June 2017 | Vol. 3 Iss. 06
FREE
LOSING IS NOT AN OPTION #lexistrong
By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com
During the #lexistrong softball tournament the team made and signed banners to support their teammate and her family. (Greg James/City Journals)
he Granger High School girls softball team was blindsided by the news that their teammate, Lexi McArthur, had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). “Lexi is a bright, cheery and happy girl. She is always a bright spot to all of us. She has lots of energy and works very hard in practice and in games,” Lancer head softball coach Evan Kirschner said. “She plays second base and outfield. She loves this game and really identifies with the girls on the team. She has learned the game really well.” AML is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Treatments can include chemotherapy and stem cell transplant. McArthur was diagnosed on April 13 and began chemo two days later. She will turn 16 on June 9. In a short two-week period, the Lancers
players and coaches organized a Saturday tournament to raise funds to help with her medical expenses. “The girls felt it and were very sensitive. It has been very hard on them. We are very close as a team and have really bonded together. Our motto is all in and all out. I feel the girls have embraced that and we are close to getting to our goal,” Kirschner said. Jen Griffiths, the Lancer JV coach, and several parents organized the tournament. Teams from around the state lined up to play and support McArthur and her family. Umpires donated their time, a team that could not come because of prom raised money and businesses donated shirts and food. “We have had an amazing response. Chick-fil-A, Mrs. Fields, Paradise Bakery, Fri-
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.
to Lay, Pepsi, Tower Sports all donated lots of stuff for us. Lexi is a girl that works her butt off. (She’s) only a sophomore and asks a lot of questions. It was a horrible experience, her diagnosis, but she is very positive because of all the support she is getting,” Griffiths said. Despite the feelings of despair, McArthur’s teammates rallied together to support her. They arrived early, raked a rain-soaked field and sold concessions and T-shirts at the tournament. They have arranged visits and FaceTime her to keep her spirits high. “I was devastated, but I feel like we are playing for her now. It has made me grateful for everything in my life,” junior Aspen Earnshaw said. The Lancers lost six straight games after McArthur was hospitalized, but entering the
INSIDE
T
final week of the season (press deadline) they still had an outside chance to qualify for state. “If we get a win here and there we could go to state. Our pitching has been good and we have had timely hitting. It has been a solid team effort. We have been trying to change the culture. We talk about going onto the field and being as successful as we can,” Kirschner said. McArthur remains hospitalized after her first round of chemo. Her friends and family have set up a GoFundMe account for those who might want to help out. “Lexi’s spirit is great. The girls on the cheer team and softball teams have been so supportive of her. It is so awesome to see the support. Our softball team is part of the family,” said Angel Alires, McArthur’s mother.
WVCPD achieves gold standard in law enforcement . . . . . . WestFest and fifteen other festivals to check out this summer . new ordinance prohibits panhandling on major roadways . . . Students participate in playful ‘un-holy war’ . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
.5 .6 .8 13
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44
PAGE 2 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
Jazz dancers embrace emotion of playoffs By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com The West Valley City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Valley City. 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 West Valley Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@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 Josh Ragsdale Josh.R@MyCityJournals.com – CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Tina Falk Ty Gorton
West Valley City Journal 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801 254 5974
Designed, Published & Distributed by
MISSION STATEMENT 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
The biggest Utah Jazz fans may not be sitting in the stands. The Jazz Dancers were disappointed the team was swept from the playoffs by the Golden State Warriors, but were excited to be a part of the team’s first playoff appearance in five years. “The playoffs have been super incredible. It is completely different than the regular season. The fans bring so much energy to the arena and the dancers are more pumped up. As they are getting ready in the tunnel they are rooting right along with the fans. It is madness, we feel the losses and want to celebrate the wins too,” Jazz dance team coordinator Ro Malaga said. The Utah Jazz Dance Team consists of 16 women. They are teachers, students and dance teachers or coaches, and consider themselves the team’s biggest fans. Being a member of the team is a second job and opportunity for each of the women. McKenna, a Herriman High drill team coach, finished her first season as a Jazz Dancer. She has been dancing since she was four and has turned a hobby into a career. “I love being a member of this team. It is not just about dancing. It is about community and entertaining and mingling with kids and trying to be a role model,” McKenna said. “Looking up at all the fans is unreal. I have loved this opportunity.” The dance team makes in-game appearances as well as off-site charity events. They do get paid although McKenna joked it is not as much as the players. The team is considered an important part of the entire Jazz experience. “I have been fortunate to be involved with the Jazz family for some time now,” Malaga said. “I was a judge for dancer tryouts and then produced a routine with The Bear. This year they had me come in as the dance coordinator. We revamped the entire system to a hip-hop based theme. The alumni and previous directors have set such a high standard it has been great for us.” The National Basketball Association has embraced the hip-hop genre. Its commercials and time-out music have transformed into high
Thank You
The Utah Jazz dancers are an integral part of the community, team and fan base of the team. (Melissa Majchrzak/ NBAE via Getty Images)
energy enthusiasm for the teams. The Jazz have also followed suit. The dancers try to support the community and give the fans as much energy during the game as they can. Dancers from Spanish Fork, the Salt Lake Valley and farther north are all part of the team. Each team member practices twice a week and performs at every game. They have a catalog of routines with videos and music and choreography. The team captain, Alexia, schedules the performances beforehand but during each game routines can change depending on the game situation. “Being a professional dancer is similar to being an athlete. They need to take care of their bodies and watch what they eat and stay in shape. At this level we have injuries like ankles and back problems. We are always monitoring them so they can stay healthy,” Malaga said. Kendal, a West Valley resident, just finished
to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals
her second season with the team. She began dancing in eighth grade and was a member of Hunter High School’s drill team. She enjoyed her opportunity to perform in the NBA playoffs. “The playoffs have been more intense. It has been amped up, as a dancer we try to bring as much energy as we can. We make lots of appearances and try to represent the team well. Every year we go to Primary Children’s Hospital, and it is fun to see the kids light up when we see them,” Kendal said. The dance team is sponsored by American First Credit Union. The dancers are different than other NBA dance teams, according to Gina Calvert, corporate communications manager. The music and costumes they use reflect the community they represent and high morals maintained by the Utah Jazz, she said. “We really keep our fan base in mind. I am so proud to be a part of this team,” Malaga said.
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 3
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
On the Radar with Representative Weight RepElizabethWeight@gmail.com
We legislators finished the 2017 regular session with over 500 bills for the governor, but also with follow-up business on our minds. During the months before the next session, we will meet in committees to discuss reports and consider other changes in state law, particularly as they affect our local communities and neighborhoods. Here are some of the issues on my radar: Homeless facility – This is set for South Salt Lake, but it’s just across the Jordan River near our Cultural Celebration Center. We now know the population will be 300 men, but there are still many questions. Road construction – This is quite obvious around Elizabeth Weight is a Hunter High School as this phase of the Mountain View Utah Representative Corridor expansion takes place. Planned development of from District 31 in 7200 West as a primary access to the new prison and West Valley. She proposed inland port is coming and will impact comes from a established housing and create new air quality issues. background of public Education – As a teacher, I share this with every parent school teaching and as a top priority. As a legislator, I also note the service leadership. fundamental role of education in a stable economy. I’m excited to work with other West Valley leaders and learn more about the smart planning, coordination, and management that make our city successful. Please join in the conversations on these and other issues at upcoming town halls starting in June – to be announced on Facebook or email to join the contact list. Elizabeth Weight, Utah Representative
@RepEWeight
I Don’t Just List Homes,
I Sell Them!
