lei wanted to impart his knowledge of and share his passion for martial arts by establishing a group via Meetup, a social media site that connects people with similar interests. That online community grew from a few people to 1,200 and included gathering at parks and other places to practice martial arts. With the encouragement of his friend and West Valley City Councilman Jake Fitisemanu, with whom he shares a love of Chinese lion dancing, Lei found a place to put down roots in the city. At the Shoa Long Academy on a Tuesday night in January, Lei guided five men and three women through a series of moves in a gongfu class. One of them was Dominique Talahaftewa. “It’s kept me in good physical shape. I’ve had some health issues and it’s actually helped me get back into my regular routine physically,” said the 46-year-old Salt Lake City resident. She said it has also kept her “centered.” The self-defense elements of gongfu also give her confidence as she goes about her daily activities, wherever they may be. Talahaftewa takes the class with her son, River. “I feel more confident about myself and I feel I’m learning while also increasing my strength physically and mentally,” said the Highland High School freshman. “I also get relaxation from it sometimes, so I’m able to center myself more and balance my life evenly.” “It’s fun,” said Eric Marsh, 56, of Taylorsville. “I’ve been practicing martial arts my whole life, so this is just a continuation of it. Martial arts is the best way that you can get yourself in shape and be able to defend yourself.” The impact of the training goes beyond the studio. “Every time I go home, I feel a sense of achievement,” Marsh said, adding he plans to keep training “until my wheels fall off.” Shoa Long Martial Arts Academy will have a formal grand opening on Sat., Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. It will feature martial arts demonstrations and lion dancing. The public is welcome. For information about the academy, visit shoalongacademy.com. l
West Valley City Journal
Wvc Journal .com
February 2020 | Page 7
Crime down, recruitment up, says WVC police chief
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By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
In her annual presentation to the West Valley City Council, Police Chief Colleen Jacobs (seen here at the opening of the new police headquarters) said crime in the city, compared with the weighted average of the past five years, dropped in 2019. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
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Page 8 | February 2020
n her annual presentation to the West Valley City Council, Police Chief Colleen Jacobs said crime in the city, compared with the weighted average of the past five years, dropped in 2019. “Overall, crime is down,” she said. Jacobs said they measured the crimes compared with the averages over the last five years. Vehicle burglaries, for example, averaged to be 1,213 per year over the last half-decade. In 2019 however, they had 876. Other crimes to have dropped include: Residential burglary: 2019 – 481; 2013-2018 (yearly average) – 582. Business burglary: 2019 – 151; 20132018 – 194. Robbery: 2019 – 135; 2013-2018 – 156. Vehicle theft: 2019 – 775; 2013-2018 – 1,102. Weapons offense: 2019 – 253; 20132018 – 279. Jacobs attributed the success to what she called “hotspot enforcement.” Working with the department’s intelligence unit, officials created a map illustrating where certain types of crime have increased. Patrols are then instructed to provide specific enforcement to those areas. It’s a data driven type of enforcement, she said. “Any kind of higher visibility,” Jacobs told the council. “If they’re just visually in the area and they’re marked cars, it tends to drive crime down in that area.” But not all numbers went down.
Aggravated assault was up from 208 average over previous five years to 221. And graffiti increased from 163 to 217. Homicides, something Councilman Steve Buhler said he is often asked about, were up to 11 total in 2019 as opposed to the six to nine range Jacobs said it usually is. Another number that went up, in a bit of good news for the department, were the amount of applications to join the department. Jacobs reported a 300% increase in applications. The first half of 2019 saw them only receive 77 applications while the second half saw 529 applications, of which they hired 31. The police department lost 20 officers over the course of the first six months in 2019, leading Jacobs to start a recruitment unit. It was, she said, a “significant partnership with human resources” that saw them increase the amount of contacts with potential applicants and find more qualified applicants. While they have 35 vacancies in the department right now, they have 33 going through training. Majority of the new hires, Jacobs said, are new to a police force. “We continue to look for innovative and progressive ways of doing (our) business,” she said. “That’s the blessing side of having such a young and less experienced department. We can try new things and they don’t know any different. The not so great side is they don’t know what they don’t know, but they do work hard.” l
West Valley City Journal
Feeding hungry kids ‘outside our back door’ By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
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or a company that sells nutritional and other health products around the world, USANA saw a growing need for nourishing food within a few miles of its West Valley City headquarters. So USANA recently took over an existing program called KidsEat! (and modified the name to Kids Eat) to provide backpacks filled with food to schoolchildren in need in the Salt Lake Valley to take home on weekends and extended breaks during the school year. In an effort to expand the program to serve even more hungry students, USANA purchased, renovated and, in December, officially opened a building near its corporate offices to make that happen. USANA will use part of the facility to stuff what it hopes will be 1,000 backpacks a week with food staples for kids who often don’t have enough to eat for a myriad of reasons, especially on weekends when they don’t have access to school-provided free or reduced-price breakfasts or lunches. USANA CEO Kevin Guest says that Kids Eat under his company’s charitable arm, the USANA Foundation, will help distribute food closer to home. “The mission of our company is creating the healthiest families on earth. And health begins with the very basic needs of nutrition. Right outside our back door are thousands of children who have that need,” he said. The initiative caught the attention of Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon perhaps better known as the host of a nationally syndicated medical advice TV talk show. Oz and his wife, Lisa, started a foundation in 2003 called HealthCorps to provide mental and physical health education and tools to teens, so Kids Eat resonated enough with him that he attended the opening of the new USANA food-packing facility. “I like to be behind programs that do that kind of good work,” he told the West Valley City Journal. “I’m in all the way.” Oz says that rather than wait for a government solution to childhood hunger of which one in five kids in Utah suffers, Kids Eat is an immediate, local way to tackle the problem. “Instead of lamenting it and looking for federal programs, what can we do right now?” he asked. “This is a very scalable program. You can feed kids for almost nothing.” Family finances are not the only reason kids don’t have enough food. Abuse, neglect and violence can also play a part, according to Michelle Benedict, who is now engagement manager for USANA Kids Eat, but founded her own similar charity, Kids Next Door, in 2010.
