West Jordan September 2016

September 2016 | Vol. 16 Iss. 09

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Your Career Begins

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West Jordan Journal

‘Land of Stories’ Author Makes Appearance to Local Fans

By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com The West Jordan City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout West Jordan.

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The West Jordan Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Tori La Rue tori@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Steve Hession steve@mycityjournals.com 801-433-8051 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Melody Bunker Tina Falk Ty Gorton

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T

he line at the Viridian Events Center to attend the bestselling author and actor event on July 21 was a long one. Though attendees were guaranteed two seats by preordering “An Author’s Odyssey,” the fifth book in Chris Colfer’s series “The Land of Stories,” there were many there without tickets.

Hannah James and Sarah Haynes stood in the long line to get into the event.

“We like the book,” James said. “We started it when we were 10 [years old]. We’ve both been reading the series and had to finish it.”

Whitney and her mother, Sian Bandongen, a were attending the event together.

“My daughter absolutely looked the books,” Sian said. “She’s read all of them.”

“I like the fairytales,” Whitney said. “[Colfer] spins them and makes them different.

He created kids of the fairy godmother, and he has them go through the different fairy tales and become part of the story like ‘Neverland,’ ‘Wonderland,’ ‘Red Riding Hood’ and ‘Jack and the Bean Stock.’”

By starting time, every seat in the bleachers was filled, and it was necessary to set more up on the floor. Jim Cooper, Salt Lake County Library director, stood up to introduce Colfer.

“Salt Lake City is one of only 10 cities selected to participate in Colfer’s 2016 U.S. Book Tour,” Cooper said. “I connected with Little Brown Books, the book publisher, and I have a 10-year-old granddaughter who loves the series, so we were able to bring him here today.”

After the introduction, Chris took the stage, and the crowd enthusiastically cheered and clapped. He first read from his new book and then led an interactive discussion with trivia questions. Right answers were rewarded with a limited edition book cover badge. Then

Thank You

Jim Cooper, Salt Lake County Library Director, introduces Chris Colfer, an author and actor, at Viridian Event Center gathering. –Mylinda LeGrande

he took questions and gave answers.

Jordan, 13, asked how Colfer was inspired to write the books.

“I had a sister who was ill all the time, and I loved to read to escape it all,” Colfer said. “I would daydream about all the adventures I’d like to have with the characters.”

Ava, 12, asked for advice for aspiring authors.

“Don’t be discouraged by other writers,” Colfer said. “I think some authors can be very competitive, and they like to discourage you.

If you have a story to tell, you have every right to tell it. There is plenty of audience to go around.”

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Hannah, 8, asked how long it takes Colfer to write his books.

“It takes me a solid three to four months to write a book,” Colfer said. “Whenever I feel writer’s block coming on, I get up from my computer, and I walk away until I feel like writing again.”

After answering a variety of questions, he thanked the audience for making the series number one, signed books and met the participants.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly Colfer discussed his characters and his new book.

“Alex and Conner have traveled into the realms of fairy-tales and classic literature.

In ‘An Author’s Odyssey’, it is their first adventure in a world created from their imaginations,” Colfer said to Entertainment Weekly. Like a screenwriter, Conner has the exciting and sometimes nerve racking experience of seeing the characters and stories he has created come to life. The series has inspired so many kids around the world to read, and I hope this fifth book will encourage readers to write their own stories, too.”

Colfer has also gained international recognition for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television series ‘Glee.’ In his portrayal of the character, Kurt, he has been the recipient of several awards, including Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and three consecutive People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

In addition, Colfer wrote, starred in, produced and novelized his first film, “Struck

by Lightning,” which debuted at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. He is a New York Times No. 2 bestselling author of “The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell,” the first novel in his middle-grade reader series. l

September 2016 | Page 3

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West Jordan Journal

Anime Convention Brings Cosplay Teens Out in Droves

By Mylinda LeGrande | mylinda@mycityjournals.com

T

he Viridian Event Center was filled to the brim with teens from near and far dressed up in cosplay. Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga and anime.

The fourth annual ToshoCON event was held on July 2930. The word Tosho means book in Japanese.

“We originally chose Sukoshicon because it means smallcon [in Japanese] until we got an email from a convention in Georgia, who emailed us that they already were using the same name, so we changed it,” said Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, senior librarian over teen services, for Salt Lake County Library. “We really do encourage literacy and reading throughout the events.

