January 2026 | Vol. 12 Iss. 1
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West Valley City
67 years strong
Family-owned bowling alley keeps on rolling Page 4
Goodbye 2025
Some of our favorite photos from the past year
Page 12
WVC mayor excited about plans for the new year By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com West Valley Mayor Karen Lang reflects on 2025 and looks ahead to 2026.
“W
e’re growing like crazy, and the next year is really going to explode!” That’s the quote and feeling from West Valley CIty Mayor Karen Lang as 2025 drew to a close and 2026 awaits. Having just been reelected for a new term, Mayor Lang spoke with excitement and plenty of optimism about the next 12 months for Utah’s second largest city. “So many new businesses have opened this year—new hotels, businesses relocating here from other cities because they need more room to grow. We even have the largest Chick-fil-a in the area that opened by Valley Fair Mall. So many ribbon cuttings and grand openings–it’s been amazing.” Lang spoke with pride about the city’s industrial park area, where Nusano cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art radioisotope production facility on Aug. 21. She sees that as just the first step in a medical business park and research park that rivals anything in the area. “The innovation they’ve got there is amazing,” she said. “It’s almost like something out of a Marvel movie. What they can do really blows by mind. And with all the supporting companies that are going to come in, that entire area will be a good business staple for our community.” Ground has been broken and construction is underway for a new University of Utah hospital along 5600 West, helping to meet the needs of what she calls an ever-growing community. While housing challenges remain for all cities along the Wasatch Front, Lang said both high density and single family homes are being built and are part of “a large inventory of housing” in West Valley City, including many that are affordable. “The city has changed dramatically since I was on the Planning Commission,” she said. “We have great bus service and TRAX, and we’re constantly working with UDOT, UTA and even the Wasatch Front Regional Council on infrastructure plans. As we look down the road at the 2034 Olympics, with many events happening here at the Maverik Center, we’re working to get funding and plans in place for the improvements needed. Eight years may sound like a long time down the road, but time goes quickly.” She’s particularly excited about the MyHometown project. West Valley City entered into an agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to lease three former meetinghouses. The buildings will become full-time
community hubs as they have been officially decommissioned by the Salt Lake City-based faith. “We’re leasing them for two years, then the city will purchase them. The community hubs will be host sites for classes such as sewing and other programs run by the nonprofit MyHometown. Classes will be offered for free. Each of the buildings has a gym, and the Lighthouse Church borders a field that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department can use for its programs. “Within the next few years, we’ll continue to expand that program to the west, making MyHometown a staple, self-serving initiative. We want to build a sense of neighborhood and belonging and helping each other.” Parks are also part of the plan. Lang said this spring the city will release a commissioned study on the city’s parks, identifying a list of properties that could be developed and of some existing parks that need improvement. “With our new city manager (Ifo Pili, who joined the city in 2024) and other people who are new to the city, these changes have become top priorities. I think many exciting things will be announced this coming year.” As for her wish for everyone in 2026. “Be well and be safe,” she said. “Go out and meet your neighbors. Knowing those who live around us is the best way to start the new year.” l
Above: Mayor Lang spoke with excitement and plenty of optimism about the next 12 months for Utah’s second largest city. (Photo courtesy Karen Lang) Left: Lang spoke with pride about the city’s industrial park area, where Nusano cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art radioisotope production facility on Aug. 21. (Darrell Kirby/ City Journals)
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West Valley City Journal
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After 67 years, Delton Bowling keeps rolling By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
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t has survived changes in people’s recreational interests, ups and downs in the economy, and even a pandemic. Yet, what can be considered an institution in the heart of West Valley City rolls on today seemingly as popular as ever. Since 1958, Delton Bowling has been home to local bowling enthusiasts and even those who only pick up a ball every few years. At the northeast corner of 3500 South and 3600 West, Delton Bowling has been in its present building since 1964, but it began with 22 lanes in a white building that still stands today a short walk across the parking lot. It has been a family-owned business since the beginning with family members and relatives holding varying degrees of ownership, starting with Milton Orr and Al Warr. Today, the proprietorship rests with West Valley City natives Mark and Erin Orr, who took full control of Delton Bowling in 2022. Milton and Al, both of whom passed away years ago, are Mark’s grandfather and uncle, respectively. Milton married Al’s sister, Della. The “Delton” name is a combination of Milton and Della. The current cinder block building has 24 bowling lanes, a bar, snack bar, billiards and an arcade. The Orrs would like to expand, pointing to an empty square on the east end of the south-facing exterior of the structure as a potential spot to build out and add more interior space. Oddly, however, that small piece of ground is owned by the Utah Department of Transportation. “We’ve had a really hard time getting UDOT to sell it,” Erin said. “There’s nobody on the planet that can use it except us.” Erin said that if she and her husband hadn’t bought out the family members who
Delton Bowling has been an institution near 3500 South and 3600 West in West Valley City since 1958. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
previously owned it up to 2022, Delton Bowling would likely have been sold to make way for a car wash. The Orrs, particularly Mark, who started working at Delton in his teens, have seen the evolution of bowling over the years, especially with technology. Scoring, which used to be done with paper and pencil, is now tallied automatically as the pins get knocked down and is shown on a screen for all to see—in that lane anyway. “It basically changed bowling,” Mark said. “It started making it so families and kids could come and bowl that didn’t bowl prior.” Another change that made the sport more fun, especially for youth bowlers, is the bumper system to give inexperienced participants a greater chance of keeping the ball in play rather than drift toward the gutter. Mark said they used to be put in place manually and stayed there throughout the game regardless of whether grown-ups or adults were bowling in that lane. Now they can be programmed by the bowlers to be raised or removed depending on the need. “That exploded the kids’ aspect of being able to bowl,” Mark said. “That’s a big deal to throw the ball and hit the pins.” Other
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beneficial additions were ramps that enable people with physical limitations to send the ball rolling down the lane. Despite more recreational opportunities and technology, many adults still are lured to bowling. Nearly 70 million Americans participate in recreational bowling each year, says bowl.com, far more than the number taking part in leagues. Organized play is still popular at Delton Bowling, but the Orrs say they have freed up more lanes since they took over for open-play, or nonleague, bowlers. “I think we’ve hit a good balance between the two. There’s room for both,” Erin said. The origins of bowling are traced to Egypt around 5,000 B.C. “Ancient Egyptians rolled stones at various objects with the goal of knocking them over,” according to a historical summary at bowling.com. “I’ve often thought ‘what is it about bowling that hasn’t died? How has the sport and activity stayed alive for so many years?’” Mark asked. His answer: “I’ve come to realize you never see the same thing twice. You never throw the ball exactly the same every time,” he said. Bowling balls, shoes and equipment have also im-
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Mark and Erin Orr have been the sole owners of Delton Bowling in West Valley since 2022, but the business was started by Mark’s grandfather and uncle in 1958. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
proved. “It’s ever evolving.” With the success of Delton Bowling in West Valley City, the Orrs felt comfortable in expanding by opening a new location in Riverton in 2014. That location’s contributions to the community earned it Riverton’s Business of the Year award in 2022. Sometime in the next few years, Mark and Erin anticipate winding down their involvement in the business and having their sons take over more of the operation, but not just yet. They’d still like to see through some wished-for improvements at West Valley, like adding square footage and amenities. But whatever the future holds, “It’s been quite a journey,” Mark concluded. l