If you are thinking about buying or selling your property, please allow me to share my experience with you when you are looking for a place to call home.
33+
Years of Experience “Real Estate Joe” Olschewski 801-573-5056
joeolschewski41@gmail.com
PAGE 4 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
Harp Twins again bring charisma, talent to West Valley By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
FRANK CALIENDO
Clean Family Fun and impressions
Friday, June 23 • 8pm
CELTIC CELEBRATION Irish dancing, music and fun
FREE TO THE PUBLIC! Monday Aug. 7 • 8pm
Can you play a grand concert harp backwards? The Harp Twins can, and they did it in West Valley City enchanting the audience in the process. The famous Harp Twins duo Camille and Kennerly Witt returned to West Valley City on April 26 to play a free concert at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center (UCCC). “It was really good,” said Corey Rushton, who was instrumental in bringing the harpists to the city. The duo, known for their duet harp arrangements of songs from bands such as Iron Maiden and Metallica and from the HBO series “Game of Thrones”, originally came to West Valley City almost two years ago at the request of then-councilman Rushton. Rushton came across the duo online and thought their style would be very appropriate to West Valley City audiences and the UCCC venue. Having kept in touch since the first concert, they were able to set up a free second concert. “The last concert was so good and so much fun, it was always ‘hey, let’s try to find another opportunity,’” Rushton said. “You know when something’s right because it comes together.” With the help of Rocky Mountain Power and SNOGO sponsorships, the concert was held with free admission. Audience members enjoyed the show that included music from both grand concert and electric harps. “They actually help inspire me to play the harp,” said Sydney Mceuen, 16. Mceuen has been playing the harp for three years and said it is great to see high-quality harpists. “Right now they’re setting the standard,” Mceuen added. Their excellence was on display during the
two-hour concert as the twins played songs such as “Dust in the Wind” and “Stairway to Heaven” on the grand concert harps. While on the electric harps they played songs such as the “Game of Thrones” theme song or “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden. But for Lacy Reynolds, 25, who teaches the harp at Summerhays Music in Murray and started playing at age 11, the highlight was the duo’s rendition of “One” by Metallica. The twins play the song on the same grand concert harp. “It’s the fact that they’re playing the harp at the same time with their arms intercrossing one another which is really difficult to do. I can’t even imagine. And then not only playing backwards but switching positions and then back, which is incredible,” said Reynolds. While the twins’ talents were on display throughout the night, the songs were interspersed with them jovially interacting with the crowd. They told stories and dressed as their own tech crew. The duo carries their own equipment to and from shows. One story they told was how their college professor said they would never make it as a rock harp duo and needed to split up. “This one’s for you, Professor,” Camille said right before they played “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC. The Chicago natives held a meet and greet with fans before and after the show. “The meet and greet I think is definitely an essential part of their show,” Rushton said. “I talk to people who say ‘yeah, the show was great but meeting and talking to them a little bit is icing on the cake.” The twins experimental nature with a classically associated instrument will be welcome back anytime, Rushton said.
MARvIN GOLDsTEIN & vANEssA JOy
World renowned concert pianist with stunning vocals
Thursday, Aug. 24 • 8pm
TICKETS AT
DraperAmphitheater.com
The Harp Twins spend hours before and after the show interacting with fans, including one fan who had them sign his face (Travis Barton/CityJournals)
The Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly Witt, play “One” by Metallica on a grand concert harp. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)
“There’s a lot of interest here. (West Valley City would love) to have them come back in some form or fashion in the future, and we support them and appreciate what they do,” he said. UCCC Plaza Opening With the famous Kitt twins unleashing their musical talents in the ballroom area, the night had also been planned for the open house of the UCCC’s finished plaza level. “Since (the Harp Twins) other concert was such a big hit and drew people from all over (including Wyoming and Idaho) it was kind of a natural ‘hey, let’s kill two birds with one stone,’” Rushton said. With the plaza level (located on the basement floor) having been under construction for almost a year, Visual and Performing Arts Manager Michael Christensen said they wanted to coordinate an opening that would maximize the outcome. “We find with our programming if we can be strategic and combine those things, then it’s better for everybody involved, for our staff and their efforts, and also for the public and community to enjoy,” Christensen said. The plaza level consists of various classrooms, informal meeting rooms, a great hall and a dance studio—all of which have audiovisual capabilities. Christensen said it also has catering possibilities, liquor service, festival grounds and the outdoor amphitheater. “It’s a true event center,” he said.
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 5
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
WVCPD achieves gold standard in law enforcement By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
T
he West Valley City Police Department now holds what no other department in Utah currently has: national accreditation. WVCPD was awarded a certificate from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during the May 9 city council meeting. The accreditation is considered a gold standard in law enforcement held by fewer than five percent of police departments nationwide. “The community expects the best police department and the desire is to provide that best level of service. This helps us do that,” said Police Chief Lee Russo. Russo described it as a “painstaking” and “intensive process” that required three and a half years of demonstrating the best practices of law enforcement of 159 standards, an onsite CALEA assessment and an oral defense made by Russo before the commission. CALEA assess everything from hiring procedures and transparency to pursuit policies and accountability. “Staying with this program is our way of committing back to the community that we will not allow ourselves to become obsolete. We will not rest on our successes of the past,” Russo said. Being accredited is a continual process which will see the onsite assessment every three years and a review of those best practices standards conducted yearly. Mark Mosier, regional program director for CALEA, said not every “organization’s CEO” is willing to set aside their ego subjecting their department to such a comprehensive review. “It takes a strong leader to sign up for this program,” Mosier said. Mosier said the department stood out in every level from command staff down and was very in tune with the CALEA process. By keeping up to date with CALEA, Mosier said it reduces the department’s liability. “What chief wouldn’t want that, it reduces lawsuits, payouts are less if there is a finding because of all the documentation and policies that are constantly updated,” he said. One upgrade that affected wide areas of the department was how to interpret their data and properly analyze it. This included their hiring practices so they match community demographics, the reasoning behind pursuits and complaints and then measuring those against their training. “It really gave us some insights and tools into how to better interpret what was going on in the agency,” Russo said. Russo said while it’s nice being the only nationally accredited agency in Utah, hopefully it can be a rallying cry in other cities. “We also want to promote it so it inspires other agencies to subscribe to this and understand why it is valuable to be doing this,” he said. Salt Lake City is currently enrolled in the program striving for accreditation. Russo arrived in August 2013 quickly working to implement the CALEA standards. The department was fresh off the Daniel Willard shooting and accusations of corruption in the narcotics unit and throughout the organization.
