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April 2022 | Vol. 8 Iss. 04

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STUDENTS TAKE OFF FOR LIFE-CHANGING TRIPS By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

fter two years of limitations and cancellations due to COVID, students are once again going on life-changing school trips that make their classroom learning come alive. In February, 50 students taking advanced history and government classes at West Jordan High School went on a five-day trip to Washington, D.C. Arranged by teachers, the trip was packed with educational experiences at monuments and museums. “We just try to provide that experience for them so that they can have a love and appreciation for our Founders and for our history as a country,” AP government teacher Elaine Grant said. “It's very powerful to be in some of those places where things happened. We read about it, but to actually go there and see some of those things, it's phenomenal.” Exploring a locomotive at the Smithsonian expanded on what students had learned about transportation and the Industrial Revolution. And touring the National Museum of African American History and Culture elevated their understanding of the Civil Rights Movement. Students were able to make personal connections to historical figures as they saw items belonging to the founding fathers in the Library of Congress, and the inaugural dresses worn by

each of the first ladies and a necklace worn by Marie Antoinette displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. Junior Will Cebrowski had learned about the founding fathers’ sacrifice and dedication in forming a new government for a new nation, but it wasn’t until he saw the Declaration of Independence and other treasured documents on display at the National Archives that he felt a connection to them. “While viewing the documents, Will was overcome with emotion connected to the sacredness of the documents and his feelings for freedom,” said Will’s mother, Em Cebrowski, who was one of 25 chaperones for the trip. A kind guard noticed Will’s reaction and gave him a special tour, sharing some lesser-known facts about the documents. Junior Eliza Coe said she also experienced a powerful feeling of respect in the Archives and during their visit to Arlington Cemetery. Continued page 5 AP government and history students from West Jordan High School visit the Jefferson Memorial on a school trip February 2022. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Grant.)

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April 2022 | Page 3

Internships provide the ‘how’ and ‘wow’ of various career options By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

hen Mountain Ridge High School senior Phoebe White was asked to test quail feces for disease, she was thrilled. Through her internship with the Utah Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, she also shadowed the state meat inspector—visiting food plants, slaughterhouses and meat packing plants—and learned about the registry of branding for domesticated elk herds. “I just wanted to see all different types of industries and get a feel for what's really out there to do in agriculture,” White said. Her internship was arranged through the Jordan Academy of Technology and Careers (JATC). “Regardless of what you want to do, they have an amazing way of helping you with your career skills, but also giving you that hands-on work to help you decide what you want to do,” White said. Internship students earn credit toward graduation, learn general job skills and spend a minimum of 40 hours getting onthe-job experience in their chosen field. JATC Internship Coordinator Wendy Checketts said there is always a need for more internship mentors. If interested in hosting an intern, contact wendy.checketts@jordandistrict.org. She said when there are more options, students have a better chance of finding a placement which matches their skills and interests. Past and current placements include hospitals, business offices and fire departments. Students have been mentored by entrepreneurs, educators, diplomats, city officials and authors. “It amazes me how many businesses and individuals are willing to volunteer their time and resources to help our students discover their path beyond high school,” Checketts said. The relationship between an intern and mentor is mutually beneficial, Checketts said. Businesses get an unpaid, passionate employee, and students experience the day-to-day of their dream job. “We love hosting interns and watching them progress and learn new skills that will help them with their future endeavors,” said Shannon Nielsen, assistant manager at Copper View Animal Hospital. “Our veterinarians love to teach and allow our interns to observe their procedures. Interns have the ability to ask our veterinarians questions about these procedures and see if this is a field they are interested in pursuing.” Sometimes the internship turns into a job offer because after 40 hours of observation, mentors know what kind of em-

Journals T H E

Phoebe White visits a domesticated elk herd facility to learn the ins and outs of animal branding registration and regulations. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Checketts)

ployee the student will be. “Over the past years of having interns, we have hired select individuals after their internships are over,” Nielsen said. “All the interns we have hired have become a great asset to Copper View.” Most students have some background knowledge before they begin an internship. Because of the business marketing classes she’d taken at school, one student was able to make the most of her internship with the communication and marketing department at Herriman City. Interns at Jordan Valley Hospital usually have taken a medical terminology or anatomy class. A student interested in working in business will have taken business, marketing, communications or finance classes. All students also take a basic job skills class before they begin on-site training. Nineteen-year-old Josh Baker said these classes, and the internship experience, give teenagers a head start. “Employers are demanding that [job applicants] have experience but a lot of these kids coming out of high school and college don't have real life experience, it's just textbook experience,” he said. During his senior year, Baker took a JATC internship with a local real estate developer/entrepreneur/author, who walked

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Phoebe White does paperwork for the Utah Department of Agriculture, as part of her internship. (Photo courtesy of Wendy Checketts)

him through the process of starting a business. In the past two years, Baker has started two businesses and a podcast. Through the internship, he also learned problem-solving, communication skills and how to use tools like LinkedIn, which he has utilized to grow his client base and find guests for his podcast. “If I didn't have that internship, honestly, I would still be in college, going into thousands of dollars of debt and not knowing what I want to do with my life,” he said. “I would not be where I am today.” Oftentimes, the internship helps a student realize that type of job is not the career they want to pursue. One student was interested in phlebotomy and was placed with The Red Cross. “She left that knowing she does not want to be a phlebotomist for the rest of her life,” Checketts said. “But she was going to train and become one to work to get her through school.” l

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Continued from front page “There's a different spirit there,” she said. “The air was different.” Students had free time to explore memorials, cathedrals, art galleries and museums of their choice, depending on their interests. Grant’s own high school trip to the nation’s capital is one of the reasons she now teaches AP government. “It just left such a mark on me,” Grant said. “It definitely piqued my interest in government, and I have had a love and an interest in government since that time.” Grant’s goal for extracurricular trips is to “try to bring history alive.” In May, she has a trip planned to Mesa Verde National Park where her AP world history students will be able to climb into the caves of Aztec ruins. “It goes right along with their curriculum of learning about early civilizations in the time period that we study,” Grant said. Eliza’s mother, Crystal Coe, said the trip was a reward for all of Eliza’s hard work in the three AP history classes she’s taken. Eliza enjoyed traveling with her friends, experiencing a bit of independence and exploring the nation’s busy capital city, where she heard and saw people from all over the world. “A trip like this is more than just understanding history, it’s those real life experiences,” Coe said. “You learn in books and you experience the bubble that you live in, but I love these experiences because it really opens her world.” Jordan District’s policy on these types of trips is that they are strictly optional and can have no impact on the student’s grade or standing. Another requirement is that all trip expenses must be paid by the participants and not with school student body funds. For students who qualify for fee waivers for extracurricular activities, administrators and teachers do whatever they can to help them earn money for the trip themselves. “There are no slush funds that we can pull money from,” Grant said. “If everyone wants to go on a waiver, then we just can't go.” Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller said school trips are great learning opportunities that can be a memorable part

WestJordanJournal .com

of high school, and that the board is supportive of them, as long as they are reasonably priced. “Teachers create trips that provide educational and meaningful experiences but also keep costs manageable for families,” Miller said. “The itinerary and all associated costs must be approved by 85% of the parents before it is submitted to the district for approval. Once the costs hit a certain budget, it is difficult to receive approval.” Copper Hills High School choir teacher Marc Taylor said trip prices are higher this year because of rising travel costs and cancel-for-any-reason insurance protection, which has become necessary due to COVID. He had to request special approval for the budget of his six-day trip to New York for 65 choir students (and 30 chaperones) at the end of March. He was told “the means must justify the ends and we must not be burdening families with high ticket, extravagant or ‘unnecessary’ offerings.” Taylor stands by every item on his trip itinerary. “I am very careful to include things that are all of educational value and that tie into my curriculum (and, yes, that includes Broadway, concerts, music of all kinds, etc.),” he said. “I do consider sight-seeing the major sights of a major city as educational in terms of its history and culture.” Some of the activities, such as attending Broadway performances of “Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked” were optional and not included in the base price of the trip. Taylor knows that with travel costs rising, future long-distance trips may no longer get approval. “I know they're trying to make things more equitable, but sometimes it's hard to find the right balance,” Taylor said. “Many parents actually want a great experience with great things planned for their kids and are willing to pay for them.” Taylor’s New York trip cost each student just over $1,400. The cost for the D.C. trip came in at $985. “The cost to opportunity ratio was perfect,” Cebrowski said. “Most of the museums and activities in Washington D.C. are free. The main expense was airfare and hotel. It was definitely a frugal and worthwhile opportunity.” Coe had expected the trip to cost more. “I was kind of surprised that

“HEY! WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ANNUAL WELLNESS VISITS...”