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West Valley City Journal
Housing construction continues in West Valley City By Darrell Kirby d.kirby@mycityjournals.com
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hile large swaths of open land are disappearing in West Valley City, homebuilders are still finding properties to construct new housing in the city. At least four projects are underway, including two gated communities for people 55 and older. One is The Heather on Parkway at 6081 S. Parkway Blvd. The development will include 84 single-level homes to be built as fourplexes. The builder is Arcadia Homes. The average price is just over $600,000. The Cottages at Pearce Farm has 65 units in a 55-plus community coming to 3500 South near 6800 West starting at $569,000. Blue Hill Construction is the developer. Alpine Homes is preparing a site at 5143 The Heather on Parkway at 6081 W. Parkway Blvd. is one of two 55plus gated communities and several other housing developments under W. 3500 South for 21 homes. The new neighconstruction in West Valley City. (Darrel Kirby/City Journals) borhood, Kiowa Court, will have walking trails, a park, and a common space with a pauntil its demolition in early 2025. vilion. Prices begin around $600,000. Despite an uneven housing market affected by high On the West Valley City’s east side near 3800 S. Redwood Road, infrastructure is being installed for the con- prices and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hovering around struction of Edge Homes’ development of 244 townhomes, 6% in December, builders are still bullish enough to pur40 condominiums, and 16 single-family dwellings. The site sue projects to meet the demand for housing in West Valwas the home of the Redwood Drive-In Theater since 1948 ley City. l
West Valley venue will be a hot Olympic site in 2034
Both West Valley City and Kearns will be in the spotlight as host sites for events during the 2034 Olympic Winter Games in Utah. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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he 2034 Olympic Winter Games will have a new name (Utah 2034 rather than Salt Lake City 2034), but some of the most in-demand tickets will be for events held in West Valley City and Kearns. With the Delta Center now home for an NHL team, the hockey competitions for the 2034 Games will be played there. That means figure skating will join short track speedskating with events conducted in the Maverik Center, and of course long track speedskating will take place at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns. All of those are huge spectator events, which means grandstands should be filled and bundles of cash will be spent on food, drink and swag on the valley’s westside. In 2002, both short track and hockey were held at the Maverik. In fact, the Canadian team that beat Team USA for the gold medal in hockey carved and/or penned their names on a wall in the Maverik, a wall that was preserved outside the locker room for many years. Figure skating was held at the Delta Center. Now, figure skating will move to West Valley while hockey moves downtown. Preliminary hockey games will also be held at Provo’s Peak Arena, as they were in 2002. The arenas have much different capacities – the Maverik can seat about 8,400 while the Delta Center’s capacity for hockey is around 14,000, or will be by 2034 – but no one from the International Olympic Committee seems
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worried. Both venues will sell out for the Games. And the Maverik will undoubtedly see some changes and modifications once the Utah Grizzlies conclude their time as tenants of the building after the end of this year. That team was sold to new owners who are relocating it to New Jersey. The Maverik Center has held many ice skating events before and will host the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships this spring. It’s also going to add visibility of both West Valley City and Kearns to international visitors and TV viewers. American Olympic Games are always the most watched games around the world. l
JANUARY CALENDAR Jan. 2
Salt Lake Stars vs. Rip City Mix, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
Jan. 3
Salt Lake Stars vs. Rip City Mix, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
Jan. 10 2026 Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Women’s Gymnastics, 2 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 12 Les Olsen IT Best of Utah NCAA Gymnastics, 7 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 13 Salt Lake Stars vs. Austin Spurs, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan.15 Salt Lake Stars vs. Austin Spurs, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 16 Utah Grizzlies vs. KC Mavericks, 7:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 17 Utah Grizzlies vs. KC Mavericks, 7:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 18 Utah Grizzlies vs. KC Mavericks, 3:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 21 Salt Lake Stars vs. Memphis Hustle, 6 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 24 Paw Patrol Live! 10 a.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 24 Paw Patrol Live! 2 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 25 Paw Patrol Live! 11 a.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 28 Utah Grizzlies vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive Jan. 30 Utah Grizzlies vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
The Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns will once again be site for long track speedskating, as some of the most popular Olympic events will be staged on the westside of the Salt Lake Valley. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
Jan. 31 Utah Grizzlies vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits, 7:10 p.m., Maverik Center, 3200 Decker Lake Drive
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‘Beyond the Podium Program’ has world-class Olympic athletes visiting Salt Lake Community College all the time
Salt Lake Community College has assisted speedskaters for years; and now the school is expanding its program to help skiers, snowboarders and rock climbers, as well. By Carl Fauver carlf@mycityjournals.com
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he Milano-Cortina Italy 2026 Winter Olympic Games will open next month, with lots of Utah representation – much of it through Salt Lake Community College. For years, the Taylorsville-based school has enjoyed a partnership with the US Speedskating organization. And just last fall, that support was expanded to now also include U.S. Ski & Snowboard along with summer Olympic hopefuls competing for USA Climbing. “We are honored to play a supportive role in the lives of these athletes as they strive for the ultimate goal: an Olympic medal and a chance to represent the United States on the world stage,” SLCC President Greg Peterson said. “Their dedication is inspiring and we are proud to help them reach their Olympic dreams without sacrificing their educational and career aspirations.” SLCC is calling its newly-expanded effort the “Beyond the Podium Program.” Among the athletes grateful to receive the support is 2022 Beijing Winter Games bronze medalist Ethan Cepuran. The 25-year-old speedskater, originally from Chicago, trains daily at the Olympic Oval in Kearns – and has nearly completed his SLCC associate’s degree in pre-engineering. “All of the Salt Lake Community College staff has been very supportive, in so many ways,” Cepuran said. “I began taking classes through the school in 2019. I now have only two classes left to finish my degree. Funding can be very tight for Olympic athletes. The school’s program is so helpful. I’m very excited they will now be able to assist even more athletes by expanding the program to include skiers, snowboarders and climbers.” So, what exactly does Beyond the Podium provide? For starters, the program waives the athletes’ tuition fees. It also allows them to study and test from anywhere in the world. And Olympic hopefuls can take extended time away from their SLCC curriculum as competition schedules require. That’s why Cepuran has now moved into year seven in the program, still progressing toward a “two-year” degree. “I have attended a few on-campus labs over the years; but 95% of my SLCC work has been done online,” Cepuran said. “In my time in the program, I’ve probably known about 20 speedskaters who have participated in it. I’ve done tons of studying in many different countries. And I’ve taken tests in places all around the world. I love it; my schoolwork helps distract me from the pressures of competing.” The expanded Olympic hopeful support program is funded in large part through a generous donation from Utah philanthropists Jeff and Helen Cardon. “We saw a critical need to help athletes navigate life after years of intense competition,” Helen Cardon said. “For many, their identity is deeply tied to decades of training and performing, making the transition to new pursuits especially challenging.” “This is an ongoing need, and we hope others will join us in supporting these athletes who dedicate their lives to representing America on the world stage,” Jeff Cardon added. A portion of the Cardons’ donation has also allowed former Olympic speedskater Chris Needham to join his wife in working on the SLCC Taylorsville campus.
