January 2018 | Vol. 5 Iss. 01
FREE
SOUTH JORDAN: 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW By Jennifer Gardiner | j.gardiner@mycityjournals.com
T
his past year brought many new things for South Jordan. A lot of good has happened, and there were many notable changes designed to continue making South Jordan a great place to live. The election of a new judge The year started off with the appointing of a new judge, Michael Peter Boehm, who replaced Judge Clinton Balmforth who resigned in January. Boehm received a degree in business management from Brigham Young University. He returned to law school after a short stint in the corporate world. Boehm received his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California, before joining the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor where he handled a broad range of matters, including several high-profile cases over the eight years prior to becoming the South Jordan judge. Boehm, his wife and three kids are residents of South Jordan. When Boehm was elected, he told City Journals that he loves working with law enforcement. “I care about what I do and even care about the people I prosecute,” said Boehm. “I’m where I’m at because I work hard and I care about what I do. Without the love that I have from my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Boehm said he is involved in public service, which he finds important and rewarding and that there is nothing in his background that would bring dishonor to the court or to the council. “I’m here for my family,” he said. “I try to make the best decisions I can make. There is nothing that I couldn’t share with you about my life that would dishonor this court.” Additional changes of city staff The next change of staff occurred when South Jordan hired Dustin Lewis as the city’s assistant city manager. Lewis was selected out of more than 64 candidates to replace Chief of Staff Paul Cunningham, who retired at the end of February. South Jordan City Manager Gary Whatcott said he was confident Lewis would rise to the challenge of his new position. “Dustin has been an engaged leader in our organization,” Whatcott said. “His ongoing contributions will help to keep South Jordan a leader in municipal governance.” Lewis’ role as assistant city manager has been to provide professional support and assistance to the city manager. He has worked closely with city department heads and helped to outline goals and outcomes. Lewis currently leads day-to-day city operations, directs assigned committees and projects, and assists in agenda development and preparation of the budget. Rezones and construction projects South Jordan had its share of ups and downs this year, and it started with the rezone of a property located at 11054 South
Newly elected Mayor Dawn Ramsey with her family. (Courtesy of Dawn Ramsey)
Lucas Lane. The council voted 3–2 in favor of the rezone that would ensure the road adjacent to the property would connect to River Heights Drive. Several residents who attended the city council meeting on Jan. 17 were unhappy with the decision. They were concerned with the connection of the road to River Heights Drive and voiced their concerns over increased traffic and decreased safety for their secluded neighborhood. Another construction project sure to make heads turn is the main intersection at 11400 South Bangerter Highway. The construction got underway a few months ago and is scheduled through Fall of 2018. While it may be a long and inconvenient, crews are trying to do everything they can to help ease concerns. The project is phased so that traffic can flow easier during construction. John Gleason, public information officer for the Utah Department of Transportation, said so far things are on track with
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
the completion of the intersection, and it should wrap up in late next year. “It was started this past spring and is scheduled for two construction seasons,” Gleason said. “It’s one of the five freeway style interchanges they are working on this year, and once completed, Bangerter will feel much more like a freeway with fewer stop lights, improving safety.” City Hall expansion underway The City Hall expansion project was approved and the city is in the process of constructing the new public safety building and civic plaza. The public safety building will house the South Jordan Police Department and Court and will be located in the South Jordan Towne Center between the county library and The Pie Pizzeria. The plaza will feature three interactive fountains, a walkable area and library seating. Continued on Page 5...
Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44
Page 2 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Students at the new Golden Fields Elementary lend a hand to hurricane victims By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
The SJ Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
The South Jordan Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Tracy Langer Tracy.l@mycityjournals.com 385-557-1021 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Ty Gorton and John Guertler
South Jordan City Journal 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801 254 5974
Designed, Published & Distributed by
Students at the recently opened Golden Fields Elementary helped supply essentials to hurricane victims. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
S
oon after the 80,000-square-foot elementary school opened, Golden Fields Elementary fifth-graders learned about the hurricane in Texas. “We were talking about current events, and they learned about Hurricane Harvey—where it was, what causes it and what was happening,” said fifth-grade teacher Kortney Florin. “My students wanted to help.” Florin said the students decided they could write letters with jokes, pictures and funny stories to brighten their day. “We wanted to let them know people care and to keep their heads up and keep going,” she said. Fifth-grader Elle Garner included the lyrics from “Tomorrow” — “the sun will come out tomorrow” — from the musical, “Annie.” “It’s one of my favorite songs, and I wanted to give them hope,” she said. “They really do need the sun to come out.” Elle said that she and her classmates created the cards on special paper that had a picture of Texas on the bottom of each sheet. “When I think about how much water they have and how much it affects their lives, it’s hard to believe,” she said. “It feels awesome that we’re able to make a difference in the world by doing small things. I hope our cards reach kids to let them know we’re thinking of them.” Elle and her classmates’ cards inspired the entire school to get involved. Teachers took the message to their classes and requested everyone “Help for Houston.” Together, the student body and community responded by donating personal hygiene items,
crayons, coloring books, paper and pencils and toys that were shipped to school children who have suffered losses because of Hurricane Harvey, along with the hand-written cards. “We found gloves for people who needed to clean up from the hurricane, first aid kits, cans of soup, and macaroni and cheese as well as things for kids to do such as art supplies and teddy bears,” Elle said. The supplies were gathered over a five-day period in early September. “The students learned that life isn’t ‘peaches and cream,’ but there are struggles,” Florin said. “They’ve learned to show compassion with others in the world.” Principal Kyle Hansen said their items were combined with a collection students gathered at nearby Herriman High School. “For some of our students, who came from Eastlake Elementary, it became personal,” he said. “One of our Eastlake families had just moved to Houston and had to be evacuated. We’ve texted and emailed them and about one-fourth of our school were excited when we had the connection and learned they are OK.” Fifth-grader Aaron Meade said he included a joke about the chickens crossing the road in his card. “I wanted to cheer them up with a joke,” he said. “I knew Texas was a really warm, dry, big state with bull riding. I knew about Dallas, and that’s where the Cowboys play, but now I know so much more. I didn’t realize that because it’s on the coast, it could be devastated by so much destruc-
tion as a hurricane and flooding.” Aaron said his teacher showed the class pictures of people being on their roofs waiting for rescuers in boats and on jet skis to come. “It’s hard to imagine how their world and all their belongings are underwater,” he said. Classmate Beck Moses said he decided to draw a giant face with the eyes to the side and the tongue out on his card. “I wanted them to still be able to laugh,” he said. “I told them I have a lot of respect for them and hoped it would clear up soon. I’d be scared if a storm like that hit my house. I hoped we helped, but it’s crazy what they’re going through and how the whole city is destroyed.” Beck said it was his first service project. “It’s cool to help people, even if I don’t know about them,” he said. “It’s good to let them know we care.” These students are in one of the 35 classrooms in the school that cost Jordan School District just a little over $13 million, said Dave Rostrom, district director of facility services. The school, which was built in about 18 months, houses a computer lab, media center, gymnasium, cafeteria and kitchen, two kivas for collaboration, two full-size playgrounds and one kindergarten play area. “This is the 17th time we have used this floor plan with some modifications,” he said about Golden Fields as well as the new Bastian Elementary located in Herriman. “We met with the community, students and teachers to refine it to what they need and want.” The school, which features natural lighting in most classrooms, also has skylights in the hallway, Rostrom said. Hansen said that the LED lighting, which is adjustable to the outside light, is both energy efficient and offers a savings to the school. In addition, he the school is digital. “We don’t even have a DVD player. There’s a big push for our school to be 1-to-1,” he said, adding that the lower grades are 1:2 and the upper grades, 1:3 on devices. Recently, the student body voted on their school colors — navy, light blue and gold — over other choices of green and maroon. The students also selected the gladiators over the grizzlies or cubs as their mascot. Golden Fields, which was named after the fields that once blew in the wind in the area, will have its dedication at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14. The public is invited to attend. l
Thank You
to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.
free l community l papers
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 3
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Are you having difficulty dealing with a recent or past loss?
You are NOT alone.
