Midvale December 2015

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Midvale Celebrates Veterans Day

By Rachel Hall

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Vol. 1 Iss. 6

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Page 2 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Midvale Celebrates Veterans Day

By Rachel Hall

H

onoring the men and women who have defended and protected the United States of America by serving in the military was the focus at the Veterans Day program held at the Midvale City Cemetery on Nov. 11.

“It’s very important that we have a day that we recognize the veterans, the peace keepers, the heroes, the fathers, the brothers, the sisters, all of those people who are willing to stand up and say, ‘We will represent America. We stand for freedom. We stand for peace. We stand for part-

“We ask for your blessing on all those who have served the country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded in body and soul in conflict around the globe,” Stott said. “May their calling to service continue in their life in positive ways.”

Seghini invited the veterans and their families, along with the audience, to attend a free pancake lunch immediately following the ceremony at the old senior center, and encouraged everyone to talk with one another and celebrate how thankful residents of the community should be for the services offered by the men and women in uniform.

“This is a day that is very important for all of us to recognize and to sincerely thank all of the families that watched and waited and all of the people who served – who did their duty for their country,” Seghini said.

Veteran Roger Robinson Roger Robinson grew up in a small town in Utah. His dad owned a small farm that provided the family of eight children the food that they needed, and his dad also worked in the coal mine while his mother was a homemaker.

“He took me into the coal mine one day, and that made up my mind that I didn’t want to go back,” Robinson said.

His family had several members who served in the military, and he was raised to be grateful for freedoms as well as to show respect for the flag, the country and fellow men. With this upbringing in mind, Robinson signed up for the selective service right out of high school. He then served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before returning home and checking back into the selective service.

“The lady at selective service says, ‘Roger, your name just went from the bottom of the list to the top, and within two months you’ll be receiving your draft notice.’ So I checked around different places, and I went to a recruiter and enlisted for three years to go and five years as an inactive,” Robinson said.

Within one month after returning home from his mission, Robinson was in California in basic training learning how to protect himself and to protect others for 10 weeks. Then, he went to

nerships that will allow all people to be stronger and to have a government or a society that gives people an opportunity to succeed,’” Midvale City Mayor JoAnn Seghini said.

Unified Fire Authority Honor Guard and Bagpipers helped to open the ceremony with the posting of the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a solo of the “Star Spangled Banner” performed by Andrew Walker. First, Deacon Stan Stott of St. Therese Catholic Church offered an opening prayer.

Colleen Costello speaks to the audience gathered at Midvale City Cemetery about her experiences working with veterans at the VA Hospital over the last 37 years.

Oklahoma for 12 weeks of specialized training before receiving his orders to go to Vietnam.

“I will never forget my mother’s face as she had to tell me goodbye,” he said.

Robinson knew there was a chance that he would never return as he was leaving, but thankfully he did. He spent one year in different parts of Vietnam where he learned it was very hot there and recalled the smells of the country being very different.

“The most shocking part was to see the wartorn country that was there. Otherwise, Vietnam is a beautiful place,” he said.

After returning from Vietnam, Robinson and his wife went to North Carolina. It was during this time that racial riots broke out in different parts of the country. Robinson was commanded to head to Baltimore, leaving his wife and baby behind, in order to search cars and try to keep the peace in the city. Soon after, he returned to his family and waited for his discharge. He contemplated what freedom meant after all of his service, and decided it was the power and right to act, think and speak as one feels about a subject as long as one acts appropriately while doing so.

“We, as fellow veterans, fought for freedoms, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We need to learn to love our fellow man and respect our flag and our country. The American flag stands for the United States of America and the struggles it has endured and the people that have fought for its freedom. There is so much more to appreciate than just a few stars and stripes. There is the blood and sweat and tears that have been shed for all our rights to be free and I say God bless America,” Robinson said.

Veteran David Rohde “I don’t normally do these things. There’s one thing veterans don’t like to do on a daily basis and that’s to stand here and talk about what we did, because to us what we did was very personal to us, our families and it’s a special feeling that we have -- that we did for our country. It’s something that we hold inside of us since day one when we entered service,” David Rohde said.

Rohde signed papers to join the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18, despite the

Midvale Veterans day continued on page 4

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Page 4 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

130 Years

OF TRUST

Midvale Veterans day continued From page 2 fact that other family members had served in other branches of service. When he returned home, he met and fell in love with his wife of 19 years. It wasn’t until 2003 that his unit was activated out of Salt Lake and was sent to Iraq.

“We were there for the invasion of Iraq, and then we turned around and did a unit deployment package out of Japan that same year,” Rohde said.

He left behind his pregnant wife and 3-year-old daughter when deployed, but knew his family appreciated his service and stood by his side every day that he was away.

“My oldest boy was born while I was deployed and I did not see him until I came

back, which was about a year later,” he said.

When Rohde returned to Utah, he was part of the reserve unit and worked for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s office. In 2007, he was activated again to go back to Iraq as a combat mission.

“I was tasked with another small group from the unit to actually be embedded and work daily with Iraqi police – to teach them the rule of law within their country, to teach them how to be policemen, to teach them how to patrol and how to run an administration within a police unit and how to run their logistics,” he said.

Rohde worked with Iraqi police every day from the time of his deployment in 2007 until April 2008 when he again returned to

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Midvale City Mayor JoAnn Seghini praised current, former and future military men and women for their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families, required to help defend the United States of America. .

his family. One year later, the company was activated again and told they were going to Afghanistan. This time it was to help the Afghan police stop drugs from entering and exiting the country.

“On March 3, 2010, while doing a combat reconnaissance patrol where the heroin was being produced out of, my vehicle with my fellow Marines was hit by a large IED which is an improvised explosive device. When I came to, I couldn’t move my leg. My hip was hurting. My back was hurting,” he said.

A great field of Marines stood by his side during this time and helped to safely remove the individuals from the vehicle that had been hit by the IED. “I am grateful for the Marines and for the two Navy Corpsman who saved my life; that helped me get medevacked out of Afghanistan,” he said.

For over two years, Rohde went through a limb salvage as doctors tried to save his leg. The daily pain and inability to walk for more than a day ultimately led to the need for a leg amputation.

“It is one thing to stand up for our freedoms, but it is also to stand up for another’s freedoms; even within the face of adversity, to do what is right,” Rohde said. “I’m grateful that I’ve had the chance to do that every time that I’ve been asked to do that.

I’m grateful for the American people and for their gratefulness that they’ve shown me when I returned home.”

Volunteer Colleen Costello She has never been in a war or had to fight, but Colleen Costello has taken care of veterans when they returned home for many years.

“For the past 37 years, I have been a volunteer with the Chaplin service up at the VA hospital and it’s given me a chance to really get to know what life is all about,” she said.

Costello’s dad was in the Navy and an uncle was in the Army. When Vietnam came, she watched many of her close friends and family go off to Vietnam – some never returned. Later in her life, her dad was asked if he would do volunteer work up at the VA hospital.

Little did she know that she would end up spending more than half of her life helping veterans and seeing the types of things that affected their minds and bodies.

Costello recalled being able to be with people in their time of need, especially when they underwent operations and were afraid.

Others told her their minds would never be the same.

“I think a lot of times people take for granted what the military do. They read about it, unless they have somebody in their family. You know some people don’t relate to this, but when I see my veterans, men and women, [and] the sacrifices that they have been through – what their families have been through – you start to realize what these brave men and women have gone through and what they continue to go through,” Costello said. l

M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 5 .

Residents Support Midvale Senior Center At Annual Spaghetti Dinner

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rainy evening couldn’t dampen spirits at the Midvale Advisory Committee’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. The dinner was held to support the Midvale Senior Center. The event was held on Oct. 29, and featured entertainment, door prizes, a raffle drawing and a silent auction.

The event offered community members a chance to get together and reminisce. Many in attendance were longtime residents of Midvale, who swapped stories about the city’s history over spaghetti, breadsticks, salad and cookies.

Pianist Richard Stevenson delighted the crowd with live music while people discussed everything from the Harvest Days festivals of past years to what they like about the center.

Maritza Suarez De Gonzales called the center a “great place that is open to all seniors,” and said she lives nearby and comes every day. “It is a beautiful place, and the people who work here are excellent.”