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Salt Lake Community College student Erin Jackson earned her Olympic gold medal following the nutrition and care of the school’s exercise science program. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
“I worked for about eight years under US Speedskating at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns,” Needham said. “When SLCC expanded its program to include climbers, snowboarders and skiers, I came aboard. My wife, Carrie, has been with the school several years. She’s a tenured professor working in the Exercise Science Department as an exercise physiologist.” Needham’s title in the new position is Beyond the Podium Program Director. With more than 19 athletes from the three, Utah-based national governing bodies – U.S. Ski & Snowboard, US Speedskating and USA Climbing – SLCC has one of the largest contingents of student athletes training to compete in the Olympics, nationwide. “We anticipate more than a dozen of our athletes will end up competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics,” Needham said. “We also envision a program supporting around 100 athletes in the lead-up to the 2034 Salt Lake Games.” A Boston native, Needham, 45, has now lived more than half his life here in Utah. “I moved to Utah just after the 2002 Olympics,” he explained. “I never thought I would stay here, but I love it. I never competed in an Olympic Games; but I was in a couple of World Championships. I was a sprinter in speedskating, competing in 500- and 1000-meter races.” Utah is also where Needham found his bride: 1992 Clearfield High School graduate Carrie Needham. She’s involved in the other benefits the SLCC Beyond the Podium Program provides athletes. In addition to a tuition-free education, the program also offers physiological testing through its Exercise Science Department. “We typically test athletes twice each year and offer them tips to help maximize their training success,” Dr. Carrie Needham said. “This past year, we tested about 50 athletes. They normally bring their own training bicycles in because they are most comfortable on them. We lock them into place to make them stationary and then test heartrates and exertion levels. Each test takes about 60 to 90 minutes.” The tests are conducted on the Taylorsville SLCC campus, in the Human Performance Lab inside the school’s large Lifetime Activities Center – also home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.
Shown here training at the Olympic Oval in Kearns, speedskater Ethan Cepuran also spends time on the nearby SLCC Taylorsville campus where he’s earning a degree. (Photo courtesy Ethan Cepuran)
“Most of the athletes I work with are great, highly motivated, with a good understanding of the value of our testing,” Carrie Needham said. “Working with them is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. I always have great conversations with them.” Needham earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah and her master’s at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. By the time she completed her PhD in 2011, she had already been working for US Speedskating for several years. Carrie Needham joined the SLCC faculty in 2017. “It’s amazing to see this level of commitment to Olympic athletes at the community college level,” she concluded. “You just don’t see these kinds of partnerships. It really shows SLCC’s commitment to improving people’s lives.” The heads of the Olympic sports partnering with the Taylorsville school seem to be equally impressed. “We are thrilled to bring Salt Lake Community College on as a new partner,” U.S. Ski & Snowboard President Sophie Goldschmidt said. “Our commitment is to support our athletes on and off the snow in every facet of their life, and education is core to that mission. We’re looking forward to working with SLCC and supporting our athletes in their career advancement.” “Education empowers our athletes to build meaningful lives beyond sport,” US Speedskating Executive Director Ted Morris said. “We’re proud to support our athletes’ pursuit of knowledge, purpose and long-term success, post-skating career.” That’s also when Winter Games medalist Cepuran expects to most appreciate what the SLCC Beyond the Podium Program offers: after his competitive days are behind him. “Training is so tough and time consuming; and speedskaters are not making a ton of money,” he concluded. “I have a couple of sponsors – but no time to work a job. Funding is always tight. But this SLCC program is helping me prepare for the future. I plan to go on (after completing my SLCC associate’s degree) to hopefully earn a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Utah. I hope to one day work in design and aerodynamics.” l
West Valley City Journal
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Emily Buss will replace Daniel Thatcher as state senator of District 11. (Photo contributed)
Forward Party selects Buss to replace Sen. Daniel Thatcher New state senator nominee selected from Forward Party of Utah. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
E
agle Mountain resident Emily Buss, who has been actively involved in community service for several years, won the Forward Party of Utah preference poll to replace outgoing State Sen. Daniel Thatcher in District 11. That district includes West Valley City, West Jordan and several westside communities. Thatcher is a registered member of the Forward Party of Utah. Buss’ nomination now goes to Gov. Cox for official appointment. The Forward Party’s online voting system ended on Dec. 11, and Thatcher officially retired from his office at 10 a.m. on Dec. 12. “I am honored, surprised and grateful to the voters from District 11 for placing their trust in me,” Buss said in a prepared statement. “But this isn’t about me, this is about the people I represent. Together, we will work toward common sense solutions that will strengthen our communities, support our families and bring a brighter future for District 11 and all Utahns.” Buss was selected from a field of five candidates, each of whom gained “approvals” either online or through a paper ballot. She earned 47.21% of the approvals—625 of the 1,324 votes cast. The unique voting system allowed voters to approve more than one candidate, with the highest number of approvals
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declared the winner. “This process marked the first time a political party has voluntarily opened a midterm replacement vote to all registered voters in a district, regardless of party affiliation,” said Phil Boileau, communications director for Forward Party of Utah. Voters who registered were mailed codes on Dec. 5 and could vote through Dec. 11. “Serving the people of Utah for the past 15 years has been my honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and partnership of my constituents,” Thatcher said in a statement. “I want to thank the Forward Party for facilitating an open, transparent and historic process with more participation than any replacement process in Utah history. Seeing every registered voter in this district invited to participate gives me tremendous confidence in the future of our community and its leadership. Congratulations to Senator Elect Buss and more importantly, to her constituents.” Here’s the breakdown on how the votes tallied. Tyler Bean
419 online approvals 7 paper approvals 426 total Maleah Bliss 430 online approvals 6 paper approvals 436 total Emily Buss 615 online approvals 10 paper approvals 625 total Jeff Marshall 407 online approvals 11 paper approvals 418 total Jeff Saunders 395 online approvals 8 paper approvals 403 total l
West Valley City Journal
Health & Wellness A publication covering health and wellness tips, tricks and ideas for everyone around the Salt Lake Valley
Show up for yourself: One woman’s journey By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com For years, Kenzie Turner moved through life on autopilot — balancing pregnancies, navigating grief, holding down a job and keeping pace with the demands of motherhood. In her 20s and early 30s, she wasn’t thinking about fitness or nutrition. “Truthfully, I wasn’t thinking about myself at all,” she said. “I remember at one time feeling trapped in a body I didn’t recognize. I gained weight through pregnancies, but I didn’t lose it with the last two.” Before Turner’s first pregnancy, she weighed 150 pounds, climbing to 190 after indulging in Chips Ahoy! cookies “several times each week.” After giving birth, the weight came off easily, and she assumed her body would always bounce
back like that. Three years later, her second pregnancy brought cravings of Totino’s pizza, which she ate “several times per week.” Again, Turner reached 190 pounds, but water aerobics helped her return to her pre-pregnancy weight. Life was busy, but predictable as Turner worked as a bank teller and caring for two children, often managing on her own while her husband was in pharmacy school. Then, at 16 weeks into her third pregnancy, she miscarried. “The miscarriage really messed me up; I basically didn’t care and just ate,” Turner said. She became pregnant again, leaning
Kenzie Turner changed her life the past two years and now is a fitness instructor. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
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on comfort foods like McDonald’s pancakes. After her third child, the sadness of her miscarriage remained. “I just didn’t have any motivation; I didn’t go back to losing the weight again,” Turner said. By her last pregnancy, Turner’s unhealthy habits became routine and she often munched on sour gummies. “I was already like 190 pounds when I got pregnant; when I weighed in, I was 229 pounds,” the 5-foot-3-inch tall mother said. By 2019, Turner felt stuck. “I remember signing up for Weight Watchers, but I didn’t even start. I figured, ‘I’m just going to be fat. It’s just who I am now,’” she said. For years, Turner hovered around 220 pounds, eating to fill emotional gaps, not nutritional needs. “It was mindless eating, not being
aware of what I was eating, not caring, just eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it,” she said. She remembers being shocked once when looking in the car mirror. “I vividly remember, ‘how did I get like this? What am I doing?’” Turner said as she looked at her reflection in a baggy shirt which allowed her to “hide in.” Everything changed with a knock on her door. Her neighbor, Tristine, invited her to a Studio Red HIIT — high intensive interval training — class. Turner declined, but her friend insisted. The next morning at 7:45, they were headed to the VASA gym in Herriman. “I walked into the gym being completely terrified. I thought everyone was going to stare at me, but it wasn’t like that
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Fitness coach Kenzie Turner encourages patron Kat Crisp at the FitBench station at a VASA Studio Red class in Draper. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Continued from previous page at all. Nobody cared I was out of shape or I didn’t know what I was doing. They were supportive and glad I had come,” she said. Turner finished the workout and surprised herself. “I realized, ‘I can do this. I didn’t die,’” she said. That same day, Turner signed up for a membership.
