After weeks of celebrations, hot temperatures, and outdoor fun it’s feeling a lot like the song lyrics “hot town, summer in the city” lately! We loved hosting our big 4th of July Celebration – the best in the valley! I’m hearing great feedback on our new Farmer’s Market. And there has been great turnout this season at our Movies in the Park, Food Truck nights, and concerts at the Sandy Amphitheater. Now we also look forward to the upcoming Balloon Festival and Drone Show.
August Balloon Festival and Drone Show
e 17th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for Friday and Saturday morning, August 9 – 10, at Storm Mountain Park, 1000 E. 11400 South. e beautiful Balloon Glow will take place at dusk on August 10th at the Sandy City Promenade, 10000 S. Centennial Parkway, right before the drone show. Colorful balloons will be illuminated in sync to the music before the amazing lights of drones take shape in the skies over Sandy City Hall. It’ll be a fantastic display with food trucks and fun events for the kids. Of course, whether the balloons y is completely weather dependent. Every year, thousands pack the park, so you’d better come early and bring your blanket or lawn chairs for the drone show.
Pony Express Letter to Sandy Children
Earlier this summer I rode in a historic Pony Express Trail ride re-enactment through Sandy City. It was a thrill as my strong, reliable buckskin, Little Miss, sailed down State Street to the ellipse at City Hall where we I quickly exchanged the mochila (the saddle bag containing the letters) with the next rider. Within that mochila was a very important piece of mail
addressed to our younger residents, all the children of Sandy. I personally wrote the letter to them to bring some modern-day, practical inspiration from what we learned about the grit and tenacity of the original riders during this 18-month period in history. at letter crossed the same 1900-miles ridden by the original riders back in spring of 1860. I encourage you to look for the letter on our website, Sandy.Utah.gov, and nd details in a separate story right here in the Sandy City Journal.
Sandy Shop & Stroll
Sandy City is gearing up for another Shop & Stroll in October. It’s a fun night at an area shopping center where businesses can share a taste of their o erings while you learn more about the fantastic goods and services available in our home town.
Our rst ever Shop & Stroll was at Sandy’s Union Square in June. Our Sandy City Economic Development team worked closely with fourteen businesses to create a sidewalk-sale vibe while residents enjoyed samples and got a passport card stamped that quali ed them to be part of a drawing for great prizes. Since small business is the lifeblood of our local economy, I’m happy to see so many customers turn out to support their favorite shops and restaurants and discover more. I was so pleasantly surprised to experience the fantastic authentic foods from many countries and nd new treasures
like a neighborhood bookstore, spa services, fantastic sporting equipment, and more. When we shop locally, we support the people and the businesses that have invested in our city and we keep a portion of our sales tax dollars right here to boost our own community services. #SandyBusinessFirst! Watch for details soon about the next Shop & Stroll this fall.
Newly Expanded Passport Acceptance Facility
Summertime is travel time for many of our families who now have access to a newly expanded Passport Acceptance O ce right here at Sandy City Hall. is center o ers assistance with all the forms, photos, cashiers checks, and services all in a one-stop-shop which is kid-friendly since about 2/3 of our applicants are rst-time passport seekers. In July, we welcomed representatives of Senator Mitt Romney,
Congressman John Curtis, and Mayor Jenny Wilson to join us for the dedication of our new passport o ce space on the third oor of City Hall. is is a personalized, by-appointment service that o ers convenience for families on-the-go.
As we move into fall, I look forward to seeing you shopping and dining in Sandy, enjoying our great community events, and getting your passports in our city! I’m happy to be living as your neighbor and honored to represent you as Mayor.
Yours in Service, Mayor Monica Zoltanski
Photo contest winner: Sierra Krippner
Dogs and the Wasatch Front Watershed
A protected watershed is the source of our drinking water and has special rules in place to keep the water clean. e ve protected watershed canyons of the Wasatch Front (Bell Canyon, City Creek, Parleys, Big Cottonwood, and Little Cottonwood Canyons) receive millions of visitors annually. Dogs and other domestic animals are strictly prohibited from entering protected watershed areas due to the risk of transmitting diseases that can be deadly to humans and wild animals. Violations are considered Class B Misdemeanors and can result in nes and/or imprisonment. It's important to clean up after your dog to maintain safe and beautiful trails for everyone. Remember, if your dog packed it in and pooped it out, it is your responsibility to pack it out.