This was the first time that the dinner was held in the new center, which opened in July 2015. Many of those in attendance at the dinner have found the same sense of community in the new center that they did in the older, smaller building it replaced.

“I’ve been coming to the senior center

By Amanda Butler

There was an excellent turnout at this year’s Spaghetti Dinner. Photo by Amanda Butler for six years,” Beatriz LaCallo said. “I like the knitting group where I can be around other women.”

Blanca Guerrero agreed. “The center is a great place for me. I live close by and come every day to exercise.”

Julie Goldman, a Midvale city employee and fellow member of the knitting group, came to the dinner to show her support for the center.

“I’m glad they have such a wonderful senior center,” she said. “The people here are very friendly and welcoming.”

Door prizes included gift baskets, craft items and gift certificates for car washes. The raffle prize was a large basket of candy. Silent auction items included craft items and holiday gift baskets.

The event was a great success, with over

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100 tickets sold. All the proceeds from the evening directly benefitted the senior center.

The event was sponsored by the Midvale Mining Café, which provided the spaghetti and sauce; Golden Corral, which provided the salad; Atria, and Western Stairlifts.

The senior center is located at 7550 South Main Street in Midvale, and is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bus service is available for those who need a ride, and can be scheduled by calling 801-560-8201.

The senior center “offers a comprehensive range of programs to enlighten, educate and enrich the lives of adults age 60 and over.”

These programs include arts, crafts and choir, as well as health and physical activity classes. The center also has a workout room with a weight machine and several stationary exercise machines. The Copper Café, located inside the senior center, offers breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The café is open to the public and is operated by valley services.

The senior center is looking for volunteer instructors to teach classes at the center.

Those with a talent or skill they’d be interested in sharing can call 385-468-3350 and ask to speak with Ken Donarski or Amy Hackett. l

Page 6 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Midvale Suicide Prevention Coalition Resumes Meetings

By Amanda Butler The Midvale Suicide Prevention Coalition will again be holding meetings on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. beginning this month. The meetings are intended as a free support group for anyone who has been affected by suicide.

“In 2008, we started the Midvale Suicide Coalition. It was for families who were affected by suicide, because our police chief was very concerned. When he asked me to start the group, there had been 17 suicides from January till July.

I started checking around, and I found there were some grief groups, but those are not suicide specific, and that’s a horse of a different color,” Janet Moore, the chairperson of the coalition, said.

“I decided, what you can’t find, you create, so I started the group and we met from 2008 to 2012 at the Boys & Girls club, until I retired,” Moore said. “Then we moved to Valley Mental Health, until they sold the building. Since then I’ve been doing one-on-ones, meeting with families after there has been a suicide. But we need the group back. I had hundreds of families who went through our process, and we need an on-going group that people can come to for as long as they need.”

The support group meets at the Midvale Police Station in a redesigned room that has been furnished with items donated by Ashley Furniture. The space is also used as a soft interview room where victim advocates can meet with crime victims. “This room will get a lot of use,” Moore said.

“We have a lot of victims who do not feel comfortable talking about what happened to them. They don’t want to go to the hospital and they don’t want to go back home. So up until they get a little bit stable, we come over and sit down with them, and we needed a more comfortable environment for them,” Carmen Contreras, a victim advocate, said.

The police department provided the space, but Moore and Contreras still needed to find furnishings. They wanted to create a space where people would feel welcome. They were able to find about $300 in the budget, and began contacting furniture stores to find a good deal. After a disappointing experience at another retailer, Moore called Ashley Furniture in Draper and asked if they had a “scratch and dent” section, where they could find a sofa that was within their budget.

Though the store didn’t have such a section, Moore and Contreras decided to come in anyway, and were directed to Sales Manager June Haskell.

“When we got the call, they said ‘there are

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these ladies coming in, they’re from the police department, they’re looking for a room for victims,’ and my radar immediately went off,” Haskell said. “I’ve been the girl on the other end; I’ve been the wife on the other end of domestic violence.”

Haskell wanted to help, so she tried to provide the best possible discount, but most of the needed furnishings were still out of the price range. Haskell emailed management and was able to secure a donation of $3800 worth of furnishings.

“When we came back, we said, ‘this was divine intervention that took place,’ because we were sent to her,” Moore said.

Haskell was so motivated to help because her “first experience with the police department was being a victim and I had to go in a room, and I was just barely 12. When you’re that age and you’re a victim, you already feel like somehow you’ve done something wrong. So when you’re in a typical police interview room with a big table and a place for handcuffs, it makes you feel like you’re in a bad place and you’ve done something bad. It would have been great for me to be in a room that felt more like a home that is safe and comfortable.”

Haskell said to Moore and Contreras, “I never got the names or was able to thank the people that helped me, so thank you on behalf of those who didn’t get to.”

The furniture was delivered the week of Nov. 24, and the room is now available for those who need it. Haskell is glad that Ashley Furniture was able to “step up and help the community in a much needed way.”

The support group meetings are held at 7912 South Main Street in Midvale. The focus of the group is “to offer support to families surviving the loss of a family member or friend to suicide. Through education and support from group leaders, and by sharing with others experiencing grief, we hope participants will grow in the walk through grief.”

“You have to get people talking,” Moore said. “That’s what I do when I meet with families is convince them that it’s important to bring it up and talk about it. Don’t clam up.” At the meetings, Moore makes sure that everyone has a chance to participate and said she is “amazed by how family-like the group becomes.”

For more information about the support group, please contact Janet Moore at 801-6805902, or midvalesuicidecoalition@yahoo.com.

To volunteer as a victim advocate, please contact Carmen Contreras at 385-468-9365.

M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 7 .

Preparations Have Been Made to Help Keep Wintry Roads Safe

W

By Rachel Hall of their speed while traveling on any Utah areas that blend in with the road, and drivers roads during wintry conditions. don’t know until they have hit it and it’s too “No matter what the speed limit says, if late. That’s why drivers want to take those you are traveling on the urban interstate here in preparations beforehand and slow down, drive the Salt Lake County area, there is 70 mph, but for the conditions and have plenty of room to that’s only when it’s optimal conditions. When break according to Gleason. it’s snowing, and even raining, you always “The biggest thing that we would ask peowant to drive for the weather conditions. Slow ple to do is to check your UDOT traffic app.

That will give you all of the road conditions,

inter storms have already entered the “We are out there 24/7. We are always local area and that is why Utah Departprepared so that if a storm hits in the middle ment of Transportation (UDOT) showcased of the day or middle of the night, we have their equipment fleet in November – providdrivers staffed. We actually rely quite heaviing an opportunity for individuals to see the ly on our weather center. They predict when latest snow removal equipment that will be and where the storm is going to hit, so they can used throughout the winter season to help keep tell us what hour we need to have our crews Utah’s roads safe and plowed. ready to go. So if we have a major storm com“It’s something we do every year to just ing through, we will send our men and womlet people know that we are en home to rest beforehand. We ready for the winter season, will get the preparations in place and to tell people what they and we will be ready to go, and need to do as well to make then we will hit it continuously sure it is a safe season on until we are seeing black paveour roads,” John Gleason, ment,” Gleason said.

UDOT public information Motorists who find themofficer, said. selves in trouble on the roadway It is not uncommon due to poor weather conditions for motorists to be taken by are in a vulnerable position and surprise during the first few that’s why Gleason suggests snow storms of the season, people drive their cars out of the since many people have not situation and get off the freeway been driving in snowy conat the next exit – even for minor ditions for several months. fender bender accidents.

