Governor Gary R. Herbert’s Schedule
May 2, 2019 - May 3, 2019
**The Governor’s schedule is subject to frequent change**
Thursday, May 2
9:00 a.m. Meet with Utah Congressional Delegation
Location: Washington, D.C.
12:00 p.m. Meet with Sen. Mitt Romney
Location: Washington, D.C.
Travel to Salt Lake City
Friday, May 3
No Public Events
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May is National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month:
Thanks to a Transplant, a Georgia Woman is Winning Her Battle
May 1, 2019 -- May is National Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. More than 30,000 adults and kids in the United States have CF. In Georgia, a CF survivor is currently winning her 35-year battle with the disease -- thanks to her life-saving double lung transplant. Today, on May Day, she and her husband will be celebrating her 40th birthday and ‘transplantaversary.’
More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of CF and 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. CF causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, which over time leads to sinus issues, difficult food digestion and permanent lung damage due to constant infections. For Bonnie Griner of Moultrie, Georgia, these statistics and these challenges have been her reality since she was diagnosed with CF at the age of five. This month’s celebration of her 40th birthday and her new lungs is a milestone for Bonnie and her husband, Nick Chastain.
“I was born with CF and I grew up knowing a transplant would probably be somewhere in my future. ‘The transplant’ was always talked about as being down the road … not now … sometime far away,” Bonnie said. But ‘the future’ became a reality in December 2016 when for the first time in her CF battle, Bonnie was put on oxygen while her CF specialists at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta began to research transplant centers that would potentially accept Bonnie for a transplant evaluation.
In early 2017 Bonnie received the news that Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina - 525 miles away from their home in Moultrie - would do two weeks of testing to see if she would be admitted into its transplant program. While overjoyed, both Bonnie and Nick started to wonder how this next step in her transplant journey might financially impact their family. On February 3, 2017, Bonnie called COTA to learn more about fundraising for transplant-related expenses. On February 16th a COTA fundraising specialist travelled to Moultrie to train a very large group of friends and family members and walk them through the entire fundraising process.
COTA uniquely understands that parents/spouses who care for a child or adult before, during and after a life-saving transplant have enough to deal with, so COTA’s model shifts the responsibility for fundraising to a community team of trained volunteers. COTA is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and these COTA funds are available for a lifetime of transplant-related expenses. Within days of their on-site training, the COTA team in honor of Team Bonnie G was off and running, planning fundraisers and receiving guidance from COTA’s team of professionals. These amazing COTA volunteers named themselves the Bonfighters.
While the majority of COTA patients are children and teenagers, there are a significant number of adults working with COTA -- especially those diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis early in life who can wait for years to qualify for a double lung transplant. In Bonnie’s case, it was Nick who was at her side when the time came to start the transplant process. Recently Nick sat down and shared these thoughts about Bonnie’s transplant journey to date … a journey he has shared with her for many years.
“COTA was an organization I was not familiar with prior to late 2016. Bonnie’s lung function was deteriorating quickly. Her infectious disease specialist put it to us plainly … Bonnie needed a lung transplant. Without getting into too much detail, he explained the odds we were up against, the timelines associated with the procedure and the urgency of Bonnie’s situation. Once we started scheduling our pre-transplant evaluations, we had to figure out the logistics of travel, accommodations, and my lost work time. We did not have disposable income for hotels, gas, and meals away from home. Luckily at that point in our journey, we had some relatives who helped us financially so we could travel to these preliminary meetings. My wife (Bonnie), in her infinite wisdom, bought me a book that was written by a CF spouse. When I read it, I cried. I nearly had a panic attack. I worried and then I cried some more. The author of the book, Ray Poole, likely saved us from financial ruin because he explained the concept of fundraising for transplant-related expenses in a way that I could understand it and feel comfortable proceeding with.
Friends and family want to do something … but often do not know how to contribute without adding more stress. The book explained how COTA was structured, and I suddenly had a sliver of hope. Up to this point I was preparing myself for the eventual sale of our home, resignation from a job I loved, and the prospect of seeking part-time work to afford an apartment near the hospital she chose for the transplant. These thoughts were the source of many nightmares and sometimes caused me to experience unbearable waves of anxiety, stress, and depression.
