23 minute read
Showing Love through Giving and Service
SHOWING LVE THROUGH GIVING AND SERVICE
BY HAILEY MINTON
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In the 1830s, many Native Americans were forced from their homeland and were relocated to territories west of the Mississippi River. The journey they took is infamously known as the Trail of Tears, due to the thousands who died from the extreme cold, starvation, and harsh conditions they faced. The Choctaw people were one of the tribes affected, and they tried their best to make Oklahoma their home, despite losing many beloved family members along the way. Sixteen years later, news reached the tribe of the Irish Potato Famine. A disease called late blight decimated the potato crop which was the staple food source for most Irish. People were starving. An estimated 1 million people died and another estimated 1 million people emigrated from the country. The Choctaw saw their suffering and viewed it as unnecessary, similar to their own trial, and it inspired action motivated by empathy. The tribe donated $170, which is equivalent to about $5,000 today. The amount was small, but the love behind the donation had bound these unlikely nations together. Their contribution made headlines in Ireland. It was extraordinary because it came from very far away and from a group who didn’t have familial ties with the people who were suffering. The Irish people remember the seemingly small amount of money gifted as being legendary. Their bond remains strong and inspiring. We don’t have to look across the globe to find magnificent examples of charity, though. In fact, according to an article published on Oct. 3, 2019, Ogden was ranked the most charitable city in the country, with Salt Lake City coming in as the 6th most charitable city! MagnifyMoney, a personal finance website created by LendingTree, reported that 87% of residents in Ogden itemized returns with charitable donations on their tax returns that amounted to about 6.9% of the residents’ income. The study suggests cities that are religious centers and cities that are highly charitable seem to be linked. Beyond the regular citizens who donate their resources to charity, there are some individuals and organizations that are taking action to shape our communities into better places. We have highlighted just a few, and we hope you take advantage of opportunities to show love through giving or service. Not only can it make others’ lives better, but it can bring more joy and fulfillment to your own.
BY ERIC BAUMAN The Goal Foundation was founded as a local non-profit organization in 2001 with the mission of inspiring the greater Ogden community and its visitors to “Get Out and Live” by participating, volunteering, and spectating at recreational events, programs, and activities. The activities change and evolve year to year, but the why never changes. The why for The GOAL Foundation is to create a greater Ogden community that thrives economically and is healthier in mind, body and spirit. To achieve this why, The GOAL Foundation focuses on youth programs. In 2019, 452 kids received benefits from GOAL charitable efforts and activities. GOAL youth activities included 16 weeks (over 160 hours) of summer camps, where kids ages 6-14 participated in hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Additionally, 19 GOAL scholarships were awarded to under-served youth in the community totaling $1,520.00. The GOAL Foundation also partners with 10 schools providing a Young Runners Program in which kid’s ages 5-12 participate throughout the year to earn a free entry into the Ogden Marathon Kids K or 5K, as well as receiving monthly one-on-one education on healthiness in mind, body, and spirit. Additional GOAL youth programs consist of GOAL’s Shoe Give Back Program, where in 2019, 50 kids at T.O. Smith Elementary School received running shoes at no cost provided by GOAL. The GOAL Foundation also partners with the Ogden Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, Ogden Weber Community Action Partnership, and Intermountain Healthcare to provide after school programs such as Yoga, pedometers, and speaker presentations, with topics ranging from nutrition to vision casting and goal setting. In addition to Youth Programing, the GOAL Foundation is proud to be celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the Ogden Marathon. As the producer of the Ogden Marathon, the Striders Winter Race Circuit, and the El Doce Mountain Bike Race at Powder Mountain, 2.7 million dollars in economic impact was contributed to the greater Ogden area through produced and supported events. Community members are encouraged to volunteer and be part of the excitement surrounding these staple community events. Last year, 4,187 GOAL volunteers contributed 36,085 hours of service to the community. The GOAL Foundation would not be able to provide programs that contribute to the local youth and organizations in the community without the support of the volunteers, sponsors and athletes. The GOAL Foundation sincerely thanks all who participate, spectate, volunteer, and donate in our amazing community. The Goal Foundation