The first storms are a good “If you’ve hit a patch of ice reminder of what lay on the and you’ve slid off road, there’s horizon with Mother Nature a good chance that somebody and that Utah can expect to else is going to hit that same see significant snow fall each patch of ice and slide right into year, according to Gleason. you. You’re really vulnerable if “Typically, we plan you are staying in place there,” on about 20 - 25 statewide he said. “We’ve had so many snowstorms every year. Our crashes that turn out fatal and budget is usually around $20 they were just minor fender - $23 million every year, and benders because people get out usually we anticipate each of their vehicles. It’s the natural storm is going to be about reaction if you’re in a crash.” a million dollars to handle,” Sometimes a car cannot be Gleason said. driven out of the situation that it Commuters should also A snow plow is hooked up with a “tow plow” to show the efficiencies of the UDOT snow removal team. An additional blade is attached to the side of the is in, and that is when motorists use the start of the winter plow, but is also able to spread brine or salt on the surface, depending on conditions. Photo credit Nick Newman/Utah Department of Transportation should call for help and stay inseason to prepare for potenside their vehicles. tially dangerous road condi“If you can’t drive your car tions. down, give yourself plenty of room between and let you know when we are doing avalanche out of the situation, get off as far over as you “You want to check your tires, your wiper yourself and the vehicle in front of you, so control as well,” he said. can. Do whatever you can to get off the freeblades, make sure that you have enough fluids that you give yourself enough room to break,” On occasion, UDOT closes down the can- way, but stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt in your vehicle – that you’re carrying water Gleason said. yons and creates manmade avalanches targeted fastened,” Gleason said. and nonperishable food if you do happen to get Conditions may appear normal, but be- at spots that could become trouble, so that an For more information about road condistuck in a storm,” Gleason said. cause temperatures are so cold and there is a avalanche doesn’t come down on people later tions and the UDOT app, visit www.udot.utah. l Most importantly, drivers should be aware lot of precipitation, there could be some icy in the day. gov

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Page 8 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Mac Warehouse

Have you ever wanted something very much, but knew you couldn’t have it because of the price? Sometimes we just don’t have enough cash to spare. Other times, we have the money, but can’t justify spending so much on a single item. All of us have experienced that feeling at one time or another. Apple products come immediately to mind when presented with this scenario. They are definitely worth the money they cost, but sometimes we just don’t have it.

Mac Warehouse is a new store that is an answer to our budget-conscience, Apple-loving minds. Mac Warehouse is an Apple products re-furbisher and re-certifier. They bring in high quality, pre-owned Apple products into their facility in Sandy from all over the world.

A highly-experienced team of Apple-Certified technicians then puts each product through a meticulous recertification process to make sure they perform and function as intended. Once the products have passed this careful recertification, and are updated with the latest oper-

ating software from Apple, they go through a cosmetic restoration process to restore it to a condition that is as like-new as possible. Mac Warehouse calls the finished products Certified Preloved ®.

“There are not many companies that do what we do, and I don’t believe anyone does it as well,” Brett Kitson, CEO and president of Mac Warehouse, said. “We are constantly refining our processes to give our customers the Apple product experience that they deserve at price they can afford.”

For years, Mac Warehouse has only sold this product to Apple resellers and other retailers all over the nation. Now, with a new retail

store in Sandy, they are offering these products directly to consumers, at a huge savings—as much as 50 percent off normal Apple retail prices. Small businesses, schools and other organizations can benefit greatly, being able to update their office equipment or computer labs a couple of computers at a time, or even all at once, without breaking the bank.

Other related products, from Apple accessories to Beats Audio products, are also available at amazing prices.

This allows everyone, no matter their needs, to spread their budget further, getting more Apple for their money.

“Apple is one of the most innovative, high

quality and popular computer and consumer electronics products companies in history,” explained Brett. “Our goal at Mac Warehouse is for everyone to be able to afford the Apple technology they want.”

There are many reasons Mac Warehouse was recently ranked as the 55th fastest growing company in the US, and the 4th fastest growing company in Utah by Inc. Magazine.

Obviously, a superior product is one reason.

Another is their customer service. All products at Mac Warehouse come with a 90-day warranty, with extended warranties available. The store also has an Apple Certified technician on duty at most times, offering upgrade and repair services on all Apple computer products.

If you are in the market for a new, high-quality Apple product, check out Mac Warehouse’s new retail location at 9235 S Village Shop Drive in Sandy, in front of Lowes and Walmart in the Quarry Bend Shopping Center. But leave your guilty conscience at home. This is something to get excited about.

Roland Garcia Wins Prize In Herriman Dig Off

By Amanda Butler

M

idvale City employee Roland Garcia won a first prize in the 10th annual Herriman Dig Off, held at Butterfield Park in September.

The contest included a variety of games played by heavy equipment operators on backhoes.

The event provided a fun way for municipal employees from around the Wasatch Front to test their skills at operating heavy equipment and enjoy some friendly competition.

Garcia moved to Utah from Las Vegas just over a year ago, and has been an employee of Midvale City Public Works since December of 2014. He has worked as an equipment operator for several years, and currently operates a

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storm drain truck for the city.

This was his first year participating in the Dig Off, which he was invited to enter with three other Midvale City Public Works employees.

“I’ve been running equipment since 1997, and that was the first time I’ve ever done something like that,” Garcia said.

Along with Midvale, Herriman, Salt Lake City and Riverton, about 15 other cities joined in the fun. Garcia estimated that 100 to 150 people participated in the contest. The competition included games such as backhoe bowling, backhoe basketball, fishing, golf, soccer and other sports, as well as an obstacle course and digging a hole to specifications.

“It was fun,” Garcia said. “It was a good time. I was there all day. Everyone enjoyed the competition. There was a couple of guys who were real competitive, but it was really fun.”

Contest winners were awarded prizes. “I won a toy loader,” Garcia said. “It was more for fun. We had a good time.”

The Midvale City Public Works department publicly congratulated Garcia on his win with an announcement on the city’s Facebook page. Andrea Timmerman, an administrative assistant for the department, “We are very proud to have him as part of our Midvale Tea l m.”

M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 9 .

As I See It

Midvale City 7505 South Holden Street Midvale, UT 84047 Midvale City Directory City Hall 801-567-7200 Finance/Utilities 801-567-7202 Court 801-255-4234 City Attorney’s Office 801-567-7250 City Recorder/H.R.

801-567-7225

Community Development

801-567-7211

Public Works

801-567-7235

Ace Disposal/Recycling

801-363-9995

City Museum

801-569-8040

Senior Citizens Center

801-566-6590

SL County Animal Services

385-468-7387

Midvale Precinct UPD

385-468-9350

Police Dispatch

801-743-7000

Unified Fire Authority

801-743-7200

Fire Dispatch

801-840-4000

MIDVALE CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini

801-567-7204

Email: joanns@midvale.com City Council District 1 - Quinn Sperry

801-255-5428

Email: qsperry@midvale.com District 2 - Paul Glover

801-561-5773

Email: pglover@midvale.com District 3 - Paul Hunt 801-255-2727 Email: phunt@midvale.com District 4 - Wayne Sharp

801-567-8709

Email: wsharp@midvale.com District 5 - Stephen Brown

801-783-0962

Email: sbrown@midvale.com Who to call for…

Utility Billing regarding water bills

(801)567-7258 Ordering a new trash can, reserving the bowery

(801)567-7202

Permits

(801)567-7212

GRAMA requests

(801)567-7207

Court

(801)255-4234

Paying for Traffic School

(801)567-7202

Business Licensing

(801)567-7213

Property Questions

(801)567-7231

Cemetery

(801)567-7235

Water Line Breaks

(801)567-7235

Planning and Zoning

(801)567-7231

Building Inspections

(801)567-7208

(801)567-7209

Code Enforcement Grafiti North of 7200 S

(801)256-2537 Code Enforcement/Grafiti South of 7200 S

(801)256-2541 CITY WEBSITE: WWW.MIDVALECITY.ORG FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MidvaleCity TWITTER: www.twitter.com / MidvaleCity or @MidvaleCIty

By Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini

W

e are in the midst of the holiday season. There are several things that we may all consider to make sure that the holidays are happy and the New Year is one of celebration rather than one of sorrow. There are several things that you can do to make sure that your holidays and your new year allow you to grow and celebrate. When it comes to decorations use fire retardant materials. Tinsel that we often put on trees can poison pets and small children. Glass ornaments can be especially problematic for small children and pets. Put such decorations on the higher branches as you decorate. Also, be sure that candy snacks and especially chocolate candies are not set out so that dogs can get them.

A dog that eats chocolate needs treatment by a vet. There are 24 hour vet services in the valley but they are very expensive. Save your money and put chocolate away.

Be careful and prevent fires. Make sure that plugs are not overloaded. A short can begin in the wall. Do not leave electric cords under a rug or taped to the floor. Turn off tree or decoration lights at night and when you are not at home.

Play it safe. Also it is important to know that the best defense against a house fire is sleeping with the bedroom doors closed at night. Should a fire start you will have time to get out safely. Should your smoke alarm go off, touch the door to see if it is hot. If it hot, do not try to escape that way. Sit down with the family and talk about how you should exit the house should there be a fire.