Public Works Department 2024 Road Projects
is summer has been another busy season for the department. In addition to our in-house maintenance activities, here are some of the large projects being completed within the city.
9400 S 500 W Intersection Project – is project will complete the improvements on the northwest corner of 9400 S 500 W and upgrade the existing 2-way stop intersection to a signalized intersection. In addition, the roadway from 9400 South to the South Jordan Parkway will be milled and repaved. e contractor is Lyndon Jones Construction. Work is underway and will be completed in October.
2024 Overlay Project – is project addressed the next section of 1300 E between 8600 S and 9400 S. e work included a complete mill and repaving of the road surface. Also included are concrete upgrades and repairs to the ADA pedestrian ramps, curb and gutter, sidewalk, waterways, drive approaches, and utility cover adjustments. Concrete sealing of the stamped concrete was also included. Black Forest Paving is the contractor for the project. e paving and striping have been completed. e contractor will be closing out the project by the end of July.
Monroe Street Phase VI – is project will begin at the thru-turn at Monroe Plaza Way and extend south to 9400 South. Phase one of the project will construct the north half of the road from Monroe Plaza Way to the box culvert across from America First Field. Black Forest Paving will be the contractor. is phase will be completed by late fall. Construction south of the box culvert, on America First Field property, is currently planned for 2025 to allow phasing of parking and ongoing acquisition negotiations.
Sandy City Bridge Replacements – Pride Constructors is the lead contractor for this project to replace two local bridges on Cobble Canyon Lane and Willow Green Circle. Half of each bridge will be demolished and replaced before the other side is completed. at will allow residents to have continuous access to their properties. Construction is in progress and will be completed in spring 2025.
9400 South Dual Left Turns – is was a Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funded project which widened the intersection to allow for dual left turn lanes from 9400 South onto 700 East in both directions to reduce the P.M. Peak tra c congestion. ACME Construction was the contractor for the project. Construction has been completed.
By visiting sandy.utah.gov/cityprojects and simply selecting a project on the interactive map, you can now access up-to-date information about ongoing Sandy City construction projects throughout the city.
Waterwise Ideas and Events
• Love Your Landscape summer classes continue through the rst week of September! Join us at Sego Lily Gardens to learn about waterwise landscaping. Follow the link to learn more and register! sandy.utah.gov/1814
• e Fall Festival is happening at Sego Lily Gardens 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21st! Come celebrate fall at the gardens with pumpkin and gourd decorating, a visit from a Long Wings avian ambassador, and plenty of free things from tulip bulbs to popcorn. Check our website for event updates. sandy.utah.gov/segolilygardens
• Sign up for a free Water Check that analyzes the e ciency of your automated sprinkler irrigation system. Trained evaluators will perform the Water Check at your home, business, or institution and provide a customized irrigation schedule. Water checks are available during the summer months (May-August). To schedule an appointment: https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/watercheck
• Monitor your water use with our free customer portal. WaterSmart provides detailed information about your household water use. You can reach the portal on your mobile device or web browser at sandy.utah. gov/watersmart. You can access all your utility data as soon as it becomes available each billing period, see how your water use compares to similarsized homes in your neighborhood, catch leaks, and get customized recommendations on saving water and money.
Coming To Sandy This August
If you're looking for a heartwarming and lively evening out, don't miss the Sandy Arts Guild's upcoming production of MAMMA MIA! from August 2-17. e Sandy Arts Guild is a 2024 and four-time Best of State winner, known across Utah for their high quality and a ordable entertainment.
is beloved musical, set on a sun-drenched Greek island, tells the delightful story of Sophie, a young woman seeking to uncover the identity of her father before her wedding. With its infectious ABBA soundtrack and enchanting storyline, MAMMA MIA! promises to be a joyful escape from the everyday, o ering a blend of romance, laughter, and family bonds that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you're a long-time fan of the musical or new to its charms, the Guild’s rendition promises to bring fresh energy and enthusiasm.
Beyond the entertainment, attending a Sandy Arts Guild performance is also a way to support local arts and community engagement. By purchasing a ticket, you contribute to the thriving cultural scene in Sandy, helping to ensure that theater arts remain a vibrant part of the community.
