City Weekly April 27, 2023

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National Default

In a letter to the editor of the Washington Post (“The Constitution demands the debt be paid. Period.”), one Maurice F. Baggiano claims: “As long as public debts are authorized by law, they may not be questioned and must be paid. That’s the import of Section 4 of the 14th Amendment.”

Mr. Baggiano seems to be confused as to what the Constitution, and the law, require, and to believe that they somehow magically compel Congress

to raise the “debt ceiling”—that is, to borrow more money—as a way of paying off what they already owe.

They don’t. Congress could, with as much fidelity to the Constitution and the law, cut spending and dedicate more of the revenues it raises from taxation to paying down its debt.

And Congress could, with at least as much fidelity to the Constitution and the law, simply default on that debt. An obligation to recognize the “validity” of a debt is not the same thing as an obligation to pay that debt.

If you don’t believe me, ask any of the tens of thousands of Americans who default on their mortgages, and have their homes foreclosed on and sold at auction, every year. Few if any of those borrowers contest the “validity” of their debts. They just can’t, or won’t, pay up.

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution ascribes to Congress the power

to “borrow Money on the credit of the United States.”

The 14th Amendment says that “[t] he validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned.”

Neither section, nor any other, requires Congress to pay its bills.

The United States, as Alex J. Pollock notes at The Hill, has previously defaulted on its debts no fewer than four times, three of them since the ratification of the 14th Amendment. While doing so certainly entails consequences, it’s obviously not fatal, else modern world maps would no longer advertise something called “Argentina.”

And notice the bait-and-switch pulled between the two constitutional sections. One minute we’re talking

about congressionally incurred debt of the United States (aka the federal government). Then it suddenly becomes “public” debt (i.e. we, rather than the borrowers, get put on the hook).

Far be it from me to “question” the “validity” of whatever debts 535 politicians in Washington may have entered into. That’s between them and their creditors. But I certainly question the “validity” of the notion that anyone other than those politicians could be rightly held responsible for paying those debts.

I didn’t co-sign the loans. Nor was I ever asked to do so. How about you?

THOMAS L. KNAPP

The William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism

Care to sound off on a feature in our pages or about a local concern? Write to comments@cityweekly.net or post your thoughts on our social media.

THE WATER COOLER

If you had a ‘do-over’ with your life, what would you do?

Benjamin Wood

Does this mean I retain my memory of this life? If so, I’d go all in on Apple and Bitcoin back when the gettin’ was good.

Bill Frost

I would stay the hell away from corporate America.

Kelly Boyce

Cash out my crypto earlier and not go to an all-boy Catholic high school in Ohio.

Wes Long

I’d have pushed myself to take so many more of the chances that I shied away from out of fear and cherished some of the relationships I had more dearly.

Scott Renshaw

Maybe I would have stuck with guitar lessons longer when I was a kid. Then again, that might just have encouraged me to be a rock star, and I would have been even more insufferable as a rock star than I already am.

Paula Saltas

I would not wear stretch pants every single day.

Jerre Wroble

I’d not have sold my condo by the U of U.

@SLCWEEKLY @CITYWEEKLY

OPINION

BY KEITH BURNS

Press Forward, Saints

During the April 2023 Latter-day Saints General Conference, Ahmad Corbitt was elevated to the status of general authority, becoming the second African American man in church history to receive that title. While we celebrate this milestone as a step toward greater racial diversity within the church, we can simultaneously evaluate the ways in which Corbitt’s rhetoric helps or hinders efforts toward social justice and equality.

In his first speech as a general authority, he at one point addressed parents who have a child who “struggles with a gospel principle or prophetic teaching.” He admonished these parents to “resist any type of evil speaking or activism toward the church or its leaders. These lesser, secular approaches are beneath you and can be lethal to the long-term faithfulness of your child.”

Framing activism toward the church as a “lesser, secular approach” is an idea that Corbitt articulated more t horoughly in a November speech titled, “Activism vs. Discipleship.” In that speech, he positioned activists as antagonistic, destructive and shortsighted, framing activism as an “especially effective tactic that Satan is using to blind and mislead.”

The very pitting of activism against discipleship asserts that being an activist within the church is “unchristian.” In addition to being insulting and divisive, this binary portrayal contradicts countless biblical examples in which Jesus advocated for the impoverished, the marginalized and the weak, while criticizing political and religious elites and the power structures they benefited from.

Corbitt’s description of activism as a satanic tactic not only fans the flames of “us vs. them” thinking within the church but fits within a longstanding pattern of LDS

leaders using Satan as a weapon to delegitimize and denigrate social justice efforts. In fact, LDS rhetoric in the post-WWII era has frequently positioned Satan as an advocate of social justice movements, including civil rights, feminism and LGBTQ+ equality.

Perhaps the most painful irony of Corbitt’s condemnation of activism is the fact that he, as a Black man, would not be serving in his current leadership position if it were not for the countless activists before him who have fought courageously for greater racial equality within the church. For example, LDS scholar Lester Bush published a monumental 1973 article in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought t itled, “Mormonism’s Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview.” His central argument was that the temple and priesthood ban placed on people of African descent was initiated by Brigham Young without any apparent revelation to support it.

Referring to the profound impact of this article, prominent LDS historian Greg Prince said in 2013: “It gradually became clear that Bush’s scholarship had been a significant factor in [LDS President] Spencer Kimball’s quest to change the policy.”

Darius Gray is among countless other Black Latter-day Saints who have long advocated for greater racial equality within the church. After joining the church in 1964, Gray played a crucial role in organizing the Genesis Group, an organization that provided support and community for Black members. The book The Mormon Church and Blacks provides more detail on Gray’s efforts and describes numerous other individuals who influenced LDS racial teachings and policies. Among those is mid-20th century LDS apostle, Hugh B. Brown, who tirelessly fought to remove the priesthood and temple ban for years prior to its eventual lifting in 1978.

Although LDS authorities strive to maintain the illusion that they are never influenced by external sociocultural forces, a historical analysis of LDS policies and teachings quickly reveals that this is untrue. In fact, some of the most substantive changes within the church (i.e., removing the priesthood/temple ban, gradually reducing sexist language and policies, fostering more inclusive rhetoric toward LGBTQ+ people) have come on the backs of courageous and visionary activists.

I also note that activism within the church is usually a thankless endeavor, as individuals who challenge LDS power structures have often faced the most intense levels of criticism and ostracization, sometimes resulting in excommunication. Indeed, the “heretical” positions of yesterday’s activists have often become the church’s mainstream positions today.

Thus, Corbitt’s disparagement of the very activism that he as a Black man has immensely benefited from is deeply hypocritical and reveals a blatant ignorance of historical progress. Further, authoritarian power structures have often been the most ardent critics of activism and advocacy, prioritizing preservation of power and authority above principles of equity and inclusion. Healthier models of governance welcome rigorous debate and exchange of ideas, creating a context in which activism for marginalized groups is a crucial component of progress and growth.

I challenge Corbitt—and church leadership more broadly—to rethink condemnatory positions and reflect more deeply on the many activists who have heroically fought for the dignity and rights of racial minorities w ithin the church. CW

Private Eye is off this week. Send feedback to comments@ cityweekly.net

BY KATHARINE BIELE | @kathybiele

MISS: New Tax Strategies

Who knew it only takes a colon to get out of paying taxes? Apparently, it takes sovereign citizens who have spent a huge amount of time and energy studying syntax—or should they call it “sin tax?” The Salt Lake Tribune brought up those questions after watching who the Davis County GOP put in a state leadership position. It was Teena Horlacher, or rather :Teena-Porter: Horlacher©, as she writes it. The colons and hyphens keep you from paying taxes, allegedly, and the copyright symbol is “common law copyright notice,” whatever that is. Horlacher told the Tribune she’s not one of those sovereign citizens, but the Davis County Conservatives she leads have been deflecting criticism over what other GOP officials called racist comments aimed at a Clearfield councilman. It shouldn’t be surprising as the movement has gained ground in the party since the 1990s. Republicans can just accept them or call them out. It’s their choice.

HIT: At What Cost

After Earth Day, how appropriate is it to decimate stands of 100-yearold trees? Rancher Steve Ault decided to take on the establishment—even though it may be too late—over a project to “tie together two vast trail networks in Utah and Heber valleys,” according to The Salt Lake Tribune UDOT and the Mountainland Association of Governments are paving a 10-foot-wide multi-use trail, some of which crosses Ault’s property. “The real tragedy is the destruction of that stretch we call the ‘National Treasure.’” Apparently, most of the trees have been cut down. Ault’s lawyer calls it sleight of hand. With no trees, there is no impact on nesting birds. Whether Ault wins the fight or not, he has at least called out yet another destruction of natural habitat.

MISS: Lawyers Tricks

No one can say the Legislature doesn’t know what it’s doing. In fact, it already pulled a fast one on the public as Planned Parenthood Utah prepared to argue against the impending trigger law outlawing abortion in the state. The courts had granted an injunction in the case and arguments were pending for May 10. But good ol’ boy Sen. Mike Kennedy, R-Alpine, managed to pass a dense and convoluted joint resolution on how court injunctions are granted. Basically, injunctions would not be granted unless there was “substantial likelihood” that they’d succeed. In other words, you have to know you’ll win before you argue. The Utah Bar objected, but no one cares what lawyers think about the law. Now the court has halted proceedings and is asking for new briefs about the injunction by May 8. You know this resolution was about the abortion injunction, although Kennedy and his buddies said it wasn’t. Apparently, it was about injunctions we can’t even imagine.

These Stations Are Fire U

nless you are having an extraordinarily bad day, most citizens have very limited, firsthand run-ins with firefighters. These brave men and women serve one of those essential city functions, but to us they tend to occupy the space between the real and the abstract. We know they are around but only occasionally are reminded of their presence by the wailing siren of the firetruck rushing past us to another emergency somewhere else.

With the recent upswing in flooding and the hurried efforts to quickly sandbag neighborhoods, I’ve been consciously thinking more about these first responders and their role. Turn on the news; odds are they make an appearance. Attend a volunteer event; they’re probably present, too. They always seem to be there, inconspicuously helping others.

This idea of being the background also extends to their places of work. There are 14 fire stations in Salt Lake City alone and dozens of others across the rest of the county—many of which don’t even elicit a head-turned acknowledgment from us as we pass by. Some fire stations break the mold, though, for a variety of reasons. I’ll always remember the location of Fire Station No. 4, up on 11th Avenue and M Street, as their outdoor vending machine’s bottled water has saved my butt on many poorly planned long runs.

Public art installations appear prominently at a few locations as well. Fire Station No. 41 at 2600 S. Main in South Salt Lake (above photo), features a large mural painted in 2020 by Baltimore artist Michael Kirby as part of that city’s annual Mural Fest.

But my favorite station to come across thus far is one of the most remote ones. Far out on California Avenue and 5300 West lies Fire Station No. 14, which is a markedly modern and sleek building (below photo).

Selfishly, I like Station No. 14 the most because they happily put on an impromptu tour for my then 5-yearold daughter, who wanted to stop after seeing their gigantic sign at the entrance. There are those firefighters again, helping others—even a frazzled dad with an unsettled child! CW

Baltimore artist Michael Kirby painted the mural on Fire Station No. 41 at 2600 S. Main in South Salt Lake..

Screen Gems

Salt Lake Film Society finds a receptive audience for classic films on a big screen.

BY MERRITT MECHAM comments@cityweekly.net

If you were to walk into Broadway Centre Cinemas on any given Saturday, you’d likely come upon a crowded screening of rowdy, enthusiastically engaged moviegoers … seeing a movie they easily could have streamed at home. From Robocop to Bullitt to Punch-Drunk-Love, audiences have been flocking to the Salt Lake Film Society’s repertory and revival screenings more than ever. This is a far cry from just two years ago, when the Broadway Cinemas sat empty due to the pandemic.

“There was a very scary time when COVID hit,” shared Tori Baker, executive director of the Salt Lake Film Society (SFLS). “What’s going to happen to the cinematic big-screen experience?”

As the Broadway reopened in October 2021, the independent art-house faced unprecedented challenges. To begin with, the traditional pipelines that had brought films from creator to theater in the past had largely dried up in 2020, leaving a gap in available films come 2021. “Were people going to release [a film] in theaters, or release it digitally?” Baker recalled asking herself. “There was this kind of industry kerfuffle happening. So that was impacting what we could book.”

Baker and the other staff at SLFS began to fill holes left in their programming with repertory screenings: showings of notable, classic or cult films from the past. While such screenings were not new to SLFS—and also occurred via Fathom Events at major cinema chains like Cinemark and Megaplex—Baker notes that, pre-COVID, they screened fewer repertory films than most art houses. The move to show more historic films was counterintuitive in enticing audiences back to theaters, since generally speaking, these films were easily accessible

via streaming services or VOD rentals.

Around the same time, however, Baker began hearing rumors in the art-house community “that repertory was landing, and it was working for their community. … That narrative really sparked our imagination,” she said.

So, Baker and her colleagues set to work. Graphed out from October 2021, when the Broadway reopened post-COVID, to now, a diagram would show a steady increase in SLFS’s repertory offerings.

Programming these repertory screenings was not a straight shot, however. “The city has changed dramatically,” Baker said. “A lot of people moved into the city during that two-year period where things were closed for us, and reintroducing the Film Society meant really looking at the programs.” At this point, Baker turned to the society’s status as a nonprofit, and their mission to serve the community, which meant thinking “about how we want to see films, and what things we need [post-pandemic]: the community, the gathering, the coming together, that kind of real fireside conversation around cinema.”

With all of this in mind, Baker and SLFS launched a major experiment last summer: The Summer Showdown series. The aim of this series was to put films in conversation with each other and with the community.

Baker imagined it as the film-series version of “Would a werewolf or an astronaut win in a fight?” “What happens if you did that with film?” Baker said. “Would Fight Club or Goonies win? Could we add a

more participatory, fun element to that and sort of event-ize the project?”

The films competed on an attendanceand donation-based leaderboard via Instagram, with the local cult favorite SLC Punk winning the summer. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences showing a particular affinity for more adventurous fare such as David Lynch’s Eraserhead. “It was an experiment,” Baker said of the Summer Showdown, “but it’s coming back in 2023 because it’s not an experiment any more!”

Riding on the success of the Summer Showdown series, SLFS has continued to expand repertory offerings. In addition to the traditional “Tower of Terror” series (horror films around Halloween-time), the annual screenings of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and holiday screenings, they have increased regular repertory programming of restored films, and also introduced monthly themed programs, such as March’s “Killer Cars and Joy Rides” and April’s “Anderson & Anderson,” which featured films by Wes Anderson and Paul Thomas Anderson.

Over the pandemic, SLFS changed their mission statement: “To exhibit, create, and preserve the art of the cinematic experience.” COVID made it clear how important that experience is, and the success of repertory screenings has emphasized it.

“It’s not that the film can’t be seen or can’t be accessed,” Baker says. “But it’s a 100% different experience… when everybody’s having the same emotions and

you’re seeing it 50 ft tall and it demands your attention. …That experience is completely different, and we’ve heard so frequently over the last year from people: ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been back to the movies, and I forgot.’ I think they knew, but also they didn’t realize. They forgot just how different that experience is.”

Baker is proud to have brought people together through these films: “It was really all about community for us.” And with more topical programming such as June’s LGBTQ films, these screenings are capturing the community’s zeitgeist. “Maybe that’s why people are responding to it so much right now,” Baker says. As she’s continued working on more repertory programming, Baker has leaned into programming films that speak to the community’s current concerns. “What’s amazing about the art form of film is that it can represent another art form, it can represent a culture and community, it can represent humanity, in ways that are so tied to how we think visually in our own minds,” she says. “Repertory has really big power.”

Salt Lake Film Society will continue its more robust repertory programming for the foreseeable future, with the adventure continuing in the upcoming Summer Showdown, which will open, Baker says, with a screening of cult-classic The Room featuring the in-person attendance of cast member Greg Sistero. “As long as audiences keep responding, we’ll keep responding,” Baker says, “because as a non-profit, our job is to be here for the community.” CW

CINEMA

Polite Society BBB½

Writer/director Nida Manzoor’s frisky feature feels destined to be compared to other movies—a little bit Everything Everywhere All At Once, a little bit Scott Pilgrim vs. the World—but that would be missing out on what’s uniquely fun and culturally specific about its worldview. Ria (Priya Kansara) and Lena Khan (Ritu Arya) are BritishPakistani sisters each with unconventional career goals—Ria as a stuntwoman, Lena as a visual artist—that helps unite them. But when Lena unexpectedly ends up engaged to wealthy Salim (Akshay Khanna), Ria starts to suspect that something sinister is afoot. Manzoor mixes up plenty of genre sensibilities, drawing martial-arts epics, Bollywood musical, caper comedy and more, all while remaining committed to well-crafted jokes. At the same time, she’s exploring the familial expectations for Pakistani young women, both through Ria’s need to have a partner in outside-thenorm dreams and through the evolving arc of Salim’s mother (Ms. Marvel’s Nimra Bucha, again perfectly capturing comic-book melodrama). It’s not particularly spectacular at nailing its genre elements, with fight sequences that are more functional than inspired, and a bit of slackness in the pacing. With such solid character dynamics, though—and a thoroughly winning lead performance by Kansara—you wind up with 100 minutes of solid smiles and an entertaining delivery system for conveying a generational shift in gendered expectations. Available April 28 in theaters. (R)

Showing Up BBB½

Over her 30-year career as a filmmaker, Kelly Reichardt has chosen to make movies that speak in a whisper, whether her subject was old friends on a camping trip or radical environmentalists plotting sabotage. Here, she applies her restrained approach beautifully to a character study of Lizzy Carr (Michelle Williams), a sculptor in Oregon whose preparations for her first big solo show are interrupted by a variety of distractions, from a lack of hot water to an injured pigeon to the mental-health issues of her brother (John Magaro). Reichardt and her long-time writing collaborator Jon Raymond are interested in providing a comprehensive picture of how hard it is to be a working artist, including the reality that Lizzy needs to work at a day job, doing clerical work at the arts college where her mother (Maryann Plunkett) is an administrator. But Williams—in her fourth collaboration with Reichardt—fleshes out that idea effortlessly, suggesting the mix of emotions involved as Lizzy’s landlord/ kind-of-friend Jo (Hong Chau) seems to be finding greater success with her own artwork, and how even being part of a family of artists and art-lovers can feel like its own unique kind of pressure. The film’s title may or may not be connected to the Woody Allen-attributed quote that “90 percent of life is just showing up,” but Showing Up does capture with warmth and wit how even that part isn’t as easy as it seems. Available April 28 in theaters. (NR)

A24 FILMS FOCUS FEATURES

ShowingUp

PoliteSociety

Neal Shusterman & Eric Elfman: I Am the Walrus

Writer Neal Shusterman has achieved plenty of individual success, including the New York Times bestselling Unwind series. But he also found a successful creative partnership with writer Eric Elfman, including the recently-concluded “Accelerati Trilogy.” Now, they’ve joined forces again for a new middle-grade series, The N.O.A.H. Project, beginning with I Am the Walrus—and it seems like the collaboration is one they’ll want to continue.

“We love working together,” Elfman said in an interview with the Project Mayhem blog. “Writing is usually such a solitary activity, so bouncing ideas off another person is a treat—especially when that person is Neal.”

I Am the Walrus deals with a 14-yearold named Noah who finds himself dealing with a series of events he can’t quite explain: falling out of a tree onto a classmate, when he has no recollection of getting into the tree in the first place; falling into a state of paralysis when confronted by bullies; vanishing from sight when he wants not to be seen. It’s all extremely bizarre—and eventually extremely dangerous, as he also begins to find himself pursued by people who want to kill him.

The King’s English bookshop presents Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman in person at First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City (777 S. 1300 East) on Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $22, and include admission for two people to the event, and a signed hardback copy of I Am the Walrus. You can also pre-order signed copies via kingsenglish. com. Visit the website for the Eventbrite link to purchase tickets. (Scott Renshaw)

Fortune Feimster @ Kingsbury Hall

Fortune Feimster built her reputation by exuding a bold, brash and provocative persona, it’s served her quite well. She became a familiar face on any number of network shows, beginning with Last Comic Standing, which eventually led to a starring role on The Mindy Project. She can claim a number of film credits as well, although she’s never come across as if she’s takes herself all that seriously. Consequently, when she began interviewing celebrities and comedians on the Sirius XM radio show What a Joke with Papa and Fortune, she was well-equipped to deflate a few egos and still ensure some good-natured rapport.

A regular on late night TV, she also hosts a weekly podcast, Sincerely Fortune, with her wife, Jax. Granted, she may not be a household name, but she has a familiar face that’s still instantly recognizable. Besides, that familiarity factor isn’t all that out of reach. Her first onehour special, 2020’s Sweet & Salty, is available on Netflix, and was nominated as Best Comedy Special by the Critics Choice Awards. Ms. Fortune also found good fortune with her 2018 half-hour special featured as part of the The Standups series on Netflix. It too garnered rave reviews, as did another Netflix special, Good Fortune. It seems like there’s no limit as far as good Fortune is concerned.