One evening in the early months of 2017, I mentioned COTA to a group of our friends who had gathered at our home. I was not sure how one should go about seeking an individual willing to take on the responsibility of running the fundraising effort. After some discussion about COTA (with the very limited knowledge I had), I brought up that crucial first piece of finding a leader. From one of the most unlikely mouths came the words I will forever remember … ‘I’ll do it,’ said Lacey Herndon, who would become our COTA Campaign Coordinator. I honestly did not know her that well; I knew her husband much better. I had no idea the blessing -- and miracle -- her words would be for Bonnie and me. Fast forward a few days and Lacey showed up at our house with a binder full of information, a contact name and phone number from COTA. I read all of the information and then had an informative call with COTA’s Family Services Team. I was blown away by the things I learned.
Basically, the life we had built together would survive this process. I would not lose our house. I would not have to wait tables in Durham while Bonnie was inpatient. I would not have to sell my plasma at the blood bank in order to get a decent meal. All of my worries and anxiety trigger points were explained and eliminated, one by one, by COTA staff members.
Once they got started our COTA Bonfighters were unstoppable, which was a blessing. March 2017 was complete chaos for us. Bonnie was on five liters of oxygen and tethered to an oxygen concentrator. I had to navigate the process of explaining to my superiors the transplant relocation requirement and then I had to figure out how to apply for an unpaid leave of absence. Once Duke accepted Bonnie, I had to search for an apartment in an unfamiliar town 10 hours away. And then – boom! The credit card bill arrived from our pre-transplant evaluations. Bonnie and I had not been on a vacation that included a hotel stay in years. The bill almost put me back in panic mode. It was more than I brought home in a month. Then I remembered COTA and reached out. I was assured that COTA funds were able to be used for transplant-related expenses like hotel rooms, meals and mileage. That day, COTA provided me with the first of many, many, many ‘miracle moments’ of thankfulness.
At the end of March we relocated to Durham, North Carolina. Our modest apartment was clean and near the pulmonary rehab center Bonnie visited daily. The rent was more than our mortgage. And our mortgage payment still had to be paid. And I was on unpaid leave from work. The COTA team was there for every problem that came up, for every concern I had and for every decision concerning transplant-related expenses. COTA allowed me to focus all of my energy on Bonnie and her path to transplant. My mortgage payment was made on time, we were able to pay rent every month, and the calorie-rich meals Bonnie required were purchased.
Meanwhile, back in South Georgia, the Bonfighters were on fire. Their fundraising efforts were exceeding all expectations. Our COTA volunteers were able to raise more than $150,000 for COTA in honor of Bonnie in a short amount of time. We were not able to attend even one fundraising event held in Bonnie’s honor. We will be forever indebted to the Bonfighters and our community of Moultrie. And we will be forever grateful to COTA for remaining constant in their support and unwavering in their commitment to provide financial peace of mind during a grueling, agonizing, life-saving, and (let’s face it) expensive time in our lives.
Bonnie received her new lungs … and her second chance at life … on her birthday, May 1, 2017. She remained inpatient at Duke for five weeks and was then released to move back to their transplant housing apartment. She began post-transplant rehab, which she completed in August. She and Nick were then cleared to move back to Georgia to begin their new post-transplant chapter together.
Since her life-saving transplant Bonnie and I have traveled to Duke about once a month. Our minimum monthly stay is three days. Meals away from home, parking at Duke, time missed from work are just some of our monthly realities. The financial requirements of Bonnie’s transplant journey are still well above the amount I earn as a school teacher. COTA has been there for every trip, every expense and every curveball we have encountered. Every staff member at COTA passionately helps transplant families weather the storm of uncertainty. They are steadfast in their commitment to support, guide and help transplant families.
COTA was also instrumental in helping the Bonfighters design compliantly worded posters, invitations, and tickets for fundraising events. COTA staff members trained our volunteers on how to collect, report and disperse funds for fundraising expenses. The Bonfighters put in the sweat, tears and time to make the community campaign a success. Their ability to follow the process with fidelity is due in large part to the training provided by COTA, which was provided at no expense to anyone associated with the COTA in honor of Team Bonnie G team.
COTA President Rick Lofgren visited Bonnie in person while she was still inpatient at Duke. COTA simply handled so many of our worries. COTA gave our community and friends a ‘coping outlet’ during a time of worry and distress. COTA is the epitome of what a charitable organization can and should be. Sound leadership, dedicated and knowledgeable staff members, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of the organization: The Children's Organ Transplant Association helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA does that and so much more.
Bonnie’s transplant recovery, and journey, continues. She is extremely thankful for the new life that has been given to her and says her post-transplant life is more than she ever dreamed it would be. Bonnie is hoping to one day meet her donor’s family and let them know how thankful and grateful she, Nick and the Bonfighters are for the selfless decision they made. Recently Bonnie shared with COTA that she is the Event Coordinator at Ashburn Hill Plantation in Moultrie. She is thrilled to report this is the first time she has been able to work in 12 years and it feels wonderful.