ThE firST 6 SESSiONS ArE cOmpLimENTArY
Grief & Loss Support is Available Open for individual or family sessions Led by a Certified Bereavement Care Specialist LOcATiONS: Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Homes 4760 South State Street Murray, Utah
1007 W South Jordan Pkwy South Jordan, Utah Schedule An Appointment:
call 801.680.0883 Email simone@jenkins-soffe.com
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 4 | January 2018 The Public Safety Building is 44,00 square feet and 3 stories tall. It will feature a crime lab, evidence room, meeting and training room, and records storage, and it will be the new home to the police department and fire administration. It is estimated to be completed by early 2019. USA Today names South Jordan best city to live in Utah Somewhere along the way, someone was paying close attention to the city of South Jordan. USA Today named it the best city to live in Utah of its most livable 50 cities around the country. Ahead of Layton and Orem, South Jordan ranked No. 46 on the list. There are several factors experts look at when deciding which cities would make a great place to call home. South Jordan has a population of just under 70,000. The median home value of $385,300 is in the top 25 percent, and 34.1 percent of the residents have at least a bachelor’s degree. USA Today reported that not only is South Jordan the best city to live in Utah, but it is one of the best in the country. Two factors contributing to the high quality of life in South Jordan are the city’s low poverty and unemployment rates. The city has a poverty rate of 4.1 percent, and only 3 percent of the city’s labor force is unemployed, far less than the national 14 percent poverty rate and 4.9 percent unemployment rate. South Jordan is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The working population has increased nearly 11 percent over
South Jordan City Journal the last three years, the eighth-most of any U.S. city. USA Today reported that the construction of the planned community of Daybreak, which could nearly double South Jordan’s housing stock once completed, is one of the main factors fueling the city’s rapid growth. Approval and construction of all abilities playground South Jordan leaders are doing all they can to make sure they have a great living environment for everyone. During the fall of 2017, construction on the city’s first all-inclusive or all-abilities playground started at East Riverfront Park (10991 S. Riverfront Parkway). The playground will include sensory, physical and social activities for everyone with any ability and will provide cooperative play, cozy spaces and vestibular motion to support children with autism. It will also include enhanced landscaping. The $400,000 funding for the project was provided through the assistance of South Jordan City, Salt Lake County, South Jordan Rotary Club, George S. and Dolores Eccles Foundation, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and the Michel Foundation. Transportation funding controversy In June, Mayor David Alvord brought to light a significant discrepancy in how certain county sales tax funds are use. Alvord called on Salt Lake County Council members to change a process that has seen revenue, from county sales tax funds that are used for regional transportation projects, disproportionately distribut-
ed across the valley. Since 2003, South Jordan received none of those funds, while other cities—Sandy, Taylorsville and Draper—received $42.9 million, $23.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively. The process of how those funds are distributed has caused ire among residents and city officials, and South Jordan officials have contributed $20 million to a county fund that, up until this year, brought the city nothing. “What upset the council and the mayor and the city manager was that your tax money was basically going to fund other cities’ transportation projects,” Alvord said. In 2017, $47 million from the fund was distributed, with South Jordan receiving $1.5 million, while Draper and Sandy receive another $5.8 million and $5 million, respectively. The lack of knowledge on how which cities get what money is what irked city officials and countless others. City officials felt it was determined by lobbyists and that there was no public vetting process. “It wasn’t for a lack of needing projects; it was simply that we weren’t ever told how to apply for this money,” Alvord said. “Again, this list wasn’t done in a transparent way.” City council members and residents were appreciative of the mayor’s endeavors to restore justice to the regional transportation issue and fair practiced funding. Additional changes that benefits the city Throughout the year, city leaders faced many other challenges but seemed to have the
best interest of the residents it represents in mind. From striking down a senior community housing plan to the rezoning of the Glenmoor Golf course, city council members often spoke of what would have the smallest negative affect on city residents. It wasn’t just their own residents they wanted to serve; when the neighboring city of Riverton needed help with their animal control services, South Jordan leaders elected to help them out. When Riverton split from Salt Lake County Animal services in July over mounting cost increases, the city was left to fend for itself once their contract expires in 2018. The South Jordan contract is more of a stepping stone, to help out with the city’s transition away from countywide services taking surplus animals that Riverton doesn’t have room to house. South Jordan can’t be Riverton’s sole animal shelter provider, due to space concerns over its own animals, but Riverton residents can rest assured they will have a place to shelter their animals while it finds alternate solutions to their animal services concerns. Council thanks its firefighters for their service The South Jordan City Council reflects the kinds of residents it has. When California broke out in flames a couple of months ago, several of Utah’s firefighters, including four from South Jordan Fire Department, headed west to help battle some of the deadliest fires in California’s history. Many of Utah’s fire agencies responded to
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 5
S outh JordanJ ournal.com the call for help. After a big rally at the Maverik Center in West Valley City on Oct. 14, nine agencies, along with additional firefighting resources, deployed to California. Those California wildfires devastated communities, ripped through the heart of cities and towns, destroying everything in its path claiming the lives of 42 people. Less than two months after returning home to Utah, several of those same people returned to battle the Lilac and Thomas fires in Ventura, California, that have destroyed nearly 1,000 buildings—including 700 homes—burned nearly 400 square miles and claimed two lives, including a firefighter from San Diego. A change of mayors Sometimes there are changes at the end of the year that bring excitement and change to the city. In 2018, the city will have its first female mayor after electing candidate Dawn Ramsey in the November elections. Ramsey was among several newly elected mayors across the state who shook up the races this past election. Ramsey said she is fully committed to spending the time necessary to protect what the city has built and is ready to fight for what is needed to maintain and elevate the quality of life in South Jordan. Before being elected mayor, Ramsey served as a full-time volunteer on behalf of public education, representing the parents of the Jordan School District at the regional and state level. She served on the Utah PTA State Board of Directors and was the region director over 57
3464 W 3500 S West Valley City, UT 84119 UberEATS 1655 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City UT 84104 UberEATS 5571 S Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123 UberEATS 8727 N Highway 36, Lake Point, UT 84074 850 E Main Street, Lehi, UT 84043 UberEATS
schools within the district. Ramsey said she is excited to use her time and leadership experience on behalf of the residents and the city she loves. “It is an honor to be elected as our next mayor, and I am committed to working together to keep South Jordan one of the best cities in America to live and raise a family,” Ramsey said. “I will be transitioning out of my PTA role in order to devote my focus to the residents of South Jordan. I am prepared to give my fulltime effort to representing and advocating for our city and will not have the distractions or demands of other full-time employment.” Ramsey and her husband of 25 years, Dan, have lived in South Jordan for almost 14 years with their six children—three boys and three girls. In addition to Ramsey being elected, city councilman Don Shelton, who represents District 3 was also re-elected. Jason McGuire will replace outgoing District 5 councilman Chris Rogers in January. With the end of 2017 also comes the end of a term for the outgoing Mayor David Alvord, who has represented the city over the last four years. Alvord said he will always love the city of South Jordan and all the support he has received from the residents. Alvord, his wife and four children have been residents of South Jordan for 14 years. With his dental practice, Oquirrh Mountain Dental, appropriately located adjacent to city hall, he doesn’t plan on going anywhere, anytime soon.l
3540 S 8400 W, Magna, UT 84044 UberEATS 5338 S 5600 W, West Valley City, UT 84118 UberEATS 1265 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088 UberEATS 10381 S Redwood Rd, South Jordan, UT 84095 UberEATS 1780 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84084 UberEATS 11374 So River Heights Drive, South Jordan, UT 84095 UberEATS
Many residents were disappointed in a council vote that removed a dead end road on River Heights Drive. (Briana Kelley/City Journals)
2002 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065 UberEATS 3963 W 9000 S, West Jordan, UT 84088 UberEATS 4217 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123 UberEATS 4601 W 6200 S, West Jordan, UT 84118 UberEATS 5400 S 3900 W, Kearns, UT 84118 UberEATS 5018 13400 S, Herriman, UT 84096 UberEATS
Not Just News... Your Community News...
5706 W 7800 S, West Jordan, UT 84081 UberEATS 3550 N Digital Dr, Lehi, UT 84043 UberEATS 3497 S 5600 W, West Valley City, UT 84120 UberEATS 173 East State Road 73, Saratoga Springs, UT 84043 UberEATS 970 N Main St, Tooele, UT 84074
Page 6 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 7
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Apply Today Here, I can.
Choose my hours. Pursue my education. Build my skills. Delight my customers. Be me.
McDonald’s ® works for me. Join our team.