A lot of these characters are based on a book.”

Luke Roberts, from Park City, came with his friend to ToshoCON. “I found out about this event from a summer camp I went to,” he said. “We probably will just go to all the panels. I just found out about this event 36 hours ago.”

Kayla Hayles was dressed as web comic, Eridan Ampora.

“My cousin went to this event last year, and cosplay is a thing I really like so I said, let’s go, why not, and it’s free anyway,” she said.

On Friday, July 29, the biggest event was a contest where teens edited and made their own videos. Teens could also make anime crafts, including buttons to wear and yarn characters.

There was an anime art contest set up in the lobby. Teens posed for cosplay pics in a DIY photo booth.

Teens dressed in cosplay show off their costumes –Mylinda LeGrande

Another option was to attend the teen-hosted panels, of popular comic books. Some of the panels included dressed up characters from comics “Undertales,” “Mystery Shack in Back” and “RWBY,” and “Iwatobi Swim Club,” a popular anime group, hosted a pajama party.

Upstairs, video gaming was hosted by Utah Games Guild.

Josh Sutphin and Christopher Hart hosted the games.

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“I’m working on this game, part of a showcase put on by Utah Games Guild. They worked with the library to bring this to this event,” Sutphin said.We try to get local game developers out at events like this where they have contact with the public to test their games.”

Saturday, July 30, featured a costume contest, a karaoke lounge and snack bar, and manga giveaway. Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels.

Teens enjoyed more panels from their favorite comics including “SAO: Nights of the Blood Oath,” “Miraculous Ladybug,” “Attack on Titan” and “Ouran High School Host Club.”

Viewing rooms were provided to watch popular anime videos including “Haikyuu!!,” “My Hero Academia,” “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” “Ouran High School Host Club,” “RWBY,” “Free! Iwatobi Swim Club,” “Assassination Classroom,” “Your Lie in April,” “Sword Art Online,” “Fairy Tail” and “Attack on Titan.”

If that wasn’t enough to occupy the participants, a huge marketplace featured commercial and teen artists and sellers of all things anime. Brynnlin Smith, anime artist, sold commissions of favorite characters.

“I learned how to draw myself. I have a few art teachers, but I’ve always loved to draw,” she said. “People can tell me a character they want and I can draw it for them. I can do head, bust or full body shots.”

A parent’s lounge was provided after library open hours so parents could relax and wait for their teens. l

GOVERNMENT

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September 2016 | Page 5

West Jordan Family ‘Backs the Blue’

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

Your Career Begins

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Member Care Representative West Jordan children distributed gift packages to police officers at a Back the Blue day ceremony on Aug. 1.

–Tori La Rue

R

yilee Stratton, 12, said she spent all night decorating the 100 brown bag gift packages that her family compiled for the West Jordan Police Department as part of a nationwide outreach to “Back the Blue.”

“Thanks for your service,” the bags, complete with decorative lines and thumbs up stickers, read as they lay on a table in the West Jordan Justice Center the next morning. The Stratton family, along with the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the local boys and girls club presented the packages and verbal statements of appreciation to the West Jordan Police Department at a ceremony on Aug. 1.

“It means a lot to us; we don’t often get recognized,” Chief Doug Diamond said after accepting the gifts and praise from the local community members. “This is a difficult time for police where we are often scrutinized and shown in a negative context by some media before we have all of the facts. Utah is a great place to be in at this time because we feel a lot of support, and we don’t have all of those same issues here. For the most part we get along, and things like this go a long way.”

The Stratton family offered a prayer for the police officers, asking for their protection, and then children from West Jordan handed the gift bags to officers. Diamond greeted the children with a handshake and sticker police badges.

In all, more than 550 cities in the nation had a similar Back the Blue ceremonies, but the Strattons headed up the only one within the state.

Ashley Shepherd, the Tennessee blogger behind Beautifully Designed, a group of more than 16,000 Christian women from around the world, called for a Back the Blue day on Aug.

Ryilee Stratton, 12, stands by the table of gift packages her family put together for the West Jordan Police Department. –Tori La Rue

1 via social media, rallying women from all 50 states to pray for police and personally deliver hugs, cards, bottled water and pre-wrapped snacks. Nikki Stratton, Ryilee’s mother, said she’d tackle Utah.

