Mayor Affirms: State Of The City Is Strong
A
t the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce Vision Dinner Feb. 18, Mayor David Alvord delivered a confident State of the City address. Proclaiming that the “state of the city is strong on many metrics,” he praised the good work of some 300 city employees, the contributions of businesses and civic leaders, and the character of residents who achieve outstanding things in the city. Noting that South Jordan is home to businesses that employ more than 21,000 people, the mayor affirmed his vision for a city that is a desirable place for people to live, work and play. The population of the city continues its steady strong growth, as the second-fastest growing city in the country in 2012 and the third fastest in 2013. South Jordan has consistently been ranked in the top tiers of desirable mid-size cities in national magazine surveys, and with
By James Luke
some 62,000 current residents and a steady increase every year, the mayor praised the balance between people who work and live in the city. For those who like to play in the city, the mayor noted that the often-contentious discussion around the fate of city-owned recreation center Mulligan’s Golf & Games has led to some very positive results. “The place where you arrive after a journey is sometimes very different than the place you may have thought that you were going,” he said. While the final decisions on the future of the 67-acre open space north of 10600 South near the Jordan River have yet to be made, the mayor noted that there is now a definite sense of agreement to keep the area open as the best use to all the people of the area. l
more on mulligan’s
2
a joyful noise
6
jedi Rule!
12
bhs diver is #1
16
“The only tie between the voters that I represent and what is being discussed is me.”
page 4
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44
Page 2 | March 2015
Civic Leaders Urged To Take Off Their Masks
Teeing Up Another Round Of Mulligan’s Talk By James Luke
By James Luke
A
fter hearing resident concerns about “another layer of government,” the South Jordan City Council voted unanimously Feb. 17 to appoint a Mulligan’s review commission. As the council named the seven members of the new commission, they also voted on a proposal to rezone four city-owned parcels around Mulligan’s Golf and Games from agricultural to open space-natural designation. The future of the 67-acre Mulligan’s property has been a hotly contested issue before the council in recent years. Briefly considered for development, the open area north of 10600 South along the Jordan River was fiercely defended by residents who formed a group called “Save Mulligans.” Both a privately funded survey and a city survey found strong support for preserving the area in open condition. The Mulligan’s commission consists of two members of the city council selected by the mayor, two city staff chosen by the city manager, the Mulligan’s facility manager and two residents selected from applications open to the public. At the Feb. 17 meeting, Mayor David
Alvord appointed Councilmember Mark Seethaler to chair the Mulligan’s commission, with Councilmember Don Shelton to join the city staff members on the panel selected by City Manager Gary Whatcott: Don Tingey and Dustin Lewis, along with Mulligan’s Facility Manager Doug Brown. Seethaler announced the selection of residents Deanna Kaufman and Max Shura for the two public positions. The commission has no firm mandate, other than to review and consider the economics of the golf course and other activities currently at the location, as well as other options available to the city in management of the property, and to then report its findings to the city council. Some residents at the Jan. 20 council meeting, when the council adopted the resolution that created the Mulligan’s commission, said the review panel might be just more government, leading to more delays in taking some real action to improve the property. Janalee Tobias, who has been active in the Save Mulligans effort, as well as other battles to preserve open space in the city, observed
5 off free soft drink
$
$25 purchase or more Monday-Thursday
with purchase of any regular price buffet
Excludes buffet. Expires 4/30/15. Valid at the South Jordan location only.
Not valid with any other offers. Expires 4/30/15. Valid at the South Jordan location only.
PROVO
98 West Center Street 801-373-7200
SOUTH JORDAN
1086 W. South Jordan Pkwy, Suite 111 • 801-302-0777
ORDER ONLINE AT: WWW . INDIAPALACEUTAH . COM
THE SOUTH JORDAN TEAM
S outh Jordan City Journal
NEWS
A
t the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce Annual Vision and Awards Dinner Feb. 18, host Darin Adams enjoyed a laugh with Mayor David Alvord about which forbidden substance the mayor had accused the animated MC of using to get his energy at last year’s event. Despite the fact that South Jordan is the only city in the world with two LDS temples, the men weren’t talking about Diet Coke or energy drinks.
Speaker Armistead Anderson of Moving Forward Solutions dons a mask for the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce Annual Vision and Awards Dinner. The theme that evening was “Masquerade: Unmasking the Future of Your Business.” Photo courtesy of Bryn Randall, Black Hat Media
Mulligan’s continued on page 4
Featured speaker Jennifer Armistead Anderson of Moving Forward Solutions urged the civic and business leaders in attendance to be true to themselves and others. She encouraged everyone to “take off the mask and reveal your most true self to those around you.” Adams got into the spirit of the event that’s theme was “Masquerade: Unmasking the Future of Your Business” as he donned a flamboyant pirate hat and mask combo. He soon followed Anderson’s advice, though, and unmasked himself publicly.
Editor: Linda Petersen: linda@mycityjournals.com Staff Writers: Julie Slama, Shawna Meyer, Catherine Garrett and James Luke
The SJ Journal is distributed on the fourth Friday of each month directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan.
Ad Sales: 801-264-6649
For information about distribution please email delivery@myutahjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.
Circulation Coordinator: Vitaly Kouten: Circulation@valleyjournals.com Editorial & Ad Design: Ty Gorton
many forms for more than 10 years, including being part of the marching band at Bingham. For her career, she intends to continue her education in the field of medicine. The awards for 2014 Chamber of Commerce businesses included: Best Small Business - Elements Massage; Best Large Business - America First Credit Union; 2014 Chamber Partner - Sagewood at Daybreak; Community Hero Award - Gordman’s and the Jordan Education Foundation; and for Best Service to Chamber - Jared Johnston and Mountain America Financial Services. l m i ss i o n s tate m e n t
Creative Director Bryan Scott: bryan@mycityjournals.com
Sales Associates: Steve Hession: 801-907-1606 Ryan Casper: 801-671-2034 Melissa Worthen: 801-897-5231
Honored for achievement and efforts that exemplify the spirit of the Chamber of Commerce, two young people will each find their path to college smoother with a $500 scholarship. Alan Weintraub moved to Utah with his mother as a teenager and with no English skills. In his first year at Bingham High School, he earned a grade point average of 3.89 while participating in music and more. Alisha Benitez Gomez has played music in
For subscriptions please contact: delivery@myutahjournals.com This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media. free . community. papers .
South Jordan City Journal 4001 S 700 East • Suite 500 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 Phone: 801 264 6649
designed, published & distributed by
March 2015 | Page 3
S outh JordanJournal .com
CALL (801) 997-5503 TODAY!