HELP NOW: For more information regarding the GOAL Foundation, please visit our website at www.getoutandlive.org/ Kristi Corless saw a need to help women with their feminine hygiene needs when she and her daughter were on a humanitarian trip in Kenya. Girls did not have the sanitary supplies to go out in public and, therefore, would miss 3-5 days of school every month. Missing school so consistently makes it challenging for young women to graduate, and graduating from school is the key to escape poverty for a Kenyan woman. Her organization, Whole International, teaches Kenyan women how to sew reusable pads and make kits that last 3 years for the young women. This helps the girls going to school and gives women a viable option to earn money. For $10, a young woman can attend school for 3 years without having to worry about her natural cycle. There is a lot of pressure for women to take care of themselves or stay home when they are menstruating. One 12 or 13-year-old girl was publicly shamed for soiling her uniform at school. She came home and committed suicide. Corless said it is heartbreaking to see young women who are dedicated to school turn to selling sexual favors to men as a way to earn money to pay for their hygiene supplies. She said it happens more often than you would think. Money is scarce within many families, and paying for supplies month to month is just not a realistic option. Whole international is focused on educating and empowering the women in Kenya. Anita is a local Kenyan who works closely with the Days for Girls organization and is the “boots on the ground” person who helps keep things running for Whole International. Corless said the biggest way anyone can help is through monetary donations, since it can be difficult to transport donated cloth and sewing supplies all the way to Kenya. Whole International
HELP NOW: You can find Whole International on Venmo.
Stacy Bernal is a mom of two boys, and her 14-year-old son, Haiden, has Autism Spectrum Disorder. In March of 2018, she saw there were Autism Walks planned in Logan and Provo, but there was nothing happening in Ogden. She took matters into her own hands. She put together an autism walk in downtown Ogden, and that is how Awesome Autistic Ogden got its start. Bernal said one of their goals at AAO is to teach others to love and appreciate people with neuro diversity. Sometimes, ASD manifests itself when a person doesn’t act the way people expect in social situations. They can look like anyone else, but they act and learn differently. Underneath the differences that might be obvious, they are still people who have a sense of humor, quirks, and personality. It’s just a matter of getting to know them. Bernal said there is a pretty good awareness of autism in the community, but what we need are more people who care and get to know the people who have it. “If you see the kids who are a little different, if you see someone who could use a friend, be that friend. Stand up for the person if you see someone getting made fun of.” Today, Bernal and her committee are also working to connect resources with the people in and around Ogden who need them. Making the drive to Haiden’s multiple appointments each week in Salt Lake was tough, and she is hoping to coax more organizations to serve the Ogden area closer to home. AAO held their first annual event last year that brought organizations from all over Northern Utah to Weber State for a screening of Extraordinary People. This year, Bernal hopes to bring more resources and people who would benefit from them to their event on April 11th, at the Ogden School District Special Education building. It will be an open house with sensory activities geared for kids with ASD, and booths will be set up for the parents to get information about the various organizations. Anyone interested in volunteering at the event can connect with Bernal via the Awesome Autistic Ogden Facebook page. Two people can be diagnosed with autism, but how it affects their day-to-day life can be very different. There isn’t a “one size fits all” solution, and Bernal emphasized that what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. She said that’s one reason why it’s so important for parents to have access to resources so they can find what works for their child. The love and passion behind Awesome Autistic Ogden comes from knowing what it’s like to be a special needs parent, and she hopes AAO can help bridge the gap for other parents. Awesome Autistic Ogden
JOIN US: April 11, 2020 11 am- 2pm The Shiny Gym @ Ogden School District 1950 Monroe Blvd. ASD information, resources, vendors, products, kids' activities and food trucks “If you see the kids who are a little different, if you see someone who could use a friend, be that friend."
Historically, United Way has dispersed funding to various charities, but now that’s just a part of what they do. Tim Jackson, the President and CEO of United Way in the Ogden area, explained they have programs that focus on education, income, and health. Jackson said the volunteers find it very rewarding, especially when they see the difference their work is making. The people who tutor children reading in schools can see the improvement over time. Some volunteers are trained through an organization to do taxes for free for low income families. They walk away knowing they’ve saved families a lot of money where every little bit makes a big difference. United Way
“People face crisis and run into situations that are out of their control,” said Jackson. He emphasized the importance of giving people a hand up instead of a hand out. United Way oversees the 211 resource and referral hotline. Anyone can call this number and get help for whatever type of service they need. Are you about to be evicted? There is help for that. Need a counselor? They’ll connect you to one. The number isn’t only for people in need. Anyone can call, tell the operator what city they’re in, and ask for opportunities to volunteer as well. HELP NOW: You can also find opportunities online at 211utah.org/index.php/volunteer or at Justserve.org
ShelfGenie
BY RYAN SPELTS
The Gardners were so intrigued by the pull-out products by ShelfGenie, they opened a franchise.