Fortune Feimster brings her “Live Laugh Love!” tour to Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 E. Presidents circle, on Friday, April 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $24 - $99.50 (plus $100 for a meet & greet); visit artstickets.utah.edu. (Lee Zimmerman)

Complete listings online at cityweekly.net

Pygmalion Theatre Company: Near Mint

When Lane Richins went back to school at the University of Utah after what he describes as a “20year break,” his plan was to complete his BA in Theater with eyes towards an MFA in directing. But after a playwrighting class with Tim Slover, he found himself unexpectedly moved in a new creative direction. “I gained a real appreciation for [writing], and some great joy in it. It just seemed like the cards were falling that way, as though it were meant to be.”

Near Mint marks the first full production of one of his plays, and Richins connects this joyous experience with the quest for joy that inspired its creation in the first place. Focused on an ex-baseball player running a baseball-card store in Southern California circa 1988, the story originated from the dark times of the early pandemic. “There was no connection, no humanity happening, because we were all stuck in this black hole,” Richins says. “I needed something bright; I needed to find some light, and some hope. I thought, ‘What makes me happy? What is something that has provided life and meaning?’ Baseball has always been there at the good times in my life, [and] it’s given me a refuge in the hard times.”

Pygmalion Theatre Company’s production of Near Mint runs at the Rose Wagner Center Black Box Theater (138 W. 300 South) April 28 – May 13, with performances Thursday – Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $22.50; visit arttix.org for tickets and additional event information, including select “masks required” performances. (SR)

Art Meets Fashion: Emergent

The definition of what constitutes “art” can be unnecessarily rigid at times. Sure, we can all agree that the painting that hangs on a wall, or a performance of dance or theater, falls under that category. But some acts of creation are so built into our daily lives—like the architecture of a building, or the clothing worn by everyone around us— that it can be harder to recognize them as the work of true artists.

Founded in 2015, Art Meets Fashion is a non-profit dedicated to highlighting the genuine artistry of fashion design, including exciting live experiences like this week’s Emergent. This full runway show features the work of local designers Heggy Gonzalez, Carter Dior Eliasen and Hannah Ruth Zander, as well as international designers Eriko, Adolfo Sanchez and Charles & Ron. The evening is also scheduled to include live performances by performers including Sister Molly Mormon, Jessica Baynes, Tamara Knight, Katya Murafa, Langiola’s Son, Hesperides, Tricia Phoenix and Marakesh Dance. Guests will also get a taste of fashion art installations by Natalie Wynn, Olive & Sage, Nathaniel Gray, Jen Bernardi and the AMF design team, and work by the likes of Utah-based floral artist Shelly Huynh. It promises to be a visually stunning evening that will broaden your sense of what art can be.

Art Meets Fashion: Emergent takes place at The Clubhouse SLC (850 E. South Temple) on Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $80, with $150 VIP tickets including front-row access. Visit amfmagazine.com/amf-event for tickets and additional event information. (SR)

READERS CHOOSE THEIR BEST HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS, MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS, FITNESS GUIDES AND MORE .

WHAT’S CHANGED?

A perk of working on the Best of Utah Body and Mind is learning about the top providers of care in our area. This year, we’ve even more to think about as we’ve increased the award categories to more than 150 (up from around 100 last year). This year, some 7,000 voters cast ballots for 3,500 businesses and individuals. In all, 45,000 votes were cast. We summarized the first-, second- and third-place winners in four sections: medical/dental, complementary/alternative, beauty and fitness. We also asked: “What Did We Miss? ” and we’ve included those suggestions by voters as well. Have you observed any changes in the health and wellness fields since COVID? Some complain about long waits to see their doc or to get a call back from them. Others don’t like the price hikes for procedures and items not covered by insurance.

But there are other trends as well. For example, it’s no longer that unusual to see people masking up before they go into crowded stores or an airport terminal. They tend to be older folks like me trying to avoid catching the latest bug, COVID or otherwise. Or maybe we just don’t want to give you the bug we have! Or maybe we don’t like the way we look. (Thankfully, there are many pros in the upcoming Beauty section who can help with that.)

Beyond masking, I’m noticing that vaccinations for many ailments are now being given by pharmacy techs—no doctor’s appointment needed. And many vaccines are covered by insurance, so no payment is required. I guess that’s good news for those who believe in vaccinating.

Meanwhile, technology has marched on, hasn’t it? Scheduling apps have nearly put medical receptionists out of a job. It is nice to make appointments online but not so nice if you need to ask a basic question about your visit.

I also like being able to view my lab results and even see X-rays online as soon as they’re available, often before my primary care doctor has seen them. My dentist now takes digital X-rays and can point to real-time issues. Even in the ER, they can now roll in a portable X-ray device to look at minor

breaks and sprains (don’t ask me how I know).

In terms of fitness, there’s truly a gym and studio out there with your name on it. And so many are state of the art, offering strength and conditioning, yoga, climbing walls and cycling to music. No matter your age or condition, you’re welcome to show up and feel the burn.

And what about beauty? Can you see it morphing into wellness before your eyes? The menu of options to choose from these days is almost mind-boggling: CBD facials, chemical peels, fillers, dermaplaning, IV drips, vitamin and hormone shots and oxygen bars. Dentists and even physicians have caught on and are adding aesthetician and med-spa care to their services.

Alas, most aesthetician/med-spa services are not covered by insurance, but wouldn’t it be grand if they were? And gym memberships as well? They’re all components of what make us look and feel healthy, and sadly, the costs are prohibitive for many. Oh well, there’s always jogging around Liberty Park—and applying a honey and avocado facial when we get home!

By putting our health and well-being first, everything else in life becomes easier. Many thanks to those providers who make our best life possible, and congratulations to all the 2023 winners!

Body & Mind contributors

Aimee L. Cook, Thomas Crone, Babs De Lay, Wes Long, Cat Palmer, Michael Saltas, Connor Sanders and Megan Wagstaff

Editor’s note: Not all awards have 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Best Allergist

Eric C. Chenworth DO

Dr. Chenworth may not wear a skintight Superman outfit, but his patients think he’s a hero anyway. Whether your allergy is brought on by environmental factors (pollen, mold, animal dander, household chemicals and such), medications and foods (peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish, etc.), or even insect stings, this allergist-immunologist is known for being extremely detail oriented, a good problem solver and very patient in designing treatments for those suffering from allergies and asthma. One patient stated, “His thoroughness of explanation for any concern I expressed, or a specific allergy, is unmatched—I’ve never experienced such a genuine doctor.” Wasatch Allergy and Asthma, 13348 S. Market Center Drive, No. 220, Riverton, 385-290-1289, wasatchallergy.com

2. Jonathan Olsen DO, Granger Medical Clinic

3. Rafael (Ray) Firszt MD, Tanner Clinic

Medical & Dental

Best Addiction Recovery

Odyssey House of Utah

You should look at the graph showing Odyssey House’s success rate compared to others. It’s stunning. Let’s talk drug addiction. The path to sobriety is long and hard. Some people don’t make it, but for those who do and there are many their lives have been changed forever. One client says he is six years sober, he left mid-way and it was hard. “I use everything I learned about my behavior and have changed my whole life around. Thank you, Odyssey staff.” 344 E. 100 South, SLC, 801-322-3222, odysseyhouse.org

Best Bariatric Surgery University of Utah Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program

For those who don’t know, bariatric surgery—which includes lap banding, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass and BPD-DS procedures—is performed on the stomach and or intestines to induce weight loss. Bypass surgeries are generally irreversible but are lifesaving for so many who suffer from chronic obesity (100 pounds or more overweight). Dr. Eric Volckmann is the director of the U of U’s Bariatric Surgery Program, where he specializes in minimally invasive upper gastrointestinal procedures and bariatric surgery. Start the process of discovery on the website, which is educational about the different procedures, body mass index, how to qualify for weight loss surgery and finding out if it’s right for you.

50 N. Medical Drive, SLC, 801-587-3856, healthcare.utah. edu/bariatricsurgery

2. Bariatric Medicine Institute

3. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians

Best Dermatologist

David Smart MD

Doctors with this specialty treat ailments manifested by your skin suit, from acne and itchy rashes to moles and warts that change shapes or sizes, hair loss, scaly patches and dry skin. Dr. Smart can also provide treatment plans for wrinkles, scars, leg veins and skin spots but you have to pick up the 2,000-pound phone and make an appointment. Actually, everyone should see a dermatologist for an annual checkup, especially if you have fair skin. One patient reported, “[Dr. Smart] takes time to understand… never seems in a rush, is never pushy about procedures and genuinely cares about his patients.” Unlike some docs, you can book a free consultation to discuss your skin health with Dr. Smart; he is accepting new patients. Smart Skin Dermatology, 3200 W. Clubhouse Drive, Ste. 100, Lehi, 385-273-3376, smartskindermatology.com

Tied for 2nd Place:

2. Christopher Hansen MD, University of Utah Health Dermatology

2. Christopher Hull MD, University of Utah Hospital

3. Lana Thanh Ngoc Pho MD, Intermountain Salt Lake Clinic

Best Dermatology Practice University of Utah Health Dermatology

Perhaps one reason the U’s dermatology practice took first place is because of their same-day clinic that treats rashes, blisters and other urgent skin conditions. Their traditional clinic sees folks for ongoing acne, skin tags, stubborn dandruff, nail disorders, hair loss, mild skin diseases characterized by small lesions and annual full-body checks. They encourage you to call or come in the moment you notice any changes in your skin suit. Their stable of doctors, PAs and RNs gets rave reviews—not just for accessibility but for the quality ongoing care they provide. University Hospital, Clinic 28, 50 N. Medical Drive, SLC, 801-581-2955, healthcare.utah.edu/dermatology

2. Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology

3. Smart Skin Dermatology

Odyssey House

Best Doctor of Internal Medicine

Matthew Bryan MD

Internal medicine doctors are primary care providers who treat adults and are trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage long-term illnesses and help patients with chronic conditions. With his practice focus on transgender medicine, HIV prevention (PrEP), HIV treatment and overall LGBTQ+ health, Dr. Bryan fills an important niche in the community. Patients rave about the quality of care they receive, rating him five out of five stars, with one saying, “He is truly a rare gem in the medical profession” and another proclaiming him the “finest doctor I have ever dealt with in all of my 84 years!” Intermountain Salt Lake Clinic, 389 S. 900 East, SLC, 385-282-2600, intermountainhealthcare.org/find-adoctor/b/bryan-matthew-t/

Best Ear, Nose & Throat Physician

Marshall E. Smith MD, FACS

Professor of otolaryngology (big word!) and head and neck surgery at the U of U and medical director of the Voice Disorders Center, Dr. Smith is not just a teacher and investigator, but a researcher and clinician who treats patients (including children) dealing with voice, airway and swallowing disorders. He provides care at eight clinic locations for chronic hoarseness, vocal nodules/polyps, spasmodic dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis, singers with voice problems and more. Multiple locations, intermountainhealthcare. org/find--doctor/Marshall-E-SmithMD-1154411783

Or visit: healthcare.utah.edu/find-adoctor/marshall-e-smith

Best Colonoscopy

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology

The CDC recommends regular screenings for colon cancer beginning at age 45. If no signs of cancer (such as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum) are seen, then you won’t need to return for 10 years. But if polyps or other risk factors are found, your doctor might want you screened more frequently. When the time comes to be screened, Granite Peaks, with two locations, is a favorite. Here, a crew of physicians, PAs and nurse practitioners stand ready to help make the process as comfortable as possible, from instructing you on how to prepare for the procedure to getting ready for the anesthesia. It’s over before you know it, and you’re on your way home, feeling like you did your body a big favor. And you did: The screening saves lives. Locations in Sandy and Lehi, 801-619-9000, granitepeaksgi.com

2. Intermountain Medical Center

3. University of Utah Hospital

Best Family Medicine Physician

Rachel Goossen MD

Dr. Goossen is convinced that epic communication is the magic that turns simple physician-patient encounters into a harmonious relationship. Ensuring every patient’s voice is heard, her ultimate quest revolves around lifestyle transformations to ward off and heal chronic conditions. Her approach of holistic health is the artful masterpiece of keeping mind, body and spirit in harmonious balance. U of U Health Sugar House Health Center, 1280 E. Stringham Ave., SLC, 801-213-8841, healthcare.utah. edu/find-a-doctor/rachel-goossen

2. Katherine W. Munt MD, Granger Medical Holladay Clinic

3. Rebecca J. Levine MD, Intermountain Jordan River Family Medicine

Best Family Practice Clinic

Foothill Family Clinic

With its three locations, Foothill Family Clinic reigns supreme in putting patients first. Get ready to surf through a treasure trove of useful and enlightening resources, all crafted to make your life healthier and happier. The team of dedicated professionals work tirelessly to provide top-notch healthcare, plus, there is handy onsite lab and radiology services, along with trendy telehealth and video appointments. Locations in Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights and Draper; foothillfamilyclinic.com

2. Martindale Clinic

3. Granger Medical Clinic

2. M. Jason Penrod MD, University of Utah Hospital Internal Medicine

3. Lisa Kuwahara MD, Intermountain Avenues Internal Medicine

2. Tykie Skedros MD, Mountain West ENT

3. John R Bennett MD, Ear Nose & Throat Hearing Center

•Drive-thru

• Patio

• Dog Friendly

•Open 6am - 4pm (SPRING hours)

•ALL food made from scratch and in-house, our recipes

•Nitro Cold Brew

•Custom Energy Drinks

7567 South Main Street Midvale, 84047

@tresgatoscoffee

Best Gastroenterologist

PJ Pedersen MD

Diving into the fascinating field of endoscopic procedures, Dr. Pedersen thrives on providing patients with exceptional care and extraordinary outcomes. Patients appreciate his caring nature and ability to listen, empathize and come up with the best course of action to treat GI maladies such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and liver disease. Utah Gastroenterology, locations in Draper and Millcreek, gialliance.com/pj-pedersen-slc-ut

Best General Surgeon

Ellen H. Morrow MD, FACS

A skilled general surgeon, Dr. Morrow graduated from Stanford U Medical School and studied minimally invasive surgery at the University of Washington. She’s experienced in esophageal surgery and laparoscopic procedures for disorders of the upper GI tract, such as reflux, paraesophageal hernias and achalasia. She’s also certified in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Performing foregut, bariatric and general surgery at the U of U and Veterans Hospital, she’s been called “a miracle worker” by one of her patients. University of Utah Sugar House Center, 1280 E. Stringham Ave., SLC, 801-5812000, md.com/doctor/ellen-morrow-md

Best Geriatric Physician Amy Cowan MD

After growing up on the Oregon Coast and attending medical school in Hawaii, Dr. Cowan completed an internal medicine residency in Portland followed by a fellowship in geriatric medicine at the University of Utah. Her clinical practice is at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and she’s an assistant professor at the U of U. “Dr. Cowan really cares about our vets, as well as the house staff and all of the people that work at the V.A. We are very lucky to have her,” says one Facebook commenter. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Foothill Drive, SLC, 801-582-1565, va.gov

Best Hospice Care

Solstice Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care

Solstice enhances the quality of end-of-life care through a combination of in-patient medical services, including therapeutic touch, pet therapy, aroma therapy, massage and music therapy. For example, Solstice facilitated a father’s greatest wish—to spend his last days at home. “We are grateful for the highest quality care they provided our family,” says his daughter. If you have a loved one nearing the end of life, don’t hesitate to contact Solstice. 1250 E. 3900 South, Ste. 301, Millcreek, 801-485-1035, solsticehc.com

2. Canyon Home Care & Hospice

3. Hospice for Utah

Best Hospital University of Utah Medical Center

Opening its doors in 1965, the U of U Medical Center is a major regional health care center and teaching hospital—not just for Utahns but for those living in Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and western Colorado—known for specialties such as cardiology, geriatrics, gynecology, pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics and ophthalmology. There are five hospitals, 12 community clinics and six schools and colleges operating under its banner. It’s staffed by more than 23,000 employees, including 1,400 board-certified physicians as well as PAs, nurses and assistants. 50 N. Medical Drive, SLC, 801-581-2745, healthcare.utah.edu/hospital

2. Intermountain Medical Center

3. Primary Children’s Hospital

Best Independent Pharmacy

Jolley’s Gift & Floral

Opened in 1954, this neighborhood drugstore (just west of Westminster College) is a rare compounding pharmacy that makes medications on site. These compounds can be types of injections, eye drops and infusions that must be created in a sterile environment. They also make non-sterile compounds such as creams, capsules and suppositories that the big chains don’t make in-store. While waiting for your prescription, you can sit in a full-body massage chair and eavesdrop on the banter of longtime employees. Best of all, it’s a gift store with cards, jewelry and cute seasonal items that will make you smile. You can also get flu shots, pneumonia and shingles injections there anytime. 1676 E. 1300 South, SLC, 801-582-1600, jolleyspharmacy.com

2. University Pharmacy

3. Meier’s Pharmacy

2. Laura Pace MD, PhD, Metrodora Institute

3. R. Kyle Barnett MD, Granite Peaks Gastroenterology

2. Megan Grunander MD, FACS, Ogden Clinic

3. Teresa Reading, MD, Intermountain Avenues Specialty Clinic

2. Timothy Farrell MD, University of Utah Health Geriatric Care

Best Ketamine Clinic Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives

What if your brain could heal itself from PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, OCD and chronic pain by creating new neural pathways? With ketamine therapy, anything is possible. Over a one-hour session, ketamine is administered via injection or IV while the patient is supervised by a licensed professional. Although 6-10 treatments may be recommended, some people feel instant relief after just one session. A single intramuscular injection is $299 (infusion is $400), and insurance does not cover the treatment. Locations in Salt Lake City and West Jordan, 385-685-1410, ktherapyslc.com

2. Rising Health Specialty Clinic

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Empathetix Millcreek office

3. Summit Ketamine Therapy

Best Men’s Health Clinic

Prestige Men’s Health

Unless you’re Ponce de León, we all know aging is inevitable. But Dr. Joshua Schmidt at Prestige believes that your body’s response to it doesn’t have to be. Since 2015, Dr. Schmidt has helped men feel younger with hormonal therapy. Low testosterone treatments at Prestige are affordable and easy to start, plus Dr. Schmidt loves to answer questions, his patients say. This may be as close to the fountain of youth that you, or Ponce, can get. 4381 S. Highland Drive, Holladay, 801-695-4311, prestigemenshealth.com

Tied for 2nd Place:

2. Cameron Wellness and Spa

2. Empathetix

3. Wasatch Medical Clinic

Best Mental Health Treatment Center Odyssey House of Utah

Odyssey House is Utah’s largest and most comprehensive addiction program. Their adult residential substance-abuse program has helped tens of thousands nationwide. Odyssey’s mental health therapists are trained to work with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and other issues. “It’s a place of learning and growth.,” says one client. “It gives you a second chance at life if you’re willing to step up and take it.”

344 E. 100 South, SLC, 801-322-3222, odysseyhouse.org

2. Huntsman Mental Health Institute (University Neuropsychiatric Institute)

3. Utah Center for Evidence-Based Treatment

Best Neurologist

Safdar A. Ansari MD

Dr. Ansari not only oversees students’ transition from the classroom to the 23-bed, state-of-the-art neurocritical care unit at the University of Utah, but he also serves as the medical director of the TeleNeurology program. His poise and kindness while helping patients who have suffered strokes or traumatic brain injuries bring comfort to the afflicted and set a high standard for neurology students, interns and fellows completing their residency at the U of U. University of Utah Hospital, 50 Medical Drive North, SLC, 801-581-2121, healthcare.utah.edu

2. Alyssa Lettich MD, Intermountain Neurosciences Institute

3. Dorothy L. Williams MD PhD, U of U Imaging and Neurosciences Center

Best Neuropsychologist

Julien Smith Ph.D.