Mon. Mar. 30, 8PM Tue. Mar. 31, 8:30PM Wed. Apr. 1, 8PM
kued.org/cancer
Page 4 | March 2015
As Eye See It Information on Vision and Eye Health by Dale F. Hardy, O.D. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over the age of 50 in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 2 million people have AMD and another 7 million are at substantial risk for vision loss from AMD. AMD occurs in about 14% of the general population, but is over 50% by age 80. There are two forms of AMD. The most common is the atrophic (dry) form. The other is the exudative (wet) form and is the one that proceeds the most rapidly into severe vision loss. The macula is the area of the eye where fine daylight vision, ability to see fine print and color vision are located. The symptoms include: diminished overall vision; objects appear distorted in shape and straight lines look bent; loss of color vision; and a dark or empty area in the center of vision. In the really early stages, before a person notices changes, a doctor looking into the eye may see changes in the retina in the macula area. Diagnostic tests include visual inspection of the macula, ocular coherence tomography, central visual field testing, and genetic testing. Because of my own personal concerns with a family history of AMD, I have all of these tests available in my office. The only treatment currently available for the dry form of AMD is nutritional. A diet favoring low fat content and dark green leafy vegetable plus specific anti-oxidant vitamin supplements. Genetic testing will tell whether you should have zinc in your supplements or not. Treatment of the wet form may include laser treatments to seal the leaking blood vessels or injections of drugs directly into the back of the eye over the macula. These are not cures and are used to slow the rate of central vision loss. Other things that may help are to avoid smoking, watch your weight, maintain normal blood pressure, and protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing good quality sunglasses. Low vision devices of various kinds can be used to magnify images to maximize remaining vision and to allow a person to function as much as possible. There are other resources, such as talking books, that may be used if the vision loss is substantial.
www.drhardy.com • (801) 253-1374 10372 Redwood Road, South Jordan, UT 84095 paid advertisement
S outh Jordan City Journal
NEWS
Council Dispute Leads To Proposed Bill To Forbid Council Member Exclusions By James Luke
A
bill making its way through the 2015 Utah State legislative session might make it more difficult for local governments to exclude a council member from an open public meeting without a majority vote indicating that the member is disruptive or that there is an actual conflict of interest. State Rep. Rich Cunningham, R-South Jordan, with the support of Sen. Aaron Osmond, is proposing the amendment to address “concerns from many constituents” about a dispute in the South Jordan City Council that led to a resolution to exclude Councilmember Steve Barnes last year. A June 2014 city council session ended in conflict when Barnes left the meeting early under protest and after threats from his peers on the council that he would be removed from the meeting. Previously, Barnes had offered to recuse himself from any council action on a proposed city contract, due to a family connection at one of the companies under consideration. He intended to remain in the council session to observe discussion, however. The next day Barnes received an email from then-City Attorney Robert Wall that forwarded the text of a unanimous resolution of the council formally excluding him from any meeting at which the council discussed a proposal to contract with a management company to work on the future of city-owned golf property, Mulligan’s Golf & Games. The currently proposed state bill, which has just come out of a standing committee for a spot on the second reading calendar,
retains current state law that allows the governing body of a city to expel a member of the government “for disorderly conduct on a two-thirds vote.” Cunningham confirms that the bill does add a provision that a city council may expel a member on a two-thirds vote, where there is an actual conflict of interest with pending matters before the council. He notes that this compromise was necessary to align state law with various municipalities that have different policies on conflict of interest procedures. Barnes is concerned that the bill may now go too far by explicitly allowing a council to exclude a member on a two-thirds vote where there is a conflict of interest. “My hope is that the new legislation being considered does not broaden the power of a council to expel a member, including in closed sessions,” he said. “The only tie between the voters that I represent and what is being discussed is me.” The discussion of the future of Mulligan’s has advanced considerably in the seven months since the dust-up that led to the proposed bill in the Utah legislature. Two separate surveys of South Jordan residents indicate a mandate to preserve the 67-acre site along the Jordan River at 10600 South in South Jordan as open space, rather than to consider its potential for development. The council has appointed a review panel to consider options for best use of the property as the next step in determining the final fate of the city owned golf property and recreation center. l
Mulligan’s continued from page 2
to truly save it, let’s work toward really saving it.” Drawing on his experiences developing and running Mulligan’s, he said, “It’s a little gold mine if it’s run properly.” At the Feb. 17 session, the council also considered a proposal to rezone two cityowned parcels north of Mulligan’s along the Jordan River and two parcels of land south of 10600 South. Regardless of the recommendations that may flow from the new review commission or any other experts or opinions about the best way to use Mulligan’s to benefit the city and residents, the intent of the people of South Jordan is clearly on record in multiple surveys and comments on the issue. The council seems to be fully embracing the vision of protected open space in the area as well. Councilmember Chuck Newton said the rezone is intended “to protect the area and keep it open.” l
that the review panel “is another layer of government.” She said that, after two surveys and a lot of talk in favor of keeping Mulligan’s much as it is, more talk “seems pointless. We should start simplifying government.” Jennifer Boehne, Jordan Education Association, stated her view at the council session that the composition of the Mulligan’s commission was “a little bit unbalanced” in favor of city employees and city council members. She noted that that the resolution creating the commission calls for a total of five of the seven panel members to work for the city. Only two members on the review panel are South Jordan residents not employed by city government. James Blair, the developer of Mulligan’s, addressed the council about the future of the property that he helped to create. He told the council at the Jan. 20 meeting, “If the goal is
Masks Not Included
D
By Shawna Meyer
aybreak and South Jordan residents who like dressing up and dancing can enjoy a night out at this year’s Masquerade Ball on Saturday, March 7 from 7-9 p.m. at the Daybreak Community Center, 4544 Harvest Moon Drive. Tickets for the night are $15 per person, and they can be purchased at the Daybreak Community Center. “It is a night for couples, friends and partners to come out and have a good time, a nice meal and dancing,” LiveDaybreak events Coordinator Wendi Pettett said. Although it’s not required, Pettett strongly encourages everybody who attends to wear a masquerade mask because there will be prizes awarded throughout the night to those with the coolest masks. The prizes haven’t been totally decided on yet, but they’ll likely be gift cards. There will also be a dinner catered by Brown Brothers, a local catering service. Pettett says that even though the menu isn’t finalized yet, it will be delicious, and there are choices that will hopefully please everybody. When attendees enter the dance, they will be presented with a large Hurricane glass. “People can fill their Hurricane glasses with as much candy from the candy bar as they can fit,” Pettett said. Utah Jive has been hired to provide entertainment for the night. They will provide a DJ and a photo booth for people to enjoy. A dance instructor will be present at the Daybreak Community Center around 6:30 p.m. to offer free dance lessons before the festivities begin. “It’s a very inexpensive ticket for a great night of a lot of fun things,” Pettett said. l
March 2015 | Page 5
S outh JordanJournal .com
We’re here for you . . . So come on in —
check out the quality, touch and feel to your heart’s content, explore your options.
Then let’s talk about your dream home —
and create something extraordinary, just for you.