Talk about getting out and where people should meet. Remember fire drills at school? Everyone met in a prearranged spot and everyone is counted. Stay together so that the firefighters do not assume someone is missing and might be inside the building. As a New Year’s resolution, do this several times a year or at least twice when you change your clocks.

People travel during the holidays and we need to consider our driving habits. We all should know that distracted driving can result in loss of life.

Keep your eyes on the road and watch the traffic around you. Slow down if it looks like someone might change lanes. Do not use a cell phone to call or to text. This could cost you your life or can result in the death of someone else. This year the highway patrol and all local police departments are going

Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini to be ticketing those who are distracted drivers. Some will be impaired because they have alcohol, certain prescription drugs, or other drugs. An impaired driver is not a safe driver. When going to a celebration designate a driver who does not drink to get everyone home safely or call a cab. Your celebrating should not kill you or anyone else.

Last but not least. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS. SEAT BELTS SAVE LIVES. If you are an adult, set the example. Your actions tell your families and friends that you care. It amazes me to see adults make sure that their children are secure but then do not use a seat belt. If you are this kind of person you might consider writing down ways in which your surviving children will be cared for, who will take your place as a parent and how their futures will change.

If you find that you didn’t fasten your belt, pull over safely, secure your belt, and then continue your journey.

Do not drive if you are tired, if your eyes are not staying open, if you are exhausted. Holidays can wear us out. We want to get to our destination as soon as we can, we can keep going for another hour or two. Don’t try. Pull off the road, lock your car, and take a short nap.

Driving while drowsy is almost always fatal for you and for others on the road.

Have a safe trip but don’t take chances.

Midvale City employees wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year. l .

2015 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION CANVASS On November 17, 2015, the Board of Canvassers canvassed the Municipal General Election for Midvale City. The canvass results are: Council Member District 1 (4-Year Term) Candidate District Votes Quinn Sperry MID009 21 MID010 74

MID014 4 MID015 169 MID016 96 MID029 95 TOTAL 459

Council Member District 2 (4-Year Term) Candidate District Votes Sophia Hawes-Tingey MID002 113

MID004 8 MID005 109 MID006 109

MID025 28

MID032 0 TOTAL 367

Candidate District Votes Paul Glover MID002 137

MID004 6 MID005 182 MID006 147

MID025 38

MID032 0 TOTAL 510 Council Member District 3 (4-Year Term) Candidate District Votes Paul Hunt MID011 226 MID013 121 MID024 146 MID028 131 TOTAL 624 Rori L. Andreason, MMC Midvale City Recorder/H.R. Director

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS On November 3, 2015, Midvale City held an election for three City Council Members in Districts No. 1, 2, and 3. The following candidates were successful: Council District No. 1 – (4 Year Term) Quinn Sperry Council District No. 2 – (4 Year Term) Paul Glover Council District No. 3 – (4 Year Term) Paul Hunt The newly elected official will be sworn into office on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Midvale City Hall, 7505 South Holden Street, at 5:30 p.m. followed by a short reception.

Page 10 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

F

A Deeper Dive into Midvale City Utility Rate Setting

ollowing the October newsletter article regarding utility rate setting, a concerned Midvale citizen asked for specific reasons for this year’s rate changes. This article intends to address those questions.

Water – the only change in water rates was a decrease of 5 percent for those in the eastern area of Midvale, the area formerly receiving water service from Sandy City. We have three different water rates in Midvale City. The lowest rate is for the Historic Midvale service area, where most of the infrastructure has been in place for many years. The rates in the Bingham Junction/Jordan Bluffs area (western Midvale) are approximately 30 percent higher due to the cost of new infrastructure. The rates are the highest in eastern Midvale, as we still purchase water from Sandy City to serve that area. These rates were 72 percent above those in the Historic Midvale area prior to this year’s rate reduction, and are still 63 percent higher.

The Water Fund is healthy, with enough money in reserve to handle system improvements and maintenance. As a result, no rate increases were necessary; in fact, the Fund could afford a rate decrease. The City Council intends to equalize rates between the three service areas

over time. The reduction in rates for eastern Midvale was a step in that direction.

Sewer – base rates increased 5 percent system-wide. Overage rates increased 49 percent for Historic Midvale customers, and 5 percent for western Midvale customers. The main reason for the rate increase is a significant jump in the fee Midvale City pays to South Valley Water Reclamation Facility for treatment of wastewater. That fee increased from approximately $550,000 in 2011 to $850,000 in 2012. The driving force for that increase is the 2012 opening of a new wastewater treatment facility by South Valley Sewer District.

Prior to 2012, South Valley Sewer District was a major customer of South Valley Water Reclamation Facility. Because South Valley Sewer District is now treating wastewater at their own facility, the remaining customers of South Valley Water Reclamation Facility have seen a significant cost increase. In addition, Midvale City purchased a camera truck for the sewer department. This truck enables us to see inside of sewer lines, and repair problems before they cause damage. The council preferred to raise city sewer rates over several years, and

A Message From Your Unified Police

another increase is anticipated in Fiscal Year 2017. The overage rate for Historic Midvale customers was increased to bring parity to all service areas system-wide. All Midvale City sewer customers now pay the same base and overage rate.

Garbage – Rates decreased 10 percent citywide. The 15 percent increase in FY 2013 has resulted in a comfortable reserve for the Garbage Fund, and the city council opted to reduce rates rather than continue to build reserves.

Storm water - Rates increased citywide by 50 percent. Due to unfunded mandates from the state, we have doubled staff since 2011.

Bonds were issued in 2013 and 2014 totaling approximately $5 million for improvements to city facilities dedicated to maintenance of the storm water system ($1.3 million) and 11 site-specific capital improvements ($3.7 million). Rates have increased to cover the debt service on these bonds. There are no rate increases anticipated for several years to come.

Street Lighting – Rates increased 50 percent city wide. The Street Lighting Fund was established in 2013 to convert all streetlights to a more efficient LED system, and to ensure that

By Detective Edwin Meono

T

he following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled to contribute to the safety and security of people during the holiday season.

The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors.

The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Driving • Avoid driving alone or at night.

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.

• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.

• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not leave packages on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves.

• When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.

• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.

• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) • If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a financial institution, supermarket, mall, or well-lit location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

street lighting was adequate in all areas of the city. The rates were set to cover the debt service of the $1.7 million bonds issued in 2012.

As general city expenditures increased, serious consideration was being given to a property tax increase. The city council opted to transfer street lighting operations costs from the General Fund to the Street Lighting Fund. This freed up approximately $175,000 from the General Fund, which helped avoid a property tax increase this year. Similar to other city utilities, these rates are paid by all entities in Midvale City, including non-profit organizations. This spreads the costs equitably and helps the city more clearly track direct costs of each utility.

Budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2017 begin in January and are presented to the city council in May. Public hearings regarding the budget are held in May and again in June prior to adoption of the budget. At city council meetings throughout May and June, the council reviews departmental budgets as well as staff recommendations for changes in fees. We encourage everyone to participate in the public hearings and to attend council meetings. In the meantime, any and all questions are welcome.

Shopping • Dress casually and comfortably.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

• Always carry your Utah’s Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert of your surroundings.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

• Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid .

transit.

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages.

It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

Children • If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.

• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.

• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.

• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.

• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.

• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home • Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.

• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.

• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.

• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed.

Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.

• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.

• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Strangers at Your Door • Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.

• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.

• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used.

• If you are not satisfied, do not donate.

• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 11 .

Scrooge and Second Chances

Terry said.

The Desert Star’s current show is, Ebenezer Scrooge: His Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s about Ebenezer’s life after he decides to reform.

“I love the idea of a sequel to A Christmas Carol, exploring the other side of being generous. The idea that just because you turn into Mr. Nice Guy on one Christmas morning doesn’t necessarily make up for years of being a compete jerk,” cast member Dan Larrinaga who plays Bob Cratchit said.

The effort that goes into producing a show at the Desert Star is enormous. Cast member Tyrus Williams said, “We start working on all aspects of the show five weeks before we open and have 15-20 rehearsals.” Larrinaga added, “Because we rehearse while the current show is still in production and the new show opens only four days after the old show closes, as you can imagine that’s not

By Alisha Soeken

I

n the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge a callous miser is given a second chance to live a better life. The Desert Star Theater in Murray City was also given a second chance at life when it was purchased and renovated instead of being torn down. Before that purchase the theater saw much of life and many second chances.