With more than 30 years of experience in the health care field, Dr. Smith was previously director of the Primary Children’s Hospital Department of Neuropsychology and continues as an affiliated staff member after entering private practice in 2010. She provides pediatric and adolescent neuropsychological consultation and assessment services for those with known or suspected neurological injury and neurodevelopmental disorders such as traumatic brain injury, chronic medical conditions, developmental delays and autism disorder. Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology, 231 E. 400 South, Ste. 335, SLC, 801-363-1189, kidsnneuropsych.com

2. Stephen Trapp, PhD, Metrodora

Best Nurse Practitioner

Mindee Kunkel RN, PNP

A U of U College of Nursing alumna, Mindee Kunkel specializes in pediatric orthopedic surgery, working in Salt Lake, Riverton and Layton. She works directly with young patients and their parents to ensure they get great care and that they understand doctors’ orders. Her patients are dealing with anything from simple broken bones to those with childhood diseases like Legg-CalvePerthes disease. Both parents and kids love her knowledge, patience and professionalism along with her big smiles. Primary Children’s Hospital, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Drive, SLC, 801-6623645, intermountainhealthcare.org/find-adoctor/Mindee-P-Kunkel-NP-1316122849

2. Elizabeth Cardenas DNP, Solstice Medical Group and Fortis College faculty

3. Austin Francom APRN, Summit Primary Care and Clinical Services

Best Registered Nurse

Stephanie Goodwin RN

Stephanie M. Goodwin graduated with a nursing degree from Southern Utah University and now works for Primary Children’s Hospital Emergency Department where she’s one of the first responders for patients admitted to the ER. In a typically high-stress, fast-paced environment, she works to identify medical issues, determine severity and provide support, all while tempering her medical skills with compassion for the young patients entrusted to her care. Primary Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, 100 Mario Capecchi Drive, SLC, 801-662-1234, intermountainhealthcare.org

2. Olivia Cobb RN, Solstice Home Health, Hospice & Palliative Care

3. Erika Reichman APRN, University of Utah Hospital

Best In-Home Nursing Care

Solstice Home Health, Hospice & Palliative Care

Responsive around the clock, 24/7, Solstice has a long history of working within our community to help their clients interact with physicians, NPs and PAs. If you have been diagnosed with a chronic life-limiting medical condition, Solstice’s palliative team works with you to improve your quality of life, from the time of your diagnosis through the final stages of life. They help those with heart failure as well as pulmonary disease, cancer, dementia and Parkinson’s. Reviewers gush about the care their medical personnel and social workers give to each person they see. 1250 E. 3900 South, No. 301, Millcreek, 801-485-1035, solsticehc.com

2. Elite Home Health

Best Oncologist

Neeraj Agarwal MD

Dr. Agarwal is a decorated researcher and a leader in the field of genitourinary (kidney, bladder, fallopian tubes and penis) cancers. His dedication to fighting cancer with proven strategies—having written more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters—is astounding. Patients appreciate his calming bedside manner and devotion to conveying what to expect in treatment as well as the science behind his recommendations. Huntsman Cancer Institute, 2000 Circle of Hope Drive, Ste, 1950, SLC, 801-587-7000, healthcare.utah.edu

2. Mark K. Dodson MD, University of Utah Hospital

3. Kirstyn E. Brownson MD, Huntsman Cancer Institute

Best Pain Clinic University of Utah Health Pain Management Center

Treating the whole person and not just their pains and symptoms is the gold standard for pain management. First, you have an evaluation that includes a full physical and psychological assessment of what ails you. After looking at your records, they may recommend more tests to pinpoint the cause of your pain so the team can create a tailored treatment plan for your condition and degree of pain, your needs and your physical objectives. They also offer behavioral medicine by licensed clinical psychologists to teach patients strategies to manage or cope with pain. 615 Arapeen Drive, No.100, SLC, 801-581-7246, healthcare.utah.edu/paincenter

2. Earth Center Acupuncture

3. Pinyon Physical Therapy

Best Physician Assistant

Shalia Hartvigsen PA-C

Physician assistants are the cornerstone of the medical field, fostering care for millions of patients across the country. It might surprise you to learn your primary care provider is a PA and not a doctor. Shalia Hartvigsen trained in clinics and operating rooms across the state under excellent plastic surgeons, including Dr. Ward of Ward MD. She takes pride in being able to meet the needs of her patients regardless of language barriers, having volunteered as a Spanish medical interpreter for the underserved at a community clinic in Salt Lake City. Ward MD, multiple locations, wardmd.com

2. Jasmin Charles MS, PA-C, University of Utah Hospital

3. Madeline Grainger PA, Martindale Clinic

Best Plastic Surgeon—

Cosmetic/Reconstruction

P. Daniel Ward MD

“A natural result without obvious signs of surgery is our ultimate cosmetic goal,” is what Dr. Ward and his team strive for with each patient. A doubleboard certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ward possesses a blend of artistry and medical expertise that have ranked him among the top 1% of physicians in patient satisfaction, according to his website. Whether you need a rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, reconstruction after skin cancer removal or facial trauma or treatment for facial paralysis, Dr. Ward is passionate about providing the best clinical care to his patients. Ward MD, multiple locations, wardmd.com

2. Bethany Powers MD, Ward MD

3. Jeremy (Jerry) Chidester MD, The Plastics Clinic & Spa

Oncologist Neeraj Agarwal MD, Huntsman Cancer Institute

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Plastic surgeon P. Daniel Ward MD

Candace Curzon LCSW, co-owner of Ketamine Therapy

SLC at Therapeutic Alternatives

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We want to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for your continued support and for acknowledging Rebel House as one of the Best of Utah since 2019. When we founded Rebel House, our primary goal was to create a community-centered space that offers a safe environment where people can grow mentally and physically.

We could not have achieved this incredible feat without your unwavering support, dedication, and belief in our mission. Your energy, passion, and commitment to our community have been the driving force behind our success. We are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and to provide a space where you feel supported, welcomed, and empowered to reach your full potential.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to our staff, both past and present, for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community. Their efforts have been instrumental in creating an environment that fosters growth, wellness, and inclusivity.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to serving our community with the same passion and dedication that inspired us when we first founded Rebel House. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and making a positive impact on the lives of those around us.

Once again, we want to thank you for your love and support. We are truly grateful to be part of such an incredible community, and we look forward to many more years of growth, wellness, and community building.

With gratitude, The Rebel Team

REBEL. SWEAT. RINSE. REPEAT.

Best Long-Hauler COVID Care

Bateman Horne Center

This nonprofit is dedicated to research for folks suffering from Long Haulers Syndrome. They are actively recruiting people to test nutritional supplements and different clinical studies or trials. In addition, they are working to identify biomarkers, diagnostic measures and treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID and fibromyalgia. They’ve set up a registry where you can securely sign up to determine if you are eligible to participate. The founder and medical director, Dr. Lucinda Bateman, is recognized worldwide as an expert and treatment of ME/CFS and related comorbidities and is known locally as one of the few specialists in her field. 24 S. 1100 East, No. 205, SLC, 801-359-7404, batemanhornecenter.org

Best Transgender Health Care

Best Psychotherapist/ Counselor

Caroline Pegram LCSW

The owner of Topaz Healing, Caroline Pegram is a licensed clinical social worker and trauma sensitive yoga facilitator. Her approach centers on the mind-body connection, nervous system awareness and healing from trauma. She works with those who have experienced domestic violence, PTSD, grief, eating disorders, emotional disturbance and family conflict. Patient reviews describe her as professional, respectful and mindful “I learned how to have self-worth and confidence, set healthy boundaries and work through my trauma,” says one. Topaz Healing, 515 S. 700 East, Ste. 2D, SLC, 801-613-1270, topazhealing.com

2. Sarah Windes CMHC, Therapy Alliance

3. Kimberly Applewhite, Psy.D., Utah Center for Evidence-Based Treatment

Best Pulmonologist

Best Retirement Community

Summit Vista

As Utah’s first “life plan community,” this is senior living with a tiered-care option. Not only do they offer quality-built independent living apartments but also access to higher levels of care (including assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care) should they be needed. With the Gardner Co. and Solamere Capital as investors, there’s a local touch involved that makes a difference. 3390 W. Signal Peak Drive, Taylorsville, 801-758-3138, summitvista.com

2. South Jordan View Retirement Community

3. Legacy Village of Sugar House

Best Rural Utah Medical Center

Central Valley Medical Center

Best Urologist

Peter A. Caputo MD

Dr. Caputo is a urology specialist affiliated with St. Mark’s Hospital and Lone Peak Hospital. He graduated from Westminster College, then completed a doctorate at Temple University, a residency at the University of Texas, and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. Many positive client reviews commend Dr. Caputo for his congenial bedside manner, thorough explanations and answers to questions as well as his surgical skills that often achieve pain-free results. Summit Urology Group, 4252 S. Highland Drive., Ste. 200, Holladay, 801-993-1800, summiturologygroup.com

2. Bogdana Schmidt MD, MPH, Huntsman Cancer Institute

3. William B. Warner MD, Granger Obstetrics & Gynecology

The

University of Utah Health Transgender Health Program

Despite political controversy over trans rights in this country and Utah, there’s still a place you can go for counseling, hormone therapy, gender affirmation surgery, voice therapy, hair reduction and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Adolescents can receive gender management and support (GeMS), including behavioral health, nutrition wellness, family planning and coordinated care. Utah law now prohibits hormone therapy and puberty blockers as treatment for gender dysphoria for anyone under the age of 18 who did not have a documented gender dysphoria diagnosis prior to January 28, 2023. But for minors with a diagnosis prior to that date, there may be a pathway to receive genderaffirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers. 801-213-2195, healthcare.utah.edu/transgender-health

Best Psychiatrist

Daniel Inouye MD

“Dr. Dan” is a psychiatry specialist with more than eight years of experience in medicine. After graduating from Harvard Medical School in 2014, he completed an adult psychiatry residency at UCLA. Patient reviews express appreciation for his in-depth knowledge of mental health, postpartum issues, and empathic attitude. Says one, “I’ve learned more about my diagnoses, medications, and underlying conditions that other mental health professionals never took the time to investigate.” Utah Psychiatric Clinic, 12221 S. 900 East, Draper, 801-592-2002, postpartumutah.com

Krishna M. Sundar MD

If erratic sleep patterns leave you trudging through the day with all the vigor of a somnambulist, then consider what Dr. Sundar can do to help. As medical director of the U’s Sleep-Wake Center— board-certified in sleep medicine, pulmonary disease, critical care and internal medicine—Dr. Sundar’s kind and knowledgeable manner will soon have you breathing easier. University of Utah Health Sleep-Wake Center, 375 S. Chipeta Way, No. A200, SLC, 801-581-2016, healthcare.utah.edu

2. Lara Hardman MD, Intermountain Memorial Clinic

Best Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Hayden James RDN, CSSD, CD, CDCES

James is not just a registered dietician nutritionist. As a runner, climber and skier, she understands “the demands of balancing athletic pursuits with life.” It’s not about getting skinny. She is about getting your best self to be healthy and fit. She founded Satiate Nutrition to help anyone from the novice to the pro athlete. Eating has become a complicated task in a world of mixed messages. Now you can be guided to good health and an active lifestyle. Satiate Nutrition, satiatenutrition.com

Known to locals as CVMC, this small rural hospital owned by Juab County was built in the 1950s and has grown to a nonprofit healthcare system providing a wide range of medical services to those living in central Utah. With multiple clinic locations, integrated surgical suites, and a women’s health and birthing center, they also offer all the usual things you think of with a hospital— like an ER department, radiology, labs, respiratory therapy and more. Folks come from Payson, Jericho, Scipio and even from larger cities like Gunnison and Delta because of the reputation of the medical staff. 48 W. 1500 North, Nephi, 435-623-3000, centralvalleymedicalcenter.com

2. Northpointe Medical Park, Tooele

3. Canyon View Medical, Spanish Fork

Best Urgent Care University of Utah Health Urgent Care

Hardly does getting ill comply with your busy schedule. When you’re under the weather and your regular doctor can’t get you in for an immediate appointment, urgent care is your best bet. With nine locations open all day plus weekends and evenings, University of Utah Health Urgent Care treats illnesses from flus and fevers to earaches, nausea, allergic reactions, bites, minor cuts and fractures. No appointment needed—just get yourself there and they’ll take care of what ails you. Multiple locations, healthcare.utah.edu/primarycare/urgent

2. Granger Medical Clinic Urgent Care

Best Spine Center / Best Dry Needling

Pinyon Physical Therapy

Whether you’re recovering from a back or spine injury or hoping to improve your tennis game, physical therapy can help you maximize your body’s potential. And perhaps no treatment is more targeted to muscle performance than dry needling, which focuses on trigger points to increase range of motion and function. Sarah McNurlin is a certified Functional Dry Needling® practitioner who combines dry needling with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for a comprehensive approach to spinal and muscular mobility. In fact, she’s so effective, she’s had clients fly in from out of state for sessions. 515 S. 700 East, Ste. 2D, SLC, 385-2026198, pinyonpt.com

Best Spine Center runners up Tied for 2nd Place:

2. Anthony Simone DC, Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic

2. Michael Cerami DC, Utah Sports and Wellness

3. Suzanne Cronin DC, Salt Lake Chiropractic Best Dry Needling runners up

2. Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness

3. Mountain Land Therapy

2. Terra Care SLC

3. Cameron Wellness and Spa

2. Ward MD Facial Plastic Surgery

3. Martindale Clinic

2. Stamatios Dentino MD, University of Utah Hospital

3. Kirk Simon MD, Primary Children’s Medical Center

Lucinda Bateman MD, medical director of the Bateman Horne Center

Caroline Pegram LCSW, Topaz Healing

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3. Sikandar Ansari MD, University of Utah

2. Davin Lau MS, RD, CSCS, Fit to Recover

3. James C. Miller MS, RDN, CGP, University of Utah Health Comprehensive Weight Management

3. Medallus Urgent Care

Best Orthopedic Rehab

TOSH (The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital)

Founded in 1991, TOSH is a 100,000-square-foot facility with 36 patient rooms, 10 surgery suites, a research laboratory, a pool, a weight and exercise room, and a rehabilitation center. TOSH provides surgical and nonsurgical care for patients dealing with bone, tendon, ligament and muscle issues. From sports injuries to total joint replacement, TOSH providers employ a collaborative approach, working together on treatment options to help patients understand their condition and choose the best treatment plan. 5848 S. 300 East, Murray, 801-314-4100, intermountainhealthcare.org/ locations/the-orthopedic-specialty-hospital

2. Primary Children’s Hospital

3. Pinyon Physical Therapy

Best Orthopedic Surgeon

Daniel Gibbs MD

Specializing in nonoperative, minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques, Dr. Gibbs is that guy when it comes to knee, hip and shoulder surgery. A repeat Best Orthopedic Surgeon winner, his patients say his care is only getting better. Dr. Gibbs has worked with elite athletes, including the LA Dodgers and University of Southern California football team, among others, and brings the same level of mindfulness and diligence to his work now. One patient said Dr. Gibbs gave her a second wind in her 70s after her “miserable” knees had deteriorated from running marathons as a young lass. “I am able to walk four miles a day, play golf twice a week … and engage regularly with kids, grandkids and great grandkids,” she said. “Life is good!” Heiden Orthopedics, multiple locations, 435-6158-822, heidenortho.com

2. Joshua M. Hickman MD, Mountain Orthopaedics

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Joel Turtle MD, University of Utah Hospital

3. Christopher E. Pelt MD, Injury Clinic at the University of Utah Health Orthopaedic Center

Best Physical Therapist

Susan McLaughlin PT

Susan is a four-time BAM winner—what can we say that has not already been said? Her back story is inspiring! The testimonies on her website speak for themselves. As McLaughlin says on her website, “Getting out of pain has many paths. Our work together will be a journey. I will be more like the guide or facilitator, as you take the steps toward change. This is not a one-session ‘quick fix’; this is a collaboration of me with you, and you with your body.” If you like that approach, you’ll love working with McLaughlin. Align Integration and Movement, 1817 S. Main, Ste. 10, SLC, 801-859-4142, alignforhealth.com

2. Sarah McNurlin PT, DPT, Pinyon Physical Therapy

3. Betty DeLass PT, DPT, Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness

Best Physical Therapy Clinic Reborn Pelvic

Health & Wellness

There is something called “vagina magicians” that we now want to find out about because it sounds so dang cool! Reborn is not “let’s just put a band-aid over the issue,” but they determine why symptoms are occurring and use a whole-body approach to heal pelvic issues. That is why patients love them! Folks describe their process as “life-changing.” They treat everything from bowel and bladder dysfunction to pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum. Locations in West Jordan and Provo, 801-216-3117, rebornphw.com

2. Pinyon Physical Therapy

Best Sports Medicine Clinic University of Utah Health Sports Medicine

With providers at the U of U Health Orthopaedic Center and throughout the Salt Lake Valley, the U’s sports medicine care is comprehensive and interdisciplinary, and includes trainers, sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, wellness coaches, orthopaedic surgeons, dietitians and researchers. They address wellness, injury and prevention, treatment and recovery, and performance. This “team” approach has helped athletes from the U of U, Real Salt Lake and Salt Lake Bees and at numerous high schools and community events. If it works for them, it can work for you! Multiple locations, 801-587-2222, healthcare. utah.edu/sports-medicine

Best Midwife

Adrienne Brown CPM

After giving birth to her own baby with the help of a midwife, Adrienne Brown decided to focus on women’s health and studied at the Maternidad La Luz midwifery school in El Paso, Texas, graduating in 2003. She’s attended over 1,000 deliveries and staunchly encourages women to work with a midwife—whether birthing at home or in the hospital—to ensure the safest delivery possible. Midwives don’t just help women with pregnancy and childbirth—many also assist with newborn care and postpartum health. Her patients rave about her empathy and strength. Wasatch Midwifery & Wellness, 6440 S. Wasatch Blvd., Ste. 140, Holladay, 385-237-1568, wasatchmidwifery.com

Best Midwifery/ Birthing Center

Wasatch Midwifery & Wellness

This nationally accredited center provides women along the Wasatch Front the option to give birth at home with the help of a midwife. In addition, Wasatch Midwifery offers a birthing center that’s not only safe and welcoming but one that clients say feels more like a spa with a large free-standing tub, birth balls and stools, hanging yoga slings and yummy soft spa robes and high-end linens. Clients can enjoy a relaxing stay prior to, during and after giving birth until discharged by the staff. They welcome doulas, family members and support people to assist in labor. Wasatch Midwifery & Wellness, 6440 S. Wasatch Blvd., Ste. 140, Holladay, 385-237-1568, wasatchmidwifery.com

2. The Birth Center, Murray

3. Birth Journey Midwifery, Murray

Best Pediatrician

Suzanne Holbrook MD

She is “Dr. Suzy” to many! A U of U Medical School alumna, she’s board-certified to practice pediatrics since 1993. Exploration of various philosophies of medical practice is fundamental to who she is. She considers pushing her own boundaries and her understanding of healing as her core mission. She has learned through and healed using pediatric medicine, neonatology, cranio-sacral therapy and an ongoing exploration of functional medicine. Sunnyside Pediatrics, 24 S. 1100 East, Ste. 301, SLC, 801-521-2640, sunnysidepeds.com/ suzanne-holbrook-md

2. Jennifer Cox MD, Sunnyside Pediatrics

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Jenifer Sandvig MD, Wasatch Pediatrics, Millcreek

3. Rachel Baar MD, Intermountain Internal Memorial Clinic Pediatrics

Best Prenatal Care Wasatch Midwifery & Wellness

Before delivery, clients are seen in the office and, for those who choose home birth, there is one at-home visit. In addition, the midwife is on-call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to attend to any pregnancy-related questions, emergencies and extra visits that may be needed. “Their prenatal care was personalized and non-invasive. I knew they cared about my child and me,” says one patient. “Each person I interacted with was kind, professional, and knowledgeable.” 6440 S. Wasatch Blvd., Ste. 140, Holladay, 385-237-1568, wasatchmidwifery.com

2. University of Utah SUPeRAD (Substance Use in Pregnancy Recovery Addiction Dependence) Clinic

3. The Birth Center, Murray

Best ObstetricianGynecologist

Abby J. Watson MD

After earning a medical degree from University of Nebraska School of Medicine in 2011, Dr. Watson did an OB-GYN residency at the U of U. Now, a dozen years later, Dr. Watson specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, women’s health, endometriosis, LGBTQ and transgender health. Her patients give her high marks:

“Dr. Watson is amazing! Very compassionate, thorough, and patient. Never makes me feel rushed through an appointment, no matter how many questions I have. She takes time to thoroughly explain and answer questions to ensure I feel comfortable and understand. Couldn’t ask for a better OB-GYN.” Madsen Health Center, 555 S. Foothill Blvd., SLC, 801-581-8000, healthcare.utah. edu/find-a-doctor/abby-watson

2. Rebecca L. Ponder MD, Intermountain Obstetrics & Gynecology, Murray Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Hanele Laine MD, Intermountain Avenues Women’s Center

3. Jason L. Johnson MD, St. Mark’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates

Best Women’s Health Clinic

Planned Parenthood Association of Utah

We could write something quippy about Planned Parenthood, but right now the issues surrounding women’s health are too important to speak of lightly. With eight health centers in Utah from Logan to St. George, Planned Parenthood provides essential sexual and reproductive health care services, including abortions up to 18 weeks—for now anyway. A temporary restraining order currently blocks the implementation of Utah’s “trigger law” that would ban abortion in Utah. While that case is awaiting a decision, a new Utah law was passed in 2023 that bans abortion clinics. That law is also being challenged in court. Through it all, PPAU has fought the good fight to defend a woman’s right to choose, believing as it does that sexual and reproductive health

3. TOSH Physical Therapy, Murray

2. Heiden Orthopedics

3. Granger Medical Alta View Sports Medicine

2. Eve German CPM, LM , MSM, The Birth Center Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Christine Larson, CPM LDEM, Olive Branch Midwifery

3. Gloria Moore CPM LDEM, Bearth Midwifery

• Inclusive hair studio that welcomes all hair

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• Time based pricing, a flat rate you know when booking!

lucerohairandwellness.com

@lucerohaircare

• Naturally Derived and Organic Ingredients

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are basic human rights, and access to health care should be available to all. Their doors remain open. Multiple locations, book appointments at 1-800-230-7526, plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-utah

2. Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness

3. Martindale Clinic

Best Wellness Podcast

Odyssey House Journals

Hosted by veteran SLC news anchor Randall Carlisle, Odyssey House Journals details his road to recovery from alcohol addiction. His guests range from other recovering drug or alcohol addicts to the treatment workers who help them, sharing more than 90 inspiring 30-minute stories detailing the journey from rock bottom to a renewed outlook on substance-free life. It’s the very raw, very real version of Chicken Soup for the Soul you didn’t know you needed. soundcloud.com/odysseyhousejournals

2. Naomi Haigh, The Modern Psychic Podcast

3. Mountain Land Physical Therapy Podcasts

Best Dental Implant Clinic

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah

Simply, dental implants help to restore your ability to chew with a secondary bonus of restoring your appearance. It can help preserve the health of the surrounding bone and gums and keep your jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss. These surgeons have offices in Pleasant View, Bountiful, Layton and Ogden and offer a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with various expertise in installing implants, removing wisdom teeth and diagnosing and treating facial pain, facial injuries, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, facial fractures, facial cosmetic and lip repositioning. Multiple locations, omsofutah.com

2. Stubbs Dental Implant Center

3. The Dental Spa

Best Dental Practice

The Dental Spa

Get ready to dazzle the world with your pearly whites. The top-notch cosmetic and restorative dental services offered at The Dental Spa will take your oral health and smile game to a whole new level. But there’s more— indulge in their spa treatments at the Facial Lounge for the ultimate pampering experience. Say hello to a stunning smile and a rejuvenated you. 620 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-466-6645, thedentalspa.com

Tied for 2nd Place:

2. Foothill Dental

2. Stubbs Dental Implant Center

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. City Creek Dental 3. Mirci Dental

Best Dentist/Best General Dentist

Kirkland Graham DDS

With more than 20 years of experience in private practice, Dr. Graham works hard to keep your smile looking its best, offering preventative care for healthy teeth while also specializing in cosmetic enhancements, general upkeep of your teeth’s wellbeing, sleep apnea solutions as well as restorative treatments. The Dental Spa, 620 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-466-6645, thedentalspa.com

Best Invisalign Provider The Dental Spa

Anyone who’s ever had traditional braces or retainers can agree that Invisalign clear aligners may be the best advancement in the dental industry since Novocain. But we posit there’s one team in town that makes Invisalign even better—The Dental Spa. From complimentary eye masks and mini massages to a la carte facials and cosmetic injections, a perfect smile is just the beginning when you book your Invisalign appointment with Dr. Graham and his team of dental hygienists and licensed master aestheticians. 620 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-466-6645, thedentalspa.com

Best Oral Surgeon Adam McCormick DDS, FACS

Just as he did in 2021 to win this position, Dr. McCormick provided unmatched oral surgery in the eyes of Utahns in 2022. Dr. McCormick operates an efficient office and won’t waste your time by having you wait around, his patients said. But that doesn’t mean care ends when you walk out the door. It’s not uncommon for Dr. McCormick to call and check on patients hours after a procedure to check in.

