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Eighth-graders Isabelle Ashton and Alyssa Anders put the finishing touches on “Africa Focus,” their entry in the school’s chalk art festival. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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LOCAL LIFE
Page 2 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Local residents help bring Up With People to Salt Lake area By Sandra Osborn | s.osborn@mycityjournals.com
The SJ Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout South Jordan. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
The South Jordan Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Tori La Rue tori@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Steve Hession steve@mycityjournals.com 801-433-8051 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Melody Bunker Tina Falk Ty Gorton
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or 51 years, the nonprofit organization Up With People has taken young travelers across the globe performing and creating an impact in the communities they visit. The UWP cast of more than 100 young people representing 21 countries came to Utah this September for a week of community action and a message to “bridge cultural barriers and create global understanding through service and music.” South Jordan residents Terry and Kicki Schade played a key role in bringing UWP to Utah this year. Their connection to the program goes back to their own experience traveling with UWP 30 years ago. Terry is from Pennsylvania; Kicki is from Sweden. They met while on tour and later married and had two children. Now their daughter, Alicen, is a member of the Cast B16 traveling through cities in the American West, Mexico, Sweden, Finland and Estonia. “We were excited to help bring UWP to South Jordan and the Greater Salt Lake Area because we know the impact it has played in our lives,” Kicki said. “Clearly, not only through our marriage and our children and the people we’ve met along the way, but we’d like others to share this experience, and why not have it here in our home community?” The Shades worked to recruit families to host the cast and reached out to a network of connections in the area to create the service-learning experience characteristic of the program. The cast started off hosting an international culture fair at the American International School of Utah in Murray and connecting to students from East High in Salt Lake City. Throughout the week, the cast also split off into groups of 10 or 15 to work with a variety of organizations, including the Catholic Community Services Homeless Shelter in Midvale, Bad Dog Arts in Salt Lake City, Pacifica Senior Living in South Salt Lake and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper. “We took the weeds out of the gardens at the aquarium,” cast member Daniela Gomez, from Mexico, said. “It was fun for us, but it’s about impact. The man in charge there said that it would have taken him hours to get that done since he was only one person doing it. But with our help, we were able to get it done in one hour.” The cast also helped plant tulips at the
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Up With People aims to “bridge cultural barriers and create global understanding through service and music.” (Up With People)
Thanksgiving Point Gardens in Lehi and spent three days working on constructing a trail that is accessible for all abilities off of Deer Ridge Drive in Draper. “Building the trail in the mountains was super hard but super nice,” Charlotte Villers. from Belgium, said. “There’s power in the numbers of having a lot of people work really hard and get things done a lot quicker,” Gage Halverson from Portland, Oregon, said. For their Regional Learning Day and Forum, Up With People focused on the topic of religion, a hot topic everywhere but one that characterizes Salt Lake. The cast had the opportunity to do Q&A sessions with representatives from different religions, including Hinduism, Islam and Christian denominations, including Catholicism and Mormonism. They visited the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in South Jordan and toured Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. “The catholic churches in this region have been very helpful,” Kicki said. “We were able to connect with St. John the Baptist Parish in Draper, the St. Andrews Church in Riverton and the St. Joseph the Worker Parish in West Jordan. The cast has been speaking to their congregations and has participated in their festivals.”
Terry and Kicki joined the cast for a tour at the Hindu Temple. “What a wonderful opportunity here in the heart of the LDS church to have an opportunity to learn about the Hindu faith,” Terry said. “You have that juxtaposition of religions and setting that makes the experience really unique. What could be more memorable? Because then, when they tour the LDS Temple and the Visitor’s Center, they get the chance to compare and contrast and talk about things.” UWP is a non-religious, non political group,” Terry said. “But religion is a part of our daily lives— individually and collectively. Much of the conflict around the world revolves around religion, so giving these young people a chance to be exposed more deeply and differently is part of resolving some of that conflict and bringing peace to the world.” “When you hear about bombings in Belgium, you immediately think of friends you have there,” Kicki said. “They’re not just places anymore; they’re faces connected to all those places. Even though we have different religions and different traditions, we are very much all alike.” UWP concluded their visit to SLC with a musical performance at the Barn at Thanksgiving Point on Saturday, Sept. 24. l
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November 2016 | Page 3
LOCAL LIFE
Page 4 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Dog-gone event benefits pets
By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com
P
ets in the community had their chance to show off their costumes when their owners signed them up for the “Raise the Woof Canine Carnival” on Oct. 8. The event was held at Soda Row in Daybreak. “We are really excited to bring this event to the community,” said Wendy Pettit, Live Daybreak recreation director. “It is way to connect residents together, and what a better way to do this then with dogs. It gives the people a way to give back to their community.. This was the brainchild of one of our residents who approached us and said she wanted to have a dog-themed event and wanted it to benefit the Purple Paw Program. We worked with her and made it happen.” The Purple Paw Project is a program run by Nuzzles and Co. They house the pets of women and children that come out of domestic abuse and violence situations. When abused women and children are able to leave their unhealthy situations, they can’t take their pets into transitional housing or shelters. The Purple Paw Project will house, feed, train and treat the pets of the abused. When the family gets into more a permanent housing situation, the project reunites the pets with their owners. “Last year we got $400 to 500 dollars for the project, and this year we are excited to see what we will get to benefit our program,” said Lindsey Ortega, the chief operating officer of the Purple Paw Program in Park City. “This is the second year that we’ve partnered with Nuzzles and Co. to put on the Raise the Woof
Owners pose with their dog in the kissing booth. (Jerry Thompson/Resident)
Oatmeal the dog is dressed up as Harry Potter with owner Shannon Youngblood. (Live Daybreak)
Canine Festival. All proceeds from this event goes back into the Purple Paw Program.” The costume parade was one of many fun activities for the dogs to participate in while benefiting the cause. Prizes were awarded to the best pet costumes. Of the 75 dogs that attended the event, 45 of them were signed up for the contest. First place went to Oatmeal dressed up as Harry Potter. Second place for the contest went to a dog dressed as a sheep, and third place went to Rog, dressed as spaghetti and meatballs. “This costume is so him; he eats anything that is put in front of him,” said pet owner Katie Bitter about Rog. “We come every year and love it.” There was also an Instagram contest for participants to post photos of a pet/owner look-alike. The winner was owner Emily
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One dog tests his skills at the K9 Total Recall Agility Course. (Jerry Thompson/ Resident)
Bogus and dog Buggle Gum Princess Leah. One activity for pets and their owners included a kissing booth. Goldie, a dog who was dressed like a bumble bee, participated in this activity. “We heard about this event on Facebook, and we wanted to do the dog show, but Goldie is 13 years old and not good on agility, so instead we got our pictures taken at the kissing booth, walked around and had treats,” said Goldie’s owner Ashley Ferris Pets and owners also enjoyed the K9 Total Recall Agility Course. Dogs and owners could get a reading with pet psychic Jennafer Martin, buy gourmet treats, participate in a whip cream face-off or test their dog smarts. There were also pets onsite that were available for adoption. l
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GOVERNMENT
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Conserving our water By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com
November 2016 | Page 5
YOUR SOUTH JORDAN HOME VALUE! What it is now and what to expect next year! What can your home sell for? What is your home worth? What can you expect for this next year?