Wvc Journal .com
Volunteers fill backpacks at the USANA Foundation’s new food-packing building to provide food for local schoolchildren who lack adequate nourishment. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
Before the USANA Foundation acquired it, KidsEat! Utah was launched as a nonprofit organization five years ago by Lynda Brown to serve the Murray City and Jordan school districts, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other youth organizations. Most of the food is donated to USANA Kids Eat by businesses and individuals. It includes peanut butter, snacks, and other staples plus items that can be turned into meals by families on weekends. Some donors give money for Kids Eat to buy the food it needs. Kids Eat and school principals work together to coordinate the number of backpacks needed at each of the participating schools. USANA has even provided a truck to deliver them to the schools. USANA’s 800 West Valley City-based employees are encouraged by their CEO to pitch in. “We encourage our employees on the company’s time to take time out of their day to do some good and pack some of these backpacks for these kids,” Guest said. “This isn’t something we’re trying to do for publicity. We want to make a difference.” “When I die, I want this program to still be here. And I hope that’s many years from now,” laughed the 59-year-old Dr. Oz. The public is invited to help fill backpacks. For more information, visit usanakidseat.org. l
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joeolschewski41@gmail.com February 2020 | Page 9
Less technology means better family connections says USU researcher By Jenniffer Wardell | j.wardell@mycityjournals.com
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f you’re looking for a new goal that will help your family, try putting down your phone. That’s a suggestion from David Schramm, Utah State University assistant professor and Extension family life specialist. Schramm has recently completed a nationwide survey asking parents how they felt about the effect of technology use on face-toface interaction between family members. He said it’s that interaction that strengthens both spousal and parent-child relationships. Among the 631 parents surveyed, a full 62% said that the interference of technology was a big problem in their family. “It comes down to communication and connection,” said Schramm, also known as the USU relationship specialist “Dr. Dave.” “Cellphones get in the way of face-to-face conversation, and I wanted to get an idea of how prevalent it was.” In the survey, he used the term “technoference” to describe the way technology use interfered in face-to-face interaction with others. He also focused on two specific areas of family interaction — the dinner table and the parent’s bedroom. “I consider those two places where real communication and connection can happen,” he said. “I’m not anti-technology, but I think it’s starting to crowd out those areas.” Plenty of Americans feel the same way. According to the survey, 70% reported that technology interrupts family time at least occasionally. More than one-third of the adults said they used technology in their bed every night or almost every night. Forty-three percent reported that their spouse/partner uses technology in bed every night or almost every night. As an extension of that, nearly 25% said they felt like their partner’s use of technology in bed interferes with their sexual relationship. Forty-five percent considered technology a big problem in their marriage. Fifty-five percent felt like their spouse/partner spends too much time on their cell phone, and 48% said they wished their significant other would spend less time on their cell phone and more time with their children. Fifty-three percent admitted that they believed they personally are on their cell phone too much, while 59% believed their spouse or partner is on it too much. Thirty-eight percent of adults admit to using technology at least occasionally while eating at home with family members. Nearly as many people, 35%, reported using technology while eating at a restaurant with their spouse or partner at least occasionally. Sixty percent of the adults surveyed said they’re concerned about the influence technology has on their relationship with their children, and nearly one out of four wish they had more information about technology and parenting, but don’t know where to turn.
Page 10 | February 2020
David Schramm suggests cutting back on social media to focus more on face-to-face time with your family. (Photo by Katka Pavlickova on Unsplash)
“The overall survey results show that higher levels of technology use and technoference adds up to significantly less time spent together as a couple, less satisfaction and connection, and higher levels of depression and anxiety,” he said. Though it’s a national issue, Schramm said his inspiration for the survey was personal. “I was in the kitchen on my phone during breakfast one morning, and my son walked right by,” he said. “It was my wife that said, ‘Do you want to say good morning to your son?’ I’m a family researcher, but it was really one of those ‘aha’ moments for me.” For those who might be in the same boat, he said that getting a little too attached to your cell phone is perfectly understandable. “We’re born with three essential needs to survive and thrive – safety, satisfaction and connection,” he said. “Cell phones especially can fulfill all three needs, which is why they’re so addictive.” Used appropriately, they can also be a thing that helps keep a family running smoothly.
“Cell phones can be really helpful for families,” he said. “They can bring people together who live far apart, and it can help parents keep tabs on the physical and emotional safety of their children.” The key, though, is to use your cell phone in moderation. As an extension of the survey, Schramm came up with two initiatives – K-TOOB (Kick Technology Out of Beds) and K-TOOT (Kick Technology Off of Tables). Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said that they thought K-TOOB is a good idea, while 88% felt that K-TOOT was a good idea. If you want to include either initiative as part of your New Year’s resolutions, however, Schramm suggests a slower rollout. “I think starting small is the best idea,” he said. “Especially for something so sudden, and that just came from one person in the family.” He added that one way to combat both those things is to start things off with a conversation. Everyone in the family should get the chance to share their feelings and work on a solution together.
“A great first step is sitting down and having an open discussion about it, with no set agenda,” he said. “Kids, especially teenagers, want to be heard.” If you’re uncertain how to make such a discussion happen, Schramm said that the direct approach should work just fine. “You can just say, ‘Hey, let’s have a tech talk. We can talk about the positives of technology, and maybe some things we can work on together for some more family face-toface time,’” he recommended. The most important thing, however, might be to start with cutting back your own phone time. According to Schramm, children need at least nine minutes of face-to-face contact each day. This is especially true at key points throughout the day, such as just after they wake up, just before they go to bed, and just as they get home from school. He added that spouses also need their own faceto-face contact time, moments where they can talk about their days and what they might be feeling. The opportunities for that contact time may be more innocuous than people realize. Schramm calls them “bids for connection,” a term coined by relationship expert Dr. John Gottman. These “bids” are everyday interactions between people that provide opportunity to share thoughts and feelings. That sharing deepens the connection between people. “We need to listen and watch for bids for connection,” Schramm said. “It can be something so small as (your child or spouse coming home and saying) ‘You’ll never guess what happened today.’ If you’re distracted, you can miss it.” Sometimes, those bids for connection can even be completely wordless. “If your child comes home mopey and dragging his feet, that’s still a bid for connection,” he said. “You can see that, and think, ‘Oh, how am I going to respond to that?’” If you don’t see enough bids for connection, or are concerned that you’ve missed too many, it’s possible to create more. The biggest thing is to ask questions that encourage discussion, then be ready to listen and respond to their answers. This helps your spouse or children to feel validated, an important aspect to deepening the relationship. “You can ask questions like, ‘What was the best part of your day?’ ‘What was the hardest part of your day?’ What was the happiest thought of your day?’” he said. “If you put your phone down, you can be more open to these opportunities.” In the end, Schramm said, the most important thing is to pay less attention to your phone and more attention to your loved ones. “Be in the moment,” he said. “Focus on who you’re with, and what you’re doing, without feeling the need to share it on social media.” l
West Valley City Journal
You were just in a car acident, now what? Unless you’re one of the few anomalies in the world, we’ve all been in an accident. We’ve experienced that sickening feeling when your car makes unwanted contact with another vehicle. We’re frustrated and disheartened. While we may want to crawl into a hole, we can’t. There are things to do and we’ve given you 10 to be aware of (in no particular order). 1.Have an emergency kit in your car. While this step comes before the accident occurs, it’s essential to be prepared. Whatever you kit entails, make sure it has a first-aid kit, flashlight, reflective triangles and a small (and simple) camera in case there’s been damage to your phone. We’re typically frustrated or frazzled after an accident and not inclined to rational thinking. Being prepared limits the possibility of forgetfulness. 2.Take a deep breath. Accidents are traumatic experiences. Taking a breath will shift focus from what just happened to what needs to be done next. 3.Get a status check on everyone in the car. Check with each passenger to see if they are OK. Have someone call
911 immediately if someone is injured or unresponsive. 4.Move to a safe location. Most insurance companies recommend relocating the vehicle to the sidewalk or shoulder of the road as soon as possible after the accident. If the damage to the car is minor, this should be relatively easy. But if there are major injuries or questions about the safety of the car, leave it where it is, even if its blocking traffic. 5.Increase your visibility. Turn on your hazard lights and set out your attention items from the emergency kit—flares, orange cones, reflective triangles, etc. One accident should not lead to another. Take precaution to ensure other drivers on the road remain safe. 6.Stay calm. It is very easy to lose your temper in this situation, it’s human nature. Keeping your cool will keep the situation from getting worse. If it wasn’t your fault, it’s easy to want to let your emotions loose on the other driver. This will cloud your judgment and may lead to something that does not help the situation. You still need to exchange information.