Dr. McCormick had shared his talent and kind heart on humanitarian trips to Honduras, China, Mexico and Ecuador. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah, multiple locations, 801-779-0506, omsofutah.com

Tied for 2nd Place:

Best Orthodontist

Michael Richards DDS

Dr. Richards is not to be confused with the actor who plays Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld, the one who once accused his pal, Jerry, of being a rabid “anti-dentite.” Dr. Richards may share his name with the actor, but he’s one of the most talented dental magicians around—bringing artistic creativity into his orthodontic work. Dr. Richards and his staff strive to make every appointment a rewarding experience. It’s a warm atmosphere to walk into, his patients say. One patient mentioned her dog was sick at an appointment and, a few days later, she received a card signed by the entire staff. He excels at giving patients confidence in their smiles. Michael Richards Orthodontics, 2455 E. Parleys Way, No. 100, SLC, 801-5819300, michaelrichardsorthodontics.com

2. Spencer Johnson, Johnson Elite Orthodontics

3. David Graham, Graham Orthodontics

Best Pediatric Dentist

Tyler Hanks DMD, MPH

Dr. Tyler Hanks started out as a pediatric dental assistant in 2010 and eventually completed 10 years of dental school training (two of them to become a specialist in children’s dentistry). Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry is his dream practice. The office is full of bright colors, childsize furniture, play spaces, private exam rooms and even a basketball room to make dental visits a positive experience. Parents and patients appreciate the calm, reassuring explanations and gentle treatment that both the dentist and staff provide. Happy Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, 2453 E. 3300 South, Ste. 101, Millcreek, 801-410-0165, happytoothslc.com

2. Cameron Quayle DDS, Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry

3. Debbie Graham DDS, East Bench Pediatric Dentistry

Best Periodontist

Robert Wood DMD

Think of Dr. Wood as a gum specialist who undertook years of additional training to provide periodontal and implant care. He has gathered a great team of assistants and hygienists where they do diagnostics and cleaning, scaling, oral cancer screening, implants and dentures, gum and bone grafting, crown lengthening, cosmetic gingival surgery. And for the pain averse, they offer nitrous-oxide sedation. Utah Implants and Periodontics, 77 S. 700 East, No. 260, SLC, 801-609-3343, saltlakecityperio.com

Best LASIK Center Hoopes Vision

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ-keratomileusis) uses a laser to permanently change the shape of your cornea—that clear covering in front of the eye. LASIK has been around since 1974, and Dr. Phillip Hoopes, who started his practice in Kansas City but returned to his native Utah to open Hoopes Vision, has been offering it here since 2000. Named one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists by the Consumers’ Research Counsel of America several years in a row, Hoopes and his staff help people to throw away their glasses. They also help with cataracts and are dedicated to researching new devices and procedures in eye medicine. The clinic offers free VIP exams and consultations to help you with your vision problems and corrections. 11820 S. State, Draper, 801-568-0200, hoopesvision.com

2. Moran Eye Center

3. Davis Vision Center

Best Local Optical Shop Image Eyes Optical

Family-owned and -operated, Image Eyes Optical isn’t your typical eyeglass store—it’s like having an honest-to-a-fault friend who will tell you if your frames are less than flattering. In fact, co-founder Kris Witzel says, “If someone tries a pair of frames that don’t fit, we won’t sell them. We just won’t. It’s never about the quick sale.” Featuring dozens of top designers and hundreds of pairs of glasses, there is bound to be a fabulous pair uniquely suited to your style at IEO. Multiple locations, imageeyesoptical.com

2. The Spectacle

3. Moran Eye Center

Best Ophthalmologist/Eye Surgeon Griffin Jardine MD

Who’s ever heard of a child looking forward to a doctor’s appointment? Well, the parents of Dr. Jardine’s patients say his humor and gentle manner have done just that—kids look forward to coming back. “[Dr. Jardine] had so many tricks up his sleeve to get my son to cooperate … He went as far as using my phone to take pictures of my son’s eyes to help me visualize exactly what he was talking about,” one patient said. While Dr. Jardine’s reputation of working in pediatrics is nothing short of sparkling, he also specializes in treating eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma in adults. Moran Eye Center, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, SLC, 801-581-2121, healthcare.utah.edu

2. Nick Mamalis MD, Moran Eye Center

3. Oliver L. Yeh MD, Intermountain Salt Lake Clinic

2. Miranda Okubo DDS, Creek Road Dental Care

3. David Babcock DMD, Bluffdale Dental Family Dentistry

2. Wasatch Dental

3. Graham Orthodontics

2. Dustin Hopkin DDS, Hopkin Oral Surgery

2. Jason G. Chandler DMD, MS, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Utah

3. AJ Stosich DDS, MD, Aspire Surgical

2. Dan Thunell DMD, Wasatch Periodontics

Pediatric dentist Tyler Hanks DMD COURTESY PHOTO

Dental Spa’s dermaplane facial

Orthodontist Michael Richards DDS

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO

Best Optometrist

Dix Pettey OD

This year’s winner stands out because of the way he treats patients. “Dr. Pettey speaks to you like he is talking to a friend he wants to help,” one patient wrote. The optometrist never seems rushed and has a special ability to synthesize complex scientific terms into language a layperson can easily understand. Dr. Pettey won’t let a patient walk away without explaining every option for treatment they have available to them, and patients say he’s quick to report test results and provide referrals. Moran Eye Center, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, SLC, 801-581-2352, healthcare.utah.edu/find-a-doctor/dix-pettey

2. Brenden White OD, InVision Eye Health

3. Rich H. Humpherys OD, Family Vision Care

Best Podiatrist

Tied for 1st Place:

Robert Church DPM

Is it putting your best foot forward or putting your best feet forward when two doctors tie for 1st place for best podiatrist? During your lifetime, for those who are able-bodied, it’s likely that you’ll walk approximately 115,000 miles. That’s like circling the globe on foot over four times. Originally from Oklahoma, board-certified podiatrist Robert Church, DPM, is proud to bring high-quality care to the communities of Sugar House, West Jordan and downtown Salt Lake City at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center. Patients say he is “very professional, informative and kind.” Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, multiple locations, afacutah.com

Tied for 1st Place:

Clark Larsen DPM

Tied for first place for Best Podiatrist? Who knew that feet were so popular? More sensory nerve endings are found in the soles of your feet per square centimeter than any other part of your body. An investment in your feet is an investment in your quality of life. Dr. Larsen is a third-generation podiatrist; his grandfather started the practice in 1947, his father joined the practice in 1968 and Dr. Clark Larsen joined the practice in 2006. We think that is pretty neat. We hear that, “if all people were like Dr. Larsen, the world would be a better place.”

Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, 5801 S. Fashion Blvd., Murray, 801-261-1391, rockymtnfootandankle.com

Tied for 2nd Place:

Tied

Best Arch Support/ Orthotics

Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute

As bipeds, we literally put a lot of pressure on our feet, so they deserve custom support! To put your best foot forward, head to Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute, where their priority is feet first. Using Footmaxx software, your podiatrist takes 3D images to create a precise map and then custom build your orthotics to help your body achieve proper alignment, support the ankles and reduce stress and strain. Book your appointment and kick up your heels, relief is just an insole away! Multiple locations, wasatchfai.com

3.

Medical & Dental: What Did We Miss?

Best Cardiologist

Jared D. Miller MD

This doctor is all “heart,” boasting some remarkable credentials, having studied at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, with a residency at Stanford University Medical Center and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease from Johns Hopkins Hospital. That equals a world-class background, of course, but his friendly, calm demeanor and knowledgeable staff only add to the experience of being his patient. One patient/reviewer notes that he “was incredibly kind, thorough and listened to me describe my problem. Once finished, he did an amazing job explaining to me about why I experienced some of my symptoms, as well as giving me tips and solutions.” Intermountain Medical Center, 5121 S. Cottonwood St., Murray, 801-507-4384; intermountainhealthcare.org/finda-doctor/m/miller-jared-d

2. Ronald Brown MD, Granger Medical Clinic

Best Migraine Help

Ruth Kennedy FNP

Warning! Warning! You’re about to get one of those debilitating headaches. Are you ready for nausea and throbbing light sensitivity? Ruth Kennedy may be able to help. She is a nurse practitioner who’s been there herself, which started her on a journey to help others. Maybe you don’t want to take the many medications purporting to cure a migraine. Kennedy provides acute rescue for headache patients with nerve blocks and IV therapy. Foothill Family Clinic, 2295 S. Foothill Drive, SLC, 801-486-3021, foothillfamilyclinic. com/physician/ruth-kennedy-np

Best Rheumatologist

Seung Yoon Celine Lee MD

A board-certified rheumatologist (with additional expertise and board certifications in internal medicine and dermatology), Dr. Lee says that her mantra has “been finding the root cause of the problem and helping my patients to achieve and maintain true health as a whole, rather than just fixing a disease.” Her experience treating inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis comes through two-decadesand-change of professional work in SLC, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and her native South Korea. Lotus Rheumatology and Wellness Clinic, 166 E. 5900 South, Unit B111, SLC, 801-509-5722, https://lotusrheumatology.com

2. Pankhuri Gupta MD, Cottonwood Medical Clinic Rheumatology

Best Endodontist

S. Ryan Facer DDS

Endodontics is a dental specialty that treats dental pulp; these providers do root canals, implants and deal with traumatic dental injuries. Welcome to the endodontic nirvana of Utah, where Dr. Facer and his team of experts utilize experience, cuttingedge techniques and tech that’ll have your mouth restored and beautified. Have an emergency? The team is on call 24/7 knowing that addressing an issue quickly is the best route to a successful outcome. Greater Endodontics, 5334 S. Woodrow St., No. 201, Murray, 801-942-8686, greaterendodontics.com

Best Experiential Therapist

Aimee Clements-Hadfield

LCSW, CET2

Mental health matters more than ever, and Clements-Hadfield specializes in trauma, addiction, burnout, codependency, family conflict and more. She is trained in trauma treatment and has experience working with combat veterans and abuse survivors with severe PTSD, mood disorders and substance abuse. She’s a certified experiential therapist, which means your therapy sessions might involve less talking about your problems than in talk therapy and a whole lot of creative activities that quickly show your brain that it can trust what your heart knows. In this way, you can embody the life you’re longing to live. She currently has a waitlist (she is the best after all). 314 W. 300 South, SLC, meetmonarch.com/therapist/ aimee-clements-hadfield-lcsw-cet2-cfleputah-experiential-therapist-salt-lake-city-ut

Best Assisted Living/ Memory Care Sunridge Assisted Living and Memory Care

The goal of this provider is to “create and provide a safe home-like environment for each of our residents and ‘Super Caregivers’ who work at their three facilities. They like to deliver “wow” experiences by being responsible, compassionate and catering to individual needs. Renters get three squares a day, weekly housekeeping and laundry, lifeenhancing activities, RN services and cable TV. Reviewers agree that their fees are reasonable and that they don’t have any hidden fees. If you’re the one in charge of finding assisted living/ memory care for a loved one, make sure to visit one of their locations. (BDL) Located in Layton, Roy and West Jordan, sunridgeassistedliving.com

Complementary /Alternative

Best Acupuncture Clinic Valenti Acupuncture

Even if you suffer from trypanophobia (fear of needles), you can take comfort knowing that the hair-thin single-use disposable needles utilized by this centuries-old technique help with so many ailments, maybe even your phobia! Sessions with one of the well-trained practitioners here can also include herbal medicine and supplement recommendations, Tuina bodywork, moxibustion and fire cupping. If you broke something skiing or boarding, have trouble sleeping, suffer from ongoing anxiety or have given up on Western medicine, make an appointment for an evaluation. 1760 S. 1100 East, SLC, 435-315-2616, valentiacupunture.com

2. SLC Qi Community Acupuncture

3. Wasatch Community Acupuncture

2. Jesse Riley DPM, Summit Foot & Ankle

2. Jason Dickerson DPM, Heiden Orthopedics

for 3rd Place:

3. Richard Seegmiller DPM, Advanced Foot & Ankle Center

3. Selina Sekulic DPM, Final Kick Ankle & Foot Clinic

2. KURU Footwear

The Good Feet Store

Hoopes Vision pre-op exam room

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Best Acupuncturist/ Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Amanda

Valenti LAc, MSTOM

Amanda Valenti attended the four-year master’s program at what is now the Pacific College of Health & Science in San Diego, California. There, she completed 3,600 hours of academic and clinical practice to earn a master’s in traditional Oriental medicine. She’s not just known for her big brain by her associates but for her keen talents in treating sports injuries, rehabilitation and easing suffering from ongoing illnesses (including cancer). Her online reviews are 5-star, all mentioning her compassion in bringing health and wellness to our community. She’s so much in demand, she’s not accepting new patients, but she has an incredible team of associates who can attend to your health concerns. Valenti Acupuncture, 1760 S. 1100 East, SLC, 435-315-2616, valentiacupunture.com

Best Ayurveda Practitioner Meghan Hays

Most people know Ayurveda as an assessment of three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha. We all have our own combination of these functional “humors” that can be brought into balance by proper diet, lifestyle and mindset for our individual doshas. At its core, Ayurveda isn’t a singular form of healing but a holistic practice. And Meghan Hays has taken this truth to heart. Not only does she hold several Ayurveda certifications (including medical ayurvedic specialist) and offer consultations, cleansings and products, but she is also a certified yoga instructor, Reiki master, Pilates instructor and personal trainer, to name a few. If you’re looking to go beyond improving your physical health to improving all aspects of wellness, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Meghan Hays Ayurveda, 2461 Stringham Ave., No. 105C, SLC, 385-258-3766, meghanhays.com

Best Childbirth Education Birthsmarter

When founder Ashley Brichter gave birth for the first time in 2014, she’d had experience with hundreds of families working as a doula and birth educator. But when the birth didn’t go as she hoped it would, Brichter found herself questioning everything she learned as a doula, a childbirth educator and a parent. That gave rise to Birthsmarter, “a community and digital platform imparting practical wisdom and guidance to the next generation of families.” It’s thus far been utilized by families in 41 states and five countries. The program offers classes, parenting education, birth plans, doulas and everything you need from pregnancy to birth to beyond, online and in-person. IG: @birthsmarter, birthsmarter.com

Best Doula

Robynne Carter

Doula is derived from a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves,” and doulas provide emotional, informational and sometimes physical support for people who are pregnant. Carter has 25 years of experience in helping women give birth plus she teaches at the University of Utah Medical Center. One review said, “Robynne has a special gift that enables her to intuitively know what each woman needs during each stage of her pregnancy.” Carter, having attended over 700 births, offers a free 30-minute consultation, two prenatal preparation visits in the home and presence during labor/ birth and follow up with unlimited contact during the entire term. Birth Learning, 801-550-6088, birthlearning.com

2. Meagan Heaton, Tiny Blessings Doula Services

3. Beth Hardy, Heart Tones Birth Services

Best Chiropractor

Brett Grant DC

Suffering from back pains that are cramping your style? Meet Dr. Grant—the master vanquisher of bodily aches and certified chiropractic wizard. He specializes in crafting tailor-made treatment therapy sessions, so you can ditch the complaints and sashay back to your fabulous, pain-free life. Regenerative Heath & Wellness, 2189 E. 3300 South, SLC, 385-308-0333, chiropractorsaltlake.com

2. Rebecca Conde LAc, Dipl Ac., MSAOM, Earth Center Acupuncture

3. Mallory Berge LAc, MSTOM, Flow Acupuncture

2. Maria Radloff

3. Bonnie Wallace

2. Suzanne Cronin DC, Salt Lake Chiropractic

3. Anthony Simone, Doctor Tony Chiro Clinic

Amanda Valenti, LAc, MSTOM

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Best Float Tank

Mindful Living Wellness Center

It might have been that the easy-going chorus of Modest Mouse’s “Float On” was composed after spending time in a float tank. After all, one hour in the tank at Mindful Living Wellness Center is said to help replicate R.E.M. sleep, taking you to a state of meditative relaxation. And for couples looking for a new way to connect, float tanks are large enough to accommodate two adults. Extend your session onto the massage table or try infrared therapy with Himalayan salt. 1592 S. 1100 East, SLC, 385-528-0581, mindfullivingwellnesscenter.com

Best Halotherapy (Salt Cave)

The Salt Cave at Synchronicities

Wellness & Retreat Center

Surrounded by Himalayan salt bricks with 5 inches of superfine sand underfoot, a session in the Salt Cave offers a unique and deeply therapeutic experience to help support respiratory health and reduce stress. Explore on your own or book a guided experience like crystal meditation, breathwork or a sound bath. While most experiences are for adults only, children can reap respiratory benefits at the family-friendly 9:30 a.m. daily session. 9419 S. Union Square, Ste. C, Sandy, 801-888-7344, saltcaveslc.com

2. Purify Wellness Center, Pleasant Grove

3. Pain Free Acupuncture, Millcreek

Best Herbalist

Josh Williams

Williams is known by many as a plant sorcerer, an established author/teacher and “priest of the green realm.” He’s also a practitioner who connects with plant spirits to create magic and medicine for those who want a deeper connection with the natural world. He has studied through the lenses of traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda and Western Vitalist traditions, and his remedies are created by hand for each individual client. He offers several free courses on plant medicine, Green Animism and journeying with plant spirits—with or without drumming. Or you can pay $39 for a virtual class on the medicine, magic and ritual of smoking herbs. If you’re intrigued by all the above, sign up for Williams’ Spiritual Herbalism Course to be taught online in the summer of 2023. The Green Arte, thegreenarte.com

Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Rising Health Specialty Clinic

Most of us associate hyperbaric oxygen therapy with SCUBA divers who need the treatment after surfacing too quickly, but it has a wide array of applications including to support blood and tissue damaged by injury, infection or certain types of exposure. If you’re interested in exploring a pure oxygen, elevated pressure environment to help boost your white blood cells and collagen, request a free consultation with an expert at Rising Health via phone or on their website. 1660 E. Murray Holladay Road, Holladay, 801-419-0705, risinghealthspecialty.com

2. LDS Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Center

3. Utah Sports and Wellness

Best Hypnotherapist

Joesephine Lawrence CHt

This practitioner’s journey led her to ikigai, the Japanese word for “reason for being” or purpose. Her purpose is to help others find their own ikigai Hypnotherapy can assist clients with such issues as abandonment, breathing and healing, death or loss, fears/phobias and dreams, overeating, self-image and past trauma. This isn’t the old black-and-white movie version of a “hypnotist” swinging a watch back and forth in front of your eyes. This process delves into the unconscious mind to find the root of problems and make suggestions to bring about positive changes. Does it work? Call for a free 15-minute consultation to see if holistic healing is right for you. Lawrence is a certified hypnotherapist and a member of the Hypnotherapists Union local 472 (AFLCIO). Patients note how kind she is and how peaceful her sessions are, with great results. 1007 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-215-9262, hypnoclarityslc.com

2. Katie Wininger ABH, LMT

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Brandi Sweet ACHT, LCSW

3. Morgan Lulu CCHT

Best Integrative Medicine Practice

Cameron Wellness and Spa

During medical school and residency, Dr. Todd Cameron envisioned a practice that included naturopathic and specialty medical services combined. In 1997, he founded Cameron Wellness Center to offer individuals positive healthcare choices through natural treatment alternatives. Patients say that the staff is caring, friendly and knowledgeable, offering tools to build a healthy immune system. “Where typical Western medicine fails, Dr. Cameron’s clinic provides solutions that work,” says a patient. 3378 S. 2300 East, Millcreek, 801-486-4226, cameronwellnessandspa.com

2. Terra Care SLC

3. Utah Natural Medicine

2. Float Spa 19

3. True REST Float Spa

2. Rebecca Conde LAc

3. Rachel Silverstone LAc, DTCM

Best Kinesiology Practitioner

Bre Dumke Helfrich MS

Kinesiology is the study of how the body moves, and perhaps nobody appreciates body movement as much as somebody whose body couldn’t move as intended. This is what happened to Bre Dumke Helfrich after a mountaineering accident that threatened to limit her physical prowess, but in the ultimate lemons-to-lemonade move, she found recovery—and her career—through Pilates. A self-proclaimed “movement nerd,” Dumke Helfrich specializes in the Gyrotronic® Method and Gyrokinesis® with virtual classes held every Wednesday afternoon. Movement Design Lab, 244 W. 300 North, SLC, 801-831-4391, movementdesignlab.com

2. Jim Quist MS, LAT, ATC, Slope Recovery

3. Shawn Postma NMD, Rising Health Specialty Clinic

Best Life Coach Lyn Christian, SoulSalt

Lyn Christian is in the business of courage. As a speaker, master certified life and business coach, and founder of Soul Salt Inc., she is a facilitator of career reinvention. Client reviews state that Christian has the unique ability to guide others through the difficult transition of changing careers and shining a light on how to thrive when overwhelmed with personal challenges and issues. Among her techniques are one-to-one coaching, online courses and intense bootcamps. 801-463-5239, soulsalt.com

2. Rachelle Ballard

3. Bailey Nielson

Best Massage School Healing Mountain Massage School

Looking to unlock your magic touch? Healing Mountain Massage School trains some of the best therapists in the biz and offers flexible classes to fit your schedule. Choose from two campus locations offering small class size, high exam pass rates and high post-grad job placement. Their accredited program teaches more than a dozen massage therapies and techniques, and enrollment comes with lots of free extras like coverage for state licensing and exam fees, massage supplies and more. Locations in Salt Lake City and Orem, healingmountain.edu

Best Massage Therapist

Martina McBride LMT

If there is one word to describe Desert Mountain Massage owner Martina McBride, it’s “intuitive.” With a knack for finding knots and relieving tension, touch is second nature to her. What’s more, McBride is trained to work with those who’ve experienced trauma with 40 hours of sexual assault advocacy training from the Rape Recovery Center, helping clients through the healing touch of massage. In fact, she specializes in relief for survivors of physical and sexual abuse.