Above: Local Scouts work to convert city land to a more water-wise landscape. (Rick Maloy/South Jordan City) Left: South Jordan City encourages residents to save water. (Rick Maloy/South Jordan City)
W
ater conservation is working. That was the message from South Jordan City’s Water Conservation Coordinator Rick Maloy during his presentation to the city council on Sept. 20. South Jordan leaders have invested in water conservation practices that can directly benefit residents, including rebates for plants, indoor water fixtures and toilets. The city also provides vouchers for drip system conversion kits. “In the last two years we’ve saved nearly 10 gallons per capita per day,” Maloy said. “Each resident has cut use by nearly 10 gallons.” If these trends continue, Maloy said the city is on track to reach its goal of a 5 percent reduction by 2020. The water conservation program started in September 2014 as a response to higher water demands. The city wanted a more cost-effective way to save water, and Water Smart SoJo was the result. “We recognized that we were hitting a level where we needed to think about developing a different infrastructure or start saving water, not just in South Jordan but the rest of the valley will have more people and more demand on the water system than we will have water in the future. We can either cut our water usage or develop our infrastructure. Since water is a limited resource, and developing new ways to get more water is expensive, we decided it was cheaper and more effective to use water conservation,” City leaders have conducted a multipronged approach to water conservation. First is the rebate programs, which Maloy said grows each year. Second is education, including visits to elementary schools, materials for students and teachers, and semiannual workshops for the public. City officials have also focused on converting city park-strips from grass to a landscape that features water-wise plants and
water-wise rock mulch system. Currently, the city has removed over 10,000 square feet of turf grass park-strips and changed them to waterwise plants with an estimated savings of 300,000 gallons each year. Maloy estimates that there is an 86 percent savings on water when a park-strip is changed from grass to landscaped bushes and shrubs because it changes the watering system from a spray system to a point and drip system. Currently, city officials are working on updating the language in city code to better allow for more water-wise systems in park-strips. Maloy has worked with residents, including Scouts, to complete these projects. One Eagle Scout converted a city park entrance at 2200 West that has saved 45,000 gallons of water just this year alone. Another Eagle Scout converted a section of park strip on 13000 West and 10400 South. With help from city leaders and family and friends, they completed the entire project in just a few hours on a Saturday. The park-strip was using 20,000 gallons each month; the renovation cut that down to less than 1,000 gallons per month. Maloy also recently helped a senior couple replace their park strip, saving them about 1,500 gallons per month simply by replacing a little section of their park-strip with rock. The program also has a website, www. watersmartsojo.org, which has drawn over 13,000 visits since its creation. The site provides information and education specific to South Jordan residents and is designed to provide water saving information, resources and tools, according to Maloy. “This is a phenomenal tool,” Maloy said. “It has been a great resource for our residents,” Maloy encourages those with questions about rebates or the city’s conservation program to visit the website. l
The Wrong Question is “What is my home worth? Or What will my Home Appraise for?” Why is it wrong to ask those questions? Well lets define the word ‘appraisal.’ It means an estimate of value. In the real estate world an appraisal is ‘an opinion of value.’ Its an opinion not a fact. There isn’t one absolute number your home is worth. I proved this point to a seller once. I sold their home and the buyer’s appraisal came in $70,000 LOW! Ughh. We ended up getting 3 different appraisals on the same house and all 3 of them came back at very different numbers. It took me 2 weeks to convince banks/buyers/REALTORS but I still sold the home for the original higher amount. We got what we negotiated not what the home ‘appraised for.’ The Right Question is “How can I maximize what I sell my home for? or Who is the Right Person that can help me maximize what I sell my home for?” What you sell your house for depends on many different factors. Too many to list here. In the end, if you maximize exposure and execute properly you will get what you negotiate. Ask me to show you some examples of the exact same homes getting very different sales prices and time on market. What is the South Jordan Market doing? Lets take a look at the statistics. Everyone talks about 2006 and 2007 so lets compare. In 2006, 532 homes sold in South Jordan. (From first of the year till Sept 1. We are comparing year to date sales.) What about 2007? 481 homes sold. Those were great years, so lets fast forward to 2013. In 2013, 728 homes sold YTD. In 2014, 735 homes and in 2015, 966 homes sold, And this year for 2016? 1037 homes have sold year to date. Due to this increase of sales there is a lower supply of inventory on the market by almost 20%. (Last year inventory was 20% lower than year before so its REALLY LOW this year! Right now we are on target to see another 3-5% bump in the average sales price for next year. You can look online and see what other homes near you are selling for by jumping on goBEsold.com OR just call Utah Dave, your local expert real estate broker who has listed and sold more South Jordan homes than any other agent. He will give you a list of things that need to happen to maximize selling your home for top dollar for free.
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Page 6 | November 2016
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GOVERNMENT
S outh Jordan City Journal
As Eye See It
South Jordan City named business-friendly community
Information on Vision and Eye Health by Dale F. Hardy, O.D. During summer vacation, I spent some time reading several studies related to children and vision and thought I would share some of the high points from them with parents as they prepare their child to go back to school. One of the studies, which is not really very new, and is a repeat of a prior study done by Columbia University, looked at the various tasks performed in a classroom and how much of what is done requires vision. The number was over 85% of classroom tasks required vision, not just vision was nice to have, but was required to do the task. It follows in my mind, then, that not having good vision would handicap a child’s school experience. Hard to get things right when you are not sure if the teacher just wrote a 3 or an 8 on the board. Another study that I found interesting indicated that up to 40% of children with a tentative diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder actually had uncorrected vision and/or hearing problems that made it difficult for them to attend to tasks. It appears that a tentative diagnosis means that it was not confirmed by a positive response to medication. The authors of this study were recommending that a multi-disciplinary approach to these cases would be the best method of assuring proper treatment. The last study I am going to review related to school vision screenings and why they are not adequate as an eye examination. This study was done in Kentucky and all children in the study were given both a standard school screening and then a comprehensive eye examination. 1 out of 4 children who passed the screenings were diagnosed with an eye or vision problem that needed correction in the full examination. The worst part of this report was that only 1 out of every 10 notifications sent home to the parents advising them that they needed to take their child in for a complete examination were ever returned to the school. When they followed up to see how many had been taken to the eye doctor, only 1 out of 8 parents had done that. Many reported never seeing the note so maybe it never got home, but it did show problems in school to parent communication. If you have children in your home, whether you use my office or someone else, please make good vision a part of your back-to-school preparation. You can contact my office at 801253-1374. Dr. Hardy’s office is located at 10372 South Redwood Road, South Jordan.
www.drhardy.com (801) 253-1374 10372 Redwood Road, South Jordan, UT 84095 paid advertisement
By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com
South Jordan City Manager Gary Whatcott; Councilmember Don Shelton; Lt. Governor Spencer Cox; Director of City Commerce Brian Preece; Councilmember Tamara Zander; Executive Assistant Brooke Smith. (Brooke Smith/South Jordan City)
S
outh Jordan City has been awarded with the 2016 Utah Governor’s Business Friendly Community Award for reaching out to businesses in an effort to reduce difficult regulations at a local level. The city was one of four recognized at the League of Cities and Towns annual meeting on Sept. 12. “It was great to be recognized by the state, and I think we are doing fairly well for our city. We got a lot of good responses back from our business survey, and it’s good to know where we’re headed,” Brooke Smith, executive assistant of city commerce, said. Smith led efforts to qualify for the award, which included surveying local business leaders, reviewing business regulations and revising any unnecessary ordinances, regulations or procedures currently in place, as stated on the Salt Lake Chamber website. A short survey was sent to all local business owners who provided an email address to the city. Smith received 275 responses, a little over 17 percent of the total number sent. The majority of those responding had a home occupation license, but those with food vendor licenses, commercial licenses, mobile food vendor licenses and beauty salon licenses also participated. Business owners’ main complaints focused on sign ordinance restrictions, fees and renewals, and home occupation regulations. Business owners also expressed dissatisfaction for postcard notifications, mobile food vendor restrictions and miscellaneous hurdles. “Most of the complaints we received in the survey we already knew about, but it was good to know how many cared about these issues and to have it written
down,” Smith said. “We now know where to focus our future regulations and rules so we know how to make our businesses and residents happier.” Overall, when asked whether South Jordan City’s business licensing application processes and requirements were too lenient, too restrictive or about right, almost 90 percent of those surveyed responded about right. In response to the complaints received, city officials created a home occupation committee to discuss changes to the Home Occupation Ordinance. Discussion will include changing the neighborhood notifications requirements, restricting home occupations licenses for certain “types” of business and changing the number of vehicles allowed per business license. City leaders also purchased a new business licensing database and are currently working on implementations. The new database will allow business license applications to be paperless. Renewals can be done via the Web, and applicants will be able to check the status of their license any time. It will also shorten permit issuance times, promote citizen self-service and reduce paper and manual processes, according to city offcials. Its anticipated release date is Nov. 1. “I think that South Jordan tries to go above and beyond what is expected of city communities,” Smith said. “We try to really work with our business executives and the citizens who live here because we want them to succeed. We exemplify good business manners within our city, and we try to be supportive of those who live here and work here, and we want them to succeed.” l
GOVERNMENT
S outhJordanJournal.Com
November 2016 | Page 7
Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation holds bond election By Kelly Cannon | kelly@mycityjournals.com
S
alt Lake County Parks and Recreation will have a bond election on the Nov. 8 ballot across the entire county. Called Salt Lake County Proposition A, the bond will issue $90 million to build new parks, trails, recreational amenities and a recreation center, as well as renovate and improve existing facilities. According to Callie Birdsall, the communications and public relations manager of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, the county currently has a bond for parks and recreation projects out that will expire this year. The bond that is on the ballot is a continuation of that bond. “This bond that is coming out is to build these facilities, build some more parks, update the Jordan River with the water trail,” Birdsall said. “It’s not really a new tax. It’s a continuation.” The proposition builds upon the reauthorized Zoo, Arts and Parks tax, which passed in November 2014 with 77 percent of the vote. The proposed $90 million in bonds is divided into $59 million in proposed projects and $31 million in proposed maintenance and improvement for parks and recreation locations that already exist. The first listed project is $2.7 million for Knudsen Nature Park in Holladay. The park will include a playground, open lawn, pavilions, picnic tables, fishing pond, wildlife education center, amphitheater, water mill education center, trails, covered bridges and restoring 475 feet of Big Cottonwood Creek. West Valley City will receive a $3 million Pioneer Crossing Park with open space, boardwalks, historical education areas, natural amphitheater, urban camping areas and a canoe launch. The Magna Township will get a $11.2 million for the Magna Regional Park. The park will include a multi-use sports fields, a playground with water play, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, a paved perimeter trail, skate sports and neighborhood access points.
The Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center will receive nearly $2.5 million in upgrades and additions. This includes replacing pool mechanical systems to save on energy costs and replacing the existing filtration system with a more efficient and environmentally friendly system. The existing outdoor diving pool will be reconfigured to include 500 additional square feet of water surface area and will be fully ADA accessible. Wheeler Farm will receive a $2.75 million outdoor education center, which will include a 150-person classroom, a greenhouse, demonstration kitchens, offices and storage. Hands-on experiences will include horticulture, agriculture, livestock, watershed science, urban forestry and volunteer opportunities. South Jordan can expect a $12 million Welby Regional Park if the bond passes. Phase one of park development will be located primarily on 10200 South and will encompass approximately 47 acres. The park will include lighted multipurpose sports fields, a playground picnic shelters and a walking path. A $2.2 million Jordan River Water Trail is also proposed and will include a series of formal boat access points at strategic locations throughout the Salt Lake County’s section of the Jordan River. A new Jordan River Water Trail will be implemented and other improvements will strive to improve the current condition along the river. White City Township can expect a nearly $1.7 million White City/Sandy Trail. The paved pedestrian and bike trail will follow along the abandoned canal in White City beginning at 9400 South and will run along south to the Dimple Dell Regional Park, where it will connect with the Sandy Canal Trail. The largest project proposed bond is the nearly $20 million recreation center in Draper. The 35,910-square-foot center will feature a competitive lap pool, a leisure pool with a water slide and
amenities, child care, two dance/multi-use rooms, fitness area, trails, open space and space for a future gymnasium. New $25,000 multi-use sports courts are slated for Salt Lake City that will include lights and a storage facility. Each court will be made out of asphalt or concrete. The last project listed with the bond is a $1.75 million Oak Hills Tennis Center in Salt Lake City. Located along the fifth hole of Salt Lake City’s Bonneville Golf Course, improvements include renovations to the existing tennis facility clubhouse. The $31 million in maintenance and improvement projects will include the Dimple Dell Regional Park, the Equestrian Park, Mick Riley Golf Course, mountain trails, Oquirrh Park, Salt Lake County parks, Southridge Park, Sugar House Park and universally accessible playgrounds. According to Birdsall, the proposed projects were submitted to the ZAP board for consideration. The approved projects were then sent on to the county council for their approval. The county has held several public meetings in various cities to educate the public on proposed bond. “We have posters and brochures in recreation centers, city halls, event centers (and) libraries,” Birdsall said. Birdsall believes the public is responding well to the proposed projects. “The support of parks and trails and open space is incredible every single year because of the increase in population and the urban sprawl that is happening. The need for open space is exponentially growing,” Birdsall said. “When you talk about parks and recreation, most people are pretty excited about it.” To learn more about the proposed bond and the projects it includes, visit slco.org/parks-recreation-bond. l
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EDUCATION
Page 8 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Bingham High theatre students to perform ‘Curtains’ By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
Whodunnit? The Broadway musical murder-mystery comedy, “Curtains,” will be performed at Bingham High School in November, leaving audiences to try to solve the famous quote along with a police detective. The show will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18; Saturday, Nov. 19; Monday, Nov. 21; and Tuesday, Nov. 22 on the school’s stage found at 2160 West 10400 South. There also will be a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are $8 for general seating and $10 for premium and may be purchased on the school’s website. The musical involves backstage murder mystery plots, set in 1959 and follows the fallout when the supremely untalented star of “Robbin’ Hood of the Old West,” who is murdered during her opening night curtain call. Lt. Frank Cioffi, a police detective who moonlights as a musical theater fan, is determined to save the show and solve the case, without getting killed himself. “The detective is a want-to-be actor who is trying to help fix the show despite trying to investigate the murder,” said Michelle Robbins, Bingham theatre director. “It is a really fun musical but different from so many of the classics.” Junior Andy VanDongen will play the role of the detective. Other roles include the show producer Carmen Bernstein by junior Sydney Peebler, the show composer Aaron Fox by senior Brayden Rasmussen, the songwriter Georgia Hendricks performed by junior Roslyn Reeves, chorographer Bobby Pepper played by sophomore Jackson Halliday and the show’s star’s understudy Niki Harris, performed by sophomore Lauren Rios. Tyan North is the show’s music director, and the
Bingham High school theatre students performed a 10-minute scene from “Henry IV Part 1” at the annual Utah Shakespeare High School Competition in Cedar City. (Liz Smith/Bingham High School)
choreographer is Lori Metcalf. Robbins said she selected “Curtains” to give her students a greater variety to theater shows. “We decided to cycle every three years between a huge spectacular to a classic to a contemporary so our students have a chance to experience all types of theater,” she said.. “It’s also a large ensemble show so it involves everyone.”
Bingham’s theatre season kicked off in early October when 48 students competed along with more than 3,000 others from across the state and region at the annual Utah Shakespeare High School Competition in Cedar City. The students competed in the 10-minute ensemble scene, monologues, duo scenes, dance ensemble, Technical Olympics and improvisation. “One of the main reasons we like to take students to the Shakespeare Competition is that it is a great bonding experience for the students,” said Bingham’s Shakespeare team director Liz Smith. “They also have an opportunity to meet students from other schools and be exposed to Shakespeare pieces that they might not otherwise have a chance to see.” A special honor was given to Bingham student Dylan Burningham, who received the Jimmy Fallon award. “More than 20 schools competed in the improv competition, and he received this award as the best MC out of all the improv teams,” she said. The Shakespeare team also got to see two shows produced by the Utah Shakespeare Festival. “It is always fun for students to be exposed to professional theater and for them to see shows they haven’t seen before,” she said. This year, some West Jordan High students joined Bingham for the experience. “The biggest highlight of the trip was seeing all of the students making new friends and going out of their way to befriend each other,” she said. l
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November 2016 | Page 9
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EDUCATION
Page 10 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Elk Ridge Middle School students learn craft of chalk art By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
By Shelley Potts, Business Manager
The South Jordan Chamber of Commerce welcomed the following new and returning members in the last month: BioLife Plasma Services 13503 S Hamilton View Rd Riverton, UT 84065 Mattress Warehouse (NEW) 11506 District Main Dr #100 South Jordan, UT 84095
Mountain America Financial Services 753 S Jordan Pkwy South Jordan, UT 84095 Pheasant Run (NEW) 2664 W 11400 S South Jordan, UT 84095
Ruby Real Estate Professional (NEW) 3137 Chalk Creek Way South Joran, UT 84095
Congratulations to our Taste of South Jordan Winners for this year. Best Over-All – Market Street Grill, 10702 South River Front Parkway, South Jordan, UT Best Bite
– R&R Barbeque, 10646 S 300 W, South Jordan, UT
Best Dessert – Copper Edge Catering, Salt Lake Community College Dining Services--Copper Edge Catering, Student Center Building, Room 203, Sandy, UT
Teacher Appreciation
We held a luncheon last month to honor our teachers in South Jordan. The event was held at Sagewood at Daybreak. Thank you to all of our teachers for the countless hours and love that you give to our children.