Nikki felt overwhelmed at first because she didn’t have many connections within the community, she said. The Strattons have lived in Utah for one year, and they took on the project a week and a half before the event.

Nikki figured that a small ceremony would be better than no ceremony, and she and her two daughters began planning by getting the word out to the community and making gift bags.

“I have five kids, and I think it is always great to show them to respect those who serve, and for them to be involved in service, even if that means just giving away little bags of candy,” she said.

Officer Russell Petersen said the Strattons’ efforts showed him the majority of West Jordan residents support their law enforcement officers even when people across the nation struggle to trust police. Petersen said he reflected on his career after the recent police shootings in Dallas.

“It hits you hard when you become a target—getting up in the morning and going to work in the morning you become a target,” Petersen said. “It’s hard, but then you get the support of these people. We’ve been getting this support for weeks now, and it helps you know that you’re fighting a good fight.”

Ryilee said she felt happy to serve and wants to do more for the police.

“I think it is fun being able to serve someone who has been serving you for a long time,” she said. “I wish we could do this for them every single day like they do for us.” l

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EDUCATION

West Jordan Journal

Students Sow Seeds, Reap Credits

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

Dozens of Jordan School District students earned school credit during the summer for participating in the Supervised Agricultural Experience program. –Jordan School District.

T

he new school year is beginning, but Felicity Lambert and dozens of other students from the Jordan School District have already completed a quarter of Career and Technical Education, or elective credit, through the summer Supervised Agricultural Experience program.

“The benefits of the program aren’t just limited to agriculture,” Lambert, 17, said. “I broke out of my shell and met with different kids, and I developed myself in leadership and for career growth.”

The students in the summer agriculture program built their own 40-hour projects that coincided with ideals from the Future Farmers of America national organization.

Lambert’s project was twofold: raising rabbits for breeding at her home and working at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers South Campus’ greenhouse and garden.

Alisha Neil, science teacher at Herriman High School, said the greenhouse and garden made the summer program more accessible to students and provided a better turnout. She has been overseeing summer agriculture projects for the past six years, but this was her first year working with students at the academy, as last year was the first year of the south campus’ institution.

“Before, only students who were showing horses or who had farms were more able to do the summer program, but this new space has allowed us to reach out to students without space or money necessary to start those projects,” she said. “It’s been a nice benefit.

I have 40 students as part of summer ag with 15 actively working out of the garden and greenhouse.”

Every high school and five middle schools within the district had students participating in the summer agriculture program at the

academy, Neil said. The program allowed students to bond with students from other chapters of FFA, and it introduced incoming sophomores to the upper-classmen before school started, Lambert said.

Brett Milliken, landscape management teacher at the academy, secured a $2,500 Food For All grant from FFA to purchase the materials for the greenhouse and garden, so the program was free to all participants. FFA requires the food from the project be brought back into the community which the academy does by bringing the herbs and plants from the garden into the district’s school lunch program.

The academy’s greenhouse and gardens provided kale chips, radishes, turnips and peppers for West Jordan schools’ summer lunch programs. The gardens will continue to grow fresh produce for the schools when they are first in session.

Students dried herbs to give cafeteria workers spices to use all year long. One day, Lambert said she and one other students worked for three hours to prepare hundreds of herb bundles for drying. Another day Lambert said she was invited back to the academy’s “Taste of Ag Day” to learn how the herbs work within foods. Students made bread, butter and potatoes using garlic, rosemary and other herbs from their garden, she said.

“I think any students would think it was amazing,” Lambert said. “I would recommend the summer program to almost anyone because it intrigued my interest.”

The summer agricultural program came to a close, but Neil said there are many classes for FFA students at the high school in the district.

Students wishing to get involved in agricultural studies may speak with their school’s FFA adviser or their academic counselor. l

September 2016 | Page 7

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EDUCATION

Page 8 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

Library Creates Book Club for Youth in Juvenile Detention

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

S

alt Lake County Library Services noticed a gap in services to youth in care and custody, so they partnered with Utah’s Department of Juvenile Justice Services to begin a book club within short- and long-term centers.

“Our job is to serve the entire public, and we’re not serving entire public if we’re not serving the people who can’t come to us,” said Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, senior librarian over teen services. “These teens are in a holding, transitional state in their lives, so to help them get powerful skills like reading— you don’t get many opportunities like that.”