Text “mcdworksforme” to 36453 Mcdonalds.com/careers Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 8 | January 2018
SPOTLIGHT
South Jordan City Journal
Corbett & Gwilliam
Business Spotlights are a service offered to our advertisers to help them inform our readers about their businesses. For information on scheduling a Spotlight, please call us at 801-254-5974 or email us at ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com
R
ebekah Wightman is an Estate Planning, Probate, and Guardianship attorney at Corbett & Gwilliam, PLLC in South Jordan. Though an Oregon native, Rebekah has made her home in Utah for the last 11 years and currently resides in Herriman with her husband and two sons. When Rebekah was 14 years old, her maternal grandfather died leaving a complex estate to sort out; the next several years were spent collecting, inventorying, managing, selling, and distributing his estate. She witnessed firsthand the toll that a poorly organized estate takes on the family left sorting things out. This experience stuck with Rebekah and led her to practice in the areas of estate planning, guardianship, and probate. Of all that Rebekah’s job entails, she most enjoys educating the community through lunch ‘n learns, seminars, and answering oneon-one questions. As a mother of young children, she is especially passionate about helping young families understand that estate planning is not just for the elderly or the wealthy, and that it provides solutions to many of our most persistent worries. A recent client related, “No one likes to think about the “what will happen when I pass on” scenarios. It’s not a pleasant thought process, but everyone needs to have a plan. Rebekah helped me weigh all the pros and cons of setting up a trust and explained everything very well and so that it made sense to me. She even makes sure that you have all the extras for your children to make sure they are taken care of if you can’t be there. She made it easy, quick and painless.”. Rebekah holds a J.D. from the University of Utah, S.J.
Quinney School of Law, and a B.A. in International Relations from Brigham Young University. During her schooling, she interned for Representative Becky Lockhart and researched for the WomanStats Project. Rebekah sits on the board for the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, co-chairs the Serving our Seniors Initiative through the Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar, and has volunteered with several Utah-based organizations including Family Promise, Project Read, and the Boys and Girls Club. Most recently, she has worked with the Herriman High School Future Business Leaders of America Club. She was even named Utah FBLA Business Person of the Year for 2017. Marin Murdock, the president of the Herriman High School FBLA commented, “Rebekah’s selfless determination to help everyone she meets has made a lasting impact, and the Herriman FBLA Chapter is grateful for all of her hard work to strengthen our chapter and community. I personally have learned numerous lifelong lessons from Rebekah as she has been a personal mentor to me. She is a great example of who I want to be as a future business woman and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be able to work with her over the last two years.” When Rebekah isn’t lawyering, she enjoys eating shaved ice, playing tennis, reading, leg wrestling, watching British Dramas, singing LOUDLY, playing with her kids, laughing, and generally enjoying life. Rebekah can be reached at Rebekah@cglawgroup.com, 801285- 6302 or by visiting cglawgroup.com. l
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 9
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
“The Nutcracker” presented by South Pointe Ballet is a community tradition By Holly Vasic | h.vasic@mycityjournals.com
Perfomers in “The Nutcracker” strike a pose on stage after the show (Holly Vasic/City Journals)
S
outh Pointe Ballet presents a holiday tradition for the community to see and their dancers to be a part of. “The Nutcracker” has become an expected treat to celebrate Christmas in South Jordan, Riverton and the surrounding cities. Director Angela Curtis, owner of C & C Ballet Academy and founder of South Pointe Ballet, said this is the fourth year of putting on the show but not consecutively. “We didn’t do it last year because I had a wedding” Curtis said. The community was disappointed and begged for more. “We have actually been requested.” Not only do people want to see the show but many of the ballerinas have participated in it every year. The female lead characters returned again and again and the younger dancers look forward to getting the chance to dance in those lead character roles one day. Many keep coming back, getting bigger roles each time. The Snow Queen, gracefully portrayed by Emma Chidester, said her favorite part about doing “The Nutcracker” has been “just how much you get to know new people cause – sometimes we’re separated in different classes and then we all come together.” Aubrey Johnson, who played Madame Ginger and has all the small children run out from under her skirt, appreciates the togetherness as well and adores her dance family. “I just love ballet so much and so I just love everything. I love performing and I love dancing” Johnson said. She is a graduate of C & C Ballet Academy but keeps coming back. Unfortunately, an injury has made Audrey’s dance life more difficult, but Curtis may be priming her to take her role one day. “She also knows all the choreography for the entire ballet. So, she can teach anybody any part. She could run the whole thing,” Curtis said about Johnson. In her sparkling white tutu, every little girl dreams of, the Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Shel-
bey Curtis, recalls not being the biggest fan of being in the ballet performances as a child but she has learned to love it. “Performing is why you go to class and so I love having the opportunity to show what I’ve learned on the stage” Shelby said. The Sugar Plum Fairy’s dance partner/Cavalier, Jalen Williams, was the new kid on the block. He took Trax to practice and performances from the University of Utah where he attends the ballet program to Copper Mountain Middle School in Herriman, where the performances took place. Originally from Florida, and though he has been in “The Nutcracker” before, Williams said going out in a community like this has been one of his favorite experiences. “There’s not many male dancers in ballet in general. So, it’s just great to be able to go out and perform for people and inspire younger guys to want to at least try dance, even if they don’t want to do it as a profession” Williams said. Production Manager Paige Miller, said about 90 percent of the dancers are from C & C Ballet Academy but anyone is welcome to try out. “It is open to all studios,” Curtis explained, “and we’d love to have more.” Curtis hopes in the future more and more dancers from all over the valley will get involved with the show. South Pointe Ballet Company is a non-profit organization based in South Jordan and is affiliated with C & C Ballet Academy, through Curtis, but they are independent from one another. Though the next performance won’t be until December this is a tradition for attendees and performers. If anyone is interested in performing in the show or simply attending, mark your calendar for auditions or to enjoy the show next Christmas. Also, if you are interested in the arts and want to keep programs like this going, reach out to southpointeballet@gmail.com l
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 10 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Concert benefits clean water access throughout the world
O
By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com
n Oct. 28, the Libby Gardner Concert Hall at the University of Utah will host a score of Utah’s musical talent in the hopes of drawing attention to the need for clean water access all around the world. “There are over a billion people in the world that don’t have access to clean water, and there are about 3.4 million people every year that die because they don’t have that clean water, and that has kind of a ripple effect of other negative impacts, waterborne illnesses, sanitation, lack of water in dry season to keep things growing,” said Jennifer Roberts of WHOLives, a South Jordan based, nonprofit that is looking to help get clean, sustainable water to every corner of the earth using a human-powered, self-propelled drill that can be easily transported by truck or canoe to different areas not usually accessible. WHO stands for Water, Health and Opportunity, and the organization has been recognized and awarded internationally for its work to bring sustainability, rather than dependence to people around the world in need of access to clean water. John Renouard, the founder and president, was presented with the Red Cross Hero Award for the work that’s being done. In the last three years, WHOLives has more than 1,200 water points
A night of music to benefit clean water sustainability throughout the world with local Utah artists. (Jennifer Roberts)
West Valley City Presents
The Player ’s Pass UTAH’S BEST ANNUAL GOLF PASS
Golf 18 Holes for just $8!