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February 2020 | Page 11
Reelected West Valley City Council members begin new terms
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ollowing their easy reelection victories in November, three members of the West Valley City Council have been sworn in to their new terms. On Jan. 7, City Recorder Nichole Camac administered the oath of office to Tom Huynh, Karen Lang, and Don Christensen during a city hall ceremony attended primarily by their families, fellow city council members, city officials and staff, and a visiting Taiwanese delegation. Huynh and Lang are now underway with their third four-year terms in their respective council districts, while Christensen has begun his second consecutive term as an at-large representative. He previously served on the governing body from 2009 to 2013 before an unsuccessful run for mayor. Each councilmember made brief remarks following their swearing in. Huynh, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 19, expressed his gratitude to the diverse constituents of his northeastern district as well as residents citywide. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the citizens of this city,” Huynh said. “I will do my very best to represent them and to assure their voice will be heard.” Huynh praised the cohesiveness of the city council and assistance of city staff. “This is a group of special people who assist me to
become a good councilmember.” Lang thanked the residents of her northwestern-northcentral city district for their confidence in her. “It has been a privilege and time well spent to serve the citizens of West Valley.” Like Huynh, she acknowledged the camaraderie of the city council. “We work well together and there’s not that infighting that other groups have. I really think that we’re all working for the best of the city,” Lang said, adding that she “proudly” tells people outside the city that she is from West Valley. Christensen said he was “humbled” by his reelection. “I now know that I have the confidence of the voters in West Valley, and I promise to go on with that confidence and push us even further” in the city’s progress and growth. Christensen gave credit to city staff for helping the council do its job effectively. “We wouldn’t look as good as a council if it wasn’t for all of the staff members,” he said. Mayor Ron Bigelow closed the ceremony by encouraging West Valley City residents to get involved in their municipal government by attending city council meetings when possible. He cautioned, however, against expecting the council to bow to the wishes of a just a handful of vocal constituents. “Sometimes it is contrary to the will of the majority of our citizens.” l
West Valley City Journal
Kaylee Bucio: National Mariachi Vocal Grand Champ at 8 years young By Jordan Hafford | j.hafford@mycityjournals.com
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Roundtable Talk with Representative Weight In Session
Kaylee with mariachi band Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. (Photo courtesy Martha Chavez)
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t the tender young age of 8, Kaylee Bucio has been named National Grand Champion Vocal Winner at the 25th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, the most competitive mariachi vocal competition in the United States. “I have been teaching Kaylee since she was 4 years old,” said Kaylee’s vocal coach, Martha Chavez. “I don’t normally take tiny tots like Kaylee was when she started; however, there was something about her that caught my attention: her natural ability to sing, personality and dedication.” Chavez is herself a seasoned vocalist with years of classical training and a powerful voice. She carries a lifelong passion for Mariachi music, partly due to her parents, who were both singers in Mexico and performed live on radio shows. Chavez’s skill and extensive knowledge of music these days, however, is mainly focused on the success of her students. “I love teaching young people and adults,” she said. “I take a genuine interest in the development of their talents.”
Wvc Journal .com
Kaylee is passionate about her vocal lessons, and although she has a very strong support system, it seems to be Kaylee herself that is pushing to achieve her highest potential. She attends vocal lessons with Chavez regularly along with piano lessons. Although she has only been around eight years, Kaylee is very familiar with the spotlight. She is a previous participant in Access Broadway in Vegas, as well as a performer at the New York City Play Station Theatre on Broadway as a reward for winning at the regional level. Kaylee also recently performed in her hometown of Salt Lake City at the Tabernacle on Temple Square for New Year’s Eve 2019. Bucio has an impressive ability to memorize songs quickly and boasts over 60 songs in her current repertoire. At the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, Kaylee competed against 42 vocalists that ranged in age from elementary to college from across the country and was crowned champion through her performance of the
The news tells you we legislators are “in session.” That means that, as the Utah House District 31 representative, I am at the State Capitol for ten to fifteen hours a day, in committee rooms and the House of Representatives, reading, listening, and voting on proposals for state law changes. It’s intense and exhilarating work. It’s awareness-building and values-defining. I learn on the Hill, and I’m grateful for the conversations in which I learn from the people in West Valley City. District 31 includes those who live in the north area of the city. I represent people who have a range of perspectives on issues and policies and politics. I represent people with extremely diverse backgrounds, situations, and experiences. And my main guide is that I represent people. As I listen to bills, I consider how the proposed law will affect the daily lives of workers, parents, students, government operations, and the future. I know and
Liz4Utah.com
ElizabethWeight@le.utah.gov respect the different views among those I represent, even when my vote might not be in agreement. When I was a teacher, I was glad to have purposeful, well-vetted standards to provide a framework by which to design my instruction. As a representative, my job is to understand and regard a much broader view than my own. For that, I look to a set of common goals among Utahns. I read and listen to bills with interest in how they will provide good jobs, affordable quality healthcare, and invest in children. I agree with policies that empower people over special interests and assure equal opportunity for all. And I approve bills that invest in clean air, water, and energy, and that support sustainable infrastructure, resilience, and innovation. In a time when politics has given us considerable uncertainties about policy direction, your views and these goals make a difference!
Elizabeth Weight, Utah Representative
vocally challenging classic “Granada.” According to its website, mariachimusic.com, Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza was founded in San Antonio, Texas, in 1995 “with the mission of promoting and presenting world-class mariachi artists and preserving the cultural traditions of Hispanic heritage.” While in San Antonio for the competition, Kaylee also sang at the famous River Walk alongside hundreds of mariachi groups from all over the nation. “While we were there, I was able to see the richness of culture and how mariachi music is implemented into the school curriculum programs,” Chavez said. “I wish that
@RepEWeight
Utah could do the same for our young people, especially in heavily Hispanic populated areas.” Chavez, along with her supportive parents and family, are convinced that Kaylee truly enjoys what she does and loves sharing it with the world. “She sets an example to other children of dedication, hard work and discipline,” she said. The little superstar is now under contract with Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza and will be opening at the Chicago Symphony Center on Feb. 15.
February 2020 | Page 13
City leaders recognize the League of Women Voters to start centennial year By Travis Burton | T.Barton@mycityjournals.com
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t’s been 100 years since congress passed the 19th amendment and 150 years since women first voted in the Utah territory. The League of Women Voters organization was created in 1920, the same year as the ratification of the 19th amendment. West Valley City honored that organization on Jan. 14. “We, the Mayor and City Council of West Valley City, Utah, do hereby recognize the vital contributions of the League of Women Voters to the welfare of all Utahns and applaud the League’s commitment to continue this work for the next 100 years,” read Mayor Ron Bigelow from a city proclamation. Vicki Samuelson, co-president of the Utah chapter of the League of Women Voters, approached the city in December asking them to recognize the organization. “The League of Women Voters was a big part of the suffrage movement,” she told the City Council in December. Utah was one of the leaders in the suffrage movement. Utah schoolteacher Seraph Young was the first woman to vote in an election in the United States. Last fall, a celebration and commemoration of the 19th amendment anniversary (the Utah legislature voted to ratify the amendment on Sept. 30, 1919), was held
at the Utah State Capitol. Martha Hughes Cannon was the first woman elected to the Utah State Senate and any state senate in the country. Utah will send a statue of Cannon to Washington, D.C. to recognize the national anniversary. “We are reminded that Utah women have been leading out on issues like suffrage and equal rights since the earliest days of our state,” said Rep. Karen Kwan (D-Taylorsville) in a press release at the time. “These women leaders showed tremendous courage and foresight in challenging the social norms of their time. They inspire us to continue reaching for yet more opportunities and accomplishments for Utah women in our own time.” The League of Women Voters was originally created to help women participate in civic affairs. Today it functions as a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government, according to its website. “We do appreciate those who promote civility, involvement in our city affairs so thank you” Bigelow said before addressing Samuelson, “and please convey to your organization how much we appreciate what you do and the fine standard you have set for all of us to be involved.” l
A statue of Martha Hughes Cannon, the first woman elected to the Utah State Senate. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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esert Star proudly presents their latest parody on the James Bond series, that will shake patrons with killer laughs. This double-O-funny parody opens January 9th and it’s a hilarious musical melodrama for the whole family you don’t want to miss! Written by Jenna Farnsworth, adapted from “Casino Real” by Ben Millet (2009) and directed by Scott Holman. This show follows the story of BETSY’s best agent, Agent 24/7 who must face down the diabolical Professor Blowfish, but Director M&M won’t let her do it alone. Much to 24/7’s chagrin, he enlists the help of the overly smarmy James Blonde. The colorful characters include the ultimate femme fatale, Ivanna Yakalot, nerdy henchman Life Hack whose got a hack for every occasion, as well as gadget-guru QWERTY and alluring assassin Sister Mission Mary. Can Agent 24/7 and James Blonde find a way to work together to stop Professor Blowfish from brainwashing the entire world? Will they find the traitor in their midst before BETSY and the world are destroyed? Adventure, romance, and comedy with double-O-laughs come together in this hilarious parody James Bond mash-up, as well as topical humor torn from today’s headlines.