Announcing our NEW After-hours Monthly Socials Join us on the last Thursday of each month for THIRSTY THURSDAY! We meet at The Break Sports Grill in Daybreak from 4:30-6:30 pm for food, fun, and socializing. Bring your business cards to this FREE event—it’s a great way to meet new friends in a fun, relaxing atmosphere! You can get more information on our website at www.southjordanchamber.org
E
lk Ridge eighth-grader Emma Myers knew how to create a piece of work out of chalk. She and her sister won the school’s chalk art contest during last year’s “The Future” theme. While the festival has taken a noncompetitive turn, Emma still participated, teaming up with eighth-grader Whitney Schmidt in this fall’s theme, “Africa.” “We looked for several ideas and then decided we wanted to create an African family and combined several ideas into our own,” Emma said. Whitney learned that “chalk takes work, getting the right colors, blending. It’s really fun, and I never thought it was something I could do,” she said. Elk Ridge Middle School art teacher Mollie Gonzales said the chalk art festival has been a long-standing school tradition that is held both in the fall and spring. “The Chalk Art Festival is an event that anyone in the school can apply to,” she said. “There are many applications and they go through selection process. Twelve teams of two are picked to join in the festival.” While about 50 percent of the students are art students, the judges are unaware of the names of those applying. They are judged on their application, which includes a picture of their proposed design. Gonzales said she provides chalk and pastels to each team and teaches them how to make grid lines for their artwork, how to blend or brighten their colors and how to make sure they cite their sources. Each entry also has a title. “Art isn’t just drawing or painting; there are many different mediums to explore,” she said. “This is a different medium from what we generally use in the classroom. They get a chance to work together and learn new skills. There is a teacher’s choice prize at the end, but the main prize is to enjoy the outdoors, art, friends and beautifying the school with the students’ talent.” After the students finished their work on Oct. 7, other classmates toured the sidewalk full of entries. “The kids love it, and the entire school comes out at the end of the day to see what we came up with,” Gonzales said. Gonzales picked the theme, “Africa,” partially because of the school’s upcoming musical, “The Lion King,” which will run Feb. 1-4, but also because “it’s an all-encompassing theme that allows them creativity.” Ninth-graders Hannah Stetler and Darcie Bean said it was their first time participating in the chalk art festival. “We found a photo we liked but made it our own by changing the colors to be cool
Elk Ridge Middle School students examine the chalk art talents of their classmates during the school’s fall chalk art festival. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
colors in the sunset and wanting a baby elephant in it,” Darcie said about their entry, “Parade of the Elephants.” Teammate Hannah said that it has been a great experience. “We learned that blending chalk is harder than we thought, but it’s been a cool chance to learn as well as get to know others better as we’re outside, working next to others,” she said. In another entry, eighth-grader Isabelle Ashton said she liked the elephants in a photo she and her teammate Alyssa Anderson Googled, but they added colors and changed it to make it work better with chalk. “We exaggerated the colors we saw,” Alyssa said. “We changed positions so it was easier to see what was drawn. We made it our own.” Although their experience was limited to chalk in their driveways, they were able to be creative and liked their outcome. “I like hanging out all day doing art,” Isabelle said. “It takes patience, but it’s fun.” Alyssa added that she has learned to appreciate it more. “I like that it’s not a competition, but it’s more of doing it for the enjoyment, and it gives others a chance to enjoy it as well,” she said. l
EDUCATION
S outhJordanJournal.Com
November 2016 | Page 11
Grandparents’ stories engage Daybreak fourth-graders By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com
D
aybreak Elementary fourth-grader Harlan Olson appreciates his grandmother, Barbara Elaine Weber Harlan, coming to his soccer games and piano recitals, but through a class assignment to interview a grandparent, he learned “we’re similar in lots of ways.” Harlan asked her questions ranging from her first memory — sitting in a high chair hearing her cousins laugh as she spit up oatmeal — to where was she during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack — getting ready for work with the television on. “I know more about my grandma than I knew before,” he said about interviewing her. “I like to talk to my grandma and see what the past was like. She’d show me photos and told me answers to my questions. She’s going on a mission (for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to Venezuela, so I’m glad I got a chance to know her better before she’ll be gone awhile.” The grandparent interview assignment encouraged students to interview a grandparent or living relative and record responses, which not only preserves culture and family history but engages students in a conversation with their grandparents, their teacher Tawna Pippin said. “This is a valuable experience where they may learn a grandparent fought in a war or played in the NFL,” she said. “Often, the children learn about the houses they lived in, their role models, how they met their spouse and they did for fun growing up.” Students also learned that their grandparents’ parents may have read them books such as “Tom Sawyer” and how some of them thought color televisions, computers, airplanes and rockets
Daybreak Elementary fourth-graders Alivia Moore and Harlan Olson show their classmates’ books created from photos, drawings, quotes and interviews with their grandparents. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
were one of the greatest inventions ever. Some grandparents recalled hanging out at soda fountains on Main Street while many recounted stories of picking fruit or working in the fields when they were younger. They told stories of their pets, their first crushes and their first jobs, including one grandparent who said it was, “working at Snelgrove because I could eat all the ice cream I wanted.” Pippin, who said that the students also learned a candy bar cost 5 cents and a gallon of gas was about 29 cents, then had the students create a paper lap book. The cover included a portrait, either a photograph or drawn, of their grandparent that was cut
SSCO E D
in half, so the pages would open into a book. The inside included the interview, photos, quotes or other information they learned. Pippin said the assignment tied into Grandparents’ Day. After students gave their oral presentations, their final projects were displayed on a school bulletin board. “One cool story (was that) one mom told me her father passed away about 10 years ago, (but) she was able to pull out her report she did in elementary school on her dad and share some things about her father with her child,” Pippin said. “This was a special bonus; hopefully these kids will have learned something and will keep it for years to come.” Alivia Moore, who likes to spend time with her dad’s mother, said she planned to give her report to her grandmother as a thank-you for letting her interview her. Alivia said she used some of the questions that were provided but came up with her own questions as well. “She told me she grew up in a small pioneer house in Riverton where she was a tomboy and played kickball with all the boys,” Alivia said. “Her first job she worked for her dad and earned 10 cents for every chore she did for the business until she was 16 and became a waitress at a diner. She had lots of siblings and told me how my grandpa dated her sister first.” Although Alivia is close to her grandma, “she loves Elvis, so we listen to his songs all the time, and we both like art so we do that and joke around,” she said she learned more about her during this assignment. “I’ve heard some of the stories before, but now I know more and will remember more stories and keep these memories forever,” she said. l
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EDUCATION
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School district looks to pass bond By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com
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The Jordan School District’s proposed bond includes the rebuilding of West Jordan Middle School. (West Jordan Middle School)
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ith a rapid increase in student population in coming years, Jordan School District officials are looking to pass a $245 million bond for six new school buildings in the November ballot. “When there are too many in the school and classes are too large or held in facilities that aren’t adequate, education can suffer,” said Susan Pulsipher, Jordan Board of Education President. “We feel that it is important for this bond to pass to continue to provide high-quality education.” Voters in the Jordan School District turned down a $495 million bond in the 2013 election, claiming it was too large. The district reworked the new bond proposal, reducing construction costs by 17 percent and decreasing the list of items to be accomplished. The proposed bond includes a complete rebuild of West Jordan Middle School, which was built 60 years ago and is currently the oldest school in the district. It also includes building a high school in Herriman, new middle schools in South Jordan and the Bluffdale/ Herriman area, and elementary schools in Bluffdale and Herriman. The schools would open between the 2019–20 and 2021–22 academic years, and would help to accommodate the projected 9,000 new students that will enter the district within the next five years. If the bond passes, Zions Bank estimates the average homeowner will pay $16.80 more per year than they currently pay for bond payments, but there is a chance that the numbers could increase or decrease slightly. Bond payments will eventually go down because the new bond would be issued as old bonds from 2003 are paid off, Pulsipher said. Currently Jordan School District is home to the two most populated threeyear high schools in the state—Herriman High School and Copper Hills High School, each nearing 3,000 students. The district also claims three of the top-10 most populated middle schools in the state