AP government and history students visit Washington D.C. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Grant.)

they were able to do it for that amount, I don't know how they could have gotten the price much lower,” she said. “I felt like what they asked from us was super fair, and I'm a pretty frugal person.” While some students have parents or grandparents that help pay for the trip, others earn the money themselves. The Coe’s paid for half of Eliza’s trip. Eliza paid the rest herself. Schools provide fundraising opportunities for students to earn the money for their trips. This year, WJHS students sold cookie dough, bread dough and Swig gift cards. Teachers and administrators go out of their way to ensure that any student who wants to go on a trip, and works hard to fundraise, can go, Grant said. Bryan Leggat said one year, as an administrator at Copper Hills High School, he bought eight boxes of cookie dough from fundraising students. “I didn’t necessarily like the cookies, but it was to support the kids because I knew that was their way to have these opportunities that maybe would be life-changing for them,” he said. Eliza said some kids worked hard at fundraising while others weren’t willing to put in the work and decided to not go on the trip. She was glad she worked so hard, putting in extra hours at her job

and taking the time to fundraise. “It was a lot of hard work to get there, but it was all worth it,” she said. WJHS art and photography teacher Robyn Briggs, who will take her students on a New York City trip later this month, kept trip costs to $900 by using free options, such as touring the murals around the SoHo area. “The amount of art visible in NYC is life changing and really inspiring for so many of these students,” Briggs said. “Having a trip dedicated to their craft really helps them hone their skills and develop a love for their artistic abilities.” Briggs’ own high school trip to NYC influenced her decision to pursue a career in the arts. Another low-cost activity Briggs has planned is taking opportunities to create art. “I love that students can photograph/draw onsite at many famous monuments and locations, which gives them an experience unlike anything they have experienced before,” Briggs said. One of her favorite parts of the trip is when students set up their painting palettes and photography equipment on the Brooklyn Bridge at 6:00 a.m. to experience what artists call “golden hour.” “Just thinking about this experience gives me the chills, and I cannot wait to experience it with my students,” she said. l

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April 2022 | Page 5

‘They wanted to talk about peace,’ a unique insight into Russian protests By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

s he watches Russians protest the invasion of Ukraine, Bryan Leggat wonders if those protesters are the same teenagers, now grown up, that he talked with about world peace 37 years ago. Leggat, a resident of Herriman and principal at Joel P. Jensen Middle School in West Jordan, had the opportunity to take a school trip in February 1985, in the middle of the Cold War, to Moscow, which was part of the Soviet Union at the time. As the child of a military officer, he attended Berlin American High School in Germany, which sponsored the trip. “It was just an amazing time and I love to reflect on it now,” Leggat said. “I think how grateful I am that I was fortunate enough as a teenager to have that experience. It made me a different person.” He remembers that as a 14 year old, his first impressions were about the differences between the two cultures. “At first, we seemed so different, them wearing neutral-colored uniforms, while we Americans wore a rainbow of capitalistic colors. Them with their stiff movements and hard accents, while we were casual in action and speech. But it just took a few minutes of talking to recognize that there was something quite similar that we shared. These were kids

like us, with hopes and dreams. Like us, they had years ahead of them with years of life to experience.” The Russian students taught the visitors some traditional Russian dances, and in return, the American students showed them some breakdancing moves. When they had an opportunity to just sit and talk with each other, Leggat was surprised by what the Soviet students wanted to talk about. “They wanted to talk about world peace,” he said. “We’re in the middle of communist Soviet Union, in the heart of the Cold War, and this was what they wanted to discuss.” Leggat likes to think that those teenagers, now adults, still have that same desire for peace and that they are some of those who are campaigning for peace in their country. “I watch the Russians in these squares, standing up to Putin, calling for peace, risking being arrested— or their brothers and sisters in Ukraine risking it all for their freedom. And I think of those kids, who are now in their 40s and 50s…are there with this same desire, whether they are on the side of Russia or Ukraine. This same courageous, tireless, and hopeful message, from that school building back in the middle of the Cold War heart of Russia, continues today: the universal desire for world peace.” l

Bryan Leggat (at right) and his peers on their trip to Moscow in February 1985. (Photo courtesy of Bryan Leggat.)

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Art is not just art at specialized school By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

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tie-in to their science unit on animal adaptations. Shalynn Roundy recently enrolled her two children at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy. “They love it here,” she said. “They are doing really well.” Both her kids love art, and her fourth grader, Braxton Davis, also loves math. Roundy likes that art and music are incorporated into his math lessons. Every teacher at Majestic has either earned or is working on earning an arts integration endorsement, which takes two years of specialized training. They learn tools and techniques to creatively apply art and interactive activities into their lessons. Though it often looks like students are playing, classes are still academically rigorous, Johansen said. There are 272 students currently enrolled at Majestic, with 12% attending on an out-of-boundary permit. As news of the specialized school spreads, Johansen expects those numbers to double within the next five years. Majestic Elementary Arts Academy is a free public school open to any K-6 students in the Salt Lake Valley. l

A section of the art show, illustrating what students had learned about planets and bioluminescence, was displayed under blacklight for a striking effect. (Jet Burnham/City Journals) Science, art, music and social skills come together in an art display. Interactive art projects and displays gave students an opportunity to literally immerse themselves in art at Majestic’s Art Festival. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

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olorful student-made ornaments, twisted like blown glass, impressed visitors at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy’s Art Festival held March 10. But the colorful creations were more than just an art project. Fifth grade students made the pieces of art by melting plastic plates, while learning about the scientific properties of matter. The students also learned about renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. When they went on a field trip to see the Utah Symphony play at Abravanel Hall, they were able to study up-close the Chihuly glass installation displayed there. The final cross-curriculum tie-in for the project was when the students, having discussed what collaboration means for those working in a glass studio or playing in a symphony, decided on a collaborative exhibit for the Art Festival. They displayed their individual art pieces together as a beautiful mobile. Class projects often overlap with different subject areas at Majestic Elementary Arts Academy, which offers a fully arts-integrated curriculum. Art, drama and music are regularly incorporated into math, science and language arts lessons. Majestic is the only school in Jordan District where all students take daily musical instrument, visual art and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) classes. Once on the verge of closing, Majestic Elementary’s transformation has been enthusiastically welcomed by students, parents and staff members. STEAM teacher Meredith Llewellyn, who has been teaching at Majestic for five years, said the school culture has changed. She said students are now more enthusiastic about learning, understanding and making connections. “They are excited for learning because it’s hands-on, and they can connect it in their brain better,” she said. Principal Marianne Johansen has seen students, especially those with academic, language or motivation struggles, thrive in the arts-integrated environment. “We have kiddos this year who have had attendance issues their whole lives, and they are coming to school because they're excited about what they're learning,” Johansen said. “They're smiling, and they're singing, and they're doing art.” Parents were invited to the Arts Festival to see their children’s artwork. Families participated in the literacy scavenger hunt, posed in art masterpiece photo ops, tried new techniques at several art stations and performed plays using the puppets students had made in STEAM class. Fourth graders made life-sized tissue paper dolls, students from another grade made sock puppets. Sixth graders created animal marionettes out of craft supplies, a

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West Jordan leaders have explored many city center options over the past two decades. (Erin Dixon/City Journals)

Restarting plans for a city center

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

ast fall, the City Journal wrote an article about a new “downtown” plan. Economic Development Director Chris Pengra presented a plan to the council that has remained untouched. What happened? “[The council wasn’t] very happy with the plan,” Communication Director Tauni Barker said. “Chris has asked them for directions on what they’d like to see. In order to move forward with a new plan, the administration needs more direction.” Anything concrete will be months down the road. First, the city needs to comply with new legislation, House Bill 462, that requires cities to make a “transit area plan.” Areas with transit stations, this plot of land sits right next to a TRAX station, must have a new plan for the immediate quarter-mile radius. “That station area plan will come before we embark on a new economic development plan for that area,” Barker said. “We’re at least a year out from a new plan.” This March, the council spearheaded a discussion about the vision and wants from each council member. Council Chair Kayleen Whitelock urged fellow council members to “think big,” to make a wish list that would benefit not only current but future residents. The ideas discussed were ideas only, and nothing is yet set in stone.