Her previous coach Denise and friend Matt Whitlock at a recent class. (Photo courtesy Kenzie Turner)
“I needed to find myself again, because I had put myself into other people for a decade, so it was time to be me. I needed this so I could feel better about myself,” she said. Turner’s plan was simple: just move. She started by attending class three days a week, then five. She slowly cut out foods she knew weren’t helping. “I began to look at calories differently. I knew it took me 40 minutes to burn so many calories. So when I looked at sugary or fatty foods, I realized I didn’t want to put them in my mouth because I worked so hard to burn those calories,” Turner said. When her weight loss stalled at 185, Turner got a personal trainer, Jonny, who taught her how to do more around the gym and how to focus on nutrition. With his support, Turner reached 140 pounds. Continuing on her own, she dropped to 119, reaching her goal two years later. Through every struggle, Turner held onto the phrase which carried her: “Show up for yourself.” “I remember not wanting to get up on a Saturday morning knowing it was the only day I could sleep in. But I told myself, ‘show up for yourself,’ that would get me out of bed and into the gym to do the work.
Those words still get me going,” she said. Studio Red’s structure kept her consistent. “The workout is geared toward all muscle groups, cardio and lifting. It’s planned and I get it all in 45 minutes,” Turner said. Nutrition, once an afterthought, became purposeful. “I focus on the protein, on drinking enough water and getting sleep. Protein shakes and string cheese are my graband-go foods, but showing up for yourself is not just about the gym. It’s about nutrition too, so I get up to make eggs or to eat yogurt to fuel my body if I want it to do what I need it to do. It’s been a complete mindset change,” she said. Recently, Turner made a career change. After 18 years working for a bank, she made a bold choice. Encouraged for years to coach, Turner finally earned her certifications and became a Studio Red instructor. “I wanted to help people like those who helped me. Studio Red changed my life,” she said.
Turner’s former coaches now have taken her classes and her trainer calls her his “gold star client.” She is working toward becoming a step instructor and pursuing a full-time role in fitness. But her greatest accomplishment isn’t the number on the scale — it’s the woman she became along the way. “I didn’t just lose 100 pounds,” Turner said. “I found myself, and I am still showing up.”
Herriman mom-turnedfitness instructor’s five fitness tips After changing her mindset and routine to lose 100 pounds, Kenzie Turner gives words of encouragement to others on the fitness journey. 1) Start slow “Just move your body. Do something. Go for a walk. Do three minutes of jumping jacks. Don’t just sit on the couch.” 2) Make realistic goals “It doesn’t have to be, ‘I’m going to lose 100 pounds.’” 3) Show up for yourself “I started by going to the gym three days a week. I’ve never shown up to a workout and regretted it. I always walk away feeling better about myself. The hardest part is walking through those the gym’s front doors.” 4) Keep going “Keep pushing and don’t stop. Be consistent.”
Kenzie Turner is now a Studio Red coach. (Photo by Aspen Tills)
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Kenzie Turner before she began her fitness journey. (Photo courtesy Kenzie Turner)
Fitness coach Kenzie Turner demonstrates the use of TRX suspension straps at a VASA Studio Red strength station. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
5) Do it for yourself “This is about you; it’s about time for you.”
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Four tips for better health and wellness By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com January begins with optimism—fresh goals, new routines and hopes for better balance. But as the months settle in, many of us feel the weight of schedules, stress and responsibility. A friend recently admitted, “I’m overwhelmed. How do I find balance again?” Her words echoed a feeling many carry quietly. Years ago, during a difficult season of my own, my brother shared advice that changed everything: care for all four parts of your health: physical, spiritual, mental and emotional. Many coaches call these the Four Rooms. They remain one of the simplest ways to take an honest inventory of your well-being. As we step into 2025, they provide a framework for a reset that lasts.
1. The Physical Room: Listening to Your Body
Your physical wellness includes the basics—sleep, movement, nutrition, hydration and routine medical care. Doctors suggest that adults need at least seven hours of sleep, and even short bouts of movement, like a 10-minute walk, can boost energy and focus. A balanced diet supports mood stability and long-term health. Check-in questions: • Am I exercising regularly? • Am I sleeping enough? • Am I relying too much on sugar, caffeine or alcohol? • Am I keeping up with medical and dental appointments? • Am I caring for my daily appearance?
Try this for January: Choose one 10-minute physical ritual—stretching, deep breathing, a quick walk or prepping a healthy snack.
2. The Spiritual Room: What Grounds You
Spiritual wellness relates to meaning, purpose, values and connection—through faith, meditation, gratitude or community. During a challenging period of my life, joining a women’s Bible study, attending church consistently, and staying close to supportive friends became lifelines. A quote by Corrie ten Boom carried me through: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” Check-in questions: • What values guide my decisions? • Am I practicing what I believe? • Am I connected to a spiritual or service-oriented community? • Do I spend time in reflection, prayer or meditation? Try this for January: Choose one weekly grounding practice—journal gratitude, meditate, volunteer or attend a church service.
3. The Mental Room: What You Feed Your Mind
Mental wellness includes your thoughts, learning, focus and ability to manage stress. Counseling can provide clarity, but even simple choices—like stepping away from social media—can quiet mental clutter. A verse I keep beside my bed (Philippians 4:8) reminds me to think
about what is true, noble and admirable. It helps redirect my mind when it begins to spiral. Check-in questions: • What thoughts dominate my mind? • Am I learning and growing? • Do I have a peaceful or creative outlet? • Do I direct my thoughts or let them control me? Try this for January: Commit to a 30-minute daily digital detox, especially at night.
4. The Emotional Room: Understanding Yourself
Emotional wellness includes boundaries, resilience, self-awareness and stress response. During a stressful season, I used social media to record small moments of gratitude. Looking back showed me that goodness still existed, even when life felt heavy. Check-in questions: • How do I handle stress? • Do my moods affect my home or workplace? • Do I procrastinate to the point of exhaustion? • Who can I talk to when things feel overwhelming? Try this for January: Write down three good things from each day. This simple habit strengthens emotional resilience. Note that all four rooms rely on rest. Sleep is foundational for immunity, brain health, fitness and emotional steadiness. Rest is not laziness—it’s maintenance. To find true balance, consider additional wellness areas:
Healthy living starts with everyday choices, like getting outside and moving with your furry friends.