The Desert Star Theater has enjoyed a long life. In it’s infancy it was called the Gem. It saw silent movies accompanied only by a piano, and remembers a world when radios, refrigerators and a woman’s right to vote, were only a recent luxury.

In the 1930’s the Gem had it’s first second chance, as it was rebuilt and expanded into the Iris Theater. With its Art Deco style facelift it was a building like no other in Murray. It showed blockbusters like Gone With The Wind and rare Swedish films for immigrants brought to Murray by the smelters. During the Great Depression owner Tony Duvall would let children see movies for free or in exchange for scrap metal.

After the Great Depression the Desert Star continued to see change in its name and ownership. But in 2000 when Murray City recommended demolishing it, Mike and Alyce Todd gave it it’s most crucial second chance, by purchasing and saving it from demolition.

The value of a second chance is immeasur-

able, if seized as scrooge did to become a better person. Today the Desert Star is a dinner theater known for its parody plays and family friendly comedy. The proof of its positive roll is observed in the lives of those who work at the theater past and present.

“The Desert Star has made a positive impact on my life in so many ways. It was my first job and where I had always hoped to perform. After auditioning many times I was cast in “The Hungry Games” fulfilling my dream, almost 10 years after I started working there. I also gained experience in light and sound unmatchable to any theater, made lifelong friends and to this day love seeing the fun shows they put on,” Actor Katie

Dan Larrinaga, Ivin Conatser, Lee Daily, Ed Farnsworth, Jennifer Aguirre and Kerstin Davis. Photo courtesy of Desert Star Playhouse

much time, so the work is fast and furious. It’s a challenge but like it or not, it makes you a better performer.”

As proven by Williams, cast members are not only great performers. “I wear a lot of hats at the Desert Star, I design scenery and props for the shows, I occasionally run lights, do sound, and manage the stage. I’m also in charge of the general store and all the holiday decorations and lobby displays.” Williams said.

Unlike what Williams and Larrinaga will do in their show, Charles Dickens never told of the life that Ebenezer Scrooge lived after receiving his second chance. The Desert Star was given that chance more then once, and for more then 85 years has seized it, as Scrooge did, to give of itself remarkably to others.

Visit that historic building, watch a show, laugh and in the words of Larrinaga. “By the end of that show, I hope people will simply have been entertained, feeling better than when they came in, and perhaps finding themselves more in the mood for the holidays. Catching a bit of the Christmas spirit that people felt way back when, and now, as they read Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.”

Ebenezer Scrooge: His Nightmare Before Christmas Plays November 12, 2015 through January 2, 2016 Tickets: Adults: $22.95-$24.95, Children: $12.95 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107 Call 801.266.2600 for reservations www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com l

HEALTH INSURANCE LaNelle Peterson

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Page 12 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Racoon Abatement

Timothy Fleming Graduates Kent State

S

By Amanda Butler

T

imothy Fleming of Midvale, graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Fleming was awarded a Master of Science degree in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management from the College of Communication and Information. Fleming received his degree during the summer 2015 commencement ceremony, which was held Aug. 15.

Emily Vincent, the director for University Media Relations at Kent State University wrote, “Fleming is among nearly 1700 students who received bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate and educational specialist degrees during Kent State’s 2015 Summer Commencement ceremony. The university congratulates the Class of 2015 and welcomes them into its illustrious family of more than 227,000 alumni worldwide.”

Fleming “was the only student from Utah to graduate Kent State this summer,” Vincent said.

The Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM) degree program at Kent State University prepares students for careers in the emerging fields of health infor-

alt Lake County Animal Services (SLCOAS) provides the residents of Midvale City with comprehensive service and care for their pets. SLCOAS offers free microchips and vaccinations to Midvale residents via a voucher program. Animal Control Officers are available 24 hours a day to respond to reports of animal cruelty, abuse, neglect and emergencies involving injured or aggressive animals.

Animal Services provides a shelter for lost and abandoned pets, and offers pet adoptions.

From January 2015 through June 2015, Animal Control officers responded to nearly 600 calls regarding animal issues. For assistance, call Dispatch at 801-743-7045.

Raccoon and Skunk abatement programs return to parts of Salt Lake County: Salt Lake City, Unincorporated Salt Lake County, Holladay, Midvale and Cottonwood Heights. Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, the USDA’s Wildlife Service Program in Utah will arrange for the removal of these pests FREE OF CHARGE. In order for the animals to be removed, residents MUST live in one of the five jurisdictions.

What steps must someone take in order to have the animal removed?

1. Residents must purchase a raccoon/ skunk trap. These can be bought at a store like

matics, knowledge management and user experience design. According to the Kent State University website, the program is “dynamic and continually responding to changes in the marketplace for information and knowledge professionals and their evolving skill sets.”

“Kent State University is Northeast Ohio’s leading public research university with more than 41,000 students. The university’s eight-campus system is among the largest regional systems in the country,” Vincent wrote.

“Today, Kent State has become an engine for economic, cultural and workforce development – locally and internationally – as one of the premier Ohio universities. The university is ranked among the nation’s 74 public high-research universities and among the top 76 in community engagement by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

An economic impact study showed that Kent State alumni in Northeast Ohio generated $1.6 billion annually in higher workforce earnings and increased productivity for employers that hire them.”

Congratulations to Timothy Fleming on l this achievement.

Home Depot, Lowes, IFA, etc. and typically cost about $50.

2. Before placing the trap, call the Urban Hotline for tips on how to capture the animal and make sure the home is within the five jurisdictions participating in the program. On the message leave a name, phone number and an address.

3. There will be no weekend or holiday removal of raccoons/skunks. Animals trapped and called in before 7 a.m. should be picked up that day unless there is high number of calls, then they will be picked up the next day.

Wildlife Services said there are a few things a resident can do to try and dissuade raccoons/skunks from returning to a home: 1. Do NOT leave food outside – ie. cat food, bird seed 2. Remove woodpiles or other debris piles raccoons/skunks can nest in 3. When trapping a raccoon/skunk do not use pet food to capture it. These pests have a serious sweet tooth. Use a sweet bait such as Twinkies or marshmallows with vanilla extract.

For more information call Midvale City at 801-567-7200 or SLCOAS at 385-468-7387. l

We All Live Down Stream

Why Should I Care What Goes Down the Storm Drain?

Everyone should be concerned about storm water quality because what we put down the storm drain will eventually end up in places like Red Butte Gardens, Sugar House Park, Liberty Park, Rotary Glen Park, Emigration Park, Big Cottonwood Creek and Crestwood Park.

What Can I Do To Make a Difference At Home?

Amazingly enough you can make a huge difference in storm water quality by simply changing a few practices at home.

Here are six easy steps: Wash your car on the lawn Mulch your grass clippings and leave on the lawn Sweep dirt onto the lawn, pick up debris and put in the trash Pick up your pet waste; flush in the toilet or bag Target your use of fertilizers and sweep up excess Target use of pesticides/herbicides to your lawn and garden and take leftover chemicals to the Household Hazardous Waste facility. .

M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 13 .

Levitt Amp Midvale Grant Awards The Midvale Arts Council is now in the running to bring a 10-week, live music series to Midvale from June to July 2016.

Sponsored by Levitt Pavilions, the national nonprofit behind the largest free concert series in America, Midvale Arts Council hopes to qualify as one of the 15 winning organizations competing in the Levitt AMP Grant Awards.

The Levitt AMP Grant Awards are an exciting matching grant opportunity created by Levitt Pavilions to serve small to mid-sized towns and cities up to 400,000 people. Fifteen nonprofits, or municipalities partnering with a nonprofit, will receive up to $25,000 each in matching funds to produce their own Levitt AMP Music Series—an outdoor, free concert series featuring a diverse lineup of professional musicians.

Midvale Arts Council submitted the proposal for Midvale, Utah. The proposed venue site is the Outdoor Stage in the Park. Midvale’s proposal is now posted on the Levitt AMP website for public voting. http://levittamp.org A successful campaign for Midvale Arts Council depends on community participation

to get as many online votes as possible to bring the concert series to town. Community support, as measured by the number of online votes received, will be one of the key factors when Levitt Pavilions selects the 15 winners.