You’re invited.... to see what’s in store for you.
Come home to beautiful...
174 East Winchester, Murray y South of Fashion Place
hamiltonparkinteriors.com
HPI MJ full pg ad_022315_v1.indd 1
2/23/15 10:18 PM
Page 6 | March 2015
S outh Jordan City Journal
NEWS
Two Groups, One Show By Shawna Meyer
T
he Oquirrh Mountain Symphony will The One Voice Children’s Choir got collaborate with One Voice Children’s started at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Choir to put on “A Joyful Noise” concert on Lake City. After the games were over, the Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Elk Ridge kids, ages 4-17, still desired to sing together. Middle School, 3659 West 9800 South. Masa Fukuda, the conductor and composer This is the first collaboration between for the group, helped establish the One Voice these two musical groups. The Oquirrh Moun- Children’s Choir as a nonprofit organization. tain Symphony is a small community orchestra Since then, the choir ensemble has that serves several cities. The symphony usually performed in many venues and won several has 50 to 80 musicians, and they’re all volunteers. “Every year, because we serve multiple cities that do not have their own orchestras, we try to find guest artists that we can collaborate with that are attractive to multiple communities,” Oquirrh Mountain Symphony Executive Director LeAnn Hord said. The program for the “A Joyful Noise” concert will include two numbers played by the symphony alone. One number will be an excerpt from the “Car- The Oquirrh Mountain Symphony is collaborating with One Voice Children’s men Suite” by Georges Bi- Choir for the “A Joyful Noise” concert on March 6 at 7:30 p.m. zet, and the other will be the “Hebrides Overture” by Felix Mendelssohn. prestigious awards, including the John Lennon Since the symphony doesn’t have a International Music Award. They even made conductor at the moment, they’ve allowed it to the quarterfinals on the television show people to apply to be guest conductors for “America’s Got Talent” in 2014. their shows this year. Ty Turley-Trejo will be The choir will be performing show tunes the guest conductor at the concert in March. and songs from movies. Songs that will be He is scheduled to receive his master’s degree sung include “Children Will Listen” from “Into from Brigham Young University in orchestral the Woods,” “Circle of Life” from “The Lion conducting in April. King” and “Let it Go” from “Frozen.” “We live very complex lives in this day Together, the groups will perform “Seize and age . . . If we just continue marching to the Day” from “Newsies,” “When You Believe” the beat of the drum of work, then we live from “The Prince of Egypt” and “Jupiter kind of a black and white life. Music brings Kimigayo.” Tickets for the show are $5 for color to our lives; it humanizes us,” Hord said. individuals and $20 for a group of six. l
With nearly 20 years field-tested fire department experience, new Battalion Chief Clayton Miller brings abundant leadership skills to his new post with the South Jordan City Fire Department. Before assuming his new job in January to replace former Battalion Chief Andy Butler, Miller was a captain with the department for the past 12 years. Butler, who is the new fire chief, called Miller “a highly qualified and competent individual who is a valuable resource to the fire department.” Beyond his dozen years as a captain, Miller also brings experience he developed from involvement with and management of several programs including hazardous materials, bike medics, CERT, fleet and equipment. Miller who Butler called “a valuable member of the department” since beginning as a part-time firefighter in 1996 and earning a full-time position in 1998, began his career as a part-time firefighter for Riverton in 1995. —James Luke
March 2015 | Page 7
S outh JordanJournal .com
Ninety Days To Raise $1 Million For Local School Children By Linda Petersen
T
he Jordan Education Foundation has launched a new, aggressive, communitywide funding campaign: the “90-day Challenge For Children.” Foundation officials are hoping to raise $1 million by May 10. “We’re beginning something. It’s very exciting and something that has never been done before in any public school in Utah, maybe in the nation,” JEF President-elect Mike Haynes said. The foundation raises funds to support classrooms and programs throughout Jordan School District. That includes providing food, clothing and scholarships for needy children, along with the Cash for Classroom grants program, which has provided more than $76,000 for everything from whiteboards to iPads so far this school year. The new initiative was launched Feb. 10 at a donor appreciation luncheon where many of the foundation’s corporate sponsors were represented. “I travel every day from school to school across this wonderful district,” Communications Director Sandy Riescraf said. “Time and time again, I hear from teachers that they have received a grant from JEF and about the difference that makes …You are making a difference today, and you’re making a difference for the future. Thank you for being part of the journey.” At the event, JEF board members, along with JSD school children, illustrated the need for the foundation’s programs and grants. In a live presentation, district school children from kindergarten to 12th grade asked donors to invest in them and their future. “Do you believe in me? I do!” was the message. At the event, the foundation publicly received a $10,000 check from the Doug and Kristy Young Family Foundation, along with others for $2,500 and $1,000 from other donors. Other attendees were also asked to donate. JEF President David Jenkins thanked the foundation’s Outstanding Partners in Education: Jordan Valley Medical Center, Boeing and Comcast, for their contributions. “I do what I do because I believe in public education and our district schools. They are our future,” Superintendent Dr. Patrice Johnson said. “Every year we lobby the legislature for more money, and every year our efforts fall short. Because of you, we are able to give our children the best and all they need. Thank you for believing in our children.” While those at the luncheon may have been more high-profile, fundraiser organizers
www.SouthJordanJournal.com
OPEN ENROLLMENT Kindergarten for FALL 2015 (enrollment opens Feb 1, 2015)
Princess & Hero Carnival: (Sat. Mar 7, 2015)
Preschool for FALL 2015 (enrollment opens Feb 1, 2015)
Summer Camps: (camps begin June 29, 2015)
Come enjoy our annual fund-raiser. Prizes, games, boutique, bounce-house, music. FUN!
Top quality curriculum. Small class size. AM & PM classes.
Musically-based, academic preschool. Ages 3-5. Come by for a tour. Classes fill fast! NEW extended Pre-K (+technology) class.
We are a real school - no classroom rotation
hands-on activities, field trips, assemblies
Top academic scores Open door policy for parents
Learning libraries in each classroom - we build READERS!
Mirrored observation windows
Certified and credentialed, loving teachers
High quality, music-based curriculum refined over 20+ years
Affordable excellence
Low student-teacher ratios (8:1)
Frequent assessment for progress reports and
students for success in later school years
Little Learners Academy
attention to individual student levels
/LittleLearnersAcademy
8014 S. Welby Park Dr., Suite #203, West Jordan, UT
801-282-3223
are planning to reach out to all local businesses and chambers of commerce to ask them for their support. Over the next several weeks, the foundation will also work with PTAs across the district. They’re hoping the campaign will take on a life of its own, similar to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. And just like in that very successful campaign, they’re asking everyone who can to contribute whatever they can. In the ALS challenge, some people carried the water in a bulldozer; others had just a bucket, JEF Foundation Director Steven Hall said. Organizers also want participants to use social media to invite their friends to donate. And it’s not just school district patrons they’re asking. They’re challenging district employees to participate through payroll deductions or other means. In the coming weeks, school busses will be emblazoned with banners to remind the community to donate. “We want this to be community wide; for everyone to be involved in demonstrating ‘I believe in kids,’” Hall said. Those who wish to make a donation to the foundation can visit jordankids.org. l
Weekly themes: Dinosaur Land, Around the World, Farm Fun/Old West, Princesses & Knights, In the Kitchen, Mad Science.