As she looks back over the past two years, Bonnie said, “From the moment we heard about the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) we had hope. Before we knew COTA existed we were so worried about how we would ever be able to pay for a double lung transplant and relocation to another state and medications and the list went on. Once we started working with COTA our financial fears were gone. Without the support and guidance from COTA, I would not have been able to receive this transplant. It is very comforting to know COTA will be there to answer any questions and help in any way possible … for a lifetime.”
For more information about the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA),
or to find a COTA family in your area, please email kim@cota.org.
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For Immediate Release May 1, 2019
Press Contact:
Brant Taylor
801-608-4095
info@fasterutah.org
Fun Family Event raises funds for safer Schools
Salt Lake City-- To raise scholarship funds for Utah's Educators, FASTER Utah is hosting several Rimfire Challenge matches starting in May. These family-friendly matches provide an opportunity to compete, have fun and win great prizes from local sponsors.
Brant Taylor, the event organizer, encourages the entire family to register. He commented, “Anyone who can safely handle .22 rimfire handguns and rifles is invited to sign-up and participate. The targets used in this event are at least 8 inches across, and the distances are relatively close, allowing participants to have fun while hitting steel targets and hearing the clang of every hit.”
Taylor added, “Shooting .22s in a safe and friendly competition is loads of fun for all participants. Shooters rotate between four stations with different target configurations where competitors can show off their handgun and rifle shooting skills. Although the action is fast and exciting, safety is always maintained.”
Rimfire Challenge matches are being scheduled in several regions of the state to give more families the chance to participate. Individuals who may not have a .22 handgun for the competition are invited to contact FASTER Utah to borrow one for the event. Taylor remarked, “It is all about having fun, developing skills and creating great memories.”
Participants should bring approximately 100 rounds of .22 ammunition for the event and are advised to pre-register at www.FASTERUtah.org. Taylor urged, “Come test your skills, win prizes and support a great cause! Faster Utah is sponsoring a Rimfire Challenge! Admittance is free for family and friends that wish to spectate.”
The FASTER Utah Benefit Rimfire Challenge is scheduled at the following locations:
WASATCH County
Big Hollow Shooting Range
Saturday, May 18, 4 -8 PM
Big Hollow Shooting Range, Big Hollow Rd, Heber City, UT 84032, USA
SALT LAKE County
Lee Kay Public Shooting Range
Friday, May 31
6000 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84128 \, USA
For more information about this event, to donate prizes or volunteer at the event, please contact Brant Taylor at info@fasterutah.org or 801-604-9018.
Proceeds from these events directly fund scholarships for educators to attend FASTER Utah training. It costs approximately $750 to train each Embedded School Protector. This program offers a carefully-structured curriculum which gives hands-on training over three days. Extremely qualified instructors teach the course to help ensure they retain critical life-saving skills and knowledge under these potentially very stressful conditions. Those who graduate will pass a Law Enforcement Qualification Shoot.
The purpose of the FASTER Utah program is not to replace police, school resource officers, and EMT's, but to help teachers and administrators stop school violence rapidly and render medical aid immediately until help arrives. Taylor commented, “When violence strikes and students' lives are on the line, every second matters. Even though police are only minutes away, FASTER trained Embedded School Protectors can bridge the gap until they can respond.”
Brant Taylor added, “Our mission is to make scholarships for Advanced Handgun and Trauma First Aid training available to K-12 school faculty and administrators who have concealed firearms permits.” We never want money to be a limiting factor for teachers to participate.
Taylor concluded, “We invite all school staff with concealed firearms permits to apply for a training scholarship at http://www.fasterutah.org. Training has been scheduled for mid-July 2019. School staff members interested in attending should take a concealed firearms class immediately if they have not done so already.” Some Concealed Carry classes are available at no cost to educators. Taylor suggested contacting instructors early to see if they offer free Concealed Carry classes to educators. This will prepare them for FASTER Utah training. ___________________________________________________________
FASTER Utah is a 501c3 non-profit organization that trains Embedded School Protectors and advocates school safety. Having more trained people in our schools will make them safer. It is essential to train concealed carry permit holders to give them the confidence needed to carry every day and be prepared to stop violence in school when it occurs. FASTER Utah can save lives because already there is faster than a response. Visit www.FASTERUtah.org for more information.
Ogden is one of the winners of the 2019 Insurify's Best Up and Coming Housing Markets Awards.
Ogden is the fastest growing housing market in Utah based on rising home values over the past decade, home value forecasts, median sales price trends, home construction permits from the past year, and proportion of homeowners.
