May 2019 | Vol. 5 Iss. 05
FREE
‘EMPOWERMENT IS HEALING’ FOR PACIFIC ISLAND VIOLENCE PREVENTION CONFERENCE By Jennifer J. Johnson | j.johnson@mycityjournals.com
T
he first Polynesian Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, a New Zealand cultural expert going on prison lockdowns, and a Hawaiian social worker. What unites them? A mutual interest in contributing to an understanding of Pacific Island culture and informing others about unique ways of preventing, intervening in, and healing from violence. “Empowerment Is Healing” was the theme for the sixth-annual National Pacific Island Violence Prevention Conference, held April 13-15. West Valley’s Embassy Suites was the site for dialogue, tribal ceremonial openings and closings of daily meetings, and numerous presentations about the role of culture in preventing, intervening in, and healing from violence. Pacific Island guests hailing from Guam, New Zealand, Samoa, and other areas of the Pacific Islands flew to Utah to participate in the conference. Locally, social service, law enforcement, education and community members attended. PIKAR2’s mission The entity hosting the event is the West Valley-based Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR), led by organization co-founder Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou. PIK2AR’s mission is to build alliances and eliminate violence by increasing income for ethnic and under-served households, all the while preserving Pacific Island cultures. “Self-identity, self-awareness, self-control” is how Feltch-Malohifo’ou crystalized the opportunity for the community themselves and for service entities interfacing with them. Utah’s significant Pacific Island population Utah hosts a burgeoning Pacific Island community, with almost 40,000 Utahns identifying as Pacific Islanders. Indigenous inhabitants of the Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia groups of islands of the Pacific Ocean comprise Pacific Islanders. According to 2014 U.S. Census Bureau data, one in four Tongans living in the U.S. resides in Utah, with Salt Lake City and West Valley being the most populous Tongan communities in the country. Salt Lake City has the fourth-largest Samoan community in the states. “The history of Utah includes Pacific Islanders since the earliest times of the pioneers to the state,” West Valley City Councilman Jake Fitisemanu explained to the audience in attendance at the event, declaring that there are seven generations of Hawaiians, Samoans and Maori here in the state. Of West Valley City’s “minority-majority” of Pacific Is-
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
Plus-size Sports Illustrated model Veronica Pome’e’s brave domestic-violence story helped others heal while in West Valley City for April’s National Pacific Island Violence Prevention Conference. (Photo Credit: Lauren Ulugia/ PIK2AR)
landers, Fitisemanu presented a picture of a “vibrant, thriving, beautiful community… [needing to] move beyond taboos, a circle of silence, a cycle of trauma… to be even more vibrant.” Fitisemanu himself hails from Wellington, New Zealand, where he was born of a Hawaiian mother and a Samoan father. His uncle, Eveni Tafiti, who has worked with elementary, junior high and high school students in gang-prevention programs, delivered the ceremonial opening to the first full day of the conference. The model Being the first Polynesian woman to ever be featured in Sports Illustrated, model Veronica Pome’e has been given a platform to speak about domestic violence in the Pacific Island culture and communities. (The Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, featuring Pome’e, is on newsstands this month.) Pome’e shared her “personal journey in violence and healing.” She grew up in a crowded household with parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins. “Most of my uncles beat their wives,” she shared. Her older brother “disciplined” the siblings. Pome’e said domestic violence is both a symptom and a form of miscommunication. “Miscommunication can manifest in violence. Healthy communication can heal,” she said. She also stressed that “self-love” begets “connected love,”
and that members of the Pacific Islander community need to embrace that notion. The cultural experts Indigenous cultural expert Herwini Jones shared anecdotes about how culture is key to breaking cycles of violence. New Zealander Jones has uniquely worked with Pacific Island prison populations. Operating in “lockdown,” without external intervention, he “take[s] them on a journey of identity” to reconnect with their culture, including language and traditions. “Their anger goes away,” he said. “You can connect with them.” Jones shared an anecdote of a 20-year gang leader’s becoming humbled through an identity journey. In another circumstance, he worked with a group of 20 men, focusing on learning and exploring cultural song for four days. “Twenty men came in. Twenty different men left.” Like swimsuit model Pome’e, Jones considers communication a lifeline for breaking the chain of violence. He told the audience he encourages Pacific Islanders who are incarcerated to find their leadership inspiration through indigenous cultural gods and heroes, and realize that they, too, went through afflictions. “These evil afflictions you will experience,” he noted, “you will experience them so that you might grow as a leader.” Dr. Val Kalei Kanuha, assistant dean of field education at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, said that “culture is the pathway to healing.” Kalei Kanuha shared case studies of Hawaiian values at work in healing both sides of domestic violence – perpetrator and victim alike. Her philosophy of “holding them accountable through love” is missing, she said, in the U.S. justice system. “We have a very punitive, retributive, angry system,” she said, and it is one whose “jails and prisons are filled with brown people.” Whereas every tribal hero or god cited by Jones was a male entity, Kalei Kanuha focuses on female goddesses from Hawaiian traditions. The “na’au” or instinct leads to being in a good place, she said. Kalei Kanuha shared stories of men learning about goddesses and the spiritual “na’au” and then being made to reconcile their actions, feeling remorse and learning a path to change. At closing sessions working with domestic-violence perpetrators, she has the men hold hands – a thing that she insists does happen, with big-boned Hawaiian men clasping for group strength – and, together, chant “Our work, our stories, go on forever and ever. Mahalo.” l
Look Inside... For Arctic Circle Coupons Arctic Circle monthly coupons are also available online at:
acburger.com/coupons
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Ogden, UT Permit #190
OPEN SUNDAYS
Monday Sunday 10am - 9pm
5
, ay ! In nd y rr Mo h Hu ds 27t ! En y m le Ma t 9p Sa a
Get it Today... No Credit Needed!
Y YEAR EARSS 0%%interest* no down payment no minimum purchase
On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 5/7/2019 to 5/27/2019. Equal monthly payments required for 60 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See back page for details.
4
YEARS
3
PLUS
15
%
YEARS
0% interest* no down payment no minimum purchase
OFF!
‡‡
2
YEARS
0% interest* no down payment no minimum purchase
0% interest* no down payment no minimum purchase
On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 5/7/2019 to 5/27/2019. Equal monthly payments required for 48 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See back page for details.
On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 5/7/2019 to 5/27/2019. Equal monthly payments required for 36 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See back page for details.
On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 5/7/2019 to 5/27/2019. Equal monthly payments required for 24 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See back page for details.
PLUS
PLUS
PLUS
20 OFF! %
‡‡
25 OFF! %
‡‡
30 OFF! %
‡‡
*Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. ‡Monthly payment shown is equal to the purchase price, excluding taxes and delivery, divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the selected financing option shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period if this balance is the only balance on your account during the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. §Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details. ‡‡Previous purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offers exclude Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster® and Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid™ mattress sets, floor models, clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery fee, Manager’s Special pricing, Advertised Special pricing, and 14 Piece Packages and cannot be combined with financing specials. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Southwest Furniture LLC., many times has multiple offers, promotions, discounts and financing specials occurring at the same time; these are allowed to only be used either/or and not both or combined with each other. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Some restrictions may apply. Available only at participating locations. ±Leather Match upholstery features top-grain leather in the seating areas and skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2019 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Promotional Start Date: May 7, 2019. Expires: May 27, 2019.
Page 2 | May 2019
West Valley City Journal
aisal Apprtrified e e r F a ce er by pprais l a initia t! on intmen appo
-Personalized Service -Local Market knowledge -Top Quality representation
Treating you like family for over 34 years.
Joe Olschewski 801-573-5056
joeolschewski41@gmail.com
REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today.
801-262-5200
1399 W 9000 S, West Jordan Saving people money on more than just car insurance.® Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2019. © 2019 GEICO
Wvc Journal .com
May 2019 | Page 3
Aw, snap! Envision Utah’s Inland Port public input session becomes unexpected scenario
WEST VALLEY CITY
C ITY OURNAL The West Valley City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Valley. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
West Jordan Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan.s@thecityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis.b@thecityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.c@thecityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa.w@thecityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Zander Gates zander.g@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper brad.c@thecityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Ty Gorton Debbie Funk Amanda Luker
West Valley City Journal 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801 254 5974
Designed, Published & Distributed by
MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.
free l community l papers
Page 4 | May 2019
By Jennifer J. Johnson | j.johnson@mycityjournals.com
I
t looked as if the Envision Utah team had not planned for the possible scenario and associated externalities of a blind-siding public input session. On March 28, Envision Utah, the scenario-planning group contracted by the State of Utah to engage and manage resident input about a Salt Lake Inland Port, held a public input meeting at the Salt Lake County (SLCO) Council Chambers. Instead of guiding county residents through Envision Utah’s trademark “scenario-planning” exercises to elicit public opinion, community-planning evangelists awkwardly tried to steer a meeting gone awry. According to an anonymous SLCO elected official attending the meeting, “[The meeting] clearly got away from them.” In the end, SLCO County Mayor Jenny Wilson helped quell the meeting and get things back on track, reminding attendees of the overall big-picture process and that public opinion comes in stages on the project. Comment after comment, and then, question after question from audience members expressed frustration, uncertainty and doubt about what many perceive as a “done-deal” situation where Envision Utah is nothing more than a “PR firm,” a hired-gun under the guise of credibility advancing state desires for development of a robust Inland Port economic engine to provide jobs, and with those jobs, tax dollars aplenty for the state and what the audience broadly depicted as a “small group of greedy landowners.” Inland Port inside Dubbed “a win for Utah,” and a “generational opportunity,” by the State, The Inland Port is a visionary project for vast undeveloped swaths of land on the westside of Salt Lake County are transformed into a bustling shipping destination, leveraging railways for transportation to and fro. The Utah Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 234 this session, created the Inland Port Authority, or organization to manage the project. Salt Lake City swiftly filed a lawsuit, challenging the legislation, and charging “gross state overreach” in what the City viewed as a 16,000-acre land grab and a project the Mayor’s office perceived as a rogue Salt Lake City Council venturing into discussions with the state, without the authority to do so. Environmental advocates are up in arms, with regards to destroying natural habitats and committing to heavy development in a valley already choking and being fined by the Environmental Protection Agency for poor air quality. So far, public comment sessions for Inland Port have been docile, even predictable, until the session at SLCO. Prior to that night, three public input sessions occurred. Envi-
Salt Lake County Councilman Arlyn Bradshaw, weighs in with his thoughts about the Inland Port, as other county residents do likewise. (Jennifer J. Johnson/City Journals)
sion Utah has posted presentations given and comments received from each of those meetings on the Inland Port website. The SLCO session Twenty-five minutes into the meeting, Envision Utah President and Chief Operating Officer Ari Bruening, who conducted the session, said: “The question is not – ‘Is it going to develop?’ – but [rather], ‘How [is it is going to develop]?’” From there, the audience went into questions and comments, challenging Envision Utah’s intentions as well as the assumption that development needed to occur. Also occurring was a kind of public engagement still new to the Salt Lake community: finger snapping. “It’s a peaceful, impactful protest,” explained Darin Mann, action director for SLC Air Protectors, an activist group that has not yet established itself as a 501(c) or nonprofit organization. “[Finger snapping is] a common meeting etiquette that has happened – politely agreeing with the speaker’s position… a natural thing that has coalesced… not too disruptive… but makes a point.” In an article “Why Snapping Is the New Clapping,” The New York Times calls snapping “a phenomenon” and expressive of a social-media culture with instant feedback. However, the practice of snapping approval dates back to Beat Generation poets and maybe even before.
City Journals found a group of three 20-something men who were quick to comment, quick to complain, and quick to click, but completely paused when asked their names for comment in the article. Saying that they were geographically representative of Liberty Park, West Jordan, and downtown Salt Lake City, the three men said they feared repercussions in the job market if they went on the record with their comments. Snapping aside The insistence of a room where, according to Alan Naumann, local activist and contributor to Green News, there were 30 negative comments and only one in support of development of the Inland Port area, presented a somewhat unique situation for Envision Utah. Often seen as “the good guys” in seeking to leverage a process for responsible development, in this situation, Envision Utah was put on the defensive. “We saw some pent-up frustration and people who felt like they haven’t had a chance to be heard,” said Envision Utah’s Bruening. The snapping and overall impact of the group did make a mark on the process. Bruening said that Envision Utah is going to consider broadening the list of environmental groups it engages and more vigorously court westside public opinion (e.g. Poplar Grove and Rose Park communities in Salt Lake City, as well as West Valley City and Magna in Salt Lake County and parties in Tooele County.) To encourage more public input, especially in the demographic which would be most impacted by the creation of a Utah Inland Port, Bruening said Envision Utah “may be adding another public session or two” and will amp up promotion of its online survey. Envision Utah has already purchased Facebook ads, seeking more input. At press time, the Inland Port website’s public meeting section had no additional public comment meetings scheduled. However, residents are able to take the survey by just clicking a button on the site. https:// www.utahinlandport.org/utah-inland-portpublic-meetings Bruening, contradicting the sentiments of the SLCO meeting, indicated the process is yet young. “We are in the first phase of the process,” he said. Mann, when asked who would be a more neutral party than Envision Utah, for exploring development-related matters, responded: “Good question… Maybe the County could step up a little bit. It would put them in an interesting predicament, but with their duty as public servants, they could facilitate those discussions.” l
West Valley City Journal
Syringe exchange proving successful By Bill Hardesty | B.Hardesty@mycityjournals.com
M
eet Angel Flores, age 36. Angel was born in Salt Lake City and started using drugs at age 12. He is a long-term recovery addict. Angel lived on the streets for seven years. He now lives in an apartment on Main Street. Angel is now employed at All Weather Products in Salt Lake City. Two years ago, while on the street, he saw that the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition (UHRC) had set up a tent and asked what they were doing. He was told they were doing syringe exchange. He responded, “Syringe exchange. What?” Angel is now clean and volunteers with the UHRC at syringe exchange events and tells his story to participants. Utah Harm Reduction Coalition Mindy Vincent, a licensed clinical social worker, founded UHRC in 2016 after her own recovery. She is 12 years sober. She lost a sister to a drug overdose and knew she had to do something to save her little brother, who was also an addict. He is now three years sober. While there is no universally accepted definition of harm reduction, it is generally a public health strategy aimed at respecting drug users, reducing the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and offering approaches to prevent or end drug usage. UHRC embraces this approach by focusing on individuals and their power to change. Vincent calls herself a “recovered addict” not the more common “recovering addict.” Vincent feels the key to long-term success is “becoming a new person.” “Build a life worth living,” Vincent declared. Vincent looked at current practices and concluded that if a person is labeled “recovering,” there is no end. The person always feels that a slip up can happen any time. They don’t see themselves in a new light, but rather just avoiding the habit as long as they can. Vincent also realized, “I never asked [the addict] what they would like.” Vincent feels it is too common for recovery services to tell clients rather than listen to them. The UHRC mission statement declares: “Everyone is their own primary agent of change and we support their rights to choose their own definition of recovery.” “We meet them where they are at and don’t leave them there,” is an often-spoken mantra at UHRC. Sometimes, harm reduction strategy is painted as an “anything goes” approach. However, Vincent pointed out that “harm reduction has boundaries.” In fact, she said those boundaries are important as people build their new life. UHRC therapy approach is based on four principles: healing from traumas of the
Wvc Journal .com
past; learning new coping skills; reducing risk factors in your life; and building protector factors. “Love is really the thing that heals,” Vincent observed, which is why participants are never kicked out of treatment. “People need to be allowed to recover fully,” she added. UHRC offers substance abuse treatment, free or low-cost testing, drop-in counseling, group sessions, recovery resources, and naloxone (Narcan) distribution. “We have provided about 3,000 kits and know of 1,000 reversals,” Vincent said. This means a thousand people are living rather than dead following an overdose. Syringe exchange UHRC is most known for their syringe exchange service, which is also the most misunderstood. At first glance, the notion that agencies can give clean needles to users so that they can continue to use seems nonproductive in helping people become clean. However, the evidence shows the opposite. Syringe exchange programs became legal in Utah on March 25, 2016 with the signature of Governor Gary Herbert. HB 308 went into effect May 10, 2016. The law states that agencies in Utah “may operate a syringe exchange program in the state to prevent the transmission of disease and reduce morbidity and mortality among individuals who inject drugs and those individuals’ contacts.” The law does not provide funds for syringe exchange programs, but it does provide guidelines and requires reporting. It also follows the restrictions of federal funding for syringe exchange. Currently, UHRC only holds syringe exchange events in Salt Lake City. However, they hope to expand into other areas soon because they see the need. They simply need an informed and understanding community. This is not a “throw in the towel” approach. But rather a way to introduce treatment options to users, reduce the amount and the cost of HIV treatment as well as hepatitis B and C, and reduce syringe litter. Treatment options In an August 2017 information sheet, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that, “People who inject drugs are five times as likely to enter treatment for substance use disorder and more likely to reduce or stop injecting when they use a [Syringe Service Program].” At a recent syringe exchange on the west side of Salt Lake, participants stood in line to exchange used needles for new ones. For health reasons, syringes are given in bags of 10. This means that if a participant dumps 1-10 needles, they get a bag of 10. If they dump 11, they get two bags of 10. They also are given a user kit consisting of items needed to inject and information about HIV and hepatitis B and C. If needed, they are given a safe disposal container. The items are given
individually allowing the volunteer to invite the receiver to additional therapy treatments. It is like the practice used by countless other groups that offer items such as a warm bed or coffee and donuts so that the person can listen to their message. Since August 2018, UHRC has provided 6,300 treatment referrals. Reduce public health concerns It is common wisdom that preventing disease is less costly than treating the disease.
