New Hope For Mulligan’s By Karen Holt Bennion
From left, former South Jordan city council members David W. Colton, Kathie Johnson, South Jordan resident Deanna Kaufman, former city council members Brad Marlor, Mary Wenner and Ann Gayheart. The group held a press conference at Mulligan’s to let the city’s current mayor and council members know that they considered some of the city’s prepared statements concerning Mulligan’s to be false.
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ith results from a city-commissioned study indicating that an overwhelming majority of residents would be willing to pay more property taxes to preserve Mulligan’s, city leaders are thinking outside the box to keep the open space which is anchored by the golf and games center. Over the last several months, they have indicated concern that Mulligan’s has been operating at a loss and have sought solutions to the problem, including possible redevelopment of at least some of the area. While city figures indicate the center has actually been holding
its own with operating expenses, it has been the $500,000 annual repayment on a $4,640,000 bond for the property that has given the mayor and city council heartburn. Now, they appear to have a solution. “The stars are now aligning for us here,” Mayor David Alvord said as he presented a concept of paying off the Mulligan’s bond in April 2015 to council members at the Dec. 2 city council meeting. With the help of council members Mark Seethaler and Chris
sweet christmas
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4800 west opens
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Mulligan’s continued on page 4
Bingham Football Still Celebrating 5A State Victory By Catherine Garrett
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or the second time in the past five years, Bingham High’s football team has won back-to-back state championships. This year, the Miners defeated American Fork 20-3 Nov. 21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium to win their fifth state title since 2006. “Number five is just as sweet,” Bingham head coach Dave Peck said. “This feeling never gets old, and it’s so exciting to see a new group of kids experience this.” The Miners only loss in their 14-game season – and throughout the entire program, including the sophomore and junior varsity teams – was to Bishop Gorman, Nev., the top-ranked team in the country, 23-20 in
Bingham Football continued on page 5
holiday giving
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SAYONARA COACH PECK
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“Some kids can’t stay up late, or their parents don’t want them to stay up until midnight, so it’s an opportunity for the whole family to have a fun celebration together.”
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Page 2 | January 2015
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NEWS
Getting Creative With Christmas Candy
Raelyn Webster has worked on South Jordan Candy Windows for three years. The event runs through December.
By Shawna Meyer
R
THE SOUTH JORDAN TEAM
aelyn Webster is a South Jordan resident who enjoys making elaborate Christmas-themed sculptures out of candy almost as much as she enjoys eating it. Webster is an artist for South Jordan’s annual Candy Windows event, but she has been making colorful creations out of candy for more than 10 years. This year will be the third for South Jordan’s Candy Windows, and Webster has been an integral part each year. Since spring, she has been working with about five new artists to design five new candy structures. The new displays combine with five from last year to make up the candy sculptures for this year’s event.
“I just remember that the ZCMI windows were such a magical thing to me. It was so many people coming together and getting their minds thinking differently about candy and creativity,” Webster said. “The hope is that, over time, we can build a similar following here in South Jordan.” Dating back to about the 1970s, ZCMI would unveil large, colorful candy displays in its windows the night after Thanksgiving, and the store would leave them up throughout December. Webster has fond memories of those times. “My favorite thing used to be going to ZCMI and looking at their windows for Christmas, and I always dreamed of getting to do that one day too.” Webster estimates that some of the bigger sculptures she’s done have taken up to a thousand hours of work and candy. She plans the design, buys and sorts the candy, assembles the structure and installs it in the business’s window. “I like to use a variety of candy because you want different textures and colors,” Webster said. “Some candies hold up better to the exposure and the sun, and some colors fade faster. Everything is perfect in my head, but once you start using candy, it’s not perfect anymore.” This year she faced an unfamiliar challenge. In early November, Webster was walking down her driveway when she tripped and broke her hand. “I can still glue candy, but it’s slower and more difficult with one hand . . . So a lot of friends and neighbors have helped me. Also, the South Jordan Youth Council has been helping since the beginning,” Webster said. Before she worked for South Jordan’s event, Webster spent seven years designing
candy window displays in Provo. She attended school there as a design major at Brigham Young University. “I like to create things,” Webster said. She isn’t the only creative one in her family. Webster’s grandmother dabbled in oil painting as she got older. She also has two nieces with artistic talent: one is an illustrator and the other is a graphic designer. Webster’s husband Bill is an engineer, so he helps her with building the structures. “He’s my technical and structural engineer. He makes sure that the thing doesn’t fall apart or fall over,” Webster said. “He likes to build stuff. He enjoys the problem solving involved with it.” Webster’s family jokes around with her about her candy-themed hobby, but every year they show up to see what she’s created. “My dad says that it’s a waste of good candy. He always comes and sees it though, but he does always make that comment when he sees it,” Webster said. Despite her family’s jibes, Webster wants to keep creating for many years
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to come. “I like to see peoples’ reactions to it, especially kids,’ when they see it and they recognize the candy. That’s why I do it,” she said. l
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January 2015 | Page 3
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New Road Provides Better Access Across Bingham Creek By Karen Holt Bennion