“These components are just what we’re going to give to staff that they can share with developers,” Whitelock said in the meeting. The most commonly used word to describe the desires in the discussion was “unique.” Other ideas included a work and play area, where people didn’t need a car to go from work to home. Hotels, conference centers, space for art festivals and local businesses were also thrown onto the idea pile. Councilmember Chris McConnehey has held the District 1 seat since 2012. This is at least the fourth time a city center/downtown project has been spearheaded in that time. “My vision is getting with the folks who have a property there who have an interest and forming a group for collaboration,” McConnehey said. “Otherwise, I see us doing iteration No. 9 of another dream that’s got no chance.” (The exact number of previous plans is unknown.) City Planner Scott Langford is hopeful about the project, despite so many failed attempts in the past. “It really has the potential to put West Jordan on the map,” Langford said to the council. “All the effort and the past effort over the years has made a difference. The existing ordinances in place have helped. It gives a lot of variety and flexibility.” l

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West Jordan City Journal

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April 2022 | Page 9

West Jordan local to appear on ‘The Big Bake’ food network show By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

andy Clifford has been living in West Jordan for 13 years, and she has been running Mandy’s Custom Cakes for six years. “I make cakes for a living,” she said. “I love making sculpted, impressive, over-the-top cakes. I recently competed on an episode of Food Network Canada’s ‘The Big Bake.’ This is a cake competition making larger-than-life carved cakes that need to move. I have competed on Food Network before, but this was a very challenging show to get on and succeed in.” The cake artists made a 4-foot cake structure from the base up, put the cake on the structure, carve the cake, bake other cakes with all the fillings, cover the whole cake and make sure it is huge and that it moves—all in five hours. “It was a very tall order to fit in that small five-hour time period,” Clifford said. Competitors had to cut out a couple of their initial plans just to fit the cake in. They had two cakes over FOUR feet tall with the moving parts and finished it in five hours. “It is extremely impressive, and I am so proud of my team for turning that out,” Clifford said. The work paid off, and they won the competition. “The judges said it was the best cake they ever tasted,” Clifford said. Clifford’s teammates are Utah residents and run their own cake business. Emerlie Miller, business owner of My Sugar Rush, has been making cakes for over 11 years. Jen Vesper, business owner of Layers of Love, has been in business for over 20 years. Cakes are a big forte for Clifford, Miller and Vesper. They have built up a good clientele. They did not know each other, but they formed a team for the competition and built a cake together. Clifford, Miller and Vesper have their own businesses, but they collaborated for The Big Bake Competition. The cake competition was held in Canada last January during the pandemic. When Clifford, Miller and Vesper entered Canada, the whole country was in lockdown. To enter Canada, they needed to abide by the government mandated quarantine order. “We were under strict orders not to leave our room, or we would have to pay the Canadian government a heavy fine,” Clifford said. “Room service, in-room workouts and bubble baths worked day in and day out. Once the day came we were extremely well rested and all set to go.” “The task was to make an over-the-top cake that would transport the judges to the summer nights at the Carnival,” Clifford said. “We hit a couple bumps along the way and ended up having to pare down our design because we found we were too ambitious for the very real five-hour time limit. But in the end, we had a huge pivoting blue ribbon pig getting popcorn from a working popcorn machine.” Their tasting cake was a chocolate cake,with pretzels, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter and caramelized bananas, with the surprise bake being popcorn-flavored cupcakes. “The judges loved our design and flavors so much that our prize-winning pig ended up bringing home the bacon in a big way,” Clifford said. “We won. We were beyond ecstatic.” The show aired in Canada following May 2021 and is currently airing Mondays at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network U.S. These bakers have a background of baking and decorated cakes. Miller worked at several bakeries and started

Page 10 | April 2022

The Leopard Cake made by Mandy Clifford, who will appear on Canada’s “The Big Bake.” (Courtesy Mandy Clifford Mandy’s Custom Cakes)

A large cake with roses made by Mandy Clifford, who will appear on Canada’s “The Big Bake.” (Courtesy Mandy Clifford Mandy’s Custom Cakes)

off self-taught. She went to a cake design college in Canada. She got her confectionary art diploma and learned a little bit of everything. She came back and started doing cake decorating on her own. For this Food Network Canada show she was the sugar artist and the baker. She does most of the baking, and isomalt for the cakes. Clifford ended up making up a recipe, and she specializes in carving and baked cakes and making 3D cakes. Vesper was brought in to do structuring. She was the structuring queen. “For “The Big Bake,” you have to make one big massive display of over 4 feet tall, and on a table 2 feet tall,” Miller said. “It was taller than us. We had to use step stools to reach certain elements, and Jen was able to help bring structure and help with dynamic elements, the cake has to have dynamic elements of movement.” Macy’s department store managers asked Vesper to do spinning globes at Christmastime. Then, South Jordan officials reached out and asked her to do sculptures for South Jordan City Hall. “Part of how I learned to do structure is because I do candy sculptures in South Jordan at Christmastime,” Vesper said. “The sculptures are in the windows in South Jordan City Hall, and in the businesses surrounding South Jordan Business City Hall at Christmastime. I like the positive feedback and it is so much fun.” She has done sculptures at Thanksgiving Point for Luminaria too. “That's what really impressed us about Jen, because we talked to over 20 people trying to find a teammate who

could join our team during quarantine and had the skill set that we needed,” Miller said. “It was hard to talk to all the different people, and that’s how we were really impressed with Jen, because she does huge structures for the candy window displays.” The reason why Mandy started the business is because she loves impressing people, she loves throwing parties and throwing get-togethers and impressing her friends. “With making over-the-top of impressive cakes, that is a way to impress other people,” Clifford said. “I think it is a way for them to impress their guests as well, because when they walk into a party and everybody wants to see a cake it is the center of attention at the party. Then when their minds are blown and they are thinking, ‘Oh my goodness how is this a cake?’ it brings me so much joy. Recently I posted a semi-truck cake, and people’s minds are blown thinking, ‘How can this possibly be a cake?’ This is really rewarding for me, and this is what pushes me and encourages me to keep going.” This Spring 2022 there are new episodes of “The Big Bake” that air weekly Mondays at 11 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network. Here is the episode guide link if you’d like to link to it: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-bibake/ on foodnetwork.com, or people can check their local listings on their cable. Look at the episode guide on cable TV. “The Big Bake” is the show they are on. The episode they are on is “Caketastic Carnival.” l

West Jordan City Journal

WestJordanJournal .com

April 2022 | Page 11

Board of Education Update - Spring 2022 Brand New Literacy Launch

We know when students learn to read in the younger grades, they can read to learn in the upper grades. With that in mind, we launched a brand new literacy curriculum this year. All teachers are working harder than ever to provide a solid reading foundation so students are fluent in reading by the end of third grade.