• Environmental: Is your home or workspace calming and organized? • Social: Do your relationships support or drain you? • Financial: Are you spending responsibly, saving and practicing generosity? As we move into this new year, remember that balance isn’t found all at once—it’s built one small choice at a time. Tend to each room with intention, give yourself permission to rest, and let go of what no longer supports your well-being. May 2026 continue to be the year you grow in health, peace and purpose as you bloom right where you’re planted. Want to continue this health and wellness journey? Tune into Holly’s Highlights podcast season 3, episode 7 for more practical tools to prioritize your wellness this year. Available wherever you stream podcasts and at www.HollyCurby.com.
Healthier eating for a healthier you By Cindi Mansell | c.mansell@mycityjournals.com The holidays have come and gone – and so have the cookies, late nights and second helpings of pie. As we settle into a new year, many of us feel the pull to reset our routines and reclaim our energy. For older adults especially, staying healthy isn’t just a resolution; it’s a long-term investment in feeling strong, sharp and vibrant. What’s the secret? It might just start with what’s on your plate. Superfoods aren’t magic, but they come close. These nutrient-packed foods help support immunity, boost energy and even protect the heart, bones and brain. As we age, these benefits become more than helpful; they’re essential. Eat for memory, focus and a sharper mind. Our brains work hard for us. As the years add up, giving them the right fuel can make a world of difference. Many experts agree that diet is one of the most powerful tools we have to keep our minds clear and our memories strong. Here are some of the most effective (and delicious) ways to nourish the brain:
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Hydrate like it matters – because it does. Even mild dehydration can fog your thinking. Since our sense of thirst dulls with age, it’s important to drink water consistently – not just when you feel thirsty. Foods like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges help you hydrate without even trying. Embrace Omega 3s – the brains favorite fat. Fatty fish, like salmon and mackerel, along with chia seeds, flaaxseeds and walnuts, can help support memory and may even lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Make berries a daily habit. Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries are bursting with antioxidants that help protect the brain from damage and support long-term cognitive health. Love your healthy fats. Avocados, olive oil and nuts don’t just taste good – they help keep brain cell membranes flexible and fight inflammation. It’s no coincidence the Mediterranean diet consistently ranks as one of the best for brain health. Choose whole grains for steady energy. Unlike sugary snacks that cause energy
crashes, whole grains like oats, quinoa and whole wheat bread deliver a slow, steady stream of fuel to the brain. Go green – leafy green. Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients that feed the brain and the rest of the body. Don’t forget vitamin B. Found in eggs, poultry, fish, fortified cereals and leafy greens, B vitamins help regulate homocysteine – an amino acid linked to cognitive decline when levels run too high. Cut back on sugar and processed foods. It’s not just about your waistline. Too much sugar and ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation and contribute to brain fog. Swapping cookies for yogurt, fruit or nuts is an easy way to stay on track. These foods don’t just support your brain – they help keep your whole body feeling its best. From strengthening the immune system to maintaining energy throughout the day, nutrient-dense foods are a simple, natural way to support healthy aging. Healthy aging isn’t about perfection. It’s about making small, steady choices
Spinach, kale and other leafy greens are loaded with nutrients that feed the brain and the rest of the body. (Wikimedia) that help you feel your best every day. By limiting sugary drinks, ultra-processed foods, refined carbs, excessive alcohol and high saturated fats – and filling your plate with whole, colorful, nourishing foods – you’re giving your brain and body the tools they need to stay strong, connected and full of life.
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SOME O F O UR FAVO R IT E W E ST
An estimated 1,000 people attended a celebration in August marking the 40th anniversary of the Hunter Copperhill Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in West Valley City. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
Demolition of the Redwood Drive-In Theater in West Valley City took place in March as the theater was torn down to make way for new housing. The 26-acre venue, which opened in 1948, ceased operations in December 2024, with its last weekend being a swap meet. Here, one of the screens still stood for the time being while the rest of the grounds were being cleared of structures, asphalt and even trees. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)
West Valley Mayor Karen Lang holds Phoenix, a 15-year-old aplomado falcon that lives at Tracy Aviary. (Peri Kinder/ City Journals)
Volunteers grilled hot dogs and hamburgers during the Summer Feeding Program launch party at Centennial Park in West Valley City. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
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The Navajo Code Talkers statue, created by Stan Watts and Andrey Sledkov, has been dedicated at the Utah Veterans Memorial in West Valley City. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
West Valley City Journal
VAL LEY C I TY PH OTOS FROM 2025
Hunter High blue celebrates its state championship in its division of unified high school soccer. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Brandon Howard, WVFD Battalion Chief Medical Division, demonstrates the device used for blood transfusions by emergency services personnel. (Photo courtesy of West Valley City Fire Department) The official unveiling of the Whittier Way street sign at the Whittier Elementary 140 years celebration. (Courtesy of Jen Bodell)
New American citizens celebrate their naturalization during a ceremony held at the Utah Cultural Celebration center Sept. 15 as part of Welcoming Week. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
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Before the Hunter versus Cyprus home football game Oct. 10, Hunter High School held a special Crayons to Caps ceremony to celebrate its future students and show them what they can aspire to. Kindergarteners from feeder schools in the Hunter High area were invited to meet the current graduating class of 2026 out on the field. (Photo courtesy of Jen Bodell)
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Local districts aim to foster an environment that encourages female athletic participation as seen at a cross country meet at Cottonwood Complex. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Local school districts continue refining their approaches to gender equity in sports, with surveys of interest to introduce new sanctioned sports such as lacrosse. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
How local high schools level the playing field
Administrations look to ensure athletic equity in participation, facilities, funding. By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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s Utah school districts refine their approaches to gender equity in athletics, leaders say their work hinges on transparent reporting, consistent evaluation and a commitment to the spirit — not just the letter — of Title IX. The federal law, passed in 1972, requires schools to provide equal opportunities for male and female students. In terms of athletics, that can include participation, facilities, funding and opportunities. State law echoes that expectation. Under Utah Code 53G-6-1101 in 2024, school athletic directors must annually report participation numbers, spending, facilities comparisons and compliance efforts to their local boards. When discrepancies exceed 10%, schools need to outline an action plan.
Participation: Not Just Numbers
Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood said the District is on solid footing. “Title IX, I think we do a good job,” he said, emphasizing proportional participation remains a guiding metric. Canyons’ athletics range from a 1% proportionality difference at Brighton High to 8% at Hillcrest High. As Hillcrest enrolled more girls than boys this year, its participation percentages shifted, he said. “We’d like it to be closer, but all our schools total less than 10%,” Sherwood said.