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outh Jordan officials celebrated the foxes and the other animals in this area may grand opening of 4800 West and ap- not be as evident but, progress is what it is, proximately 9600 South with a ribbon-cut- and I’m glad to have the construction over ting on Monday, Nov. 17. with, that’s for sure,” she said. Residents will now be able to cross Gentle said that she and the other over Bingham Creek instead of having to neighbors who live around her are cautiously drive around Glenmore Golf Course to optimistic about the increased traffic along reach Daybreak. City officials hope the the new road. They hope traffic will stay three-quarter-mile-long road will draw at a minimum. traffic away from the oftencongested Skye Drive and We always encourage people who offer a link to the Mid Jordan Trax station at 4800 West and are driving a new section of road to Old Bingham Highway. drive slowly because they’re not aware Cheryl Gentle, who lives on 4800 West close to of what’s going on around them. the new section, said she was apprehensive about building the road through a wildlife area and hopes South Jordan Police Department Master to see some wildlife return soon. Officer, Sam Winkler said that the police “I know it’s going to be an access to department will be patrolling traffic on the the new regional park (Welby Park) when new road for a few months. that appears in a couple of years. I’m also “We always encourage people who sorry that some of the natural habitat for are driving a new section of road to drive
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony marks the end of construction that opened up 4800 West from approximately 9600 south to Daybreak. The Nov. 17 event drew a few residents living near the new section of the road, South Jordan City staff and Mayor David Alvord. Also in attendance were City Council members Don Shelton and Chuck Newton and employees of Granite Construction, who built the road. slowly because they’re not aware of what’s going on around them. The road may be hilly or curvy, so take the extra time and slow down,” he said. The finished project came in at just
under $6 million, with 94 percent of the cost coming from federal funding. The remainder came from the city’s general fund, said Tina Brown, South Jordan’s public information officer. l
Page 4 | January 2015
As Eye See It
Information on Vision and Eye Health by Dale F. Hardy, O.D. At this time of year, I always see an increase in the number of people complaining of dry eye syndrome. I suppose it has to do with turning on the heating systems. However, this is a chronic condition that occurs in as much as 50% of the population and could easily be higher in a dry climate like ours. Dry eye may be mild to severe and really needs to be treated if it is anything but mild. It can affect your comfort, your vision and your eye health. The earliest symptoms may be an occasional feeling of dryness at certain times of the day, in certain situations (outside or windy), or when you have been doing a lot of reading or computer work. Most people just complain and use an eye drop that they buy at the store. They just ignore it unless the symptoms start to get worse. Although it may seem odd, one common symptom is excessive tearing. As the eye starts to feel dry it sends a message to the system used to wash dirt out of the eye and to cry when emotional so extra tears are dumped on the eye. This is a cycle of too dry, too wet, too dry, etc. As dry eye gets worse, the symptoms increase. The eyes get red and inflamed. The typical complaints are of redness, burning, a feeling of sand in the eyes, and varying vision. Callous like growths may appear on the white part of the eye and, in more extreme cases, invade onto the cornea. These are located along the horizontal line where the eye is most exposed. Testing for dry eyes is based on patient complaint history, tests to determine the quantity and quality of tears, and observing the results of chronic dryness on the eyes, such as the callous like growths. A new test available in my office measures the tear osmolarity. The higher the reading, the worse the dry eye. Treatments vary depending on what is determined to be the cause of the dry eye problem and may include such things as personal hydration, supplements, artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or putting plugs into the tear out-flow ducts. This is a chronic condition, so a person should not expect a few days of treatment and be cured. You may need some or all of the above for life. If you are having these symptoms and would like your eyes evaluated you can contact my office at 801-253-1374. Paid Advertisement
ON THE COVER Mulligan’s continued from page 1 Rogers, Alvord has come up with three scenarios where the bond could be paid off: Scenario One: Use $6,299,019 from the city’s surplus fund to pay off the bond and to remodel South Jordan City Hall at a cost of $300,000. This leaves a surplus of $1,359,019. Scenario Two: Use $1 million from the park impact fund and funds from the surplus ($6,299,019). Also, use surplus to pay $300,000 to remodel City Hall. This leaves a surplus of $2,359,019 and $1,600,000 in the park impact fund.
“Unfortunately, this statement, written by Councilman Mark Seethaler, got to the city staff and they had the directive to publish it and put in on the website with no hearing or no formal vote by the mayor or city council,” Marlor said. “The reason we’re upset is because he’s impugning our integrity. He’s impugned that we diverted monies in an illegal way. They had no business saying this or publishing it.” Marlor and the rest of the participants at the press conference expressed concern that current Mayor David Alvord and the
S outh Jordan City Journal Money from the minutes: “If they do the easement, Mulligan’s is no longer a viable asset if the city wants to change the use.” “It was statements like these that left the city in confusion,” Alvord said. “This is precisely why I advocated for the Y2 survey.” Marlor responded to Alvord’s statement, saying that an easement was impossible to do at the time due to the funding of Mulligan’s from the revenue bond that was issued in 2004. “You can’t put a conservation easement on land that somebody else is using for collat-
Scenario Three: Use $6,299,019 in surplus funds and $2 million from park impact fees to pay off bond. Use this money to also remodel City Hall at a cost of $300,000. This leaves a surplus of $3,359,019 and $600,000 in the park impact fund. The concept seems to have city council support. Now, Alvord and the council will have to work out which option to pursue. These same city leaders recently came under criticism when a statement about
“There has been a lot of inaccurate
information put out by Save Mulligan’s, so confusing that even former council members are confused about what was actually said in the past, and what has actually been discussed in the present.” the future of Mulligan’s was posted on the city website. Some former city officials called a press conference Nov. 17 to address the issue. Former council member Brad Marlor, the driving force behind the press conference, said that the official statement regarding Mulligan’s, which was published and posted on the city’s website on Oct. 30, was “absolutely false.” More specifically, Marlor and other former members of the council, along with South Jordan’s former mayor, Kent Money disagreed with a particular paragraph in the city statement that reads: “These Granted Funds came from a variety of sources and are funds which Mulligan’s had no legal rights. Another way of stating this is that city leadership diverted these monies to Mulligan’s at the expense of using these same funds for their core intended purpose.”