• A reused needle doesn’t inject as easily or as cleanly as a new one and can cause pain, bleeding, and bruising. • Studies have shown that there’s a link between needle reuse and the appearance of lumps of fatty tissue that can form at an injection site (lipodystrophy).” Vincent commented, “They are already suffering. Why should they have to suffer more negative consequences?”
Angel Flores, a long-term recovery addict, is working now and it started with finding a syringe exchange program by the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
The CDC reports, “[Syringe programs] saves taxpayers money by lowering the financial burden of treating the diseases and associated health risks” of injections. By providing users with clean needles, they are less likely to reuse or, in worst cases, share needles. The latter increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C and the former increases the risk to the user. The website, Rehabs.com reported, “According to the Centers for Disease Control, needle exchange programs have resulted in a reduction of risky behavior by as much as 80 percent. HIV/AIDS cases have declined by as much as 30 percent. They are also cost effective. It can cost up to $12,000 to prevent one HIV/AIDS case through the needle exchange program, but it can cost $190,000 to treat someone infected with the disease.” BD, a global medical technology company and a manufacturer of syringes, stated on their website: “The harm you can cause yourself by reusing a needle is much greater than any convenience or cost savings. The tips of needles may become damaged after just one injection. Even though you can’t see this damage with the naked eye, it’s still there — and it may become worse each time you reuse. There are a lot of good reasons not to reuse syringe or pen needles: • The tip of a reused needle can be weakened to the point where it breaks off and gets stuck under your skin.
The contents of a user kit provided by the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition during a syringe exchange event. (Bill Hardesty/City Journals)
Syringe litter With the 2019 opening of the Homeless Resource Centers, such as the one being built on the west side of South Salt Lake City bordering West Valley City, syringe litter is becoming a concern for neighbors. Syringe litter is discarded needles that could be picked up by others or stepped on. The CDC reports that a syringe exchange program “reduces the amount of needles found in public places by 50 percent and up to 90 percent of syringes distributed by exchanges are returned.” In addition, at UHRC exchange events, volunteers look for syringe litter and dispose of it properly. For Angel Flores, it made all the difference. “Syringe exchange gives addicts hope. Look at me. I cleaned up my life.” l
May 2019 | Page 5
Salt Lake Valley celebrates Mexican culture May 3-5 By Jennifer J. Johnson | J.Johnson@mycityjournals.com
Mexican skirts have different names in different regions. In the Salt Lake Valley, the name is simply “wow.” Check out traditional dancing performances during this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations. (Photo Credit dbking/Wikipedia)
J
ust as St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland does not assume the rollicking persona it has here in the United States, the Cinco de Mayo holiday is more restrained in Mexico than it is in the parts of the United States which do celebrate it. According to the History Channel, Cinco de Mayo, or May 5, is a “relatively minor holiday in Mexico,” which celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War. Here in the United States, the holiday has “evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.” The Salt Lake take Enter Salt Lake County, where both Salt Lake City (21.3 percent of its population is Hispanic or Latino) and South Salt Lake (21 percent of its population) are cited by Wikipedia on its “List of Mexican-American Communities” and where the county is situated in a state where Latinos are the largest and fastest-growing minority population, now comprising 14 percent of the state’s overall population, according to the US Census Bureau. “For the Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and Hispanics who live in Midvale, Salt Lake County and Utah, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo represents an opportunity to revive our heritage, proud of who we are and grateful for how we have been received in our communities,” explained Jose Vicente Borjon Lopez-Coterilla, Mexico’s consul in Utah. “It helps us showcase our culture, and our love for both countries and to share with younger generations the values that make us stronger,” the diplomat added. “We appreciate how cities like Midvale, Salt Lake County, and Utah have been welcoming to Mexicans and their interest in fostering our integration
Page 6 | May 2019
to the fabric of their communities and at the same time maintaining and supporting our expressions of our values and heritage.” With Lopez-Coterilla setting the tone here, The City Journals looks at what is going on in our neck of the woods – or en nuestro cuello de los bosques. Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 – Midvale’s 32nd UCDM Midvale City Park, Midvale, 50 W. 7500 South Midvale’s UCDM (Utah’s Cinco de Mayo) is literally the granddaddy of the valley’s celebrations. Longtime Midvale businessman and resident Fausto Rivas started the festival at the urging of the Midvale mayor 30-plus years ago. Today, at age 85, Rivas and his wife, Dolores, literally sit back and enjoy the festivities that West Jordan-based daughter Dolores Pahl and her husband execute, along with multiple generations of the family. “It brings me joy,” said daughter Pahl of the year-long preparations that culminate in two days of celebrations – neither of which is actually on May 5, due to its falling on a Sunday, a day eschewed by many in Utah for partying. Midvale’s population, according to the 2017 Census, is 23.5 percent Hispanic or Latino, giving the spirit of the festival authenticity boost. Friday, May 3, from 6-10 p.m. 400-plus valley residents show up at a quirky building at the back of the Midvale City Park to play “Cinco Bingo.” Generous prizes from Costco and Sam’s Club, as well as local Top Golf sweeten the deal. No charge for admission or game-playing. Saturday, May 4, is the main event, also at Midvale City Park. Pahl says she is estimating as many as 8,000 attendees (it
would be an exponential leap from the 1,000 she said have previously attended) for a 12hour festival, running from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. No charge for admission. Event highlights: Noon – The Mexican Consulate will, for the first time, address the festival, followed by the real crowd-pleaser: 20 charros (horsemen), wearing mariachi hats, riding in unison. 6:45 p.m. - Mariachi Águilas de la Esperanza – “Utah’s smallest mariachi band (in height) and its biggest (in numbers)” is how the Deseret News described this mariachi band from dual-immersion Esperanza Elementary. 8 p.m. – Headline band, Roberto Lopez y El Tiempo de Mexico Proceeds from the event go directly to the Midvale Boys & Girls Club. “Our main focus is to give back to the community,” said Pahl. Friday, May 3 - Granger de Mayo Granger High School (Outside by ball field), WVC, 3580 S. 3600 West West Valley City’s Granger High School (GHS) is a Cinco de Mayo veteran, having produced its trademark “Cinco de Mayo Carnival” since 2016. As Utah’s second-most populous city, West Valley City (WVC) is even more diverse than Midvale, with 37.7 percent of the population being Hispanic or Latino. The high school is even more diverse than WVC, speaking to Utah’s growth in diversity coming from immigrants having families. GHS is 59.97 percent Hispanic or Latino, and is the only high school City Journals encountered offering up such an epic Cinco de Mayo celebration. The annual event garners an audience of 300-400 each year, and is planned and executed by the school’s Lati-
nos in Action (LIA) class to share the Latino culture. Proceeds from the event support LIA classroom activities. On Friday, May 3, GHS presents the 2019 Cinco de Mayo Carnival, complete with dance, food, games, and, per the flyer, “So much more!” Attendance is free. All food items are $1. Most games cost $1, with special games like blow-up jousting and the dunk tank costing $2. Other games include soccer kick, a bungee run, knock the cans down, egg relay, balloon-darts, Foosball, cup pong, stack-the-cups, three-legged race, basketball shot, and sponge relay, according to Braydon Eden, Granger teacher and assistant coach of the high school’s soccer team. “We have speakers set up and will be playing music,” said Eden. “We will intermittently have dance contests.” Music will include a mix of Hispanic and popular American music. Bachata (from the Dominican Republic, with indigenous African and European musical elements), Cumbia (folkloric rhythm and dance considered “the backbone of Latin American music” by NPR), and Payaso del Rodeo (incredibly fast line dancing which one YouTuber depicted as “Not your typical electric slide, more like electrocuted slide”) are all on the musical menu. Younger children will enjoy the face painting and balloon animals offered. The event takes place at GHS and runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m., preceding the evening’s soccer game against cross-town rival Hunter High School. Saturday, May 4 -Taylorsville ties tree planting with Cinco de Mayo Millrace Park, Taylorsville, 1150 W. 5400 South Fresh off hosting last month’s highly engaging “First Latino Town Hall” featuring the state’s Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox and other representatives discussing politics — often in fluid, elegant Spanish — with citizens, the city of Taylorsville presents a Cinco de Mayo-themed tree-planting event where children can learn the benefits of ecological stewardship and cultural exchange. The first 40 children on site will receive pots and seeds to grow their own mini-gardens. All will help plant eight new trees in the park. The City asks that volunteers bring their own shovels and gloves to help plant the trees. Cinco de Mayo piñatas take center stage at 10:30 a.m. The event offers complimentary snacks and music entertainment. Taylorsville is 20.8 percent Hispanic, and this blended event is a great way to honor the city’s cultural diversity. Event organized and executed by the Taylorsville Parks and Recreation Committee and Cultural Diversity Committee. Another type of fifth Friday, May 3, Church and State Business Incubator, Downtown SLC, 370
West Valley City Journal
S. 300 East The Hammered Copper wants to prepare Salt Lake revelers to host their own Cinco de Mayo parties. Offering a “Copper Cup” class on Friday night, licensed educator and proprietor Alexi Johnson noted, “Most of the time when you think of Cinco de Mayo, you think of bright colors and lots of tequila, but you don’t think about the cool traditions that surround it.” For Johnson, these cool traditions include the sublime secrets of tequila. Johnson will instruct attendees how to concoct not just classic margaritas, but to explore the flavor profiles of tequila, by learning how to make tequila old fashioned and tequila mules. It’s a case of “classic flavors, new spices,” she said. Tequila’s many flavors will be paired with food from Liberty Heights Fresh Market. The hands-on “let’s not just drink, but learn how to make them, too” event takes place at Church and State downtown. Cost is $50. Class starts promptly at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Original class filled up quickly, so an additional 10 seats were added. Tickets still available at press time. (801) 448-7891 or info@thehammeredcopper.com Sunday, May 5, Park City Culinary Institute, 1484 S. State Street For an event taking place on “the” Cinco de Mayo, The Park City Culinary Institute presents its Sunday evening Cinco de Mayo Chef’s Tasting Dinner.
Wvc Journal .com
Hors d’oeuvres and dinner courses are paired with tequila agave spirits from Eden, Utah’s craft distillery, the New World Distillery. Menu includes street tacos, mole verde and flan. Dinner held at Park City Culinary Institute in Salt Lake. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Prix fixe dinner ($75) starts at 6 p.m. Guests limited to 30. Tickets still available at press time. Info@PCCulinary.com or (801) 4132800. Family fun on the fifth Sunday, May 5 – A birthday party built for families on Cinco de Mayo proper Sugar Space Arts Warehouse, Salt Lake City’s River District, 132 S. 800 West Also being held on May 5 is the complimentary “Cinco de Mayo with WestSide Dance” festival. Running from noon-6 p.m. at downtown’s Sugar Space Arts Warehouse, the party celebrates not just Cinco de Mayo, but the dance studio’s 21st birthday. The lineup of activities includes outdoor games, food trucks, a bike and car show, chorale and dance performances, an auction, and karaoke and baile – also known as a dance-floor gathering. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy a day of food, fun, games and dancing,” encouraged WestSide Dance Founder and Executive Director Maxine Lucero. l
OSTEOARTHRITIS—Risks and Treatment Options Pankhuri Gupta, MD Rheumatology Internal Medicine of Salt Lake
- Obesity - Previous injury - Overuse - Family history
Symptoms: - Pain during physical activity - Swelling - Decreased mobility What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, chronic - Creaking or crackling sound with joint disease that occurs when the movement cartilage between the joints wears down overtime, causing the bones of the joints to rub closely against one another. This can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased mobility, and, in more extreme cases, bone spur formation. The most common cause of osteoarthritis is age, but there are a number of factors that contribute to osteoarthritis, including heredity, sex, weight, repetitive stress injuries, and illnesses. Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis: - Age: Older adults are at higher risk
Treatment Options: - Anti-inflammatory pain medication - Corticosteroid injections - Physical and occupational therapies - Strength exercises If the symptoms of osteoarthritis, affect your daily life, it may be time to speak to a doctor about your treatment options. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist, call 801-505-5299.