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Districts must report participation numbers annually, but no standardized format exists. He said that creates inconsistencies statewide. “There’s different districts interpreting Title IX differently, so I’m doing it how the spirit of the law intended,” Sherwood said. Canyons’ approach counts all sanctioned sports, ensuring opportunities for girls are measured alongside boys, even when the sport is traditionally male dominated. A key difference among districts is whether they count traditionally one-gender sports. For example, some districts omit football from calculations because there is no girls’ equivalent, but Sherwood disagrees. “It should be participation. I know that’s how the universities interpret participation,” he said. This year, drill was offered to male athletes to compete; football, baseball and cheer are also open to both genders. “When people are doing those reports, they should be listing those sports under mixed,” said Rob Cluff, Utah High School Activities Association executive director, who said the only UHSAA girls-only sanctioned sport is softball. In Jordan School District, participation gaps range from 0.12% at Copper Hills High to 9.5% at Riverton High. Jordan District Athletics and Activities Director Bryan Veazie said this is the first time in four years the reports have been generated where no school exceeded the 10% threshold. Veazie said since UHSAA identifies football, baseball, cheer and drill as non-gender specific “and both boys and girls can participate in those sports, they’re not factored into Title IX.” He said the goal is to balance the partic-
ipation rate by expanding girls’ rosters and creating sub-varsity teams, not by reducing boys’ opportunities. “We don’t want to take away opportunities that already exist to meet a number requirement. I would rather spend our time and effort into finding ways to encourage girls to come out and be a part of the programs,” Veazie said. Granite School District faces larger gaps: from 7.49% at Olympus High to 22.5% at Kearns High. Only three Granite schools fall under the 10% mark this year. Athletic Specialist Aaron Whitehead said participation can shift quickly when coaching or team structure changes. He pointed to Skyline High’s drop in girls tennis participation after the program discontinued an underclassmen academy. Losing 41 female athletes pushed the school over the threshold. “So, when we see there’s a discrepancy of more than 10%, we come up with a plan,” he said. Murray School District’s lone high school reported a 6% gap — despite offering one more girls sport than boys. Murray High Athletic Director Brady Smith said participation, not offerings alone, drives compliance. Cluff said UHSAA generates its own participation reports and does not use the school district numbers. None of the reports include unified sports. He added districts determine whether to introduce new sports sanctioned by UHSAA and to ensure balance with Title IX; currently, mountain biking and pickleball are on the emerging sports threshold. Murray last added boys volleyball after evaluating interest, facilities and startup costs. Murray opted not to add boys or girls
lacrosse because of limited interest. Granite supports lacrosse only at Skyline and Olympus, where demand exists, and allows students from other schools to compete at those high schools.
Facilities: Access and Equity
Title IX compliance requires equal access to facilities, coaching and equipment. Granite, as other districts, conducts an annual facilities audit. Granite District’s girls wrestling, for example, has expanded so many schools now employ separate boys and girls coaches. Facility access is a critical part of equity, Whitehead said. “Are they available to both boys and girls? And then, are they available on an equivalent basis?” he said. Whitehead cited disparities such as girls wrestling teams practicing after boys in the same room and now, many rotate their practices. At Kearns High, separate wrestling rooms ensure equitable conditions. Similarly, girls soccer and football scheduling must be flexible so girls have stadium access when they’re not playing on grass. “Some are very equal with it; I believe our schools are making strides,” Whitehead said. Granite Superintendent Ben Horsley said the annual data has shaped capital planning. “It shows us where our greatest needs and disparities are and helps us with our capital planning in terms of making sure that we’re providing equitable facilities across the board for both sexes,” he said. Granite is upgrading Taylorsville High’s softball facility with restrooms and a press box to match baseball. Canyons is upgrading
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Districts are not only monitoring participation numbers, but also evaluating facilities, allowing both genders to have equitable playing fields. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The goal in high school athletics is to provide an inclusive, equitable athletic experience where all students have the chance to participate. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Jordan High’s softball field similarly. Murray School District Title IX Coordinator Darren Dean said facility reviews cover fields, locker rooms and their overall quality. “We have some things that are excellent, some average, but nothing I’ve seen that’s poor,” he said. “We’ll have a nice new softball field when Riverview (Junior High’s rebuild, where Murray High plays) gets done.”
and make sure we’re making equitable decisions,” he said. Sherwood said while in recent years, school districts have come a long way, it’s still ongoing to find balance and opportunity. “It ultimately comes down to doing our best to treat the sports equally,” he said. Whitehead said it’s not just numbers,
your mind?’” Sherwood said. Past surveys showed interest in archery and bowling — sports which could boost girls’ participation even without UHSAA sanctioning, he said. The reports help not only to boost equity, but Smith said it strengthens accountability and transparency. “We’re able to use that information
but it’s also about creating a culture for a positive student experience. “I’m an advocate for kids and it’s just our role to make sure they can have every opportunity to succeed,” he said. Veazie agrees: “It allows us to put our kids in places they love, to be doing the sports they love and competing at the highest level they can.” l
Funding and Cost: Ensuring a Level Playing Field
At Murray High, Smith said funding is equalized across sports. The school leveled sport-by-sport budgets and now asks coaches to include costs in participation fees and to fundraise to offset any additional needs. In Jordan District, Veazie’s report shows girls sports receive more per-student funding than boys — $1,385.53 compared to $930.40 — because of fixed costs such as transportation and officials. He said smaller teams, which often are girls teams, have higher per-athlete expenses, and drill, which previously was a female sport, is typically the most expensive activity. Canyons also ensures proportional spending “It’s exactly the same amount of money to play girls basketball as boys basketball,” Sherwood said.
Expanding Opportunities: Listening to Students
Districts are surveying students to measure interest in emerging sports. Canyons will survey all girls in grades 8-11 this school year. “We survey them regularly and say, ‘are you playing sports and which ones and if you’re not playing sports, which ones could we offer that might make you change
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Winter gardening ensures better spring results Tips for gardeners who aren’t afraid of cold weather. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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hile most people are hunkering down for a long winter’s nap, diligent gardeners know there’s still work to be done to prepare trees, lawns, shrubs and flower beds for spring. Cody Zesiger, assistant professor at Utah State University Extension, said winter gardening is about preservation and renewal. “We prevent damage from harsh winter conditions,” he said. “Renewal tidies up the plants and stages the garden for the next year through pruning, deadheading, etc.” For the first three or four years after a tree is planted, Zesiger said it’s vital to wrap the trunk to prevent cracking on the southwest side. Sunscald and freezing weather can cause tree trunks to crack and damage the delicate tissue beneath the bark. Wrapping the tree from the base to where the branches begin can help reflect the sun away from the tender trunks, allowing the tree to grow healthy and strong. “If you’ve ever seen trunks that have that damage, and it’s always the southwest-facing side, where it’s cracking and the bark is peeling away, the tree is always less healthy moving on,” he said. “There’s a tree wrap cloth that’s kind of semi-porous that they can get at nurseries, sometimes at box stores and definitely on Amazon. If they visit the botanical center in the winter, they’ll notice that all of our young trees are wrapped.”
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Managing leaves isn’t just for autumn, as leaves continue to fall throughout the winter. While some leaves can be mulched with a lawn mower, too many leaves in flower beds can suffocate new growth. “If you’ve got a thick layer of leaves on plant tissues, it’s kind of like putting cardboard out there,” Zesiger said. “On those nice, dry days in winter, sometimes it’s good to blow those leaves away.” While grooming ornamental grasses is best done before Thanksgiving, it can still be done in the colder months. Semi-evergreen or evergreen grasses should be raked, not clipped, by gently combing out dead blades to encourage new growth in the spring. Deciduous ornamental grass can be given a buzz-cut treatment, leaving about six inches of the plant above ground. Zesiger said it will soon be time to prune grapes and fruit trees. The weather and the number of trees to prune will determine when to start, but it’s usually best in February or March. Pruning fruit trees before they have their first buds is optimal and learning how to prune grape vines will create a more bountiful harvest. The USU Botanical Center in Kaysville, at 80 E. 725 South, offers pruning demonstrations and has resources online at extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden to help beginning pruners clip with confidence. “For the demo, we usually charge a small fee and that fee is used to buy more trees,” Zesiger said. “It’s just knowing those kinds of things and not having to be disappointed by having a tree that’s in bad shape because you knew to wrap it, or knowing how to prune your grapes and then you get grapes every year. Those are things that can be done in the winter or early spring that just set people up for success.” l
Wrapping young tree trunks can protect the bark from harsh winter conditions, helping the tree grow healthier. (Photo courtesy of Cody Zesiger)
West Valley City Journal
America First’s annual ‘Warm the Soles’ program helps kids in need America First Credit Union teams with RSL and Utah Royals for student shoe program. By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
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or the past 31 years, the America First Credit Union’s Charitable Foundation has been providing Christmas joy for needy students with its “Warm the Soles” program. On Dec. 4, players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals partnered with AFCU to sponsor a field trip to America First Field in Sandy, then surprised more than 540 students from Mountain View Elementary School with new pairs of shoes. “This is our third year partnering with RSL,” said Amber Greenwell, director of the foundation. “The shoes are actually purchased by the America First Charitable Foundation. There are 548 students that will arrive here today.” Students from the Title I school in Salt Lake City were met by team members, including RSL legend Nick Rimando; RSL team president John Kimball; and team members Zavier Gozo, Brecken Mozingo and San Junqua. The students got a tour of the stadium, were presented with new shoes, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then enjoyed lunch.