Supporters are asked to visit https://grant. levittamp.org/voter-registration-page/ to register and vote. Online public voting is now open and ends Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The top 25 finalists will be selected through online public voting. Levitt Pavilions will then review the proposals of these 25 finalists and the 15 Levitt AMP winners will be announced on January 5, 2016.

The Midvale Arts Council is the only community arts council in Utah to be in the running. Our free concert series would benefit from the support of the surrounding Salt Lake County communities and those throughout the State of Utah.

Midvale Arts Council asks supporters to start spreading the word to family, friends, colleagues and neighbors and rally the community to sign up and vote for Midvale Arts Council’s proposal. l Learn more at http://levittamp.org.

Are you dreading the winter blahs? Then join us for Midvale Arts Council’s production of “The Foreigner,” Larry Shue’s crazy and outrageous comedy. We are looking for men and women to fill the roles of this comedic romp. The zanier the better! Auditions will be held at the Midvale Performing Arts Center 695 West Center Street (7720 South), Midvale, UT on Jan 6th from 7 - 10 p.m.; no appointment necessary. Callbacks to be held at the same location on Jan 7th starting at 7 p.m. by appointment only. Come prepared with a come-

dic monologue (no longer than 2 minutes) and your conflicts between Jan 9th and Feb 27th. A headshot and theater resume are awfully helpful. Directed by Bruce Craven and Produced

by Melody Chapman. What a great way to wile away the cold, winter months! “The Foreigner” runs Feb 19th – Feb 27th, 2016 at the Midvale Performing Arts Center. Cast read through and first rehearsal to be held that Saturday on Jan. 9th. Visit www.midvalearts.com for audition packet. Email productions@midvalearts. l com with questions.

Employee Spotlight Mike Welling IT Technician

Mike has been working for Midvale City for just under two years as a part of our Information Technology team. As the IT Tech he is responsible for all desktops, laptops, and tablet devices and the upkeep and deployment of all the software and hardware that those devices contain and utilize. He is also in charge of handling or distributing all of IT helpdesk tickets. When technology has failed an employee they can depend on Mike to repair the problem.

Before working for the city, Mike worked for the LDS Church’s Audio/Visual Department, as a Sound Engineer at the Centerpoint Legacy Theater, and with the Banking Division of the FlyingJay Corporation. He grew up in Utah and graduated from Viewmont before attending Weber State and the LDS Business College. In his free time, Mike is a certified pyrotechnician and works with Vortex fireworks.

When Asked the Following Questions, Mike’s responses were: What do your colleagues think of you? That I do a thorough job.

Tell me about the last time you did the right thing and nobody saw? I always use my blinkers while driving. It’s a small thing, but very important.

Would you rather be liked or respected? Respected.

What did you want to be when you were in preschool?

Private Detective.

If you had to be an animal, which one and why? Penguin, they are entertaining and they don’t care what anyone thinks of them. They just do their thing.

Who is your favorite superhero? Hulk.

If you were an animated character who would you be?

Link.

Star Wars or Star Trek? Firefly.

What song best fits your leadership style? “Come Sail Away” by Styx. .

Page 14 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Midvale Boys & Girls Club Celebrates 15 Years of Community

By Stephanie Lauritzen

O

n Nov. 5, the Midvale Boys & Girls Club celebrated their 15th anniversary, hosting a community party with food, dancing and tours of the club facilities. The club offers children in the Midvale community positive role models, low-cost extracurricular activities such as dance and club sports and a safe environment for students to enjoy after school. Leanne Saldivar, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, believes that the Midvale organization helps “save kids’ lives by helping families and communities prepare the next generation for success.”

The Midvale club offers a variety of resources for members, including a recording studio for kids interested in developing musical talents, dance classes and access to a full-size gym. Area Director David Leimsieder believes these resources help “fill in the gap” created by funding and resource restrictions occurring in public schools.

“When considering what resources our kids needed the most, we noticed that so many schools are being forced to cut arts and athletic programs. We decided to partner with Canyons School District to provide students with opportunities that the more regimented school curriculums can no longer provide,” Leimsieder said.

In addition to working with local school districts, the Midvale club also works with the

Arts Council to bring in artists to work with members, or help students get involved in local theater and dance productions.

“We provide experiences for children whose opportunities might not be as great as some of their peers. Because our program is only $20 a year, we can make an impact in the lives of hundreds of students,” Leimsieder said.

Leimsieder noted that the Boys & Girls Club offers more than extracurricular activities.

“We want to help kids develop positive character and leadership skills, our trained Youth Development Professionals offer mentoring and guidance to students who may be struggling,” Leimsieder said.

Angel Gomez, the teen program director, shares the club’s vision for teaching kids through a combination of extracurricular activities paired with leadership training. Gomez started his career at the Midvale Club at 17, when he began volunteering as part of his community service requirements. At 18, he became the elementary program director, but feels most at home working in his current position as the teen director.

“When you work with teenagers, you can help make things real for them; you guide them through real life decisions, and make a positive impact on their lives,” Gomez said.

Gomez hopes that the club’s ability to their kids, but for whom expensive options reoffer opportunities to participate in sports and main out of reach. We provide those resources, the performing arts will “get the kids to want to and together, we change lives,” Saldivar said. be here, making music, creating sports leagues, and learning new talents like dance choreography.”

At the 15th anniversary celebration, friends and families of the Boys & Girls club gathered at the Midvale Club to celebrate with dancing and dinner. Kids performed some of their new choreography from their dance classes, and the staff provided tours to family members interested learning more about club resources. Families and friends of both members and staff ate dinner together, and enjoyed music and games in the gym.

For Saldivar, the evening represented the very best of the Boys & Girls Club values.

“We’ve been doing this for over 25 years, helping families that do their darndest to help their kids, but it takes a village. We’ve created a The Midvale Boys & Girls Club serves dinner and treats at their 15th community-based option for anniversary celebration. parents who want the best for

Knee Pain?

Christmas Holiday Events:

you don’t have to live with it.

Christmas Is For Kids:

Provides gifts for local children in need.

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M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 15 .

Midvalley Elementary Fundraiser Raises Money, Leaves Principal on the Roof

D

uring the months of September and October, students at Midvalley Elementary sold chocolate boxes from World’s Finest Chocolate in order to help meet their PTA fundraising goals. For every goal accomplished,

By Stephanie Lauritzen school faculty participated in a fun activity -from dressing up as ballerinas, to holding a lip syncing competition in the main office.

When students reached their overall fundraising goal, they were rewarded with a prize

assembly on Oct. 23, while their principal fulfilled his promise to spend the night sleeping on the roof on Oct. 29. PTA president Barbara Hake called the fundraiser a “huge success,” and believes the activities helped students “feel like they are an important part of our school.

We want the students to know that we couldn’t do all our fun activities without their help.”

In order to motivate students to reach their fundraising goals, each grade picked a reward to be fulfilled by teachers and faculty. The first rewards were simple; the cafeteria ladies served lunch dressed as ballerinas, and teachers wore their pajamas to school. As students raised more money, they were allowed to ducttape a favorite teacher, Mr. Shaw, to the cafeteria wall and throw pies at him.

But the biggest reward involved Principal Nalwalker spending a rainy night sleeping on the school’s roof. In order to prove he kept his word, Nalwalker live-streamed the event online from his tent and chatted with students.

To

reward students who reached a fundraising goal, Mr. Shaw is duct-taped to the cafeteria wall and pummeled with pies.

.

Lunch ladies serve lunch dressed as ballerinas after students reach a fundraising goal.

Some students drove by the school with their families to make sure Mr. Nalwalker stayed on the roof, and his adventure was featured on Fox 13 News. Despite the silly and fun nature of the fundraising activities, Hake said that allowing students to help their school teaches an important lesson.

“Sometimes kids don’t get to experience that feeling of accomplishment outside school.

By allowing them to see the results of their hard work, we help them feel important,” Hake said.

The PTA plans to use their funds in order to finance school traditions, including Family Classic Skate Night, the Reflections contest, Teacher Appreciation Week and the end-ofl year carnival.

Page 16 | December 2015

Midvale City Journal .