and six of the 18 elementary schools in Utah with more than 1,000 students. The district is tracking 633 new residential developments throughout the community that could lead to more explosive growth, including Riverton’s 543-acre Mountain View Village development announced earlier this year. Herriman High School is projected to grow to 4,700 students in the next five years; the Copper Mountain Middle school population is expected to double in five years (the school would need 55 portables to accommodate the increase), and Bluffdale Elementary is will likely grow to 2,172 students in 2021, according to the study. District representatives said Copper Hills High School’s population is likely to stay around 3,000, which is why they are not proposing a new high school for the west side of West Jordan. Heather McKenna, a West Jordan resident whose ninth-grade son attends Sunset Ridge Middle School, said she disagrees with the district’s choices for school placement. “I think that I can support a bond and see the necessity of what they are doing, but they could do something to balance the south and north side of area to see that everyone gets the schools they need,” she said. “They say that Herriman is growing more than our current land allows us to grow, but there’s a handful of land the city’s trying to rezone that was not considered in their tally of land that’s already being developed.” While McKenna’s son will already be out of the public school system by the time the new schools are constructed, she said she’s concerned for other friends and neighbors in the area. While Herriman needs more schools and bigger schools, McKenna said she would’ve liked to see the district construct a small high school on the parcel they own across from Sunset Ridge. Instead, the district plans to sell the land. “A small school could at least continued on next page…
S outhJordanJournal.Com provide a little relief,” she said. Pulsipher said the opening of the new schools in Herriman would allow boundary changes that would trickle down to West Jordan, Riverton and South Jordan areas that will not be getting new schools, but McKenna said she thinks the Herriman population will be too large for boundaries to shift much in the way of helping west Jordan. Ellen McDonald, who lives “as far west as you can get” in West Jordan, said she’s in favor of the bond. “I know people are really tough on this because they don’t want to pay for something isn’t there’s, but they are part of the district, and you can’t help only your little area of a district,” said McDonald, who taught school for 41 years—28 of those years in the Jordan School District. “People in West Jordan didn’t pay for West Jordan schools alone. People all over the district helped pay for the schools that are in West Jordan right now, so if you are going to be part of the district you need to help even if this time around the bond may not affect you personally.” There’s a number of improvement and maintenance projects that could be put into place in cities that are not getting new schools if the bond passes, Pulsipher said. These projects could include additional stadium seating and locker room renovation in Bingham High School, lighting upgrades and a new baseball field at West Jordan High School, a cafeteria expansion and roof replacement at Riverton High School and a commons area upgrade, outdoor bathrooms and a weight room expansion for Copper Hills High School. Overall there are 32 projects within 21 schools that are on the district’s Capital Outlay Projects Future Recommendations list. “If the bond doesn’t pass these likely won’t happen because we will have to put all of the money we’ll get toward new schools,” Pulsipher said. After the 2013 bond didn’t pass, the district built two elementary schools from capital reserve, kept 12 elementary schools on a year-round calendar, initiated a pilot modified-traditional schedule program in two schools, changed 15 school boundaries and added portables to highly populated schools. “We have limited ways to accommodate growth,” Pulsipher said. “The difficulty is they are not ideal.” If the bond does not pass, the district will continue to install more portables, which Pulsipher said creates a strain on schools’ inner infrastructure, such as hallways, bathrooms, cafeterias and media
EDUCATION
November 2016 | Page 13
Your Career Begins A graph of the projected growth for the next five years in the Jordan School District. (Jordan School District)
centers. “West Jordan has had so much growth in recent years, and I would actually love to see the portables disappear,” said Christie Hardy, a resident whose children attend West Hills and Sunset Hills middle schools. “I was a big supporter of the bond last time, and I will continue to support it this time.” Pulsipher said another alternative, if the bond didn’t pass, would be looking into “pocket bussing,” where students from a densely populated area would be bused to schools that are further away to avoid crowding. There are six classrooms within the district that aren’t being fully utilized and could be part of this program, she said. District officials consider bonds the best option for funding because school districts cannot collect impact fees in Utah. Also, traditional funding has higher interest rates than bonding and pay-as-yougo methods would not allow the district to build schools fast enough to keep up with the growth, Pulsipher said. If the bond passed, the district would sell bonds incrementally as construction progressed on the schools. They would be required to pay the bonds off 21 years from the date they were sold, according to the ballot. The ballot also states that the district would use the entire $245 million bond for the new schools, and would purchase land if there was a remaining balance. Ballots were sent out at the end of October and must be signed and postmarked by midnight on Nov. 7 or dropped off in person at designated locations on Nov 8. l
B-track students at Riverside Elementary finish their school day while the other half of their class heads home for the day during a new modifiedtraditional pilot program. The growth of the Jordan School District has led district officials to try new ways to accommodate growth. (Tori La Rue/City Journals)
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GOVERNMENT
Page 14 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Growing hope in the community By Briana Kelley | briana@mycityjournals.com
K
eila Mower cares deeply about gardening and the community. She combined these two passions to create the Growing Hope Project, a community garden that donates produce to a local food pantry. Mower just finished her fifth successful growing season with the project, involving friends and community partners in the process. “It’s my passion,” Mower said. “And I want to share it. I don’t want to do it on my own; I want to do it as a community and to inspire others. What a great thing if you use your love and your passion to inspire and serve others.” Mower’s idea for a community garden first began five years ago. As a local Girl Scouts troop leader, Mower organized a garden plot so the girls could earn their gardening badge. When gardening was over, Mower did not want the produce to go to waste and did not feel comfortable keeping it for herself, so they donated it to the Food Bank in Salt Lake City. After that first year, Mower was hooked. She reached out to her community association, and they donated plots for her next garden. Neighbors, friends and local Scout groups donated time and labor to plan, prepare and plant the gardens. Home Depot, Miller Company and other businesses donated seeds, tools and soil. “It’s called the Growing Hope Project because when someone gets a tomato that we grew, that person is also getting the love and time and community that went into that tomato,” Mower said. “I want them to know that there is love, hope for humanity and hope for life, and that, in that moment, it’s going to be better. Someone is growing hope for you if you are in need.” Initially, Mower donated to the food bank in Salt Lake City. Two years ago she learned about the St. Andrew Food Pantry, a local affiliate of the Utah Food Bank located in Riverton. Mower
began donating produce there to better serve her neighbors. She now delivers fresh produce the same day it is picked. So far, they have grown tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, squash and herbs. Each year, the project grows too. Mower and her friends currently have 12 garden plots and multiple community partnerships. Mower’s friend, Connie Mason, works for Utah Transit Authority. She is going to start a community garden for UTA employees in 2017. Volunteers throughout the season vary, but Mower says that about 20 people helped out this year. “Different people helped throughout the season,” Mower said. “It’s not just me; it takes a lot of effort from different people to make the garden successful.” Neighbors notably stepped up during the algae bloom that occurred in July this year. During the bloom, water was shut off to the garden plots. Mower reached out to community members for help. Four people donated 25-gallon containers and let Mower use water from their homes. She hand-watered the plots for a whole week to save the work that they had done. During this time, Mower’s efforts caught the attention of Councilwoman Tamera Zander. Zander lives near the plots and let Mower and Mason use her hose to get water for the plants. She was impressed that they watered everyone’s gardens, not just her own. “That’s exceptional neighborliness; that’s exceptional service,” she said. “It wasn’t to get gain; it was just because they care. That’s the kind of ladies they are.” Zander hopes others can be inspired by the Growing Hope Project and perhaps start projects of their own. “My opinion is, this is inspiring,” she said. “I would hope that when people hear about this, they would ask, ‘What could I