• Pass: $199.95 plus tax Call 801-957-9000 or visit our website for more information: www.GolfStonebridgeUtah.com
45 holes of great golf at a rate that allows you to play more than once or twice a month. City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 11
S outh JordanJ ournal.com in more than 25 different countries, bringing water to more than 1.2 million people. “It really can fix the world water crisis,” said Roberts. “We often say that WhoLives is the leading technology in the fight against poverty because it really does all begin with clean water. It allows economic opportunities to people. Prosperity can begin to take hold in the lives of people.” Roberts notes that part of that prosperity is the opportunity to bypass the often sevenhour constant journey back and forth that young girls are charged with to bring mostly dirty water to their families throughout the day. With the drill, that process is cut to a fraction, allowing them the chance to spend that time in school learning, gaining social development skills and reclaiming their childhood. In 2016, an average of one well a day was dug by a village drill in more than 25 countries such as India, Vanuatu and others in Africa and South America. This year, WHOLives is hoping to double that number and go beyond it. The drills that go out are owned and operated by an active drilling team, local team of entrepreneurs, hospital or school which, Roberts said, isn’t traditionally how it has been done with clean water. Normally, water is brought
in through funding or a gift but, when the system breaks, it tends to stay broken and the source of water is cut off because there just isn’t the funding or expertise to fix it. The WHOLives sustainability model insists that certain economic opportunities must be in place before the drill is put in to ensure that the water will continue being accessible to the community. Not enough water isn’t the problem, said Roberts; it’s not having reasonable access to clean water that is the problem. “The goal for this concert is to continue that mission,” said Roberts. With the sponsorship from Gary Young of Young Living, all the proceeds from the concert, donations and ticket sales will go directly toward funding global water projects as well as helping local refugees who have resettled in Utah with a scholarship gift. Raffle and auction prizes are also part of the program. “We’re going to put on an amazing show and inspire the audience to help,” said Roberts, “It’s going to be a special, unforgettable evening.” Artists include Dallyn Vail Bayles, the One Voice Children’s Choir, Stephen Beus and more. Seats are limited. To purchase tickets, go to www.wholivesevent.org. l
Update: WHOLives Water h t t p : / / w w w. s o u t h j o r d a n j o u r n a l . com/2017/10/04/156703/concert-benefitsclean-water-access-throughout-the-world WHOLives had a successful 2017, especially after its first major fundraiser drew in a packed house and more than $20,000 to install brand-new community-sustained wells on the southern coast of Kenya and contribute to refugee scholarships in the Utah Refugee Center. Beth Manning, director of global programs, was pleased with the turnout and interest garnered from the concert, especially from people who weren’t as aware of the problems that come with getting clean water
to certain places in the world. “People came with engineering skills, marketing skills—a lot of people who want to jump on board and help in some capacity,” said Manning. “We’re just thrilled about that whole community involvement.” Upcoming plans are to begin new drills in Kenya near the end of January when the schools have reopened following the government elections. The communities are prepped for the work involved, and teams are in place to begin drilling and provide education as soon as they hit the ground. “All the pieces seem to be coming together as a result of this,” said Manning. “We’re just very thrilled at the outcome and the support.” l
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 12 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Local Schools Receive Grants for Technology Education By Julie Slama |julie@mycityjournals.com
T
his year, students in three area schools have access to more technology, thanks to LiveDAYBREAK. As an opportunity to provide educational opportunities and support the community, LiveDAYBREAK, a nonprofit organization set up by the Daybreak community developer, reached out to local schools to see how they could best support students, said Director Dan Rodgerson. “Three schools responded with the need for technology,” he said. “We gave each school’s proposal about $5,000 to purchase the equipment they requested.” This included Chromebooks for Eastlake Elementary and American Academy of Innovation, and 3-D virtual reality program for Daybreak Elementary. Eastlake Assistant Principal Suzie Williams said they applied for the grant in October and learned one month later that they were approved for 30 Chromebooks, which will be used in second grade. “We use i-Ready (a Common Core website), so every student spends 45 minutes reading and doing math on the program,” Williams said. “Research has showed that just by doing that, they have a year’s growth. These Chromebooks, along with teacher instruction, will give
LiveDAYBREAK presented a Chromebook cart to Eastlake Elementary’s second-grade team. (Tanner Gooch/LiveDAYBREAK)
students a great opportunity to learn. We’re very appreciative and grateful that LiveDAYBREAK
Service Technicians Wanted for Fast Growing Company Great with people? Like making money? Let’s talk!
wants to help these kids.” American Academy of Innovation Director
Scott Jones said the 36 Chromebooks and cart his school purchased came in part from the
ALL OF OUR PROVIDERS ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. Same day and next day appointments are available. INSURANCES ACCEPTED:
• No Experience Needed We Provide Paid Training • Industry Leading Compensation Base Pay Plus Commissions
Tina Goldsmith, MSNP
Sue Anders, MD
Jeffrey Quinn, MD
Robert Merrill, DO, MD
Select Med & Med Plus Select Value Select Care & Care Plus Select Shared Select Advantage Select Choice Select Community Care
Blue Cross Blue Shield PEHP United Health Care Aetna Altius Tricare Educators Mutual
And Many More
• Consistent Scheduling Minimum Requirements: Valid UT Drivers License Ability to lift 50 lbs
CALL 801-923-1082 OR EMAIL mehingerapex@gmail.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.
David Matthews, MD
Diane Heubusch, CNM, FNP
Angela Judd, MD
CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT: (801)-285-4800 801-285-4800 3723 West 12600 South, Suite 350 Riverton, Utah 84065 www.westerngynob.com
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 13
S outh JordanJ ournal.com LiveDAYBREAK grant and part from sixthgraders holding an Italian dinner fundraiser to raise additional funds. “There’s just not enough money for technology, so the sixth-graders took this on to organize, set up, market and decorate the dinner as both a learning opportunity and a fundraiser,” he said. Sixth-graders attending the new science, technology, engineering and math charter school that plans to serve 420 sixth- through 12th-graders next year when it reaches full capacity, will use the Chromebooks for research projects. They also can access their textbooks electronically with the Chromebooks, Jones said. “Right now, they are creating their own interstellar travel agency and researching how they’d travel to different planets, the costs and fuel involved and how they’d market their concepts,” he said. “Then, they’ll use a spreadsheet to develop their budget and create a web design, all which they will do on the Chromebooks.” Jones said LiveDAYBREAK officials attended the school’s grand opening, wanting to help students. “Technology is a tool that is great in the classroom and can help with communication, creativity, productivity and innovative ways to find solutions,” he said. Daybreak Elementary Principal Doree Strauss said with LiveDAYBREAK’s grant, the school purchased zSpace, a 3-D virtual reality
program that fifth- and sixth-graders are using in their science and social studies classes. “The student puts on the goggles that are connected to a computer, and they learn a lot more in-depth on a subject such as being part of a heart surgery or frog dissection,” Strauss said. “It brings the areas they’re learning to life, and it’s more fun for the students to engage and learn. We are so appreciative that we can offer students this program.” Both Strauss and Rodgerson have put on the zSpace glasses. “It’s pretty spectacular,” Rodgerson said. “You get immersed in what you’re watching, whether it’s taking off in a space shuttle or being part of an operation. Students are gaining an understanding at a level that they haven’t had. It’s amazing, the opportunities there are for students.” Rodgerson said LiveDAYBREAK also supports students and their families through different events such as fun runs and carnivals. “Any home that sells in Daybreak, a portion of that money goes into a pot that we use to support lifelong learning, supporting the arts, providing healthy living events and other activities that are pillars in the community,” he said. LiveDAYBREAK focuses its events, activities and programs around five values: connecting, lifelong learning, embracing arts and diversity, healthy living and giving back to the community. l
Update:
For the past year, Eastlake Elementary second-graders have been able to use online reading and math programs that have allowed them to be challenged and taught at individual levels. That was in part thanks to LiveDAYBREAK as the school received a grant to purchase Chromebooks for that grant. “Second grade had the greatest need,” Eastlake Principal Suzie Williams said. “We use the Chromebooks for keyboarding skills, writing, standardized tests. Our world is a world of technology so this is helping our kids move forward and gain the skills they need.” Eastlake was one of three initial schools, and a fourth one received a grant later, for the LiveDAYBREAK grant, which was to provide educational opportunities and support the community, said LiveDAYBREAK Director Dan Rodgerson. This year, Rodgerson said about $25,000 has been set aside for the five elementary schools that serve the Daybreak community. “We’ve been receiving proposals and plan to present them to our board in mid-January,” he said. “We’re excited to see schools pitch ideas that normal funding may not support, such as musical instruments or robotics equipment. We want to connect with our students and support the culture and lifelong learning.” At Daybreak Elementary, Principal Kristy Whiteside said the school filed a grant
Not Just News... Your Community News...
for ozobots, mini-robots that can help teach students coding by following a sequence of colors the students draw, as well as a classroom set of 18 iPads. “We’re teaching coding in fourth-, fifthand sixth-grade classes and they can work in small groups during rotations to integrate this into their lessons and enhance their learning,” she said. “This will give them a more realistic approach how they will use coding in the future.” Early Light Academy, which last year received support for a school license for their simulator room where students can collaborate and communicate during a mission to solve a problem, is now requesting musical equipment to help their Beverley Taylor Sorensen music specialist help with her teaching, said Executive Director Sydney Young. “We want to integrate music in the classroom, which will help in the students’ creative side by expressing themselves, getting them more engaged through movement and interaction,” Young said. “With all the high stakes in testing, music, history and PE often get cut, but there’s still a place for those. Studies have shown students who have music in their life do better in other subjects. It gives them confidence and helps with communication. They take risks performing and become wellrounded students.” l
Page 14 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Handmade quilts and hats donated to Ronald McDonald house by senior quilting group Take The
By Keyra Kristoffersen | keyrak@mycityjournals.com
ElevateHER Challenge
Are you a business leader? Join businesses across Utah in our mission to elevate the stature of women’s leadership. Take the ElevateHER Challenge and stand with other businesses as we pledge to elevate women in senior leadership positions, in boardrooms, on management teams and political ballots.
for more information:
wliut.com/challenge
URGENT CARE:
Only $10 A Visit!