May 2019 | Page 7
Nine educators, one administrator honored with Excel award By Jess Nielsen Beach | j.beach@mycityjournals.com
I
n a scene straight from King Arthur’s time, dozens of teachers, administrators and supporters of education gathered together at round tables to celebrate their colleagues at the 2019 Excel Awards, hosted by the Granite Education Foundation. Teachers and administrators from Granite School District were awarded for a job well done on April 12 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center. This year’s theme was stories, with elaborate thrones and a dinner buffet fit for the momentous occasion, which also marked 30 years of the ceremony. “If you want to find champions who support education, they’re right there,” said Brent Severe, the CEO of Granite Education Foundation, gesturing to the room. Nine teachers and one administrator were chosen as Excel award recipients, a process that has been a long time coming. Nominations started in October of last year, with students, parents, and other staff choosing an outstanding teacher and submitting their name. Once the nominations are in, there is a months-long process in which the teachers and administrators are notified and must then complete an application. The selection committee, made up of past winners, sponsors, and education advocates, then spends January through March reading over each application and deciding
Page 8 | May 2019
2019’s Excel award winners. Left to right: Jennifer Millett, Samantha Vore, Leah Wright, Levi Negley, Rachel Pehrson, Michelle Chester, Lauren Merkley, Molly Dingley, Stephanie Harris, and Jared Reynolds. (Photo courtesy Granite Education Foundation)
which candidates move on until there are only 10 left. This year, there was a record 4,000 nominations from the immense 92-school district, which speaks to the caliber of Granite’s educators. “These teachers are shaping our tomorrow,” Severe said. “The award is truly a rise to the top of the finest educators, from kindergarten all the way up to AP math.” Not only is the Excel award a high honor, but each winner receives $1,000 and is eligible for Teacher of the Year at the state level. On hand to emcee the night was KSL news anchor Shara Park, who grew up in the district. “Tonight we gather to celebrate the story of teachers,” she began. “I run Granite, through and through…I never would have signed that four-year college scholarship to NIU (Northern Illinois University) without those teachers in my life. Thank you for what you’re doing.” After a video presentation of past winners discussing the honor and opportunities that come with the award, 2018’s Teacher of the Year—and Utah’s nominee for the 2020 NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence—Archer Birrell, took the podium. “I love stories about superheroes,” Birrell said, “especially the Granite Education Foundation. Thank you for being real-life heroes.” He went on to thank those who supported and inspired him, ending with, “I want to encourage all of you to be a teacher’s hero, too. Your support might help a teacher to stay in the field.” Teachers being heroes was an ongoing
theme throughout the evening. Many spoke of the challenges presented by being in Title 1 schools, where students may not have the best circumstances in their personal lives. Educators often purchase supplies and snacks with their own money to help a student in need. “You hope you can make a difference,” said award-winner Leah Wright, a teacher at Gearld Wright Elementary. When speaking of her nomination and relationships with her pupils, she added, “Sometimes you have an incredible bond with a child. That’s what it’s all about.” Each winner was introduced first by a short video of them in their school, their reaction to winning the award, and a short interview of their story and how they came to be in the profession. They were then brought onstage and presented the award by their sponsor. Martin W. Bates, the superintendent of Granite School District, closed the event by expressing his gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of the audience. “If community and education come together, it strengthens that community.” The winners Jared Reynolds, Granite Connection High School: “The most amazing thing about receiving the award is receiving it for the school.” Jennifer Millett, South Kearns Elementary: “I have five kids. I want to be the teacher I’d want them to have.” Lauren Merkley, Cottonwood High School: “I teach because I love humans.”
Leah Wright, Gearld Wright Elementary: “My motivation for teaching is absolutely the children.” Levi Negley, Taylorsville High School: “[In teaching] there’s an emotional responsibility, an intellectual responsibility…it made me see my community as I had never seen it before.” Michelle Chester, Churchill Junior High: “Every day I have something happen that I never thought would. It’s surprising every day.” Molly Dingley, Evergreen Junior High: “If you continue to improve and practice, that’s what helps any profession. I couldn’t have found a better fit, school and students.” Rachel Pehrson, Philo T. Farnsworth Elementary: “I always came back to education. I can make a bigger difference at a Title 1 school.” Stephanie Harris, David Gourley Elementary: “I really love helping others; watching their faces as they learn and grow is my favorite.” Samantha Vore, Cyprus High School: “I wanted to see if I can make a difference like was made for me. It’s indescribable, just having people come in and say ‘good job.’” Sponsors Granite Credit Union, America First Credit Union, Molina Healthcare, World’s Finest Chocolate, SelectHealth, my529, Coller Industries, VLCM, McNeil Engineering, University Federal Credit Union Businesses can contact the Granite Education Foundation office for sponsorship opportunities.
West Valley City Journal
Celebrating the mother of all holidays with stories about moms By Jennifer J. Johnson | J.Johnson@mycityjournals.com
H
appy Mother’s Day, Salt Lake County! In the stories below, The City Journals shares various ways people throughout the valley celebrate Mother’s Day. An ‘incredibly therapeutic… Mother’s Day that I will never forget’ The already somber 9-11 date was forever more deeply darkened for Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton, with the news that her mother had died in a car accident Sept. 11, 2011. “The pain was deep and the loss was so sudden that it was incredibly hard to process,” she recalled. “I knew my first Mother’s Day without my mom would be painful, so I decided to be proactive.” The weekend before Mother’s Day in 2012, the resilient leader whom Republican power brokers are now encouraging to run for governor in 2020, invited women who had lost their mothers to come to a Mother’s Day luncheon at her Taylorsville home. “I had people from my neighborhood, work and both sides of my family,” she noted. “We enjoyed lunch together and then went around the room and each of us showed a photo of our mom. It was incredibly therapeutic and a Mother’s Day that I will never forget.” The badge of motherhood “When I was growing up, Mother’s Day was exciting for me and my siblings. It gave us an opportunity to show our mother how much we loved and appreciated her,” reflected Salt Lake County Sheriff and Riverton resident Rosie Rivera. Rivera “started to not enjoy Mother’s Day so much” after the untimely passing of her mother at the young age of 52. “I was left with an emptiness that I could not fill,” she said. “This feeling changed once I became a police officer 26 years ago,” she said, and then asked herself the rhetorical question, “Why the change?” The answer from Utah’s only female sheriff and the sheriff responsible for the state’s most populous county is profound: “I have seen mothers who have lost a son or daughter in a tragedy, such as a drug overdose or a car accident, and the loss is incredible. I have seen mothers go to jail and not have the opportunity to spend the day with their children. I have seen the unconditional love mothers have for their children — regardless of their life choices — and I have seen the sacrifices mothers have made for their children. These experiences have made me appreciate Mother’s Day for the special day that it is.” Muumuu for Mama: a colorful Mother’s Day in Samoa The 2019 “Project Runway” contestant and Salt Lake City designer Afa Ah Loo has fond memories of a special Mother’s Day, that occurred almost 20 years ago in a village
Wvc Journal .com
“XO” marks the spot for Ruby Snap Mother’s Day cookies, which the gourmet cookie shop says are second in popularity to Valentine’s Day cookies. (Photo Credit Ruby Snap Cookies)
more than 5,000 miles away. To celebrate Mother’s Day 2002, the then 16-year-old Ah Loo engaged both his biological mother and his grandmother, who reared him from birth and whom he refers to as his mother, in commemorating the holiday. Ah Loo’s biological mother took him to the store to purchase the fabric he would use to then sew a colorful muumuu. The gown would prove to be an early prototype for the designer’s “Amioga Samoa” fashion line, which took the Fiji Fashion Week by storm in 2018, which in turn, led to his being cast for Bravo’s current season of the reality TV “Project Runway” series, where clothing is design/produced/modeled in short timeframes by contestants looking for their big break into the fashion industry. American Mothers Inc. and Utah Mothers Association: Honoring a ‘role not often recognized’ The Utah Mothers Association of the national American Mothers organization celebrates Mother’s Day the same way some depict the elves of Santa’s Workshop preparing for Christmas – the work to celebrate the following year’s Mother’s Day begins on the Mother’s Day holiday itself. “We have been active in naming mothers of the year across the country since 1935,” said Utahn Deanne Taylor. She said the organization was founded to recognize the crucial contribution mothers made in pulling American families out of The Great Depression. Motherhood is a role worthy of continual exploration, but “is a role not often recognized,” emphasized Taylor. Salt Lake Valley families wanting to gift a unique honor might consider nominating
their moms for Utah Mother of the Year. The fairly breezy nomination process is available online: www.utahmothers.org/honor-mom/ mother-of-the-year/. (Utah moms do get noticed. School teacher Judy Cook from Vineyard, Utah, was the 2013 American Mother of the Year.) Acting local with mothers around the world This Mother’s Day, volunteers and staff of the Utah Refugee Connection (URC) will host a luncheon at South Salt Lake’s Lincoln Elementary in Granite School District for approximately 300 refugee mothers from all over the world. The annual event, now in its sixth year, will gift refugee mothers with the opportunity to learn quilting and receive professional Mother’s Day portraits “for women who had
to leave their pictures behind” in coming to the United States, explained URC Executive Director and Sandy resident Amy Dott Harmer. URC dedicates the month of May to supporting refugee mothers, distributing paper towels, laundry detergent, and toiletries to refugee mothers and adding to the stockpile of supplies at their “Sharehouse” supply store at Lincoln Elementary. “Some of the cultures they come from have a Mother’s Day and some don’t,” Harmer said. “We want them to feel honored and appreciated.” Pastor-ized Mother’s Day appreciation and the cookie-making parents of seven who deliver An “XO” that tastes good? It sounded like the perfect gift to Pastor Vince Craig. The lead pastor at C3 Church in Sandy, Craig feels Mother’s Day needs to be special for all women and wanted to provide a special gift, to “give moms something they can go home with.” For the past three years, the church has partnered with downtown Salt Lake City gourmet cookie company Ruby Snap to order a few hundred individually-boxed cookies to make Mother’s Day a day “to spoil our moms,” he said. The Millcreek couple at the helm of Ruby Snap dedicates their Mother’s Day to other mothers in the state and across the country. Parents of seven themselves, Ruby Snap founder Tami Mowen Steggell and husband Robert Steggell spend Mother’s Day baking and managing delivery logistics for custom cookies which literally spell love (with a delicious icing “XO” written on them). The ushers at C3 Church pass them out after the conclusion of the Mother’s Day service. Of the Ruby Snap confections, “We give them to all of the women!” Craig exclaimed. “Even if you are not a mom, you have a mom, and may yet be a mom.” l
“Project Runway” 2019 contestant and Salt Lake City resident Afa Ah Loo’s 2002 Mother’s Day creation helped inspire his current, colorful fashion line. (Photo Credit Afa Ah Loo)
May 2019 | Page 9
Babysitters club: WVC Fire starts 101 course for youth By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
T
Save water. Get money. consultations Smart Controller Rebates
here are lots of community classes out there, but what about a babysitting one? That’s exactly what Kyle Stewart, a West Valley City engineer paramedic, started with his Firehouse EMS Academy. Stewart held a Babysitting 101 class, attended by 18 kids and six adults, in early March at Fire Station 74. “We wanted to find a way to not only give back, but get kids involved,” Stewart said. His daughter recently started babysitting, coming home with questions such as “what to do when an infant below 1 is choking?” or “what if they get into stuff they’re not supposed to?” Not a lot of babysitting courses are offered around the valley. American Red Cross and Intermountain Healthcare offer classes while Lehi Fire holds classes quarterly. Stewart owns Firehouse EMS Academy in West Valley City, a learning center with emergency medical training courses. Stewart’s had students in their late teens and early 20’s tell him they wished they’d known this information sooner for prior accidents in their lives. “We wanted to find a way that we could actually get to younger kids and teach them some of these skills so that should something happen, whether it’s babysitting or whether it’s that camping trip or whatever, they at least have that grain of knowledge to feed off
of,” he said. The course, developed by Primary Children’s Hospital, covers the basics: proper way to administer the Heimlich or CPR, knowing who to call for different situations, minor cuts and burns versus major cuts and burns, seizures, power outages, poisonings, broken bones, head traumas and nose bleeds. “It seems inevitable that every kid will get a nose bleed,” Stewart said, adding they tailored the course to common issues paramedics often see. Stewart went over what to include in a babysitter bag (flashlight, games, cell phone, first aid kit, etc.) or a babysitter 101 card (numbers for poison control and their parents, etc.). He also covered scenarios such as if a child swallows aspirin, can’t catch its breath or hits its head. As an EMS provider, Stewart said, what helps them when arriving at a scene is the babysitter knowing the child’s medical history. “One of the biggest takeaways we can give the kids is what your options are,” he said. “You’re not alone. What’s mom’s number, dad’s number, what’s grandma’s number? What are the safe places in the home, what are the bad places to avoid, what are the medical history, medications, allergies?” For Annice Osmond and her two chil-
dren attending the class, 11-year-old Cole and 10-year-old Molly, they learned more about the Heimlich maneuver and how to do CPR. Osmond said the class covered situations like what to do in a power outage that she hadn’t thought of before. “It’s much better for them to have this knowledge,” she said. “Not just for babysitting, but even for when they’re at school.” The class was free and filled up quick, with many waitlisted. Stewart hopes to do the class on a quarterly basis with larger class sizes. With three younger siblings of his own, Stewart did his share of babysitting growing up. He now has three daughters of his own. His oldest, 12-year-old Ashlynn Pavlov, started babysitting her younger siblings. It’s why he wanted her to take the class. Ashlynn said she normally would “start freaking out” if her sister would choke, but now feels more confident. She also learned about only using two fingers when doing CPR on infants. “I learned more about burns and what to do because I didn’t know how to tell if it was minor or not,” she said. “That could have gotten someone seriously hurt if I hadn’t known that.” Watch WVC Fire Facebook to see when the next babysitting 101 class is scheduled.
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK? Toilet
Replacement
Free programs and rebates to help you save water and money.
Apply today at
WANT FLEXIBLE HOURS WITH HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS OFF?
Granite School District is hiring Kitchen Managers, Nutrition Service Workers, and Nutrition Worker Substitutes! Applicants must have: High school diploma or equivalent, background check, and be willing to obtain a food handler’s permit. • • • •
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner positions available! 15 to 40 Hours per week with Flexible scheduling! Hiring at over 100 schools within the district. Pay starts at $11.89 per hour.