city council wanted to taint or sway the opinion of the public before the city’s official survey about Mulligan’s even began. They also didn’t agree with the hiring of a public opinion firm to survey residents at the public’s expense. In response to the press conference Alvord told the South Jordan Journal he appreciates the former mayor and council members, all of whom he said he respects, for their “instrumental service to the city by making it a wonderful and green place to live.” “There was some confusion by our staff and council members as the true intent of the Mulligan’s purchase,” he said. “For example, the June 22, 2004 meeting minutes show clearly that Kent Money and his council opted to pass on placing a conservation easement on the land.” Alvord said that if the former council had put an easement on the land, “…it would have settled the Mulligan’s question forever by leaving it protected open space.” Alvord then quoted a statement by
eral for the bonds,” he said. “They’re naïve and uninformed to say that we should’ve put an easement on Mulligan’s.” City Councilmember Chuck Newton also weighed in at a recent city council meeting on the former council’s press conference. “There has been a lot of inaccurate information put out by Save Mulligan’s, so confusing that even former council members are confused about what was actually said in the past, and what has actually been discussed in the present,” he said. “There has never been any discussion by this or previous councils to build high-density housing, or any housing, on Mulligan’s 67 acres.” Councilmember Chris Rogers added that “…the statement that Mr. Marlor refers to that was released on or about Oct. 30, 2014 from the city regarding Mulligan’s was inadvertently released before the city council had an opportunity to review it or vote on it,” he said. “As a result, it was not an official statement of the city council or the city.” The statement has since been pulled off of the city’s website. l
January 2015 | Page 5
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overtime Sept. 5. Bingham’s defense gave up just 12 points in four state playoff games, beginning with an Oct. 31 victory over Weber, 30-0, following by a 36-6 win against Herriman Nov. 7. In the semifinal game against Riverton Nov. 13, the Miners’ starting quarterback Kyle Gearig – the Region 3 Offensive Most Valuable Player and First Team All-State – left the game in the second quarter with an elbow injury that kept him out of the title game. Backup quarterback senior Ben Bolter came in and threw three touchdown passes, completing 10-of-12 attempts for 218 yards, to lead Bingham to a 35-3 victory to return to the state title game to defend its 2013 championship. “We lost some starters late in the year, but we’re at a point at Bingham where it’s
and 81 tackles. Peck praised his 34 seniors for their leadership on and off the field this season. “I love these kids and what they brought to this team,” he said. “They were great leaders who found a way to inspire each other.” Three players were named Academic All-State – running back Will Anderson, offensive lineman Joey Coletti and tight end Matt Larson – while Parker Atkin, Morgan Degooyer, Dallen Hardy, Kade Cloward, Michael Green, Jeremy Fox, Aaron Marsh, Kyle Gearig, Ben Boelter, Riley Sharp and Chayden Johnston were recognized as Academic All-Region. Senior kicker Chayden Johnston was named Region 3 Special Teams MVP and First Team All-State with offensive linemen Cole Clemens and Daniel Gasio, defensive backs Chase Messervy and Dominieke Jones,
‘next man up,’” Peck said. “I was concerned, of course, with Kyle’s injury, but Ben was our starting JV quarterback last year and that kid’s simply used to winning.” Bingham was anchored offensively by Second Team All-State running back Cameron Smith with nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. He also had close to 400 yards receiving and six TDs. Senior Aaron Marsh, a First Team AllRegion selection, also had 581 yards and six touchdowns out of the backfield. Before Gearig’s injury, he completed more than 1,600 yards in passing with 25 TDs. Senior Michael Green, who was named Most Outstanding Wide Receiver in Region 3 and Honorable Mention All-State, along with First Team All-Region receiver Colton Livingston, combined for more than 800 yards and 13 TDs on the season. Defensively, Bingham was led by Region 3 Defensive MVP and First Team All-State senior linebacker Daniel Langi – 116 tackles, four sacks and four interceptions – and Region 3 MVP and First Team AllState defensive back Kade Cloward, with 97 tackles and five interceptions. Junior linebacker Parker Workman, a Second Team All-State selection, also recorded 13.5 sacks
defensive linemen Jay Tufele and Langi Tuifua and Workman all recognized as Most Outstanding in Region 3 at their positions. Gasio and Tuifua were named First Team All-State while Tufele and Jones were named to the Second Team. Clemens was given Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Other Miner players on the All-Region First Team were Coletti, tight end Zach Burge, linebacker Simian Matagi, defensive lineman Brigham Tuatagaloa and defensive backs Ethan Erickson and Simote Lokotui. Atkin, wide receiver Morgan Degooyer, running back Colton Hicks, lineman Soni Ofahengaue, offensive linemen Tavian Myers and Auston Smith, along with linebackers Kent Sasine and Dallen Hardy were recognized on the All-Region Second Team. Bingham was invited to play in the inaugural State Championship Bowl Series, which is scheduled to be aired live on ESPNU from Boca Raton, Fla. on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. “This is a great opportunity for the state of Utah,” Peck said. “They have invited 75 of us for an all-expenses-paid bowl game that will be first-class everything. I’m really excited for our kids to have an opportunity to compete against the best from other states.” l
Bingham Football continued from page 1
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Page 6 | January 2015
Bringing In The New Year In Time To Sleep By Shawna Meyer
Avoiding Your Holiday Pants By Shawna Meyer
S
outh Jordan residents worried about putting on a little holiday weight can rest a little bit easier. The South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center, 10866 South Redwood Road, crafted two new Christmas-inspired workout classes just for them — each designed to get participants moving and motivated, so that Santa Claus is the only one feeling rounder this time of the year.