“James Blonde: Agent 7-11 in License to Thrill” runs January 9th through March 21, 2020. The evening also includes one of Desert Star’s side-splitting musical olios, following the show. The “British Invasion Olio” features hit songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and more mixed with Desert Star’s signature comedy. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table. There is also a full service bar. The menu includes gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, appetizers, and scrumptious desserts.
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Roll in and sink that shot —Wheelin’ Jazz a ‘very unique team’ By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
The men and women on the Wheelin’ Jazz take adversity head on as they attempt to qualify again for the wheelchair basketball national tournament. (Photo courtesy Wheelin’ Jazz)
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group of athletes have grabbed support from each other while climbing to the top of the national wheelchair basketball standings. Each player came to be a member of the Wheelin’ Jazz team from a different path. One was shot in the chest, one lost a leg in a car accident, one fell nearly 40 feet and one was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident. “We have a very unique team,” former Paralympian Jeff Griffin said. The Wheelin’ Jazz are a nonprofit organization currently ranked eighth overall in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The team provides much more to its players than trophies for winning contests. “There are more than 2,000 wheelchair basketball players in the United States,” Griffin said. “It all started when veterans started coming home from World War II. There are junior, pee wee and elite division one teams like this one.” The team was organized in the mid ’80s by director Mike Schlappi. He has been a member of four Paralympic wheelchair basketball teams and was a member of the organizing committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The team travels to participate in wheelchair tournaments around the country. They are members of division one in the NWBA, which includes 20 teams, a majority of those teams have NBA connections. “We wanted to expand on what Mike has built. It gives an avenue to help others that have had spinal cord injuries or physical disabilities such as physical, social and emotional therapy. This is one way to do that, to help them on their road to recovery,” Griffin said. The team has been ranked in the top 10 nationally for more than 25 years. Last season, they were ranked third and came within one shot of advancing to the championship game.
Page 16 | February 2020
“I am a competitive guy. I would love to have a national championship here with the Jazz. Most people do not know that most NBA teams have a wheelchair team, too,” Griffin said. The team is made up of 15 players. They practice once a week and will play approximately 20 games. They could then qualify for the division championship. “It would be cool to partner with the Jazz and play a doubleheader with the Stars. That is something we are working on. We may be in wheelchairs but we still feel the same as everyone else. We have dreams and aspirations just like everyone else,” Griffin said. Schlappi spent time in Phoenix and Los Angeles. When he moved to Utah he knew this area was in need of a team. “This is not professional sports, but we care,” Schlappi said. “We hope we inspire a lot of people. Sometimes when you are disabled you need a role model. We all get each other. There is a whole lot more than what most people realize. We want to be that inspiration. If we can help someone then it is all worth it.” Running the team is expensive. The proper wheelchair alone can be over $3,500. They are currently raising funds to help curb travel costs and purchase the proper equipment. “This gives me a community that I can feel accepted in. In public I can be treated differently, but here I am just one of the guys,” said team member Ryan Nelson. “We invite anyone that is in a wheelchair to come out. They may not play at this level, but they can still be welcome. They are still important to all of us,” Griffin said. “They can be part of a team, but a part of the community. This is one of the greatest groups of men and women that just happen to be disabled.” For information, visit www. utahwheelinjazz.com. l
West Valley City Journal
Shamrock Classic raises money for cheer scholarship By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
CENSUS 2020 BEGINS ONLINE MARCH 12, 2020 The U.S. Census helps fund our schools, health care, roads, and other important parts of our community. Above: The Hunter High School cheerleading team won first place in the region sideline cheer division and will compete at state at the end of January. (Photo courtesy Rikki Rindlisbacher)
It’s quick, easy to fill out and confidential.
Right: Last season, Ashley Gillam from Copper Hills was awarded the inaugural Ashley Levie cheer scholarship. She used the money toward her school expenses. (Photo courtesy Rikki Rindlisbacher)
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onoring a longtime friend became important to Hunter High cheer coach Rikki Rindlisbacher the day she got the job. A cheerleading competition has become an avenue for her to help others attain their goals. “Six years ago my best friend passed away unexpectedly,” Rindlisbacher said. “She was a dance teacher and I got my position here at Hunter that same day. We met through dance and I felt cheer became cathartic for me to work through her loss.” Hunter High School will host the second annual Shamrock Classic as a fundraiser for their cheer team and scholarship award. The classic will be held March 14 at Hunter High School. Participating teams include high school, junior high, youth and private cheer clubs. Last season, the competition included West, Copper Hills and Hunter High schools and three private programs. A percentage of profits raised at the event are used to fund the Ashley Levie Scholarship fund. Last season, a $1,000 scholarship was awarded to former Copper Hills Cheerleader Ashley Gillam. She used the money toward school expenses. The scholarship continues Levie’s legacy of assisting others by helping deserving
Wvc Journal .com
students achieve their college and career goals. “We thought hosting a competition as a program was a good fundraiser. There are not a lot of local competitions and they can be expensive. We thought the competition would be a good way to raise money for our team and for a legacy scholarship to honor my friend,” Rindlisbacher said. Any senior cheerleader is eligible to apply. Their team does not need to participate in the competition. Last season, Rindlisbacher said she felt cheerleaders were not applying for scholarships like they should have. “We opened up so that if your team can’t come, but you still want to apply they can. We are offering a solo to the cheerleader to showcase their skills. I think some did not apply last year just because they felt like they would not get chosen. Scholarships are a thing, there is a lot of money out there,” Rindlisbacher said. The deadline for scholarship applications is Feb. 15. The application includes, transcripts, two letters of recommendation and an essay. If their team is participating in the classic they perform with the team as part of the application. “We look big at service and grades.