Call Us: (385) 646-4321
www.graniteschools.org/ nutritionservices/jobs Page 10 | May 2019
Kyle Stewart, WVC engineer paramedic, teaches the Heimlich maneuver during the fire department’s Babysitting 101 class in March. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
West Valley City Journal
‘Ending the silence’ crucial to treating mental illness
A
pick is set in a neighborhood basketball game. You hedge and follow, then grimace as an opposing player rolls to the basket. Of the 10 players on the court, two, most likely, are suffering from mental illness. You are listening, eyes closed in absolute serenity, to a summer classical music performance of Anton Bruckner’s String Quintet in F major. One of the five musicians likely suffers from mental illness. And more to everyday life, you are waiting to pick up your child from school. Turning off your engine to wait, you notice five cars in front of you, driven by five neighborhood parents also waiting, to pick up their children… Approximately one in five adults across the country experience mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Doubting the numbers? Verifiable statistics bump those seemingly dubious numbers even higher. According to the World Health Organization, during a 12-month period, 27 percent of American adults will experience some sort of mental health disorder, making the United States the country with the highest prevalence of mental illness. And here in Utah? According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Utah is the 10th highest-state with serious mental illness. Utah is particularly challenged with mental illness, explained Dan Powell, community outreach manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Utah, because of real or perceived notions of the necessity for perfection. “In Utah, [there is] this idea that we can’t let others see that we are imperfect,” Powell said. Or, others may argue, a population unwilling to often accept as “normal” individual choices, in terms of matters of identity and sexuality. What is to be done? As with many things, awareness is a start. National Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949. “Stigmas and misinformation cause a lot of fear and judgment,” Powell said. “Our goal is to take away that fear and have people have an appropriate understanding of what mental illness is.” Mental illnesses (MI) are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Serious mental illness (SMI) is defined a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, other than a developmental or substance use disorder. Beyond awareness – ‘walking the walk’ One way NAMI Utah kicks fear is by being a nonprofit employer who practices what it preaches: Powell scrolls through a list of NAMI employees and indicates that nearly
Wvc Journal .com
three-quarters of the staff have experienced MI themselves or have cared for – or are currently caring for – those with MI or SMI. Such authentic “walking the walk” is important, Powell said. “Everything we offer is peer-lead,” he said. “We have people who have walked the walk, speak the language, and understand the feelings – these are the people leading the activities… it makes a big difference.” NAMI Utah offers a “mentor line” which is staffed by NAMI employees who are either in recovery from MI/SMI or who are caregivers. Trained mentors currently service more than 1,000 calls per month. Taking it to the streets – the art of ‘grabbing peoples’ hearts Powell, himself, walks the walk and brings energy that feels new and fresh to NAMI. Part of Powell’s answer is the new NAMI Utah’s Speakers Bureau. Nothing short of “grabbing peoples’ hearts” is Powell’s goal. Allstate in Sandy, Larry H. Miller car dealerships in South Jordan, and the Utah Opera downtown have all benefited from community outreach from NAMI Utah. Local technology company IM Flash/Micron in Lehi has even booked NAMI for monthly presentations for its 1,700 employees. “We get a lot of requests from the community and want to move beyond statistics and data – to a personal connection,” he said. Finding one’s own power Story-telling not only informs others, but is therapeutic for those sharing their stories. One profound example is the personal growth of a young woman named Brooke Searle. Searle, who struggled with depression, anxiety, guilt and fear and other emotions as a member of the LGBT community, worked with Powell and then got the courage to be a speaker at February’s “Rally for Recovery” at the Capitol. The result was, Powell said, profound. “The empowerment from [her] speaking has allowed her, for the first time, to post her art.” “I knew one day my prints would come,” the playful artist posts on Facebook. Emphasis on teen mental health Teen mental health is personal for Powell. The son of an abusive chief of police in Ogden, young Powell felt suicide, versus enduring another day, was his best option. “There were a lot of guns in the home,” he recalled. “I took a shotgun to some nearby dirt fields,” he said and then paused, “My intention was to take a gun and kill myself.” One of his father’s colleagues happened along, honored the privacy of the situation and took the boy home, without a word to his father. The officer started showing up more often at the home, enrolled young Powell in a
Resources
By Jennifer J. Johnson | J.Johnson@mycityjournals.com
This year’s NAMIWalk takes place Saturday, May 4, at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the walk at 10 a.m. NAMI’s Mentor Help Line
801-323-9900
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Safe Utah Smartphone Crisis Text and Tip Line
https://healthcare.utah.edu/uni/safe-ut/
UNI Mobile Crisis Outreach teams will send a licensed clinical social worker and peer support specialist to home, school or business for anyone struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide. Available 24/7. Confidential and free. 801-587-3000
On Saturday, May 4, NAMI Utah presents its annual “NAMIWalk” at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the walk at 10 a.m. (Photo Credit NAMI Utah)
summer camp and got him into youth sports. Powell wants to help kids see options as early as possible. “In Herriman, the schools called after the suicides. What we want to do is be more proactive and guide the conversation, before a tragedy, like a suicide, occurs,” he noted. “Ending the silence” is essential, Powell declared. “The idea is just getting people talking about it – how to be more comfortable having these conversations.” A quick response Julia Moncur, like Powell, has struggled with ideas of suicide since age 12. Key to her staying healthy is her volunteering for NAMI, teaching a six-week course to teens. While teaching, she experienced an “a ha” moment, where the teen taught her more than her schoolwork. In a recent class she taught, there was “an extremely disruptive kid, talking, distracted, clearly some ADHD,” she said. “My co-teacher wanted to have him excused from the class, but I could
A volunteer NAMI teacher specializing in mental-health education for teens, Julia Moncur, and husband Brandon both just graduated in psychology from the University of Utah. Mambo, the French bulldog, wants all Salt Lake Valley folks to check out National Mental Health Awareness Month in May. (Photo Credit Julia Moncur)
tell that he wanted to be there and wanted to stick with it a little bit longer.” Moncur, a 22-year-old who just graduated from the University of Utah in psychology and whose goal is to pursue psychology, was spot-on with her hunch. “Charlie’s mom said he would come home after the class and share all that he had learned. I had no idea that he was getting everything out of the class from how he was behaving. This experience showed me it is easy to get frustrated with somebody, when you don’t know their story.” Kids in need of mental health therapy can be made to wait six months for an opening to surface, said Moncur. NAMI offers a free alternative, where kids can not only repeat the sessions as often as they wish/need, but can have their needs escalated. Moncur said a boy in class “had said some alarming things.” She visited with NAMI’s programs director and got him seen immediately. l
May 2019 | Page 11
Parks and Rec racks up three ‘outstanding’ awards By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
West Valley City Parks and Recreation Department was recognized with three awards from the Utah Recreation and Parks Association including Outstanding Adaptive Program, Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Sponsor. (Photo by Kevin Conde/West Valley City)
F
We Treat More than Arthritis... Steward Medical Group and Internal Medicine of Salt Lake are pleased to welcome Dr. Pankhuri Gupta. Dr. Pankhuri Gupta is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in rheumatology. She develops a differential diagnosis and treatment plan for each patient, whether it’s a young person with newly diagnosed lupus or a senior with arthritis. • • • • • • Pankhuri Gupta, MD Rheumatology
Rheumatoid Arthritis Vasculitis Myositis Lupus Ankylosing Spondylitis Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Rheumatic Etiology
• • • •
Rheumatic Eye Disease Osteoarthritis Psoriatic Arthritis Gout and Other Crystal Arthropathy • Joint Arthrocentesis • Scleroderma • Sjrogen’s Syndrome
Call 801-505-5299 to schedule an appointment today! 82 S 1100 E, Suite 403 Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Page 12 | May 2019
In Partnership with Physician Owners
or the third year in a row, West Valley City Parks and Recreation Department was recognized by the Utah Recreation and Parks Association. In 2017, it won Outstanding Facility for the skate park at Centennial Park. In 2018, it won Outstanding Program for providing free swim lessons to low income youth. But this year saw them win not one award, but three: Outstanding Adaptive Program, Outstanding Volunteer and Outstanding Sponsor. “I hope you realize with your parks and rec department, you truly have leaders in the state,” URPA Executive Director LeeAnn Powell told the City Council on April 9. “You should be very proud of the work they’re doing.” The department’s veterans golf league at The Ridge Golf Course won the Outstanding Adaptive Program. A discounted league, the program aims to help veterans and active duty military and their families with adaptive golf, free club rentals and a free closing social dinner along with free clinics and instruction. “(We) could not be more excited about this program,” said Bryant Boshard, head golf professional at The Ridge. Through the golf environment they create, Boshard said, there’s “an opportunity of comradery, connections, healing and healthy active living made available to these heroes.” In its third year, the program brings a group of veterans from the Valor House—a housing project for needy and chronically
homeless veterans—to play golf on a weekly basis. Powell said it won for its innovation and out of the box thinking. “(It’s) not a gym type of program,” she said. “It’s out in nature, it’s getting veterans involved and active military and their families, really providing programs that can be impactful in their lives.” Boshard said they extended the program from four to six months. This year’s season started on April 8 with 30 veterans, “which was phenomenal,” Boshard said. He hopes to see those numbers double, possibly triple this year. “We’re very, very proud of this league,” he said. Joyce Bangerter was named Outstanding Volunteer for her fitness classes she leads at Harman Senior Center. For six years, twice a week, Baylor has volunteered her time. And she’s 83. “(Bangerter) took everybody under her wing. It’s all about love and trying to get people out of the house and staying fit,” Powell said. The final award, Outstanding Sponsor, went to the Pete and Arlene Harman Foundation. Pete donated his home long ago to become what is today the Harman Senior Center. “We appreciate the recognition they receive, our parks and recreation,” said Mayor Ron Bigelow. “It’s great to see success.”
West Valley City Journal
City officials call on residents to help prevent child abuse By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Pinwheels were planted in front of West Valley City Hall on April 2 by elected officials, police and The Family Support Center to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention month. Each pinwheel represents a child, of which there were 755 confirmed victims in WVC between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Mayor Ron Bigelow read a proclamation during the council meeting that night which said “all children deserve to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.” The proclamation included a call to action to increase awareness and actively encourage parents to raise their children in nurturing environments. “Preventing child abuse requires each member of the community to be attentive to the problems around them and commit to doing everything they can to help,” reads the proclamation. (Photo by Kevin Conde/West Valley City)
Costs increase for 4100 South reconstruction By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
C
onstruction prices are going up. And municipalities are not immune. The West Valley City Council unanimously passed a resolution on April 9 reaffirming its commitment to fully fund the 4100 South reconstruction project, which sees the city road completely rebuilt between Bangerter Highway and 5460 West. The vote came about after an estimated $15 million in construction costs for the 4100 South reconstruction project turned into a little over $19 million, nearly 29 percent over the estimate. “Which was a pretty big hit,” City Engineer Dan Johnson told the West Valley City Council during its study meeting in early April. “It’s more a statement on where the construction market is today.”
Wvc Journal .com
The $15 million estimate by city engineers was a little higher than they expected, but after UDOT opened bids on the project, the lowest proposal was $19,389,875, leaving the projected estimate $4.3 million short. UDOT generally wants money up front, but will allow city officials flexibility to pay the additional funds as the project progresses. Though UDOT would like to see the city continue its dedication to the project, ergo the reason for the resolution. “I don’t see us having any alternative other than to move forward,” said Councilman Steve Buhler. Amounts increased on several items not anticipated by city officials including mobilization and traffic control preconstruction survey ($1.4 million); roadway excavation,
imported filling and road base and asphalt paving ($1.3 million); concrete posts and panel walls ($500,000); landscaping, signals and other improvements ($600,000); and storm drain and water systems ($500,000). Road excavation, Johnson explained, was estimated to be about $8 a yard, but the bid came back at $22 a yard. He said they based the $8 on UDOT’s public construction cost index which had roadway excavation at 5 percent, but jumped to 14 percent. Johnson said they weren’t sure why it jumped and thought they were high with an $8 estimate. Part of the issue, Johnson said, is there are limited contractors who can do this type of full road rebuild. “They’re just busy,” he said, noting the amount of transportation projects happening such as Mountain View
Corridor. And, Mayor Ron Bigelow added, the prices will go up “to drink in all that’s available.” Possible funding sources discussed by city officials in the April 2 meeting included rebalancing the costs with Granger Hunter Improvement District (a partner for the project), legislative appropriations, the general fund, reassessing the aesthetic for the walls, class C road funds, the storm water utility fund and state transportation funds. Bigelow said though there are questions about funding, “the commitment is still there to move forward with the project.”
May 2019 | Page 13
Mayor Jenny Wilson addresses regional growth, communication in State of the County By Jennifer J. Johnson | j.johnson@mycityjournals.com
A
speech that lasted 23 minutes boiled down to 10 words, according to Mayor Jenny Wilson: “We are Salt Lake County. We are here for you.” Tuesday, March 26, thanking a room full of County Council representatives, county employees, dignitaries, family members, and “even media” for their attendance, Mayor Jenny Wilson—now on day 49 of her administration—addressed a packed room in the Salt Lake County Council Chamber with her “State of the County Speech: We Are Here for You.” The speech tackled issues such as valley growth, environmental improvements, and county kudos. Wilson assumed the Salt Lake County (SLCO) mayoral mantle Jan. 29, having been voted in by Democratic special election, following the departure of former Mayor Ben McAdams, who was elected to the United States House of Representatives. Salt Lake County’s 18 municipalities? Mainly MIA Not in attendance for the mayor’s State of the County were many mayors and/or policy advisors of the 18 communities under the umbrella of county leadership and relatively few representatives of the municipalities. Single delegates from Millcreek, Salt Lake City and Taylorsville appeared to be the only municipal representatives attending the speech. Wilson, however, indicated she will buoy communications with municipalities by hosting a series of town halls over the next few months at a variety of county facilities. “Listening and engagement are core principles of my time in office,” she said. She also stated commitment to near-term delivery of
Page 14 | May 2019
“apps” and a more navigable website to help citizens connect with county services. Staying committed to her mayoral campaign pledges to air quality and matters of environmental concern, Wilson indicated the need to “double down” on challenges through the creation of the Office of Environmental Services. About three-fourths of the way through the speech, the mayor addressed the 800-pound elephant in the room, “explosive growth” across the county, she described, asserting “we need to assure growth is our friend, not our enemy.” Paving the way to that hopeful “friendship,” Wilson asserted, is the County, which has “the duty, as a regional government, to drive regional solutions through planning, resource management, and transportation solutions.” Shout-out to the Southwest “Southwest valley residents – I have heard you!” she declared. In follow-up press discussion, Wilson cited the need to “have conversations” and engender greater “engagement” with residents and leaders of the Southwest Quadrant, comprising Bluffdale, Copperton Township, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan, and West Jordan. Without specifically mentioning last summer’s proposed-and-failed Olympia Hills and its hopeful successor, Olympia Hills II, Wilson indicated the need to communicate that “density is not a four-letter word.” “We have to have planned communities,” she said. “Olympia Hills does have a mix.” This “mix” is a positive, she asserted, citing the community’s plan to include a host
of centers and amenities to provide it with the Velcro to thrive as a community. SLCO smile file Wilson’s address touted numerous accomplishments or “recent successes” such as a voter turnout of nearly 82 percent in the 2018 mid-term election; successfully lobbying for SLCO Recorder office funds to ensure fast tracking technological advancement; and SLCO District Attorney Sim Gill spearheading the recently passed Utah Hate Crimes Bill. Other successes cited by Wilson include: ‘Certified Welcoming’ for immigrants as economic-development factor In summer of 2018, Salt Lake County, became the first county in the nation to achieve “Certified Welcoming” status. In bestowing the honor on the County, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, Welcoming America, concluded an “intensive evaluation” of the County. The certification is touted as a competitive advantage for SLCO in economic development. Expanded low-income health services and heightened ‘opidemic’ combat Last month’s opening of the new 40,000-square-foot downtown Public Health Center will provide services for low-income families. Additionally, SLCO has responded vigorously to the “opidemic” – or county residents’ lifelong challenges with addiction to opioid drugs. Utah has the seventh-highest drug-overdose rate in the country. Wilson cited SLCO’s establishment of new clinics in Murray and West Jordan and amped-up treatment in downtown Salt Lake City as key accomplishments. Enabling self-sufficiency among low-level
offenders SLCO’s ushering in the “expungement bill” during the legislative session will provide automatic record clearance for low-level offenders who have paid their debt to society. Expungement is, traditionally, a complex and potentially expensive process for individuals looking to clear their criminal records. Clearing such records makes it easier for them to obtain self-sufficiency in housing, employment, and access to education. Salt Lake County has routinely hosted one day a year to help with this process, and now makes expungement a given, once signed into law by Gov. Gary Herbert. ‘It was Draper’s turn’ SLCO Parks and Rec is partnering to bring a 60,000-square-foot aquatic facility to Draper in 2020. “It was Draper’s turn,” Wilson told reporters, following her speech. In-the-room impressions “This was the best ‘State of the County’ delivery we have ever had,” noted Lisa Hartman, “and I have been to many of these.” Hartman, who is senior policy advisor for County Councilman Michael Jensen, later told the mayor directly, “It was written beautifully, and it was interesting.” “Mayor Wilson laid out a vision for Salt Lake County, where housing and transportation are coordinated and where residents continue to enjoy a high quality of life,” observed Andrew Gruber. Gruber is executive director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), which provides a forum for collaboration among cities, counties, transit partners, and other public, private and community stakeholders. “We look forward to collaborating.”