Desert Mountain Massage, 1100 E. 1760 South, Ste. 3, SLC, 801-694-5434, desertmountainmassagetherapy.com

Best Natural Health Store/ Best Supplement Shop

Dave’s Health & Nutrition

The name Dave is synonymous with supplements and nutrition among Salt Lake locals. Serving the community for more than 27 years, owner and practitioner Dave Card offers his custom herbal formulas alongside nearly 20,000 hand-selected nutritional formulas, homeopathic remedies and supplements, plus over 100,000 crystals and stones. If it sounds overwhelming, let Dave be your guide. Book a one-on-one consultation in-person or via phone for just $25. A certified homepath and natural herbalist, he’s helped over 10,000 clients find improved wellbeing. 880 E. 3900 South, Millcreek, 801-268-3000, daveshealth.com

Best Natural Health Store runners up

2. Good Earth Markets

Best Natural IV Drip Therapy FIKA Infusion + Wellness

FIKA is made up of a team of needle-welding ER nurses, wellness professionals and endurance athletes dedicated to helping you feel your absolute best, one drip at a time. Whether you’re in need of an intravenous immunity boost, a hangover remedy that actually works, anti-aging support from the inside out, a potent punch for PMS, a migraine mediator or an effective way to alleviate altitude sickness (here’s lookin’ at you, East Coasters), there’s a customized IV infusion for you. And while we definitely recommend their cozy vibe (think fuzzy blankets and chaise lounges), they’re happy to do house visits, too. Multiple locations, fikainfusion.com

2. Myotherapy College of Utah

3. Renaissance College Massage Program

2. Derrek Draper

3. Katie Wininger, Midvalley Massage and Hypnotherapy

3. Greenthread Apothecary Best Supplement Shop runners up

2. Shirlyn’s Natural Foods

3. Melanie’s Health & Nutrition

2. Cameron Wellness and Spa

3. Utah Natural Medicine

∞

Salt Lake Valley

Women Build Week

May 8-13,2023

We are inviting our supporters to participate in a week of celebrating women in construction. We will be holding 6 days of volunteering called ‘Women Build Week’. Volunteers will participate in not only construction service but also various activities and fun.

Kendra Scott will be partnering through their Give Back days, donating 20% of sales to SLV Habitat for Humanity. We will also be doing give-aways and opportunity drawings throughout the week.

Please email kathryn@habitatsaltlake.com with any questions you may have.

Best Naturopath

Todd Cameron ND

A first-place winner in several past Body and Mind issues, Dr. Todd Cameron, is a naturopathic physician with 25-plus years of experience providing alternative medicine for conditions such as PMS, menopause, pain syndromes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, colds, migraines and more. He offers cuttingedge therapies and services, including IV therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and pain management. Patient reviews often state he successfully treated their symptoms after other options failed. Cameron Wellness & Spa, 3378 S. 2300 East, SLC, 801-486-4226, cameronwellnessandspa.com

2. Amanda Lucero, ND, Gateway Emerging Technologies Clinic

3. Rachel Burnett ND, MSAC, Utah Natural Medicine

Best Nutrition Health Coach

Savannah Lavenstein IIN-CHC, RYT

Having healed her longtime struggle with an eating disorder through clinical treatment, nutritional counselor Lavenstein now focuses on clients’ disordered eating and eating disorders. Clients say Lavenstein moves beyond providing a diet to literally help facilitate lifestyle changes. “Savannah taught me how to stop cravings and feel satisfied,” says one client. Lavenstein works with clients’ goals to release weight, create sustainable eating styles for medical conditions and heal bodyimage relationships. Evergreen Healing, 1760 S. 1100 East, No. 3, SLC, 719-510-0401, evergreen-healing.com

Best Psychic

Jo’Anne Smith

Smith says she lives her passion by providing psychic medium services to help others connect with loved ones who’ve passed on. She is known for her “Spirit Connections”—group meetings where Smith interacts with the audience and gives personal readings to guests. The readings often relate to a deceased family member or friend and bring closure to message recipients. In addition, she spends time working on women’s issues and causes, suicide prevention and selfimprovement events. She also hosts well-attended events like a Spirit Connection fun bus to Wendover (she won’t guarantee she can read your poker hand!) and makes presentations at local hotels and community centers. Book a session online. saltlakemedium.com

Meghan Hays

Reiki translates to “universal life energy,” and practitioners direct this energy to their clients through their hands and intentional mindset. The goal is to improve the balance and flow of your own energy to support the healing you seek. Happy clients of Hays have mentioned this has brought on meditative states, stimulated their immune systems and helped them recover from serious injuries and surgeries by “healing from the inside out.” As a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, she helps clients of all ages and backgrounds by using herbal medicine, energetic body work, diet, massage, yoga, meditation and education. 2641 Stringham Ave., No. 105C, SLC, 385-258-3766, meghanhays.com

2. Stella Trincado

3. Jessica Florez, ISound Institute

Best Sound Bath Dancing Cranes Imports

Mark your calendar for the second Saturday and Sunday of every month for Dancing Cranes Imports’ soothing sound bath, an hour-long meditation featuring a medley of singing bowls, chimes, drums and more. Bring your own mat, pillows/ bolsters and blankets for this inward journey and hauntingly healing experience, and don’t forget to come early (or leave time afterward) to gaze at the koi pond or wander around the shop for crystals, candles and other curiosities. 673 E. Simpson Ave., SLC, 801-486-1129, dancingcranesimports.com

2. ISound Institute

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Awaken Studios and Retreats

2. Hayden James, RDN

3. Sinead Urwin

2. Jennafer Martin

Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Betty Pegues

Todd

Best Reiki Practitioner

Habitat for Humanity

Best Weight-Loss Clinic

Comprehensive Weight Management

With the CDC estimating that 41% of Americans over the age of 20 are obese, it’s no wonder the demand for weight-loss products, services and education in the U.S. has generated a $3.8 billion industry. Yet, because it is a complex illness, no one seems to have found the magic bullet. The medical team at the U of U takes a broader approach to the problem, with a program that encompasses cardiology, endocrinology, sleep, psychology, hepatology, exercise therapy and dietitians. They offer both surgical (bariatric) and non-surgical treatments, such as weight-loss medication, gastric balloon, behavioral therapy and stress management, among others. Why starve yourself and risk developing a long-term eating disorder plus gaining all the weight back? This team approach might hold the answer for you. University of Utah Health Weight Management Program, Sugar House Health Center, 1280 E. Stringham Ave., SLC, 801-587-3856, healthcare. utah.edu/weight-management

2. Laser Lipo of Utah

3. SLC Med Spa

Best Wellness Center

Terra Care SLC

The collective home of many Best of Utah Body and Mind award winners like Valenti Acupuncture, Evergreen Healing and Desert Mountain Massage, Terra Care is your one-stop shop for all things well being. Whether you’re looking for body work, medical aesthetics, Pilates, nutritional counseling or traditional Chinese medicine, this serene space is ready to welcome you with open-minded arms. 1760 S. 1100 East, No. 3, SLC, 435-315-2616, terracareslc.com

2. Trolley Healing Hub

3. Cameron Wellness & Spa

Complementary/ Alternative Medicine: What Did We Miss?

Best Breathwork Facilitator

Katy Marie

An NLP, hypnotherapist and breathwork facilitator, Katy Marie works with those who are simply looking for a more-centered work/home life, as well as those who’re recovering from traumatic experiences. She employs meditation, music, dance and drumming as ways for her clients to find balance, calm, power and energy. instagram.com/hellokatymarie

Best Birth Photographer

Lauren Radcliffe, La Luna

Birth Photography and Film

Lauren Radcliffe began her passion for birth photography following the delivery of her son, August, at a birth center in 2020. Radcliffe documents the intense, empowering and momentous event of childbirth. She provides fully edited images in both color and black and white within three weeks of your birth. Her passion is documenting the birthing process and with as genuine and gentle an approach as possible. lalunabirth.com

Best Joint Salvation

Sarah Jensen LMT

Joints—it’s hard to live with ’em but try living without ’em! (Well, you could try, but you’d truly be a couch potato.) If you have an injured ankle, knee, hip, shoulder—or one that’s starting to deteriorate—Sarah Jensen’s deep-tissue massages work wonders, as she confidently presses into the nooks and crannies of joints where no massage hands have gone before. Not only can she help alleviate arthritic pain and stiffness, but she may be able to buy you more time before you need to consider joint replacement. If you’ve already had joint-replacement surgery, weekly sessions with Jensen can enhance your recovery by helping reduce inflammation and scar tissue and help you regain a full range of motion. Soft Hands Medical Massage, Midvale, 385-549-9366, softhandsmedical.wixsite.com/website

Beauty & Wellness

Best Acne Treatment Skin Spa Utah

One of few clinics in Utah to be a certified Face Reality Advanced Acne Specialist, Skin Spa Utah has a proven track record (98%) in clearing stubborn acne. See a licensed master aesthetician who takes a less invasive approach to skin health than the average dermatologist, steering clear of prescription drugs that come with harsh side effects, and instead offering holistic solutions that work like facials, enzyme therapy, supplements and acne-safe skincare products. 6298 S. 900 East, Ste. C, Murray, 801-792-7994, skinspautah.com

Best Aesthetician

Kimee Hummel

If you’ve ever wished your acne would disappear, consider licensed master aesthetician Kimee Hummel a magician for your complexion. You’ll find her at Skin Spa Utah, voted Best Acne Treatment Center and boasting a 98% improvement rate when it comes to banishing blemishes. In addition, Hummel is an expert at microblading, permanent cosmetics, non-surgical face-lifts, hydrafacials, GENEO, DMK paramedical skin revision, dermaplaning and more. Skin Spa Utah, 6298 S. 900 East, Ste. C, Murray, 801-792-7994, skinspautah.com

2. Milly Aponte, Always Smooth Waxing Studio

3. Daphne Garcia, Form Derm Spa

Best Aesthetician School

NIMA Institute and Spa

A career in aesthetics is rewarding but to get the most bang for your tuition buck, training in medical aesthetics is a must. Fortunately, in-demand treatments like cosmetic injections, Vampire Facials™, laser hair removal, photofacials, chemical peels and microblading are par for the course at NIMA. Whether you’re just starting your aesthetics education or are already a licensed professional looking to accelerate your career, NIMA has a class for you. 10714 S. River Front Parkway, South Jordan, 844-899-6462, nima.edu

2. Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare

3. Cameo College of Essential Beauty

Best CoolSculpting

Haus of Aesthetics

If you want the most popular non-surgical fat reduction treatment, book an appointment at the most popular full-service medical spa, Haus of Aesthetics. Not only did Haus of Aesthetics rank 1st in Best of Utah, they’re also in the top 25 CoolSculpting® providers in the nation. A CoolSculpting Elite treatment allows you to eliminate double the fat cells in less time under the expertise of a specialist who is also an Allergan CoolSculpting national trainer with more than 10 years of experience. 705 E. 900 South, No. 100, SLC, 801-997-8199, houseofaestheticsslc.com

Best Day Spa/ Best Natural Makeup Retailer

The Kura Door

The moment you step inside this Japanese-inspired day spa, The Kura Door transforms you with its tranquil vibes and unique treatments like traditional Ofuro baths, stone and shiatsu massages, manicures with ginger and seaweed or facials with hibiscus enzyme masks and manuka honey. Arrive early or linger after your appointment wrapped in a cozy kimono while you enjoy the sauna, tearoom and meditation space. And to continue pampering beyond your visit, stock up on Arcona and Naturopathica products in the gift shop. 1136 E. Third Ave., SLC, 801-364-2400, thekuradoor.com

Best Day Spa runners up

2. Sego Lily Spa

3. Basalt Day Spa

Best Organic/Natural Makeup Retailer runners up

2. Mountainside Spa, Massage & Facials

3. Always Smooth Waxing Studio

Best Eyebrow Specialist

Ausha Anderson

It’s easy to mistake Anderson as a model instead of owner of The Ruhe’ Collective, and that’s a good thing. Practicing the aesthetics she preaches, from permanent jewelry to permanent cosmetics, her claim to facial fame is all in the brows. Try brow lamination if you’re a commitment-phobe or Anderson’s most popular ombre technique for longlasting results. Per her own advice, the best indicator of an eyebrow specialist is their “healed” work, so scroll through her Insta to get pumped for your appointment. The Ruhe’ Collective, 7632 S. Main, Midvale, 801-867-3521, IG: artistryaestheticsbyausha

2. Milly Aponte

3. Liz Christensen

Best Eyelash Extensions

Pineapple Express Aesthetics

Picky about your lashes? Callie Buttars at Pineapple Express Aesthetics has you covered. From subtle lash tints to luscious lashes with mega volume or even glitter and charms, there are myriad ways to make your peepers pop to suit your unique style. Speaking of unique, you won’t find an ounce of snobbery or pretentiousness in her south valley spa. Buttars is the definition of a down-to-earth BFF who’s stoked to see you every time you walk through her door. 2469 Fort Union Blvd., Ste. 106F, Cottonwood Heights, 385-977-9345, pineapple-express-aesthetics. square.site

2. Lemons Esthetics

3. Arlani Integrative Medicine & Medspa

2. Form Derm Spa

3. Always Smooth Waxing Studio

2. Form Derm Spa 3. 22 Spa MD

Skin Spa Utah acne treatment

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Terra Care SLC

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Eyebrow specialist Ausha Anderson COURTESY PHOTO

Best Hair Salon

Lunatic Fringe

With over 20 years of expertise, it wouldn’t be Best of Utah without a nod to Lunatic Fringe. Maybe it’s their signature Stress-Relieving Shampoo, maybe it’s their dimensional colors and timeless yet on-trend cuts, but we can’t get enough of what this arsenal of talented stylists are serving up. With five Utah locations, it’s fair to say their cosmetology creations play a definitive role in the evolution of Utah’s casserole-meets-couture culture. Multiple locations, lunaticfringesalon.com

Best Injections and Fillers

Beauty Lab + Laser

If this medical spa sounds familiar, it may be because it’s the brainchild of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City ’s Heather Gay and bestie/business partner Andrea Robinson. But what you really should know about Beauty Lab + Laser is that its Mini Lip Plump® is a cult-fave. We’ve all seen a pout that’s more puffy than pillowy and the injection experts at Beauty Lab know the sweet spot. Lip flip? Check. Botox? Duh. Cheekbone pop? Of course! Kybella? Anywhere you want it. If nearly 3,000 positive Google reviews can’t convince you, we don’t know what will. Multiple locations, beautylablaser.com

2. Form Derm Spa

3. Arlani Integrative Medicine & Medspa

Best Makeup Consultant

Marisa Rose

Marisa Rose Makeup Photo Hair specializes in bridal and event makeup, along with commercial work. A skilled hair stylist, aesthetician and photographer, Rose reveals your natural beauty without looking overdone. One client writes that her makeup looks “are gorgeous, and any bride would be lucky to be in her hands for their big day.” She also hosts a beauty blog and recommends beauty products on her Instagram. marisarosemph.com

Best Medical Spa/ Best Hair Restoration/ Best Laser Hair Removal

Form Derm Spa/Ward MD

When it comes to hair, most people fall into two groups: wanting more of it or wanting to get rid of it for good! Whichever side you’re on, Form Derm Spa/Ward MD has the perfect solution, offering both surgical and non-surgical hair restoration services and permanent laser hair removal. Headed by Dr. Ward, a double-board certified plastic surgeon and tenured adjunct associate professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine, the state’s Best Medical Spa has three locations along the Wasatch Front offering state-of-the-art treatments to help you look flawless from head to toe. Multiple locations, formdermspa.com, wardmd.com

Best Medical Spa runners up

2. Haus of Aesthetics

3. 22 Spa MD

Best Hair Restoration runners up

2. Utah Facial Plastics & UFP Aesthetics

3. Imago Medical Spa

Best Laser Hair Removal runners up

2. Beauty Lab + Laser

3. Elase Medical Spas

Best Manicures/Pedicures

Nailed!

Utah’s favorite nail salon specializes in acrylic-free mani/pedis at great prices. With a massive selection of traditional and gel polishes and a spacious Highland Drive location that’s bright, airy and spotlessly clean, Nailed! is the ideal salon for a girls night, pedi-party or bachelorette bash. Plus, their nail techs and aestheticians are super-efficient, making it easy to squeeze in a manicure over your lunch break. Or, spend the afternoon and add on a facial, wax and brow tint. 3369 Highland Drive, Millcreek, 801-532-6245, nailedboutique.com

Best Facial/Best Waxing Salon

Always Smooth Waxing Studio

75% painless waxing? Sign us up! Always Smooth guarantees nearly painless hair removal using soy-based, 100% botanical wax and even offers a numbing cream for the particularly pain prone. Land a last-minute date? They’re open late (8:30 p.m. most nights) if you need to be hairless in a hurry. For a unique experience, book the deep pore waxing facial to remove impurities and dead skin cells with warm charcoal wax. 5665 S. Redwood Road, Ste. No. 4, Taylorsville, 801-871-5467, alwayssmooth.co

Best Facial runners up

Best Tattoo Removal

Daphne Garcia

Master aesthetician and laser specialist Daphne Garcia can’t quite turn back time, but she comes awfully close with her top-notch tattoo removal skills using PicoWay laser. In fact, there isn’t much Garcia can’t laser away, from bad ink to body hair and everything in between. Think spider veins, wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars—if you don’t want it, she can erase it. Visit Garcia at Form Derm Spa’s Cottonwood Heights location at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Form Derm Spa, 6322 S. 3000 East, Cottonwood Heights, 801-513-3223, formdermspa.com

Best Wigs for Chemo Patients

Head Covers by Joni

Medical News Today reports that in the U.S., 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Although we’ve made many strides in treating and even curing some cancers, the healing path is still laced with poisonous concoctions that have massive side effects, the most well-known being hair loss. Joni carries many brands of caps, wigs and hairpieces for men and women. The shop has helped hundreds of people recapture their confidence as they strive to beat cancer. It’s also there for those who’ve suffered hair loss due to other ailments. By appointment only: 2286 E. 3300 South, Millcreek, 801-467-5665, headcoversbyjoni.com

Beauty & Wellness: What Did We Miss?