Immersive learning experiences with
Dedicated classrooms put focus on learning and prepare
Dallin Curtis, a fifth grader at Southland Elementary, tells Jordan Education Foundation donors they’d “better believe” in him. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Photography
BEGINS FEB 01, 2015
www.LittleLearnersAcademy.com
With this ad. Expires 5/31/15
Page 8 | March 2015
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
S outh Jordan City Journal
Oops, We Did It Again! By City Councilmember Chuck Newton Once again, we’ve been named #18 Best Place in the U.S. to Live. In the process, we’ve reformed financial practices, cut unneeded staff, implemented new technology solutions to save taxpayer dollars and changed our fleet vehicle replacement procedures to save money. Other cities have been visiting us to see what we are doing. The council has absorbed water rate increases, absorbed staff inflationary costs, and gave a 2014 property tax reduction while other cities are raising property taxes as high as 86 percent! We used the Forrest City study to accelerate South Jordan’s economic development, helping keep your property taxes low. Along Bangerter, The District’s added Habit Burger, Taco Bell and more. Oquirrh Mountain Marketplace opened Sprouts, and soon, Wendy’s, Papa Murphy’s, Planet Fitness and Potbelly’s Cheesesteaks. Along 10400 South, there’s Costco, Jiffy Lube, Culver’s, Burger King and more. On Redwood, unneeded city property was sold, bringing an office building and family restaurant. The east side brought Tim Dahle Nissan, plus two more car dealerships will soon break ground. By Front Runner, two major office buildings and a luxury hotel will start. But wait – we’ve heard some residents complain while we’ve tackled some sacred cows like prison relocation, and our review of financial practices with the cemetery, the school district, Oquirrh Lake and Mulligans.
Preventing the prison relocation to our northwest border protected South Jordan’s economic west side future. Overhauling cemetery operations, including beautification plans, will keep the faith with our forefathers, honor our war dead and expand final resting places for residents. Reaching an agreement with Jordan School District saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The mayors of West Jordan, Riverton, Herriman and Bluffdale supported our efforts as I met with them regularly. The end result, also praised by many in the Legislature, created a five-year school building plan for only six schools, not 14 (two in SoJo), a construction plan cutting costs 17 percent and selling five unneeded school lands to pay for the first school. The Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak takeover is a wonderful opportunity for the residents, allowing city events like marathons, concerts, and weddings. Some rumors spread by former council members are pouting about this and Mulligans. Clearly, this is an obligation, placed on the city by legal agreement. Really, it’s impossible for anyone to remember all 2,000+ pages of legal language they signed eight years ago, but such behavior is unfortunate. With Mulligans’ finances reviewed by our outside auditor,
verifying our concerns, and a recent survey of residents – what’s next? We’re changing some zoning around Mulligan’s to a new open space zone, and having a Mulligans Commission with staff and residents review adding some family-friendly features and consider an early bond payoff. Some topics have dragged out as we review options and then discover more information to investigate. A resident that has disagreed with us about Mulligans issues made a very insightful comment to me at a December 2014 council meeting. He said he could see as we debated even the smallest of issues back and forth on various topics, that we take our jobs seriously and that it takes a lot of thought, care and experience. Thanks Mick! l
Adoption is a gift of life.
A childless married couple, both 31 years old, seek to adopt. Will be a full-time mom and devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid.
Danielle & David
1-855-912-3678 www.ddadoption.com
March 2015 | Page 9
S outh JordanJournal .com
Multitasking Myth By Peri Kinder
I
’m terribly efficient. That doesn’t mean I’m efficient. It means I’m terrible at being efficient. I always imagined myself to be a high-functioning multitasker but only recently learned that’s not possible. For instance, I’ll start writing a brilliant column, only to remember I didn’t make my online credit card payment. So I’ll jump to that site to pay down some Christmas bills when I realize I never tossed the laundry into the dryer. I’ll head downstairs to take the slightly sour-smelling towels out of the washer and remember I was supposed to order pizza for dinner. So I grab my phone to order a half-veggie/half-heart disease pizza when it hits me that I never took my multivitamin (for two weeks straight). As I run back up the stairs to swallow a pill the size of a mango, I remember that my column is due in two hours, so I head back to my computer. That’s not multitasking. It’s having an attention-deficitdisorder seizure. Instead of actually completing one task, I have a multitude of jobs half-done at all times. People brag they can do several things at once. I can also
do several things at once; I just do it really poorly. In order to save time, I’ll brush my teeth while putting on deodorant. I clench the toothbrush between my teeth, trying to open the antiperspirant with one hand. Then my electric toothbrush shakes out of my mouth, hits the floor and sprays toothpaste and spit all over the bathroom rug. Instead of saving time, I’ve added 10 minutes to my routine. Or I’ll decide to make a salad and try to make only one trip from the fridge to the counter. I’m carrying olives clasped under my chin, spinach squeezed between my knees, peppers balanced on my elbow and mushrooms perched on my head. My husband walks in and asks, “What are you doing?” “Making a salad,” I hiss, because I have a bag of walnuts clamped between my teeth. He watches as I walk pigeon-toed across the kitchen and try to place everything on the counter. If I was in a sitcom, there would be a laugh track as I juggle all those items before I hit the floor and everything lands on my head. As he leaves the room, he says, “Enjoy your salad. And you left the fridge open.”
(I sense a poisoning in his future.) Dr. Glenn Wilson, a real-life psychology professor at Gresham College, says these situations can actually lower your effective IQ by 10 points. Many studies prove the human brain isn’t designed to do several things at once. My dog (who doesn’t have a human brain) already knows this. Ringo the Dog does the opposite of multitasking. He spends all his attention sniffing one pile of leaves thoroughly before moving on to the next urine-soaked shrubbery. But I can make cookies, scrub bird droppings off the back window and change my grandson’s diaper all at the same time. Of course I’ve burned the cookies, smeared the bird poop and put the diaper on backwards. Ringo does everything right the first time. So now that I’ve wasted time debunking the benefits of multitasking, I really need to get dinner started. But a catchy tune dances across my mind. I bring up iTunes and spend 30 minutes downloading songs. Then I remember I need to sub a cardio class this week, so it’s over to YouTube to get new ideas for the BOSU ball . . . l
SENIORS South Jordan Senior Center 10778 South Redwood Road 801-302-1222 The center is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation is available Monday through Friday for those who live in the area. Transportation is free; call the center for more information. Most activities require you to sign up in advance. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — AARP Tax Assistance. Appointment required. March 4, 11 a.m. — Support Group for Caregivers with Terra from Silverado Hospice March 4, 12:30 p.m. — Bingo Sponsored by Silverado Hospice March 5, 11:30 a.m. — Piano entertainment with Debra Bowers March 6, 10 a.m. — iSmile Dentistry Oral Health Presentation with Dr. Joel Howarth. Free oral exam following
presentation. Appointment required for exam.