D
aybreak residents are invited to attend the second annual Noon Year’s Eve party on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at the Daybreak Community Center, 4544 Harvest Moon Drive. Since the event goes from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., it’s the perfect option for families with younger children, or parents who value their shuteye. Last year, more than 400 people attended this unique midday celebration. There were so many people at last year’s event that the Daybreak employees decided to sell tickets this year. “Last year it was so chaotic and crazy . . . This year with selling tickets we know that we’ll have a much more manageable crowd,” Live Daybreak Program Coordinator Wendy Pettett said. Tickets will be sold to Daybreak residents only. A ticket will cost $5 and allow up to six family members to get into the party. Those interested can purchase their tickets at the Daybreak Community Center every day leading up to the event and even on the day. Custom Events Inc. will be helping provide some of the entertainment with carnival games along with some prizes. “I’m not sure what [Custom Events
S outh Jordan City Journal
NEWS
Inc.] is bringing out. They’re just going to pick a few of their most popular games and come out with those,” Pettett said. Utah Jive will provide a DJ and photo booth. There will also be snacks to enjoy. Attendees can snack on chips, dips, veggies and finger sandwiches. Kids can also participate in some fun, winter-themed crafts, which haven’t been decided quite yet. “It’s a chance for families to celebrate New Year’s together. Some kids can’t stay up late, or their parents don’t want them to stay up until midnight, so it’s an opportunity for the whole family to have a fun celebration together,” Pettett said. Balloon Bonanza will provide over 800 balloons for a noon, instead of a midnight, balloon drop. l
scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 24. There are two classes included in this workout. The first class is “A Merry Motivation,” with instructor Shal Bunker. This class goes from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and involves intense weightlifting and circuit exercises. The second class, “Holiday Hustle,” runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This later class will feature Zumba with DowDell. There are no sign-ups necessary for
South Jordan residents participated in Thanksgiving-themed workout classes just last month. “I think it’s very difficult during the holidays to stay motivated to eat healthy and to be active. I think a lot of that has to do with, obviously, the parties and the
these classes. South Jordan residents who have a pass to the South Jordan Fitness and Aquatic Center can attend, while those who don’t have a regular pass can purchase a
“We try to offer these types of classes because
they’re fun activities, and people tend to be more motivated when they’re working out as a group rather than doing their own individual exercises.” food. But I also think that the weather can cause people to get a little bit down during this time of year,” group fitness coordinator Kimberly DowDell said. Along with “I’m Dreaming of a White Hip Hop” on Dec. 17, the fitness center is also hosting a workout event called, “T’was the Workout Before Christmas,” and it’s
day pass at the front desk. Adults will pay $5 for a day pass. “We try to offer these types of classes because they’re fun activities, and people tend to be more motivated when they’re working out as a group rather than doing their own individual exercises,” DowDell said. l
S outh JordanJournal .com
Are The Stars Aligned On Mulligans? By City Councilmember Christopher J. Rogers
I
t may be coincidence or that the stars are aligned but this season a solution to actually saving Mulligans may be percolating. As many of you know, the city council recently received the results of a survey that was conducted to gauge the public’s opinion of the future of Mulligans. If you would like to see those results, go to www.sjc.utah.gov I won’t summarize those results here. However, based on those results, an important discussion was had by the mayor and city council on December 2, which was not well attended by the public, that I think will end up becoming the foundation and first step in actually saving Mulligans. I should caution that this discussion is only in its infancy and is not official yet but it may be in the future. It concerns paying off the Mulligans bond. The mayor presented the idea after meeting with city staff and it was received favorably by the council. Let me explain: Because of the excellent financial situation of our city, we anticipate a surplus of funds for this current fiscal year in the amount of about $ 5 million. Along with a recent sale of city-owned land along Redwood Road in the amount $ 1.3 million, we expect our total surplus this year to be approximately $ 6.3 million. In addition, we also anticipate that our park impact fund will soon have approximately $ 2.6 million. As a result, we are in an excellent position to pay down debt — namely the Mulligans bond. Coincidently, the Mulligans bond — the debt the city incurred to partially purchase Mulligans — just happens to be the next bond that is “callable” for the city in April 2015. This means it is the first bond we could pay off without any prepayment penalty. The payoff amount at that time will be $ 4.6 million.
January 2015 | Page 7
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
If we used $ 2 million from the park impact fund along with $ 2.6 million from the surplus this year, for a total of $ 4.6 million, to pay off the Mulligans bond in its entirety, we would: Pay down debt – which is a fiscally conservative and sound course of action; Have $ 3.6 million in remaining surplus money for capital improvements for the city or other necessities; Save $ 1.6 million in future interest payments on the bond; Have Mulligans be financially selfsufficient. If the bond is paid off, Mulligans and the city will no longer need to account for the approximate $500,000 per year bond payment that would have otherwise continued for another 14 years. Instead of being revenue-neutral or negative when counting the bond payment as an expense for Mulligans, those savings now result in a $ 500,000 swing in the financially positive direction for Mulligans. Mulligans then truly profits. As a result, Mulligans’s profits each year can then be used to fund its own improvements without tax increases or supplemental funding from the city. I think this is the best course of action and the “first step” in truly saving Mulligans. After the bond is paid off, we can then discuss ideas for improvements to the course and facilities, which might include establishing a sound marketing plan to increase usage, better signage, better clubhouse, having Segways to rent for use on the golf course or along the Jordan River Trail, and fee adjustments that are market competitive. These are just some of the ideas. We welcome your input and I know that all the members on the council and the mayor are striving to do what is best for our city concerning the future of Mulligans. l
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Mayor David L. Alvord City Council Members Steve Barnes Donald J. Shelton Mark Seethaler Chuck Newton Christopher J. Rogers
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WELCOMING NEW SOUTH JORDAN BUSINESSES! South Jordan City would like to welcome the following new businesses to the city:
A monthly newsletter for South Jordan residents
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January 2015
Focus CONNECTION TO
NEW BUSINESS LICENSES: Alpine Homes – 10705 S. Jordan Gtwy., Ste. 150 Tunex of South Jordan – 1247 W. South Jordan Pkwy. HWR – 9957 S Jordan Gtwy. Lucid Software – 10808 S. River Front Pkwy., #600 Samantha Evelyn Jolley – 968 W. South Jordan Pkwy. Security National Mortgage Company 10437 S. 1300 W., Ste. 200 South Valley Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork – 3658 W Azara Ln.