2016 Bond Update – All Projects Completed

All six schools in the 2016 Bond Plan opened on time or ahead of schedule. They were under budget enough to help pay for a seventh new school, Antelope Canyon Elementary in West Jordan. • Mountain Creek Middle in South Jordan • West Jordan Middle (Rebuild) in West Jordan • Mountain Point Elementary in Bluffdale • Ridge View Elementary in Herriman • Mountain Ridge High in Herriman • Hidden Valley Middle in Bluffdale

$34,339

16-17

$40,000

$42,800

$48,000 $48,625

New Schools Funded by School District Capital Reserves

The Board of Education authorized the use of District capital reserves for the construction of three new schools to address overcrowding in high growth areas. • Antelope Canyon Elementary in West Jordan • Aspen Elementary in South Jordan • Oak Leaf Elementary in Herriman opening for the 2022-23 school year

$50,500

Increased Teacher Pay

The Board of Education approved increased base pay, a more flexible leave policy, and additional parent leave benefits for teachers. 17-18

18-19

19-20

20-21

21-22

To receive Board of Education updates via email, subscribe today at jordandistrict.org/board/update Page 12 | April 2022

West Jordan City Journal

Board of Education Update - Spring 2022 The Supercast

Enjoy following Superintendent Anthony Godfrey as he travels throughout the District telling amazing stories of students, teachers and staff on his podcast the “Supercast.” Subscribe today @ supercast.jordandistrict.org

Jordan Virtual Learning Academy

The Board of Education authorized the District to open the first of its kind K-12 Jordan Virtual Learning Academy. The online schools put students on a path to personalized learning with weekly in-person options. The schools are tuition free and open to any K-12 student in Utah. Find out more at virtual.jordandistrict.org

Majestic Elementary Arts Academy

The Board of Education authorized Majestic Elementary Arts Academy in West Jordan to offer all K-6 students a new choice in education beginning in the 2021-22 school year. The school focuses on Instrumental Music and Visual Arts as part of students’ daily classroom instruction. Find out more at majestic.jordandistrict.org

Partnership with Special Olympics Utah to Offer Unified Sports in Schools

The Unified Sports program brings students with and without special needs together on the playing field, using sports as a catalyst for social inclusion.

For the latest news & information please visit us at jordandistrict.org or find us on WestJordanJournal .com

April 2022 | Page 13

New 55+ Community Now Building in South Jordan Just south of Salt Lake Community College, Utah’s leading builder of active adult communities has begun construction of their newest development. Leisure Villas, known for their lifestyle-oriented neighborhoods, has broken ground on what is promising to be one of their more premiere locations.

55+ Community offers better living for retirees While nobody likes to see another open field disappear to housing, it is nice to see that it will be constructed by a builder who has a strong reputation for not only building quality homes, but homes and communities that are attractive and fun. Hearthstone Villas, located at 9550 S. 3400 W. has just opened its first building for sale. While supply and labor shortages threaten to slow construction, the builder is committed to doing all in their power to open four new homes for sale each month. This long-anticipated community will soon have its community clubhouse under construction also, with its accompanying amenities, like a pool, theater, exercise room, billiards, library, community gathering areas. This community is also planning on installing two pickleball courts and some horseshoe pits in the next phase of construction. Needless to say, there will be plenty to do, and great people to do it with. If you would like more information about this new community, you can speak with a representative by visiting the sales office on site, or by calling: 801-653-1291.

Page 14 | April 2022

How cities finalize redistricting

By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

very 10 years the United States does a census, counting the number of people in the country and where they live. Changes in how many people live in a single area will change how effective a resident’s vote is. After every census voting area lines are redrawn. Each city is divided into districts and each district votes for a representative. West Jordan GIS Administrator Clint Hutchings explained to the West Jordan City Council what qualifies as a balanced division between districts. “Independent redistricting commission statute requires state legislative districts to have a total population deviation of less than 10%,” Hutchings said. This means that the difference between population numbers cannot be greater than 10%. Many current boundaries are now outside that guideline and must be redrawn. Ideally, the boundaries are drawn as straight as possible, without small portions pushing into or out of an area. It is also preferable to have lines drawn along landmarks or major highways. Lines cannot be drawn based on racial or political characteristics. There are many places in the Salt Lake Valley that are growing rapidly and are project-

New voting lines will be drawn for many cities in the Salt Lake Valley. (Erin Dixon/City Journals)

ed to continue growing for the next 10 years before the 2030 census. However, the lines must be drawn based on current numbers, not the number that may be living in that area. City staff typically spearheads the new drawings, but the city council has the final vote. Some cities will also ask for public comment through open houses or during public meetings. “The city council has the authority to change district lines,” Midvale City Communications Director Laura Magness said. Lines must be finalized by May 19, 2022. The boundaries take effect during the next election for district seats, current councilmembers will stay the same. l

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West Jordan City Journal

G O OD NE IG HBOR

NEWS

APRIL 2022

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E How are you preparing for spring? Now is a good time to get our yards back to a clean, useable condition to enjoy this summer. Would you believe having a beautiful yard doesn’t require that much water?

Garbage Day is Changing for SOME Residents West Jordan has experienced rapid growth over the last several years, causing uneven garbage pick-up distribution days. Pick-up day is shifting for some neighborhoods to help even out the number of dumpsters picked up every weekday. If you live in an HOA, your garbage may be managed by a private provider, please check with your HOA board to find out if your garbage day is changing. This goes into effect on May 2, 2022.

WHY CONSERVE WATER? We just experienced the 9th driest February in over the past 128 years. While the Division of Natural Resources downgraded the state from exceptional drought to extreme drought status – we’re still far below the snowpack needed to refill our reservoirs. Because we conserved water so well last year, we did not have to mandate restrictions. We can do that again this year by paying attention to our watering procedures. HOW THE CITY IS CONSERVING WATER: Once again, West Jordan is prioritizing wise water use this Spring, Summer, and Fall. Last year, the city passed a new landscaping ordinance that encourages the use of water-wise landscapes, smart meters, and no longer requires grass in park strips. The city is also teaming up with Jordan Valley Conservation Garden Park who offers classes and rebates to residents. OTHER WAYS YOU CAN SAVE WATER AND MONEY: • Wait to water – wait to begin landscape watering until temperatures reach the mid-70s for several consecutive days.

You can view a larger image of the map above, and find more information on the change, on our website: westjordan.utah.gov/garbage-day.

• Fix leaks – leaky pipes and fixtures waste water and money. • Get a rebate – there are plenty of offers and rebates for residents to take advantage of to conserve and save money from flipping your strip to replacing old toilets. Learn more at UtahWaterSavers.com Making efforts today saves water for tomorrow. I look forward to seeing you all outside! Sincerely,

Mayor Dirk Burton

WestJordanJournal .com

April 2022 | Page 15

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

The Great Utah Shakeout — Drop, Cover, Hold On Have you ever thought about what you would do during an earthquake here in the Salt Lake valley? Where your safe place would be? Each year the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Management invites Utahans to participate in The Great Utah Shakeout. This year’s event is Thursday, April 21, at 10:15 am. Last year, more than 1,000,000 Utahns participated. Just what is the shakeout? It is an opportunity for individuals, families, and organizations that they work for, or belong to, to practice how they would protect themselves when an earthquake happens along the Wasatch front, or as we learned in 2020, anywhere in the Salt Lake Valley. So what can people do?

TELL US ABOUT LIFE IN WEST JORDAN Utah State Unviersity’s Utah Wellbeing Project has partnered with many cities and towns throughout Utah to conduct a public wellbeing survey. West Jordan City encourages you to take 10 minutes to provide your feedback. You must be age 18+. Disponible en Español. Please share with others in your household and the West Jordan City community. For more information you can contact Dr. Flint at courtney.flint@usu.edu TAKE THE SURVEY: West Jordan’s link is: https://tinyurl.com/WestJordan2022