First Alert.
March 9, 12:30 p.m. — Walmart Shopping Trip. Reservations required
March 19, 11 a.m. — Care Patrol Information Booth. Helping families find quality and safe independent living, assisted living and memory care communities.
March 11, 11 a.m. — “Retirement through Reverse Mortgage” with Frank from Citywide Home Loans March 11, 12:30 p.m. — Bingo sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary
March 24, 12:30 p.m. — Sewing Hygiene Kits for Days for Girls March 25, 11 a.m.; $10. — Pedicures with Dr. Shelton
March 12, 10:15 a.m. — Beehive House Tour and lunch at the Lion House. Reservations required.
March 25, 12:30 p.m. — Bingo sponsored by Sagewood at Daybreak
March 13, 10 a.m. — iSmile Dentistry Providing Free Oral Exams. Appointment required.
March 26, 10:30 a.m. — Red Hat Adventure to the Utah Museum of Fine Art for a Guided Tour. Bring money for lunch. Reservations required.
March 17, 11:30 a.m. — St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. Don’t forget to wear green. Reservations required. March 17, 12:30 p.m. — Book Club with Holly. This month’s read: “And the Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini. March 18, 11 a.m. — Pathways to Cope with Grief and Loss’ with Rhonda from the Vital Aging Project March 18, 12:30 p.m. — Bingo sponsored by Freedom
March 26, 11 a.m. — Health Clinic with Care-A-Lot Homecare April 3, 8:30 to 10 a.m. — Easter Potluck Breakfast. Start your Easter weekend off with a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, French toast and more. Bring your favorite dish to share. Reservations suggested. l
Page 10 | March 2015
S outh Jordan City Journal
EDUCATION
The Force Favors South Jordan Jedi Lego Team By Julie Slama
L
ast season team Jedi’s project was solid and they earned the research award, but after a mishap with their robot, team Jedi was more determined to ensure the robot’s success this year. So on Jan. 31, with the force on their side, the Jedi won the first-place Champions Award at the Fifth Annual Utah First Lego League State Championship. The Jedi will advance to the First Lego League World Festival and First Championship in St. Louis in April. “It was amazing and exciting. I’ve been on the team for five years and we have worked hard for it,” 13-year-old Tavo Estrada said. “This year, we spent more than 70 hours programming the robot to make sure it was more consistent and could do all the missions.” Joining Tavo on the team is his sister Alee; cousins Allison, Kim and Katie Drennan; the Drennans’ cousin Nicole Brooks; and Tavo’s friend Jacob Anderson. The team is based out of South Jordan, but student members represent many southern Salt Lake Valley schools: South Jordan Middle School, Monte Vista Elementary, Sunrise Elementary, Beehive Science & Technology Academy and Jordan High School. Even though the team won the high robot score at their Jan. 3 regional qualifier as well as the state competition, Tavo already was reprogramming missions. “If we can work it so it’s more accurate and goes faster, then we’ll get more points,” he said. His mother, Michelle, who coaches the team along with Annie Drennan, said that the Jedi team scored in the 400-point range while those at the world competition usually earn 700 points. The First Lego League competition allows students from age nine to age 14 to compete in core values where “what we learn is more important than what we win,” an innovative project and presentation, and a robot design
Window Displays Challenge Elk Ridge Students’ Creativity, Business Skills By Julie Slama
W
Team Jedi celebrates winning the first-place Champions Award Jan. 31 at the Fifth Annual Utah First Lego League State Championship at the University of Utah. They plan to compete for the world title in April. Photo courtesy of First Lego League and performance. Students build Lego-based robots to complete predetermined missions arranged on a playing surface. Throughout the competition, students apply real-world math and science concepts, research challenges, learn critical thinking, team-building and presentation skills. This year 297 teams across Utah competed in 16 regional qualifying tournaments from which the Jedi team won the state championship after being one of 48 teams that advanced. However, to proceed to the world championships, the team needs the community’s support. Estrada said that the entry fee for the competition is $1,000 and combining that with driving to St. Louis, food and lodging, the group will need to raise $10,000. “We are trying to seek sponsors and people to contribute to our team competing in St. Louis,” she said. “As mom and coach, there
Growing Strong Minds & Happy Hearts
NOW OPENING: Learning DayCare
$25 OFF REGISTRATION IF YOU ENROLL BY MAY 1 ST Our First Official Day Open is 6/1/15
We use the Love & Logic method. • Licensed Preschool — 9 years in Business • Teaching Spanish and Sign
CONTACT: Emily Vasica • 801-554-3201
www.childsgardendaycare.webs.com
is no better way to invest in our future than to support these programs that embrace STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and give the kids life-long skills.” Alee, 12, said that she has learned so much, including computer programming, critical thinking and public speaking from participating in Lego robotics. “When I started Lego robotics, I struggled at math and science, now I get straight As,” she said. “My confidence has grown so much and now science is my favorite subject. I’ve even taken our robot and demonstrated the game for my class.”