Further information about this award and the full list of winning communities can be found here: https://insurify.com/insights/best-up-and-coming-housing-markets/
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The Social Lives of Boys with ADHD:
Why Traditional Therapy and Social Skills Groups Rarely Work
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Time: 1pm-2pm ET
(12pm-1pm CT; 11am-12pm MT; 10am-11am PT)
Expert: Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW
ADDitude’s new "ADHD in Boys" expert responds to parents who share common challenges: How do you help a boy with ADHD establish and maintain friendships, master executive functions, and take responsibility for his own actions? In this live session, learn realistic solutions to help your son mature into a healthy, happy young man.
Release New Single "Petal"
Available Here: https://spoti.fi/2vHjjoh
*Self-Titled Album Set To Release June 7th*
**CHON is now available for pre-order HERE**
Listen to "Peace", Here: http://bit.ly/2UtRXzW
"CHON's technicality is used to make music that's inviting
to any type of listener who wants to just listen to a group of awesome musicians."
- Noisey
"CHON has been building momentum the last few years,
showcasing their dazzling, mathy, emotional, mostly instrumental tunes"
- Red Bull Music
"CHON paints vividly beautiful and elaborate settings with the power of instrumentation"
- EARMILK
San Diego, CA - May 2, 2019 - CHON is excited to share their new single "Petal", now available here: https://spoti.fi/2vHjjoh. "Petal" is the second single to release off of CHON's third, and self-titled record, out on June 7th via Sumerian Records. Fans can watch the music video for the first single, "Peace", here: http://bit.ly/2UtRXzW. For more information and to pre-order the album, please visit: www.thisischon.com.
On their self-titled third album, CHON find themselves at the confluence of a great push and pull.
Since forming in 2008 in San Diego, guitarists Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel, along with drummer Nathan Camarena and bassist Esiah Camarena have become one of the most buzzed-about acts in the new era of progressive rock, on the back of more than 40 million Spotify streams and tours with the likes of Coheed and Cambria, Animals As Leaders and Circa Survive.
Their debut full-length, 2015's Grow, established their mathy, forward-thinking take on the genre, while 2017's Homey furthered that sound while incorporating brand-new influences like effect-pedal-heavy elements of electronic music and trip-hop and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Chart. Now, with CHON, the band once again has kicked down their musical guardrails - but in a way that balances their more eccentric impulses with a steadying dose of clarity and restraint.
It's true that CHON streamlines some of the band's grandiose, free-flowing musicality in favor of more traditional sonic structures. But, most importantly, simplifying their sound doesn't mean resorting to being boring. If anything, CHON is brimming with some of the most forward-thinking, intricate musings the band has ever attempted, from the deep progressive propulsion of first single "Peace" to "Spike," which spins the band's youthful tech and metal influences together into a flashy riff-athon.
All at once, CHON respects the band's current listeners while inviting a broader swath of new ones in - the rare progressive rock album adroit enough to straddle that line.
At Coachella last month, CHON brought out special guests Kenny G, Cuco and Masego during their performance. Coming up, the band will hit Shaky Knees and Electric Forest, along with a full U.S. tour to celebrate the release of CHON with support from DOMi & JD Beck. All upcoming tour dates are listed below.
CHON is set to release on June 7th via Sumerian Records. For more information, please visit: www.thisischon.com
###
Upcoming Tour Dates:
May 4 - Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Music Festival
U.S. Album Release Tour:
w/ DOMi & JD Beck
Jun 4 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Jun 5 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
Jun 7 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Jun 8 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
Jun 9 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
Jun 11 - Austin, TX @ Emo's
Jun 12 - Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Live!
Jun 14 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
Jun 15 - Bellevue, CO @ Mishawaka Amphitheatre
Jun 17 - St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
Jun 18 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
Jun 19 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
Jun 20 - Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry
Jun 21 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Jun 22 - Boston, MA @ Royale
Jun 23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
Jun 25 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
Jun 26 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre
Jun 27 - Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre
Jun 28 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Jun 29 - Rothbury, MI @ Electric Forest (CHON only)
UK Album Release Tour:
special guests tbd
Sept 22 - Manchester, UK @ Gorilla
Sept 23 - Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Rooms
Sept 24 - Glasgow, UK @ King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
Sept 25 - Birmingham, UK @ The Asylum
Sept 26 - Bristol, UK @ The Fleece
Sept 27 - London, UK @ Islington Assembly Hall
Sept 28 - Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
Sept 29 - Brighton, UK @ The Haunt
Check out more on CHON, here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicofchon
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chonofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CHONofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chonofficial