WHEN INDOORS, YOU CAN DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON: • First, DROP to the floor • Next, take COVER under a sturdy desk or table • Then, HOLD ON until the shaking stops It is important for your safety to stay indoors until the shaking stops. Stay under cover until you are sure it is safe to come out. If you are outside when the earthquake occurs, find a clear area away from buildings, power lines, streetlights, and trees, then, just like inside, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Remain there until there is no more shaking. If you are driving, stop at a clear area, stay there until the shaking stops, with your seatbelt fastened. Once the shaking stops, continue on you your way, but use caution and avoid any damaged infrastructure. During an earthquake, injuries are rarely caused by the ground shaking. Most injuries and deaths related to earthquakes are the result of walls and roofs collapsing, and flying debris such as glass and other objects. For more information on being safe during an earthquake, go to The Great Utah Shakeout at www.shakeout.org/utah/dropcoverholdon/ or call Jeff Mulcahy, City of West Jordan Emergency Manager, 801-834-8502 or jeff.mulcahy@westjordan.utah.gov.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Tips for Avoiding Social Media Scams and Fraud The FTC recently reported that they’ve seen a huge spike in people losing money from social media scams in recent years, and the citizens of West Jordan are not exempt from these scams. Data from 2021 suggests that 95,000 people—more than twice the number in 2020—reported losing money to social media fraud in 2021 with scammers and fraudsters profiting a total of $770 million. Most of the reports involved someone who ordered a product from social media that never arrived.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO A SCAM: • The FTC says many scammers can use the same tools as advertisers on social media platforms to target their victims. One way consumers can avoid this is by opting out of targeted ads. • Social media users should also consider changing their privacy settings to limit who can see their information. Scammers rely on any information users share, so they can be more convincing. • Social media users should also consider how a seller is asking them to pay. Never agree to pay for an item, or even make a deposit, before receiving the item. This is one of the easiest ways to get scammed. A scammer may ask you to place a deposit or advance payment to secure the item. Odds are, you will never receive the item, and the scammer will disappear with your money. • Scam artists will often try to get you to pay in advance by money order, gift card, cash, or wire transfer. Avoid these methods of payment because if the seller runs off with your money, you won’t have any way to trace it or get it back. Pay with a credit card if you’re ordering the item online. If purchasing it from a local seller, pay for it at the time you pick it up. • Exchanging the money and the item at the same time, preferably in a well-lit, public location is always best. When meeting a seller in person, bring another person with you as an added precaution. West Jordan City offers a safe, monitored “Exchange Zone” located on the west side of the police department, just south of the main entrance where transactions may be made any time. • Criminal prosecution is very difficult with regards to scams. They will normally end up as a civil problem, but police department investigators would still like to hear about the incident. If you are a victim or think you may be a victim of a scam, please call the police department at (801) 840-4000.

COUNCIL CORNER April showers may bring May flowers, but that doesn’t mean we can be careless about our water use this Spring and Summer. Did you know it takes approximately 3,000 gallons of water each time you water the average quarter-acre yard? This can add up quickly during a drought like the one Utah is currently facing. “A great resource to use to help decide how often you should be watering your yard is the ‘Weekly Lawn Watering Guide’ from the Utah Department of Natural Resources,” said Council Member Kelvin Green. “For now, it indicates that we should wait to water until the temperatures are in the mid-70s for several consecutive days. You can find this guide on the Department of Natural Resources website. We all need to reduce our usage this year by 5 percent.” To help ensure that everyone in the City can receive an appropriate amount of water during extreme droughts, the City Council is working with Public Works to

adopt an updated drought management plan. (The last plan was adopted in 2003.) These types of plans are important, as they create a framework for residents and their city to follow when water usage needs to be restricted. “Something that’s important to me within the new drought management plan is that residents receive adequate warnings before they are fined when any implemented water restrictions are violated,” said Council Member Melissa Worthen. “I also think once the plan is adopted, it will be essential to communicate what is expected of the residents and to keep residents updated as to whether restrictions are in place. We want to give residents a chance to conserve water and to follow the new structures.” The City Council will discuss the drought management plan in this month and will likely adopt a final plan by the end of spring, so be sure to look for this item on future City Council Meeting Agendas.

Kitten season is here — Tips from the West Jordan Animal Shelter -Don’t kit-nap: a kitten’s best chance of survival is with mom until they are at least 6 weeks old. Leave the kittens where they are. If the kittens are fat, clean, and quiet it means they are being taken care of. Tip: If you are unsure if mom is coming back, leave a ring of flour around the kittens. Check in a few hours to see if mom’s footprints are in the flour. If there are footprints, the mom is taking care of her kittens. If you would like to help, West Jordan offers the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program through the animal shelter. West Jordan residents may get a humane cat trap at the West Jordan Animal Shelter to trap community cats. Unsure if you should intervene? Call the West Jordan Animal Shelter at 801-282-3951.

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APR I L

GREEN WASTE PROGRAM BEGINS

PLANNING COMMISSION

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

6 – 9 p.m.

7 – 10:30 p.m.

on regular garbage day through November

APR I L

For more information: westjordan.utah.gov/calendar

EASTER EGG HUNT Utah Youth Soccer Complex 7965 South 4000 West 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

APR I L

PLANNING COMMISSION

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

BABYSITTING CLASS

View the agenda at westjordan.utah.gov or watch at: bit.ly/WestJordan

6 – 9 p.m.

7 – 10:30 p.m.

To register, visit Westjordan.utah.gov/fire 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

APR I L

CPR CLASS To register visit Westjordan.utah.gov/fire 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 Join the conversation! (801) 569-5100 West Jordan – City Hall www.wjordan.com

West Jordan Police Dept. 8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 801-840-4000 Dispatch

NOW HIRING – Crossing Guards The West Jordan Police Department is looking for two permanent crossing guards for Jim Bridger Elementary School in the Oquirrh Shadows neighborhood. This would be an afternoon shift from 2:55 - 3:35 PM Monday through Thursday, and 12:50 - 1:30 PM on Fridays. The pay is $15 a shift. A high school diploma or GED is required. We are looking for community members that have a strong desire to help children get to and from school safely. Applicants can apply through the West Jordan City Website – westjordan.utah.gov.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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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.c@thecityjournals.com

tree isn’t just a tree. For many homeowners, a tree is almost part of the family. That’s why you shouldn’t trust your tree care to anyone but the best. Diamond Tree Experts has decades of experience in tree trimming, pruning, stump removal, and a recent acquisition of Hidden Oak Tree Care expands that experience into plant health care. “I grew up in this business, and have been doing it my whole life,” says Diamond Tree Experts’ President Trent VanDam. “My dad was the original owner. The company has been around for 54 years, and I’ve been here for 28 of those years.” Spring is a time to take inventory of the trees in your yard to see if they need trimming for the upcoming season. Fast-growing trees, like Chinese elms or willows, should be trimmed every three years, while slower-growing trees, like maples and oaks, just need an evaluation every 15 years. “The more you can leave them natural, the better they’ll be,” Trent says. Some homeowners like to plant trees in the spring, and that’s fine as long as the temperatures are cool, but for best results and tree health, waiting until fall will usually produce the best chance for a tree to establish its roots. As trees start to bud and bloom, healthy color in the bark and bud is a good indication the tree is healthy. Ensuring trees are proportionate, well-maintained and have room to grow will keep them in your yard for many years. One mistake that’s common in Utah is overwatering trees. People see curled or yellow leaves and panic, thinking they need to water more but it actually drowns the tree. “I tell them to dig down into the soil four inches.

If it’s moist, the tree is getting enough water,” Trent says. One way to help your trees stay moist is with mulch, and spring is a perfect time to add mulch to your yard. Mulch improves soil moisture and prevents soil from drying out too quickly. Customers might not know that Diamond Tree has a vibrant green waste-to-mulch program. All tree branches, stumps and trunks are converted into mulch; they have colored mulch in red, dark brown, chocolate brown, black to just a natural color for

decorating your yard. They also have a fine mulch product that’s good for gardens to break up the soil. They will have an organic mulch or soil product to fit any of your needs. Diamond Tree also excels in tree trimming and removal, so if you have a dead or damaged tree, they can grind the stump and roots so another tree can be planted in the same location. If you have damaged branches, they can come and remove those for you and trim your tree for optimal growth and health. Damage to trees and shrubbery can come from pests, diseases, or pollution, but the experts at Diamond Tree can identify the problem and create solutions for long-term health. The company provides soil testing, tree spraying and deep-root injections to promote viability. “We’ll come out and take a look at it and let you know what’s going on with your tree,” says Diamond Tree CFO Elvin Serrano. “If anyone ever calls for tree work, we always send an estimator to provide a free expert evaluation of the tree and estimate for any work needed.” That personal service is one reason Diamond Tree Experts is a leader in the industry. Building long lasting relationships is a big factor in the success of the company. Hiring professionals who are hardworking and trustworthy is a must for Diamond Tree and has helped establish its legacy of excellent customer service. “When I’m taking care of customers, I’m making sure I’m treating everybody’s yard like it’s my own backyard,” Trent says. For more information or to have an expert check out your trees, call 801-938-4345 or visit DiamondTreeExperts.com.