WITH MEMBERSHIP Medallus Medical Membership is a simple membership program to all of our 9 clinics. Members can receive discounted medical services at $10/visit flat fee in exchange for a monthly membership fee: • $45/ individual / month • $35/ person/ month (party of 2) • $25/ person/ month (party of 3+) • $100/ month / family (cap up to 8) $20 registration fee – 12-month contract
801-810-7058 arlissf@medallus.com
AfterHoursMedical.com
Members of the Sagewood at Daybreak Quilting Club make hooked hats to donate to the homeless shelters. (Keyra Kristoffersen/City Journals)
W
hen it comes to donating to folks in need, the quilting group from Sagewood at Daybreak takes its responsibilities seriously. “I like doing stuff like this because I’ve been blessed and had so much in my life, and some of these people, they just can’t help it,” said Helen McCarty, who earned the nickname “Popcorn Lady” after she began churning out around four to five beanie hats a week once she relearned how to do hooking with yarn. The quilter’s club got off the ground two years ago when Carolyn Smetcer arrived at the senior residence living home and donated her quilting frames and yarn after spending a lifetime creating. “I wouldn’t be happy if I didn’t have a quilt up,” said Smeltcer, who gathered a few of her friends together to tie quilts and chat. “It’s been fun, and we’ve made, I would say, 40 quilts in the two years I’ve been here.” At first, it began as a place for the ladies to get together, chat, learn new things about their fellow residents and do something that could keep them busy, or out of mischief, as the club agreed. But after giving away a few of the quilts to some of the staff, others offered to buy the quilts for family members and friends. The group found that they preferred to keep things strictly charitable and so has members of their staff, like Kelsey Meha, find organizations in need of help. “The biggest thing was it was something they could contribute to the community and it made us all feel good to do that,” said Meha, who has been at Sagewood for two years and organizes activities, exercise classes and events for the residents. Meha believes everyone needs to have a purpose in their life, and when other staff members brought up the possibility of donating to those in the most need, she put it to the group to decide how best they’d like to contribute. The Sagewood ladies worked for several months and were able to donate more than 25 assorted beanies, including some for premature babies, five tie fleece blankets, four
quilted blankets and several sets of infant mittens to the Ronald McDonald House in Salt Lake City. Their next project involves making as many yarn beanies as they can, filling them with hygiene products by July 13 and taking them to downtown Salt Lake and giving them to homeless men and women in preparation of the winter. The hygiene kits will include shampoos, soaps and toothbrushes donated by the Sagewood residents that the shelters can hand out. “I like to be busy; I like to be constructive,” said Jodi Smith, who has been dubbed “Official Puff Ball Maker” by her friends because she makes most of the toppers that go on the hats. “I like to help people in need, so it just kind of fit my modus operandi,” Even when a resident has difficulty making actual quilts or hats, the group is able to use their skills in other ways like rolling yarn into balls to expedite the creative process. Judy is one of the quilting group who couldn’t keep up with her previous life in quilting and crafts after a stroke but discovered that she could easily make loom hats with her lessened mobility and taught other interested ladies. “There are a lot of people here who have a lot of really good talents,” Smith said. The senior residents at Sagewood at Daybreak have also been visited by elementary students from Daybreak Academy in support of the Longest Day program, an intergenerational activity sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association to raise awareness and combat Alzheimer’s disease, along with dementia, which afflicts approximately 30,000 Utah residents. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease in Utah, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 801-265-1944 or visit www.alz.org/ utah/. For information about donating and other ways to help the Ronald McDonald House, visit www.rmhslc.org/get-involved/support-us/. l
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 15
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Salt Lake County passes 2018 budget with no tax increases
Salt Lake County Mayor’s
MESSAGE
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton
Aimee Winder Newton
S
County Council District 3
alt Lake County funds a multitude of efforts throughout the valley. The largest portion of our general fund goes to criminal justice in one form or another, which includes the Adult Detention Center (county jail) and the Oxbow Jail. Between that and the many recreational amenities, regional government services, necessary elected office functions, and contributions to various efforts, the county budget can have a significant impact on a number of different issues. My priority for every budget process is the same, and I ask the following questions of each expenditure or proposal we review: 1) Is this the proper role of county government? 2) Does this invest in an area that will save taxpayer money in the long run? 3) Does this needlessly duplicate efforts already under way by another entity? 4) Is this the highest and best use of these dollars? This year, I made it clear during the budget deliberations that I would not support
a final budget that exceeded the dollar amount proposed in the Mayor’s initial budget of roughly $1.3 billion. Growth in spending, even if marginal on a year over year basis, contributes to the growth of government and eats into our fund balance (savings account). That’s why I supported $1.2 million in cuts, which would have avoided the need to dip into that fund balance, and further stave off any talk of tax increases in future budgets. Since the final budget exceeded the Mayor’s recommendation by more than $360,000, and there were still plenty of prudent cuts we could have made to avoid using fund balance, ultimately I decided to vote against the budget. The budget passed on a 5-4 vote, with a majority of council members voting in favor. My goal is to always ensure that every taxpayer dollar we spend is used wisely, efficiently, and allocated through a transparent process. This budget process was certainly transparent, and includes
many prudent expenditures in line with county priorities. Though I opposed the final version of the budget for the reasons mentioned above, I still appreciate the noteworthy and important items we were able to fund. First and foremost, our budget provides funding to fully open the Oxbow Jail. This, combined with optimizing the jail bed space at the Adult Detention Center will have a significant impact on criminal justice challenges in the county. Having sufficient jail bed space so our law enforcement officers can arrest offenders and have a place to take them is vital. Resources for more beds gives officers this tool as they do their jobs to keep our streets free from dangerous or disruptive individuals. Coupled with the council’s support of and funding for treatment beds, this improvement will yield tangible benefits for reducing crime and drug use in our communities. These are needed components
of Operation Rio Grande and, along with other investment in our criminal justice system, will go a long way to positively impact neighborhoods negatively affected by crime. This will also better equip the county to connect people trapped in homelessness or drug addiction with needed treatment and resources to help their situation. Most importantly to me, this budget accomplishes all of these goals without a tax increase. I will always be committed to doing whatever we can to find areas to trim unnecessary county spending, finding more efficient ways to use the funding we already do have, before asking taxpayers for an increase. I voted to refrain from the temptation of using fund balance to pay for add-ons to the budget in large part to prevent a future tax increase for as long as possible. I’m confident that 2018 will be a great year, and I look forward to all the good things to come in Salt Lake County. l
celebrate
A PLACE TO THE LITTLE THINGS Life’s next chapter can be your best one yet.
Imagine healthier living. Opportunities for enrichment and recreation. And energy-efficient homes of exceptional value. It’s a 55+ active lifestyle that’s been curated just for you, one brimming with fullness, purpose and forever friends. Come to Life at Springhouse Village. Join our VIP List for events and community information. MyOakwoodLife.com 2017 OakwoodLife
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 16 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Bingham’s New Club Pledges to Welcome, Make People’s Days By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com
L
ast spring, when Abi Chamberlain returned to school from an extended absence, she felt that nobody in the school that serves 3,000 students seemed to miss her. “I felt isolated and separated as nobody came up to ask me where I was or even noticed I was gone,” said the now junior at Bingham High School. That was until the school hall monitor Jo Ward, who helped start a new club last March, invited her in. “I really felt welcome and connected. It’s a way to destroy the idea of cliques here and unify our school so everyone feels comfortable, shows someone cares and makes our school a better place,” Abi said. The Golden Gate Club is designed to welcome all students to join for companionship, support and to be a positive, motivating influence to everyone at the school, Ward said. “This club is student inspired,” Ward said. “Last year, a cheerleader (senior Savannah Vigil) who is partially blind went into our assistant principal Mike Hughes’ office and asked him if he knew of people who needed a friend, someone who may be sitting alone or was too shy to get involved because she wanted to reach out them. From then on, she would see students who felt lost or didn’t belong and she befriended them.”