Best Permanent Cosmetics Education

National Permanent Cosmetics Academy

Their mission is to provide every student with quality education to prepare them for a successful career in the field of permanent cosmetics. If you are looking to train with one of the best microblading artists in the nation (and the longest course), look no further! We love their inviting all-inclusive atmosphere. When people are looking for permanent makeup, they want quality and NPCA delivers. These courses will help your career and improve your confidence in what you offer. If you’re looking for great instruction, a beautiful studio, and the best instructor, get over to NPCA! 2150 S. Main, Ste. 105, South Salt Lake, 801-810-6722, npcacademysalon.com

Best Permanent Makeup Beauty Shop

Ero Edge

Here is your one-stop shop for all your beauty needs: teeth whitening, brow treatments, lash lifts, microblading, chemical peels, waxing, Botox, lip enhancements, booty enhancements, cosmetic tattoos and more! With its warm and inviting atmosphere, Eros helps others achieve their goals of loving themselves and feeling beautiful. We really love that they have staff members who knew ASL (American sign language)—such a cool inclusive team of people! 274 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-252-5221, eroedge.com

Fitness

Best 24-Hour Fitness Gym

EōS Fitness

So, you may have noticed that national franchises and chains don’t often make the cut in our Best of Utah editions. However, EōS provides one of the key features of a chain, which is a big, ol’ batch of “open” hours, and that’s why our voters rated them first place. This roundthe-clock gym, with valley locations in Sandy, Murray, West Jordan, Taylorsville and Salt Lake City—offers class sessions, weights and lifting gear, cardio equipment and even turf training zones. And the Sandy location’s recovery room, called The Tank, features an “active recovery space with professional-grade stretch tables, percussion massagers and compression boots.” Top-flight stuff, folks. Multiple locations, eosfitness.com

2. Landis Lifestyle Salon

3. Sugarhouse Parlour Hairdressing

2. Cherisa Burbage

3. Reese Stockman

2. Crow Nail Studio

3. The Nail & Hair Room

2. The Kura Door

3. Skin Spa Utah

Best Waxing Salon runners up

2. Empire Body Waxing SLC

3. Pineapple Express Aesthetics

2. Ero Edge

3. Skinworks School of Advanced Skincare

2. Creative Wigs & Hair Replacement

3. Lynne’s Wig Boutique

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Before, left, and after at Lunatic Fringe Hair Salon

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EõS Fitness, open 24 hours COURTESY PHOTO

Best Acroyoga Classes

Root to Rise Studio

The offerings of this studio are many and varied. You can practice yoga, of course, in several forms. Or you can train in the circus/aerial arts. Or you can level up and become a teacher through in-house training programs. Though the staff and many of the regulars are fit as fiddles, Root to Rise wants anyone and everyone to feel welcome on their first visit, the first of what will hopefully become a lifelong practice.

160 N. Station Pkwy., Farmington, 801-451-5443, roottorisestudio.com

2. Kalypto Arts

3.

Best Aerial Silks Classes

Awaken Studios & Retreats

Aerial silks come from a French circus school in the 1950s that became popular as performance art by Cirque du Soleil. Awaken Studios offers a three-day free trial where you’ll learn gravity-defying movements with simply a long piece of silk. “Awaken your potential”‘ is the motto for this facility, and they can help you learn yoga, Pilates, aerial fitness, barre, TRX, WYLD and circuit training. Their five-star reviews by clients note how the staff genuinely cares about your fitness and want you to have fun learning the ropes (silks). 6168 S. 1300 East, Murray, 801-906-1911, awaken-studios.com

Best Barre Fitness Studio

The Bar Method Salt Lake City–Sugarhouse

The core value of this group is simple: They exist to equip and empower people of any age, body type, and ability to pursue the strongest, healthiest version of themselves. They do this through a highly efficient, total-body workout that builds a person’s physical and mental strength. Instructors help members focus on small, pulsing movements to help align themselves and connect with and build their core. This is done mainly with isometric exercises and movements derived from the dance arts—namely ballet. Combine classic ballet movements with yoga and Pilates, resistance bands, hand weights and exercise balls, and you get the Barre method. The Bar Method’s founder, Burr Leonard, discovered how this workout transformed her body and worked with physical therapists to create a safe method of exercise. 1057 E. 2100 South, SLC, 801-485-4227, barmethod.com

Best Beginner Yoga Classes

Salt Lake Power Yoga

With a beautiful mountain view, Salt Lake Power Yoga is a center for healing, transformation, growth, and power. Client reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable instructors, congenial atmosphere and SLPY’s community involvement. Fun events include free yoga at the Capitol and yoga on the RSL pitch. SLPY is Salt Lake’s first hot yoga studio offering Hot Power Vinyasa Yoga Classes for beginners through advanced levels. They also provide certified yoga teacher training, retreats, and other events. 250 E. 300 South, Ste. 200, SLC, 801-468-9642, saltlakepoweryoga.com

2. Centered City Yoga

3. Seek Studio

Best Bootcamp / Best Privately Owned (Non-Chain) Gym Fit to Recover

In 2015, Ian Acker started Fit to Recover so a group of friends could support each other in sobriety through exercise and fellowship. Today, more than 450 people in recovery from substance abuse disorders visit Fit to Recover to connect and seek balance through fitness, nutrition, creative arts and community service. Fit to Recover recently received a $25,000 grant from Power Forward Utah (powerforwardutah. com) to provide scholarships for people in recovery. 1331 and 1335 Major St., SLC, 801-410-8988, Fit2Recover.org

Best Privately Owned (Non-Chain) Gym runners up

2. SLC Strength and Conditioning

3. Xcel Fitness

Best Boutique Studio

Awaken Studios & Retreats

Utah’s leader in boutique fitness, Awaken Studios boasts a host of reasons for membership, from onsite childcare to workouts that include Pilates, barre, hot yoga, aerial fitness, TRX and more. A studio built around the idea of process, Awaken sells three-month memberships, so that new clients are immediately put on-track for regular drop-ins. Clean, bright and equipped with classic tools and the latest/ greatest bits of gym paraphernalia, Awaken creates a solid blend of old-school and new-school classes and techniques. 6168 S. 1300 East, Murray, 801-906-1911, awaken-studios.com/retreats

2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning

3. Rebel House

Best Boxing Club/ Best Kickboxing/ Best Circuit Training

Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning

That Brickyard Boxing takes the win in multiple categories shows that the place isn’t just about the sport of boxing. Not that that component sport isn’t at the core of this facility. Heavy bags, speed bags and other accoutrements of the sweet science are all over the place, but kickboxing and cross-training are in play here, too, with trainers that are both supportive and able to give a push for when that’s needed. The state-of-the-art studio unites old-school training methods with smart, innovative techniques. 1227 E. 3300 South, SLC, 801-558-2558, brickyardboxing.com

Best Boxing Club runners up

2. Rebel House

3. TITLE Boxing Club Cottonwood Heights

Best Kickboxing runners up

2. SLC Muay Thai

3. Ultimate Combat Training Center

Best Circuit Training runners up

2. Seek Studio

3. Awaken Studios & Retreats

Best Community Swimming Pool/ Best Public Rec Center Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center

The pride of Cottonwood Heights is its terrific public rec center that’s open seven days a week for indoor and outdoor fitness for the entire family. Choose from activities like adult pickleball, figure skating, lap swimming, open plunges, racquetball and wallyball, indoor track, a basketball gym, group fitness classes and so much more. You can join for three months or a year, and there are different prices for residents and non-residents alike. This is one of the most popular taxpayerfunded rec centers in all of Utah. Props to their board of trustees for keeping a tight rein on funds and addressing fitness trends people are after.

7500 S. 2700 East, Cottonwood Heights, 801-943-3190, cottonwoodheights.com

Best Community Swimming Pool runners up

2. Murray Park

3. Steiner Aquatic Center

Best Public Rec Center runners up

2. Steiner Aquatic Center

3. Northwest Recreation Center

Best CrossFit Gym

Salt Lake City CrossFit

The good folks at Salt Lake City CrossFit are aware of what first-timers might be wondering, as their first FAQ item begins: “I am scared.” From there, the gym reminds you that no matter your condition when arriving on Day 1, you’ll be a lot better off by your second session. And so on. And so on. A fully equipped facility, City CrossFit has expert trainers, class schedules slated for different day parts and a drop-in policy that allows practitioners from all over to find a welcoming home in SLC. 619 S. 600 West, SLC, 385-252-1933, slccrossfit.com

2. BrickwallFit

3. Ute CrossFit

Best Fitness/Aerobics Class Instructor

Kaili Aiono-Alvarez

Your first class is free, so we decided to sign up and go take a boxing class! Bring a friend and get sweaty! You may feel as graceful as a giraffe on roller skates, but you will get the hang of it, and everyone is friendly! No, we will not divulge whose face we were imagining while punching the bags! The Utah legislative session is over, after all! It felt nice that you can be at any level and fit right in. We love that Aiono-Alvarez is a renaissance woman as a boxing instructor, hiphop dancer, rapper and mom to a toddler—living her best life. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning, 1227 E. 3300 South, Ste. G & H, SLC, 801-558-2558, brickyardboxing.com

2. Naomi Pacheco, CHVRCH Cycle

3. Emily Nelson, High Fitness

Best Gymnastics Training (Adults)

Utah Xtreme Cheer

Gymnastics is one of the oldest recorded sports, practiced by ancient Greek competitors more than 2,000 years ago. The largest gymnastics competition was held at the 1896 Olympics. Since that time, millions have grown to love the sport, not only to observe but to participate in. With 10,000 square feet of gym space, UXC has two full-size spring floors, along with a 30-foot tumble track and many other tumbling mats. They offer adult tumbling and stunting classes, and you can practice your moves at their open gym on Monday through Wednesday nights for only $5 a night— an awesome deal! 8531 S. 700 West, Unit D, Sandy, 801-635-6573, utahxtremecheer.com

Woven Heart Yoga & Thai Massage

2. Onyx Pole & Aerial Fitness Studio

3. The Salt Mine SLC

2. Awaken Studios and Retreats

3. Pure Barre

COURTESY PHOTO

Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning

Awaken Studios & Retreats aerial silks classes

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO

Best Gymnastics Training (Kids)

The Little Gym of Salt Lake City

In 1976, 14-year-old Nadia Comaneci captivated the world when she earned three perfect 10 scores at the Olympic Games. Since then, Olympic gymnasts had only one goal—to achieve a perfect 10. The scoring model was changed in 2006. Now, Olympic competitors can only get a perfect 10 in their dreams. They can at least dare to dream at the Little Gym of Salt Lake City, a premiere enrichment and physical development center for kids 4 months through 12 years old. An introductory class here is just $20. 1400 Foothill Drive, No. 250, SLC, 801-876-5323, thelittlegym.com

Best Kids’ Fitness Programs

The Little Gym of Salt Lake City

This gym for tots (four months through 12) embraces a proprietary philosophy begun in 1976 in Bellevue, Washington, called “Three-Dimensional Learning,” in which physical activity is a conduit for nurturing your whole child in three holistic dimensions: Brain Boost! Get Moving! And Citizen Kid! For the brain, they nurture listening skills, imagination, concentration and decision making. For the body, they help tots develop strength, balance, flexibility, agility and coordination. Citizen instructions include promoting sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership. Who knows what kind of strengths future athletes will have gained from this training. 1400 Foothill Drive, No. 250, SLC, 801-876-5323, thelittlegym.com/nesaltlakecityut

2. Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

3. Mountain Yoga

Best Spin Classes / Best High-Intensity Interval Training Torrent Cycle

The reviews are in, and Salt Lake City loves Torrent! Torrent believes fitness should be fun. From all the reviews we’ve read, their participants are having so much fun! Torrent Cycle is Salt Lake City’s premier indoor rhythm-based cycling studio featuring highintensity indoor cycling workouts (the Torrent 45 is their signature 45-minute high-intensity workout). Led by a staff of 40 instructors, these full-body

classes challenge both the body and the mind. Locations in downtown SLC and Sugar House, 801-876-5425, torrentcycle.com

Best Spin Classes runners up

2. Rebel House

3. Rideologie

Best High Intensity Interval Training runners up

2. CHVRCH Cycle

3. Rebel House

Best Hot Yoga

Mountain Yoga Sandy

The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means “to unite.” The practice (according to Yogapedia) aims to create a union of the body, mind and spirit as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Utahns have embraced this practice in droves and now have a center in Sandy to flock to. Mountain Yoga offers heated (and unheated) classes for all levels of students regardless of age, flexibility and experience. But most if not all their instructors prefer heated as they claim it can help them lose weight, heal injuries, increase focus, relax and much more. 9343 S. 1300 East, Sandy, 801-501-9642, mountainyogasandy.com

2. Salt Lake Power Yoga

3. Bikram Yoga SLC

Best Martial Arts Instructor Lei Shao Long

Shifu Lei is the head instructor and owner of Shao Long Academy, with over 35 years of experience in martial arts. His fans are legion and positive testimonials abound. “Lei is an amazing instructor, patient and kind,” says one. “He breaks the movements down in a way that I can understand, he explains the purpose of each movement. This gives me a great visual and helps me to recall the movements when I practice at home.” Shao Long Academy of Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Tai Chi, 6980 S. 400 West, No. 3, Midvale, 801-829-7426, shaolongacademy.com

2. Duayne Bowers, Gracie Barra Sandy Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

3. John McKean, Combat Arts Strength & Conditioning

2. Olympus Gymnastics, South Jordan

3. Elite Gymnastics Academy, Ogden

The Little Gym of Salt Lake City

Best Martial Arts School

Shao Long Academy of Chinese

Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Tai Chi

If you are serious about learning Wudang, Shaolin, and Sanda skills, Shao Long is where you need to be. The environment that Shao Long has created is genuine. The instruction is authentic and technically unparalleled with a well-structured and supportive community. It’s an admirable school that offers the best of traditional Chinese martial arts training. You can request and hire them to do an authentic Lion Dance for special occasions. Children (above age 8) and adults are welcome. 6980 S. 400 West, No. 3, Midvale, 801-829-7426, shaolongacademy.com

Best Qi Gong Instruction/ Best Tai Chi Instruction

Shao Long Academy of Chinese

Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Tai Chi

This is the real thing, or as real as it gets without Bruce Lee or Jackie Chen. The academy teaches both the Chinese martial arts and the gentler and ancient practice of Tai Chi. You feel immediately welcome into a world with a Chinese temple and a family atmosphere. Shao Long even performed a Lion Dance for one of their customer’s weddings. 6980 S. 400 West, No. 3, Midvale, 801-829-7426, shaolongacademy.com

Best Qi Gong Instruction runners up

2. Mountain Yoga

3. Scott White, Qigong & Tai Chi Salt Lake City

Best Tai Chi Instruction runners up

2. Scott White, Qigong & Tai Chi Salt Lake City

3. Toni Lock, Mountain Yoga

Best Personal Trainer / Best Fitness Influencer (Social Media)

Dan Cooney

Influencer marketing is now bigger than ever. As much as 78% of marketers prefer using Instagram posts to other content formats. Cooney is no stranger to being recognized as the “Best in Utah”! He swept these categories, and it is well deserved. He is making waves in Utah, and we love to see that! He is the co-founder of Torrent with husband Mike Barney. Cooney practices what he preaches. As a personal trainer, he follows the

same regimen of dedication and discipline that you do! We love the positive attitude and all-around inclusiveness on his social media! Cooney just turned 40, and we loved the three things that he says make for a better day: no screen time at the beginning or end of his day plus a gratitude journal. Torrent Cycle, multiple locations, 801-876-5425, torrentcycle. com, IG @dcracooney

Best Personal Trainer runners up Tied for 2nd Place:

2. Greg Schell, BrickwallFit

2. Mike Barney, Torrent Cycle Tied for 3rd Place:

3. Meredith Clark, Fitness With Meredith LLC

3. Naomi Pacheco, CHVRCH Cycle Best Fitness Influencer (Social Media) runners up

2. Meredith Clark IG @fitnesswithmeredith

3. Emily Nelson, High Fitness co-founder IG @highfitnessemily

Best Pilates Studio Peak 45

What is Peak 45, you ask? Well, first a little about Pilates. As one of the world’s most popular exercise programs, it was created by Joseph Pilates, who opened his first studio in New York in 1923, employing an apparatus called a “Reformer.” About 20 years ago, a Pilates instructor named Sebastien Lagree developed a complementary fitness program that uses a platform called a Megaformer—one that emphasizes circuit training and more intense cardio than Pilates, all while working several muscle groups at once—and, like Pilates, it’s low impact. Readers voted Peak 45 as Best Pilates Studio but in reality, Peak 45 is an exciting evolution of Pilates. Opening their doors in Utah in 2017, they have three (soon to be four) locations in Utah. They welcome newcomers and will show you the ropes. The instructors are empowering, motivating, entertaining and kind—all while kicking your butt. You can try out an unlimited pass for $59. Multiple locations, peak-45.com

2. Awaken Studios & Retreats

3. The Body Lab Utah

2. Gracie Barra

3. SLC Muay Thai

Shao Long Academy of Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu & Tai Chi COURTESY PHOTO

Best Pole Fitness Studio

Onyx Pole & Aerial Fitness Studio

A bit of trivia: You may remember The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City filmed an episode here. Onyx has won this award multiple times, and we can see why. Truly the best part of Onyx is how inclusive and accepting they are of all bodies, people and skill levels. Onyx offers affordable drop-in pricing, a 10-punch pass, a one-week trial and unlimited memberships. If you want creative bachelorette or other private parties, consider Onyx. They welcome all genders, age 14 and up. 8385 S. Allen St. (540 West), No. 114, Sandy, 801-652-9575, dancesaltlake.com

Best Rock-Climbing Wall The

Front Climbing Club

Formerly The Body Shop, this was one of the very first commercial climbing gyms in the country. Since 1989, The Front has helped to ignite and foster a climbing community in Utah and has created innovative spaces that maximize indoor and outdoor climbing experiences. Open seven days a week in three locations (Ogden, downtown SLC and Murray), wannabe climbers, veteran mountaineers and rock-jocks can learn basics or simply train in a climate-controlled environment. Plus, group events here are a ton of fun! Fees are monthly with student and military discounts. Each location has a great gear shop, TRX training, Cycle Cross, Power Building and unlimited yoga classes. Multiple locations, 866-662-3529, thefrontclimbingclub.com

Best Senior Fitness Programs

Age Performance

Boomers, seniors and the like can get ageempowered training here to elevate their physical well-being and enhance their speed, power, mobility and flexibility. This gym—located in the space above Hub & Spoke restaurant—is dedicated to personalized training programs for all ages and abilities. The trainers work with state-of-the-art Keiser machines that are gentle on joints and operate quietly. Schedule a free consultation to determine your fitness needs and goals. 1291 S. 1100 East, SLC, 801-467-6554, ageperformance.com

Best Ski/Snowboard School Brighton Resort

On a recent blizzardy day at Brighton, the parking lot had plenty of vacant spaces and lift lines were nowhere to be found. An unusual sight for most mountain resorts, it made sense here. Winning Best Ski & Snowboard School for several years running, Brighton’s biggest crowd is arguably groms under the age of 10. Because cold and wet make for a miserable kid, it was no surprise the resort was empty on this particularly stormy day, but when the flakes stop falling, families arrive in droves to pass down the legacy of legendary powder to the littles. 8302 S. Brighton Loop Road, Brighton, 801-532-4731, brightonresort.com

2. Wasatch Adaptive Sports

3. Alf Engen Ski School

Best Trampoline Park Get Air Trampoline Park

Get Air has protocols to help ensure guests of all ages have a safe time, from “grip socks” to ensuring kids are supervised and only allowed in certain areas or on certain equipment depending on their age and size. There are daily deals, family nights, military discounts, group rates, coupons and gift cards. Their LinkedIn profile states the company “manages more than 65 of the nation’s biggest and best trampoline parks. ... In the past five years Get Air has grown into a recognizable national brand.” Two locations in Murray and Kaysville, 801-656-0238, getairsports.com

2. Airborne Trampoline Park

Best Weight-Training Instruction Salt Lake City CrossFit

Combined with aerobic exercise, weight training is key to increasing strength and muscle tone, building muscle mass, making fat disappear and improving bone density. Salt Lake City CrossFit takes all of those objectives into consideration when designing their “workout of the day.” The 60-minute group class is taught by experienced trainers who take you through a warm-up, a skill, followed by strength and conditioning exercises—all in a motivating, controlled and safe environment. If you’re new to CrossFit, start out with their Foundation program and work with a personal trainer for a few sessions to learn the mechanics of weightlifting. 619 S. 600 West, SLC, 385-252-1933, slccrossfit.com

2. The Salt Mine SLC

3. La Bombe Pole Fitness

2. Momentum Indoor Climbing

3. Bouldering Project, Salt Lake

2. Thunder Fitness Training

3. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning

Onyx Pole & Aerial Fitness Studio

COURTESY PHOTO

2. Brickyard Boxing & Conditioning

3. Awaken Studios and Retreats

Dr. Michael Broadbent

Dr. Jason Chandler

Dr. Adam McCormick

Dr. V. Patrick Hall

Best Yoga Instructor

Kevin Carrington

Kevin Carrington is one of the OGs at Awaken Studios, helping owners Jenna and Joe open the yoga studio in 2016. Since his part-time gig started, he’s risen like a tree pose to become the general manager, constantly finding new ways to build and support the community. “My mission has always been to connect with as many people as possible. I truly believe that is what creates a fulfilling life.” Along with being a certified yoga instructor, Kevin offers cycling, group fitness, TRX, Pilates and reiki energy classes. Awaken Studios and Retreats, 6168 S. 1300 East, Murray, 801-906-1911, awaken-studios.com

2. Dillion Chase, Salt Lake Power Yoga

3. Chelsie Booker, Rebel House

Best Yoga Studio/ Best Yoga Teacher Training

Salt Lake Power Yoga

Located in the heart of downtown, Salt Lake Power Yoga offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Wasatch Range. They offer heated PowerFlow classes, workshops and top-tier teacher training programs, garnering them their first-place wins. To get a taste of what the city’s best yoga studio has to offer, sign up for two weeks of unlimited yoga for just $39. 250 E. 300 South, SLC, 801-468-9642, saltlakepoweryoga.com

Best Yoga Studio runners up

2. Awaken Studios and Retreats

3. Seek Studio

Best Yoga Teacher Training runners up

2. Awaken Studios and Retreats

3. Yoga Assets

Fitness: What Did We Miss?