ShelfGenie can make accessing your kitchen items much easier with custom pull out shelving.
INFO
Business: Custom Shelving
(888) 903-8839 www.shelfgenie.com/locations/wasatchrange/
Rebecca and Mike Gardner have both worked in successful careers, Rebecca in marketing and office management, and Mike in outside sales and business development. They learned about ShelfGenie, which makes custom pullouts for organizing and making any storage space more efficient and usable; they were instantly intrigued. Upon researching, they found that ShelfGenie did not have a presence along the Wasatch Front, and they knew the ShelfGenie custom pull-outs were needed in Utah. They were so intrigued by the company and the highquality product, that they decided to start ShelfGenie of the Wasatch Range. They opened their franchise business doors in February of 2019. ShelfGenie has been in business since the year 2000. Rebecca was born and raised in Ogden, where her family has been in the custom furniture business for several generations and also originally owned Burton Lumber. After finding out about the highquality products of ShelfGenie, Rebecca and Mike were excited to start offering these custom products in Utah. Shelf Genie is the industry leader of pullout and glide-out shelving technology nationwide, with over 60 locations across the US and Canada. Each pull-out is custom designed and then made by hand to perfectly match the space it is installed into. They do not use any plastic in their components and have pull-outs that can hold up to 200 lbs. at full extension. The entire slide mechanism is made from cold-rolled steel with sealed ball bearings, so they are made to last a lifetime. The furniture-grade units are also sealed with a proprietary ultraviolet coating process to prevent yellowing and cracking. Most people have these pull-outs installed in their kitchen to help organize their cabinets and pantries. They are also often installed in closets, offices, garages/shops, and even in custom hutches and entertainment centers. They even have a really cool solution for that awkward closet area many of us have under our stairs. They can really be used anywhere to make things more accessible and to fully utilize the space available. It works like this: A Designer will come to your home for a free, no obligation design consultation. They will review your areas of frustration with you, and with a proprietary CAD- based 3D software program, will create design options so you can see what the finished products will look like and how they will function. Once a design solution is agreed upon, a certified ShelfGenie installer will measure with precision, to within the millimeter, in order to efficiently maximize the spaces you have. In fact, due to the fully custom construction, exact measurements, and slide-out technology, they can often increase usable closet and pantry spaces by 30% to 50%. Once the glide-outs are custom and handmade to perfection, the installer will professionally install them and do whatever other work is required in your spaces to ensure a solid, attractive, and lasting installation. They can put in single high, double high, triple high, and file box high glide-outs in order to best store your items. They even have custom designs with a sloped back or sloped sides to help keep things secure as you slide them out and in. They also offer spice tower and tray bin solutions that are very handy. Upon researching ShelfGenie and reading overwhelmingly positive online reviews, you will want to look into these custom, space-enhancing solutions for your home too. Customers love the product and consistently say, “I wish I had done it sooner!” As we prepare to update our nearly 30-year-old kitchen shelves, we are excited to have ShelfGenie come and help us get organized!
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A family business since 1984, Bryson's offers their customers stones, beads, and much more. BY ANN PARK Bryson's Rock Shop
There are over 150 kinds of tumbled stones to choose from at this very unique shop.