What things have they done in the community. Ashley was always helping other people and so we want to find a kiddo that is involved in more areas than just their grades,” Rindlisbacher said. “Cheerleaders are always helping in food drives or suicide prevention walks. They represent their school.” The Classic is mainly used as a fundraiser for Hunter cheer expenses. Hunter won its region title and will compete for the state championship Jan. 25 (after press deadline). They compete in the 6A timeout/sideline division. Their division focuses on crowd involvement and excitement. The team consists of 26 cheerleaders including two boys. “Our cheerleaders are really talented and hardworking. They have super good attitudes, and I can tell they want to do a lot. We have reached some really high skills. We have not had that in years past, things like switch ups to extensions and hitting tik toks, cool stuff you see on the ESPN channel,” Rindlisbacher said. The application and more information can be found by contacting Hunter High School or visiting hunterhighcheer.blogspot. com. l
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February 2020 | Page 17
Pirates commandeer top-notch season
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his year’s Cyprus boys basketball team there have been some really good teams. kids that these games will be tough. We may be the best they have ever had. We played two out-of-state teams this know each other so well, our scoring will
“I feel good about this season,” Pirates head coach Tre Smith said. “We got off to a strong start. I have a really good group of kids. I am having fun coaching.” The Pirates won nine of their first 13 games. Their biggest loss of the season came at the hands of Orem in the Riverton Holiday tournament. The Tigers built a big lead and ended up defeating the Pirates by 20 points. “We have dropped some games that I, as their coach, would have liked to win, but we have been very competitive. We lost to Orem, they got the best of us, but other than that we have had really close games with really good teams,” Smith said. The Pirates came away with a third place finish in the post-Christmas Riverton tournament. They have spent their holiday break participating in that tournament for several years. “It is a successful tournament, and
year, a team from Nevada and one from California. We were down by as many as 19 against the San Clemente team, but came back to grab the 2-point win,” Smith said. “This is the best we have done in this setting in my time at Cyprus.” Smith is entering his sixth season as the Pirates head coach. He was a part of the University of Utah’s 2007 and 2009 teams. His teams have never exceeded 14 wins during a season at Cyprus. “Defensively, we have not hit our mark yet. We can score the ball pretty well. We are the third highest scoring team in 6A right now. If we could hold teams to 60 points per game our record would reflect that,” Smith said. At press time the Pirates averaged nearly 68 points per game while allowing 65. “We could have a couple more wins under our belts if we could stop them from scoring. Region is here, I told the
go down, but I feel our defense will pick up as well,” Smith said. Quentin Meza is leading the team in scoring averaging 16.2 points per game. “Quentin, he is only a freshman, he really started asserting himself in the Riverton tournament. He shouldered the load for us, and I found myself leaning on him a lot and giving him more opportunities. He has put in the extra work and earned his time,” Smith said. Meza started the season coming in off the bench but midway through the preseason he earned a starting spot. “I think he has proven that he can play with the best of the best and hit the big shots. I don’t want to hold him back. He has a knack for scoring. He shoots a pretty good mid-range jump shot. He needs to work on his defense and that will come with maturity,” Smith said. Team captain Noah Burbidge and new transfer Trevor Dorenbosch both av-
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Team captain Noah Burbidge leads the team in rebounds averaging six per game. (Photo courtesy dsandersonpics.com pics.com)
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Senior Pablo Torres has contributed 11 points and five rebounds per game for a surging Pirates team. (Photo courtesy dsandersonpics.com)
erage over 7 points per game. “(Noah) is not the most talented player, but he is a workhorse and defends the biggest guy. Trevor is my best shooter and is a big rebounder,” Smith said. Smith said he is anticipating a tough state tournament this season. “I think the state has a handful of juggernauts (teams) everyone else is very closely matched. Ultimately, it will shake
Wvc Journal .com
out in the state tournament. This team has known each other for a long time and they are great fun to be around. This year has a different feel,” Smith said. The Utah High School Activities Association boys state basketball tournament is scheduled to begin Feb. 19. The quarterfinals and finals will be held at the University of Utah. l
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February 2020 | Page 19
Nation takes notice: Utah girls football show their skills at NFL’s Pro Bowl
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As a freshman Quentin Meza is the ninth leading scorer in the 6A classification. (Photo courtesy dsandersonpics.com)
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The Utah girls football all-star teams pose at the Pro Bowl Jan. 26. (Photos courtesy Brent Gordon)
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he nation’s first all-girls football league is in its sixth year here in Utah and the National Football League has not only taken notice, but they invited an all-star contingent to their Pro Bowl, Sunday, Jan. 26 in Orlando, Florida. The Utah Girls Tackle Football League (UGTFL) took 22 players and six coaches to showcase the state’s talent and trailblazing efforts in an 11 vs. 11 scrimmage during halftime of the NFL’s own allstar matchup.
“It was so amazing!” said Mountain Ridge High junior Sam Gordon, who made a name for herself eight years ago as a viral sensation for her little league football highlights. “Getting to go out in front of the crowd and prove girls can play football was an awesome experience. The crowd was super into it and this is a day I’ll never forget.” Early on in the second half of the Pro Bowl, NBC’s sports broadcasters Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland commented
about the girls halftime scrimmage, particularly noting the “execution on offense and tackling on defense,” saying that it “was a treat to watch.” Bingham High’s Ambrea Kunkel, who plays right tackle and defensive end, said she had a mixture of nerves and excitement at the opportunity. “I still can’t believe that I got to play at the Pro Bowl. I didn’t realize how loud a stadium could get when you are on the field and how exciting it is to hear people cheer you on,” she said. “I am so happy with support of the NFL and how welcoming the fans were. I feel like we are getting one step closer to showing the world that girls have a place in football.” The opportunity came up in mid-January when the NFL called Sam’s father, Brent Gordon, co-founder of the UGTFL in 2014 along with Crystal Sacco. So, Brent, UGTFL president Shawn Goetz
and coach Jason Dixon hurriedly selected 22 players from 17 high schools to represent the league and the state. “We were looking for fantastic players who have demonstrated commitment to the league as it was our opportunity to show the world some of our best,” Brent said. “On every single team, any girl from our league can explain what playing football means to them and they express themselves in such a compelling way that they are really our best ambassadors.” Also on the 22-member all-star team that competed at the Pro Bowl were AAI’s Grace Lamoreaux, Bingham’s Syd Sessions, Copper Hills’ McKell Collotzi, Corner Canyon’s Rylee Taylor, Herriman’s Ellie Bisquera, Hunter’s Anapesi Tofavaha, Jordan’s Kammi Bilanzich, Juan Diego’s Jonna Tucker, Lone Peak’s Aysha Burke, Mountain View’s Cassidy Lindberg, Mountain Ridge’s Kloe Gar-
West Valley City Journal
cia, Murray’s Olivia Green and Naliyah Rueckert, Pleasant Grove’s Erica Afualo, Riverton’s Ella Morgan and Megan Perri, Summit Academy’s Lauren Dixon, West Jordan’s Laura Goetz and Westlake’s Hope Brennan and Tila Malungahu. Brent Gordon, Dixon, Goetz and Sacco along with Christian Lambert and Eddie Ruiz coached the squads. In its first year, the UGTFL had 50 fifth- and sixth-grade players sign up and the program has continually risen in interest and players with 460 girls competing last season in grades four through 12. “We’re trying really hard to expand opportunities for girls and pushing to allow girls to play traditional sports,” Brent said. He has filed a lawsuit against the Utah High School Activities Association to require Utah high schools to offer girls-only football teams. “These girls are good and the response to our league has been fantastic with a complete upward trajectory.” Sam Gordon, recipient of the NFL’s inaugural Game Changer award who also appeared in a 2019 Super Bowl commer-
cial, said she is grateful to the NFL for their support of girls football. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to look back and see the greater effect that this has had and it’s incredible that the NFL uses their giant platform to be so supportive of us,” she said. Kunkel said she has been taught so many life skills through playing football, including teamwork and dedication. “It’s important for us to show that girls can play football and we appreciate those that support our desire to play,” she said. Registration is open for the volunteer-run Utah Girls Tackle Football League, for those in grades four through 12, which will begin with practices in March. Teams are formed based largely on location in Salt Lake and Utah counties and will play six Saturday games before two weeks of playoffs are held. A flag football division for grades first through eighth will also be available. Online registrations can be filled out at football.eventbrite.com while more information can be found at www.utahgirlstacklefootball.com.