“Going from that to today, an organization that’s taken a leadership role in law enforcement to achieve this,” Russo said. He highlighted other programs they’ve implemented such as the Start by Believing program and processing all rape kits. Councilman Steve Buhler said during the city council meeting that public opinion of the police department has certainly improved. “I don’t think it’s because we get awards and recognition, but I think the awards and recognition follow actual improvement, progress and accomplishment,” Buhler said. CALEA assessor Rob Sofie reported that “there’s clearly a flavor, a theme [that] things have changed over the last three years, and it’s being favorably received and reported.” While members of the department may have been intimidated by the changes at first, Russo said their belief grew as they understood the reasoning for the standards. “They became the believers, they became the champions, they saw the better future, they recognized where we had been and the things we had been doing and now we would be better,” he said. Russo is hopeful that this is only the beginning, that 10 years from now, everyone in the department will consider CALEA standards common sense. “Then you know you’ve made a real cultural change,” Russo said. Russo came from a CALEA standard department in Baltimore County (Maryland). He said it’s been “very gratifying to know that you’ve gone into an organization, that you’ve led an initiative that is truly going to make a difference not just now but well into the future.” He later added the department is filled with “creative thinkers” and “when you create an environment that unleashes that talent, the amazing things that wind up happening, it’s just been extremely awarding personally and professionally to see this happen.”
PAGE 6 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
Carpe Di End
WestFest returns: fifteen other Salt Lake County festivals to check out this summer By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com
I
t’s summertime, and that means Salt Lake County cities are gearing up for their biggest celebrations of the year. From Draper Days to West Valley’s WestFest, here’s a chronological list of festivals to help you get your sun days on. SoJo Summerfest | May 31-June 3 Last year South Jordan’s summer festival came back with a new name, SoJo Summerfest, instead of its traditional Country Fest title. “It’s all part of trying to meet the need of the community,” Melinda Seager, South Jordan’s acting director of administrative services said about the change last year. “The community is ever-changing and the festival is too.” Featured events on June 3 include a
WestFest | June 15-18 With the arrival of June, means the arrival of one of West Valley’s longest running traditions: WestFest. The four-day celebration runs from June 15-18 at Centennial Park highlighted by carnival rides, international cuisine, live music and fireworks show on June 17 at 10 p.m. Started in the late 70’s with a diesel flatbed trailer as the stage at Granger Park, WestFest now takes over the entirety of Centennial Park to celebrate the establishment of West Valley City and the recognition of its citizens’ diverse backgrounds. Run completely by community volunteers, this year features a new addition to the entertainment lineup with a skate park
Gain peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of your way.
Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years
4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781
Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771
Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850
Call For Your
FREE
Personal Wishes Organizer
801-363-5781
LarkinMortuary.com
West Valley City’s WestFest will return on June 15. (Kevin Conde/West Valley City)
traditional parade followed by an all-day outdoor market and a brand-new event— SoJo Summerfest Battle of the Bands— from 4 to 10 p.m. Two age groups will be performing, amateur (under 18) and professional (over 18), and the winners from each group will get a paid gig at South Jordan’s Tour of Utah Kickoff Party on August 2. For a full list of events visit sjc.utah. gov/sojosummerfest/. Fort Herriman PRCA Rodeo | June 2-3 While most of Herriman’s summer activities will occur at the end of the month, its rodeo comes a little earlier this year. Visit herriman.org/prca-rodeo/ for more information.
show on Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m. That’s in addition to Magician Paul Brewer, live karaoke and dozens of vendors showcasing artisans, crafters and hobbyists. For more information go to westfest.org. Taylorsville Dayzz | June 22-24 From tribute bands to camel rides, Taylorsville’s summer festival promises diverse activities. Carnival games and rides will run all three days, and each evening a free concert will be offered. IMAGINE, a Beatles tribute band, will perform with the Utah Symphony & Cannons on June 22, Lisa McClowry’s “Rock the ‘80s” show will hit the stage on June 23 and Celine Dion and Neil Diamond tribute singers Brigitte Valdez
and Jay White will perform the final Taylorsville Dayzz 2017 concert on June 24. Taylorsville’s celebration is also one of the few that offers fireworks on two nights (June 23 and 24). For the most updated information, follow Taylorsville Dayzz on Facebook. Fort Herriman Days | June 22-24 Fort Herriman Days held at W&M Butterfield Park, 6212 W. 14200 South, may be shorter than some other town celebrations, but the city crams a lot of activities into those three days. June 22 will feature carnival rides, a children’s parade, food trucks, an animal show and a magician show. June 23 will feature a carnival, water games, food booths, a foam party, a hypnotist show and a movie in the park at dusk. The last night of the festival includes races, a parade, more carnival games, a car show, live entertainment from the band Groove Merchants and fireworks. Exact times of events can be found at herriman.org-fort-herriman-days/. Riverton Town Days | June 29-July 4 A tradition since the early 1900s, Riverton’s Town Days is back again for 2017. The festival’s traditions include the Riverton Rodeo, July 3 parade, haystack dives and more, but there are several newer items coming to the celebration this year, too. Last year, the city swapped out a traditional carnival with an inflatable “Fun Zone” that includes slides, zip lines, obstacle courses and boxing. This new zone will find its place at the Riverton City Park, 1452 W. 12800 South, again this year. The city’s recreation department is also offering mechanical bull rides, pony rides and a petting zoo before the rodeo on June 30 and July 1. Events pick up again on July 3 with the Town Days Parade that ends at the Riverton City Park where food and activity vendors will be on site prior to a movie showing in the park. On Independence Day, Riverton will be hopping with activities from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. From races to free swimming to sports competitions, the celebration will keep going until sundown when residents will gather in the park to watch the annual firework show. Visit rivertoncity.com for more information. Stampede Days | June 30-July 4 West Jordan’s festival is centered around its rodeo, the Western Stampede. The rodeo runs on July 1, 3 and 4 at the
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 7
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM rodeo arena located at 8035 S. 2200 West. Other recurring events throughout the stampede include a carnival and photo scavenger hunt at Veterans Memorial Park, 8030 S. 1825 West. The Independence Day celebration will also include a parade at 10:30 a.m., pie-eating contest at 1 p.m., band concert at 1:30 p.m., movie in the park at dusk, and a firework finale at 10 p.m. For a full and up-to-date list of activities, visit westernstampede. com. Fun Days | July 4 Murray City’s 58th annual Fun Days celebration at the Murray Park, 296 E. Murray Park Ave., offers Salt Lake County residents with yet another set of Independence Day activity options. The day will start out with a sunrise service and will end with community members looking into the sky for a firework display. In the middle of those two bookends, the city will offer a breakfast, a 5K race, a children’s race, a parade, games and a talent show. Visit murray.utah.gov for more info. July 4th Parade and Festival | July 4 South Salt Lake residents and others will gather at Fitts Park, 3050 S. 500 East, on Independence Day for a patriotic celebration. A fun run kicks off the day’s activities at 8 a.m., followed by a parade at 9:30 a.m. and a festival from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Check southsaltlakecity.com for more information. Sandy City 4th of July | July 4 This one-day celebration consists of vendors and a parade. Details are still being worked out. Visit sandy.utah.gov mid-June when more information becomes available. Draper Days | July 6-8, 11-15 Traditions like the Draper Days Rodeo, Draper Idol, a chil-
dren’s parade, the Heritage Banquet, movies at the amphitheater and the Draper Days Parade are almost here. The eight-day Draper Days festivities touts activities for people of all ages and even dogs. A Splash Dogs Jumping competition will hit the Draper City Park, 12450 S. 1300 East, on July 14 and 15. Human competitions, like a Strider bike race, three-on-three basketball tournament and 5K race, will also abound. Butlerville Days | July 21-22 Cottonwood Heights’ website boasts about its Butlerville Days, named after the Butler family who originally settled the area, saying it will have the “most mouth-watering fare you can imagine” and “the best firework show in the Salt Lake Valley.” Don’t believe it? Head over to the Butler Park, 7500 S. 2700 East, to find out. The festival will also offer a carnival, chalk art festival, free bingo and the Mayor’s Cup Pickleball Tournament. More info can be found at cottonwoodheights.utah.gov. Old West Days RMPRA Rodeo | July 28-29 While the majority of Bluffdale’s Old West Days celebration will occur the second week of August, its rodeo kicks off Bluffdale’s celebration at the end of July. Visit bluffdaleoldwestdays. com for more information. Harvest Days | August 1-6 Midvale’s Harvest Days provides residents an outlet to celebrate their city in small block parties and larger community-wide events. For a list of block party activities, visit midvaleharvestdays. com. The community-wide events include an art show, a group breakfast, a parade, live band performances and fireworks—quite an expansion from the humble first Harvest Days celebration in 1938 that was based off the parade.