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April 2022 | Page 19

Principal boosts morale with wacky antics By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

hings have been pretty wacky in local elementary schools for the past few months. In February, teachers and students dressed up as 100 year olds to celebrate the 100th day of school. They wore tutus, turtlenecks, ties and tiaras to celebrate Tuesday 2-22-22. There were silly socks and crazy hairstyles for Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2. And now it is April Fool’s Day and everyone is waiting to see what Columbia Elementary Principal Abe Yospe, the wackiest of them all, will do. “We always say he's the biggest kid here at school,” front office secretary Holly Infante said. Yospe is a fun-loving administrator who loves to joke around with both students and staff to build relationships. He loves to dress up in various costumes including the Grinch, Obi Wan Kenobi, a leprechaun and a pink rabbit. Last April Fool’s Day, he held a “flood drill.” He and the office staff wore life preservers and encouraged students to roll up their pant legs so they wouldn’t get wet. “We had them go out of the building doing the backstroke or the front stroke, pretending they were swimming,” Yospe said. “It was pretty funny.” Kindergarten teacher Megan Mattson said the students adore Yospe. “I think his fun attitude makes him seem more accessible and less intimidating to students,” she said. “Mr. Yospe spends a lot of time building relationships with the students and it clearly shows.” One of Yospe’s running gags is that he insists there are animals living in the school basement. This year, there are camels. He posts “Beware of camels” signs and often refers to them during morning announcements. “He'll just pick on a random teacher that day and say she has camel duties and really it's nothing, it's just a joke,” Infante said. Other years there were pigs and then goats living in the basement. That year, Yospe arranged for a goat yoga session for his staff and surprised students by bringing the goats “out of the basement” for a visit at the end of the year. Yospe admits it might be harder to bring the camels “out of the basement” this year but it's a tradition that he feels helps improve morale. “We try to keep things light in hard years like this,” Yospe said. His idea of “keeping things light” involves playing jokes on staff members.

Humor is the way Yospe bonds with his colleagues, as Mattson found out during her first few days at Columbia Elementary. “We had some materials shipped in these giant boxes that had found their resting place near the front office,” Mattson said. “Mr. Yospe hid in these giant boxes and proceeded to call each and every teacher to the office. And as we walked by... boom! He definitely jump-started a couple hearts—one of my favorite memories to this day. As a new teacher, you feel like you don't know anybody and he instantly makes people feel welcomed, loved, and part of the family.” Yospe has also made a game of hiding a creepy ventriloquist doll in random places around the school. Whoever finds it gets a shock, laughs about it and then hides it for the next victim. “Stuff like that is fun and it keeps things light,” Yospe said. “Teachers are super overwhelmed and so anything we can do...” Yospe also makes professional development days fun for teachers, such as the goat yoga session he arranged three years ago. This year, he invited a professional bingo caller to one of their meetings and turned another into a group paint night. “I feel like anything we can do to get the teachers through this year and bonded together—it's important because they definitely are feeling it this year,” Yospe said. The staff members are good-natured about Yospe’s jokes, especially when they can turn the jokes on him in return. “I have never found the ventriloquist doll in my own classroom, but I will admit that I have hidden some old (and haunted looking) porcelain dolls in his office,” Mattson said. Mattson is used to Yospe’s tricks. He often pretends to eat Play-Doh whenever he visits the kindergarten classroom. One day, to the delight of the students, he ate an entire can of Play-Doh, which he’d secretly filled with blue cookie dough. When Mattson overcame her shock and realized what he’d done, she formed a plan to get back at him. “I ended up writing a note home to his wife (just like we write notes home to parents sometimes) encouraging better behavior,” she said. “It was a big hit with his wife. We pinned it to his shirt and everything to make sure it found its way home.”

A man of many costumes, Principal Abe Yospe keeps the students and staff of Columbia Elementary entertained. (Photo courtesy of Abe Yospe)

In August, a sign, which appeared to be signed by Yospe, was posted on the sixth grade doors stating, “I hereby allow sixth grade teachers to do what they want, when they want!” The “liberated” teachers had a giggle as Yospe insisted he did not approve the sign. Mattson said these light-hearted gags help ease the stress of challenging days and make teachers and students look forward to coming to school every day. “COVID has hit morale worldwide, but Mr. Yospe's humor makes the school environment light, cheerful, and truly pleasant,” she said. “We can always count on a joyous face greeting us or saying hello in the halls. There is something special about Columbia and I truly believe that Mr. Yospe is at the center of this. He has created an environment that is so unique.” l

Google Fiber coming to West Jordan By Erin Dixon | e.dixon@mycityjournals.com

f all goes according to plan, the first Google Fiber internet customer in West Jordan will connect early 2023. Residents will be able to sign up as lines are installed; construction is due to begin the second half of 2022. Residents will pay for the access. “Google fiber will pay a license fee of 2% of revenues to the city of West Jordan for the use of the rights of way [roads],” Chief Administrative Officer Korban Lee said. “This is an agreement for 15 years, assuming everything goes well. “ The desire for Google Fiber is not new. “We have actually been investigating this for over a decade,” Councilmember Chris McConnehey said.

Page 20 | April 2022

The city is not responsible for any of the construction costs. Every time Google wants to dig into a street, it must get a permit from the city. “They will always have to let us know— any time you are cutting into a road that goes to the engineering department,” Communications Director Tauni Barker said.l

Crews from Google will begin installing fiber lines by fall 2022. (Pixabay)

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Senior Max Gutierrez (10) will be a cornerstone of the Copper Hills midfield according to his head coach, Sean Terry. (Greg James/City Journals)

Grizzlies a team to be reckoned with this year By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

he Copper Hills boys soccer team began its season playing the top-ranked and defending state champions. Even with the loss, coaches and players think they are prepared for a successful season. “We are a young team, and playing probably the best team in the state was a challenge,” Grizzlies head coach Sean Terry said. “It is not a mistake they are ranked No. 1 and have not lost in nearly 30 games. We have some things to learn, and this is exactly why I wanted this game.” The Grizzlies traveled to North Ogden to take on Weber High School in its third game of the season. Weber sits at the base of Ben Lomond Mountain with fantastic views of the Ogden Valley, but the team was there for other reasons. The first half was back and forth, but Weber was clearly dominant. Their physical and fast pace wore on Copper Hills. Early in the second half the Warriors found the back of the net with not one but two goals. Copper Hills tried to post a counterattack, but the Warriors defense choked off any attempt they could muster. “This game was very important,” Terry said. “I wanted to see where we stood. We have a lot of sophomores and juniors and even some freshman that have not played in a varsity game. Now that we have seen this level, we can make some adjustments and settle down.” Copper Hills did capture wins in its first two matches of the season. It defeated Hunter 4-3 and Cyprus 1-0. “Those were both games we should win,” Terry said. “Now we can work through some training and learn to trust each other. We have to learn not to panic. We wanted to play fast, but we need the kids to slow the

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game down.” The Grizzlies will rely on a strong midfield and defensive front. Their goalkeepers have little experience, and Terry hopes the defenders can limit their exposure. “We are stacked in the back. I feel like we can build from there,” Terry said. “I have 15 kids that I feel will be impactful.” Junior forward and striker Ben Kump already has one goal on the season and expects more of himself. “I feel like my confidence can be better and I am trying to get a little bit better on the field,” he said. “I definitely want more goals than last season for sure. I feel like I want more from myself. I feel great about our team. I think this is the best team we have had since we went to the championship game. We have the potential to go all the way.” Senior midfielder Max Gutierrez will be an anchor on defense, and Terry thinks newcomer Sean Latourette will have an impact this season. “He (Latourette) came from the RSL academy,” Terry said. “He is a sophomore and will be really good. I love these kids. They are super-hard workers and come to practice and games with the right attitude.” This is Terry’s second season as head coach and seventh with the team. He served as an assistant coach before taking the head position. Last season, the Grizzlies finished 108, third in Region 3. They defeated Kearns in the first round of the playoffs but lost to Bingham in a shootout in the second. In 2019, they lost to Weber 1-0 in the Class 6A state championship game. l