South Jordan City @SouthJordanUT
NEW HOME OCCUPATION BUSINESS LICENSES: Elysium Energy LLC; Endurance Sports Show LLC; Maxx Lubricants; Star Tree Studio; Superior Carpet Restoration LLC; Transitional Designs
South Jordan City facebook.com/cityofsouthjordan
Appointed Officials: City Manager, Gary L. Whatcott; ACM/Legal & Legislative, I. Robert Wall; Chief of Staff, Paul Cunningham. South Jordan City Hall • 1600 West Towne Center Drive • South Jordan, Utah 84095 • (801) 254-3742 • info@sjc.utah.gov
Page 10 | January 2015
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EDUCATION
Hats, Shoes, Teddy Bears Warm Hearts This Holiday Season By Julie Slama
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iles of hats, shoes, socks, stuffed animals and more are being shared with those less fortunate this holiday season, thanks to local school children. At Jordan Ridge Elementary, more than 200 new pairs of shoes and 400 pairs of socks were donated by early December, with more expected before the shoe drive was scheduled to end on Dec. 19, Principal South Jordan Middle School students put up posters Catherine Anderson said. “We have very giving students and encouraging students to participate in their Sub 4 parents who are looking out for others and Santa Games which contribute donations to families in are being good neighbors and citizens,” need. Photo courtesy of Brett Freeman Anderson said. “We try to teach students to always pay attention to others who are theater teacher Kristie Post Wallace said. in need and to lend them a helping hand.” South Jordan Middle School musical These shoes are being donated to groups shared their music with Beehive Jordan Credit Union’s Warm Your Soles Homes residents, and the Parent-Teacherprogram and to The Road Home. Last spring, Student Association gave them small care the school donated 3,000 pairs of shoes to packages, with toiletry items and travel-sized those in need in Africa, and last holiday games or playing cards. The students also season they held a coat and mitten drive gave cards that several classes made for for families in the community. the residents. At American Heritage of South JorSouth Jordan Middle School National dan, seventh-graders were knitting stocking Junior Honor Society is in its eighth year hats on looms and other students were donating new and gently used We try to teach students to clothing and warm outerwear for The Road Home, art and Spanish teacher always pay attention to others Jeanette Herrera said. Donations are who are in need and to lend being accepted by the school’s west doors through Dec. 23. them a helping hand. “We take everything for granted, but we’re encouraging students to realize others are less fortunate,” Herrera of Sub 4 Santa, collecting donations which said. “When they deliver these items and will be given to the Giving Grinch to help see the people they are helping, they see the families in need. This year, students have actual person, and it gives them a different developed “Sub 4 Santa Games” movie perspective that they really are giving people trailers, similar to the Hunger Games, to a step up.” encourage more students to participate. At The school also is holding its 10th the end of the fundraising, the winning grade annual teddy bear drive where students bring will compete against the faculty in various in new stuffed animals that will be given athletic and eating events. to local fire firefighters who distribute them “Students are encouraged to donate to kids who have gone through traumatic their money earned from babysitting or incidents. Before each bear is donated, other jobs to help others less fortunate,” students line the halls and the bear is passed social studies teacher and NJHS adviser and hugged by each student, curriculum Brett Freeman said. “Here at SJMS we director Scotti Hansen said. stress the importance of working as a team At Elk Ridge Middle School, students to accomplish great things, and the Sub 4 are helping children through its sixth annual Santa Games helps us achieve this goal. Angel Tree program. Student body officers It’s exciting and heartwarming to watch will purchase items selected by the children students donate hard-earned money to a and wrap them for the selected families, great cause.” l
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January 2015 | Page 11
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Bingham Students Give “TrueBlue” Holiday Spirit To Others By Julie Slama
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ighty years ago, Bingham High students organized a Christmas dance to raise money during the Great Depression to help their peers who would not be able to have a Christmas. Although the name changed last year from Sub for Santa, the mission remains the same — to give to not only students at Bingham who might need assistance for
and a potato derby, (similar to a pinewood derby only the race cars are made out of potatoes) joined the annual holiday dance as fundraisers. Junior Hannah Lake was looking forward to attending some of the activities she helped plan as one of 40 students on the planning committee. Her sister, Hailey, joined her at the Reindeer Games.