Mower’s son often works in the garden with his mom. (Keila Mower/South Jordan Resident)
do? Maybe there is some space in my yard or in my garden that I don’t really use any more, and I can grow zucchinis or tomatoes or squash and donate it to the food shelter.’ As people hear about this story, they can find ways to contribute and give back to their community because that’s so healthy and good for us.” One thing is clear; community projects such as this would be impossible to continue without public involvement, according to Mower. She wanted to thank community partners and friends for their support, including Connie Mason, Stacy Tucker, Lidia Ordaz and her fifth grade class, Anna Sanders Bergevin, Waleska Valdez Luker, Micaela Tovo Libby, Jennifer Talkington, LiveDaybreak, Founders Park 5th Ward Boy Scouts, the Daybreak Homeowners Association, Miller Company, The Home Depot and other community members. “You can always do something beautiful and meaningful for someone else to provide hope and love for their neighbors,” Mower said. “Even if you don’t think you have something, you do.” l
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SPORTS
Page 16 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Bingham volleyball builds positive skills, wins games By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
T
he Bingham Miners volleyball team had a successful 2016 season. As of the middle of October, the Miners were looking up at only Brighton in region standings, sitting close to comfortably in second place. At that time, the Miners were a tough-looking 7-1 in region play and 14-8 overall, with four of those losses coming to out-of-state opponents while at a tournament in Southern California. This year’s team is young and had big shoes to fill. The 2015 Bingham team took third at the state tournament, and many of those players graduated and some moved away. But, those who have returned have played like seasoned veterans according to Bingham’s longtime coach, Melissa Glasker. She mentioned junior setter Seleisa Elisaia as being a large part of the team’s success both last year and this year. “She jumps well, swings well, and it has been fun watching her evolve in her leadership role,” Glasker said of Elisaia. One of the few seniors on the team, Callie Whitney, does a lot to motivate the team on and off the court. Whitney is also a team captain. “Callie does a great job spearheading the kids, rallying the troops,” Glasker said. Sophomore outside hitter Journey Tupea and Sisi Kaili are doing a fantastic job in their roles as well, according to Glasker, who also
Bingham’s 2016 volleyball team at the beach after a tournament in California (Austin Linford/Bingham Volleyball)
thinks this year’s team is exhibiting some of the best team chemistry she has witnessed in many years. A lot of that positive team dynamic has to do with the various focuses the team has. The Miners like to win, just like any other team playing competitive sports, but that isn’t their only focus—it may not even be their biggest. “We tend to focus a lot on old-school basics
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of sports, the things that translate into real life skills, like being on time and determination,” Glasker said. Beyond those “old-school” musts, the team spends a bit of time building and growing relationships between teammates and coaches, holding each other accountable and balancing each other out. In early September, the team travelled
to California to play in a large tournament. The trip accomplished many things for the Miners. They were able to share time together and build chemistry on and off the court. They were also able to see some very successful, large volleyball programs and were able to get their swings in as well, winning three of their matches. Another nod to old-school practices that Glasker imposes on her players is that they are required to turn their phones off while they are on the bus together and when they are playing a game. Glasker states that having the girls turn off their phones leads to them sharing their experiences interactively, making them more attentive to what is actually going with one another. And, all of that has helped the young team overcome adversity and win matches as well as helping to develop great life skills that will certainly come in handy down the line. “Do they want to be remembered for going 26-2 or for supporting each other when they needed it?” Glasker asked rhetorically. The Miners are winning more matches than some thought they would. They are doing it all while having a great time and becoming pillars for each other and the school they represent. “I love these kids,” Glasker said. “More than anything, I want them to become good people.” l
SPORTS
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South Jordan Marathon successful in its seventh year By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
T
he seventh annual South Jordan Marathon wasOct. 15, and there were close to 1,200 participants running, walking and biking in this year’s festivities. The event, though certainly a marathon, also includes a 5k, a bike tour, a half-marathon and a kids’ fun run. There were also vendors, booths, massages and a DJ near the finish line. According to Tina Brown, South Jordan communications coordinator, the event has gotten bigger every year for the previous several years. “We tend to see an increase every year,” she said. “Last year we had 1,000 runners.” The race is a big one in South Jordan, as many people look forward to and prepare for the event the entire year. The South Jordan Marathon is also a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, so there are people who end up coming to South Jordan from close by and the other side of the world. “South Jordan isn’t too far away for most Utahns to run a Boston qualifier,” Brown said. “And, last year someone came from China just to run.” The marathon in South Jordan is a community event for those participating as well as others in the community getting to know each other and lending support where needed. The organizers of the race encourage a large cheering section. South Jordan offers many recreation experiences, something Brown said many in the community want and ask for regularly. The marathon is the cap on a season of running because of the demand. South Jordan offers a themed race series through spring and summer, and many residents sign up to get themselves into shape, physically and mentally, for the big, annual 26.2-mile experience. “The themed race series is a great place to start to build up to the marathon—a good place to start and earn some medals on the way,” Brown said. Most runners who have participated in the South Jordan Marathon seem to truly like the route and everything that comes with it. City officials have done a bit of work to enhance the experience every year for all involved: the runners, the spectators and those who don’t participate at all. City leaders conduct focus groups annually to make as many improvements as they can. “We use those groups to build on the success of the last race,” Brown said. “We really want to keep the inconvenience to a minimum.”
November 2016 | Page 17
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JORDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT Special Education Child Find
Public Notices
Every child is entitled to a public education regardless of disability. Children with disabilities may go without services because families are not fully aware of their options. If you know of a child, birth to age 22, who is not receiving any education services or feel that your child may be in need of special education services, please contact your local school or call the Special Education Department in Jordan School District at (801)-567-8176.
Special Education Records Destruction Netti Chalmers, a half-marathon participant this year, poses with her medal (Netti Chalmers/Participant)
On January 31, 2017, Jordan School District will destroy special education records of students born prior to September, 1990. Former special education students who are 27 years old may request their records from the school last attended; otherwise, the records will be destroyed.
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The route is unique as well. Those responsible have spent a lot of time adding variety to the course, including a lot of hills and downhills too. That unique approach and the festivities seem to be why many runners come back year after year, and they are bringing other people along with them. “I love the half-marathon course,” Netti Chalmers, a half-marathon participant this year, said. “They are very organized and make it fun.” The results of the race this year were impressive. The leaders for the full marathon were Jason Howe, whose two-hour, 40-minute finish time was the top overall time for men and women of all ages. Richard Dresser came in second with a time of three hours, and Joshua Mathias ran across third at three hours, three minutes. Carolyn Quebe-Williams was fourth overall and first for the women finishing at three hours, nine minutes. Ashley Anderson was fifth overall, second for the women and South Jordan’s Kimberly Cowart crossed the finish line seventh overall and third for the women with a time of three hours, 13 minutes. The half-marathon leaders were Javier Artega, one hour, 19 minutes, Cynthia Fowler, one hour, 20 minutes, and Michael Chronik, who finished seconds behind Fowler. The 5k winners were Jake Krong, who finished in just over 16 minutes, followed by Tim Harker and Garrett Crane. l
“The themed race series is a great place to start to build up to the marathon.”