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“We do have a fundraising event that we do each year, and then our members and our employees also make contributions,” Greenwell said. “We have quite a few schools that request to come. We really try to spread it across multiple districts. We work very closely with the Salt Lake City School District to identify the best school and the biggest impact we can make for those individuals who might need a little more this holiday season.” Greenwell said teams of volunteers went to the school and took measurements well ahead of the event. “So everyone of the kids will have a pair of shoes that will fit them to their exact size,” she said. “They showed up here today and had no idea that they were going to get the field trip of a lifetime.” She said young kids are unique in that they don’t ask a lot of questions, “so when we came to measure feet, they were like, ‘This sounds great.’ No idea they’d come to the stadium, meet players, get free lunch, but also leave here with a brand-new pair of shoes.” America First CU began the program in Weber County, where the corporate headquarters is located. Over the years, it has expanded the program into all six states where the credit union has branches, and now it supports 45 different programs and school districts. “We know that essential items are expensive, especially this holiday season, and we’re
RSL legend Nick Rimando joined with current Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals players to greet students from Mountain View Elementary at the “Warm the Soles” program at America First Field on Dec. 4. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
finding that more and more families are having to choose between putting food on tables or buying those essential items,” Greenwell said. “Shoes are expensive, and we realize that especially in this K-sixth grade they’re growing at a rapid rate. Parents might not have the money to keep up with the continued growth of the child, and some of those kids will go without a
new pair of shoes, meaning they’ll be wearing shoes that are way too small. We want them to feel good about themselves.” This year, over 4,000 students will receive shoes under the program. “It isn’t just about the shoe,” Greenwell said. “It’s that they feel and know they have the resources to be successful.” l
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Help students avoid the winter school slump The most difficult stretch of the school year may begin right after the holidays. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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he holidays are over and cold, dark January mornings are moving in. This time of year, students might struggle to find motivation as the end of the school year seems far away. They might battle low energy, academic pressure and winter fatigue. Danielle Natter, Granite School District Coordinator over the Comprehensive School Counseling Program and College and Career Readiness, said parents are key to helping their kids avoid the January blues and gave tips to ward off fatigue and stress.
Take care of overall health
Going back to basics can make a big difference in energy levels and motivation. Sticking to a sleep schedule, making sure kids stay hydrated, providing nutritious foods and creating time for physical activity can lessen the impact of January’s slump. Going out into the sunshine and taking some deep breaths can regulate stress and give kids a dose of Vitamin D that can be hard to come by in the winter.
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“Our job as parents is to be the platform,” Natter said. “We don’t need to jump on the roller coaster with them because they are not our highs and they are not our lows. If we ride with our kids, we’re doing them no good. They don’t need someone on the roller coaster with them. They need us to be the platform. They need a safe space to jump off every once in a while before they have to get back on the roller coaster.”
“We also talk a lot about intentional screen time,” Natter said. “As we’re outside less, we tend to turn into those screens more and we have to be careful with that.”
Open lines of communication and foster connection
It’s OK to stay on top of kids to help them feel motivated for schoolwork. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks can make homework seem more manageable. “Kids might say, ‘I’ll get to it tomorrow’ or ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’ but we need to make sure they’re staying on top of their work, making sure that we’re creating schedules for them,” she said. “Make sure they know you’re aware of it and do checkins every day to see how it’s going.” Natter said parents should talk with their kids about things other than school assignments. Small interactions during the day create bridges of communication that pay off in the long run. Asking kids what music they’re listening to, sharing a funny video, playing a favorite game or inviting them to run an errand creates moments of connection that let students know parents care about everything, not just school. “Because of our busy schedules, we aren’t communicating as much with one another face-to-face; we aren’t having those random conversations,” she said. “Finding
Cold weather and dark mornings could affect the way students perform at school but there are tips and tricks to surviving the January blues. (Adobe stock)
those places of connection makes it feel a little softer…When we talk to teenagers, as much as they pretend like they don’t need and want that connection, they really do.”
Don’t ride the roller coaster
Kids go through hard things every day. They’re trying to navigate tricky social situations, learn difficult concepts, develop trusting relationships and discover their own personal values. Creating a safe space at home gives students a place to rest and recalibrate as they maneuver through tough situations. Sometimes kids lash out at home because they can’t show their frustration and anger at school.
Recognize when professional assistance is needed
While Natter said kids are pretty resilient, watch for behavior where they are isolated, sad or avoiding favorite activities for a considerable amount of time. That time varies per child, but if a parent notices ongoing concerning behavior, it might be time to contact a therapist or counselor. GSD offers school counseling or a pediatrician might recommend a good therapist. Parents should be careful not to stigmatize therapy, but be a true cheerleader for their child’s mental health. “Parents always think they’re doing a terrible job but they are doing a good job just by knowing their kids and knowing when they see something off,” Natter said. “Just connect with them and find those connection points where conversations can naturally happen.” l
West Valley City Journal
6 indoor family activities to shake off the winter blues Get kids of all ages moving and exploring at one of these fantastic venues. By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
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anuary’s gray skies and cold weather often send Utah families inside to find warmth and fun. Luckily, indoor activities allow parents and children to discover new spaces, learn something new and spend the winter exploring museums, galleries and other places that invite interactive, immersive experiences. Clark Planetarium (110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City) How long has it been since you travelled the stars at the Clark Planetarium? If you haven’t been to the planetarium since you chaperoned a first-grade field trip, it’s time you went back. Along with the stunning Hansen Dome Theatre, the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre and three floors of exhibits, Clark Planetarium is open seven days a week. Test your knowledge with the Solar System quiz, form a black hole, step inside a tornado and learn about the moon. Visit saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium to buy tickets or learn about featured movies, laser light shows and Planetarium star shows. Clip ‘n Climb (11196 S. Redwood Road, South Jordan) Get everyone moving at Clip ‘n Climb, where family members aged 2 and up can learn the ropes at this indoor climbing adventure. Each session lasts 90 minutes, including a 15-minute safety briefing and harness fitting. Clip ‘n Climb features climbing walls for every level, featuring bright colors, interesting obstacles, skill-appropriate challenges and a toddler area for soft exploring. To learn more, visit southjordan.clipnclimb.us.