Shorter Fridays and Extra Planning Time Help Teachers “Boost” Student Learning

T

his year, Canyons School District reinstated early-out Fridays at all elementary schools, a schedule beloved by students, but left parents and teachers wondering if their students were receiving enough in-class instruction. While students may feel like the return to Friday “short days” is simply a way to spend less time at their desks, teachers and school administrators are using the time to plan curriculum, collaborate with coworkers and discover the best ways to help their students learn.

In addition to early-out Fridays, Canyons schools are also adding weekly “Brain Booster” sessions to their student’s schedule, ensuring their students maintain an opportunity to learn a variety of new skills in addition to the standard curriculum. Midvalley Elementary School Principal Jeff Nalwalker believes these schedule changes will “help our teachers provide quality instruction for all our students, and give teachers time to plan curriculum that is truly successful.”

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, elementary students meet in rotating Brain Booster sessions designed to augment the state core curriculum. The rotations include library time, music instruction, Playworks coaching, and S.T.E.M seminars. Nalwalker believes these rotations benefit students while helping teachers by “al-

By Stephanie Lauritzen

flict resolution skills and interpersonal skills like empathy and respect.

According to Nalwalker, one of the “biggest requirements” from the Board of Education in approving the Brain Boosters program involved increased instruction in S.T.E.M skills, which focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Midvalley fulfills these requirements by inviting trained technicians, scientists and engineers into the school to help students learn about robotics and advanced technology.

“We wanted our program to be meaningful, and to truly help students achieve the objectives outlined in the State Core. Increasing

Midvalley Elementary students study geology during a Brain Boosters activity. lowing students to learn material in new ways, while still providing quality instruction approved by the Board of Education.”

Each rotation offers students extra help in key areas: library time focuses on increasing literacy skills, while a grant from the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program brings highly qualified music specialists to the school to offer music instruction. Nalwalker has also seen “great success” with the Playworks program, which not only helps students during recess, but uses Brain Booster time to teach con-

S.T.E.M skills allows are students to be more successful in the future,” Nalwalker said.

What are teachers doing while their students attend Brain Boosters? Nalwalker believes this time is critical for teachers, since it represents a rare opportunity for teachers to meet in teams to analyze student data and use their discoveries to improve grade-level curriculums.

“Research shows that as teacher collaboration rises, student performance increases as well. Teachers need time to create common assessments, compare strategies, and to identify students who may need extra help. Analyzing the data together allows teachers to ask each other why a student didn’t do well during a unit, and receive advice on how to help the student improve,” Nalwalker said.

While students enjoy their early-out Fridays, teachers are given the holy grail of lesson planning-individual protected planning time, with no faculty meetings or professional development requirements.

“Some of our teachers were skeptical about the schedule changes at first,” Nalwalker admits, “but as the year has progressed, they’ve seen this extra planning time help them become really successful in improving curriculum. Everyone is satisfied with the results.”

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M idvalejournal.com

December 2015 | Page 17 .

Hillcrest Swimmers Prepare to Take on Tough Region

By Ron Bevan

T

hey came within a few points of taking a region crown last year while competing in the 5A ranks. But a move down to 4A didn’t make it any easier for the Hillcrest Huskies.

“We are in perhaps the toughest region in all of swimming, no matter what rank,” Hillcrest swimming coach Ryan Theirbach said. “We have Skyline in our region, which has won the state championship five straight years.”

Hillcrest dropped to the 4A ranks this season after seeing a decrease in the studentbody.

But the Huskies landed in Region 6, home of

Skyline and a virtual who’s who of 4A swimming school. Kearns and Murray are also in the region. The two schools finished second and third, respectively, to Skyline at last year’s state championships.

Also in region 6 are Judge, Cyprus and Olympus. All three have previously won state titles, as has Kearns and Murray.

“We are the only school in our region without a swimming state championship,” Theirbach said. “But that isn’t something we can dwell on. Our kids are going out there week in and week out just trying to improve

our times. With that will come future accolades.”

Hillcrest has about 45 swimmers out for this year’s season, a number Theirbach said is about average for the team. There are a handful more girls on the team than boys.

Theirbach is relying on 11 seniors to help lead this year’s squad, a larger number of upperclassmen than normal. There are six seniors on the boys side and five on the girls.

“They are a talented group, my seniors,” Theirbach said. “They provide quality leadership for the younger swimmers and help us put points on the board.”

The boys are led by seniors Jed Day, Nick Skorut, Michael Atkinson, Joe Pope, Kaden Miyagishima and Dalton Dallimore.

Skorut is one of four captains on this year’s boys team. He brings the most experience of all swimmers, having qualified for state the past two years. He finished seventh in the 50-yard freestyle sprint at state last season.

“He is a strong, motivated swimmer that is looking to improve on his times,” Theirbach said. “He is hoping to be able to swim collegiately.”

Day is also a captain this year. He is a butterfly and backstroke specialist who has improved in both strokes over the last three years.

“Day has really come a long way since he was a freshman,” Theirbach said. “His technique and speed has improved where he is in a great position to qualify for state this year.”

Atkinson and Pope are also captains. Both are utility swimmers that can help out wherever the team needs them.

“I can throw them around into different events and strokes and they both respond

Hillcrest’s Keisha Slagowski specializes in the freestyle sprints, but recently added the butterfly to her repertoire. The senior swimmer is one of the captains on the team.

well,” Theirbach said.

Both Dallimore and Miyagishima played this season on the football team before joining the swimming team already in progress.

Although the football season throws off their timing, both are expected to be at full speed by regions.

“We didn’t have Dallimore last year because he had a broken ankle.” Theirbach said.

“But he should be ready to go for us this year.

Miyagishima improved his time so much last year after football. He even shaved 10 seconds off his time just at regions, which helped us nearly win.”

The girls are led off by five seniors. The group includes Caroline Young, Janella Williams, Keisha Slagowski, Cythian Olivares and Kailee Decker.

Young is perhaps one of the smartest swimmers. She carries a 4.0 grade point average and also competes on the tennis team.

“Young is a very bright girl and dedicated athlete all the way around,” Theirbach said.

“She puts her time in for tennis and swimming and her efforts helped the girls freestyle relay team break the school record last year.”

Williams is the distance freestyler on the team, and Slagowski is the sprint freestyler.

“I had Slagowski swim the 100 butterfly at our last meet and I was really impressed with her,” Theirbach said. “She will be doing that stroke as well the rest of the year.”

Olivares is a breaststroke racer who just missed qualifying for state last season, but is on track this year.

And Decker, like several of the boys, is a utility swimmer Theirbach can use where the l team needs her.

Hillcrest Athletes Receive Academic All State Honors

T

he rosters are in for the Academic All State Athletes throughout the fall sports season, and four Hillcrest girls were among the recipients.

The Huskies had three athletes from the soccer team earn honors and one from the tennis team.

Senior Caroline Young was honored for her work on the tennis courts and in the classrooms. She is a four-year member of the Hillcrest tennis team. She has been a doubles player all four years, earning a spot on the varsity team by her sophomore season.

“I have been able to play with the same partner (Jackie Lopez) all four years and we qualified for the state tournament three times,” Young said.

A dual sport athlete, Young also competes on the swimming team.

“I am lucky because both of the sports I am involved in now are lifetime sports and I will be able to easily participate in them at a recreational level for the rest of my life,”

By Ron Bevan Young said. bines these areas,” Young said.

Despite the pressure of practices and Representing the soccer team are Nicole matches, Young has managed to maintain a Erika Jessen, Sabrina Rowland and Emily perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout Kristine Sorge. All three averaged a perfect high school. She is also an International Bac- 4.0 GPA despite playing and practicing soccer calaureate Diploma candidate. year round with the high school team and com“Tennis and swimming takes up a major- petition club teams. ity of my time,” Young said. “However, I am Rowland played the outside wing on the also secretary of the Hillcrest National Honor Husky soccer team this season, but has also Society and I volunteer at the Fisher House played defense and midfield in the past as a at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. A lot of four-year member of the team. (maintaining a 4.0 GPA) for me comes down “I have always played wherever the to time management and enjoying what I do. coaches needed me and where I could help the I wouldn’t be able to put so much effort into team the most,” Rowland said. sports and academics if I didn’t genuinely enRowland is also a member of the Utah joy it. I have also been supported over the past Soccer Alliance competition soccer club when four years by amazing teachers, coaches and not wearing the green and white of Hillcrest. teammates.”