Public school students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may be eligible for a scholarship to attend a private school through the Carson Smith Scholarship program. Further information is available at http://www.schools.utah.gov/sars/Scholarships.aspx
Page 18 | November 2016
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Pheasant Run Alzheimer’s Special Care Center
P
“We know from experience that past patterns create comfort, therefore, we rely on partnerships with families to help us learn how best to meet resident needs.”
heasant Run Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is now open to provide its unique brand of memory care for families in South Jordan and surrounding areas. Part of JEA Senior Living, Pheasant Run Alzheimer’s Special Care Center brings the proven Meaningful Moments® program to Salt Lake County for the first time, allowing people to experience their commitment to understanding and meeting individual resident’s needs. JEA Senior Living founder Jerry Erwin knows from personal experience the need for top care for those loved ones who fall into the destructive hands of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other memory disorders. His mother, Margaret, struggled with Alzheimer’s for seven years. With this inspiration, Erwin created a unique system of memory care communities. The Meaningful Moments® program demands that staff learn about the life of whom they care for. They will also learn about the unique physical and cognitive needs of the residents to provide customized care plans to address “social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.” The specialized care provided at Pheasant Run begins with thoughtful building design and décor. From there
Sojo Choral Arts Presents
Saturday, December 3, 2016 Two Performances
2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Bingham High School Auditorium 2161 West 10400 South sponsors
we add caring, well-trained, professional staff and our proven dementia-care program: Meaningful Moments® program is exclusive to JEA and is built on a commitment to understand and meet individual resident’s needs. As a part of the Meaningful Moments® program, the caring staff of Pheasant Run will learn about your loved one’s life story and will develop a unique care plan to meet physical and cognitive needs thus providing individualized, holistic care. “We know from experience that past patterns create comfort, therefore, we rely on partnerships with families to help us learn how best to meet resident needs,” said the Pheasant Run webpage. With 45 facilities in 15 states, JEA Senior Living Special Care Centers come to a community with a track record of concerned and personalized care. The facility opened on Sept. 14 and celebrated with an open house for the community on Oct. 26 at 2664 West 11400 South, South Jordan. Those seeking assistance with a loved one in need of memory care are invited to call (801) 260-0007 to learn more about Pheasant Run. l
SPORTS
S outhJordanJournal.Com
November 2016 | Page 19
Running becomes South Jordan family’s common trait By Billy Swartzfager | billy@mycityjournals.com
T
his year marked the 40th anniversary of the St. George Marathon, a special race for South Jordan resident and mother Anne Simmons, who ran the marathon for the fifth time— this year with her daughters and other members of her family. In 1982, when Simmons was 9, she ran the St. George Marathon for the first time after training with her father, an avid runner. In 2013, Simmons’ oldest daughter, Ellie, who was 9 at the time, wanted to run the marathon just like her mother had. This year, Simmons’ younger daughter, Ava, also wanted to take part in what has become somewhat of a family tradition. “This year, we had three generations running the marathon,” Anne Simmons said. She, her daughters and her mother-in-law all participated in the race. They were joined by Simmons’ sister and brother-inlaw as well. The Simmons family began training for the event months ago, focusing on many different challenges a runner will certainly face while attempting to cover the 26.2 miles constituting a marathon. Anne Simmons says they spent an awful lot of time on their mental stamina, a huge component in distance running, particularly for children. “We spent a lot of time on being positive, on staying positive,” Anne Simmons said, “We had a mental strategy, a plan.” The group used many different practices to stay mentally tough during the race, and all of the prep races leading to St. George. They focused on what they called “The Flip.” “When our feet hurt, instead of saying our feet hurt, we would say our feet feel great and just turn negative comments
South Jordan’s Simmons family after the St. George Marathon (Anne Simmons/Resident)
positive,” Anne Simmons said. The Simmons family also worked on keeping any negative thoughts to themselves, realizing that being positive helps others remain that way as well. According to Anne Simmons, the experience was a perfect one to teach her daughters valuable life lessons. On top of being able to stay positive during trying times, her children also learned the value of eating healthily, getting
good rest and being able to stick to a schedule, one that most often requires one to rise early in the day. “It was great for them to have this opportunity to do something big, and for me to be able to support them,” she said. The Simmons girls fared well in this year’s St. George Marathon. Twelve-year-old Ellie was the winner in the 14-andunder division, while Ava, 10, placed fourth, the same place her mother took back in 1982. Both girls finished before their mother, who began to have knee pain near the final stretch of the race. Anne Simmons was upset and struggling when she looked up and saw her father, the person who turned her on to running and supported her when she was young, cheering her on about a mile before the finish line. In 1982, her father was involved in a motorcycle accident that prevented him from running alongside her. She remembers being scared and even cried while running that first time alone, but found inner strength to finish. This year was similar, finding just enough gas to complete a daunting endeavor, and it was only fitting that her father be the one to give her the push she needed. “When I looked up to see him there, I was emotionally invigorated, almost overwhelmed,” she said. Anne Simmons, who is also a running coach for South Jordan’s Kids Run Utah, has felt the benefits running can provide and has seen it in the kids she coaches as well as her own daughters. She said extremely proud of what they all accomplished together, so proud her heart was nearly bursting. “I want them all to know that they can do hard things,” she said, “That is the Simmons’ motto, ‘We can do hard things.’” l
Junior Golf now offered all Winter long at The River Oaks North Range
INDOOR GROUP PROGRAMS AGE
4-7 8-12 12-17
DAY/TIME
PROGRAMS DETAILS
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Mondays 3:30-4:30pm Tuesday 5:00-6:00pm Mondays 4:30-5:30pm Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm Tuesdays 6:00-7:30pm
Beginner-Intermediate Beginner-Intermediate Beginner-Intermediate Beginner-Intermediate Advanced
11/7-12/19 11/8-12/20 11/7-12/19 11/8-12/20 11/8-12/20
$120/6 weeks $120/6 weeks $120/6 weeks $120/6 weeks $170/6 weeks
We will be holding Indoor Junior Programs November-March. Heated hitting stalls, and an indoor putting green allows us to include all aspects of the game including, short game practice, range balls, in depth instruction, video analysis and rules & etiquette. Our programs are taught by PGA Professionals. 1 and 1.5 hour programs are held once/week. Each class has a 5:1 student to instructor ratio. Registrations will be taken online:
www.inmotionjuniorgolf.com
Please call with any questions or private lesson scheduling: (801) 980-0162
Your Soccer Specialists • Footwear • Apparel • Equipment • Uniforms • And More! 1645 W Towne Center Dr, STE C5 South Jordan, UT 84095 801-890-0011 soccerplus-us.com
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Home Buyer Class
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RSVP: 801-998-8568 www.sellingsaltlake.com
Page 20 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Western is proud to announce our new physician:
Let’s make our kids the priority again.
Dr. Angela Judd
Accepting new patients September 1st. Same day appointments available.
(801)285-4800 Dr. Judd’s clinical interests are all aspects of women's healthcare, including prevention, infertility, gynecologic surgery and general obstetrics and gynecology. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling and spending time snowboarding, hiking and running. Dr. Judd truly enjoys obstetrics and gynecology and is excited to care for the women in her home state of Utah.