West Valley City Journal
Medicaid expansion open enrollment begins
Ned LeDoux
By Jennifer J. Johnson | j.johnson@mycityjournals.com
M
onday, April 1, marked the first day of open enrollment for approximately 70,000 to 90,000 adults under Utah’s Medicaid expansion. If an individual receives up to $1,041 in monthly income, or up to $2,146 for a family of four, they could qualify. The Primary Care Network (PCN) program closed on March 31, 2019. Members previously enrolled in PCN were automatically enrolled in Medicaid. Unlike Utah’s PCN, the window for enrollment does not have a fixed stop date, according to Kolbi Young, spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Health. Entry to the program, she said, is “open indefinitely.” Salt Lake County residents may apply in-person at a Department of Workforce Services (DWS) field office, or call 1-866-4357414 for information or to apply via phone. People can also visit www.takecareutah.org or call the United Way helpline or “211” for help. Residents may also apply by mail. Submitting an application for benefits does not guarantee coverage. According to a press release issued by Salt Lake County, “Both as a County Council Member and now as Salt Lake County’s top executive, Mayor Jenny Wilson fought hard to expand the program that covers the
gap in coverage for adults who do not currently qualify for Medicaid and are ineligible to receive benefits and subsidies through the federally facilitated marketplace.” After the Utah Legislature first voted down the Proposition 3 Medicaid Expansion from the General Election, the new “Bridge Plan,” per Senate Bill 96, the state is able to expand Medicaid benefits to parents and adults without dependent children earning up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, about $12,492 for an individual or $25,752 for a family of four. “It’s the right thing to do. It’s the cost-effective thing to do. It’s the humane thing to do,” said Wilson. When City Journals interviewed Wilson just a few weeks into her term, she indicated Medicaid expansion was part of her vision for “The Great Salt Lake County Dream.”
The son of America’s greatest Country/Western Artist performing his own hits as well as some of Dad’s classics
DRAPER
AMPHITHEATER There are a variety of ways to apply for Medicaid. Consult the “211” United Way helpline for assistance. (Photo courtesy Pixabay)
Stephen J. Buhler
www.DraperAmphitheater.com
3100 S
Starting at
$21.95/month
Redwoo d Rd
Monthly Unlimited Packages
1700 W
Photo: Don Polo Photography
All seating reserved. For tickets or more info:
Come Experience the Best Car Wash in Salt Lake City!
Attorney at Law
• Adoption • Divorce • Estate Planning • Guardianship • Inheritance • Name Change • Paternity • Pre-Marital Contract • Probate • Trusts • Wills
Sat, June 22 8pm
Utah Auto Spa
3300 S
"Over 25 Years Helping People Like You."
Call Attorney Steve Buhler at (801) 964-6901, or visit us at www.4utahlaw.com Many Cases Flat Fee First Visit Free Located in the Harmon Building - 3540 S. 4000 W. West Valley City
Wvc Journal .com
801-972-0670 UtahAutoSpa.com
3151 S Redwood Road West Valley City 84119 May 2019 | Page 15
You are invited & dinner is on us!
Hunter High students win automotive competition fourth year in a row By Jess Nielsen Beach | j.beach@mycityjournals.com
2019
Season Tickets: $49 Adult, $45 Senior, $29 Child Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov June 1 .............................................. Mamma Mia, Sing-Along June 8 ................... Murray Symphony Pops, “I’ve Got Rhythm” June 20-22, 24-26 ...Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat June 29 ...................................................Murray Concert Band July 12-13 ..............................................Ballet Under the Stars July 25-27, 29-31 ................................... Beauty and the Beast Aug 9-10, 12, 15-17 ............................................Little Women September 2 ............................ Murray Acoustic Music Festival
Dinner Seminar
Learn more about Advanced Funeral Planning • Wills • Trusts • Burial Plots • Cremation
Seminar Dates: May 28th at 6:00 pm
Every Tuesday at Noon in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE June 4 – Jim Fish & Mountain Country .........................Country June 11 – Flashback Brothers......................... Classic Rock Hits June 18 – Kate MacLeod ..........................................Folk/Celtic June 25 – Tony Summerhays.............................One Man Band July 9 – Chrome Street .................................................Quartet July 16 – Svengali Jazz ...................................................... Jazz July 23 – Time Cruisers................................................... Oldies July 30 – Buzzard Whiskey ...................................Acoustic Folk
Every Thursday at 2 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5, FREE June 6 – Christopher Fair ......................................Magic Show June 13 – Acadamh Rince .......................................Irish Dance June 20 – Coralie Leue ...............................The Puppet Players June 27 – Harvest Home ...........................Musical Storytelling July 11 – The Calvin Smith Elementary Lion Dance Team July 18 – Happy Hula ...........................................Island Dance July 25 – Sounding Brass .................................................. Jazz Aug 1 – Alphorn Trio ............................................. Swiss Music
Bring the Whole Family Young and Old! The 2nd Monday of every month at 7 p.m., FREE Murray Senior Recreation Center (#10 E 6150 S – 1/2 block west of State) June 10 – In Cahoots..........................................Cowboy Music July 8 – Skyedance................................................ Celtic Music Aug 12 – Company B...................................................... Oldies Sept 9 – Great Basin Street Band .................... Dixieland Music
This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts, and Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums, and Museums & National Endowment for the Arts.
Page 16 | May 2019
Golden Corral West Valley 3399 West 3500 South
May 29th at 6:00 pm Golden Corral Midvale 665 East 7200 South
May 30th at 6:30 pm
Famous Dave’s West Jordan 7273 S. Plaza Center Dr
No Obligation FREE Dinner Provided Please call to reserve your seat
Seating is Limited!
801-509-9798
The students of Team Edelbrock at Hunter High School hold up their hard-earned trophy at the SEMA competition. (Photo courtesy tomorrowstechnician.com)
B
eing driven to win has become a good habit of the automotive program students at Hunter High School. On Feb. 28, SkillsUSA, a career and technical student organization, hosted their annual competition at Granger High School. Two students from each high school in the Granite School District, picked for their achievements in the Advanced Auto classroom, spent a full day competing for the top spots. “The students take what they’ve learned all year and we tell them, in a month, you’ll be taking part of that competition,” said Tyler Perkins, the automotive technology teacher at Hunter. The contenders are required to use their practical as well as academic skills. In addition to a written test, the students must show their expertise in eight different stations including automotive, brakes, alignment and electrical. Ken Garff Auto was on hand to help set up and manage the stations. There was also a job interview station for student to brush up on their skills so they can be successful searching for work after graduation. Judges from the Utah Transit Authority
(UTA) awarded scores and decided which students came out on top. The honor was given to seniors Hayden Peterson and Ismael Torres, both of Hunter High. The two students joined a growing legacy, making this the fourth consecutive victory for their school. “We do other competitions as well,” Perkins said. “They’re part of my after school club, the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow.” The Hunter High Hot Rodders are made up of 10 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors. Back in December, Hunter’s Team Edelbrock participated in the 2018 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow National Championship. This was their second time making it into the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “This year, we took third in the nation,” Perkins said. “It was a pretty big deal. Each student got a $9,000 scholarship to either Universal Technical Institute, Sam’s School of Automotive Machines or Ohio Technical College.” Hunter High’s Automotive Program isn’t pumping the brakes just yet. “Our club is taking two teams for a qualifying event at UVU on May 18,” Perkins said. l
Thanks for supporting us since 1950. Ask us about all your pre-planning needs.
4330 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, UT 84123
McDougalFuneralHomes.com
The coveted SkillsUSA trophy, made from a flywheel, continues to be displayed at Hunter High School after a fourth consecutive win. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Perkins)
West Valley City Journal
Now offering
MEDICAL
Readers like you keep us printing!
ASSISTING Degree Program
Be part of YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS by donating to City Journals today! Name:
Phone:
Our program offers: • New laptop—yours to use in class and keep after graduation • Externship—receive real-world experience
Address: City:
State:
• We pay your certification costs—up to $500!* Call for details
One Time Donation: $
Monthly Donation: $
Call (801) 528-7070
Credit Card Number:
StevensHenager.edu *Certifications are not awarded by the college.
Zip:
Ex Date:
Send to City Journals at 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 | Sandy, Utah | 84070 For security reasons, if you would rather contact City Journals directly, call (385)557-1010 or email accounting@mycityjournals.com
For graduation rates, the median debt of graduates, and other data, see www.stevenshenager.edu/consumer-information.
WE’RE YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTION.
Discover all the best parts of working here. Join our team.
Text “mcdworksforme” to 36453 mcdonalds.com/careers Choose your hours.
NOW HIRIN G
for McDona ld’s in Taylorsville & West Valle y
No, really. Just tell us the hours you’re free (and the hours you aren’t). We’ll work around your needs.
Pursue your education.
From high school completion to college tuition assistance, we can help you reach your dreams
Build your skills.
Wherever you are now, come here to build the job skills, people skills, and life skills that can take you further.
ALSO Hirin g for SLC Air por t& 2310 E 210 0S& 3289 S Vall ey St.
Delight our guests.
Our team gets to share delicious food, fun moments, and big smiles all day long. Come make happy happen!
Be you.
Around here, you can be who you are, become even more, and move toward your dreams — with a great team to back you up.
COMMITTED TO BEING AMERICA’S BEST FIRST JOB.™ LOCATIONS NOW HIRING:
• 5338 S 5600 W • 4217 S Redwood • 5571 S Redwood • 3900 W 5400 S • 3464 W 3500 S • 3497 S 5600 W • 3540 S 8400 W
Wvc Journal .com
STARTING BETWEEN
$900 TO $1100 AN HOUR
May 2019 | Page 17
How Granite District teaches students strategies to recognize, report abuse By Heather Lawrence | heather.lawrence@mycitjournals.com
G
ranite School District held a press conference April 1 at Woodstock Elementary in Murray to talk about the program they’re using to educate elementary students about child abuse. The conference included time with Principal Brenda Byrnes, Gwen Knight of Prevent Child Abuse Utah (PCAU) and older elementary students. Ben Horsley, director of communications, called the press conference. “Since November of 2016, PCAU has been in many of our elementary schools to provide training on preventing child abuse. Over the next school year, the training will continue until it has been provided to every elementary school in GSD,” Horsley said. Horsley also acknowledged Discover Card for a generous donation toward the training. Steve Peck of Discover Card said, “I grew up in the Granite District. We value volunteerism and doing the right thing. We’re providing this donation to make sure that the entire district can receive this information and training.” The curriculum for the training, which runs for two 45-minute sessions and is geared toward specific ages, was developed over the past 30 years. It focuses on helping smaller children recognize the “uh-oh” feeling which might be an indication that something wrong is happening. For all students, the strategies
Woodstock Elementary students and every student in Granite School District will learn how to prevent child abuse. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
recognize, resist and report are taught. “In the report piece, we teach each child to have three trusted adults that they can talk to. Our curriculum is evidence and best practice based and was approved by a panel of the State Board of Education, DCFS and parents,” Knight said of the curriculum used by the nonprofit, Prevent Child Abuse Utah. Knight said that a bill passed in Utah in 2014 requires that every student, parent and school personnel be given access to abuse
Raising kids is tough...
You don't have to do it all by yourself.
We're here to help
Crisis Nurseries Family Mentor Program
training. “We are invited into the school to do this training. Parents are notified, and they can opt out. They can also come to the classroom and sit in on the presentations. We send handouts home,” Knight said. The donation from Discover Card is important because though the education is required, it comes at a cost. “Our instructors all have at least a bachelor’s degree. We are funded by grants and fundraisers. Discover specified that we come to Granite District because it is special to them,” Knight said. The media was permitted to speak with selected fifth and sixth graders who’d been through the training. Students Ava Kunz, Abigail Van Orman and Carter Oliphant said they had heard some of the information before, but they also learned new things. “We talked about the different kinds of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual and neglect. One thing that was new to me was the amount of kids who are abused. It surprised me quite a bit, and it makes me feel absolutely horrible,” Carter said. The other students said they’d learned about finding a person to talk to at school if
you can’t talk with your parents. And they learned about the Safe UT app. Brenda Byrnes, the principal at Woodstock Elementary, has taught or been an administrator all over the Granite District. “As educators in general we’re trained to look for things, for signs. We have a student support process if there are any concerns. We have a team of professionals like a social worker and school psychologist that can look at what’s going on,” Byrnes said. “I definitely have seen some sad situations with kids. The thing I want to focus on is that when we became aware, we used that student support process to get the best help for that student. I think GSD has a really good system in place,” Byrnes said. Byrnes said that she’s confident students can get help if they need it. “We want students to know we’ve got people to help them. The district has supports. Absolutely, definitely we have helped students through that process.” Knight said that parents are encouraged to have age appropriate conversations with their kids about abuse. “Last year there were over 10,000 victims of abuse in our state. It happens in every demographic, every culture. We started a billboard campaign that gives parents two good website resources: www. pcautah.org and www.howtopreventabuse. org,” Knight said. For Knight and Byrnes, the goal of prevention is the same. “Children who experience adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect are at increased risk for suicide, mental health issues, substance abuse and even crime and other health issues. Our mission is to prevent that by empowering children to recognize, resist and report abuse,” Knight said. Byrnes said, “As a principal, I truly feel like I’m a protector of students. Anything we can do to empower them to know what is safe is something that I support.” l
Clinical Services Parent Education Classes Adoption Respite Care LifeStart Village #801-955-9110 www.familysupportcenter.org
Volunteers & Donations always welcomed!