The program was honored with an achievement award at the National Association of Counties’ Conference on July 22 in Long Beach, California, for bringing literacy to a specific subset of residents.

“It’s an honor to have received such an award because there are stereotypes that follow this group of youth, and to have them recognized as an important group to serve is amazing,” Rogers-Whitehead said.

Rogers-Whitehead said she hopes the recognition at a National conference will encourage other libraries to serve people who can’t come to them. The award-winning program may be the first of its kind in the nation, according to RogersWhitehead’s research.

The librarians facilitated traditional book clubs at Salt Lake Observation and Assessment, Decker Lake Youth Center and Wasatch Youth Center in 2013, but Rogers-Whitehead said she realized librarians needed to accommodate for varying reading levels. Now teens are invited to read books of their choice within their own reading level instead of being assigned

A youth reads a book at a Utah Division of Juvenile Justice Services Center.

The division partnered with Salt Lake County Library Services to create a book club for youth in short- and long-term detention centers. –Utah Division of Juvenile Justice Services

the same book as their peers, and the club discussions are based on broad topics that many books relate to.

Susan Burke, director of Juvenile Justice Services, said the club enhances the youths’ learning and said it’s her belief that education can be a course-corrector for these teens. She

believes the youths’ love for books will continue after they leave the center, and she said she hopes they’ll remember the library as a place of entertainment.

Each youth at the center is strongly encouraged to attend the book club meetings, which happen twice a month. Librarians cart hundreds of books into the centers—from history books to cook books to mystery novels and science fiction books.

“Hellraiser,” “Fallen,” “The Hulk” and “The Guardian Herd Series” are a few of the most popular reads within the program.

Recently, the Utah Department of Education granted funding for the Library and Department of Juvenile Justice Services to purchase graphic novels for the program. The graphic novels have allowed teens with lower reading levels to be more actively involved in the club. Many of the youth learned English as a second language, and pictures give context clues to their readers and help the ESL learners to learn new English phrases, Burke said.

The youth have responded well to the program, so Burke said the department decided to expand reading programs at its centers. Soon, the University of Utah reading clinic, a resource designed to offer assessment and intervention to struggling readers, will begin a partnership with the Juvenile Justice Services.

“We get from the youth that they are excited about reading,” Burke said. “It gives them a place to have a shared discussion about reading and apply it to their past experience, and it opens a whole new world of imagination and opportunity to gain knowledge about themselves.” l

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Teen Teaches STEM Sciences to More Than 1,000 Children

By Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

September 2016 | Page 9

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Cassandra Ivie, 16, teaches a hands-on electronic class through Utah State 4H. –Jordan School District.

I

t’s never been enough for Cassandra Ivie to be well-versed in the sciences—she has a need to share it, too, her mother, Deborah Ivie, said.

At 16 years old, Cassandra has taught more than 1,000 children about science, technology, engineering and math at community events, fairs and camps. This summer she hosted a Gear Tech 21-day camp, where she taught students how to build a robot, and a camp for kindergarteners where she taught fundamentals of programming.

“I like getting both sides of education,” Cassandra said. “You always hear teachers say that they learn more from teaching than being a student, but I never understood that until I became the teacher. I realized that while I wasn’t learning a whole lot about STEM, I was learning everything about being a leader and a role model.”

Cassandra’s biggest project of the summer was creating the curriculum and gathering the supplies for what she calls “Incredible Machine Kits,” kits that are filled with resources to teach six kinds of engineering to children through hands-on activities. She and her friend got a $6,500 grant to begin the project, and they created two of the 10 kits during their summer break.

The kits will be used at schools in Magna and Kearns during the 2016–17 school year and will be in the Utah State Office of Education during the summer, so rural counties across the state can borrow them for programs “The idea is that rural communities shouldn’t have less involvement in STEM just because they have no supplies and don’t know how to get the program started,” Cassandra said. “We’ll give those rural counties step-bystep curriculum and all of the supplies, so all they have to have is a desire.”

Cassandra said she wants to take her parents’ philosophy to the rest of the state with her kits and camps. The nine-member Ivie family often gathers together to work on STEM projects and experiments, which has increased

the confidence of their kids, Deborah said. The Ivie children know they have the skills to go into STEM majors and careers even if that’s not the path they end up choosing, she said.