NOW HIRING Local 140 Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC&R Service Techs
Local 140 has immediate openings for Journeyman Plumbers, Pipefitters and Welders Starting wage is $32.85 per hour We offer a fully paid benefit package which includes: • Family Health Care at no cost to you • 2 Pension packages For more inFormation please call
801-972-3053 roy aka “Griz”: 801-971-0163 www.pipetradeslocal140.org
BoB PatterSon:
Blue Moon Arts Festival | August 5 Holladay doesn’t have a week-long festival like some cities. Instead, the city hosts smaller celebrations all summer long with its concerts in the park series. Holladay Arts also hosts an evening music and artist festival called the Blue Moon Arts Festival. This year, the festival will feature the Joe Muscolino Band. The band performs a wide range of covers from Frank Sinatra to today’s pop hits. Other musicians and artists will be selected by June 30. In addition to live music, the event will feature culinary and traditional arts vendors. Visit holldayarts.org for more information. Old West Days | August 7-12 Bluffdale’s week-long festival is “like turning back the clock,” according to volunteer coordinator Connie Pavlakis. The western-themed celebration is highlighted by its chuck wagon food cart and wooden facades that pay tribute to the city’s pioneer roots. The prices are also old fashioned. With $10, a child can play every carnival game to win prizes, ride an inflatable water slide and buy lunch. The prices are possible because Bluffdale relies solely on volunteers to put the event together. Because it’s one of the later summer festivals, exact times and events have not yet been announced, but the celebration has consisted of monster truck shows, concerts and car shows in the past. Check bluffdaleoldwestdays.com for updates. More to come Still not partied out? Don’t worry. Sandy’s Heritage Festival, Riverton’s Home, Hand and Harvest market, the South Jordan’s farmers’ market and Herriman’s Pumpkin Festival are just around the corner. Keep reading your City Journal for updates.
PAGE 8 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
Curbing accidents: new ordinance prohibits panhandling on major roadways By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
I
n an effort to curtail accidents on major roadways in West Valley City, the city council voted to pass an ordinance prohibiting auto-pedestrian exchanges of money or goods within 10 feet of what the city deemed “high-volume roadways.” Streets considered high volume by the city are 3300 and 3500 South, 2700 West, 5600 West and Redwood Road. “The idea is to curb transactions and unpredictable car stops,” City Attorney Brandon Hill told the city council during its April 11 study meeting. Hill said traffic accidents have increased 33 percent over the previous two years with 213 auto-pedestrian collisions occurring in the last three years. “For pedestrians, that’s fatal territory,” Hill said. Based on research done by the city and data collected by the police department, they found almost half the accidents transpire on the city’s high-volume streets. Hill said they found this data is in accordance with UDOT data that suggests heavily trafficked areas have higher accident rates and more severe collisions. He indicated that the primary causes for these accidents and collisions were the heavy traffic, cars frequently stopping and interaction between pedestrians and vehicles. With the major roadways having speeds of 35 to 45 mph, and the severity of these collisions between vehicles or people being dangerous, the ordinance focused on these streets. Hill said if numbers begin to rise with other streets then they can adjust accordingly. “We’re not treating this as a final point with this ordinance,” he said.
Salt Lake County Council
MESSAGE
S
The West Valley City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance that prohibits auto-pedestrian exchanges of property within 10 feet of high-volume roadways such as 3500 South or Redwood Road. (PIxabay)
Bangerter Highway was not included in the ordinance do to the limited number of entryways onto the street. The ordinance doesn’t remove panhandler’s ability for free speech—holding a sign asking for help—but it focuses on the person’s conduct rather than their content. “We don’t want people walking out into these streets, we don’t want cars making unexpected stops. We want to protect people and people’s freedom of speech, so the focus is on conduct,” Hill said. Both panhandler and driver would be in violation if goods were exchanged, but Hill said people will first receive warnings until word spreads and people are informed.
The ordinance references Pembroke Pines, Fla. as an example where exchanges like these have contributed to auto-pedestrian collisions. The focus, Mayor Ron Bigelow pointed out, was the streets and not the people. Transactions that might take place on sidewalks between two people would be legal. “Because it does not have any safety impact on vehicles or pedestrians,” Bigelow confirmed. Hill said it there would be no problem if someone driving decided to exit the road and then give someone money or food. The city council vote was unanimous with no dissenting comments from the public.
Funding for additional jail beds approved by Council
alt Lake County’s largest budget expenditure is the jail and over 60 percent of the General Fund is used for criminal justice-related expenses. As an elected official in Salt Lake County, I believe keeping our public safe and our jail system operating effectively and efficiently is one of our most important duties. In recent months we have seen a lot of conversation around the issue of capacity at the Salt Lake County Jail. Since the state-driven Justice Reinvestment Initiative, the County jail has been shouldering an additional burden in the form of additional inmates from the state prison. This effort is part of the broader plan to connect drug offenders with treatment and needed resources, rather than simply prison time. Little funding from the state has been available to put into this new approach until this year. Thanks to our state legislators, counties around the state will start to see some of the financial resources needed to implement this, and we hope it will be fully funded in the years to come. When local police officers are not able to book offenders into the jail due to capacity limits, it makes their jobs incredibly difficult. Our Salt Lake County Adult Detention Center is at capacity. It would cost millions of dollars to make improvements to Oxbow Jail to open additional pods (and several million dollars more annually in ongoing operational costs). We are solidifying
Aimee Winder Newton, County Council District 3
numbers now so we can develop a long-term solution. I, along with my colleagues on the Salt Lake County Council, voted to allocate $700,000 to relocate some jail occupants to other county jails that do have capacity. This will help give us additional space to incarcerate those who need it, and by extension hopefully allow the jail to lift some of the booking constraints. I am grateful to the state legislature, which is partnering with us in this effort and is providing funding for this as well. Sheriff Jim Winder has been an incredible leader on this issue, working tirelessly to find effective, pragmatic solutions. I’m grateful for his leadership. While jail beds are important, they are one piece of the overall puzzle. More and more we are seeing that alternatives to incarceration for those with chronic mental health or substance abuse challenges offer a better path. Rather than simple incarceration in a jail or prison, people struggling with mental health or substance abuse challenges can more successfully get back on their feet and break out of a pattern of poor choices. Our county Behavioral Health division has worked hard on exploring those alternatives as well, and I look forward to continued innovation and reform in our criminal justice system. As this jail bed plan goes into effect, local law enforcement officers should see additional capacity at our jail, so they can
adequately book individuals when needed. I know our officers on the streets bear the brunt of these challenges, and put in countless long hours giving their most devoted effort to make our cities safer. I’m optimistic that we will continue to make progress in the months ahead, and look forward to the continued partnership between Salt Lake County, neighboring counties, and the state.