A
lso advancing to a national stage is a South Jordan-Riverton team, The Harry Botters. The team took third place and is invited to attend the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, Ark. l
hen Elk Ridge Middle School family and consumer science teacher Keesha Wilson learned she was to teach a free enterprise unit within her FACS Clothing class, she went into creative mode. “I went looking for ideas and saw a television show which reconfigured what a department store should be. So then I got to thinking and brainstorming with my husband that this group of eighth-graders could redesign what a fashion window should look like and market it,” she said. Wilson added to the assignment that students’ fashion designs would come from recycled or reusable household items and that the themes for their fashions and windows were to originate from photos of random things that were distributed, Wilson said. At the end of the three-week project, students were to use school display windows to showcase their projects. Wilson split the 28 students into four groups. One group was given photos which included a dandelion. So the group designed their fashions, including a tissue paper dress, along a spring theme. Another group had a photo of a cabin, so they created a winter wonderland-themed window with a cotton ball dress. A third group had a photo of the beach, so they created a beach theme with a sundress made from wrapping paper and grocery bags and included a surfboard in their window. The final group changed courses throughout the January project and finally combined their window from an old-time movie theme with that of a vintage carnival. Together, the group created a dress out of newspapers and plastic garbage bags, and with the dress
Window Displays continued on page 14
March 2015 | Page 11
S outh JordanJournal .com
Bingham Student-Athlete Receives $5,000 Scholarship
Bingham Student Project Helps Identify College/Career Choices
By Chris Larson
By Julie Slama
A
team of students are promoting Bingham High School’s career and technical education classes in an effort to help their peers identify their college and career choices. It’s part of a state DECA competition public relations event that Bingham High School student senior Abbey Rindlisbacher and her classmates Breann Thueson and Sam Cushing will compete in Feb. 2628 in Layton. Breann Thueson (at left), Sam Cushing and Abbey Rindlisbacher hope their For almost 70 years, DECA has helped prepare DECA project will help other students see the value of career and technical high school students in 3,500 chapters nationwide education classes. and around the world to become leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality up opportunities to meet with the teachers. and management. “We had a survey, and many students didn’t understand “We are doing a state chapter event project about what CTE was or grasp the areas within the field,” she said. helping students save money and time in college,” Abbey It was through her marketing class that Abbey desaid. “If students know their options for classes at Bingham cided to explore that field and said she plans to major in High and South Jordan Middle School, then they’ll have it at Utah State University, where she has been awarded an idea of which classes will help them with their college an academic scholarship. She also hopes to own her own and career choices, and that will save them money when publishing company. it comes to taking classes in college.” “I love the creativity of marketing. It really has sparked To educate students, Abbey’s DECA team created a an interest in me, and CTE really has helped influence me Monopoly-style game that they are introducing to students in what I want to study,” she said. l at both schools to learn about the classes. They’ve also set
It’s not just rabbits who multiply like rabbits. Spay or neuter your pets. Help stop pet overpopulation.
Here at Oquirrh Hills Veterinary Center we have changed our spay/neuter pricing. Depending on the size/weight of your dog or cat you can save between $40-$160! Schedule an appointment today or feel free to give us a call with any questions: (801) 446-5194
VISIT US ONLINE AT
oquirrhhillsvet.com
F
riends and family of Matthew Larson Jr., 18, gathered Feb. 10 in the Bingham High library to surprise him with the presentation of a $5,000 Burger King State Champions Bowl Series scholarship. “I’m extremely happy to be able to receive this… This is a weight off my shoulders,” Larson said. Larson, a Bingham High senior, was awarded the scholarship from the Burger King Scholars program for his participation with Bingham Football team in the BK Bowl Series and his personal outstanding academic, athletic, and leadership achievements. Matthew Larson Jr., son of Matthew Sr. and Abigail Larson, is a football and rugby stand out and academic success according to his coaches and teachers. He currently holds a 4.0 GPA, 34 ACT score and ranked No. 1 academically in his class. Larson has also been offered the University of Utah’s President’s Scholarship which is a full tuition scholarship and $750 per semester stipend and has been accepted to the U’s Honor’s College. He plans to study either neuroscience or neurobiology in college. Katie Jones has taught English to Larson for two years. She noted that he has the ability to write and articulate well in addition to his strong science and math skills. She said that this is rare and particularly for a student. “We just did research papers and Matt’s was on the Higgs boson particle. When he presented it to the class he did a great job of putting it in layman’s terms,” Jones said. “I know that he has
Scholarship continued on page 14
Page 12 | March 2015
EDUCATION Window Displays continued from page 12 forms arriving just before the contest deadline, one student stayed late to put on the group’s final touches. “This group, in particular, learned a great deal about how to work together and how to complete their project, but it was this group that the student body voted as winners of the
MONDAY - MARCH 9 - 7 PM
S outh Jordan City Journal They also had to compile a resume and be interviewed after learning proper techniques and etiquette. Throughout the project, each student had to be true to their position. They had to work as a team to decide a team name and market their product through announcements, posters and handouts. “Throughout this process, students were
Elk Ridge students Emma Skolmoski, Haley Stilson, Connor Bassani, Savannah Anderson and Heidi Holmgren kneel by their winning window fashion display. Photo courtesy of Keesha Wilson
MAVERIK M O N D A Y
BUY One Get One FREE
With Maverik Adventure Club Card
FRIDAY & SATURDAY MARCH 20 & 21- 7 PM
Beer Fest Weekend WEDNESDAY - MARCH 25 - 7 PM
WILD WEDNESDAY
$2 Soft Drinks & Beers $5 Student Tickets 10% Concession Discounts 6-7 p.m.
$5 OFF
PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR $5 OFF YOUR GAME TICKETS AT MAVERIK CENTER BOX OFFICE COURTESY OF THE CITY JOURNALS
contest,” Wilson said. However, there were parts of the project that the student body wasn’t involved in. Each FACS Clothing student had to file a job application for a particular position in the business — CEO, marketing director, vice president, sketch artist or laborer.
learning about free enterprise and practicing their oral and written communication skills. They had to develop a business plan and market their end result. It was a business simulation with a twist, adding their creativity of fashion and design, and it turned out to be a lot of fun,” Wilson said. l
Scholarship continued from page 13
Larson’s youth experience. “He is a really good player. He stands out not in a flashy way but in a solid work ethic way.” That hard work has made him an integral part of the Lions. “He is strong, he is explosive, he is fast. Combine that with his leadership skills and because he is selfless, we score lots of points because of Matt. He may not be the one putting the ball down under the post, but we score because of him,” Cressler said. Larson’s rugby future is bright. Cressler said the rugby community is small and that he knows that most programs have an interest in Larson. “Dartmouth wants him. Yale wants him. I know the U and BYU would kill to have him,” Cressler said. Cressler said that his combination of academic and rugby success allows him to choose any program he wants. BHS football head coach John Lambourne presented the check to Larson. “A kid can earn $10 an hour. That’s five hundred hours he is ahead,” Lambourne said about the importance of the scholarship. l
this really great mind but he doesn’t flaunt it… He’s a gem.” He was also a leader on the current state champion BHS Football team. According to former Miners head football coach Dave Peck, Larson was chosen as a P.I.E Leader and a captain for the team. P.I.E stands for passion, integrity and effort. P.I.E Leaders are chosen based on their character and leadership within individual positions and the team as a whole by coaches and players. “He was a model citizen and was someone that we picked as a P.I.E. leader. He is a kid that everyone has looked to for four years as what a Bingham football player should be,” Peck said. Michael Cressler is the head coach of Utah Lions High Performance Rugby and formerly the president of Utah Youth Rugby, the official governing body of youth Rugby in Utah. He has coached and been involved in Larson’s rugby experience since his youth. “He was working as hard or harder than anyone else,” said Cressler, reminiscing on
S outh JordanJournal .com
B
SPORTS
Minerettes Place Second In State
ehind All-State Drill team members Hannah Spencer and Seneca Evans – both senior dance captains – the Bingham High Minerettes placed second overall at the 5A state drill team championships held Feb. 6 at Utah Valley University. “I’m incredibly proud of my girls,” head coach Jamyn Miller said. “They have put in countless hours, they were thrown several curve balls, they’ve dealt with injuries and disappointments and through it all, they’ve rallied together and stood by each other.” Bingham placed first in the Military category with a “flawless routine,” according to Miller, to begin the state competition. The Minerettes then tied for first place in Dance but were placed second by a tie-breaker. The squad’s kick routine took third place. “A highlight of the state experience was hearing our amazing Bingham crowd and other schools chant ‘Bingham’ at the end of awards,” Miller said. “It brought tears to our eyes to hear the support. It doesn’t get better than being a part of Bingham. Our student body is incredible supportive, and our parents are the greatest.”