Bingham High School’s Golden Gate Club has become the largest club at Bingham High, with the goal of making all students feel welcome at the school. (Jolynne Ward/Bignham High School)
Seeing the impact Savannah had, Ward, Hughes and faculty member Katie Fredrickson jumped on board with other students to form the Golden Gate Club. “It was named after a man in the 1970’s who took his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate
Bridge,” Hughes said. “He wrote a note, saying, ‘if one person smiles at me, I won’t jump.’ But nobody did. We want to stop that culture and try to make someone’s day, every day. We want this to be a social support club and a resource for students to rely upon.”
Even in its infancy, Hughes said the club is the largest at the school with about 300 members. Ward said it begins with the students who join, taking a pledge to themselves. The pledge includes asking them to be a true friend to everyone at school; making sure every member has someone to go to school dances and activities with; motivating one another to study together or being a tutor to another; being a friend to those who seem to lack social support; promising not to bully another or engage in rumors or gossip; work with an adult to work through interpersonal conflicts; and to make eye contact, smile and greet people to make someone’s day. “As school employees, we regularly come into contact with students who appear to be sad, alone, and friendless. I see many new students entering the school who feel lost and overwhelmed as Bingham is such a large school,” said Ward, who has worked at the school for five years. “Sometimes just the simple act of making eye contact and sharing a smile with a stranger can do more than we imagine. This club bridges the gaps so everyone feels like family here and nobody feels alone.” Abi said that before people often looked down in the hallway or just didn’t seem to “see” others and that’s not the case anymore. “People are talking to one another. Someone
2608 W. 12600 S. Riverton, UT 84065 801-999-4466 WWW.RUNGR8.COM
Got Foot Pain?
Find relief with supportive & comfortable shoes & insoles!
Free
Biomechanical Analysis*
Redeem this coupon for...
$13 OFF ShOES! ExpirEs january 31, 2018. May not be used with any other offer, sale or discount. Valid only on regular priced shoes.
Analysis Advantages: • Proper Fit • Reduce Injury • Maximize Comfort & Support * FREE with every shoe purchase.
FREE!
Arch scan evaluation & $6 OFF of insoles.
ExpirEs january 31, 2018. May not be used with any other offer, sale or discount. Valid only on regular priced shoes.
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 17
S outh JordanJ ournal.com told me that they liked my outfit and that just changed my entire day and made me smile. Kind words can make a big change for people. And I realized something. If I want to be noticed, I need to notice others so I’ve made an immense change and have told people what I’ve thought, if I think their hair is cute or pay them a compliment. I realize that I can make an impact. I want to see the club grow and make everyone feel welcome and have a positive impact,” said Abi, who said her mother, a Bingham graduate, belonged to a similar school club where they would leave someone nice notes or cookies or eat lunch with someone who seemed lonely. Hughes acknowledges the change that has occurred at the school. “There’s more positivity. Kids look up, respond, smile more. They’re more aware and supportive,” he said. Ward said it just isn’t a few students making a difference. “It’s more of a movement than a club,” she said. “It starts with something simple. Each day, a Golden Gate Club member texts an inspirational quote to members and then challenges them to learn two people’s names or pay a compliment to someone they don’t know. Teachers and staff have become more aware when they see someone tucked in a corner or needing support and refer them to us. It’s been awesome to see how much these kids are changing lives. They’re forgetting about themselves, being happy and reaching out to serve others.” l
Update:
What began with a club to welcome people and have them to feel accepted at Bingham High, is becoming a phenomena, expanding to other schools in the area as well as across the nation. “Our theme is to ‘make someone’s day, every day’ whether it’s smiling and saying hi or doing a simple act of kindness, it’s become a turning point for so many kids’ lives,” said school hall monitor Jo Ward, who helped start the Golden Gate Club. “It’s not an anti-bullying or anti-gang club, but a pro social club that helps kids be included and accepted, which is what kids want.” Ward said that with a large school, students can be “lost in the cracks so we don’t want them to feel alone.” Student members receive daily text messages, eat together at lunch and make sure everyone has someone to attend afterschool activities with as well as help with school events. “We want everyone to feel like their family and other kids have their back. We see the difference — everyone watching out for one another. It’s changing the culture of our school,” she said. Since the club’s first full year last year, other schools have been contacting Ward. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’ve had parents and school administrators hear about it and reach out to me, asking how they can start Golden Gate Club at their schools. I
even had an elementary school in Antietam, Virginia ask about it so we provided them with a PowerPoint, which they gave back to us, tailored for an elementary school. Everyone is helping to build the program as it grows. We’ve gone out and talked to other schools in the area and now are seeing it at their schools,” she said, adding that they are currently developing a website and curriculum to support the club and to help other schools start the program. Already, Paradigm High has started the Golden Gate Club and the two schools met for a picnic. Elk Ridge Middle, Sunset Ridge Middle in West Jordan and Mt. Jordan Middle in Sandy as well as a high school in Logan area interested in starting the program. West Hills Middle in West Jordan added aspects of the club into its existing Be the Change program. “We’ve incorporated Golden Gate’s pledge and principles suited for middle school students as well as the practice to reach out and befriend another into the Be the Change program,” assistant principal Mike Hughes said, adding that they also incorporate five-minute mini lessons into their curriculum. “It’s working. These students have good hearts and just a little nudge. Middle school and high school students want to belong and with the support of their peers, it will help them determine success for their rest of their life and give them a positive outlook.” l
FREE
Educational Series on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Thursday November at 12:30 Thursday, Jan. 19 • 16 12:30 pm
Part I: Understanding Types and Stages of Dementia
Thursday December 12:30 Thursday, Feb. 1621• at 12:30
Part II: Communication Strategies & Challenging Behaviors
Thursday, 2318• 12:30 pm ThursdayMarch January at 12:30 Part III: Caring For Yourself as the Caregiver
All classes will be held at: Pheasant Run 2664 West 11400 South South Jordan, UT 84095 Light Refreshments and Desserts will be served. All are welcome to attend.
ReseRvATions encouRAged:
cAll 801.260.0007
OUR MISSION: Committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our residents, while honoring the experience of aging.
A Tradition of Caring Together
2664 West 11400 South South Jordan, UT 84095 801.260.0007
jeaseniorliving.com Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 18 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Your Neighborly Assisted
Living Community
Bingham softball finishes with unblemished region record By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
• Dry Cleaning • Alterations • Laundry Services • Blankets, rugs, comforters, etc.
Carrington Court is an “all inclusive” community. We have no Move-in fee, Resident Set-up fee or Community Fees. We offer senior day care and respite care stays
New Year’s Move-in
SPECIAL
1ST MONTH FREE! mrlecleaners.com
New Residents Only Expires 1/31/2018
10 Shirts For
$20 (tax included) Expires 1/31/18
Buy One Get One
FREE
On any comforter or large blanket Expires 1/31/18
SOUTH JORDAN 801-446-0840 10382 South Redwood Rd
Locally Owned & Family Operated 1928 West 9800 South South Jordan, Utah Assisted Living: 801-676-8787 Memory Care: 801-676-7616
Visit us at:
CarringtonCourtAL.com For virtual tours, videos, floor plans & more!
A Bingham batter launches a softball that ended up in the tennis courts. (Billy Swartzfager/City Journals)
B
ingham softball finished 22-6 overall and 12-0 in region competition to earn the top spot in Class 5A’s Region 3. The Miners finished in the same position last season as well but were upset in the opening round of the state tournament by Skyview. They were eventually sent packing from the elimination bracket by Herriman. This season began with Bingham playing in the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in Bullhead City, Arizona. The team played five games in the early March tournament, coming home with a 2-3 record. Those three losses in Arizona would equal the amount of losses the Miners would suffer over the following two and half months. Bingham came home to face West on March 11, winning a close game 6-5. The following two games were on the road for Bingham. The team traveled to Hunter on March 15 for a 13-1 win, and then to Lehi on March 16 for 16-1 romp. The Miners finished the remainder of March with a 3-1 record, losing a tough game to Bear River on March 24 at home, 11-0. Bingham went to Cottonwood on April 4, leaving with a lopsided notch for the win column, 18-0. Next they faced Taylorsville, and pulled off the win in a closer game on April 6, 5-2. The following game was the last loss the Miners were dealt during the regular season. It came at the hands of the Darts from Davis High School. Davis, like Bear River, was able to score in double digits, handing the Miners a 10-5 defeat on April 11. But, Bingham bounced back and got on a streak that extended all the way through the remainder of the regular season. Bingham beat Brighton, 10-0, on April 18 and Copper Hills, 4-2, on April 19.