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 9
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
WVCPD launches CodeRED to notify enrolled residents of emergencies
Flag lot approved after council revisits request
By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
West Valley City Police Department has a new alert system in case of emergencies: CodeRED. The system will serve as a quick notifying emergency alert in the form of telephone calls, text messages, emails and social media notifications. On April 25, police demonstrated the CodeRED mobile alert system for media and
then made calls to city landlines informing citizens of the new system that alerts residents in specific areas to natural disasters, missing persons, severe weather storms or active shooter situations. “CodeRED’s robust system will provide the West Valley City Police Department with a reliable, easy-to-use interface to quickly disseminate critical information to our citizens during emergencies. We are very eager to use this technology to enhance our emergency preparedness plans,” wrote Police Chief Lee
Russo in a press release. Funding for the new system comes from a federal justice grant that will cost about $30,000 every three years. Police encouraged all residents to enroll in the emergency contact database at www. wvc-ut.com. Subscribers will only receive alerts if they are in the geographic location of the emergency. The service is provided by Florida-based Emergency Communications Network and has been used across the country, including Conway, Arkansas where a 5-year-old girl went missing. When parents were unable to find their daughter, the local police sent out a CodeRED alert. The director at the Boys & Girls Club received the alert and informed police and the family that the girl, Ava, was safe and sound at the club. Two years ago, in Wichita Falls, Texas, the CodeRED alert system was activated to alert residents to a water main break. In 12 minutes, the system made 5,329 calls to 2,934 numbers.
Thinking abouT divorce? If you are not sure how to begin, or where to get help, join us for a two-hour seminar to learn: • The divorce process and what happens in court. • How long and how much a divorce costs. • Getting started and the resources available. Patricia L. LaTulippe, an attorney with more than twenty-five years’ experience and recipient of 2015, 2016 Utah Business Legal Elite and 2016 Avvo Award, will be teaching the class and answering general legal questions. SIGN UP for the class by e-mailing info@divorceknowhow.com. Total cost for the class is $25.00 prepaid, $35.00 at door (if seating is available). PLEASE NO CHILDREN and seating IS LIMITED.
Classes are offered regularly. Register by June 10 to receive promotional pricing!
Patricia L. LaTulippe
Founder, DivorceKnowHow.com
801-538-5050
2150 S 1300 E, Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84106
divorceknowhow.com
ADVERTIS E
Your Business With Us! Call 801.254.5974 Delivering City Journals Monthly to 13 Salt Lake Valley Cities
A
property has been split in two. The West Valley City Council voted 4-3, its closest vote in over a year, to approve the creation of a flag lot on 6000 W. 3771 South. A flag lot describes a property found at the end of a long driveway typically, as in this case, located behind another property like a residence or building. The decision will see the property divided making the 12,100 square feet behind the house available to be sold and developed under certain standards. Councilman Steve Buhler, who voted against, said he’s generally not in favor of flag lots and losing agricultural lands. “I think there is value to the city in general to have a great variety of housing opportunities,” Buhler said during the meeting. He added that if the land is sold, it’ll probably change hands multiple times with a house eventually being built. This same request was originally denied by the city council in a 4-2 vote on Jan. 10 only to be revisited due to a noticing issue. The applicant for the change, Gail Warr, was inadvertently not included in the mailing list when notices were sent out. Warr is the trustee for the property that belongs to her family. She told the city council prior to the vote on April 11 that they are preparing to sell the proper-
Property located at 6000 W. 3771 South where the West Valley City Council voted to approve a zone change that divides the property allowing for a house to be built behind the existing one. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
ty and splitting it would make purchasing the large property easier. “We want to be able to divide it if we need to, but if someone wants to buy the whole property, we’re okay with that,” Warr said. During the Jan. 10 meeting, neighbors voiced their disapproval stating they did not want another house squeezed into the area, but no neighbors appeared during this second iteration with city officials saying nearby residents were notified again.
PAGE 10 | JUNE 2017
Introducing...
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
Resolution supporting city’s immigrant population gets council’s attention By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
Andrew K. Moore, MD Board Certified Infertility Specialist NOW PART OF Reproductive Care Center & accepting new patients!
Four Locations: Sandy • Pleasant Grove Clearfield • Idaho Falls
With the national tenor concerning immigration and cities across the country publicly stating they will not assist in enforcing immigration laws, it should come as no surprise the issue would rear its head in West Valley City. The city serves as one of, if not the, most racially diverse cities in the state. South Salt Lake passed a resolution that stated immigrants were welcome in their city. Salt Lake City, Park City and Provo have all expressed similar sentiments adding they will not enforce the removal of immigrants from their cities. That’s exactly what Luis Garza, executive director of West Valley City-based Comunidades Unidas (Communities United), wants from WVC officials. “We are asking the same thing of West Valley City,” Garza said. “Can the most diverse city in the state issue an official statement and say we are behind our community?” Garza made that comment shortly after a city council meeting in April where dozens of residents (from both WVC and other cities) voiced their desire for city officials to pass a resolution saying both city police and staff will not use city resources “to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration law.” The resolution was created and brought forward by those community members present.
Mayra Sedano, community engagement manager with Comunidades Unidas, told a story of a time when she answered the door of her house to what she thought were city police, but were actually immigration officials. “From first hand, I’ve experienced the trauma, the sadness of being separated from a loved one,” Sedano told the city council. Passing any resolution or ordinance requires a public announcement process before the city council addresses the item in a study meeting one week prior to voting on the issue in a city council meeting. City officials said they felt WVC’s track record on the subject demonstrated it had no intention of enforcing immigration laws, but we’re open to drafting and approving a vetted resolution on the topic. Elected officials and Police Chief Lee Russo met individually with Sedano and Garza during May to discuss the resolution they proposed. “We’ve had some pretty good conversations with them so we’re definitely making some progress,” Garza said on May 22. At press deadline, Mayor Ron Bigelow, along with each city councilmember and city staff were working on a resolution to properly assuage the community’s concerns. They also
hoped it reflected the previous work done on the subject including documents and policies implemented by the city since its inception. “I think it will help us and all our community members if they feel they can approach our police without the fear they will turn them in,” said Councilman Lars Nordfelt during the May 9 study meeting. Though the operations of immigration officials fall outside the city’s control, city officials feel it’s important for victims of crime to contact police regardless of their immigration status. “We want people to be able to seek out help and not be afraid of our police department…if you’re a witness or a victim or even suspicious of a crime, we want you to be able to report that,” said Councilman Steve Buhler. Councilman Steve Vincent added, “of all the things in the resolution I think that’s the most important.” Buhler said the resolution doesn’t change the city’s approach but it’s important for them to be responsive to the community in their care. “Once we see the final draft,” Garza said. “Then we can get an idea on whether many of the things that we put in there and requested will be actually put into the resolution.”