Tickets are $10-$18, a ordable high-quality entertainment for the whole family. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to experience the magic and joy that can only be found in live theater!
MAMMA MIA! runs select dates August 2-17. Tickets at sandyarts.com.
Po Boyz Flooring, established in Midvale in 1998 and relocated to Sandy in 2018, is dedicated to providing "rich man’s ooring at po’ boyz prices." Specializing in both residential and commercial ooring needs, they o er free in-home residential measurements. To schedule an appointment, visit www.poboyz ooring.com call (801) 563-8226.
August 10 Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles
August 14 Walker Hayes
August 15
August 16-17
August 28
Jones & ABC
9565 S. Highland Drive, Sandy, Utah 84092
POOL HOURS CHANGE BEGINNING AUG 19 – SEP 2.
Monday - Friday: Open Plunge- 4-7 p.m.
Saturday: Open Plunge 12-6 p.m.
Sunday: Open Plunge 12-4 p.m.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL (K-5TH GRADE)
Children enjoy games, arts and crafts, eld trips and homework time, snacks and other activities throughout the school year. We provide transportation to and from school and provide care on school breaks. Visit our website for more information and pricing.
PLAY AND LEARN PRESCHOOL (AGES 3-5)
Children will enjoy their day at Play & Learn Preschool with a variety of games and activities! ere is playtime, class time, lunch, and more playtime. Our teachers work hard to make learning fun and engaging.
See the website for more information and pricing.
POWER CHESS (AGES 6-14)
August 5-8
Powerchess is designed to help students learn the FUNdamentals of chess including basic piece movement, checkmating patterns, and other foundational principles of the game in a dynamic and engaging environment. Registration is open until August 5.
KARATE (ALL AGES)
We are proud to have the IMA Family at Alta Canyon. Dedicated to teaching Shotokan Karate, a traditional Japanese Martial Art, IMA is a family-oriented dojo o ering classes to children and adults of all abilities and levels. IMA Utah is family-owned and run by Shihan Marius and his two sons, Nicolae and Elijah. Friday nights at Alta Canyon Sports Center from 5-6 p.m.
River Oaks Golf Course
9300 S. Riverside Drive, Sandy, Utah (801) 568-4653
Sandy.utah.gov/golf
RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE
River Oaks Golf Course, located in the South Valley of the Jordan River Bottom Area, is a challenging course where golfers can often have some wildlife encounters. e course o ers beautiful scenery featuring plenty of trees and water, adding both beauty and challenge. e links-style golf course has a good variety of shots with some fairways that feature thick cuts of rough. e 14th hole is notably di cult. e River Oaks Golf Course facility also has an enormous driving range with natural grass.
CLUBHOUSE
e Clubhouse opened in May 2003 and provides stunning panoramic views of the Jordan River nature area. Inside is a large, beautiful banquet room that is anchored by a picturesque replace.
is room, situated next to the Pin High Cafe, can host any event such as business meetings, banquets, and weddings. Seating is available inside the rugged elegance of the dining room or outside on the patio overlooking the green space along the Jordan River. e clubhouse features a de ning architectural entrance, which compliments the intriguing views of the course. As you enter the golf course property, you will nd elegant landscaping with a stone monument welcoming you to the golf course.
PRO SHOP
Located in the Clubhouse is the Pro Shop. is is a great place for your gol ng needs, and you will nd high-quality equipment and clothing for players of all levels. e Pro Shop has large observation windows that provide a clear view of tee areas and holes 1 and 10. (801)-568-4653
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
For those wishing for information on the procedures and options for scheduling tournaments, we have prepared an information package.
Please visit sandy.utah.gov/780/About
BANQUET ROOM
Our luxurious clubhouse has an outdoor banquet facility that comfortably seats 150 guests, and is ideal for luncheons, parties, weddings, and receptions. e entire room is secluded and enclosed with windows to o er panoramic views of the Jordan River natural areas.
Our friendly sta will make your special event memorable and worry free. We cater all events on location and o er a large variety of menu items.
For rentals rates or more information, contact Marketing Catering at hellomarketing. co or visit our catering page: sandy.utah.gov/2172/Banquet-Room-Rentals-and-Catering
PARKS & RECREATION
AUGUST
HAPPENINGS (Visit our website for costs and more details)
• Family Night at the Skate Park – Monday, August 19
Great fun for the whole family. Family Night is a great opportunity for families to enjoy the skate park. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 6–8 p.m. at Lone Peak Skate Park, 10140 S. 700 E.