INFO
Business: Rock Shop
801-399-2838 326 Washington Blvd. in Ogden
If this is your first visit to Bryson’s Rock Shop, be prepared to spend some time. This shop is fascinating! There is always something new and interesting to discover. They have a massive and varied inventory of rocks from all over the world. Owner Dave Wonderly says he’s polished rocks from Everest, Antarctica, and the quarry that Stonehenge came from. They have over 150 kinds of tumbled stones in all colors and textures. You can check them out and see which ones speak to you. They have towers, spheres, geodes, crystal beads, and silver and gemstone jewelry. This shop is truly unique. No one else in the city is doing what they do. Dave’s parents, Dennis and Ann Bryson opened the shop in 1984. Dave started working there with both of them in 1996 when Bryson’s Rock Shop moved to its current location at 326 Washington Blvd. He’s been here ever since. The Bryson’s passed away in 2004, and since then, Dave has taken ownership of his family business. He loves what he does, and the people and minerals he works with. “My Dad taught me how to cut rocks when I was seven,” Dave said, so he’s been doing this his whole life. This shop has secrets. I had never seen it before, but Dave has a back room where he keeps some of his most prized collector’s items. There were various spectacular pieces inside, such as large stone spheres weighing 70 lbs., and beautiful, rare, mixed-mineral formations. If you’re serious about art and love stone and gems, be sure to make yourself an appointment to explore Dave’s back room. There’s truly something at Bryson’s Rock Shop for everyone. It’s a great place to browse and explore. Dave carries all shapes and sizes of stones and one-of-a kind mineral art. He also carries books, rock-hounding tools, tarot cards, and singing bowls. Many people come to his shop to explore the metaphysical healing properties of the different minerals. I love the colors and textures of natural stone, and feeling a closer connection with the earth. Many of us are soothed by a palm stone, or feel energy from a crystal. The stone spheres are my favorite. I asked Dave if he had a favorite, and he said “The opal collection.” Very nice choice. Bryson’s has a skilled inhouse jeweler, Adan Molina. This enables them to repair jewelry and create amazing custom pieces. Adan has been with them for many years, and is able to work with gold, silver, and any kind of gemstone. Their selection of jewelry is wide; everything from inexpensive jewelry that only costs a couple of dollars, up through higher end handmade pieces with rare stones. They have all sorts of beautiful and unique accessories, beads, bracelets, rings, pendants and much more. I really enjoy browsing their collection of gemstone and sterling jewelry. And if you find a stone you really
like, you can have their staff wire wrap it, and get a chain for it, right there while you shop. Instant custom pendant. Bryson’s Rock Shop is the place to go to discover stones, get equipment for doing your own mineral hunting expeditions, find awesome earthy accessories, gaze into translucent rock, and find a small piece of the earth that speaks to you.
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Wasatch Peaks Credit Union Celebrates 90 Years! Special article brought to you by Wasatch Peaks Credit Union
Wasatch Peaks Credit Union is excited to celebrate our 90-year anniversary with our members throughout 2020. Founded in 1930 by employees of both the U.S. Postal Mail Terminal and the U.S. Forest Service, Ogden Government Employees Credit Union was the beginning of the credit union’s history. The Wasatch Peaks history is filled with mergers of smaller credit unions that each brought their own strengths in volunteers, staff, and membership. However, the most recent merger was a strategic partnership of choice that is unique among credit unions. Wasatch Peaks Federal Credit Union is the result of the mergers between Alliance Federal Credit Union, Weber Credit Union, and SummitOne Federal Credit Union. After approval by the NCUA and a majority vote by credit union membership, Alliance and Weber were merged as Wasatch Peaks Credit Union on July 1, 2011, and SummitOne Credit Union was merged on July 1, 2013. Over the years, the credit unions have been chartered by both the state and federal regulators. Now, Wasatch Peaks Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union. All those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Weber, Davis, and Morgan Counties are eligible for membership. The three credit unions combined have seven branch locations, over 33,000 members, and more than $345 million in assets. As Wasatch Peaks Credit Union continues to grow, we remember our humble beginnings and are committed to serving all our member’s financial needs. With Wasatch Peaks, you can save more on loans and earn more on savings, all with low fees and great service. To celebrate our 90th anniversary, we have a special offer as a way to say thank you to our members. Wasatch Peaks members can enjoy 90 days of no payments on auto, RV, or boat loans!* To get started and learn more about our loans, contact our specialists at 801-627-8700 or by visiting your local Wasatch Peaks branch.
*On approved credit. See Wasatch Peaks for details, some restrictions apply. Membership eligibility required.