“There is a lot of practice and play time Young has not selected a university yet to after school,” Rowland said. “You just have to continue her education, but has applied to sev- find the time to do your studying. You can’t eral both in and out of state. procrastinate as much as other teenagers seem “I am interested in history, math and psy- to do. And you have to spend some late nights. chology and hope to find a degree that com- It is just a matter of making sure you know .

your schedule, what is due and the timing it takes to do it.”

The daughter of Ashley and Tania Rowland of Sandy, Rowland is choosing between Utah State and University of Utah for furthering her education.

“I like the sciences, so I am looking at engineering or something else that involves science,” Rowland said.

Sorge has also been on the soccer team for the past four seasons and played as a center midfielder. She has the same time constraints as Rowland as she is a member of the Olympic Montreaux competition soccer club during the high school off season.

“I manage my time to make sure I can get everything done for classes,” Sorge said.

“I don’t hang out like other teenagers when I know I have homework to do.”

Sorge, daughter of Larry and Laura Sorge of Sandy, is looking at three schools throughout Utah to continue her studies. She plans on going into dentistry as a dental hygienist. l

Are Bargain Hunters too Dang Cheap?

By Joani Taylor

W

hile chatting the other day with a friend of mine, that owns a popular downtown Salt Lake restaurant, we got into a conversation about deals and coupons they offered through various advertiser mediums.

This restaurateur friend of mine has promoted many times through these marketing avenues and I was picking his brain for insight on what works and what doesn’t.

I mentioned that I had been reading on Yelp.com (a popular customer review website) a plethora of negative comments about various restaurants (including his) and how MANY of the negative reviewers start their review with “I had a coupon or deal voucher for this company and decided to give it a try”. Then the reviewer would launch into a rant of negativity bashing the food or service provider.

As my friend and I further discussed this, he stated that sometimes bargain hunters are terrible customers and that “it is not uncommon for them to complain, under tip and even attempt to mis-use their certificates or coupons”.

I’m finding this trend sad and disturbing! Most of these businesses are local to our economy. They employ our families, friends and neighbors. They support not only their families but the employees that count on it

too. When they discount their product it’s in the hopes of getting new and loyal customers.

Then, in addition to having to pay the advertiser, they watch as we, the consumers berate them publicly for future customers to see. SAY WHAT?!

I’m sad to say, that many merchants I’ve spoken with, view deal user as classless and cheap. I recently had the marketing director of a popular Utah location, tell me they did not want coupon and deal users at their place of business, leaving their, and I quote, “McDonalds bags and dirty Diapers all over their lawn”. OUCH! That hurt! After all I rarely eat fast food and my kids are adults. Of course, one has nothing to do with the other.

It was the stigma she attached to the bargain hunter that bothered me.

When I use a deal voucher or coupon, I take a much different approach. The first thing I do is to thank the manager or owner (if possible) for providing me with this great chance to try their services or product. Or, I will immediately let the waiter, cashier or other employee know that I have the deal voucher and then ask them to thank their boss on my behalf. I’m happy, kind and courteous and do my best to make the service employee have a better day.

This small gesture of kindness will set the tone for your entire dining or shopping experience.

Don’t forget the bathroom! Only 60% of people recycle items found in the bathroom, even though that little room is full of recyclables! Remember, any plastic container is recyclable- just make sure it’s empty. Toss those cardboard toilet paper tubes and empty aerosol cans in your recycling bin as well! For more recycling information, visit slco.org/recycle or email us at recycle@ slco.org

It will make the merchant proud and glad they offered YOU this discount.

This holiday season, I hope you’ll join me in saying thanks to the merchants you have received special savings from. Leave comments on their Facebook pages, tip extra, make a purchase without a coupon even if there is one, or simply smile and show graduate to our small local

Utah businesses, for giving us a discount on their products and services, that we might not have discovered otherwise. If you do go back to the business, let them know you found them through a coupon or deal, and l you are so glad you did.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING Midvale City Public Works will be recycling Christmas trees again this year. After Christmas, please place your used Christmas trees on the parkstrip by the curb and gutter so that Public Works crews can pick them up.

Collection of the trees will begin on Monday, December 28, 2015 and continue through Friday, January 29, 2016. Please be sure to remove all decorations, icicles, lights, hooks, tree stands, etc. We are unable to take any flocked trees or plastic wrapped trees. Trees over 8 feet tall should be cut in half to facilitate handling by our crews. Christmas tree recycling questions can be answered by calling Midvale City Public Works at (801) 567-7235.

WINTER STREET PARKING Midvale residents are requested to avoid parking on the street during winter months,

and especially overnight, so that snow plow crews can more easily clear the streets during storms. Midvale Municipal Code makes it unlawful to park on any City street during the months of November through February between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. except for temporary loading and unloading of passengers and property. This will allow unobstructed access for our snow plow drivers.

MIDVALE CITY PUBLIC WORKS HOLIDAY SCHEDULE Midvale City Public Works offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24, 2015, Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.

Public Works office is otherwise open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday.

For emergencies, On-Call Public Works employees may be reached at (801) 580-7274 or (801) 580-7034.

Text Text Text Text

M idvale Journal .com

December 2015 | Page 19 .

Have Yourself an Eco-Friendly Christmas

By Peri Kinder

I

t turns out that some scientists think we’re headed for a mass extinction. Merry Christmas!

I guess our greedy attitude about the world’s resources is taking its toll on the oceans, rain forests, various ecosystems and the ability for celebrities to own a different fur coat for every day of the week. In order to reverse this Christmatasrophe, we need to change our wasteful habits. I’ve put together some new holiday rules that might just save the planet. (You can thank me later.)

• Due to the inversion, chestnuts can no longer be roasted on an open fire. Chestnuts can instead be microwaved and then sprayed with a chemical-free Roasting Chestnut air freshener.

• In accordance with PETA guidelines, reindeers will not be allowed to fly for 24 hours without a bathroom or smoke break.

• Naughty children will no longer receive lumps of coal, but will instead be given a stocking full of organic Brussel sprouts.

(Much worse than coal.)

• Colorful Christmas packages can only be wrapped in old newspaper, making them neither colorful nor timely.

• Thanks to global warming, dreaming of a White Christmas is no longer allowed.

your family the importance of the season. As Thoreau once said, “Simplify, simplify.” (Although you’d think he could have said it once.)

You can tell your kids you’re trying to save money or you can tell your kids that Putin has “annexed” the North Pole and put a sanction on gifts made in Kris Kringle’s workshop.

Whatever works.

Decorate your home with nature. Pinecones, dried leaves, artfully arranged twigs and fresh pine boughs (cut from your neighbor’s tree) can add a beautiful touch to a mantel or centerpiece. I went in my backyard to find some nature but only discovered little piles of Christmas spirit left for me by my dog.

For Christmas dinner, whip up a delicious batch of grass fed, locally-grown, free range sweet potatoes.

Forgo the annual ham or turkey and try a fresh holiday green salad. (Don’t cook reindeer burgers, unless you want PETA to jump out from behind your couch and smack it out of your hand.)

• No Christmas trees can be displayed unless they’re made from reclaimed barn wood.

• With the rapid rise in STDs, mistletoe can no longer be hung at office parties. (All other unacceptable behavior has been canceled.)

• Christmas carolers can only go door-todoor with the proper permits and background checks.

• The phrase, “Let your heart be light” only applies if your heart is powered by solar panels.

• Because of the increasing number of people with diabetes, cookies for Santa are no longer allowed.

• No family can send out Christmas newsletters. (Not to save the planet. I just don’t want to read them.)

• Due to the melting of the polar ice caps, Santa’s workshop is being relocated to Canada.

While these changes are great, it’s not just our harmful environmental attitudes that need a holiday makeover.

Unregulated capitalism in America has created a society of materialistic little buggers (i.e. teenagers) who are never content. Cutting back on holiday extravagance could remind

You could even give your guests a paper bag full of food scraps as a Start Your Own Compost Kit. Then, on Christmas morning, while you’re sitting with your family amidst piles of gifts made from recycled soda cans, old socks and discarded toilet paper rolls, you can bask in the warmth of an eco-friendly Christmas. Or, according to scientists, it might be the warmth of poisonous gases trapped in the earth’s atmol sphere. Happy holidays.

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