• Fall Jr Real/Royals Soccer – Late Registration begins August 3 and depends upon availability! Season begins August 17. Visit sandy.utah.gov/registration for availability.
MIDNIGHT MOON RUN 5K
Date: Friday, September 20
Time: Midnight (11:59 p.m.)
Location: Alta Canyon Sports Center (9565 S. 2000 E.)
Registration Fee: $30/individual or $25/family discount
Online Registration: Closes September 20 at 7 a.m.
Late Registration: September 20 from 8 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. (online not available)
Late Registration Fee: $35/individual $30/family discount
FALL ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES
Come play a short 7 game season, plus at least 1 tournament game. Teams play 2 games per week.
Registration: Open until full or August 20 which ever happens first.
Divisions: Mens and Coed
Leagues Begin: Week of August 26
Cost: $400/team
FALL T-BALL AND COACH PITCH
Registration includes 6 games, staff, uniform, equipment, and league operations.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 4
Registration Fee: $45/player
Grades: Kindergarten-2nd
Days: Mondays or Wednesdays (Coach Pitch); Tuesday or Thursday (T-Ball)
Game Times: 5 & 6 p.m.
League Starts: Week of August 26
Location: Falcon Park – 9200 S. 1700 E.
FALL BASEBALL MACHINE & PLAYER PITCH
Registration includes 8 games, staff, umpires, uniform, equipment, and league operations.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 4
Registration Fee: $65-$70/player
Days: Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday (Player Pitch)
Game Times: 5 & 6 p.m.
League Starts: Week of August 26
Location: Lone Peak Park – 10140 S. 700 E.
FALL GIRLS (FASTPITCH) SOFTBALL (10U & 12U)
Registration includes 8 games, staff, umpires, uniform, equipment, and league operations.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 4
Registration Fee: $60-$70/player
Days: Monday & Wednesday (3rd & 4th)
Tuesday & Thursday (5th & 6th)
Game Times: 5 & 6 p.m.
League Starts: Week of August 26
Location: Buttercup Park – 10075 S. 1550 E.
FALL FLAG FOOTBALL (1ST-2ND & 3RD-4TH)
Registration includes 8 games, staff, referees, uniform, equipment, and league operations.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 4
Registration Fee: $60-$70/player
Days: Monday & Wednesday (1st & 2nd Grades)
Tuesday & Thursday (3rd & 4th Grades)
Game Times: 5 & 6 p.m.
League Starts: Week of August 19
Location: Falcon Park – 9200 S. 1700 E.
FALL SANDY SOCCER ACADEMY
Instructors and staff will be provided by Utah Avalanche Soccer Club. Each week we build on what’s learned from the previous weeks. Curriculum for the various age groups will be modified based on current skill levels of the players in an age group. Registration includes Academy t-shirt and soccer ball.
Day/Time: Mondays & Tuesday/5 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Dates: Mondays: Sept 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7 Tuesdays: Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8
Ages: 3-8 years old
Location: Lone Peak Park 10140 S. 700 E.
FALL GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (5TH/6TH & 7TH/8TH GRADES)
Registration includes 6 games, pre-season clinic, staff, officials, uniform, equipment, and league operations.
Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 1
Registration Fee: $75/player
Days: Monday (5th/6th) Wednesday (7th/8th)
Game Times: 5-9 p.m.
League Starts: Monday, September 23; Wednesday, September 25
Location: Sandy Parks & Recreation – 440 E. 8680 S.
Time: Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Times are estimated and subject to change!
Note: If all divisions fill up, we may need to move some divisions to the evening of September 27.
Cost: $50/team
Divisions: Men’s, Women’s, and Coed Doubles
Deadline: Until Full
SANDY HIKING CLUB
Days: Thursdays (August 29, September 5, 12, 19)
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25/individual
Deadline: Until Full
AUGUST CAMPS
UTAH ELITE SOCCER
Dates: August 12-16
Times: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (varies by ages)
Ages: 4-12
Cost: $60/participant; register at sandy.utah.gov/registration
Location:Falcon Park -9200 S. 1700 E.