The Utah girls football all-star teams practice at the RSL Academy in Herriman prior to their halftime scrimmage during the Pro Bowl Jan. 26. (Photos courtesy Larry Gordon)
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Share the love, not the cold By Priscilla Schnarr
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More and more people are saying they just don’t get colds anymore. They are using a new device made of pure copper, which scientists say kills cold and flu viruses. Doug Cornell invented the device in 2012. “I haven’t had a single cold since then,” he says. People were skeptical but New research: Copper stops colds if used early. EPA and university studies demonstrate repeatedly that viruses Businesswoman Rosaleen says when and bacteria die almost instantly when people are sick around her she uses Coptouched by copper. perZap morning and night. “It saved me That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyp- last holidays,” she said. “The kids had tians used copper to purify water and colds going around, but not me.” heal wounds. They didn’t know about Some users say it also helps with viruses and bacteria, but now we do. sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a Scientists say the high conductance 2-day sinus headache. When her Copperof copper disrupts the electrical balance Zap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in she said. “My head cleared, no more seconds. headache, no more congestion.” So some hospitals tried copper touch Some users say copper stops nightsurfaces like faucets and doorknobs. time stuffiness if used before bed. One This cut the spread of MRSA and other man said, “Best sleep I’ve had in years.” illnesses by over half, and saved lives. Copper can also stop flu if used earColds start after cold viruses get in ly and for several days. Lab technicians your nose, so the vast body of research placed 25 million live flu viruses on a gave Cornell an idea. When he next CopperZap. No viruses were found alive felt a cold about to start, he fashioned a soon after. smooth copper probe and rubbed it genDr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams tly in his nose for 60 seconds. confirming the discovery. He placed mil“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold lions of disease germs on copper. “They never got going.” It worked again every started to die literally as soon as they time. touched the surface,” he said. He asked relatives and friends to try The handle is curved and finely texit. They said it worked for them, too, so tured to improve contact. It kills germs he patented CopperZap™ and put it on picked up on fingers and hands to protect the market. you and your family. Now tens of thousands of people Copper even kills deadly germs that have tried it. Nearly 100% of feedback have become resistant to antibiotics. If said the copper stops colds if used within you are near sick people, a moment of 3 hours after the first sign. Even up to 2 handling it may keep serious infection days, if they still get the cold it is milder away. than usual and they feel better. The EPA says copper still works even Pat McAllister, age 70, received one when tarnished. It kills hundreds of diffor Christmas and called it “one of the ferent disease germs so it can prevent sebest presents ever. This little jewel real- rious or even fatal illness. ly works.” Now thousands of users have CopperZap is made in America of simply stopped getting colds. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money People often use CopperZap preven- back guarantee. It is $69.95. tively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci used to Get $10 off each CopperZap with get colds after crowded flights. Though code UTCJ10. skeptical, she tried it several times a day Go to www.CopperZap.com or call on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen toll-free 1-888-411-6114. flights and not a sniffle!” she exclaimed. Buy once, use forever. advertorial
February 2020 | Page 21
State Board backs need for recess for elementary school students By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
Take the ElevateHERTM Challenge
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ack in the day, grade school students would race outside, eager to climb the monkey bars or capture the flag. Others played hopscotch, four-square or kickball. It was a time when students could play, chat with their friends and have a sense of freedom from fractions or spelling tests. It was always a clear answer as many students’ favorite subject. Somewhere along the way, it changed for some students. Are you a business leader? Now, at most Utah schools, TM At no cost, the ElevateHER Challenge is easy recess is considered a privito accept and will benefit your company. lege that is granted when their Join businesses across Utah in schoolwork is done and when our mission to elevate the stature they behave. of women’s leadership. Take the According to a 2017-2018 ElevateHERTM Challenge and stand with Get Healthy Utah school recess other businesses as we pledge to elevate report, while 95% of 356 Utah women in senior leadership positions, in elementary and charter schools boardrooms, on management teams and (out of 610 in the state) reon politcal ballots. sponded that they hold recess, more than 64% said that recess is withheld for discipline and/or LEARN MORE: remediation. www.WLIUT.com/challenge When broken down further, 72% of Title I schools withheld recess for those reasons compared to 58% of non-Title I schools. “The findings of the study prompted us to contact the Utah State Board of Education about providing recess guidelines to help provide schools with best WANT FLEXIBLE HOURS WITH practices and make sure that all HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS OFF? students in Utah have access to Granite School District is hiring Kitchen recess,” said Sarah Hodges, Get Healthy Utah executive director. Managers, Nutrition Service Workers, Hodges teamed up with othand Nutrition Worker Substitutes! ers, including Canyons School Applicants must have: High school diploma District’s health/PE/Playworks or equivalent, background check, and be specialist Allie Teller, to ensure recess be structured to be a poswilling to obtain a food handler’s permit. itive, safe, inclusive time where students can learn social and • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner positions available! leadership skills. • 15 to 40 Hours per week with Flexible scheduling! In January, the State Board • Hiring at over 100 schools within the district. of Education adopted those • Pay starts at $12.25 per hour. guidelines for best practices, including endorsing that recess shouldn’t be taken away as a punishment or used as a remediation time. While the guidelines are not mandatory, they are an opportunity for schools to determine how best to use recess at their schools, Teller said. www.graniteschools.org/ In the group’s presentation, nutritionservices/jobs Teller said that research shows
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Page 22 | February 2020
At Sprucewood Elementary, students like second-grader Mary-Ann Whitaker, enjoy their recess time, which the Utah State Board of Education says is essential for all elementary school children. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
students perform better when they have regular breaks that include exercise. She also said it not only helps with development of physical fitness, but also with social and emotional behaviors. “When students have a break, their academics improve,” Teller said. “They’re able to concentrate better after getting their wiggles out and be able to be on-task in the classroom. Having that brain break is really important.” In Canyons School District, schools use Playworks, a structured recess program that helps kids stay active and build social and emotional life skills through playing. By training older elementary students to lead games for all grade levels, students are empowered as peer leaders to increase participation and decrease problems on the play-
ground. Teller also holds monthly training for recess aides and physical education specialists so they can learn how to best support students. “We use recess as an intentional time. Students have learned skills in PE (physical education) and are practicing them at recess. Through playing games, they all have learned rules, and now, they are able to work together as a team, communicate, practice their conflict-resolution skills and problem-solving. These are skills that will support them their whole lives,” Teller said. At East Midvale Elementary, Principal Matt Nelson agrees with the importance of recess. “Recess is important; there is all kinds of scientific proof that exercise helps the body and
brain balance,” he said. “Playworks at our school has been a great program for students to learn and play together, to be mentors and contribute to safe and fun recesses. When students have recess, they are able to reset, come back from running around, take a deep breath and refocus.” Teller said that Canyons District has introduced alternatives to withholding recess time for remediation and social behavior as well as introducing indoor active recesses when inclement weather doesn’t allow outdoor play. “Our main message is that we want to make recess a positive, safe, happy, healthy inclusive time for every single student,” she said. l
West Valley City Journal
New app aims to make finding parking at U smoother By Libby Allnatt | l.allnatt@mycityjournals.com
Over 250 Years Experience!