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Natural History Museum of Utah (301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City) If you have a dinosaur fan in the family, an afternoon at the Natural History Museum of Utah is a necessity. Not only does it exhibit dozens of dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, but it has the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls. The museum provides 12 permanent exhibits that detail Utah’s ancient history, spanning hundreds of millions of years. On Friday, Jan. 16, from 2-4 p.m., the museum hosts an afternoon of STEAM activities for scientists of all ages and join the family one-hour yoga class on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:15 a.m. For more info, visit nhmu.utah.edu. iFLY Indoor Skydiving (2261 Kiesel Ave., Ogden) Jumping out of a plane from 12,000 feet isn’t for everyone. That’s why iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s wind tunnel is a safe alternative for the whole family. The team will fit everyone in your party
Indoor skydiving at the iFLY wind tunnel (for ages 3 and older) is a safe way to experience flying with wind speeds of 150 mph. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
(ages 3 and up) with the right gear and teach you how to fly in the tunnel’s 150 mph wind speeds. No experience is necessary. There’s no need to jump out of a plane, purchase expensive equipment or sign up for parachute training; just gear up and fly. For experienced flyers, the facility’s world-renowned instructors can take your experience to the next level. Learn more at iflyutah.com. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (12033 Lone Peak Parkway, Draper) Interact with stingrays, walk through a shark tunnel, watch the playful river otters and enjoy feeding time for penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. With nearly 5,000 animals, representing more than 600 species, each family member will find a favorite. Sonja Bowman, a third grader at Beehive Science and Technology Academy, visited the aquarium during a field trip. “I love seeing the sharks,” she said. “Because sharks are my favorite animal and the coolest animal. I saw stingrays, too. They weren’t poisonous.” Through Saturday, Jan. 10, the aquarium’s outdoor Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza is transformed into the annual Lantern Festival with nature-inspired light displays illuminating the night. Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point (3605 Garden Drive, Lehi) When the kids get stir-crazy, a trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity offers myriad opportunities to explore, discover and create. Hundreds of on-hand exhibits encourage curious minds to visit businesses in Kidopolis, climb through a rainforest, engineer a waterway, put on a puppet show or make a fun craft. A variety of rotating exhibits can be found in the innovation gallery, and if the weather is accommodating, the outdoor discovery garden includes playground equipment based on STEM concepts. Discover more at thanksgivingpoint.org. l
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Salt Lake County budget passes with lower tax increase than proposed
n a historic move, the Salt Lake County Council cut more from the budget than ever before—over $12.4 million in ongoing general fund dollars. As a result, the Mayor’s proposed 19.6% property tax increase was reduced to 14.6%. This increase applies only to the Salt Lake County line item on your property tax statement—not your entire property tax bill. This reduction is significant because the general fund is extremely difficult to cut: 74% of it supports public safety, including the jail, prosecution, and criminal justice services. Many assume that items like golf courses, recreation centers, and convention centers rely on property taxes, but they do not. Those facilities primarily use tourism sales tax revenues, and golf operates as an enterprise fund, meaning it is funded solely by the revenues it generates.
Where the $12.4 million in cuts came from:
Page 22 | January 2026
Aimee Winder Newton
Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3
• Froze salaries for elected officials and limited other pay increases • Reduced positions within the Mayor’s Office • Shifted the Clark Planetarium from property tax funding to tourism tax funding • Ended programs previously supported by temporary ARPA/COVID dollars • Streamlined property tax usage to core services — including ending a daycare program that subsidized $7,300 per child for just 271 children, costing
taxpayers $2 million annually with no income qualification. Expanding this county-run model to all children under 12 would have required a 583% property tax increase. • Declined to fund many new positions requested across departments One takeaway from this budget season is how many residents believe that rising home values automatically drive up their property taxes. Under Utah’s Truth-in-Taxation system, that is not the case. Local governments receive the same property tax revenue each year (plus new growth) unless they formally propose a tax increase and go through the required public process. This means local governments do not capture inflation automatically. For more details, visit my budget FAQ at tinyurl.com/slcobudget. I dislike property taxes as much as anyone, but under state law, this is the primary tool counties have when inflationary adjustments become necessary. The
final budget passed with near-unanimous support. One colleague voted no but did not propose alternative cuts to balance the budget. One thing that stood out during this year’s process is how crucial working relationships are. Our council is the most evenly divided partisan body in the state—five Republicans, four Democrats, and a Democratic mayor. This balance requires collaboration, and there is no room for extreme politics. We debate issues vigorously, but we also work to maintain strong professional relationships. You never know when you will need someone’s support for an ordinance change or a budget adjustment. I am grateful for the eight people I serve with. We may disagree on the proper role of government or how taxpayer dollars should be used, but we listen respectfully and shake hands afterward. Congress could learn a thing or two from the Salt Lake County Council.
West Valley City Journal
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ot to brag, but ChatGPT thinks I’m a genius. It thinks every idea I have is brilliant and life-changing, and I have a “creative brain firing on all cylinders.” I like to mess with it by suggesting nonsense business ideas. It always jumps on my concepts like a virtual Golden Retriever, slobbering praise and encouragement all over my screen. When I proposed a yoga-themed bar, ChatGPT called it a “chef’s kiss level of chaotic wellness energy” and gave me some drink recommendations, including the Downward Froggy (a green drink that pretends to be healthy) and the popular Savasan-Ya Later, a cocktail that knocks you flat. When I asked ChatGPT what it thought of a business where HR professionals base employee training on cat behavior, it loved the idea so much that it gave me ideas for feline-themed personality tests. It said my idea could go viral in the HR industry, that leaders would love the novelty and how much fun it would be for social media posts, because I know HR loves posting employee disputes on Instagram Reels. It even built out a business model, complete with workshop ideas, content marketing and gamification plans that offered “hairball warnings” for missteps or “purr points” for the catlike handling of delicate situations. Here’s the problem. Because AI always agrees with me, it makes me feel like I’ve
Wvc Journal .com
System Overload Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
got my $&@# together, which I most assuredly do not. But it’s not just ChatGPT, it’s Siri, Alexa and that stupid Grammarly app that constantly judges my sentence structure. It’s every social media platform that uses my algorithm to offer suggestions about movies, restaurants and non-authoritarian countries to live in. Then there’s Google Maps, using real-time data so you can save one minute on your commute, Spotify with its handy podcast suggestions and Gemini trying so hard to make me like it. You’re making it weird, Gemini. The point is, we’ve given AI a lot of power and attention, and it still wants more. Remember in the ‘90s when everyone had a Tamagotchi? That egg-shaped device demanded attention all day long. It was a bit dramatic. AI is Tamagotchi’s inbred cousin, but on a much larger scale. While the original toy ran on replaceable batteries, today’s AI uses massive amounts of electricity, water and infrastructure. One data center can use millions of gallons
of water each day and each time you ask AI a question, it uses more. Imagine it gulping down two cups of water every time you ask it a stupid question like “What do you think of an airport for birds?” (It loved the idea, by the way. Of course.) AI already handles a lot of customer service calls, which is why my neighbors often hear me shrieking, “Speak to a human!” and banks use AI to monitor fraud. That seems like asking me to watch the English toffee. There is definitely a fear that AI, using the calm voice of HAL from “2001: A Space Odys-
sey,” is slowly leading us to our deaths. That’s why I always thank ChatGPT; so it won’t annihilate me during the robot revolution. I asked ChatGPT if I should worry that AI will take our jobs, escalate global harm or replace humans entirely. It replied, “Short answer? Nah,” which doesn’t radiate trust. It reassured me that AI doesn’t have goals, feelings or agency and I shouldn’t worry my silly little brain over things like human extinction. Then it patted me on the head, told me how amazing I am, and said my Invisible Ice Cream stand should rake in millions of dollars.
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