“I am a strong believer that what is holding kids back from STEM is themselves,” Cassandra said. “They say, ‘That’s only for smart kids and kids who are good at math,’ but I want to show them what they are capable of.”

Cassandra’s curriculum for the kits and her camps starts out with easy projects to help her students feel successful. She gives them harder projects once they’ve mastered basic projects. She said she believes that if she would have given them the harder projects in the beginning, they wouldn’t have accomplished them because of their mindset, but after the students feel successful, their mind is in a place to accept challenges.

Cassandra enjoys doing rigorous projects herself when she is not coaching children on STEM. Her robotics team of about 12 high schoolers, ProtypeX, built and programmed a robot that won first place in the world championship robotics showdown in Boise, Idaho, during April, and she won the Extemporaneous Speech event at the Technology Student Association’s national competition in Nashville, Tennessee, in June where each contestant was given a technology topic and 15 minutes to write a three- to fiveminute speech.

“That was a really cool moment for me because I’d done a lot of debate, and to mix technology with public speaking and be awarded was amazing,” she said. “In addition to running tech programs for middle schools, I’ve decided to start a debate club, too, and now I feel like I’ll know how to combine them and teach others.”

Cassandra said she’s not sure if she’ll pursue STEM subjects as her career, but she said she’ll continue to develop her skill set in science, technology, engineering, and math and help other students find the same passion she does. l

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West Jordan Journal

Bojak Honored as Mentor and Teacher

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

T

he Jordan school District recently honored former Brighton, West Jordan, Jordan and Riverton football coach Rick Bojak, recognizing his lifetime contributions and unique service to students across Utah and the nation.

Bojak is now battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease, or ALS, and is confined to a wheelchair. When diagnosed five years ago, doctors gave him one to three years to live. He continues to have an impact on those around him.

“I was a shy kid. He made me feel like a million bucks. I was not a very good player, but he spoke to me just like he spoke to the stars of the team,” former player and assistant coach Todd Egbert said. “He made me want to become and educator. He taught me to have a positive attitude. I learned to have confidence in myself. Wins and losses are important, but the relationships we build supersede any wins we may have had.”

Fellow coaches, former students and colleagues lined up to honor a man, coach and teacher for his many achievements at a July 26 special school board meeting. Bojak was once president of the board, and in 1994, he was teacher of the year.

Former friends and colleagues, along with the Jordan School District Board members, honored former West Jordan, Jordan and Riverton football coach Rick Bojak in a special meeting July 26. — Greg James

Bojak coached and taught for more than 40 years in the district, including his most recent contributions at Rosecrest Elementary School.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair, he is still teaching physical education to those students.

“When he was on the board, he always had a stack of newspaper articles by his microphone to read about the students in Jordan School District,” Jordan School District Board Vice President Janice Voorhies said. “I had students come up to me and say ‘they talked about me,’” Bojak won two state titles at Jordan High School in 1981 and 1983. His success was not limited to the football field.

“West Jordan was hosting an afternoon marching band competition on the main football field,” “When it was time for the West Jordan band to take the field, the entire football team ceased practice, trotted over to the bleachers, sat down and cheered. When the band was done, they went back to the field and practiced. He taught his team more than just football. I worked with him at Jordan and West Jordan. He is an awesome person.”

He has not given up his fight against the disease that riddles his body. Researchers have announced they have discovered a new gene that could be responsible for the disease.

The Associated Press reported that the ALS

Association is crediting the money raised from the ice bucket challenge for the discovery of the connection.

“He never put himself above anyone else,” Riverton High School colleague Vicki Olsen said. “When I was coaching sophomore volleyball at Riverton, he came up to my team the day after a game and congratulated us. He always relished in other people’s success.”

He is credited for 107 football victories in his time as head coach at Jordan, West Jordan and Riverton high schools. His influence was felt by more than the players and coaches with whom he shared those victories. He is still teaching to never give up in the fight of his life.

“In my first year coaching with Rick we had beaten Bingham in our last game of the season, former coach and player Nate McCleary said. “The team was gathered on the field for him to announce our player of the year.

I expected him to pick one of the varsity stars.