T
Bingham Swimmers Among Top 10 In State
he Bingham High boys swimming team placed ninth at the 5A state swimming championships Feb. 12-13 at Brigham Young University while the girls squad finished 10th. “Both teams did great,” head coach Andee Bouwhuis said. “We got stronger and faster with each meet.” Senior captain Calvin Smith took seventh in the 100-meter backstroke and 15th in the 200 individual medley, while swimming a leg on the eighth place 200 medley relay team and the 10th place 400 free relay squad. Junior Spencer Kyle finished fifth in the 200 freestyle and eighth in the 500 free while also taking part in both relays. Sophomores Logan England and Drew Boswell also swam legs on the two relay teams. “Calvin and Spencer had some amazing individual swims along with Logan and Drew rounding out some fast relays,” Bouwhuis said. Other finishes for Bingham were England (14th – 500 free, 14th – 100 breaststroke), Boswell (15th – 100 butterfly, 22nd – 500 free), Conlee Guy (21st – 100 breast) and Josh Richardson (21st – 100 fly, 22nd – 200 IM). The girls team had “great swims,” ac-
March 2015 | Page 13
By Catherine Garrett
Minerettes President Sidney Ford, Secretary Megan Palmer and fellow senior Velisity Oliver were named to the All-Region Drill Team. Oliver and Team Historian Bailie Petersen were honored as Academic All-State recipients while Evans, Ford, Palmer, Spencer, Dance Captain Abbi Liddell, Lauren Bagley, Lauren Cazier, Taegan Evans, Chloe Ford, Kaelee Graham, Harley Hurd, Kiyana Maumau, Lexi Mireles, Matisse Mozaffari, Savannah Morris, Fundraising Chair Sydnie Reimann, Cassie Robinson, Brianna Romero, Fundraising Chair Emily Smith, Emily Tew, Hailey Tueller and Fundraising Chair Oakley Thorn were given Academic All-Region recognition. Also on the 2014-15 Minerettes squad were Costume Chair Alyssa Bagley, Fundraising Chair Oakley Thorn, Social Chair Kendyl Moss, Olivia Almond, Kassie Andus, Elle Baker, Megan Berube and Hailey Orton. “They are inspiring girls, and I’m honored to be their coach,” Miller said. “I love my 31 [girls].” Miller was assisted on the coaching staff by Telley Carlson and Amy Jackman.
By Catherine Garrett
cording to Bouwhuis, led by junior Grace Kroll with a second place finish in the 100 back, fourth in the 100 fly, fifth in the 200 medley relay – along with Abigail Westra, Hannah Roberts and McCall Kelley – and ninth in the 400 free relay, which also included Roberts, Westra and Kelley. Roberts, a sophomore, also placed eighth in the 500 free and 11th in the 200 free. Other placements for the Miners were Kelley (16th – 200 IM, 16th – 500 free), Westra (17th – 200 IM), Kailen Wightman (18th – 100 breast), Nicole Tonge (18th – 100 back, 19th – 200 IM), Brittnee Westra (tied for 19th – 100 breast, 20th – 200 IM), Mary Dodge (21st – 100 back) and Sarah Smith (22nd – 500 free). The 200 free relay team of Abigail Westra, McKell Fowlks, Tiffany King and Brittnee Westra finished 16th. Also on the Bingham squad this season are seniors Emilee Robinson, Tiffany King and Kyle Goodrich; juniors Whitney Zander, Trevor Wright, Brittan Warner, Morgan VerHoef, Fabian Valenzuela, Noah Rasmussen, Hannah Myers, Brianna Munoz, Hailey Kennedy, Isabelle Hanson, Zachary Hall, Sar-
Bingham High senior Calvin Smith placed seventh in the 100-meter backstroke at the 5A state championships Feb. 12-13 at Brigham Young University.
The Bingham High Minerettes celebrate their second-place finish at the 5A state drill team championships Feb. 6 at UVU.
ah Davis and Caroline Crane; sophomores Sara Walters, Riley Wade, Ryker Ross, Matt Richins, Joshua Richardson, Kylee Plant, Clara Myers, Preston Lyman, Nicole King, Lauren Kankamp, Cameron Jensen, Lizzie Holmes and Savannah Hodell; and freshmen Lindsey Young, Vivian Tang, Patrick Taggart, Sawyer Stephens, Landon Stalnaker, Millie Reich, Jordan Powell, Mikelle Palmer, Jenna
8.0 Acres Zoned MU (Mixed Use)
PRIME SOUTH JORDAN LOCATION NEAR CITY COMMERCIAL CENTER & JORDAN RIVER TEMPLE WILL BUILD TO SUIT Contact: k2con@msn.com The Joe Klotovich Property
Hodnett, Machayla Griffiths, Kayla Fowlks, Tyson Evans, Levi Culley, Nathan Cox and Gabriela Anderson. “This is an amazing team of devoted and enthusiastic athletes this season,” Bouwhuis said. “They are some great kids who really rally around their teammates to provide support and encouragement for every swimmer in every race.” l
Page 14 | March 2015
Bingham Diver Defends State Title
F
or the second year in a row, Bingham High sophomore Lizzie Holmes won the state diving title Feb. 12 at Brigham Young University. As a freshman, she won the title by over 25 points and was favored to repeat at this year’s championships. “I was super excited to win again,” Holmes said. “There’s always a chance that you could mess up when that pressure is on.” “Lizzie is extremely driven and dedicated to diving,” Laurel Plewe, one of her coaches at Cougar (BYU) Dive Club, said. “Her hard work paid off at state again.” The daughter of Jeff and Michelle Holmes of South Jordan defeated her good friend – Joelle Pugmire of Pleasant Grove – by a score of 266.60 points to 215.05 points in the state meet. The 15-year-old has been making a name for herself nationally since taking up the sport just a few years ago. This past summer, Lizzie spent two and a half months training with the Pacific Dive Academy in California. In July, she placed fourth on the 3-meter board at the USA Diving Summer Junior Zone E Championships in Tucson, Ariz. to qualify for the Junior National Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. in August where she finished 23rd. “It felt so good to compete at the Junior Olympics,” Lizzie said. “The numbers don’t sound that great, but I did my very best, and that’s all I could ask for. It was amazing to go up against the best divers in the country.” Lizzie was introduced to diving by a friend in Arizona when she used to go to her friend’s diving lessons and then come home and try those same dives. When her family moved to Utah, she signed up for a six-week course at a local rec center. During the summer of her sixth and seventh grade
S outh Jordan City Journal
SPORTS By Catherine Garrett
years, she attended a BYU camp and was invited to be part of the Cougar Dive Club. She competed in her first meet at the USA Diving Spring Region 10 Championships in Tuahalatin Hills, Ore. in March 2012 where she placed 17th on 3-meter and 22nd on 1-meter in the 12-13-year-old girls division. The honors student, who holds a 3.96 GPA, practices two hours a day five days a week in Provo and is currently coached by Plewe and Ted Everett. Aside from the physical aspects of her dives, Lizzie has been working on the mental side. “I’ve been to a lot of competitions, and I would just worry about the scores and what place I was in,” she said. “I’ve had to learn to put that out of my mind and not focus on winning or I’ll fall apart. I’ve been focusing on the corrections my coaches help me to make on my individual dives.” “This past year, Lizzie’s overcome those mental and emotional challenges of diving,” Plewe said. “We really emphasize that she is her biggest competitor, and it’s not about the scores. It’s about focusing on her best and if she can accomplish those goals, that’s the measurable success she has control over.” Lizzie is working on five new dives in preparation for this season’s regional and zone meets, which will both be held in Oregon this spring, to try and again qualify for the Junior Olympics. “This girl is definitely one to watch on the national scale,” Plewe said. Lizzie has her sights set on diving collegiately with the dream of competing at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan not far from her mind. l
Bingham High’s Lizzie Holmes won her second consecutive state diving title Feb. 12 at Brigham Young University. The sophomore hopes to be a four-time state champion.