How to Get the Most Financial Aid for College Special article brought to you by Stevens-Henager College
Today, paying for college may seem like an overwhelming endeavor. It’s no wonder. Past research shows that the average cost of college for the 2017—2018 school year was $20,770 for public schools (in state) and $46,950 for nonprofit private schools (includes tuition, fees, and room and board). Even accounting for inflation, each year tuition costs have continued to increase.* Despite these grim statistics, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. It may surprise you to know you don’t have to be a straight-A student or down to your last dollar to qualify for financial aid. Many grants and scholarships are awarded to everyday adults, just like you, who want a better life. The key is finding the right options for you. Each financial aid option may offer both need-based and non-need-based aid, as well as grants, loans, and workstudy programs. It’s smart to explore all your financial aid options to get the best chance of receiving all the aid you need to finance your education. The following lists the four basic sources
of financial aid: FEDERAL AID Federal aid is need-based aid that is regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Your financial aid will be determined by the information you provide in your FAFSA—Free Application for Federal Student Aid. STATE AID State-supported financial aid varies from state to state. Some grants are based on financial need, some state scholarships are based solely on academic achievement, and others offer financial incentives within certain professions to help fill shortages within the state. INSTITUTIONAL AID Institutional aid is provided by the institution or school that the student is attending. Examples include schoolbased scholarships, tuition payment plans, college partnerships, and more. PRIVATE AID Private aid is financial assistance that is provided by a private business, group, or individual. This includes aid from community groups, employers, religious organizations, ethnic organizations,
private benefactors, and investors. Private aid can be granted based on almost any qualification. HOW DO I FIND THE FINANCIAL AID I NEED? It starts with knowing where to look. Our guide, Financial Aid Made Simple (call (801)284-3216 for courtesy e-version), provides valuable details on the financial aid process, including websites where you can search over 600,000 scholarships and get helpful tips. Learn how and where to apply online, and what information will be needed to complete your application.
Call 800-331-8831 to get your no-cost e-guide now. We’ll be happy to answer any questions, and our financial planner can assist you further to find all the financial aid for which you may qualify. As a nonprofit institution, StevensHenager College provides this service at no cost or obligation. * www.valuepenguin.com/student-loans/ average-cost-of-college Content for this article is based on information found in the guide, “Financial Aid Made Simple.”
Will the 2019 Tax Changes Affect You? Special article brought to you by Pinnacle Accountancy Group
At Pinnacle Accountancy Group of Utah, we strive to be TAX ADVISORS, not just tax preparers. We empower our clients with knowledge of new tax laws so, with our help, they can put their families in the position to pay the least amount in taxes. In December, 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This Act made sweeping changes to the tax laws affecting everyone for 2019 and moving forward. Here is a summary of those tax changes and how they may impact you. INDIVIDUAL TAX RATES: The individual income tax rates for 2019 range from 10% to 37% depending on your taxable income. Capital gain rates range from 0-20% depending on the income tax bracket. For example, taxpayers in the 10% or 12% income tax bracket will pay 0% on capital gains. Taxpayers in the 37% income tax bracket will pay 20% on capital gains. ALIMONY: Alimony from divorce agreements entered into after December 31, 2018 is no longer deductible. Alimony from divorce agreements entered into before December 31, 2018 will remain deductible for the duration of the agreement. STANDARD DEDUCTION: For 2019, the standard deduction for each filing status is Single - $12,200, Head of Household - $18,350, and Married Filing Jointly - $24,400. CHILD TAX CREDIT AND FAMILY CREDIT: The Child Tax Credit is a $2,000 credit available for dependents age 16 or younger. The Child Tax Credit is phased out starting at taxable income of $200,000 for single and $400,000 for married filing joint returns. This means that more families will benefit from this credit. The Family Tax Credit is a new $500 credit available for dependents age 17-24 with similar phase out rules. QUALIFIED BUSINESS INCOME DEDUCTION: The Qualified Business Income Deduction is a 20% deduction of business income available to all sole proprietor and pass-through businesses. This deduction will reduce taxable income, which, in turn, will reduce taxes. HEALTH INSURANCE: The individual mandate to have health insurance is no longer in effect for 2019, so there is no penalty for Taxpayers that do not have health insurance. Health
insurance credits are still available and may have to be paid back depending on income level. You can still contribute up to $7,000 into a Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and/ or $6,000 into an Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) for 2019. The contributions must be made by April 15, 2020 to be deductible on the 2019 return. If you have questions on how these tax changes may impact you, please call us at the number below. We offer a free review of your prior year tax return and will match or beat your prior year tax preparation fee in most cases.
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