SKYHAWKS VOLLEYBALL
Dates: August 12-16
Times: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12:30-3 p.m.
Ages: 6-12 (Times above vary by ages)
Cost: $133-$160/participant; register at sandy.utah.gov/registration
Location:Alta Canyon Park -9565 S. 2000 E.
Sandy Police: A Safer Place AUGUST HR JOB CORNER
Speeding remains one of the leading causes of tra c accidents and fatalities. To ensure the safety of all road users, Sandy Police Department puts forth its best e orts to monitor and enforce speed limits.
• Speed Limits Save Lives: Adhering to posted speed limits signi cantly reduces the risk of accidents. Remember, speed limits are set for your safety.
• Increased Patrols: Expect an increased presence of police o cers working select tra c enforcement in areas known for speeding incidents.
• Penalties for Speeding: Violating speed limits can result in hefty nes, points on your license, increased insurance rate and even impoundment of your vehicle in severe cases.
• School Zones and Residential Areas: Special attention will be given to these zones. With school starting at the end of the month, drivers quickly forget to slow down for the ashing yellow lights. Speeding in these areas not only endangers lives but also may carry a steeper penalty.
• Safety First: Always drive within the speed limit, keep a safe following distance from other vehicles, put your phone down, and stay alert.
Remember, driving responsibly helps save lives. Let's make our roads safer for everyone. Drive safe, drive smart!
SANDY CITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST–SEPTEMBER 2024
Aug 1 Planning Commission 6:15 p.m. Council Chambers sandyutah.legistar.com
Aug 1 Air Supply 7:30 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater sandyamp.com
Aug 2 - 17 MAMMA MIA! | Presented by the Sandy Arts Guild 7:30 p.m. The Theater at Mount Jordan sandyarts.com
Aug 3 Farmers' Market
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater Park
sandy.utah.gov/2231/Farmers-Market
Aug 3 Demetri Martin (Comedy) 7 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater sandyamp.com
Aug 5 Food Truck Night 5 - 8:30 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater Park
Aug 6 - 8 Jr First Responder Academy 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Station 31: 9010 S 150 E, City Hall and Wildflower Park
Aug 9 Koe Wetzel
sandy.utah.gov/1918/Food-Truck-Night
sandy.utah.gov/1378/Jr-First-Responder-Academy
6:30 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater sandyamp.com
Aug 9 - 10 Balloon Festival Morning Launches 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. Storm Mountain Park
Aug 10 Farmers' Market
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater Park
Aug 10 Balloon Glow 7 - 10:30 p.m. Sandy Promenade
sandy.utah.gov/518/Balloon-Festival
sandy.utah.gov/2231/Farmers-Market
sandy.utah.gov/518/Balloon-Festival
Aug 10 Hotel California - A Salute to The Eagles 7:30 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater sandyamp.com
Aug 12 Food Truck Night 5 - 8:30 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater Park
sandy.utah.gov/1918/Food-Truck-Night
Aug 13 City Council Meeting 5:15 p.m. Council Chambers sandyutah.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Aug 14 Walker Hayes 7 p.m. Sandy Amphitheater sandyamp.com
Aug 15 Planning Commission
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“Everything is served at its peak ripeness, which enhances its flavor and nutritional value. I have incredible tomatoes and herbs and as a chef, to be able to just walk out and pick tomatoes and make a sauce, there’s nothing like it.”
Rose supports the farm-to-table approach, knowing where his ingredients come from and having some available, not worrying about national shortages.
“I’m a big supporter of locally grown food,” he said. “Plus, we’re able to create some unique flavors and dishes during the growing season when we have the vegetables and herbs right here.”
Every summer, Tiburon serves caprese salad.
“It’s incredible because the fresh tomatoes and the basil are amazing. We always run a couple of specials like a fresh fish with some type of a tomato herb sauce, with fresh produce, just right out of the garden. We’re able to pick the tomatoes that day,” Rose said.
He already has been serving squash from the garden.
“We have more squash this year than ever before. We always pick the squash when they’re babies, about three inches as opposed to letting them grow big. They have a little different texture to them when they’re babies. We leave the flower on top, put a little olive oil and a little salt, pepper, a tiny bit of garlic on and then we grill. They’re super delicious because they haven’t gone to seed yet,” Rose said.