Bingham High students make “gingerbread” houses during a TrueBlue activity designed to help raise money for those people needing assistance during the holidays. the holidays, but also provide for programs including the Make-A Wish Foundation, Starlight Foundation, Christmas Box House and the Jordan Education Foundation. “We changed the name so it was more about the spirit of Bingham students, and we’ve expanded so we can help more organizations reach more families and children,” student government adviser Liz Smith said. “Last year, we raised more than $87,000 to help these foundations, and this year our goal is to raise $100,000.” Throughout the month of December, student leaders planned numerous activities in which students could participate with a donation to TrueBlue. The events kicked off with human bowling, ping pong, holiday movies and other activities during Reindeer Games on Dec. 3. Other activities such as an improv show, a dodge ball tournament, a Zumbathon
These included purchasing a ceramics class-made bowl filled with soup ProStart students made or buying crepes French students served. As part of the fundraising, students earmarked $10,000 for 1,600 students within the Jordan School District who are considered “homeless,” Smith said. “Once students learned how many students are in need within their own district, they jumped on board to raise funds for them. The Jordan Education Foundation will decide how the funds will be used, whether it’s for food, heat, clothing or whatever is needed,” Smith said. Several area businesses also contributed a portion of the proceeds from a particular day or certain sales all month to TrueBlue. “TrueBlue is not just about raising money, but also about giving service to those in the community. This year, we have planned
a variety of activities to not only provide service, but to help bring the holiday spirit to the Bingham community,” Smith said at the kick off. For senior Chase Sorenson, taking Starlight Foundation foster children to see the lights at Temple Square is his favorite TrueBlue activity. “It’s really something special when we’re able to help out these foster kids and they get to spend time with us high school students,” he said. “They appreciate everything that we take for granted so we’re blessed at seeing them grateful, and
it’s so rewarding.” About 120 Bingham High students participate in the annual event, Smith said, adding that it usually is the first activity to fill. TrueBlue provides some of its contributions to ensure these foster children receive items they want and need for the winter season. Students also spend an evening where they gather to make holiday cards to take to residents at Legacy Assisted Care Center. This year, they also planned to tie 100 fleece blankets and decorated Christmas trees to give to local hospitals. l
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EDUCATION
Area Kids Provide Food For Others In Community By Julie Slama
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ocal South Jordan school children are working to ease some hunger pains from those in the community by donating canned food and non-perishable items at their annual school food drives. During the week of Dec. 8, Elk Meadows Elementary students had a goal to bring in donations weighing 3,000 pounds, up 500 pounds from what they gathered last year for the Utah Food Bank. “The kids get excited about this, and they can see as they walk in how much food has been donated and know where the food is going and how they’re getting to help people,” Parent-Teacher Association president Cindy Jensen said. “A lot of kids want things and Mom and Dad just go out and buy it for them. They don’t realize how many others don’t have parents who can go out and buy everything they want, and so they go without. This is helping them to think about others and giving to someone else.” Jordan Ridge Principal Catherine Anderson said that her school’s month-long
annual food drive ends with donations given at the first-grade holiday program in early December. This year’s contributions will be given to the Draper-Riverton Rotary Club, which will distribute the food. “We want students to learn how to be better citizens,” she said. “It fits in with our Leader in Me program’s core curriculum of doing for other people, especially for those less fortunate then you.” At American Heritage of South Jordan, students donated 3,040 cans, up 900 items from last year. Their school-wide 10th annual food drive was completed in November, and National Junior Honor Society members delivered and stocked shelves at St. Andrew’s Food Pantry, which serves Bluffdale, Herriman, Riverton, South Jordan and West Jordan. “The idea is to give back and be a service to the community,” curriculum director Scotti Hansen said. “We’re helping 200 families right here in our community.”
Bingham High School’s speech and debate team is continuing its winning tradition as it recently was named the overall best policy debate and best overall school and won three events at the Speech Arts Tournament Nov. 7-8 in Lehi, under first-year coach Mike Bausch. The team also won the Hunter High School debate tournament, placing in the top five in 10 events; and won two events at the Ogden High tournament and had three other top-three finishes. The team has been named state champion nine of the past 10 years, but has few seniors to lead them this year. “I feel the team is on track to keep up that tradition of success,” Bausch said. “I hope our success now means as those students get older, we will have even more success in the state and nationally.” They plan to compete at the 5A state championship March 13-14. Photo courtesy of Mike Bausch —Julie Slama
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SPORTS
January 2015 | Page 13
Bingham Coach Calls It A Career By Catherine Garrett
“I
f you help enough people get what they want, eventually you’ll get what you want,” is one mantra Bingham football coach Dave Peck has subscribed to over the past 31 years in the high school coaching ranks. On Dec. 8, he announced his retirement at his team’s banquet. “It has been an unbelievable run,” Peck said. “To leave this profession on my own terms and with no regrets, I couldn’t be happier. I simply accomplished everything I could do as a coach.” Longtime Bingham athletic director Brad Bevan, who is now retired, recalled the hiring search 15 years ago that brought Peck to head up the Miners program. “The kids were really worried to see who we would pick for their new coach, and I assured them that whoever we brought on would be outstanding,” Bevan said. “I guess you could say we got it right.” In 2006, Peck led Bingham to its first state championship in 60 years and established the top football program in the state over the next eight years with four more state championships, including consecutive titles in 2009 and 2010 and then again in
2013 and 2014. “The icing on the cake for me was the back-to-back championships,” Peck said. “I feel like with this championship [2014], I got to actually eat the cake.” The 53-year-old father of four – daughter Christy and sons Tyler, Stetson and Justin, all of whom he coached – started playing football as an 8-year-old because “it looked fun.” He also played baseball and basketball throughout high school. During the 1978-79 season, Peck was named First Team All-State in football and baseball at Cyprus High School, while also being the leading scorer on the basketball team. He went on to play wide receiver for the Southern Utah University football team before switching to the defensive side of the ball as a free safety and defensive back the next few years. After his sophomore year at SUU and taking every class he could to be a veterinarian, he realized he would have to transfer to another university to continue toward that profession. So, he simply switched career paths and while there, was offered his first coaching job in Grace,
Bingham High football coach Dave Peck (third from left) talks with Karl Cloward, Everestt Matagi and Saia Finefueiaki of his coaching staff during a game this season. The longtime coach retired Dec. 8 after a career spanning 31 years and five high schools. Idaho in 1983. After a year, he came back to Utah and coached at North Sanpete in Mount Pleasant, with stints at Bingham as an assistant for a few years, Hunter High as the defensive coordinator for five years and at Cyprus for another five years. He has been head coach at Bingham
since 2000, going 154-37 during that span, while reaching the semifinals or better in 10 of those seasons. “The level of caring that Dave has for his athletes is almost unparalleled,” Bevan said. “Very few know about the early
Bingham Coach continued on page 14
The Gale Center of History and Culture 2015 TERRIFIC TUESDAY PROGRAM Beginning in 2015, the Gale Center of History & Culture, Terrific Tuesday program, will be held the last Tuesday of the month, and will be held at 10:00 a.m. This program is open to the public and we are also inviting preschool groups to make reservations to attend and be a part of this program. Contact: Candy Ponzurick for more information.
WINTER CLOSURE The Gale Center of History and Culture will have their Winter Closure, for Docent break, cleaning and maintenance, from December 18-January 2, 2015.