South Jordan City Night with the Utah Grizzlies
April 3 • 7:05 PM • Grizzlies vs. Alaska
To purchase tickets, please contact Semra Beric: sberic@utahgrizz.com or call (801) 988-8021 Mention South Jordan City Night
Ticket Prices: $28, $15, $10, $8 for more information please visit
www.utahgrizzlies.com
March 2015 | Page 15
S outh JordanJournal .com
PREPARING FOR LOSS – MUST HAVE CONVERSATIONS By Joani Taylor
O
ne of the most tumultuous things we deal with in life is the death of a spouse. It can also have some devastating financial repercussions. New York Life (newyorklife.com) reports in a recent survey that 55 percent of widows and 38 percent of widowers have to adjust to a change in income. Recently my mother experienced complications from a common surgery that resulted in nearly $400,000 in hospital and doctor expenses and ultimately ended up costing her life. While insurance did pay a portion of the bill, the unexpected costs and hardship left me realizing how much of a difference some pre-planning could have helped my dad in dealing with the untimely loss. Here are four conversations you should have with your spouse or partner to help ease the financial and emotional hardships after your passing. Will you have enough income? Financial advisor Michael Maddocks of Amerprise Financial, Draper (ameripriseadvisors.com), reports that people often just pick a number out of the air when they get life insurance, without really considering needed future expenses. When deciding on a life insurance plan, Michael recommends you should consider 1. The ever increasing costs of end-oflife expenses 2. Replacing lost future income and 3. Funeral expenses. However, if you are faced with an abrupt, unexpected loss, if you or your loved one endures a long hospital stay incurring significant medical bills, you may be asked to come up with a large dollar figure. How do you
prepare for these possible outcomes? 1. You should have an emergency fund and 2. You should revisit the amount of life insurance coverage you have at least annually. Lastly, look into a long-term care policy. This will help pay for some of the costs of an extended stay at a care facility while preserving your savings for retirement.
What are the passwords? With the increasing number of financial accounts being managed online, the surviving spouse won’t even be able to log in without log-ins and passwords. Plus, the added security financial instructions have put into play that require you to change your password periodically make it common for a spouse to neglect to inform the other of password changes. Keep your online account information in a safe place, up to date and let your spouse know where it is.
Funeral plans: A 2010 survey by the National Funeral Directors Association (nfda.org) said that 66 percent of adults would like to choose to arrange their own funeral service, but only 25 percent have already
TREE SERVICES
Lawn Care Services
“Intermountain Tree Experts”
Call Wendy 801-641-1580
Promote your business HERE! Call 801.264.6649 to place an ad.
ROOFING Olympus ROOfing Roof Repair
801.887.7663
Serving Wastach Front Since 1973
Get your will in order: Talk to an attorney and put your wishes in writing. If you don’t want to be connected to life support, be sure you also have a living will in place. Make sure your spouse knows what your wishes are in regards to any financial holding you have and your positions of sentiment. l
lAWN SERVICES Weekly Lawn Care: Power rake, Aeration, Spring Clean ups, Trimming Bushes
PlACE AN AD
made plans for them. Immediately after the death of your loved one is not the time to be price comparing mortuaries and attempting to determine what your wishes are in regards to their remains. While it may be difficult, preplanning your funeral not only can save you money, but it will bring a great amount of peace of mind to you and your spouse once it’s done.
WINDOWS s&s WinDOWs
Trimming, removal, stump grinding
Licensed and Insured Call Spencer:
801-244-3542
ATTORNEY Family Trust Agreements Full Estate Planning Package - $900 (Includes all required docs)
C. Michael Lawrence, P.C. attorney at law
801-270-9360
IN HOME HAIR CARE
FENCING
10 WinDOWs Of mORe
20 Years experience making house calls... Salon experienced 801-355-1638
Cash for old wood fences; top dollar paid call & get a free estimate on what I can pay or receive a free fence removal in exchange for the wood, please no paint grade. Fence repairs, fence demolition, new fence construction, and handyman services call for a
FENCING
THIS IS YOUR SPACE
YARD CARE
Fence and handyman services, repairs and removals. Contact Adam for a fRee estimate! 801-471-9688
Promote your business HERE!
FUll YARD SPRING ClEANUP All-In-One Home Maintenance Trim & Prune. Tall weed mowing. Haul trash. Aeration. Power raking. Tilling. Lic & Ins.
801.973.1676
$500 Off
Call 801.264.6649 to reserve this space.
fRee estimate ask adam 801-471-9688
Call Dave: 801.455.6705
rocking chair
Apartment tours now available! Call 866.679.6653 to see your future home.
Change your perspective
At Sagewood at Daybreak, life is different here. It’s not just a place to live. This is where residents discover the community experience and put passions into practice. Engage, challenge yourself, share knowledge, and build a legacy for future generations. This is where your personal journey begins.
11248 Kestrel Rise Road, Suite B-101, South Jordan, Utah 84095 | LifeatSagewood.com | Facebook.com/LifeatSagewood
Rocking Chair DB ad 10.375 x 12 South Jordan Journal.indd 1
2/20/15 11:04 AM