Best Prenatal Yoga

Destiny S. Lake /

Destiny S. Olsen dba Shauntea

Pregnancy is nothing to take for granted and, since you’re carrying a future child, you want to be sure both you and the baby are good. Destiny Olsen established Shauntea in 2012 to take mindfulness and movement to a new, healthy level. She is a birth and postpartum doula who also teaches prenatal yoga.

“I’ve helped many families grow—whether it is through adoption, surrogacy or pregnancy,” she says on her website. “I believe everyone deserves to grow their family how they choose, and I am here to help you achieve that.”

787 E. Harrison Ave., SLC, 801-361-9785, shaunteahealthandwellness.com

Best Golf Fitness Specialist

Mitchell Cook

As a corporate wellness manager and director of fitness, Mitchell Cook is the best of the best to upgrade your physical wellness and golf game. He got a degree in kinesiology, a master’s in clinical exercise physiology and is certified in strength and conditioning. Cook is goal oriented and will help you create a customized training plan that will help you cut that slice and straighten that hook. He’s a strong believer of establishing an open mind for lifelong happiness and health, and lives by the daily mantra of “Better Never Stops.” He also believes in “No cookie-cutter plan, no one size fits all” and he’ll create workouts for you that are either self-guided or supervised. Epic Fitness, 3065 S. Imperial St., SLC, 385-270-9077, epicfitness.biz

Best Strength Trainer

Liz Myers

As owner/operator of Mountain Edge Performance, Myers wants her clients to feel the limits of aging as lightly as possible, believing “that age is just a number. I’m passionate about educating people on how they can put tools and habits into place to feel good while continuing to push limits as they age.”

So, whether you’re an elite amateur athlete looking to level up, a person hoping to begin a fitness journey or someone dealing with the year-over-year challenge of staying fit into midlife and beyond, Myers can find a workout and fitness program that works for you. Mountain Edge Performance , mtnedgeperformance.com

Two to Tango

Argentine steakhouse

Libertango is celebration food at its finest.

BY ALEX SPRINGER comments@cityweekly.net @captainspringer

As satisfying as a good steak is, it’s not necessarily the stuff of culinary variety—in fact, the less one does to a steak, the better it is. This was a lesson I learned early on in my life, and it’s more or less a maxim that I’ve just accepted. However, when you are trying to be the best food writer you can be, you end up realizing just how fragile all those assumptions really are.

The restaurant that has me reevaluating my relationship with steak is Libertango (10395 S. State Street, 801448-6449, libertango.us), an Argentine steakhouse whose only location outside of South America is our own Sandy, Utah.

Before we get into the restaurant itself—don’t worry, this place is awesome—we need to take a moment to recognize the steak-forward culture of Argentina. About one-third of Argentina’s geography is made up of grassland known as The Pampas, and feasting on this grassland are the majority of the country’s livestock.

Beef is big business in Argentina, and the locals have been taking their steaks seriously for decades. There is a reverence to the preparation and seasoning of beef that is common among Argentine steakhouses, and it’s something you definitely notice when you go to Libertango.

The third restaurant in the Serodio Family’s empire, Sandy’s Libertango does things the same way they’ve done things

at their two restaurants in Brazil. They’ve gone heavy on the atmosphere—it may be in the middle of Sandy but once you’re inside you’ll feel like you’ve just landed in a posh Brazilian shopping district. To that end, I’d recommend getting a reservation before you pay this place a visit—it’s busy most evenings, and it adds to the ambiance once you arrive.

It’s packing all the swank vibes it can muster: art depicting flamenco dancers adorns the walls and everyone on the service staff wears black vests and newsboy caps. Despite these strong, dinner-witha-capital-D vibes, service is impeccable and friendly.

When you come to Libertango, you’re going to want to get a steak. But you and I both know you can’t just waltz into a cloistered church of chimichurri like this and simply ask for steak, so be prepared to do a bit of soul searching once you get your menu. All of the steaks at Libertango are done a la carte, which gives you a bit of flexibility.

For a first-time visit, the ojo de bife ($42 for 10 oz., $48 for 18 oz. and $62 for wagyu), or ribeye, is a great place to start. As you can see, each steak cut comes with its own set of size and quality options— you really need to determine what kind of steak journey you are on when you arrive onsite.

The servers make a point to let you know that all your meat gets is a bit of salt while it’s cooking, but each table does get a small arrangement of sauces—think vinegary mignonette or creamy horseradish—that can be added at the diner’s discretion. My suggestion here is to take your first bite as naked as the house intends, but you have my permission to chase it with a sip of their smoked old fashioned.

As you savor these initial bites, it soon becomes clear that there is steak, and then there is steak . When dining out a lot,

every so often you’re lucky enough to get a dish that has a heritage to its flavor, and this is one such opportunity. You can almost see the gauchos herding cattle along the grassy Argentine plains with each bite.

There’s no shame in having steak be the centerpiece of your meal here, but you can purchase a few tasty side dishes that are made to share. For your regular sides, you can’t go wrong with the crema de maiz dehumada ($6), a smoked creamed corn that evokes the elotes of Mexican street food fame. On the premium sides menu, the arroz con queso ($9) was a gooey delight that mixed white rice with oodles of melted cheese. The side dishes are designed to make the steaks look good, so you’re not going to find anything here that overshadows the main event.

For those after something with a bit more wow factor, the Grill Master Selections quadrant of the menu has plenty of composed dishes worth drooling over. The king of this particular court happens to be the Thatcher Steak ($70), which is an 18 oz. American wagyu sirloin served with country fries and a bourbon barbecue sauce. You pair this with your red wine of choice or another craft cocktail and you’ve got celebration food at its finest.

When I first heard that a swanky steakhouse touting an impressive menu of steaks, sides and pasta along with a cocktail menu to match was coming to Sandy, it sounded a bit too good to be true. Having summited the savory peaks of Libertango’s meaty mountain range, this place is the real deal—and quite a lot of fun for those looking for a bit of a splurge. CW

2 Row Brewing 6856 S. 300 West, Midvale 2RowBrewing.com

Avenues Proper 376 8th Ave, SLC

avenuesproper.com

On Tap: Blizzard Wizard - Hazy Pale Ale

Bewilder Brewing 445 S. 400 West, SLC

BewilderBrewing.com

On Tap: Gluten Reduced Kolsch

Bohemian Brewery 94 E. Fort Union Blvd, Midvale BohemianBrewery.com

Bonneville Brewery 1641 N. Main, Tooele BonnevilleBrewery.com

On Tap: Peaches and Cream Ale

Chappell Brewing 2285 S Main Street Salt Lake City, UT 84115 chappell.beer

On Tap: Playground Hazy Pale Ale (lemondrop)

Craft by Proper 1053 E. 2100 So., SLC craftbyproper.com

On Tap: That’s a Knife - Australian Cold IPA

Desert Edge Brewery

273 Trolley Square, SLC DesertEdgeBrewery.com

On Tap: Tropical Fruit Storm Pale Ale

Epic Brewing Co. 825 S. State, SLC

EpicBrewing.com

On Tap: Horchata Cream Ale

Fisher Brewing Co. 320 W. 800 South, SLC FisherBeer.com

On Tap: A rotation of up to 17 Fresh Beers!

Grid City Beer Works 333 W. 2100 South, SLC GridCityBeerWorks.com

On Tap: Extra Pale Ale

Helper Beer 159 N Main Street Helper, UT 84526 helperbeer.com/

Hopkins Brewing Co. 1048 E. 2100 South, SLC HopkinsBrewingCompany.com

On Tap: Apricot Wheat

Kiitos Brewing 608 W. 700 South, SLC KiitosBrewing.com

Level Crossing Brewing Co. 2496 S. West Temple, S. Salt Lake

LevelCrossingBrewing.com

On Tap: Philly Sour Fruit Bat Bingo ($1,000 jackpot): Wednesdays at 7pm

Moab Brewing 686 S. Main, Moab

TheMoabBrewery.com

On Tap: Bourbon & Blonde (Bulleit Bourbon Barrel-aged Blonde Stout)

Mountain West Cider 425 N. 400 West, SLC MountainWestCider.com

On Tap: Pomme Paloma

Offset Bier Co 1755 Bonanza Dr Unit C, Park City offsetbier.com/

On Tap: DOPO IPA

Ogden Beer Company 358 Park Blvd, Ogden OgdenRiverBrewing.com

On Tap: Injector Hazy IPA

Policy Kings Brewery 223 N. 100 West, Cedar City PolicyKingsBrewery.com

Prodigy Brewing

25 W Center St. Logan

Prodigy-brewing.com

On Tap: It’s Complicated Sour

Proper Brewing 857 S. Main, SLC

ProperBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Cloud Chaser - Kölsch with Strawberry and Watermelon

Proper Brewing Moab 1393 US-191 Moab, Utah 84532

On Tap: Angus McCloud- Scottish Ale

Red Rock Brewing 254 So. 200 West RedRockBrewing.com

On Tap: Gypsy Scratch

Red Rock Fashion Place 6227 So. State Redrockbrewing.com

On Tap: Munich Dunkel

Red Rock Kimball Junction Redrockbrewing.com

1640 Redstone Center

On Tap: Bamberg Rauch Bier

RoHa Brewing Project 30 Kensington Ave, SLC RoHaBrewing.com

On Tap: Anniversary Barrel

Aged Porter

Brewers Select: Strength in Numbers Wheat Wine

Roosters Brewing

Multiple Locations RoostersBrewingCo.com

On Tap: Identity Crisis Session

West Coast Hazy Cold IPA – the name says it all!

SaltFire Brewing 2199 S. West Temple, S.Salt Lake SaltFireBrewing.com

On Tap: Deep Dive Series - Steam Beer

Salt Flats Brewing 2020 Industrial Circle, SLC SaltFlatsBeer.com

On Tap: Save the Lake Pilsner - 5% of sales donated to local non-profits to support preserving our Great Salt Lake

Scion Cider Bar 916 Jefferson St W, SLC Scionciderbar.com

On Tap: Scion Apricot & Oak - 7.6% ABV

Shades Brewing

154 W. Utopia Ave, S. Salt Lake ShadesBrewing.beer

On Tap: Mango IPA

Live Music: Thursdays

Shades On State 366 S. State Street SLC Shadesonstate.com

On Tap: Mexican Lager

Karaoke: Wednesdays

Silver Reef

4391 S. Enterprise Drive, St. George StGeorgeBev.com

Squatters Pub Brewery / Salt Lake Brewing Co. 147 W. Broadway, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/squatters

On Tap: Dark Haze Honey Porter (Nitro)

Squatters and Wasatch Brewery

1763 So 300 West SLC UT 84115 Utahbeers.com

On Tap: Pink Boots Collab Hazy DIPA, 9% ABV - available 4/30

Strap Tank Brewery Multiple Locations

StrapTankBrewery.com

Springville On Tap: PB Rider, Peanut Butter Stout

Lehi On Tap: 2-Stroke, Vanilla Mocha Porter

Stratford Proper 1588 Stratford Ave., SLC stratfordproper.com

On Tap: Yacht Rock Juice Box - Juicy IPA

TF Brewing 936 S. 300 West, SLC TFBrewing.com

On Tap: Edel Pils

Talisman Brewing Co. 1258 Gibson Ave, Ogden TalismanBrewingCo.com

On Tap: King Slayer- Pilsner

Uinta Brewing 1722 S. Fremont Drive, SLC UintaBrewing.com

On Tap: Was Angeles Craft Beer

UTOG

2331 Grant Ave, Ogden UTOGBrewing.com

On Tap: Lovely Lady Nitro Stout

Vernal Brewing 55 S. 500 East, Vernal VernalBrewing.com

Wasatch 2110 S. Highland Drive, SLC saltlakebrewingco.com/ wasatch

On Tap: Wasatch Salt Lime Cerveza (SLC)

Zion Brewery 95 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale ZionBrewery.com

Zolupez 205 W. 29th Street #2, Ogden Zolupez.com

A list of what local craft breweries and cider houses have on tap this week

Horse Thief and Haze

A cocktail beer and an IPA like no other

BY MIKE RIEDEL comments@cityweekly.net @utahbeer

TF - Horse Thief: This is a representation in beer form of a cocktail created at Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship called Horse Thief. The cocktail is a blend of Casa Noble Reposado Tequila, High West Campfire Whiskey, Green Chartreuse, Ginger Syrup, Lime juice and blackberries. Templin’s interpretation has a sour base beer. The combination of these ingredients may sound daunting, but the end result was a truly unique and memorable brew.

The beer had a beautiful, hazy appearance with a deep, ruby red color. The aroma was a mix of tart blackberries and the herbal notes of Green Chartreuse, which gave the beer an intriguing complexity from the start.

As I took my first sip, I was immediately struck by the tartness of the blackberries, which was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the Ginger Syrup and the tangy Lime juice. The flavors were complex and layered, with a subtle hint of the herbal notes of Green Chartreuse coming through on the finish. The mouthfeel was smooth and effervescent, with a lively carbonation that gave the beer a refreshing zing. The acidity was perfectly balanced, giving the beer a pleasing tartness without overpowering the other flavors.

As I continued to drink, I noticed a subtle spiciness emerging from the ginger, which added a pleasing warmth to each sip. The finish was dry and crisp, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of tart blackberries and lime juice on the palate.

Verdict: While no tequila, whiskey or those spiritus flavors were used to make

this beer, I was impressed with this sour. It was an excellent blend of flavors that worked together in perfect harmony, creating a truly unique and memorable brew. If you’re a fan of sour beers that push the boundaries of flavor, this one is definitely worth trying.

Kiitos - Tropical Haze IPA: This latest version of tropical haze features thiol yeast that imparts big fruity flavors as a byproduct of the fermentation process. The yeast gives the beer a unique flavor profile that was unlike any other IPA I’ve tasted. The beer poured a hazy golden color with a thick, creamy head that held its shape even as I drank.

Upon first swig, I was struck by the explosion of fruit flavors that flooded my palate. The Thiol yeast brought a delightful complexity to the beer, with a mix of melon and berry flavors that danced across my tongue. The melon flavor was especially prominent, with a juicy sweetness that was perfectly balanced by the bitterness of the hops.

The mouthfeel was smooth and velvety, with just enough carbonation to give the beer a refreshing zip. The bitterness had an excellent balance, adding a refreshing snap to each sip without overwhelming the implied fruity flavors from the hops and yeast. As I continued, I noticed a subtle hint of spice emerging, which added a pleasing warmth to each sip. The finish was dry and satisfying, with a pleasant aftertaste that lingered on the palate.

Verdict: I was blown away by the melon flavors in this IPA. The yeast definitely stole the show and brought a unique character to the beer that set it apart from other IPAs I’ve tried, with a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and bitterness. If you’re a fan of juicy, complex IPAs, this beer is definitely one to try.

Tropical Haze IPA dials in at 5.0 percent ABV and is available now on draft at Kiitos – it’s also available in 16 ounce cans. Horse Thief comes in at 4.8 percent and is also available on draft or in 16 ounce cans. This is a smaller batch, so take that into consideration when planning your purchase. As always, cheers. CW

MIKE RIEDEL

MIKE RIEDEL

BY ALEX SPRINGER | @captainspringer

Burgertory Opens

When a friend of mine told me about a horror-themed burger joint called Burgertory (3197 S. Redwood Road, burgertoryslc.com) that recently opened in West Valley, I thought it was some kind of clever ruse. A few internet searches later, however, I have confirmed that Burgertory does, in fact, exist. Yes, a place where I can legitimately get an Exorswiss and Mushroom burger with a side of Omen Rings under the baleful watch of my horror movie saints is only a short drive away. Their menu consists of all kinds of gourmet—or gore -met, that is—burgers and sides with tonguein-cheek names and early reports claim their Dracula’s Casserole—a riff on mac and cheese complete with Sriracha bacon—is, ahem, to die for.

Empanada Workshop

Ana Valdemoros of Argentina’s Best Empanadas (357 S. 200 East, 801-548-8194, argentinasbestslc.com) and Craft Lake City will be hosting an empanada workshop on May 3. The event takes place at Valdemoros’ storefront from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where attendees will learn how to make their own homemade empanadas. There will be enough goods on hand for attendees to make a dozen of their own savory and sweet empanadas, not to mention the knowledge they’ll need to make as many as you want once you return home. Valdemoros has plenty of great experience to impart, so now’s a good time to brush up on your Argentinian cooking skills.

Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl

Those who feel like celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an old fashioned pub crawl are in luck. Pubcrawls.com has organized a walking tour of Salt Lake’s finest bars, complete with DJs, drink specials and discounted menu items. As with most pub crawls, there will also be plenty of surprise tricks and treats along the way. With the weather starting to perk up, a little alcohol-fueled jaunt around town might be just what we need to welcome springtime into our midst. And, if we do suddenly get more garbage weather from wherever all that winter snow came from, we’ll all be in need of a few drinks.

Quote of the Week: “Man who invented the hamburger was smart; man who invented the cheeseburger was a genius.” –Matthew McConaughey

Local Music Spotlight

More songs from locals to add to your library

BY EMILEE ATKINSON eatkinson@cityweekly.net @emileelovesvinyl

There’s no shortage of fantastic local music—more and more is released every day. Everywhere you look there’s a new band, and a new adventure to embark on. Here are four more songs you need to add to your music library.

Future.exboyfriend, “Hazy”: Groovy, bassy, energetic—all adjectives used to describe this exciting single from future. exboyfriend. It’s an addicting track that I imagine you’d hear on a dancefloor that will keep you moving, even when it stops.

This psych-pop trio brings flair and full sound to their music, making it hard not to put it on repeat. “Hazy” really speaks to Utah itself. Whether it’s the haze of the inversion in the cold winter months, or the haze of hayfever in the spring, it goes perfectly with the Beehive State.

The band posted on Instagram when the song dropped that it was one of the easiest to to write and produce, and it’s clear on the track. There’s an ease to “Hazy” that shines through. If you’re not able to see the trio live anytime soon, they have very well-produced videos on YouTube that are an excellent stand in.

Future.exboyfriend played at Van Sessions in Ogden back in January and were sure to play this single. Similarly, they have a live in-studio version of the song that sounds fantastic. Whether you’re watching the video, or adding this song to a playlist, it needs to be in your rotation regularly.

Bly Wallentine, “My Unkempt Billies”: Bly Wallentine is an artist who makes music for everyone. No matter what mood you’re in, Wallentine has your back.

They describe themselves as an experimental musician on their Instagram account, and it’s perfectly befitting for Wallentine’s sound and musical personality. From lush chamber folk to psych-pop to emo indie rock, they always put their heart into their sound.

Wallentine described their latest album “I Found My Foot :)” as “groovy, gritty, trippy, sultry, fun, sexy, wacky, playful, glitchy, glazy art pop/rock.” It’s hard to imagine all of those different sounds melding together in one body of work, but Wallentine makes it mesh so well, specifically in “My Unkempt Billies.”

It’s so happy and cheerful that it’s sure to brighten your day if you’re feeling down. It has some Beatles-esque qualities with how whimsical it is, while having some rock elements in the background.

Wallentine’s voice also has some cool effects on it that add to this vibe of falling down the rabbit hole. If you’re in the mood

for a magical journey and need some happy energy, this should be your go to song.

Dad Bod, “Pastels”: SLC rockers Dad Bod have become a staple in the local music scene. Their lo-fi psych-rock sounds have entranced locals and beyond. Their album “Pastels” isn’t their most recent work, but it is some of their best; the opening track of the same name to be specific. It’s a lovely introduction to the album as a whole, and sets the tone for a pleasurable experience.

It starts with some futuristic effects on top of some reverb soaked guitar and soft vocals. The lyrics really drive the song; they’re relatable and a little heartbreaking. “I won’t take you for granted / I won’t let you down / I won’t ask for a reason / If you come back around,” vocalist Micheal Marinos sings.

It’s worth listening to on repeat as you’ll pick up another earnest lyric that maybe you hadn’t before, and you’ll catch more cool sound effects that lend perfectly to that psych sound.

Christian Scheller, “Nate’s Song”: Sometimes when you listen to a new, heartfelt love song, there’s an instant thought that it could be a wedding classic. While listening, you picture a couple in love, having their first dance after getting married moments before. That’s the exact thought I had when I pressed play on “Nate’s Song” for the first time.