The restaurant uses mint in many of their dishes.
“We make homemade mint-infused lemonade all year long, but we’re able to go pick mint right outside our door. We get mint closer to seven months out of the year instead of three or four months, depending on the growing season. Mint grows like crazy, and basil and chives are products I use on my regular menu constantly,” he said, adding he has contemplated building a greenhouse for year-round fresh produce.
Rose began using fresh products about 20 years ago when one of his former employees suggested planting tomatoes in the dirt behind the restaurant.
“I was like, ‘great, let’s plant some tomatoes.’ So, he tilled out a spot and we grew tomatoes for a couple years. We realized what a great thing it was and we needed to expand it. Now, we have a full-blown watering system out there in our quarter acre. We try to keep it as natural as possible, and it’s become a collective team effort from everybody in the kitchen,” he said.
While many say having a garden is a cost savings, Rose said in his experience, it’s not.
“At the end of the day, I’m not really saving any money, but we do serve an absolutely better-quality product,” he said.
Farm-to-table supporters say it reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating or minimizing reliance on externally sourced ingredients, which reduces transportation costs and associated emissions. It cuts down on the packaging which store-bought produce comes in, meaning less waste filling local landfills.
There also is a more loyal following of environmentally conscientious patrons. According to Forbes, studies show a universal willingness among consumers to invest more in dining experiences at “green restaurants” engaged in environmental protection with an 88% increase in customer loyalty.
A culinary garden provides educational opportunities for Rose’s staff and customers alike. It encourages a deeper understanding of the food production process as chefs plan recipes around seasonal ingredients harvested straight from the garden to ensure optimal freshness, flavor and sustainability. It offers an educational platform to highlight the stories of homegrown produce for their
customers.
Rose, who entered the restaurant business on his 16th birthday as a dishwasher and worked his way up, also has learned about the benefits of the garden along the way.
When he first heard about the “cheap plants” offered through Canyons School District’s plant sale, he decided to check it out.
Each spring, Entrada botany instructor David Dau has about 3,500 seedlings—mostly tomatoes, peppers and herbs—in his basement. He shares those with Canyons’ adult high school botany students, who take care of them. It fulfills their science credits toward high school diplomas.
About 75% of those starts he donates to nonprofit organizations to hold plant sales as a way they can make money for their programs.
“As a former school principal, I am sensitive to the challenges that many groups of disadvantaged people face on a daily basis—special education students, immigrants and refugees, those in poverty,” he said. “This is my way of giving back. I think what (Jordan Valley Principal) Stacey Nofsinger and Ken Rose are doing is extraordinary. I think that the staff of Jordan Valley (is) doing honorable and courageous work (and) Ken Rose has been extremely generous.”
Finding success from those initial starts, Rose emailed Dau, and said the next year, he wanted to buy 400 plants, including 18 different kinds of heirloom tomatoes, five different kinds of squash, an assortment of herbs with eight 10-gallon grow bags of mint.
Dau had just worked out a partnership with Jordan Valley School, where his son, Caleb, works; he would give the school starts so the students with severe disabilities could benefit from both working with the plants and the profit from plant sales. So, he referred Rose to Nofsinger.
It was Rose’s first introduction to the school.
“I was like, ‘tell me more about your program.’ I didn’t know anything about it and as I learned, I realized, ‘this is so cool,’” he said.
He learned Dau brings over the materials, so Jordan
Valley students help with planting some seeds and taking care of the plants. Then, during the plant sale, secondary students fill the 100-plus drive-thru orders alongside staff members.
“The last two years, I’ve bought my plants from them and always will going forward,” Rose said. “They offer a great product, but seriously, they’re the best. The kids are loving being a part of it, having this purpose, and the staff loves what they do. They’re passionate about it. So, whatever I can do to support something like that, it’s the right thing.”
Nofsinger remembers their first meeting.
“When he first came by to pick up his starts, I explained Jordan Valley’s purpose and mission,” Nofsinger said. “He just looked at me with these most tender eyes and said, ‘I am so glad I’m supporting you and I’m all about supporting schools, we’ll be back next year.’ Now, he’s giving us a check because he likes what we do here.”