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Page 14 | January 2015
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SPORTS
morning study halls or visits he has with young men that are struggling in and out of the classroom. His expertise in football and ability to coach the sport goes without saying, but it is the relationships that he has built – with players, their parents, his staff, other coaches from other schools and the officials – that really show the strength of his character.” Peck took a year hiatus from coaching in the mid-1980s to run a family business. “I probably had more money and more time than I had ever had before, but I missed teaching and coaching,” he said. “I really loved feeling like I was making a difference with kids.” Peck’s teams have been dominant on the state level while also earning a name nationally over the past decade by playing “anybody, anytime, anyplace” around the country and showcasing Utah’s talent. “It’s been an amazing experience here at Bingham,” he said. “I thought we could get to be one of the top teams in the state, but I never would have thought we could be recognized nationally the way we have.” The 2014 championship squad finished
the year ranked eighth in the country in the USA Today poll. Peck said he has been eyeing retirement for a few years. “I kind of got tired of waking up at two in the morning and thinking, ‘What more can I do?’ and then not being able to get back to sleep. It was driving me nuts,” he said. “This is a very stressful job that can really wear on you.” Above all, Peck said he will miss his associations. “Those letters that come that let you know that you made an impact are the things I really treasure,” he said. He plans to stay connected to sports as he heads off into the sunset – selling sporting goods and looking to relocate in Sanpete County where he has property to have a place where his children and grandchildren can come. “I’m excited for whatever comes my way, and my wife’s excited too,” he said. “She has always been a great support, and it’s been a wonderful ride together.” Peck will coach the Miners one final time in a game against Florida’s top-ranked team in the inaugural State Championship Bowl Series Dec. 27. l
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South Jordan Senior Center 10778 South Redwood Road 801-302-1222
Jan. 8, 10:15 a.m. -- Tour of the Gale Center of History and Culture.
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch is served daily at noon. Suggested lunch donation is $2.50 for patrons over 60. Patrons under 60 must pay $5.25. Reservations or cancellations should be made by noon the previous business day. Transportation is available for South Jordan residents age 60 and older. Call the center for information. Find them online at sjc. utah.gov/recreation/communitycenter.asp
Jan. 12, 12:30 p.m. -- Wal-Mart Shopping Trip
Dec. 24, Jan. 7. 12:30 p.m. -- Bingo sponsored by Proactive Wealth Solutions Dec. 25, 26 – Center Closed SCJ&SJCJ
Dec 30, 10:30 a.m. -- Red Hat Adventure to Grand America Hotel to see the gingerbread house Dec 31, 11 a.m. -- New Year’s Eve Party with black tie entertainment from Brad and Peggy Curtis. Dance floor provided and a toast at noon. 12:30 p.m. -- New Year’s Bingo sponsored by the Senior Advisory Council. Jan. 1 -- Center Closed. Happy New Year!
11 a.m. -- “Ask a Nurse” with Reliance Health Care
Jan. 14, 11:15 a.m. -- “Retirement through Reverse Mortgage,” with Frank from City Wide Home Loans 12:30 p.m. -- Bingo sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Jan. 15, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. -- AARP Driver Safety Class. $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Jan. 19 -- Center Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 21, 12:30 p.m. -- Bingo sponsored by Legacy Retirement Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m. -- Piano entertainment by Debra Bowers Jan. 28, 12:30 p.m. -- Bingo sponsored by Sagewood at Daybreak Jan. 29, 11 a.m. -- Red Hat Adventure. Come for lunch at Mimi’s Café. 11 a.m. -- Health Clinic with CareA-Lot Homecare l
January 2015 | Page 15
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MAKING HOLIDAY MEMORIES: NINE CREATIVE AND FRUGAL TRADITIONS By Joani Taylor
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recently met a gal who told me a story about how they use their cowboy boots for Christmas stockings. This came about because, during a move to a new home, the box with their holiday decorations got lost. Instead of buying new stockings they hung their cowboy boots on the mantle and have kept the tradition ever since. When you think of Christmas traditions you might think of driving around and seeing the lights, watching a favorite holiday movie, enjoying special recipes or opening up PJ’s on Christmas Eve. Holiday traditions invoke wonderful and playful memories of childhood and help bond us to those we love. We asked our readers at Coupons4Utah.com what their favorite holiday traditions are and we got a lot of great responses. Here are a few favorites that are out of the norm and easy on the wallet. Stop a Cop: Wrap up goodies, then on Christmas Eve find a police officer or stop by a firehouse and deliver your treats, with an offer of thanks and gratitude for keeping you safe on the holiday.
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Toy Clean Up: Two or three days before Christmas gather the kids and go through their toys. Place those they no longer play with in a special bag and put it under the tree. On Christmas Eve, St. Nick will take the bag and replace it with their newly wrapped toys. The toys get donated to a local shelter or care center. Table Talk: Use butcher paper instead of a tablecloth and breakout the crayons. Everyone, adults and children, writes or illustrates something on the table. It can be words of gratitude, a big announcement or sharing a goal they hope to achieve. When it’s time for dinner each person shares what they wrote. Go Camping: Camp out around your Christmas tree the night you decorate it. Tell stories by candlelight. In the morning have the same breakfast menu from year to year, like funny face pancakes or a special muffin or bread that you only make on that particular morning.
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Discover Your Inner Actor: Put on a holiday performance. Act out the nativity and read the story of Christ’s birth from the Bible. Then, have a gift exchange game where the gifts cannot cost more than $5. Newlyweds Forever: Make a yearly decoration for the tree out of things you can find around the house that represents where you are in that stage of life. Your ornaments will tell a story of time as you grow your family. Winter Wonderland: Make a paper snowflake each day during December and have your child write something they are thankful for on it. Then hang the snowflakes in the window or around the house. Ants in Your Pants: Go sledding or ice skating on Christmas day after opening the gifts. This is a great way to channel the Christmas excitement into a healthy family activity. Hide and Seek: Santa’s mischievous elves hide one present for Christmas Eve. They leave treasure hunt style clues all over the house leading the way to the gift. What’s your holiday tradition? For more ideas our readers submitted visit: coupons4utah.com/traditions Happy Holidays!