OFFERING 100%
Money Back
Guarantee IVF Programs
(801) 878-8888 www.FertilityDr.com
Isael Torres voices his support of adopting a resolution stating WVC will not enforce immigration laws during a city council meeting in April. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
Dozens of community members showed up to city council meetings urging city officials to pass a resolution stating WVC will not enforce immigration laws. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 11
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
Fifth year festival shines light on student artists By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
A
s a child, Kurt Bell would draw Disney characters. Now, as a Granger High School senior he’s drawing actress Audrey Hepburn and winning prizes.
West Valley City Parks and Recreation department held its fifth annual Student Arts Festival on May 11 at Fairbourne Plaza. Bell won the inaugural people’s choice category where fellow artists and attendees could vote on their favorite. The art piece for which Bell won was a sketched, traced and painted drawing of Audrey Hepburn with a cat on her shoulder. Bell watched the 1961 film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as part of his research for what started as a gift for his friend. “She likes Audrey Hepburn and she likes cats so I made this for her for graduation,” he said. Nick Coleman, recreation program manager for West Valley City, said the category was available for kids to participate if they wanted. It was created after students voiced a desire for a friendly competition. As for the winner, Coleman said, “It was beautiful, it deserved to win but there were so many other ones as well, it could’ve gone anyway.” Twenty-three students turned out for the festival with over 60 pieces of art that ranged from oil and acrylic paints to ceramic and 3-D. “It was crazy. You name it, we had it,” said Coleman. Maybe most importantly, it gave students
from around the city a chance to showcase their talents at a free venue. “You know how athletes get to compete? Artists get to show their work. You get to show it to people and it also helps people to know you,” said Nawres Al Saud, a Granger High senior. Art, for these students, can be a manner of communication. “It was hard for me to express my feelings at first,” Al Saud said. “But, when I started painting, that’s one of the ways I expressed those feelings.” It’s why Bell gifts his pieces to friends. “I’ve been able to express, ‘I care about you, you’re my friend’ through this way. This is what I put effort into and I’m giving it to you,” Bell, who brought six pieces to the festival, said. Beatney Ceron, a Granger High senior, said his piece was about social injustice. “It helps me show what’s happening in the world today without having to speak,” Ceron said. All three students plan to continue as artists whether as a hobby or their profession. Ceron had inklings to be an artist in first grade. Al Saud is the state’s Sterling Scholar runner-up in visual art. Festivals like these allow them to demonstrate their abilities outside the classroom. “It helps us students and as artists show our talents to the public and not just in school,” Ceron said. Coleman said the festival shows a different facet to recreation in West Valley.
Granger High School students Kurt Bell, Nawres Al Saud and Beatney Ceron kneel next to their art pieces after West Valley City’s Student Arts Festival at Fairbourne Plaza. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
“We’re more than just good old-fashioned softball leagues and youth soccer leagues that we’re trying to reach out to other areas and other aspects in our community,” he said, adding that Cyprus Credit Union and Blick Art Materials sponsored the event with Blick giving $15 gift cards to all who participated. Students were grateful for the different recreational element. “I think it was a great opportunity that the city was able to do this for us, so just a big thanks to
them,” Ceron said. With multiple teachers from various schools and the school district coming out, Coleman said it’s the type of community event that shows unity. Coleman recently moved to West Valley from Florida. He said events like these were unique to recreation departments. “I think it’s great, it’s outside the box. For me, I took a lot of pleasure just being out there myself and taking part in it and seeing all the kids,” he said.
PAGE 12 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
“To Strengthen and Promote the Shared Interests of the Business Community” Representing Businesses in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Kearns and Millcreek Contact Information: Barbara S. Riddle, CMP
801-977-8755
barbara@chamberwest.org
Vision and Core Principles • Advocacy • Representation • Relationships
To invest in your organization and community, invest in ChamberWest!
For more information or to register for an event, call 801-977-8755 or visit www.ChamberWest.com
Granger’s LIA commemorates Cinco de Mayo with fiesta By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
T
hough Granger High School had three separate sports games happening on May 5, the biggest attraction may have been its Cinco de Mayo celebration. Put on by the Latinos in Action (LIA) Club at Granger High, the Cinco de Mayo celebration saw students and residents participate in a festival with games, food and Latino culture.
Gomez said. Some of the Latin American cuisine specialities included chicharrón, pupusas (a Salvadoran dish), elotes locos (crazy corn), tamales and tacos. Gomez, whose parents are originally from Oaxaca and La Paz in Mexico, said it was a fun way to show that culture. “It’s really important because there are so many Latinos here (at Granger) and we
• Involvement • Value • Exposure
UPCOMING EVENTS PiNG (Professionals Networking Group) meets weekly on Wednesdays June 1 June 8 June 13 June 21 June 29
Legislative Affairs Leadership Institute Graduation Women In Business Luncheon ChamberWest Presents Luncheon Annual Golf Classic
Leadership Institute Session
ChamberWest Welcomes: • • • • •
Mountain America Credit Union (Kearns) Mesa Moving and Storage AGC of Utah CBC Energy Solutions Melange
Chamber Luncheon at Easton Archery Center
Renewing Members • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Embassy Suites Shula’s 347 Grill Layton Construction Company Mountain America Credit Union (4 branches) Chevron/Texaco Express Lube Chick-fil-A at West Valley LDS Distribution Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Holiday Inn Express Staybridge Suites C.R. England CenturyLink Utah Olympic Oval
Latinos in Action, a club at Granger High School, put on its Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)
Business After Hours Event at Staybridge Suites
Thank You to our Community Investment Members
“It’s just really fun to see all these people talking and then you see your friend and you dance so it’s like going to a quinceañera,” said Beth Gomez, LIA historian. In its third year, the event takes all year to plan, said LIA advisor Braydon Eden. With 350 members in the club and a 16-member presidency, Eden said they find what works each year and see what they can add. “It just gets bigger every year,” he said adding he loves to see the parents come. “It’s just a chance to come to school, it doesn’t have to be a place where my kid is in trouble.” Carlos Almiron brought his family where they played games and got balloon animals. “It was fun…we don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo very much at home but my family had a good time,” he said. The evening featured a car show, dunk tank, petting zoo and possibly the most important item, food. “There’s food and everyone loves food,”
need this celebration to just come together,” Gomez said. Eden said the celebration is a way to embrace the demographics of West Valley. “I just love seeing the people here and seeing the kids get involved so they can be future leaders and they can plan it when they’re my age,” he said. Eden added he was impressed how the students assumed responsibility for the event. “I just think it’s so cool how they’ve taken it over. They take care of it. I’m running around crazy, but it would be more crazy if I didn’t have awesome students like this,” Eden said. Gomez said even though preparation for the festival was stressful and tiring, it was all worth it. “Yeah, it was hard, but I feel like it paid off. I mean look at all the people,” Gomez said.