Protect Children, Strengthen Families, and Prevent Child Abuse Page 18 | May 2019
Fifth- and sixth-grade students at Woodstock Elementary learned new skills and statistics during their April 1 session on how to prevent child abuse. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
West Valley City Journal
High Density Housing By Justin Adams | Justin.a@thecityjournals.com
A
s your community newspaper, we at the City Journals want to give our readers more opportunities to have your voices heard through our platform. One way is through a new series we’re calling “Your City. Your Voice.” Each month, we’ll be choosing a topic that’s important to communities throughout the Salt Lake valley. Throughout that month we’ll conduct a series of polls on our social media channels about that topic. Then we’ll publish those results and a selection of top comments in the next month’s paper. To start things off, we asked readers about what may be the hottest topic in the valley right now: high-density housing. This is an issue impacting every part of the valley, as city governments have to decide how to balance the needs of a growing population with concerns like infrastructure, crowded schools and traffic. Battles over specific housing developments across the valley have involved angry town hall meetings, the formation of community activist groups, petition campaigns, lawsuits and even a
Utah Supreme Court case regarding the Cottonwood Mall site in Holladay. What complicates the issue even more is that it isn’t just black and white. What we’ve found is that few people are either entirely for or against high-density housing. Most people recognize a general need for more types of housing, but also want new developments to be implemented strategically and responsibly so as to minimize negative impacts to the surrounding area. NOTE: The poll data included here is from social media and therefore should not be considered an official or scientific representation of general opinion. You can help us get better poll data by following The City Journals on Facebook, responding to the polls and sharing them with your friends. l
If I heard a new high density project was going in near me, my first concern would be…
Wvc Journal .com
May 2019 | Page 19
Granite District works to help at-risk and refugee students graduate By Heather Lawrence | heather.lawrence@mycityjournals.com
N
our Bilal has seen both sides of Cottonwood High School. She currently works at Cottonwood, but less than a year ago she was a student there. As both a student and employee, she’s been involved in a Granite District program designed to help more students, especially those at-risk or refugees, graduate. “My story is a little interesting because I graduated from Cottonwood last year. A lot of students thought that I just love school so much that I came back to work. The story is really not about me loving school but it’s about helping those students and giving back to the community,” Bilal said. Principal Terri Roylance said that Granite District in general and Cottonwood High specifically have some unique challenges. “We are a student body that comes from five different cities. Every day, an army of buses drop off our students. They come from Holladay, Murray, Taylorsville, South Salt Lake and Millcreek City,” Roylance said. Though Cottonwood and other GSD schools have robust honors programs and ambitious scholars, they also have students whose education and social opportunities are limited. These students are at risk of not graduating. Roylance said that Cottonwood’s answer to helping at risk students is a multi-faceted approach. Records have been helpful. “We have been very meticulous about looking through those students who have left out school. If parents don’t come and officially check out our students or tell us they’re moving, we follow up on those things,” Roylance said. Roylance utilizes Cottonwood staff and AmeriCorps volunteers. “AmeriCorps has five volunteers here. Our counseling team identifies students who are academically at risk. We meet weekly to discuss things and then communicate what we talk about with students, parents and teachers,” Roylance said. One challenge throughout the district is helping the refugee population. “Among our students we have a significant refugee popu-
Nour Bilal, who is from Syria, graduated from Cottonwood High in 2018. Now she’s back working at Cottonwood to make sure at-risk students graduate. (Photo courtesy Nour Bilal)
lation. These students may not have had the opportunity to attend school in their home country. They come to us as a junior or senior and they have not had schooling,” Roylance said. Bilal was one of those students. Her family came to Utah in November 2014 from Damascus, Syria. Though she’d had access to schooling, there was still a language barrier as her native language is Arabic. “People say it takes seven years to learn a new language. We partnered with the nonprofit One Refugee. They’ve paid for two
teachers at our school who take students with refugee status one class period every other day. They can also get a scholarship to SLCC for up to four years,” Roylance said. Yuri Perez teaches math and science at Cottonwood. “My students are 100 percent English learners. Sixty to 75 percent of them are refugees and the rest immigrants from a variety of countries. I believe the support Cottonwood gives to this population of students is one of the reasons why there is an increase in graduation rates,” Perez said. Perez saw engagement and achievement outside the classroom this year when his students formed a robotics team and competed in the FIRST robotics competition. In addition to limited schooling, there are other barriers for at-risk students. “These students come with emotional baggage and cultural and distance barriers. If they are within walking or close driving distance to the school, then they can participate in more activities at our building. But if they aren’t we need to help them,” said Roylance. Roylance’s team went above and beyond. “We are trying to eliminate barriers in all possibilities. We have a social worker who goes to students’ homes with an interpreter if necessary,” Roylance said. Cottonwood also does a summer program which helps “a little bit.” Peers who are in National Honor Society (NHS) are involved in the process of helping, too. “Monday morning is our late start day. Our NHS students go to the library Monday morning and anyone can come in for tutoring. We also have an after-school program where students can get help 2:10 to 5:30 every afternoon,” said Roylance. School districts are required to report their graduation rates each year. In GSD, that responsibility lies with Rob Averett. Averett is director of research and has been with the district for 24 years. “We are seeing improvements across most schools in Granite District especially since 2016. Cottonwood went from a graduation rate of 75 percent in 2016 to 80 percent in 2018. Cyprus High’s graduation rate in
2016 was 76 percent; in 2018 it was 84 percent. Overall, Granite District’s graduation rate in 2016 was 73 percent. In 2018 it was 76 percent,” Averett said. Averett said communities need to be realistic about their changing demographics. “Refugees and other immigrants have come and they are here to stay. World conditions place us in these circumstances. We need to deal with the situation. If we don’t help them, we’ll have a less capable and more violent society,” said Averett. For the general population, “it’s a known, provable fact that income potential is higher the more education a person has. Employability is higher. The Bureau of Labor publishes statistics on earnings potential which shows that educated people have higher median weekly earnings,” said Averett. “Individual students need to take the long view and master education so they can compete in the modern world. Graduates can make larger contributions to society. They are comfortable working in our society,” Averett said. When it comes to Cottonwood’s roughly 400 seniors, Roylance said the connection between graduation and community is making a difference. “People in our valley are reaching out, seeing a need and answering that need. We have awesome teachers and counselors and a special emphasis on looking at educational equity. Combine that with the awareness piece and that is why we have success.” For people like Bilal, who’ve been on both sides of the issue, the results are rewarding, especially when students feel like they’re being given a fair chance and a voice. “I have had seniors who started to do better when I followed up with them. I think it’s because they don’t like to be told what to do, but shown what to do,” Bilal said. Bilal said her goal is simple: “I tried my best to have students feel safe and comfortable when they to talk to me. All I really want is to make sure those kids gets the right help and are able to graduate.” l
FAMILY SAFETY FAIR JUNE 20 • 3-7 PM www.dpsnews.utah.gov
FREE
4501 South 2700 West • Taylorsville Page 20 | May 2019
West Valley City Journal
What is Esports? By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
I
t has become an epidemic, esports are a multi-billion dollar industry that is growing in popularity in players’ basements. Esports describes the world of competitive, organized video gaming. Competitors from different teams and leagues face off playing games made popular by at-home gamers such as Fortnight, Call of Duty, Overwatch, Counter Strike and Madden to name a few. Gamers are watched and followed by millions of fans all over the world by attending live events, on TV or online. The live streaming service Twitch allows viewers to watch gamers in real time. “There are tons of Meetups and small community groups that play weekly, like little grassroots groups,” said JJ Mckeever, Information Technology Specialist for GameTyrant, a North Salt Lake based gaming center. “The games have been made increasingly available. People play in groups and there are tournaments where they can play in person.” The 2018 Overwatch Grand Finals were held at the Barclays Center in New York City. According to a report from Newzoo, a market analytics company, 380 million people will watch esports this year. Tournaments and events will draw crowds that rival most traditional sports. In July, ESPN and Disney announced a multi-year deal to televise the
Overwatch League. According to Newzoo, 588 esports events were broadcast in 2017. Last year, the NBA drafted 102 professional gamers to compete in its newly launched NBA 2K league. Colleges have even gotten in on the action. Recently, Snow College in Ephraim announced plans to add an esports program to its athletic department. “We are excited about the addition of esports and the opportunities it presents for our students,” Snow College President Gary Carlston said. “This is new territory for most higher education institutions.” But not everyone carries the same enthusiasm. “I could not get him out of the car,” Jaylynn Merrill said. “He is always playing that game and never pays attention.” She had grown frustrated that her nephew, Spencer, did not want to stop playing long enough to walk into the school. The attitudes of many parents and family members are similar to Merrill’s feelings. “I do not understand what he sees in those games,” she said. Esports players, not unlike traditional athletes, can rake in big money. Tournaments boast millions of dollars in prize money. The world’s best players can earn seven figures a
year. The League of Legends tournament in 2017 generated $5.5 million in ticket sales. “For the most popular games there is a tournament almost every weekend,” Mckeever said. “Super Smash Bros is very healthy (popular) in this area. Game Tyrant (in North Salt Lake) had a tournament that attracted some major talent. The Pac-12 has an esports league and the (University of Utah) has several esports teams.” Newzoo indicates League of Legends, Counter Strike and Fortnite as the most popular esports games. The NBA is not the only traditional professional league to get in involved. Major League Soccer has started eMLS using the game FIFA. The International Olympic Committee met in 2017 to discuss the possibility of legitimizing esports as an Olympic competition. “Kids can get involved by watching YouTube videos and learning the strategy,” Mckeever said. “Practicing is important. Join up and play face-to-face. I know there are school leagues to get involved with.” Taylorsville, Cyprus, Herriman and Copper Hills high schools are some of the many local schools that offer gaming clubs. “Perfect practice applies just as much to esports teams as to traditional sports teams,” Mckeever said. l
URGENT AND PRIMARY CARE:
Only $10 A Visit!
WITH MEMBERSHIP
Medallus Medical Membership is a simple membership program to all of our 8 clinics. Members can receive discounted medical services at $10/visit flat fee in exchange for a monthly membership fee: • $50 / month (1 member) • $75 / month (party of 2) • $100 / month (family of 3) • $120 / month (family of 4 to 6) *$25 additional per person (family of 7 to 12)
$20 registration fee – 12-month contract
801-810-7058
arlissf@medallus.com AfterHoursMedical.com
COME TO
AUSTRALIA TO
WORK 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Multiple Visa options for USA/Canada citizens Work for reputable mining companies Get paid DOUBLE your USA wages $$$ Training and courses supplied Accommodation and flights are covered Tour Australia and enjoy our beautiful landscapes Flexible work rosters available We’re looking for qualified: Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanics/Fitters with experience on heavy mobile earthmoving equipment:
9. Trade qualifications required with minimum 2 years post trade experience & mining experience desirable
Enquire now and apply today! T +61 (8) 9477 1308 | +61 (4) 67 940 233 (Billy - Whatsap/Viber Australia)
Gamers come in all ages, Spencer Cox and his cousin Jordyn play Smash Brothers at home on the Nintendo DS. (Photo courtesy of Greg James/City Journals)
+61 (8) 6189 8644 +1 (702) 540 7807 ( Edgar - USA) E info@readyresources.com A Level 11, 125 St George’s Tce, Perth WA 6000 AUSTRALIA W www.readyresources.com
Wvc Journal .com
May 2019 | Page 21
Free C with alifornia R a $2 oll (Men 5 purcha tion t se. h is ad)
ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IGLESIA EPISCOPAL SAN ESTEBAN 4615 SOUTH 3200 WEST
As Episcopalians we baptize, confirm, ordain and marry all people, no matter who they are and where they have been. All are welcome at the Lord’s table, no exceptions.
Sushi All You Can Eat + Chinese Cuisine 4782 W 4100 S • West Valley City, UT 84120 • (801)601-8460
www.WildGingerWestValley.com
!Ven y participa de nuestras celebraciones religiosas! Misa: Domingo’s 9 am Holy Eucharist: Sunday 11 am Community dinner: Wednesday 6pm
https://ststephensut.com/ 801-968-2731
If you’re reading this, so are your customers. Family Dinner Special for 2 for only $19.95 includes: Chicken with Veggies Sweet & Sour Chicken 2 Egg Rolls Fried or Steamed Rice
Family Dinner Special for 4 for only $39.95 includes: Sesame Chicken Beef Broccoli Sweet & Sour Chicken 8 Pan Fried Dumpling 4 Egg Rolls Fried or Steamed Rice
Page 22 | May 2019
Melissa Worthen
13 community newspapers serving 15 cities for over 27 years.
801-336-4138
Print and digital ad opportunities
Account Executive
Melissa@mycityjournals.com
Real and trackable results.
WE’RE YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTION.
West Valley City Journal
Pirates raise money for youth football season By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
F
ootball can be an expensive sport. Cyprus league president, Russ Peterson, is set on making it affordable. “We have a large family and it is impossible for us to fit football into our budget,” said Kim Richards, a mother of 12 kids. “We just couldn’t let our kids play until they got older and could earn the money themselves.” Peterson and board members of Cyprus Youth Football are organizing ways to make it so parents like Richards can allow their kids to play no matter what. Its 10th annual golf fundraiser will help curb the enormous cost for families. “We are using this fundraiser to help us with equipment and make sure no kid is left out of playing,” Peterson said. “We want to keep the cost of registration down for the parents. We have done this stuff for 10 years now.” The tournament is scheduled to be held Saturday, May 18, at the Magna Copper Club Golf Course (8975 W. 2600 South) Approximately 120 golfers will converge on the course that day to support the kids. They charge $60 per player and it includes 18-hole play, a cart, T-shirt and lunch. “It fills up pretty quick and we will have another 40 to 50 that just come down, have lunch and buy some raffle tickets,” Peterson said.
To celebrate 10 years of the golf tournament and fundraiser they are also offering a barbecue steak dinner with Sizzler donating 100 steaks for the party. The board has assembled several raffle prizes which include a 56-inch TV, Salt Lake Bees tickets and golf bags. The league usually supports 235-260 players ages 7-15 each fall. “I thought our league was growing, but we dropped about 25 kids last season. Some of it is because kids are playing other sports. It takes a big part of each of these kids’ lives,” Peterson said. They have planned other fundraisers throughout the season to help the program. On Aug. 10 they have scheduled their one day car wash at Game Gear in West Valley (7095 W. 3500 South) and the annual support game will be played to begin the season. Cyprus High School has a new football head coach this season, Tyler Garcia. He has pledged to become an important part of the youth program. “I have known Tyler since he was 10 or 11 years old. He is from the Magna area. We are going to be on the same page,” Peterson said. “We do not force our coaches to teach a certain way, but we recommend it so that the kids learn the same stuff growing up. It helps them know what to expect when they get to
A golf tournament scheduled for May 18 will help raise money for the Pirates little league football. (Photo courtesy of Cyprus football)
the high school program.” Cyprus finished last season 7-2 and lost in the first round of the state playoffs 35-7 to Fremont. They have qualified for the state tournament in three of the last four seasons. “Jed Smith (the former head coach) really got involved with our league. We had a good relationship. He encouraged kids that had the talent to come play at high school, but if they were not ready he wanted them to stay in the youth program. He also had his kids involved with the little league teams,”
Peterson said. The youth district has goals to keep kids involved in the community. “We want the kids to relate with the high school team. Then on Friday nights at the game they can say I know that player and cheer them on, That will help us keep kids at Cyprus. I love the sport and have made friendships with guys that I still talk to today and I am 44 years old. It taught me to work as a team and has lots of life lessons,” Peterson said. l
Desert Star’s latest parody takes on the animated phenomenon that has everyone saying, “Just let it go already!” This zany parody opens March 28th and it’s a hilarious musical melodrama for the whole family you don’t want to miss!