Ogden singer/songwriter Christian Scheller wrote the song for his husband as an anniversary gift, getting to surprise him with it at Ogden Music Festival. Who wouldn’t swoon at that? “Nate’s Song” is a beautifully crafted track that exudes love. Scheller’s voice is so well suited for slow affectionate songs; he has a great tone and sings softly in a way that is perfect for ballads. He oozes soulfulness and doesn’t need the backing of a full band to create something powerful. Scheller posted a video singing and playing the song while pictures flash on the screen and I’m not crying, you’re crying. This is a perfect song to slow dance to, as mentioned earlier, or to send to someone to let them know how much you love them. CW

EMILEE ATKINSON

CINCO DE MAYO

TUNES BY DJ LYRIC

Celebrate and see double

THURSDAYS

FRIDAYS DJ FRESH(NESS)

SATURDAYS POKER @ 2PM DJ DELMAGGIO

SHARK SUNDAYS POOL TOURNEY HOSTED BY JARED AND TANNER

MONDAYS REGGAE MONDAY WITH DJ NAPO TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS KARAOKE

Queer’s Revolt! @ Aces High Saloon 4/27

Queers Revolt! is a monthly showcase that highlights queer talents in spaces that don’t normally exist outside of drag shows and Pride festivals. After founding the Pride party staple Genderfuq and theholiday queer event Transgiving, The Rock Princess, aka Sofia Scott (frontwoman for Shecock With A Vengeance) knew there has never been a better time to celebrate queerness through music than now. Her band, Shecock, started as a passion project that was performed solo during the drag scene of 2013. It then evolved into an opener for live music acts and eventually a three-piece band in 2017. Shecock then reformed in 2022 as a rare all-transgender lineup, influenced by music exuding feminist and genderqueer iconography, from New York Dolls to Brtiney Spears, Hole to Pat Benatar and

beyond. One track at a time, Shecock is releasing an all new EP entitled “Tranosaur” with two of the three music video tracks exclusively available on their YouTube channel @shecockband. If you haven’t seen them live, get in and have your face melted. The guitar solos are even more blistering in the flesh. Queers Revolt! is here to make a space for proper representation. Whether you’re on stage or in the audience. There’s a place for everything here except bigotry. Playing the April showcase is Choice Coin, Down River, Fight the Future, King Cyborg and Shecock. Catch these acts on Thursday, Apr 27 at 7 p.m. General admission tickets for the 21 and over show are $5 and can be purchased at the door. More information can be found at aceshighsaloon.com (Mark Dago)

The Reverend Horton Heat @ Metro Music Hall 4/30

If you don’t have plans for your Sunday sabbath, you’ve lucked out and your soul might still very well be saved. Gather all ye in your rockabilly garb and Bettie Page bangs to worship The Reverend Horton Heat live at the house of the holy Metro Music Hall—and a beer while you’re at it! You might know this Texas trio from their notorious ‘91 Sub Pop debut “Smoke ‘em if You Got ‘em,” although the group’s impressive genre-fusing discography of rockabilly, psychobilly, blues and dare-I-say-crooning sounds equal parts classic and fresh—and therefore timeless. While some tracks feel cleanly and quirky like a sweet little show tune (think “Grease Lightnin’”), others pinch a nerve with cool cutting chords and dark desert dust. If you welded the enduring voices of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presely to an edge as sharp as The Cramps and The Gun Club, you would get the pin-stripe wearing, sharp shooting The Reverend Horton Heat. And hell, I’ll say it: modern garage rock has rockabilly to thank for its resurgence, which paved the lonesome road for acts like the Black Lips, the White Stripes, and The Black Keys (I’m sensing a christening theme…). Joined onstage by openers The Delta Bombers and The Dusty 45’s, I recommend you dust off your blue suede shoes and trot yourself down to the 21+ show exactly when doors open at 7:00pm so as not to miss a second. Tickets can be purchased online at 24tix.com. (Sophie Caligiuri)

By Emilee Atkinson

Anime Girlfriend, Taphy, June Rose @ Kilby Court 5/1

Plenty of large acts come through SLC, but lineups made up entirely of locals are some of the best. Connecting with members of the community who play and love to jam to fun music in the area is always a night well spent. Starting the party is singer/songwriter June Rose, who grabs an acoustic guitar and makes songs that are at times light and whimsical, and others that are more morose and contemplative. One of their songs, “Oh no! Snakes!,” has a funny and charming music video that blends the whimsy, fun and sad vibes all together to create a fun adventure rife with art references and indie music vibes. Joining Rose is Taphy, who according to their Instagram, creates “delectable, chewy songs you can feel.” Taphy is a solo psych project who has some great tracks out, but some of their best are on the EP oxford comma. There’s some really cool psych beats that will keep you coming back for more. There are some instrumental tracks like “never let me go instrumental,” and “golden boy instrumental” that offer listeners a chance to sink into those beats, while others have Taphy’s effect driven vocals that transport you to another dimension. Leading the charge is Anime Girlfriend, a “badass, moody contemporary emo indie girl” rock group, as stated on Instagram. The quartet makes good on their emo indie description, performing songs that will transport any emo kid straight back to the early aughts. The quartet has a great chemistry, and it will be exciting to see some releases from the group going forward. Grab tickets for this local lineup for Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all ages show are $10 and can be found at kilbycourt.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

Begonia, Rachael Jenkins @ Kilby Court 5/3

Alexa Dirks, AKA Begonia, describes her latest album Powder Blue with vivid imagery: her baby blanket, the airiness of clouds on a summer day, chlorine-filled water in a hotel pool, circa-1970s Elvis Presley wearing an ill-fitting jumpsuit and her collection of faded denim jackets, according to her website bio. “Powder Blue is more of an emotion,” she explained. “The name of this album needed to be something that encompasses all of the feelings that these songs give me when they are put together. When I listen to them as a unit, they send me back to the words, the color.” Powder Blue is indeed an emotionally intense body of work that’s peppered with beautiful and entrancing vocals along with background music that changes moods quickly, but never feels out of place. This album is the singer’s second full release, and it’s certainly an incredible one. Joining

Continues on p60

Live Music

MATHEUS CBARR

Anime Girlfriend

Begonia is local singer/songwriter Rachael Jenkins. This is a fantastic pairing as Jenkins and Begonia are both powerhouses vocally, and write songs that pierce your soul. If you need an evening of moody songs that will have you contemplate life and your relationships, this is the show for you. Come see these incredible singers on Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all ages show are $15 and can be found at kilbycourt.com. (EA)

ZZ Top @ Eccles Theater 5/3

Famously known as “That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” ZZ Top possesses a hard driving blues and boogie legacy that dates back to the late ‘60s. Instantly identifiable by the two frontmen’s trademark beards, spinning guitars and synchronous stance, they quickly found their way to the musical mainstream courtesy of such rarified rockers as “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs,” among the many. Given the official title of “Heroes of The State of Texas” and inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, their unique persona has also imbued them with an iconic image that’s been repeatedly referenced in the mass media. Nevertheless, their sales speak for themselves, given that their Eliminator album became one of the music industry’s first recordings to be certified “Diamond,” a mega status reflecting domestic sales of 10 million units.

The subject of their own Grammy-nominated documentary titled—naturally—“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas,” guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Dusty Beard (ironically, the only member who doesn’t sport a beard) and bassist Dusty Hill, remained intact for more than 50 years until Hill’s passing in 2021. After Hill’s initial departure, his bass tech Elwood Francis stood in and eventually became his permanent replacement. As a result, this little ‘ole band with its massive success continues to roll on. ZZ Top play the Delta Performance Hall in the Eccles Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3. Tickets cost $55 - $90. Go to my.arttix.org or call 1-888- 451-2787. (Lee Zimmerman)

CALVIN LEE JOSEPH

Begonia

By Emilee Atkinson

free will ASTROLOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

According to a study by Newsweek magazine, 58% of us yearn to experience spiritual growth; 33% report having had a mystical or spiritual experience; 20% of us say we have had a revelation from God in the last year; and 13% have been in the presence of an angel. Given the astrological omens currently in play for you, Aries, I suspect you will exceed all those percentages in the coming weeks. I hope you will make excellent use of your sacred encounters. What two areas of your life could most benefit from a dose of divine assistance or intervention? There’s never been a better time than now to seek a Deus ex machina

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

After the fall of the Roman Empire, political cohesion in its territories was scarce for hundreds of years. Then Charlemagne (747–814) came along and united much of what we now call Western Europe. He was unusual in many respects. For example, he sought to master the arts of reading and writing. Most other rulers of his time regarded those as paltry skills that were beneath their dignity. I mention this fact, Taurus, because I suspect it’s a propitious time to consider learning things you have previously regarded as unnecessary or irrelevant or outside your purview. What might these abilities be?

GEMINI (May 21-June

20)

I’m turning this horoscope over to Nigerian poet Ijeoma Umebinyuo. She has three messages that are just what you need to hear right now. 1: “Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have.” 2: “You must let the pain visit. You must allow it to teach you. But you must not allow it to overstay.” 3: “Write a poem for your 14-year-old self. Forgive her. Heal her. Free her.”

CANCER

(June

21-July 22)

Historical records tell us that Chinese Emperor Hongwu (1328–1398) dealt with overwhelming amounts of decisionmaking. During one 10-day phase of his reign, for example, he was called on to approve 1,660 documents concerning 3,391 separate issues. Based on my interpretation of the planetary omens, I suspect you may soon be called on to deal with a similar outpouring. This might tempt you toward over-stressed reactions like irritation and self-medication. But I hope you’ll strive to handle it all with dignity and grace. In fact, that’s what I predict you will do. In my estimation, you will be able to summon the extra poise and patience to manage the intensity.

LEO

(July

23-Aug. 22)

Is it even possible for us humans to live without fear—if even for short grace periods? Could you or I or anyone else somehow manage to celebrate, say, 72 hours of freedom from all worries and anxieties and trepidations? I suspect the answer is no. We may aspire to declare our independence from dread, but 200,000 years of evolution ensures that our brains are hard-wired to be ever-alert for danger. Having provided that perspective, however, I will speculate that if anyone could approach a state of utter dauntlessness, it will be you Leos in the next three weeks. This may be as close as you will ever come to an extended phase of bold, plucky audacity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

“Dear Sunny Bright Cheery Upbeat Astrologer: You give us too many sunny, bright, cheery, upbeat predictions. They lift my mood when I first read them, but later I’m like, ‘What the hell?’ Because yeah, they come true, but they usually cause some complications I didn’t foresee. Maybe you should try offering predictions that bum me out, since then I won’t have to deal with making such big adjustments.—Virgo Who is Weary of Rosy Hopeful Chirpy Horoscopes.” Dear Virgo: You have alluded to a key truth about reality: Good changes often require as much modification and adaptation as challenging changes. Another truth: One of my specialties is helping

my readers manage those good changes. And by the way: I predict the next two weeks will deliver a wealth of interesting and buoyant changes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Poet Pablo Neruda wrote, “Let us look for secret things somewhere in the world on the blue shores of silence.” That might serve as a good motto for you in the coming weeks. By my astrological reckoning, you’ll be wise to go in quest for what’s secret, concealed and buried. You will generate fortuitous karma by smoking out hidden agendas and investigating the rest of the story beneath the apparent story. Be politely pushy, Libra. Charmingly but aggressively find the missing information and the shrouded rationales. Dig as deep as you need to go to explore the truth’s roots.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

We’ve all done things that make perfect sense to us, though they might look nonsensical or inexplicable to an outside observer. Keep this fact in your awareness during the next two weeks, Scorpio. Just as you wouldn’t want to be judged by uninformed people who don’t know the context of your actions, you should extend this same courtesy to others, especially now. At least some of what may appear nonsensical or inexplicable will be serving a valuable purpose. Be slow to judge. Be inclined to offer the benefit of the doubt.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

I completely understand if you feel some outrage about the lack of passion and excellence you see in the world around you. You have a right to be impatient with the laziness and carelessness of others. But I hope you will find ways to express your disapproval constructively. The best approach will be to keep criticism to a minimum and instead focus on generating improvements. For the sake of your mental health, I suggest you transmute your anger into creativity. You now have an enhanced power to reshape the environments and situations you are part of so they work better for everyone.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

In the 17th century, renowned Capricorn church leader James Ussher announced he had discovered when the world had been created. It was at 6 p.m. on October 22 in the year 4004 BCE. From this spectacularly wrong extrapolation, we might conclude that not all Capricorns are paragons of logic and sound analysis 100% of the time. I say we regard this as a liberating thought for you in the coming weeks. According to my analysis, it will be a favorable time to indulge in wild dreams, outlandish fantasies and imaginative speculations. Have fun, dear Capricorn, as you wander out in the places that singer Tom Petty referred to as “The Great Wide Open.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

We often evaluate prospects quantitatively: how big a portion do we get; how much does something cost; how many social media friends can we add? Quantity does matter in some cases, but on other occasions may be trumped by quality. A few close, trustworthy friends may matter more than hundreds of Instagram friends we barely know. A potential house may be spacious and affordable, but be in a location we wouldn’t enjoy living in. Your project in the coming weeks, Aquarius, is to examine areas of your life that you evaluate quantitatively and determine whether there are qualitative aspects neglected in your calculations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

“Dear Dr. Astrology: Help! I want to know which way to go. Should I do the good thing or the right thing? Should I be kind and sympathetic at the risk of ignoring my selfish needs? Or should I be a pushy stickler for what’s fair and true, even if I look like a preachy grouch? Why is it so arduous to have integrity?—Pinched Pisces.” Dear Pisces: Can you figure out how to be half-good and half-right? Half-self-interested and half-generous? I suspect that will generate the most gracious, constructive results.

ACROSS

1. [Hey! Over here!]

5. Cacio e ____ (pasta dish)

9. Capital city that rings in the New Year by dropping a huge potato

14. “Future Nostalgia” singer Dua

15. “Too bad, so sad!”

16. Urge forward

17. Face-to-face exam

18. Cube, such as onions

19. Some red carpet dresses

20. Scrolling Instagram, to some

22. Doesn’t disturb

23. Kind of turn

25. Cut (down)

28. Bad-mouth

33. ____-mâché

35. Day before hump day: Abbr. 36. Do more than just check out 37. Pedicure part, perhaps 39. [I’m out] 41. Run for the hills

42. San Francisco’s ____ Hill

44. Most faithful

45. Literary character given the task of painting “thirty yards of board fence nine feet high”

48. “Noted”

49. Marketplaces

51. Chap

55. Maternity surprise ... or, read a different way, this puzzle’s theme

60. Out of gas

61. “Live Without ____” (Van Halen concert video)

62. Split 63. Group that protects a QB 64. One thing after another?

65. ____ Poupon mustard

66. Builds anticipation for 67. Times Square sign for B’way fans

68. Highest point

DOWN

1. “The ____ thickens!”

11. NASDAQ debuts

12. Novak Djokovic, for one

13. “Anything ____?”

21. Revealing, in a way

22. “Think this looks good on me?”

Lifetime Scout

I’m a lifetime Girl Scout. That’s not a metaphor—it’s a fact. I started as a Brownie, then on to Junior, then all the way through the Cadette stage. As an adult, I was a co-director of a winter camp at Camp Cloud Rim and have just finished serving six years on the board of directors, most recently as secretary.

Girl Scouts is an amazing organization, and Utah is lucky to have two camps. Camp Cloud Rim has an elevation of 9,200 feet, nestled among aspen and pine trees. A highlight of Camp Cloud Rim is Lake Brimhall, where campers can canoe, sail, kayak and swim, as well as hike and backpack.

52. She plays Frankie on “Grace and Frankie”

53. ____ coffee

54. “Molto ____!”

56. Lydia Ko’s sports org.

57. Surname at the O.K. Corral

58. Branch headquarters?

59. River with a mythical ferryman

61. _____-country (music genre)

Last week’s answers

43. One

SUDOKU X

Complete the grid so that each row, column, diagonal and 3x3 square contain all of the numbers 1 to 9. No math is involved. The grid has numbers, but nothing has to add up to anything else. Solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. Solving time is typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience.

Utah’s other Girl Scout camp is Trefoil Ranch, located on 123 acres of beautiful country tucked away in Provo Canyon. It is home to about 20 horses, offering girls unique opportunities to experience equestrian programs, a ropes course, hatchet throwing, etc. For more than 110 years, Girl Scouts have discovered, explored and strengthened their outdoor skills and commitment to environmental stewardship through scouting. The summer camp experience is truly a building block in the development of Girl Scouts—and is hella fun! In Utah’s natural environment, campers develop a strong sense of self, gain practical life skills, become resourceful problem solvers and cultivate healthy relationships by living and working together. And, of course, who doesn’t love the cookies! The Girl Scout Cookie program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. U.S. girls sell more than 200 million boxes each season, with Thin Mints coming in at No. 1. The cookie-sales season is just ending, and hundreds of girls have participated in selling cookies online and at locations around the state—usually in front of/at grocery stores. From learning how to interact with customers to creating budgets and taking orders, the Girl Scout Cookie program teaches scouts invaluable skills that they’ll need to succeed throughout their lives. Plus, cookie proceeds stay in the community to support local councils and troops. Pretty sweet, right?

Utah membership is up 7% over last year, with over 9,300 members and almost 3,400 adult volunteers. GSUSA is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world, and currently, there are 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. Famous scouts include Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Venus and Serena Williams, Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright. Utah State Sen. Jen Plumb is a Girl Scout and serves on its board of directors.

Fifty million American women alive today were Girl Scouts growing up. And 72% of female U.S. senators are Girl Scout alums, while 58% of women in the U.S. House of Representatives were Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts of Utah is always looking for volunteers to help with or lead troops of all ages. If you’re interested in getting your child into a troop or camp or want to volunteer yourself, please contact info@gsutah.org. n

BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL

It’s Come to This

New York City Mayor Eric Adams named former schoolteacher Kathleen Corradi to a new position on April 12, United Press International reported. Corradi is the rat czar (officially, director of rodent mitigation) of the Big Apple. Adams said it was “clear we needed someone solely focused on leading our rat reduction efforts across all five boroughs.” In 2022, rat sightings in the city increased by 74% over the previous year. Requirements for the job included being “highly motivated and somewhat bloodthirsty” with a “swashbuckling attitude, crafty humor and general aura of badassery.” “I look forward to sending the rats packing,” Corradi said.

Eyewitness News

Although he is no longer governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger still performs his civic duty—in this case, filling a huge pothole in his Brentwood neighborhood with concrete. The Associated Press reported that on April 11, the Terminator himself, along with a helper, used a shovel and packaged concrete to fill a hole in the street. “Today, after the whole neighborhood has been upset about this giant pothole that’s been screwing up cars and bicycles for weeks, I went out with my team and fixed it,” he tweeted. “This is crazy. For three weeks I’ve been waiting for this hole to be closed.” Arnold’s heroics may have been misguided, however; according to a statement from SoCalGas, the “pothole” actually was an active work trench for a project to be completed in May.

Cleaning Up

Police in Boardman, Ohio, are still on the lookout for a robber who broke into a Bed Bath & Beyond store early on April 8, WFMJ-TV reported. Surveillance cameras captured a “stocky male” throwing a rock through a window at the store, then heading to a stockroom in the back, where he filled four shopping carts with 33 Dyson vacuum cleaners. The vacuums were valued at between $500 and $750 each, for a total loss of $17,000. Because there are no surveillance cameras outside the store, authorities didn’t get a picture of the getaway vehicle. That sucks.

Recent Alarming Headline

In 2008, an enormous sinkhole appeared in Daisetta, Texas, NPR reported. At that time, it grew to a cavity about 900 feet across and 260 feet deep, then stabilized. Over the years, it became a sort of recreational area, where people fished and alligators lazed. But on April 2, the hole began expanding. “My neighbor came over and said he kept hearing popping sounds like a gunshot,” said Tim Priessler. “We went to the backyard, and there were buildings falling in. It was like a movie.

You can see cracks forming in the ground.” Since then, a vacant building and several storage tanks have sunk. The EPA and city officials are working to find out what has caused the sinkhole to shift, but as of April 10, no evacuation orders had been issued.

Least Competent Criminal

Seems like it would go without saying, but you might want to assemble an item you just stole away from the store’s parking lot. On April 3 in Flagler County, Florida, Patrick Vandermeyden-Miller allegedly walked out of a Target store with an electric scooter he had not paid for, WESH-TV reported. Deputies were called to the scene, where they found Vandermeyden-Miller near a cart rack, putting together the scooter. He also had drug paraphernalia in his pockets. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and petit theft.

News You Can Use

Darryl Pitt, chair of the meteorite division at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, has an offer Mainers won’t want to refuse: If you’re the first to find a big (the size of a softball or bigger) space rock from a recent meteorite crash, the museum will pay you $25,000. The fireball was seen in the sky around noon on April 8, and NASA reported that “signatures consistent with falling meteorites” were registered by radar. The rocks probably fell to Earth in a remote wooded area near the border with Canada; NASA estimates the largest specimens will be found near Waite, Maine. Good luck!

But Why?

Late on April 7, Boris Richard, 21, made an “unauthorized entry” into the embalming room at the Smith Funeral Home in Monroe, Alabama, The Smoking Gun reported. Richard, who is an “unofficial” worker at the home, used his phone to FaceTime with a friend as he looked over several “post-autopsy” corpses resting there, police said. Richard declined to answer any of the officers’ questions and was released on a $1,500 bond.

Is That a Knife in Your Head ...

Donald the Duck, a mallard who lives in Saint-Nolff, France, is infamous among residents because he seems to live a perfectly normal life with the blade of a knife stuck in his head, Oddity Central reported. While Donald could swim and eat without trouble, members of the Pinocchio et Sauvageons society decided it should be removed. On March 31, rescuers managed to catch him, and the surgery was a success, with Donald flying the coop as soon as the door was open. Authorities are now trying to discover who stabbed Donald.

Send your weird news items to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com