A new app may change how students navigate the daily parking hassle at the University of Utah. (Photo by Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr)
F
inding a parking spot is one of those daily hassles everyone who drives needs to do. Fortunately, some University of Utah students want to make it a smoother ride. Brandon Howard of South Jordan, a film student at the university, is involved with the development of a new app called Parq, which aims to make driveways and other areas with parking potential rentable to students. Think Airbnb, but instead of a space in the home, residents are renting out the coveted real estate of their empty driveways to students needing a place to park their cars during the day. “I came from a video game background, I design digital assets and skins for video games,” Howard said. “I met Will through a friend and we decided we wanted to work on the project.” William Pepper, the founder of the app and a computer science student, said he got the idea for Parq after struggling to find parking even after buying a parking pass. “I was driving around looking for parking and I realized businesses and homes have many unused parking spots,” he said. “I thought, someone should rent out these spots and there should be an app like that.” The project received funding from the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute (lassonde. utah.edu/) via a $2,500 grant through the Get Seeded program (lassonde.utah.edu/getseeded) in October. “I didn’t really know anything about starting a business or anything like the tech space yet, so I did some research and I found out about the program at Lassonde,” he said. “So I entered that and put a lot of work into setting it up.” Developer Juno Kim and advisor and
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entrepreneur Chris Le are also a part of the project. Pepper said that the amount of businesses around the University of Utah opens up even more potential for rentable parking spaces, potential Parq has worked hard to tap into. “I went door to door asking houses and business if they were interested in this,” Pepper said. He said they have about 50 homes on board, and a nearby 7-Eleven. They are in talks with more businesses and plan to add more in the next few months. Howard said having this hard work of getting people onboard already started will help the app when it’s time for its official launch. “We did the physical work, we went around, emailed people that were interested in renting out their parking lot, we already had that,” Howard said. “So once the app finishes, hopefully it will be a pretty easy rollout because we already did the grunt work of the door to door.” Howard also says that gamification of the app will help, adding features that incentivize users and ensure a long-lasting app that’s rewarding to use. “Parking is a task everyone needs to do,” Howard said. “By adding gamification, it will add more incentive. Any app that has an economy behind it, it will pretty much survive forever.” Pepper said he hopes to expand Parq, even bringing it to other states that are lacking in such apps. “We’re really excited. We’ve been working hard and trying to make a difference in this parking industry.” l
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edallus Medical is changing the world of healthcare by serving as an intermediary care option to save consumers money whose insurance plan requires meeting a high deductible and/or expensive copays to access everyday medical care. Alternatively, Medallus provides the public access to medical professionals at a price they can afford. “The government isn’t helping and only makes it worse so it’s time we take the matter into our own hands and fix this crisis together with our doctors,” Medallus shares in an informational video. Saving insurance coverage for medical emergencies, Medallus uses a monthly membership model rather than deductibles, co-insurance or variable copays. Individuals pay $50 a month while family plans go for $100-120 monthly, and $10 per visit no matter the procedure or test there are no added costs. “Where else can you get two hours of excellent care, two bags of IV fluids, Zofran and Torodol and discounted blood labs for $10?” said Medallus Medical member Tere-
sa Prater. Though not an insurance plan replacement, Medallus does save patient’s money for the majority of their medical needs. Medallus’ goal is to get rid of the financial obstacle to medical care. “I can’t say enough about what a blessing to our family it is, to have found Medallus. We are self-employed and pay about $1,600 [every month] for a $5,000 deductible health insurance policy. We have a family membership with Medallus and use them for literally everything. In the last few months, we’ve been seen for a sprained ankle, sinus infection, accidental essential oil spill in the eyes, and the stomach flu…,” Prater said. After an initial $20 registration fee and a 12-month contract, Utahns are ready to know exactly what their appointment will cost before they even walk into their doctor’s office. But affordability isn’t the only thing bringing people into Medallus’ nine urgent and primary care clinics, quality of care also recommends Medallus.
“We just wanted to say thank you so much for going the extra mile the other day when we stopped in. I know you probably didn’t think much of it but for me, as a mom, it meant a ton that you called your other location and connected us with another amazing doctor. It saved me the worry and hassle of trying to do it all on my own with an upset little boy, so thank you!” one patient wrote of Medallus.
Medallus isn’t just for personal use; businesses can set their employees up with their own affordable care. Not too far off from the individual plans, companies pay $45 per employee per month to give their team $10 visits, anytime over the phone medical advice, access to all of the Medallus facilities and other Utah clinics. It’s all summed up on their own front door, “Get well. Stay healthy for less.”
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West Valley City Journal
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zoning as well as community creation. Local leaders also must be cognizant of how the actions of one municipality can affect another. We are increasingly an interconnected region, and the flow of traffic between and through multiple cities is a daily reality. Increased collaboration and coordination among cities that share transportation infrastructure will make a tremendous difference. There are already efforts like this underway by mayors in Salt Lake County, and this ought to be lauded and encouraged. State leaders can provide a sense of vision and high-level coordination and support. We should look at ways the state can take a more proactive role in collaborative planning for large scale infrastructure needs including: water supply, sufficient revenue for regional transportation projects, and workforce development to match the countless jobs that have been created here or recruited to come here over the past decade. We know we desperately need an increase in housing supply and options, for people in all socioeconomic circumstances. But as we look toward new developments to deliver that, we must be careful that we’re engaging in smart development that is adequately balanced with infrastructure. For any developments that come my way as a County Council member, I’ll be looking at a number of different factors, some of which include the following: density levels and whether that region can support that concentration of additional residents, whether the infrastructure is on pace with the addition of new residents, and proximity to major transportation corridors. There are of course many complex aspects to consider. But if we engage in smart growth that is locally driven, regionally coordinated, and state supported, we can provide opportunity as well as community for the next generation of Utahns.
presenting
ion rat est ope berw m Cha
s commutes sometimes seem to get longer, it’s easy for many Salt Lake County residents to wonder why on earth we don’t have an east-west freeway that would accommodate all the current and future growth on the west side of the valley. That was certainly one of the shared frustrations as I rode with the mayors of Riverton, South Jordan, and Herriman recently during a rush hour drive to see firsthand the transportation infrastructure challenges facing our southwest city residents. With large-scale projects like Olympia Hills being proposed, as well as the growth challenges facing Utah communities across the state, we have to decide today what kinds of communities—and what kind of Utah—we will leave to our kids as they raise their families. After working on these issues for some time now, here’s my view on some general principles that can help guide our decision making in Salt Lake County, and the state overall. To start, we know that “community” is first and foremost a local issue. I’ve been grateful to feel that sense of community with my neighbors in my hometown of Taylorsville in all the years that we’ve raised our family in the heart of Utah’s most populous county. There is a sense of shared pride among residents of a city that creates a foundation where families of all types can flourish. We also know that the way cities, communities, and neighborhoods are designed has a significant impact on the sense of community. Street connectivity, walkable and bikeable trails, mixed use developments, and access to public transportation all play a role. As we make decisions across all levels of government regarding growth, we must remember that local leadership with an eye toward preserving and creating genuine communities ought to drive the discussion. I believe the government closest to the people tends to govern best for the people, and that principle extends to planning and
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Valentine’s Day: The Day of the Dead By Joani Taylor | Coupons4Utah.com Awe, love is in the air, tis the season to give your sweetheart an extra lift. If you aren’t feeling it, the barrage of commercials will make sure you don’t forget it. I say extra lift, because if you’re lucky enough to have a sweetheart, we should strive to lift them every day, but no sweetheart minds a little extra chocolate sauce on their ice cream once in a while. It’s not uncommon to hear naysayers find reasons to put down this national day of love, it’s too commercial, too lonely, too fussy, too childish. To be honest, having suffered the loss of my husband I was inclined to agree. There’s so much pressure put on us to celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses and a partner by our bedside it can make the rest of us feel… well… a little pathetic. I’m here to tell you to lighten up on yourself. It’s time to stop thinking there is something wrong with being single on Valentine’s Day! Who cares! Instead of focusing on the fact that you aren’t in a relationship this February, focus on loving yourself by giving love to those around you instead. Here are 3 ideas to get you out of the love day funk.