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aseball in downtown West Jordan had taken a hiatus, but the Jaguars are helping it make a comeback on the field with shovels and with their gloves. West Jordan Pony League merged with WJCH Baseball in 2019, and baseball games at Veterans Memorial Park disappeared. WJCH plays most of its games at Ron Wood Park and did not need the extra fields on the eastside of West Jordan. This season they are back, and the Jaguars are helping get the games going. “We have collaborated with Smith and Edwards to get out and help,” Jaguars head baseball coach Josh Wright said. “The little league is using these fields, and we need to get out and make them safe and usable.” WJCH baseball is expanding and will be using Veterans Memorial Park this season. “Ron Wood Park is out by Copper Hills, and we want community members to remember we are part of the community too,” Wright said. “The grass [at Veterans Memorial] is overgrown, and there is trash around so we will get out and weed-wack and clean things up.” A service project held March 26, organized by West Jordan senior Logan Jensen and his father, Mike, helped cut down weeds and clean up the fields. “There are two high schools in this city and this project will help kids stay and play here,” Wright said. The Jaguars started their 2022 campaign with four wins and three losses. They played four games at the Crimson Cliffs tournament in St. George March 18–19, winning three of the four. “We have had some ups and downs, but as of late we are coming together,” Wright

said. “We are an older team and have some experience. I think we are still trying to figure some things out. I am excited for the long haul, and I think we are going to have a really great season.” The Jaguars home field was plagued with a grass issue last season. After leveling the playing field, the new grass never took hold, and they were forced to play the entire season on the road. “We won the region and played into the second round of the playoffs. We did it all while playing 26 road games. We got on a bus every time to go play a game.” West Jordan finished 18-8 last season, first place in Region 2. This year they have moved into Region 3 and could be contenders for a region title. The team is returning eight starters including the reigning Region 2 MVP Logan Jensen. “I could go on and on about the players on this team,” Wright said. “We have experience and even have a couple of younger players that are going to be pushing for some varsity time as we go along in the season.” Jensen hit .517 last season in 26 games. He led the team with 45 hits including three home runs. Senior DeAngelo Pavone is an impactful utility player for the Jaguars. “He (Pavone) is one of the best players I have seen in a long time,” Wright said. “We have so many players that will be impactful this season. The work the kids have put in is great. I think they have been putting the school on the map.” West Jordan is scheduled to host its first region contest April 5 against Riverton. It will close out the season against Copper Hills in May.l

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Kroeger donating unsold food to combat hunger By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

ero Hunger | Zero Waste is saving food to help families in need. Smith’s grocery store management donates unsold food to help families in the community. “A lot of people aren’t aware of what Smith's processes look like,” said Aubriana Martindale, division of corporate affairs manager. “We have very strict operation guidelines. Smiths is certainly the business of food. We know that meals have the power of bringing people together. It's what we do at the end of the day, we gather at the table and enjoy a meal. There are studies showing that children who have meals at the end of the day, do better in all aspects of their life; they have better attendance and get better grades, etc.” Zero Hunger’s Mission Statement is: “We are on a mission to help communities free of hunger and waste.” “There is a fundamental absurdity in our food system; 35% of the food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, yet an estimated 42 million Americans struggle with hunger,” Martindale said. “We can help. Kroger’s Zero Hunger l Zero Waste social and environmental impact or commitment is to help create a more efficient and equitable food and charitable food system.” Martindale discussed more of why this program is so important. “One in seven Utah children don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” she said. “When we think of hunger, we don’t necessarily think of it right in our neighborhoods. Hunger is hard to identify; it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender or race. What commonly happens when families are food insecure and money is tight, they will spend their funds to cover the cost of the mortgage, cover the cost of their car to get to their job or from place to place. The last item they will check off is food. They will utilize food-assistance programs.” Martindale said officials at Smith’s understand the need to help out. “When Smith’s heard that one in seven Utah children don't know where their next meal is coming from, Smith’s felt they had an obligation to address the need of seeing that Utah children are fed,” Martindale said. “They show up to school with a hungry stomach, and they can’t concentrate on their education. That doesn’t set them up for success.” In delving into the reasons for hunger, Smith’s management found that 40% of food produced in the U.S. goes wasted. “How to get more of the food in homes, versus it goes to the landfill,” Martindale said. Smith’s management stepped up to the operation of Zero Hunger Zero Waste to address the hunger problem. By 2025 the Smith's goal is to eliminate the waste program and help end hunger.

Shoppers hold their standards to highfresh products. Smith’s holds itself to high standards with fresh products. Associates rotate the produce every day. Smith’s has a red bag program and put blemished items to be marked down the same day and sold. If it is not sold the same day when it was put in the red bag, then food is donated to the food bank. The food bank will turn the food over to a family the same day or the next day. There is an unrealistic perspective of food. “We think food needs to look perfect to be human consumable; that is not the case,” Martindale said. “We know that if an apple has a blemish we can easily peel off the skin, the apple is still nourishing and good for a child, especially if the child has not had an apple all week long. Both perishable and non-perishable goes through different processes. Any food that is no longer sellable but is still human consumable is donated to the food bank. The food bank gets it out to the community.” The food bank has different programs and pairs with partnering pantries. Clients pick up the food and it gets distributed to the schools. When the “Good Samaritan Act” came out, food bank officials could see that hunSALT LAKE VALLEY JOURNALS 7.73x5.49.eps

ger was a big issue. Organizations wanting to help with solving hunger were donating food in good faith. Zero Hunger, Zero Waste donates everything it can. The food bank evaluates all the food before it gets sent out to its clients. The food bank is part of Feeding America; they conduct audits and lets everyone know there are required regulations. The food bank has a list of items that says how far the items can be used and how far the items can go past the dates listed on the product. Smith’s only goes by the “sell by dates” when rotating the items on the shelves. When products go past the sell by date, they are pulled from the shelf and are sent to their reclaim process then donated to the food bank. The food bank makes sure they evaluate all products before they get into anybody's hands. “In our homes, we need to consider how much quantity of food we need,” Martindale said. “Do we cook in excess, and are we throwing things out that could be donated? Are we composting? Food waste releases one of the worst gasses, it is methane gas. However, we can recycle food that is the best option rather than hitting the landfill.” There is an anaerobic-digester located in North Salt Lake. Any food that is no longer human consumable that can’t be do10/6/2014

2:38:03 PM

Zero Hunger Zero Waste is a program by Kroger to help communities be free of hunger and waste. (Linda Steele/City Journals)

nated. Smith’s officials still want to divert as much waste from hitting the landfill as possible. Any food that can’t be donated to the food bank, Smith’s will donate to the anaerobic-digester. The anaerobic-digester is a process that microorganisms break down biodegradable material that doesn’t have any oxygen. The process is used for industrial and domestic purposes. To find out more information on Zero Hunger l Zero Waste and how to do in-store recycling and mail-in recycling, go to www. kroger.com/f/zero-hunger-zero-waste. l

CMY

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April 2022 | Page 25

Supporting small businesses is good for the economy By Robert Spendlove | Zions Bank Senior Economist

recently visited Weller Book Works in Salt Lake City. The 93-year-old independent bookstore is among the treasured small businesses in Utah that give our neighborhoods their distinctive flavor and create a feeling of community. Small businesses like Weller Book Works not only have an important place in our hearts, but they also play a vital role in our economy. In Utah, 99% of companies are considered small businesses and they employ 45% of state’s workforce. Nationally, small businesses have accounted for two-thirds of net new job creation since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. They also keep money close to home. If you spend $100 at a local small business, roughly $67 stays in your community. Small businesses have been a key driver of Utah’s economic rebound from the pandemic, though they still face enormous challenges. With inflation now at a 40-year high, one in four small business owners report that inflation is their biggest concern, according