“Freezin’: Let It Go Already!”
Plays March 28th - June 8th, 2019 Check website for show times: www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com Tickets: Adults: $26.95, Children: $15.95 (Children 11 and under) 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107 Call 801.266.2600 for reservations For additional information, visit our website at www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com
Wvc Journal .com
This show, written by Bryan Dayley and directed by Scott Holman, follows the story of sisters Stella and Hannah, the orphaned rulers of Icydale, as they attempt to come to terms with Stella’s icy powers. When the kingdom holds a royal coronation to make Stella queen, who should show up but Stella’s lying, villainous ex-boyfriend, Chaunce. Recently kicked out of his parent’s basement and eager to cash in on some royal wealth, Chaunce tricks naive Hannah into believing he’s the love of her life, and the two make plans to wed. Quick to put their plans on ice, Stella kidnaps Chaunce and drags him off to a remote ice castle. Hannah enlists the help of snow cone salesman Gristoph, his trusty sidekick, Moose, and freshly sentient snowman, Olive. Together, can they save her sister from slipping off the deep end? Comedy, romance, and adventure are all on the docket for this delightful send up of the animated blockbuster, as well as topical humor torn from today’s headlines. “Freezin’” runs March 28th through June 8th, 2019. The evening also includes one of Desert Star’s side-splitting musical olios, following the show. The “Saved by the 90’s Olio” features hit songs and musical steps from 1990’s mixed with more of 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.
May 2019 | Page 23
Fighting Childhood Trauma
I
have many fond memories growing up here in Utah. My Taylorsville community provided a wonderful place to learn and grow as a child, and my parents and family provided a loving and stable environment to prepare me for adulthood. This is something we cherish as Utahns: safe communities and loving families to raise the next generation. We all recognize both the moral importance and practical benefit to raising healthy, happy kids who can move our state forward in wonderful ways in the future. Though this is the ideal we strive for, we also know that this isn’t always the case. A cause I am passionate about is preventing, reducing, and mitigating childhood trauma. This is something every Utahn can get behind, because it is so central to the healthy growth of our kids. I sit on the board for a nonprofit called Prevent Child Abuse Utah, which strives for greater education and prevention of child abuse. I also created and currently chair Salt Lake County’s Intergenerational Poverty Task Force. Through both of these efforts, I’ve learned a great deal about adverse childhood experiences, or “ACEs.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimiza-
Page 24 | May 2019
tion and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. As such, early experiences are an important public health issue.” The research in this area is known as ACEs.1 ACEs describes any type of abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences that happen to anyone under 18. This includes emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, and both physical and emotional neglect. It also includes household circumstances such as prevalent substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, parental abandonment, and having an incarcerated household member. There’s a strong connection between what happens to us as children, and our lifelong health and quality of life. People with a high number of ACEs in their childhood have shown a higher prevalence for substance abuse, chronic health challenges, depression, and suicide compared to those with low ACEs.2 Not only does this affect our residents, and our families, it affects the economy and our state overall. Thankfully, there is much that can be done. First and foremost, educating the public about the prevalence and impact of ACEs in our state is vital. We can empower parents and families with useful information about the things that impact our kids in negative ways, and work to reduce them. Also, there is increasing progress in the social services sector to move toward “trauma informed care.” Instead of
viewing a client through the lens of “what’s wrong with you,” case workers can instead try to understand “what happened to you?” Knowing someone’s history and past experiences, and how that might impact their executive functioning and decision making today, is the first step to helping people break free of any toxic variables from their past. I’m incredibly encouraged by the great work already being done by the dedicated social services workers at the state and county levels. Utah is truly an example in this realm. That being said, we have much more work to do. If you are interested in finding out more, or taking the ACE questionnaire, just google, “get Your ACE score.” l
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/index.html 2 https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/phl/resource_center_infographic. html 1
West Valley City Journal
Ngata and Warriors play joke on rugby community By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
T
he Utah Warriors and former NFL superstar Haloti Ngata shared some fun moments as an April Fool’s Day prank. “Rugby was always my first love,” Ngata said in a press release. “It taught me how to be a better football player which proved out in my college and pro career. I am honored to sign with the Warriors and make an impact.” The prank was an effort to raise awareness of the Haloti Ngata Family Foundation which helps underprivileged high school students matriculate into higher education. The prank announced that he had signed a player contract with the Warriors for the 2019 season. The response went viral almost instantaneously. Inquiries and stories popped up from rugby publications nationally and worldwide. Later that evening Ngata released a statement via Instagram thanking the Warriors and giving more information on the nature of the contract. “We had a lot of fun today (April 1st), talking about me signing with the Warriors. While I love rugby, I’m not actually playing with the team, but they are making a donation to my foundation,” he said. The Warriors were overwhelmed with responses to the initial announcement. “The quantity of calls, emails, and texts we received was incredible,” Warriors General Manager Kimball Kjar said. “Hopefully, this transfers into something viable for the foundation to work with.” Proceeds from all tickets and merchandise sales will be donated to the foundation. Ngata retired from the NFL on March 18. He climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and displayed a banner that read “I am retiring on top.” As a first round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2006, he later earned a Super Bowl ring in 2013 and also played with the Lions and Eagles. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl five times in his career and attended Highland High School where he was a three year starter. In 2001, he was named Utah Gatorade Player of the Year. He eventually signed a letter of intent and attended the University of Oregon. In high school he played rugby and helped Highland to a national championship. The Ngatas created the foundation in 2015. It is operated in part-
Wvc Journal .com
THE GOLD STANDARD In Orthopedic Care
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE & QUALITY MATTER Our doctors are an Olympic gold medalist, former national sports team physician, professional cyclist, and US Air Force flight surgeon, so we know how to get you moving again. We cover you from sports medicine to total joint care.
435-615-8822
Tonata Lauti played rugby at the University of Utah before becoming an outside wing with the Warriors. (Photo courtesy of Warriors Rugby)
nership with the Salt Lake Education Foundation. It carries on the vision of Ngata’s late mother, Ofa, by providing college preparation resources to high school students in the Salt Lake School District. The fund has provided ACT preparation classes for 600 students since its inception. More information on the Ngata foundation can be found at www.ngatafoundation.com In 2017, Ngata was awarded the NFL’s Walter Payton award for his off the field work in the community.
Major League Rugby (based in Salt Lake City) announced expansion. The league will add three teams to the schedule. The total number of teams in the MLR is now at 12. New teams will be introduced to New England, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. The Warriors returned to Zions Bank Stadium on April 27 to face the Austin Elite Rugby squad. They defeated them 17-9 in their first match of the season. For tickets and team information visit www.warriorsrugby.com l
SALT LAKE CITY 6360 S. 3000 E., Suite 210 Salt Lake City, UT 84121 PARK CITY 2200 N. Park Ave, BLDG D, Suite 100 Park City, Utah 84060 TOOELE 2354 N 400 E, Building B Ste 102 Tooele, Utah 84074 Eric Heiden, MD Karen Heiden, MD Jason Dickerson, DPM Daniel Gibbs, MD
Enrique Feria-Arias, MD Richard Zipnick, MD Whitney Schroeder, PA-C Lindsey Marshall, PA-C
www.heidenortho.com May 2019 | Page 25
Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years
Offering over 14,000 square feet of space for funeral services, memorial services, funeral luncheons and a beautiful, onsite cut floral shop. Our Riverton location is here for you.
3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 801-254-4850 LarkinMortuary.com Page 26 | May 2019
West Valley City Journal
S
pring is upon us, summer is on the way; and with warmer temperatures and (hopefully) blue skies on the horizon, drivers can’t blame slick roads or blinding flurries for their faulty driving anymore. Driving safely requires good driving habits. Habits. Not occasionally safe maneuvers. The following are some prudent practices to implement in your daily travels.
Safe Driving Habits
drove over a nail and didn’t realize it. We often don’t look at the tires on the passenger side since we don’t approach the car from that direction, checking regularly allows you to examine those opposite side wheels. It will keep your car’s handling in its best condition. Each vehicle can have different appropriate PSI (measurement for tire pressure), but when temperatures drop, so Blinkers and blind spots Driving 101. If you plan on changing does the pressure in your tires. lanes, let others in on your secret. Everyone Keep car maintained will appreciate it. Others want to know what Since you’ll be regularly checking the you are planning. tires, might as well keep regularly schedLikewise, if you see a blinker come uled maintenance on your car. This can range on indicating your lane is that car’s desired from oil changes to transmission flushes. destination, let it in. This isn’t the Daytona Simply checking windshield washer fluid or 500. We are not racing for $19 million. It is the antifreeze level in your car’s reservoir can common courtesy, if we want people to use prevent serious issues happening on the road. their blinkers, then we should reward them Wash your car especially after storms for doing so. or if you’ve parked under a pine tree where Remember the blinker doesn’t automat- birds can drop their white business on the ically assume safe passage to the next lane. hood or sap could drip onto the roof. Left And while your car’s sensors in the rearview untreated, these outdoor stains can ruin the mirrors are helpful, they are not omniscient. paint on your vehicle. Check your blind spot with your own eyes. Drive defensively There’s a reason it’s called a “blind” spot. This means keeping distance between
troubling and you probably shouldn’t be behind a steering wheel. Also you can’t always see what’s in front of the car before you. They may have to slam on their brakes due to an unexpected obstruction. If you rear end them, insurance rarely works out in your favor. This can also mean slowing down on wet roads or not weaving in and out of traffic. Distractions This is the No. 1 reason for accidents. This is not limited to using the cell phone, though texting, checking news alerts or making a phone call are all terrible decisions to make while driving.
It also extends to dozing off or checking the price at the gas station you just passed. Be alert, stay vigilant. Other drivers may suddenly stop, they may not see you as you yield or turn. By staying engaged and sharp, your reactions can be sharper and you may even anticipate what other drivers are looking to do. One way to stay engaged is to vary your daily commute. Changing your routine alerts your brain, breaking you from the monotonous snooze you may find yourself after traveling certain routes hundreds of times. These habits are important and it is not overdramatic to say that they could save a life.
Tire pressure you and the car in front of you. This one is almost as simple as the first. Touching their bumper does nothing for Check your tire pressure on a regular basis you. And if you need to get that close to read to know if there is a small leak. Maybe you their license plate or sticker, your eyesight is
We will sell your property for 1.5% H
l
spaño
os E ablam
David A. Brunet Vera / Branch Broker Realtypath International 5665 S Redwood Rd Ste 3 • Taylorsville Utah
Thinking of selling?
CALL TODAY 801-636-3028 Hablo nuestro idioma!
We do it all for less! 4% total, 1.5% listing side & 2.5% buyer, includes MLS, professional photos, open houses, negotiating, etc. Full service brokerage, more tha 18 years of experience in Real Estate, licensed since 2000.
Looking to Purchase?
We love helping clients find their dream home, and would love to help you! Home warranty up to $500 included when you purchase your home with us.
Wvc Journal .com
May 2019 | Page 27
“To Strengthen and Promote the Shared Interests of the Business Community”
Utah kart teams seek new track to race on By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
Representing the Business Voice in West Valley City, West Jordan City, Taylorsville & Kearns Areas
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
Contact Information: Barbara S. Riddle, CMP
801-977-8755 barbara@chamberwest.org
The Why of ChamberWest CATALYST for business growth CONVENER of leads and influencers CHAMPION for a stronger community
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 1 – Business Connections May 2 – Legislative Affairs Committee May 8 – Quarterly HR Executive Series May 9 – Leadership Institute Session May 10 – New Member Orientation May 10 – Causal Friday Lunch May 15 – Business Connections May 22 – Women In Business: Silent Hero Breakfast May 23 – Multi Chamber Luncheon FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR AN EVENT, CALL: 801-977-8755 or visit www.ChamberWest.com
Lucky Ribbon Cutting – 6936 S. Redwood Road – West Jordan
To invest in your organization and community, invest in ChamberWest!
ChamberWest Welcomes: • Shiro Kuma Snow Cream • Utah Community Credit Union • Hamlet Homes • Altitude Trampoline Park • Bhess Group • Homestead Resort • Digital Pro Images • M&M Service Station • Build A Life After Loss
Renewing Members:
• Maxtec • Midgley-Huber Inc. • Staybridge Suites • Easton Salt Lake Archery Center • Becky Ivory – Professional Speaker, Coach & Trainer • Zions Bank • Valley View Memorial Park & Funeral Home • Utah AFL-CIO
Ascendant Behavioral Health 4179 S. Riverboat Rd – Taylorsville
Altitude Trampoline Park – 3813 W. Center View Way – West Jordan
Thank You to our Community Investment Members
Page 28 | May 2019
Local kart racers will not be holding their championship races at Utah Motorsports Campus this season. (Photo courtesy of Utah Karting Championship)
T
he Utah Kart Championship has had a home at Utah Motorsports Campus in Tooele since the track opened in 2006. This season they are currently homeless. “At the end of last season I started asking for contracts (to use the track and UMC),” UKC President Scott Clark said. “Because of the sale the track in December it was delayed. The new ownership then lost several top level staff positions. Then UMC announced they are not going to host any UKC events this year.” After several negotiation attempts by Clark and other UKC officials the track’s offer nearly tripled what the racers had been paying; pushing entry fees near $300 per day for each racer. The karting championship chose to look for other locations to compete this season, two weeks before its season was set to begin. “Grass roots karting cannot support that. By the time you add tires, a pit spot and fuel, it becomes a $500 to $600 weekend. All that to take your 10-year-old kid racing. They basically blew grassroots racing off their map. That is what is unfortunate because karting is what develops kids into racers on the big track,” Clark said. The karting championship has over 60 current participants ranging in age from 5 to 70 years. Its membership has dropped in the last few years because of the uncertainty of the track ownership. “The numbers have fallen off the last few years, just like sports bikes has because we did not know what was going to happen at the track. (UMC was being sold by Tooele County). For three years people have not wanted to invest in new equipment because they were not sure there was going to be a track anymore,” Clark said. With no home at UMC the karting community has been looking for places to race. “We have found potential locations. I can’t disclose them because we are in the midst of negotiating contracts with them all,” Clark said. Large parking lots could be used to design the course configurations the championship needs. Before using UMC the championship ran at Maverik Center in West Valley City, the old Rocky Mountain Raceway facility and Golden Spike Arena in Ogden.