Now Offering Extended Hours 801-285-4800 3723 West 12600 South, Suite 350 Riverton, Utah 84065
www.erinpreston.org
November 2016 | Page 21
S outhJordanJournal.Com
Legacy Retirement
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inety-five year old Fontella Spelts dresses each day in her finest clothes. She likes to make people laugh and play the harmonica. Spelts has lived at Legacy Retirement Residence in South Jordan for more than 15 years. She has fond memories of her time at the senior living facility including when a fellow resident, a retired police officer, taught her to play pool and she became a member of the pool team for three years. She is one of hundreds of residents of the almost 20-year-old community to call Legacy home. Each has found comfort in living in a community that offers them a safe, comfortable environment along with access to many opportunities for fun and learning with new friends. Spelts said, “I love living at Legacy because I have been able to be around a lot of different people and have enjoyed getting to know them throughout the years.” On Oct. 22, Legacy Retirement will celebrate 20 years of providing a home for seniors looking to live in beautiful South Jordan. Residents have come from as far as South Africa and Germany, Pennsylvania and Colorado, while others just moved from around
the corner to join our senior living community. These residents have included military colonels, university presidents, war veterans, educators, nurses, flight attendants, professional dancers, and business owners. Developed and managed by Western States Lodging and Management, Legacy Retirement Residence was the first of what has grown into a large and successful business serving the needs of seniors in our communities. Western States Lodging and Management now has more than 18 senior communities in operation or development in Utah and the western United States, including Legacy House Assisted Living and Legacy Cottages in South Jordan. In addition to senior living communities, Western States also manages 21 brand hotels including an Embassy Suites hotel under construction near the FrontRunner stop in South Jordan. Paul Fairholm, one of Western States’ five founding partners and himself a South Jordan resident, said, “We are thrilled with the success of Legacy Retirement Residence and are so pleased to be part of the South Jordan community. We look forward to a bright future as we serve the seniors of this special city.” l
Legacy Retirement Residence of South Jordan Celebrates 20 Years
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Page 22 | November 2016
S outh Jordan City Journal
Nine Easy Ways to Instant Gratification
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n this world of instant gratification it’s become harder than ever to keep overspending at bay. Sometimes we neglect to see just how much those little things can add up. I ask you though, if you saw a $20 bill lying on the sidewalk wouldn’t you bend over to pick it up? Improving your bank balance can be as easy as stopping to pick up that cash. Here are a few ideas: Hit the Library for Family or Date Night – Not only is the Library a great place to browse books, pick up videos and borrow music, they also host a variety of events throughout the year. A quick browse of the events section at my local Salt Lake County Library reveled, Teen Laser Tag, Yoga, Adult Coloring, Toddler Playtime, book reading, as well as various holiday events. Use Ibotta – There is a plethora of money saving apps out there. My recommendation for getting started is with the Ibotta app. Ibotta allows you to submit a picture of your receipt and get cash back on purchases from everything from groceries to department stores. They’ll even pay you cash back when you shop online. Plus, for a limited time, new users get a FREE $10 bonus just for cashing in their first rebate. More info at www.coupons4utah.com/ ibotta Brew Your Own Coffee – On your way to work and stopping in the convenience store for that quick fix? An average cup of Joe can cost as much as $1.85 vs. the $0.25 fresh home brewed, more if it’s
from a specialty shop. You may think it’s worth it, but calculate that for the entire year and that could be as much as $300 or more in your pocket. That makes me bounce off the walls just thinking about it. Learn to Craft – Ever hear the saying you can’t buy love? Truth is little kids don’t care as much about toys as they do about time. Instead of buying that expensive toy break out empty toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, left over party supplies and create some memories instead. Visit Coupons4Utah’s Pinterest page for a ton of ideas. Use Your Crock Pot – Crock Pot cooking not only is easier on the electric bill than the oven, it’s also a great way to over cook. Use the leftovers for a second dinner and lunches. Check out Utah food writer www.365daysofcrockpot.com for some amazing recipe ideas. Ditch Brand Loyalty – Instead of sticking with the same old brand name. Shop for sales instead. Or go generic; often the same company makes these products. Blind taste tests have shown that some people can’t tell the difference or prefer them. Nothing ventured, no money gained. Skip The Shopping Cart – Running to the Grocery Store to pick up a few items. By forcing yourself to carry your purchases, you are less likely to buy things you didn’t go for. Or, skip going in the store all together and order your groceries online and pick them up at the curb instead. Many stores now provide this service, including Macey’s, Walmart
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and Smith’s. I tried out Smith’s Clicklist recently and found this method of shopping easy to use and the service didn’t cost me a dime. They even let you use coupons. See how it works at www.coupons4utah. com/clicklist Buy Discounted Gift Cards – Remember, there’s no rule saying you have to give the gift card away. If you’re planning on making a large scale purchase, or find yourself shopping often at the same store, pre-buying the gift card at a discount is the way to go. There are many online companies where you can score these treasures; some that I have personally used include the eBay gift card store, Cardpool.com, and Raise.com. Remember, these gift cards spend just like cash, which means you can use them right along with in-store sales, coupons and online coupon codes. Check for Cash Back on New Appliances – Did you know that Rocky Mountain Power has a bunch of cash back incentives. If you find yourself needing a new appliance, water heater, insulation and even light bulbs, make sure to visit the Watt Smart section of their website. If you’re going to purchase a new appliance you might as well be armed with the knowledge of which ones qualify. Also, consider buying these items online using a cash back app. Doing so will add another 3-7% savings. Challenge yourself to start with just a few money saving ideas and the next thing you know you’ll be hooked and on the road to making saving money, instead of spending it, your instant gratification. l
Earn extra cash. Be involved in the community. Write for the City Journals. Send a resume and writing sample to bryan@mycityjournals.com
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November 2016 | Page 23
S outhJordanJournal.Com
Home Makeover: Uninspired Edition
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f researchers study my genetic make-up, they’ll find a preponderance of genes that create a longing for candy and silence, and a disturbing lack of genes related to interior design and holiday decorating. When my kids were little, my decorating style was what I called Sticky Chic or Bohemian Toddler. As they grew into teenagers, my design concepts alternated between Early Landfill and Festive Asylum. Now, my style is what I lovingly call Dust. Before Pinterest was a thing, I’d scour magazines for ways to make my home look pleasant that didn’t involve renting a bulldozer or spending $5,000. Now I’ll spend hours on Pinterest, scrolling through images of beautiful kitchens and bathrooms; then I’ll purchase a new garbage can and call it good. I’m amazed by people who can look at a room and visualize décor that belongs in Good Housekeeping because people who visit my home usually ask if I get my decorating ideas from Mad magazine. I just don’t have an eye for that kind of stuff. My genes have no idea
what to do with throw pillows. How can you sit on a couch with 27 throw pillows? Someone once said, “Design is thinking made visual.” If my thinking could be made visual I’m afraid it would include a lot of blank and/or confused stares, accompanied by slow blinking. I know a woman who used a handful of matchsticks and a pound of year-old taffy to sculpt a quaint Halloween yard display.
For Christmas, she twisted three green pipecleaners into a full-size holiday tree, and then adorned it with a dozen hand-knitted baby quail. She leaves a trail of glitter wherever she goes. I hate her. To me, decorating means finding kitchen tile that camouflages spaghetti stains or changing out the family photo that is 10 years old. I have no idea how to arrange lovely accent pieces. If I’m feeling a little wild, I might invest in a scented candle. I was recently asked to help create fun table decorations using crinkly paper strips and plastic flowers. I dumped what I thought was an appropriate amount of paperage and flowers on the table, but my centerpiece looked like a crinkly green nest that had been attacked by crows. The woman in charge of the event walked up to my “decorated” tables and let out a gasp. She quickly rearranged four strands of the crinkly paper and suddenly the whole table transformed into a fairy wonderland with twinkly lights and butterflies. A real decorator
defies the laws of physics. Halloween decorating is easy. I already have the cobwebs and spiders. I just sprinkle some blood on the floor and call it good. Christmas decorating is a little more difficult. Last year, using my sparse skills, I spent the entire afternoon creating a festive holiday atmosphere in our home. My husband walked in, sipping his Diet Coke, and glanced around the room. “I thought you were going to decorate.” I looked at my hours of work and tersely replied, “I did.” “What’s that pile of crinkly paper strips doing in the middle of the room?” There was a long pause while I considered the ramifications of manslaughter. “Don’t you have something to do?” Now that scientists can genetically modify our DNA, perhaps I can get an infusion of the interior design gene. I don’t need to be Martha Stewart level, but at least something a little better than Mad magazine.l
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