1 - Give love to friends and family. It could be as simple as sending out a card or two to your closest friends or someone you know that is in a similar situation, to going all out and inviting people over for a dinner party and movie night. 2 – Give love to a stranger. This could be as simple as making a monetary donation to a charity, organize a collection of needed items for shelter or go great guns and spend a day volunteering. Do this in honor of your loved one if you’re missing one. 3 – Give love to an animal. Keep it simple and spoil your pet. Take your dog to his favorite dog park or spend an afternoon reading snuggled up with your cat. Maybe make a donation to a foundation that provides therapy animals for people, like Utah Pet Partners or run a food drive for the Humane Society. Just like Mother’s and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day is a day meant to spend appreciating someone. It’s a day intended to lift someone special. What better way is there to lift ourselves up than to spend it lifting another? l
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West Valley City Journal
Scent of Mystery I blame Love’s Baby Soft for destroying my archeological career. Up until I started spritzing the perfume popular with the seventh-grade girls in my class, I’d never given any thought to how I smelled. My mom was lucky to get me to shower, yet, here I was, dousing myself in baby powder-scented toilet water. The perfume’s slogan should have been a warning, “Because innocence is sexier than you think.” Seriously? Who came up with that? Hustler magazine? My mom saw the signs and tried desperately to distract me. Basketball practice. Dance lessons. Piano lessons. But it was too late. I’d discovered this scent could lure 12-year-old boys to my locker better than a steak sandwich (which I also tried). But this wasn’t me! I didn’t care about boys! I had planned a life of adventure! In first grade, I decided to become an author. I read “The Little Princess” until I absorbed the ability to write through osmosis. I spent the day in my room, penning stories and jotting down poems then submitted my siblings to “a reading” where I’d share my work and they’d complain to mom. Becoming Nancy Drew was my second-grade goal. I was ready to uncover ridiculous clues to break up the den of bank robbers living somewhere in Murray, Utah. As a third-grader, I checked out library books so I could learn hieroglyphics. When the call came to go dig up tombs in Egypt, I’d be ready. I would trek near the pyramids,
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wearing khakis and a cute pith helmet, encountering mummies and warding off ancient curses. Fourth and fifth grade were spent honing my dance skills. Ballet, tap, jazz, hokey-pokey – I did it all. I’d practice every day, secure in the knowledge I’d perform on Broadway. Or at least the Murray Theater. In sixth grade, I discovered Paul Zindel’s “The Pigman” and my desire to write returned full-force. It was decided. In the future, I would be a writing, dancing, detective archeologist who spent equal time on the stage and the Amazon rainforest. But seventh grade! Boys! Gah!! Suddenly, I wanted to smell good. I became obsessed with every pimple, every pore and studied the beautiful girls who made glamour seem effortless. I read teen magazines. I learned I needed glossy lips and thick eyelashes to attract the opposite sex. (I tried to no avail to create the perfect cat’s eye, which turned out fine because I’m not a cat.) I had bangs so high and hairspray stiff, they were a danger to low-flying birds. I fell in love with Shaun Cassidy, which was crazy because, as a writer, how could I marry someone who sang “Da Doo Ron Ron”? Those aren’t even words! I earned money for Levi’s 501 button-fly jeans and Converse shoes. I bought Great Lash mascara, with its pink-and-green packaging - and Love’s Baby Soft. Sure enough, the glossy, smelly trap I’d set began attracting boys who were just
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as confused as I was. Just last summer we played baseball in the street and now we circled each other like strangers, unsure of what the hell was going on. Hormones raged. Thanks to the distraction of the opposite sex, I never deciphered hieroglyphics. I never performed under the bright lights of a New York stage. I was never asked to solve the Mystery of the Secret Bracelet. I blame Love’s Baby Soft. If it hadn’t been for that innocent aroma, I’d be a world-renowned expert on ancient Babylonia, accepting Tony awards for my depiction of Eliza Doolittle. Seventh grade! Boys! Gah!! l
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NEW CHANGES AT JACKLING FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND PARENTS By Kathryn Elizabeth Jones | k.jones@mycityjournals.com
I
t wasn’t an easy decision, nor a quick process, but come the 2020-2021 school year, Jackling Elmentary will be taking on new students. Jackling currently houses 350 students; Carl Sandburg 240, the number they will be losing as the school year closes. “That little pocket of 40 students will go over to Hunter Elementary because [the students] live close to that school. The 200 remaining will come here,” Principal Robyn Roper said. Roper, who has been with Jackling for four years, is excited to bring in new students and feels that Jackling will be a positive experience for the newcomers. “My teachers overall are excited and feeling positive about the fact that they don’t have to move definitely and they can stay in their building,” Roper said. “I’m sure there’s some anticipation and angst with a new teammate, a new colleague coming into their grade level and new students but I think, overall, the teachers are pretty positive.” Currently, the school has seven classrooms not in full-functioning use, so there is extra space. But that’s not all. “I’m anticipating that we’ll hire one more teacher per grade level,” Roper said, stating that the school tries “really, really hard not to increase class size.” The school itself is in good shape, receiving a score from an outside analysis company of 61 out of 100 for its infrastructure. The score was reflective of how the building would hold up during an earthquake, among other things, Roper said. “Sandburg Elementary was given a score of 8. It is a big difference, particularly because [the schools] were built [in the late 60s and] only a year apart.” “Not only is the population declining in this area, the school enrollments are getting smaller,” Roper said. No longer is there a “high 600, even 700 kids in the school. It’s not fiscally responsible to use the taxpayers’ dollars to leave these buildings open if they’re not operating to capacity.” Still, “hurt feelings” and “negativity” have come from some according to Roper, who admits that a change like this is an “emotional thing,” no matter what the numbers show. She knows that some kids attending Jackling for the first time will feel anxious, so she and her leadership team have some plans in the works. Among the plans include a welcome letter written to every new student from current Jackling students, open houses in the spring, tours of the school for parents and their families, even some big posters that will be hung throughout the school to relay the message, “Welcome, we’re so glad you’re here!” “The transportation department has looked at where ev-
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Principal Robyn Roper stands in front of Jackling Elementary. By the 2020-2021 school year 550 children will be attending. (Kathryn Elizabeth Jones/ City Journals)
ery student lives over in Sandburg in relation to Jackling and they will do some courtesy bus stops for kiddos that have more than a 10 or 15 minute walk,” Roper said, adding that she and her director have walked the distance themselves and were able to do the walk in 20 minutes. “As a parent myself, I wouldn’t want to send my 8-year-old boy for a 20-minute jaunt in the morning, but a fifth- or sixth-grader would be a walk they certainly could handle.” Along with ease in getting to school, “we are working hard to improve student learning,” Roper said. “We [also] have a big focus on family engagement.” A STEM lab opened at Jackling in the fall of 2019. “We are working so hard to provide programs to improve student learning,” Roper said, adding the lab even has “little lab coats the students can put on and goggles. They’re doing a lot of hands-on learning. It is super powerful for student achievement.” Chromebooks are used by every student at the school. “We are a one-to-one school,” Roper said adding that “students need the technical skills to prepare them for college and career in the 21st century.” Roper and her leadership team, and even some teachers are making home visits this school year. “We talk about goals for life, [about] their wishes and dreams. Just really trying to
get to know them. One of my second-grade teachers, Mrs. Katie Page, has visited every single one of her students. She’s just phenomenal.” Bridging learning between school and home is important to Roper who believes that the greatest success of a student comes from parents who are involved in their student’s mastery. Through the 2019-2020 school year, the students, parents and teachers have been taking part in a “Big 3 Night.” “A couple of months ago, the school held its first event. Previous to the event the teachers in each grade level identified three big math standards for the year,” Roper said. Getting the parents involved and practicing with the child at home “bridges that academic [gap]. If the students can master these three big math standards, they will be successful in the upcoming grade.” Jackling Elementary currently offers an after-school choir program and a junior coach’s program with Playworks Coach Morganne Nielsen to teach leadership skills. A science club began in early 2020. “I would certainly like to include band or orchestra, or something with the arts,” Roper said. “As we grow and have more teachers, perhaps we’ll bring in more programs like that.” l
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