Rose gave Jordan Valley $1,500—more than the cost of the starts, priced at six plants for $5. His contribution as well as other sales, which totaled $3,500 this year, go toward school activities such as dances designed for the medically fragile, sensory needs and scavenger hunts focused on math skills or letter identification. The funds also helped purchase school T-shirts for every student and indoor recess games.
“It’s wonderful this business is supporting our students with their goals of learning and becoming productive citizens in their community,” Nofsinger said. “We shared some pictures with Ken of these kids who helped with the plantings, and he was all excited; he shared them on his Tiburon social media posts. He just has a love for our students.”
Nofsinger also acknowledges Dau’s contribution: “Dave is donating his time and plants and is very humble. Our sale is successful because of Dave’s knowledge and service. He says, ‘When you do good things and put it out into the world, it’s good.’ This is one of those stories.” l
Tiburon owner Ken Rose, who purchased plant starts from Jordan Valley School to support the students with severe disabilities, says fresh produce inspires creative dishes full of flavor. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
Before Tiburon opens for evening patrons, owner Ken Rose has time to be creative in the kitchen using fresh ingredients. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)
SLCC Culinary Arts inspires future food professionals
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
It takes more than the ability to create good food to earn a culinary arts degree. For more than 25 years, the culinary arts program at Salt Lake Community College has taught chefs and hospitality experts how to blend creativity, science, flavors, experience and traditions.
Drawing inspiration from global cuisines, incorporating techniques that reflect cultural heritage and introducing courses that teach hospitality, sustainability, and business management, SLCC’s culinary arts program covers it all, and interest in the program has grown over the last few years.
“We see people with a greater desire to follow their passion and they know they need to get started somewhere,” said Jeffrey Coker, executive chef and interim dean at the Gail Miller School of Business. “At the community college, we have a great program, great faculty and great staff. We're a very family-oriented program.”
Coker knows the industry. He spent 16 years at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles, working his way up from chef instructor to executive chef and director of education at the school.
He helps each student craft a course of study to help them reach their goals. Whether they want to become a baker, a food writer, a restaurant manager or own a catering business, the SLCC program provides the necessary foundational skills for students to be successful.
“We have smaller class sizes,” Coker said. “We really get to know our students. Our faculty and our staff are focused on creating unique experiences for those students and getting to know them as they prepare them for careers in industry.”
At about $15,000 for an associate of applied science degree (including tuition, lab fees and uniform costs), the culinary arts program is an affordable option for students. Plus, scholarships, grants and other funding options to help reduce that cost, including concurrent enrollment for high school students.
Located at the Miller Campus in Sandy (9750 S. 300 West), the school provides a kitchen with modern equipment, 10,000 square feet of training space and a dining room to practice presentation and service. This year, they added a greenhouse to the campus, donated by a graduate of the program.
There are also 30,000 honeybees on site. Students harvest 40-50 pounds of honey during the season and work in the on-site garden for a complete farm-to-table experience.
“Every year, the garden looks a little bit different. The students are involved from the planning, the preparation, the plotting, the harvesting of seed, to the transplanting of seed and maintaining the watering schedule,” Coker said. “Not only are we promoting and building on the foundational skills that students need to be successful, but we’re giving them the relevant topics that are taking place in industry today.”
But a food career isn’t just about creating delicious dishes, it’s creating an experience where guests feel included. Learning professional techniques and practices of hospitality provides a deeper connection with guests and helps develop a valuable reputation in the food world.
“People are not customers. They are our guests,” Coker said. “This is the cornerstone of everything we believe. It is
something that I’ve maintained as one of my steadfast principles in my 30-plus years being in culinary arts and hospitality, and it’s something that I pass along to our faculty and our students. They need to learn to embrace the concepts of hospitality.”
For more information about the program, visit slcc.edu/ culinaryarts. l
With this powerful spaker, it’s easy to hear the specialist answer your call.
call button
Just press one button to speak with a specialist and get help. It’s that simple.
circular light
the light on the button lets you know when a call is in progress and when the pendant needs to be charged.
microphone
Dual noise-canceling microphones allow you to speak with a kind, courteous specialist. They can send emergency help or contact a loved one to assist.
Students in the Salt Lake Community College Culinary Arts program learn foundational skills to help them become successful in the food and hospitality industry. (Photo courtesy of SLCC)