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Rockin’ Around the Real Christmas Tree By Peri Kinder
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ow that we’re empty nesters, my husband has tentatively suggested that we destroy Christmas. We’ll be cuddling in front of the TV when he whispers, “Do you think it’s time we invested in a fake tree?” “No.” “But a real tree stresses you out each year.” “That’s not stress, it’s the Christmas spirit,” I reply. “I didn’t know the Christmas spirit was so grouchy.” A real Christmas tree has always been the center of my holiday decorating. Growing up, we’d hang stockings, put out Advent calendars and display nativity scenes, but the season didn’t officially start until the tree was plunked into a bucket of boiling Mountain Dew. (We had the only caffeine-addicted tree on the street.) After dad strung the lights and went to hide in his bedroom, we’d attack the tree like a whirling tornado, fighting over who got to hang favorite ornaments. Once we were in bed, mom and dad would redecorate and hang tinsel, one silvery strand at a time, on every branch. I’ve carried on that tradition (minus the tinsel that would cling to our clothes) to create our own perfect Christmas tree. Our holiday tree has never been a symbol of opulence. We’ve never had a Winter Wonderland tree with white fluffy
reindeer frolicking through snowy silk ribbons, dangling with sparkly Swarovski crystals and silver-sequined snowflakes. Instead, our tree’s branches are weighed down by homemade angels with ratted-out hair and lopsided halos, clothespin reindeers tangled around hand beaded wreaths, and South Park characters rubbing shoulders with the baby Jesus. Decades of school photo ornaments hang amid the evergreen boughs, detailing years of missing teeth, questionable hairstyles and teenage angst. And loved ones who have passed away are remembered with ornaments ranging from dancing shoes to teardrop prisms. Put together, it’s an explosion of bad taste that would make Martha Stewart cry. But it’s not just a Christmas tree— it’s a family tree representing years of holiday memories. The finished product is only half of the story. Finding the perfect Christmas tree is a tradition/catastrophe I anticipate/ loathe every December. Hence my husband’s misguided “fake tree” suggestion. He just doesn’t understand that a plastic tree is a soulless imitation of holiday beauty, and the first step to anarchy. Each year, I schedule a day to pick out a tree, and, without fail, it’s the coldest, snowiest, iciest weekend
MAYOR’S MESSAGE Dear Residents,
T
he Mulligans survey results are in! Resoundingly, people voted in favor of retaining open space at the golf course. Survey results revealed that one-third of our residents wanted a partial development of Mulligans. However, the clear majority favored keeping the land undeveloped. I’d like to extend a big thank you to Y2 analytics for the professional manner in which they conducted the survey. I understand that there were some residents who wished to participate in the survey but were not selected. As a council, it was our desire to find a method that balanced cost with accuracy, and so, we chose a scientific polling firm. I
believe the results were accurate and cost us far less than surveying the entire city. With the poll now completed, we now have our marching orders. In the coming weeks, and after hearing from professional golf consultants, the council will be discussing the precise future of Mulligan’s Golf and Games. But I can assure you that open space will be the key feature of the golf course. The people have spoken. Interestingly, an opportunity related to Mulligans has presented itself that I would like to introduce. The idea has not yet been fully vetted or explored, but I think the concept has merit. Councilman Mark Seethaler helped develop this plan, as well as Councilman Chris Rogers. So far, the entire council
of the month. My youngest daughter tags along to make sure I get it right and to help hold the tree on top of the car once the loosely-tied knots start to unravel—much like my mind. We scour tree lots, looking for an evergreen that is devoid of bare spots, more alive than dead and not full of spiders. (Don’t ask. It’s a horrible holiday memory.) We also try to avoid tree lots managed by the town drunk. (That’s another Christmas/horror saga involving a leering, inebriated tree salesperson with a chain saw.) Once the tree arrives safely home, we discover the 10-foot tree won’t fit into our 8-foot living room. We attack it with dull handsaws and scissors until it fits, and then, in a flurry of Christmas chaos, we adorn it with lights and ornaments, and top it with a rickety angel, balanced precariously on the highest branch.
W
hen the dust settles, we’ll cuddle by the decorated tree, watching Christmas lights twinkle while the snow softly falls. It’s the epitome of holiday perfection. Until my husband whispers, “What do you think about having Christmas dinner at Village Inn?” Could be a long, cold winter in our home. l
seems favorable to the opportunity. Here’s the idea: This year, our city will post a nearly $6,300,000 surplus. This is the largest surplus that our city has ever seen. Mulligans’4.6 million-dollar bond just so happens to be callable in April of 2015. In other words, the bond could be paid off in full without penalty early next year! Doing so would save the city $1,600,000 in interest and could make the golf course truly profitable. Mulligans currently must make an annual bond payment of $500,000. By relieving Mulligans of this burden, the city could see a steady revenue stream from the use of the amenity while at the same time preserving the area as green space. A municipal bond is only eligible for repayment, without penalty, once in several years. The “stars have aligned” this year because we have an unusually large surplus combined with an open space survey result
combined with a callable bond this April. It should be mentioned that this opportunity has come to the city thanks, in part, to the good fiscal stewardship of former mayors, staff, and city councils. Their vision of commercial development in South Jordan many years ago is the reason we are now experiencing the harvest that came from the seeds that were planted during their time in service to the city. And so, the great City of South Jordan rolls on. I’d like to thank all those who participated in the survey that was very helpful in helping the city council make this crucial decision. May you and your families enjoy a wonderful holiday season. Warm regards, Mayor David Alvord
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