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 13
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
Students participate in playful ‘un-holy war’ By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com
T
he BYU-Utah game is known as the Holy War. For Hunter Elementary students on April 21, they participated in the Un-Holy War Fun Run. The fundraising event, created by the school’s PTA, raised just over $4,000 with all funds going to the school. It was organized as a playful wager to see which students (associating with the Utes, Cougars or team of their choice) could get the most donations. “I’m new here in Utah,” said PTA President Vicki Denison, a Portland native. “So I wasn’t too familiar with the holy war. We decided to make it fun and do the ‘unholy war.’” Students could earn prizes for donation amounts collected and for who ran the most laps during the fun run. Two grades ran at the same time for the 30-minute run. “Our goal with this fun run was to encourage physical activity for the kids, to not just sit on their phones or tablets (but to) be active and have a healthy heart,” said PTA member Christie Rasmussen. Prizes included sports water bottles, balls from different sports and $25 Big 5 gift cards. The grand prize was a scooter. Denison, who has two children at the school, said they held an assembly to kickoff the fundraiser and enjoyed seeing the kids’ reactions. “It got the kids really excited, we showed them the prizes, and they seemed to have a lot of fun,” she said. Rasmussen, a BYU fan, said the majority
of kids were supporters of Utah, but their enthusiasm for the fundraiser was continuous. “That I think was my favorite part was the kids getting excited that they’re getting involved,” Rasmussen said. The fun run was designed where laps were completed after rounding four corners marked by BYU and Utah pop-up tents Teachers were at each pop up tallying the kids laps. The teacher involvement may have been Denison’s favorite part. “We had music going and you could see the teachers get involved…you know dancing in their corners and stuff where their kids were coming to them. The whole thing was pretty fun,” she said. All funds raised from the un-holy fun run went to the PTA fund that pays for programs such as red ribbon week, teacher appreciation week, star student awards and to help teachers organize field trips. “All of that stays at Hunter Elementary to help our kids and we have a great group of kids that love our school, love our teachers,” Rasmussen said. The friendly competition between universities played into the school year’s theme, “Hunter is headed to college.” Rasmussen said they want the kids to have that goal. “College is where their opportunities will be endless,” she said. “If they go to college and get their degree that they need than they’ll be blessed forever. That’s what we want to instill in the kids.
Your Career Begins
with Us!
Member Care Representative Software Sales Specialist Customer Service Gaming Guru Tavel Consultant (Sabre) • Full and Part Time • Excellent Benefits after 60 Days • Casual Fun Environment • Exciting Contests and Events • Flexible Schedules to Fit Your Lifestyles • Worldwide Career Opportunities • Paid Training • Immediate Positions Available
Apply online at
TeleperformanceCareers.com Hunter Elementary students get their laps tallied by teachers as they round the Utah pop-up tent during the PTA’s Un-Holy War Fun Run in April. (Vicki Denison/Hunter PTA)
Salt Lake City • Ogden • Sandy
PAGE 14 | JUNE 2017
WEST VALLEY JOURNAL
How to Afford Your Bucket List Travel
H
by
JOANI TAYLOR
ave you noticed all the bucket list articles lately? I don’t know what it is, but all of a sudden, I’ve seen article after article about sky diving over Dubai, riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, or cycling though South African vineyards on a carbon negative tour. I was wondering, if perhaps, I missed a sale on buckets at my local bucket store or maybe it was “national buy a bucket day” last week and everyone but me stocked up on buckets. And now to get some use of them, they are stuffing them up with dreams and lofty visions of travel grandeur. Being a self-proclaimed master planner, this all should be well and good to me. Besides, who am I to tell folks how to use their buckets? But it seems to me that creating a fantasy travel dreamland could end up in a wide-awake letdown when you hit the road. So, in keeping in the spirit of adventurous travel, here are some ideas to keep your dream bucket a reality. Understand your Travel Fund: Part of making travel a reality is to make a budget. Figure out your travel style. Are you a higher maintenance traveler that needs pricier hotels and to be entertained or does camping at a beach or hiking through the mountains meet your needs? No matter which kind of traveler you are and what your financial situation is, you’ll want to make sure to allow extra money for spontaneity and little luxuries. A general rule for us has been to plan for the vacation to cost 15 to 25% more than we think.
Set up an automatic savings account: Have your bank put aside a small amount into a travel fund and use it ONLY for travel. It doesn’t have to be much, because as it begins to grow you’ll start to make plans for where you’ll go. Now your travel vision is becoming a reality and this will encourage you to save even more in your day-to-day spending in effect tricking yourself into making it grow faster. Utilize Long Weekends: There’s a lot that can be accomplished in a 3 or 4-day weekend. No, I don’t mean giving the dog a bath and cleaning out the garage. Hop in the car and go explore the gems close to home. I am always surprised how many people I’ve met who have not been to Capitol Reef, taken a ride on the Utah Valley Railroad train, or gone for a dip in the Crater. Yet these places are at the top of someone’s bucket list in other parts of the world. Keep your Expectations in Check: With all the resources we have at our fingertips it’s easy to, over plan, set yourself up for failure, or just expect too much. I recently stumbled on a travel article for a roadside attraction I’ve been to on more than one occasion. I first discovered it while traveling between states and randomly stopped to stretch my legs and let the kids’ blow off some steam. It’s since become a traditional resting stop that we enjoy every time we pass through. The article however, made this destination look AMAZING, like some kind of bucket list fairytale. It had stunning photos accompanied with an article of
interest. A quick search landed me on several similar accountings. In reality, this tiny attraction takes less than an hour to explore and by the articles standard would be a bit of a let- down. Had we gone with the expectations the media set we would have been disappointed. It’s much better to adopt an attitude of discovery, this way you aren’t disappointed. Don’t Over Plan: This is my personal stumbling block. I tend to research and attempt to plan every minute of my vacation. Thinking that it would set my mind at ease and we wouldn’t miss a thing. With many failed attempts, I’ve finally learned that no matter how well planned I was I still going to miss something and having to be accountable for every activity in everyday just made the getaway stressful and me super annoying to my fellow travelers. While researching your destination is imperative, especially if there are tickets you’ll need in advance, it’s important to break from your normal self and let your adventurous side loose to let things roll. Most of us will only be able to afford a very few dreamy bucket list travel destinations, but taking time off is crucial for our mental and physical wellbeing. Travel freely to affordable destinations and restrain yourself from dreaming of what a vacation should be. With the right attitude your affordable travel can become your bucket list …. checkmark. Joani Taylor is the owner of Coupons4Utah. com a blog dedicated to helping people save money on their day-to-day living and 50Roads.com a lifestyle and travel blog for the empty nester.
buy 1 fat boy
BUY 1 GET 1
get 1 free
F R E E!