The team played a tournament on April 22 called the Swing for Life Tournament, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The tournament is generally a very large event, with up to 40 teams, ranging in age from elementary to high school. Bingham owned the tournament, going 4-0 on the day, beating Murray, Grand, Alta and Manti. Bingham averaged nearly 12 runs per game after the tournament to round out the season, beginning with West Jordan on April 26. The Miners won that game 15-9. They followed that up with a 10-0 shutout of Cottonwood the next day. The Miners’ following two games were on the road, and both resulted in victory, one at Copper Hills on May 2, 8-5, and the other at Taylorsville on May 3, 10-7. Bingham won their final three games of the season, the last game being at Brighton, where the Miners walked away with an 18-6 victory over the Bengals. The team was led this season by several players. Nicole Wall not only led the team in batting average, but she also was a dominant force at the pitching position, pitching 94 innings, going 13-3 on the year with a teamlow, 2.01 earned run average. She also recorded three saves and held opposing hitters to a dismal .193 batting average. McKenzie Dorney led the Miners in many offensive categories. She belted six home runs to lead the team and also logged the most hits and RBI on the year. Karly Wightman was also stellar when handed the ball. Her record from the hill was 6-3. Sidnee Hogan flashed some brilliance on the bases, leading the team in steals. l
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 19
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Tour of Utah comes to South Jordan for inaugural start and finish By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
Buying or selling a home?
LET ME HELP YOU! • 33 years of Experience • Certified Distressed Property Expert • Accredited Buyer Representative • 5-time Ulrich Realtors Listing Agent of the Year • Ulrich Realtors Sales Agent of the Year 2010 Buying or selling a home should be a fun and pleasant experience. With 33 years of working throughout Utah, I can help you enjoy the journey of finding a new place to call home.
“Real Estate Joe” Olschewski 801-573-5056
joeolschewski41@gmail.com
Riders from a previous tour, racing through the mountains (Jonathan Devich/Epic Images)
T
he Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah begins July 31, kicking off its 13th year. The 2017 version of the annual bicycle race spans 600 miles with 36,525 feet of climbing. In 2015, the event became a 2.HC-rated UCI sanctioned stage race, making it one of the finest in North America. Of the 10 Utah cities hosting a start or a finish line, six of them are doing so for the first time. South Jordan is one of the new cities to join the Tour and will be hosting both a start and finish. On Aug. 3, South Jordan’s inaugural start to the Tour’s Stage 4 will be on Redwood Road, using 11400 south to reach the Mountain View Corridor. Stage 4 covers new territory for the Tour of Utah, crossing 125 miles in Salt Lake, Utah and Tooele counties. The stage will venture into Rush Valley and onto a surprising jaunt of terrain for riders. They will be taken over 10 miles of maintained dirt and gravel on Faust Road, which will connect them to the old Pony Express Trail in the West Desert. The course will cross Five Mile Pass and return through Utah County via SR 73 through Cedar Fort. There will be 4,000 feet of elevation gain on this leg of the race and should provide a fantastic finish back
in South Jordan with the final 3 miles circling South Jordan City Park. South Jordan City leaders are excited to play host to their portion of the race. It brings something different to the city and its residents. City officials are planning a kick-off party on Aug. 2, the evening before the race, at the park. There will be activities for everyone, including families and children. City leaders also consider themselves lucky to be in the position to host both a start and finish to the only internationally sanctioned cycling competition for men in North America. “This is something new and we are excited to do it,” said Tina Brown, South Jordan City’s communication specialist. “There will be a lot of participants, and our residents can really enjoy it.” Tour of Utah organizers approached South Jordan Mayor David Alvord earlier in the year, and there was definite interest on South Jordan’s part. The opportunity to expose residents to such a high-class competition was something city leaders were eager to provide. “I knew it would be a great opportunity for our city,” Alvord said. “We have a real gem, and
the more people that see it, the better. The StartFinish was optional, but we chose to host both to maximize the exposure for the city.” In addition to South Jordan’s participation and festivities, the Tour of Utah will provide all sorts of opportunities for surrounding communities to witness the event. The Heber Valley will return for a stage start that also includes the Ultimate Challenge Citizens Ride presented by University of Utah Health. Logan will serve as the race’s headquarters for the overall start, including the team presentation, which is an event spectators are encouraged to attend. The race is a great thing for Utah and South Jordan residents as well as the local economies. “The Tour of Utah really encourages each host to create a sense of community,” Tour of Utah Executive Director Jenn Andrs said. “No two stages of the Tour of Utah look exactly the same, and we encourage each community to play to their strengths to bring out the crowds. It is a free event, open to the public and offers great activities throughout the day – kids’ races, expo, etc. South Jordan has really embraced this opportunity and is planning some really cool activities leading up to and during Stage 4.” l
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 20 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
Cafeteria Assistants Part Time • $10.63/hour
Nutrition Workers Full & Part Time • $11.98/hour
Apply today at workatjordan.org/apply
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 21
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Bingham hockey team has a winning year, shows growth on and off the ice By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
POSTPONE YOUR HEADSTONE
Dont Text & Drive
The Bingham hockey team from earlier this season (Eric Allen/Bingham Hockey Trustee)
Y
ou may not know it, but Bingham has a hockey team. The team isn’t necessarily connected with the high school, other than the squad being made up exclusively of youth who attend Bingham. Because hockey is a club sport and not sanctioned by the Utah High School Activities Association, few South Jordan folks may follow of Bingham’s team, though they are a pretty decent group, with a record well above .500, sitting at or near fourth place in their division. Most high schools don’t have a hockey team, so the way the different competitive brackets are made up differs from traditional high school sports. There are two high school divisions, division one and division two. Bingham, along with traditional rivals, Brighton and Herriman, belongs to division two. Murray and Riverton also play reside in division two. Most of Bingham’s games are against division teams, though they play a few independent teams made up of players from all over. There are only 18 players on this year’s team, which is small for hockey. Many of the players have only learned to skate within the last year or two, while others have been playing the game since childhood. Bingham is led by senior captain Taylor Telford, who leads the team in goals and assists, senior assistant captain Jordan Hansen and junior assistant captain Alex Brown. Just off the ice, the squad is led by head coach Jason Telford and assistant coach Mike Brown. Eric Allen is the team’s trustee, which, according to Allen, is similar to the team’s manager or owner. The coaches, along with Allen, bring a lot of experience to the team. “The coaches have both played and been around hockey for a long time,” Allen said. “We are fortunate to have them both.” The group practices at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns and focuses on various different aspect of the game, including basics. The team also learns basic various aspects of life. “We teach them the fundamentals, of course,” Allen said, “But we also teach them about life and how to succeed after hockey and high school.” Because there are fewer hockey teams in the state than other sports, the team participates in games and events that are a little farther away from home. The team travels to Cedar City each year, a trip the players enjoy. The team also participates in a Christmas tournament in Provo annually, though this year Bingham chose to sit it out. To stay in shape and to look for new possible recruits, the team even takes part in a summer league. It is an opportunity for all incoming freshman to play with the team prior to the actual season as well as keep players skating. The team plays once a week during summer months, keeping players and coaches on the same page. According to Allen, hockey isn’t too well known in the
community, and the players are always trying to find new participants who may be interested in the game. It’s always a goal of the team and its coaches to help the game grow. The coaches, players and Allen himself all love the game and want as many young people to give it a try as possible. It’s never too late, either. Allen’s own son didn’t start playing until he was a sophomore. “It’s always very gratifying to watch the tremendous amount of growth the kids experience throughout the season,” Allen said. “The growth on the ice leads to leaps and bounds in their self-esteem and self-worth.” l
Nearly 330,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.
Come Live the
Legacy Lifestyle!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
All Day Dining | Scheduled Transportation Activities/Socialization Legacy Retirement.....Services that make life easier. Call 801-253-4556
and ask about our Move -In Specials 1617 West Temple Lane (10200 S) South Jordan, UT 84095
Not Just News... Your Community News...
Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years
LarkinMortuary.com
Page 22 | January 2018
South Jordan City Journal
How to beat the January Blues
by
JOANI TAYLOR
Christmas is over, money is tight and our waistbands are even tighter. We can’t help but feel a little let down. After eating too much, spending too much and maybe a few too many parties for many people January means buckling up the spending and the prospect of hitting the gym. I can’t help but feel a little bleak however, this year I’m determined to have the best January yet without breaking the bank. Here are some things I’ve got planned for the month that build up the cheer and won’t demolish the budget. Check out the Wildlife - Hogle Zoo is free the last Wednesday of the month from November through February (January 31 and February 28 2018). Plus, Tracy Aviary offers $1 admission the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month through March. Go to a Hockey Game – The Grizzlies play at the Maverick Center in WVC through April. If you’ve never been to a hockey games, they are fast paced and exciting! You can
Buy One Get One
Fr ee
Equal or Lesser Value Expires2/28/18 2/31/18 Expires (385) 237-3186 5398 W Daybreak Parkway B1 •South Jordan
get discounted tickets for $6.50 a person at UtahCoupons.com. Get Outside - There is nothing quite like a brisk walk in our beautiful surroundings to blow away the cobwebs and beat the winter city air. Visit one of our National Parks. They are much less busy than during the summer months and just as beautiful. For more information about Utah’s National Parks in winter go to www.visitutah.com/ places-to-go/most-visited-parks/national-parks-in-winter Volunteer – When the holiday’s end the giving shouldn’t. In fact the need is higher for volunteers in January then any other time of year. There are plenty of opportunities all around us like the food bank, animal shelters, elementary schools or just take a minute to shovel someone’s driveway after a storm. Plan a Vacation - Part of the joy of Christmas is all the planning, preparation, and excitement leading up to it. Now is a great time to start to plan a summer family vacation. A vacation to look forward to can
Go to a Hockey Game- The Grizzlies play at the Maverik Center through April.
help you overcome some of the post-Christmas blues and starting to plan early makes it easier to save for it too. Cook! Pretty much everyone seems to be on a health kick in January, so you may as well make it fun. Put on a bright colored apron
and get in the kitchen and cook up a storm. Then invite some friends over for an eating healthy party. It doesn’t have to cost much to make January go a little quicker and be a little brighter. Plan ahead, get creative, and make it a festive month! l
Buy One Get One 1/2 Off Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 1/31/18.
801-280-4099
7251 Plaza Center Drive (Next to Famous Dave's)
www.SpudToddos.com SUBSTANCE ABUSE HELP IS AVAILABLE
801.845.0979
$5 0ff $25 Or More
GET TREATMENT NOW!
Limit 1 per table. Expires 1/31/18.
801-446-6644 www.tusharexpress.com 1078 West 10400 South • South Jordan, UT 84095
Addiction Hope & Help Line Call NOW. OPEN 24/7
City Journal is a free publication made possible by our advertisers . Please shop local and let them know you saw them in the City Journal.
January 2018 | Page 23
S outh JordanJ ournal.com
Laughter AND
by
PERI KINDER
South Jordan
W
e all have that one friend whose life could be a Hallmark movie. She spends her days organizing family sing-a-longs, has slow-motion snowball fights, and she snuggles with her family by the fireplace, drinking cocoa and wearing matching pajamas. The Golden Retriever has a matching neckerchief. And the toddler doesn’t spill hot chocolate on the white, plush velvet couch. This woman is too amazing to hate. I imagine she cries one beautiful tear that rolls slowly down her cheek as she ponders her incredible existence. The soundtrack to her life would be all violins and cellos. My life’s soundtrack is basically a record scratch. So how do I know this perfect woman with her perfect hair and her perfect family and her perfect life? I follow her on social media. (Stalking is such a harsh word.) She posts pictures of her family cheerfully eating dinner that didn’t come from a freezer box, or shares a video as she dances out the door in a slinky red dress that she’s wearing to a charity event where she’ll donate her time to help orphaned goats in Uzbekistan. I’ve never owned a slinky red dress.
PROFESSIONALS
Value
Senior Care/Senior Home A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today!
PLACE AN AD: Call
801-254-5974 Debt Relief
Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-844-266-4531
National Debt Relief Have 10K in Debt? National Debt Relief is rated A-Plus with the BBB. You could be debt free in 24-48 months. Call 1-888-601-7028 now for a free debt evaluation.
HOME REPAIRS
Hearing Aids
Electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, bathrooms & kitchens remodeled…
Hearing Help Express FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% Risk-Free! 45-Day Home Trial. Comfort Fit. Crisp Clear Sound. If you decide to keep it, PAY ONLY $299 per aid. FREE Shipping.
Handy Home Services NO JOB TOO SMALL Mark Landers 801-641-9644 DENTAL INSURANCE DENTAL INSURANCE. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures. 855-385-6690
or http://www.dental50plus.com/225 Ad# 6118
Call Hearing Help Express 1- 855-701-7349
PAINTING
GARAGE DOORS
A PLUS GARAGE DOORS
Service Available 24/7 Certified Experts 100% Warrantied
CARPET CLEANING & REPAIR “Specializing in Carpet Repair” -Chad Crowther
Cleaning Carpet, Area Rugs, Upholstery, Tile & Grout, Air Ducts, Dryer Vents
Call – 801-707-0554 Safe Tubs
Safe Step Walk-In Tub
#1 Selling Walk-in Tub in North America. BBB Accredited. Arthritis Foundation Commendation. Therapeutic Jets. MicroSoothe Air Therapy System Less than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Call 844-476-9737 for up to $1500 Off.
ROOFING
801-449-9875
Call Paul
$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.
Licensed & Insured Residential & Commercial.
801-819-9158
All types of roofs
Issue and Beyonce combined. We spend hours scrolling through posts, videos, photos and updates that make our heads swim with inadequacy. We often succumb to the “Why bother?” attitude and medicate ourselves with bags of hot Cheetos. I challenge someone to create a social media page where no filters are allowed. Everything must be real and honest and messy. Our lives don’t have to be Hallmark movies, but it’s about damn time we realized we’re already enough. l
FENCING
HANDYMAN SERVICES
Fence/Handyman
ENERGY CORE
“Get Your Project On” Fence & Handyman Service
Free Estimates
801-471-9688
801-260-2030
-- PROFESSIONAL PAINTER --
Paul Nunley 3rd Generation
ative writing. One day, by sheer coincidence, I met this woman. Well, I didn’t meet her. I eavesdropped on a conversation she was having. (Stop judging me. Everyone eavesdrops. Right?) I heard her say her divorce was almost final. I heard her express concern about her teenage son. I heard her say she was struggling. What I really heard was that her life was messy. Finally. Something I could relate to. My life is messy, too! I was instantly ashamed. I realized I’d made up a completely inaccurate story about this woman based on snapshots of happy moments; single instances in time that she shared with the world. How much do we not share with the world? Social media has destroyed the self-esteem and confidence of more women than the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Book Publishing
Page Publishing Become a published author! International distribution, print and digital formats. Books sold at major retailers. Contact Page Publishing for your FREE author submission kit.
CALL 1-844-440-5622 TREE SERVICES
INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS
Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience
801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES
CONSTRUCTION 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Lic No.7466520-5500
Life
Virtual Competition I’ve never saved orphaned goats. This woman has a circle of friends that travel to spa retreats and spiritual workshops. I imagine them talking on the phone, laughing at the extraordinary circumstances that allowed them to live on this planet with such good fortune. My friends need to ramp up their game. Her Instagram feed is an advertisement for excellence. Her children willingly pose for family photos, her redecorated bathroom (that she did for less than $50) is chic and stylish. My family photoshoots turn into a fistfight, and my effort at redecorating my bathroom consisted of a sloppy repaint in a color that was supposed to be “seafoam green,” but looks more like “hospital lunchroom.” Her LinkedIn profile. . . (Okay, I admit it. This sounds suspiciously like stalking.) Her LinkedIn profile is a list of accomplishments that makes me wonder if she has a body double. She sits on charity boards (hence, the Uzbek goats), founded her own company and has won several awards. It took me three weeks to write a LinkedIn profile because I had nothing to say. Good thing I have experience in cre-
basements . bathrooms . electricasl repair . painting cabinet installation . plumbing . sheetrock repair countertop refinish and replace
– HOURLY RATE - 2 Hour Minimum –
Call Leo Coleman 801-471-6775
VEHICLES WANTED
Gumby’s Auto Parts We’ll buy your non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.
(801) 506-6098
“It’s worth your time to call!” FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS
OLYMPUS ROOFING
801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973
PHARMACY
OMAHA STEAKS
Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-855-977-8477 Promo Code CDC201725
ENJOY 100% guaranteed, delivered to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 75% PLUS get 4 more Burgers & 4 more Kielbasa FREE! Order The Family Gourmet Buffet - ONLY $49.99. Call 1-855752-2308 mention code 51689JCF or visit www.omahasteaks.com/love40