Page 26 | April 2022

to the March NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Much of this inflation is caused by struggles in the supply chain, and 92% of small businesses say they have been impacted by supply chain disruptions. Small businesses also continue to grapple with labor shortages. Almost half of business owners could not fill job openings, the NFIB survey found. Given these pressures, it’s not surprising that 63% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook on business conditions nationally over the next 12 months, as measured by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Utah Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey found less pessimism toward business conditions in the Beehive State, where only 36% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook. There may be some relief ahead for small businesses. The Federal Reserve is taking aggressive action to control price increases. The Fed hiked the key short-term interest by a quarter point in March, marking its first rate increase in more than three years. Up to six additional rate hikes are expected this year, which could cause interest rates to increase by as much as two percent. Their hope is to deflate some of the bubbles that have formed because the overheating economy. Another positive sign for small businesses is Utah’s strong job market. All of Utah’s

10 major private-sector industry groups posted year-over-year job gains, according to Utah’s Department of Workforce Services. Utah’s annual total employment has increased by 4.2 %, adding 66,000 jobs over the past year. However, the Russian war with Ukraine is adding more uncertainty to the economy, just as it is turning the corner on the COVID pandemic. The war has pushed already high oil prices to new multi-year highs. The war is also disrupting the supply of wheat, which

will pressure food prices, and nickel, which is an essential ingredient in stainless steel and a component in lithium-iron batteries. This will add yet another element of uncertainty to the small business recovery. In the meantime, the best way to help ensure the survival of our favorite neighborhood small businesses is to support them as much as possible. Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.Al

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2 Keynote presenters: Junior high wrestlers Bruno Fonesca and Hatziry Dominguez are taught by the referee some of the important rules of the match. (Greg James/City Journals)

Junior high sports programs help build young athletes’ confidence By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com unior high and middle school students There are drawbacks to consider. compete in big games and they can Playing sports at a younger age can put mean the world to even the best athlete. undue pressure for the student to succeed. “The way junior high sports work de- A sports program for junior high students pends on the coach,” Bennion Junior High needs to strike the right balance between wrestling coach Mason James said. “It is a competition and recreation. way to allow kids to play different sports Granite School District sponsors its and even decide if they like it.” junior high sports programs as learning James has coached wrestling in the opportunities for its students. They offer Granite School District for 12 years. He basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross counstarted helping the junior high athletes try, wrestling and track and field. when he was still in high school. Ash Por“I think our program has been a sucter, a social studies teacher at Bennion, cess,” Granite School District Athletic Diasked him to help out when he was still in rector Chris Shipman said. “They seem to high school. enjoy it.” “I think they like coach James more Each sporting season begins with an than they do me,” Porter said. intramural school competition. Every stuPorter coached James when he was a dent that wishes to play can join the afstudent at Wasatch Junior High School. ter-school program. As the two-week tri“I love coach Ash and coach James,” al period ends the coaches select all-star seventh-grade wrestler Joaquin Ruiz said. teams to compete against other schools “They make it loads of fun.” from the district. “We have fun with this and the stuThe Jordan School District hosts an dents,” James said. “We have such a vari- in-school intramural program at most of ety of abilities on the team.” its schools. The availability of after-school A majority of student athletes in the programs has increased the past few years. Granite School District program have nevIf your junior high student chooses er experienced wrestling. The program to participate in athletics some things you gives them an introduction to the sport. could consider: emphasize academics, vol“That is one of the problems. We have unteer to help the team, let the coach do a few kids that have experience and are the coaching, give your child space, keep pretty good, but we also have newcomers it positive and focus on building characand kids that are just learning. If they get ter. Publicschoolreview.com lists these as paired up then one of them gets demol- important aspects of a positive sports exished. I am sure it is the same in basketball perience. or any other game,” James said. “It can develop skills and give them a Playing sports is a great way to build a chance to learn,” James said. “Interestingchild's confidence and dedication. Regular ly enough we only had two wrestlers go on exercise is important for children's health. to wrestle in high school. I don’t think beA recent study at the University of Kansas ing good in junior high necessarily means showed that students who participate in they will be a superstar.”l athletics have a 10% better GPA than those who don’t.

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Female golfers will mix business and fun at the Copper Rock Championships in April By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ormer Utah Senator Pat Jones understands not all business discussions happen in the office. Often, valuable deals are made on a golf course. When she realized many women aren’t usually involved in golf tournaments, she understood how often they are left out of important business decisions. As the CEO of the Women’s Leadership Insititute, Jones organized a women’s golf clinic and tournament where they could build relationships, learn the basics of game and golf etiquette, participate in a scramble, and put themselves in a better position for inclusion. “What I’ve learned, and I knew it intuitively, is that golf is the language of business,” Jones said. “That’s just how business has worked for so many years. It’s important for women to learn a sport that can help further their careers.” The program was so successful that the WLI entered into an exclusive three-year charity partnership with the LPGA Epson Tour at the Copper Rock Golf Course near Hurricane, Utah. The event is a week-long immersion for female leaders in Utah with the opportunity to play with top golfers and network with other professionals. This year’s Copper Rock Championship event will run from April 18-23 and feature 220 pro female golfers. Last year’s event was a success, although Jones admitted she was a little intimidated playing with pro golfers. She even took a few lessons. “I felt I had to play in the Pro-Am,” she said. “Since I was encouraging women, I felt I had to walk the talk. I can’t wait to go again this year. The pro golfers were so generous with their time and advice.” The event starts on Monday, with the WLI Pro-Am, fol-

lowed by a Meet the Pros Night on Tuesday. Wednesday is the ElevateHER Challenge Luncheon with keynote speaker Sharlene Wells Hawkes. The luncheon will be a time to recognize companies that have accepted the ElevateHER Challenge. Thursday through Saturday is the Copper Rock Championships where the women can cheer on their Pro-Am teammates as they vie for the title. “ElevateHER is a corporate challenge with six actions companies can take based on best practices that will elevate women in business,” Jones said. The program’s goal is to increase the number of women in leadership positions and the retention rate of female workers. Companies are asked to increase the number of women who serve on community and corporate boards, establish a women’s leadership development program, close wage gaps, and encourage women to run for public office. WLI started in 2015 to elevate female leaders in Utah. With the WLI Career Development Series, companies can sponsor female leaders, investing in their future. “It’s been hugely popular,” Jones said. “Companies who have accepted the challenge can send female leaders, mid to senior level. When women go back and teach their teams, it helps them be seen as the leader they are. It’s really magical.” WLI also offers a Political Development Series that coaches women who want to run for office. The program started seven years ago and more than 300 women have completed the course. Several women currently serving as mayors in Utah went through the program. “I couldn’t be happier with how this is shaping up,” Jones

The 2021 Copper Rock Championship was won by Bailey Tardy, who prevailed by three shots. The 2022 championships and WLI Pro-Am run Apr. 18-23 at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. (Photo courtesy of Copper Rock Championship)

said. “[Men] are our allies and advocates for women. There are some awesome men in our state. They are part of the solution.”l

Easter Egg Hunt coming April 16

Presenter

By Linda Steele | l.steele@mycityjournals.com

est Jordan’s Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 16 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the West Jordan Soccer Complex, 7965 S. 4000 West. The free hunt is for ages 2-15. The field is broken down into small age groups and abilities. The event features ADA activities for all ages and abilities. For children that find a golden egg will get a prize when the hunt is over. The event has happened since 2017. “It has always been a very successful and well-attended event. It is over in just seconds as all the children run on the filed grabbing as many eggs as they can,” said Marie Magers, senior digital communication specialist. “What sets our Easter event apart from others is that we have an all-abilities location,” Magers said. This specific location is in an area for children who may be in a wheelchair, or on the autism spectrum. The area is a covered pavilion where the eggs are placed in easy to find and reach areas that are quiet and less busy. Get to the event early to find your place on the field. Event durations are approximate. Check with the presenting organization or venue to confirm start times and duration.l

Page 28 | April 2022

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