Limit 1 per customer per coupon. Expires 6/30/17
Buy ANY 6 inch sub and a 30 oz. drink and get ANY 6 inch sub of equal or lesser price FREE!
Buy Game – Get One Game Free Monday – Friday 10am to 6pm
4591 South 5600 West • West Valley
Bowling . Billards . Lounge . Snack Bars 3544 W 3500 South in West Valley City
www.AbsDrivein.com
www.deltonbowling.com
(801) 968-2130
801-968-4821
Buy One Get One 1/2 Off Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 6/30/17
801-280-4099
7251 Plaza Center Drive (Next to Famous Dave's)
www.SpudToddos.com
Offer expires: 6/30/17 5/31/2017. Valid only at: 7710 S. Redwood Rd. • 3078 W. 7800 S. 7759 S. 4800 W. • 4926 W. 6200 South
Limited time only at participating restaurants. Additional charge for Extras. Plus tax where applicable. No cash value. One coupon per customer per visit. May not be combined with other offers, coupons or discount cards. Coupon must be surrendered with purchase. Void if transferred, sold auctioned, reproduced or altered. ©2015 Doctor's Associates Inc. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor's
Model NOW OPEN! Starting in the $250’s
• MAIN FLOOR LIVING • CLUBHOUSE • CONVENIENT LOCATION David Madsen | Realtor | Cell: (801) 916-6366 3150 South 7200 West, West Valley
JUNE 2017 | PAGE 15
M YWESTV ALLEY JOURNAL.COM
Life
Laughter AND
by
PERI KINDER
WEST VALLEY
The Happiest Place on Earth
H
ordes of families will go to Disneyland this summer because parents continue to be stupid. Touted as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” its creators have obviously never been on the Tequila Tour in Cancun. Parents announce “We’re going to Disneyland!” and because kids have no sense of perspective they’ll ask hundreds of times when you’re leaving. You’ll consider canceling the trip to avoid spending any more time with your adorable screeching goblins. Whether you fly (unwise) or drive (equally unwise), the trip to California is never part of the fun. When we took our kids to Disneyland in a covered wagon, they didn’t have iPads to entertain them. Instead, it was 10 hours of whining until my kids finally told me to shut up. Once you find your motel (which is ten times as dumpy as it looked online) and gently scoot the homeless lady out of the doorway, your kids can run to the outdoor pool to contract cholera while you unpack the car. The night before your first day in Disneyland, no one sleeps. Not because everyone’s excited but because your 5-year-old is crying because she’s afraid of clowns. Even though there are no clowns in the area. And you haven’t discussed clowns. And you can’t convince her she won’t be chased by clowns. So you arrive at the Happiest Place on Earth with everyone scowling.
PROFESSIONALS
Value
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
ANY HOME OR OFFICE FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION References and before/after imagery available Call Liz: 801-856-1141
HELP WANTED Now Hiring for part time positions in our
Food Service Department
PLACE AN AD: Call
801-254-5974
CARPET CLEANING
Crowther Carpet Cleaning & Repair
Upholstery * Air Ducts * Bleach Spot Repair * Carpet Dyeing * Tile & Grout Call Chad –
801-707-0554
HOME REPAIRS
Handy Home Services Electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, bathrooms & kitchens remodeled…
Pay starts at $11.26 per hour. Call 385-646-4321or go to www.graniteschools.org/foodservices/jobs
NO JOB TOO SMALL Mark Landers 801-641-9644
PURE WATER
ROOFING
Pure Water Solutions Free trial for your home or office today! Over 100 years experience. Hydrateyouroffice.com
801-673-5626
801-449-9875
All types of roofs
$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.
If you forked out extra money to eat breakfast with fairies (suckers), you’ll discover everyone else in the universe has done the same thing. Your breakfast with fairies turns into breakfast with someone who might be a fairy but you’re too far away to tell. Turning on your we’re-going-to-have-fun-atall-costs voice, you’ll exclaim, “Who’s ready for some rides?!” and wander into Disneyland (henceforth called the Park—like Madonna, Cher and God). Everyone wants to go in different directions which begins the first of several fistfights. You must have a plan to tackle the Park. Hopefully, this eliminates the identical rides where you sit in a little car that takes you through a colorful re-enactment of classic Disney cartoons. (Keep saying “Wow!” until you’re convinced everyone’s having fun.) Random Disney villains will walk through the Park to excite/terrify your child. Seeing Maleficient striding toward her, your 5-year-old will scream and hide behind a garbage can, crying until she passes by. For meals, there are a variety of food options. But instead of purchasing food in the Park, take a flight home for meals. It will be cheaper. At some point, a random clown will walk by, throwing your 5-yearold into hysterics.
GARAGE DOORS
A PLUS GARAGE DOORS
Service Available 24/7 Certified Experts 100% Warrantied
801-260-2030
YARD SERVICES
Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Concrete Senior Discounts
Call Dan:
801-518-7365
TREE SERVICES
Just when you think you’ll collapse if you see one more pirate or ride one more roller coaster, the evening events begin. You’re exhausted, covered in all types of stickiness, and are carrying bags full of souvenirs while wearing mouse ears, but your kids don’t care and dart away to watch light parades, water shows and other adventures that usually end in at least one visit to the Park’s Magical First Aid Center. Repeat this entire experience for 3-7 days. Leaving California, the drive (or flight) home is subdued as family members slump with Disney hangovers and your 5-year-old sniffles quietly in the Belle costume she’s worn all week. Next year, you’ll want to take a closer look at that Tequila Tour.
TREE SERVICES
A CUT ABOVE TREE PRESERVATION
Expert Tree Trimming, Safe Tree Removal Call Today for a FREE Estimate
801-577-7375
“Get Your Project On” Fence & Handyman Service
Free Estimates
801-471-9688
utahtreepros.com
CONCRETE WORK
Affordable Concrete SERVICES
Concrete Splat Work, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Etc.
Call Dan: 801-518-7365 – SENIOR DISCOUNTS –
YARD CARE
INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS
MOUNTAIN SPRINGS
Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience
Aeration, Mowing, Edging, Trimming and Dethatching
Removals . Trimming . Pruning
FENCING
Fence/Handyman
LAWN CARE
VEHICLES WANTED
Gumby’s Auto Parts We’ll buy your non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.
(801) 506-6098
“It’s worth your time to call!” FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS
OLYMPUS ROOFING
801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973
801-244-3542
Call Kim at 801-971-0192
PHOTOGRAPHY
TREE SERVICE
LANDSCAPING
FREE ESTIMATES
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
FREE ESTIMATES
Toni Cox Photography
Weddings . Families . New Born Children . Special Occasions . Graduations
Call or Text 801-718-4906 www.tonicoxphotography.com
TREE TIME – Pruning, Trimming, Hedging – Tree and Stump Removal – Shaping and Shrubs
801-577-7740
All In One
FULL YARD CLEAN-UP, TRIM AND PRUNE, TREES SERVICE, TRASH HAULING, TALL WEED MOWING, ETC. – licensed and insured –
DAVE at 801-455-6705