“We will probably race at more than one venue. I hope to have nine or 10 races in this season. We need to make sure the pavement is smooth enough. Our racers have been very supportive. We have sponsors come forth and offer help,” Clark said. There has been active kart racing in Utah for approximately 70 years. This is the first time the championship has been trackless. They raced in Lehi and had their own track in Tooele called Blackrock Raceway. “The UMC track is truly the Taj Mahal of kart racing. It is a beautiful facility. We have been very, very happy. It seems that many of the plans of hotels and manufacturing is not happening (at the track),” Clark said. “Amateur racers in the area could all be affected.” The owners of the track (Mytime, a Chinese-based company) expect to operate a profitable facility. “We are still welcoming the professional karting community,” UMC Chief Financial Officer Jon Clegg said. “We are exploring the idea of creating UMC karting leagues. We will continue to utilize the kart track for concession rentals (public rentals) and corporate events. Our issue with the UKC was they required what we consider prime times for concession rentals. Our income potential is 80 percent less when they are on the track. We attempted to negotiate new rates and they chose to take their business elsewhere.” Wasatch Front racers hope to find a place to race closer to home. “We are looking for a new permanent home, probably on the east side of the Oquirrh Mountains. We have been exploring multiple opportunities,” Clark said. UKC runs eight different classifications in its racing championship. Open wheel karting has often been the stepping stone for racers to pursue racing careers. Michael Self and Madison Snow, professional car racers, began their racing careers in karts here in Utah. “You never know who that kid is going to be. Michael (Self) has been fortunate enough to get a ride. There are kids that come out as pros, but most of us are just doing this for the fun of it. That is where 99.9 percent of us land. We do it for the love of the sport,” Clark said. l
West Valley City Journal
Dreamscapes lets students who are deaf, blind access and experience art By Jennifer Gardiner | j.gardiner@mycityjournals.com
Foster
a child in need Open your heart & home to make a difference in a child’s life
Students with the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind experience their first hands-on fully immersive art show. (Photo courtesy USDB)
S
tudents at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind got a chance to experience a hands-on fully immersive art show after an organization brought the exhibit to Salt Lake City in April. For most, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like to not see or hear the world around us. But one Utah organization decided to help bring the world of art to students who cannot see or hear through their sense of touch instead. Students from the Ogden and Salt Lake City campuses of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind who are visually impaired or have deaf-blindness, were given a chance to experience hands-on art. “This is such a great opportunity for our students,” said Kate Borg of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. “Dreamscapes sponsored this field trip and the students were so excited to experience art that is actually accessible for their unique needs.” Borg said these kids are just like any others, all they need is access. “The hands-on elements of the exhibit were perfect for our students,” said Borg. “They said it was their favorite field trip of the year.” Dreamscapes is a pop-up immersive art experience that uses the students’ imaginations to take them through a journey of physical and digital artwork. It’s a 14,000-square-foot labyrinth that “manifests the nature of the subconscious,”
Wvc Journal .com
which gives each student a way to visualize and explore the outside world in a way they never have. The exhibit involved more than 50 Utah artists and builders working with reclaimed materials donated by local partners. Dreamscapes is Utah’s first environmentally sustainable immersive art attraction that provides an “opportunity to dream with your eyes open as you move through the colorful vignettes designed to change the way that you experience art.” Dreamscapes is a project of the Utah Arts Alliance, a Utah nonprofit with a mission to foster the arts in all forms in order to create an aware, empowered and connected community. For more information on Dreamscapes visit utaharts.org/dreamscapes. The art show is specifically designed for students who are visually impaired, have hearing loss or both. Based on information from the National Center for Deaf-Blindness (NCDB), there are many individuals who have both hearing and visual difficulties. According to the NCDB, “Deaf-blindness is a low incidence disability and within this very small group of children there is great variability. Many children who are deaf-blind have some usable vision and/or hearing. The majority of children who are deaf-blind also have additional physical, medical and/or cognitive problems.”
The center states that children are considered to be deaf-blind when the combination of their hearing and vision loss causes such severe communication and other developmental and educational needs that they require significant and unique adaptations in their educational programs. Utah is the only state which offers a deaf-blind endorsement. Educators help the students to get their education using equipment, technology and resources. Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (USDB) educates students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind so they can achieve their full academic, social, and career potential. The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind support approximately 1,800 students across Utah and serve nearly 3,900. In the Salt Lake City area, 120 students attend the Jean Massieu School for the Deaf and the C. Mark Openshaw Education Center. Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind elementary students attend a campus in Millcreek. There are 50 students who attend the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind campus in Ogden. Within the same facility, the deaf and hard of hearing students attend the Kenneth Burdett School for the Deaf and the Blind and visually impaired students attend the School for the Blind. For more about the USDB visit their website www.usdb.org. l
Our mission is to work with foster parents in helping children in need make significant differences in their lives. At Starlight we train our foster parents to model healthy family systems and promote self sufficiency. These tools enable the child to address emotional issues and thrive in a nurturing, structured environment. Our support staff is always available to help both the child and the foster parent address some of the day to day challenges. We also provide therapeutic services in the home to address various behavioral and emotional issues as they arise. With foster children being on Medicaid, all health issues are covered as well as monthly stipend and personal allowance for incidentals. Foster care income is not taxed.
801-747-3556 345 E. 4500 S. Murray #260
www.starlightprogram.org May 2019 | Page 29
Thoughtful gifts for thoughtful students
S
by
CARPET CLEANING
CASSIE GOFF
pring is the time for new beginnings… after graduations. When attending those events, you’ll overhear stories about someone’s parents buying them a new car for graduation, or someone’s rich relative flying them and their three closest friends to an island for a few weeks. Depending on how many people you know who are graduating, and how high the expectations have been set for you, buying gifts for grads can be expensive. Instead of spending more money, try one of these do-it-yourself (DIY) gift ideas. One of the most common DIY graduation gifts are graduation leis, similar to those Polynesian garlands of flowers, but without the flowers. You’ll need a lot of plastic wrap for this one. Gather the things you wish to include in your lei. This may include snacksized candy bars, gift cards, rolled-up dollar bills, mints, etc. Be very careful as you lay out a long piece of plastic wrap. (Alternatively, you may choose to use smaller pieces of plastic wrap and tie all the pieces together at the end.) Place all your goodies out, side by side, leaving about 2 inches between each item, down one edge of the plastic wrap. Roll that plastic wrap over to trap the goodies in their new packaging. After you have wrapped all the items thoroughly, tie each of the spaces between goodies together. Alternatively, if you’re talented with origami, you can fold dollar bills and tie them together to create a
beautiful flower-resembling lei. If you, or your graduating human, really likes being cheesy (like me, I usually go socheesy I approach Gouda territory), you can make small graduation caps to put on almost anything you may think of. You’ll need a circular base, something resembling a lid of a jar or a bottlecap, some parchment paper, a button, and some string. Wrap the parchment paper around the circular base and glue or tape it down. Then, glue or tape a squareshaped piece of parchment paper on top of the circular base to create the top of the cap. Glue or tape (hot glue might work best for this part) a button to the middle of the top of the square-shaped parchment paper. Lastly, wrap the string, (which needs to be tied to create a circle, with cut segments of the string draped through the middle, and tied together to create a tassel) over the button. As mentioned, almost anything can be capped. You might buy a small jar from your local Michael’s or Handy Dandy (my nickname for Hobby Lobby) and make the lid of the jar a graduation cap. Then you can fill the jar with candy, gift cards, anything your heart desires. You can do the same thing with a lightbulb and use a cheesy saying about how bright the graduate’s future is. You could put little graduation caps on a handful of different candies. You might even attach a cap to the lid of a drink tumbler and fill the tumbler
2 OFF ULTIMATE WASH
buy one fat boy
$
Use coupon code 57397 at our Auto Wash Kiosk Tuesdays and Wednesdays this May! Please see attendant for questions.
get one free! Limit 1 per customer per coupon. Expires 5/31/19.
MENTION THIS AD AND GET
JUST $90 EXPIRES 6/15/19
Licensed & Insured | Hablamos Espanol
Sushi All You Can Eat + Chinese Cuisine 4782 W 4100 S • West Valley City, UT 84120 (801)601-8460 | www.WildGingerWestValley.com
3151 S Redwood Rd • West Valley City 801-972-0670 www.UtahAutoSpa.com
BUY ANY SIZE ICE CREAM & GET A
SMALL FREE!
PRESENT COUPON. ONE COUPON PER Free California Roll with MUST CUSTOMER. OFFER EXPIRES 5/31/2019 a $25 purchase. 2594 W 4700 S Taylorsville (Must present this coupon)
Page 30 | May 2019
$50 Off
90 minute massage ($159 Value)
text 801.252.5177 to schedule and mention this ad
3 BEDROOMS + 1 HALLWAY
(385) 299-4307
with confetti and the aforementioned goodies. Lastly, you could stick a cap on the top of a money cake: a cake made out of rolled-up dollar bills placed in a circular shape. When you’re attending graduations, with your DIY gift proudly in hand, also remember to bring your fully-charged camera or smartphone for pictures afterward and lots of tissues for the proud moment when your graduate takes the stage. l
4591 South 5600 West • West Valley
(801) 968-2130
www.AbsDrivein.com
$5 Off $60
Baskets Bath Bombs Salts
Soaps Towels
385-424-7854
Mention this ad and we will pay of your bill! (bills over $500)
$50
28 West 700 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801.363.440 rickwarnerbodyshop.com
West Valley City Journal
It’s a jungle out there
S
itting in the petri dish of a playground at a nearby fast food chain, I watch my grandkids jump around like just-released-into-the-wild baboons. Like every other adult in the room, I hoped this stop would be a fun diversion, a place the kids could play while I read War and Peace. Kids on playgrounds are fascinating the same way the Spanish Inquisition was fascinating: lots of violence, torture, crazy zealots and tattletales. Sitting with the book I won’t be able to read, and eating cold French fries, I’m the Jane Goodall of the toddler kingdom, as I study their animal-like behavior. There’s a hierarchy to the madness, with the older kids sitting at the top of the pyramid. They push toddlers out of the way and block slides until little kids cry. The next level down are kids between the ages of 4 and 8. Not quite ready to be the bullies on the playground, they tail after the leaders hoping to be included in any dastardly plan. Toddlers make up the lowest level of the playground food chain. These cute little kids are a pain in the asset as they try to establish a presence without being trampled by oblivious 10-year-old boys. I’ve witnessed several toddler smack-downs, including my granddaughter who started a fistfight with a little boy over a pretend steering wheel. The fast food playground smells like a mildewed diaper pail. It also has a fine layer of mucous coating every possible sur-
Life
Laughter AND
by
PERI KINDER
West Valley
PROFESSIONALS
Value HELP WANTED
Now Hiring for part time positions in our
Food Service Department
Pay starts at $11.60 per hour. Call 385-646-4321or go to www.graniteschools.org/foodservices/jobs
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Apex Clean Air
Installations & Repairs Call today for a free in home estimate.
801-618-4649
Tile and Flooring Powell Tile and Laminate Flooring Tile, Back Splashes, and Bathrooms Laminate Flooring, Finish Work, and Services Call Chris for a free estimate 801.708.1123
Wvc Journal .com
PLACE AN AD: Call
801-254-5974
Bounce Houses Bounce Crazy Party Rentals
20 Styles to Choose from Non-Water, Water & Bubble Bouncers Complete Set Up and Take Down Other Rentals: Tables, Chairs, Canopies
Call Amanda: 385-299-3383
www.bounce-crazy-llc.business.site
CONCRETE SERVICE
face. Everything is sticky. Bacteria gleefully thrives. There’s a logjam of kids at the bottom of the slide, backing up traffic and causing overall mayhem. Older siblings shepherd brothers and sisters through the throng of screaming and thrashing little bodies, in search of fun and excitement, while being screamed at by their mothers. I watch kids scramble through the maze of colorful gerbil tubes, listening for the sound of my granddaughter’s screech as she fights her way to the slide, where she refuses to go down, triggering an uproar in the playground ecosystem. Her brother finally convinces her the slide is fun and they both tumble to the bottom. They run back up and do it again. I hear snippets of conversations. “That boy is taking off his clothes.” “She put ketchup in my ear.” “Look! I can fly!” But when the Lord of the Flies Preschool bus pulls up in front of the building, that’s my signal to skedaddle. Easier said than done. As soon as I announce it’s time to leave, my granddaughter scurries up the tunnel, refusing to come down and throwing poo at anyone who approaches. I send her brother up to get her and hear his bloodcurdling scream as she kicks him in the head, and climbs higher into the hamster maze. He finally drags her down, both of them crying, before she steals someone’s shoes, and runs
GARAGE DOORS
A PLUS GARAGE DOORS
Service Available 24/7 Certified Experts 100% Warrantied
Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.
PAUL 801-979-7200 TELEVISION
ROOFING
Call/Text Dallin
(385)309-2872
35 Years Experience
Focus on Quality & Honesty! Drywall & Paint Textures, Water Damage, Patches, Trim
Call Mike
801-696-7735 FREE Estimates
CONCRETE WORK
GO GREEN SAVE ENERGY
FREE ESTIMATES
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Free Estimates. Easy Scheduling.
Call Today!
801-707-7260
$ $2995 $
8 WINDOWS
www.utahsurfacesolutions.com
Stain, Repair, Curbing
Free pick up of your broken pallets.
Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service
AMAZING WINDOWS
TIRED OF THE TELEVISION BILL? Get the television channels you want at little or no cost. I will show you how to get local sports, news, and national channels. THE CHANNEL MAN 801-963-5874 | docjanders@outlook.com
Concrete Pouring & Flatwork, Epoxy, Acid
PALLETS
Buy - Sale - Repair
801-260-2030
WINDOWS
toward the rest room. Security tackles her and wrangles her back to the playground. She’s covered with either BBQ sauce or blood and tries to scuttle away as soon as I put her down. Chaos has erupted. We duck tranquilizer darts as we run serpentine to the exit. I finally wrestle them into the car, wearing the wrong jackets and without socks. I spray them down with Lysol and have them take a big swig of hand sanitizer. I just survived a primate attack. Jane Goodall would be so proud. l
801-449-9875
All types of roofs
$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.
Call Dan:
801.518.7365 WANTED
STAMP COLLECTIONS
Inherited a collection? Selling your own? I can help by paying fairly, and get them to folks who enjoy them. No children’s collections. Stamps also sold. JP Philatelics 801-943-5824
JPPHIL@SISNA.COM
YARD SERVICES
Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Mowing, Concrete Senior Discounts
Call Dan:
801-518-7365
VEHICLES WANTED
Gumby’s Auto Parts We’ll buy your non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.
(801) 506-6098
“It’s worth your time to call!” FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS
OLYMPUS ROOFING
801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973
TREE SERVICE
PLUMBING HEATING & AIR
FREE ESTIMATES
A/C or Central Air Plumbing
TREE TIME – Pruning, Trimming, Hedging – Tree and Stump Removal – Shaping and Shrubs
801-577-7740
Plumbing Utah Heating & Air
801-601-1298
www.plumbingutah.com
May 2019 | Page 31
How can I save lives? Have you been told you have an antibody?
NEW DONORS Bring this coupon in for a
$20 BONUS on your second donation Coupon good for the GRIFOLS Biomat in Taylorsville.
Expires 5/31/2019
Did you know it takes 1,200 plasma donations to supply a Hemophiliac with a year’s supply of medication? There are approximately 400 families here in Utah with one or more family members suffering from a rare blood disorder. Your plasma donations help to save lives right here in Utah.
GRIFOLS Biomat in Taylorsville 2520 W. 4700 So., Space 1 Bldg. A Taylorsville, UT 84129 (801) 965-9160
Hours of operation for Monday – Thursday : 6:30am-7:00pm | Friday: 6:30am – 6:30pm | Saturday: 7:00am – 3:00pm
SUNDAY 8:00AM - NOON
www.grifolsplasma.com