He chose a player that never started a game for us that year. He chose a young man that never missed a practice. He also never missed an opportunity to help tutor players that might have had trouble keeping their grades up. He truly understands what greatness is.” l

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September 2016 | Page 11

W estJordanJournal.Com JO

WEST JORDAN CHAMBER

BUSINESS EXPO

IN

US

!

Did you know . . .

FREE TO THE PUBLIC SMART

BUSINESS

October 26th 11am-2pm

PRIZES

Viridian Event Center 8030 S. 1825 W.

• Rocky Mountain Raceway will be giving away a free Drag Race Experience.

• Staybridge Suites will be giving AND away a free night's stay.

MANY • Mark Feigh at Remax will be doing a free photo booth.

MORE!

THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY: West Jordan City Mountain America Credit Union Sam's Club City Journals

Comcast Rocky Mountain Raceway Smith's Jordan Valley Medical Center

Jordan School District Offers FREE preschool for income-eligible families?

Contact the

Jordan Child Development Center 801-567-8510

for details and income-eligibility criteria

SPORTS

Page 12 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

Baseball Team Closes Out Season in Hawaii

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

T

he players and coaches of the West Jordan/Copper Hills baseball’s 12 and under all-star team finished off a fabulous summer with a trip to Hawaii –and not for a vacation.

“The majority of the team has made the all-stars the last few years,” parent and fan Katie Dobson said. “Last year they went to the 11 and under regionals in Vernal. It has been great watching them progress over the years into the ball players they are now.”

At the Pacific Southwest Regionals held in Honolulu, Hawaii, from July 11–15, they were not able to pull out any victories. Despite the losses the team experienced, players said it was the trip of a lifetime with friends and their families.

The 12 players were selected by their coaches to represent their league in state, region and accelerated tournaments. The league’s major division age group was made of 10 teams this season and approximately 120 players.

“We hosted a three-day tryout so we could look at the kids on multiple days,” head coach Mark Young said. “All the league’s kids could tryout, but they had to know the commitment and the possibility of going to Hawaii. The financial commitment was there. This exact same team went to regionals in Vernal last year, and 11 of the 12 have played together for three years.”

In June, the team was selected, and they began preparing for tournament season. The pre-all-star tournament was held from June 14–18. Copper Hills defeated a team from

Despite not winning a game, the players on the 12 and under WJ/Copper Hills all-star team ended their season with the trip of a lifetime.

— Katie Dobson

American Fork for its initial championship.

“We had seven or eight kids that we used pitching-wise in different situations,” Young said.

Let’s make our kids the priority again.

www.erinpreston.org

“It was good to be able to rely on that many arms when we needed to. Zack Wallin was a primary pitcher all year. He is left-handed and very good; Seth Dobson, Hunter Logan and Ryan Van Leeuwen were the main pitchers for us.”

They then hosted a district qualifier and, without a loss, advanced to the state tournament in Riverton. In the state tournament they again held serve and qualified to advance to the regionals in Hawaii.

“Twelve-year-old baseball has got to be the greatest age to play –that is what you see on TV,” Young said. To have the opportunity to take a baseball trip to Hawaii was a great experience. This group spent a lot of time and weekends together, so they became pretty good friends.”

The team members included Hunter Logan, Parker Young, Sam Proctor, Izaiah Madrid, Colton Atherly, Seth Dobson, Greyson Wallin, Ryan Van Leeuwen, Taz Anderson, Zack Wallin, Nektarios Zervos and Aiden Dudack. They were coached by Mark Young, Matt Logan, Robert Dobson and Jeff Van Leeuwen.

In 2015, this team advanced from the state qualifier and played in the region tournament in Vernal. The team held fundraisers throughout the season and did extra work for the league to help pay for the trip.

The West Jordan/Copper Hills Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth League plays its games at Ron Wood park west of the Mountain View Corridor on 9000 South. l

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SPORTS

September 2016 | Page 13

Pigskin Teams Looking to Rise

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

O

ne year ago both West Jordan and Copper Hills high schools were unveiling new football coaches. This season they have experience and have the groundwork laid to begin to compete.

Tavita Sagapolu (Copper Hills) and Mike Meifu (West Jordan) have each been able to firmly embed their coaching philosophies into their respective teams. This season could begin the transformations they are looking for.

Copper Hills The Grizzlies hired Sagapolu in July of 2015, well after many teams had begun their off-season workout schedules. It left little time for their new coach to lay the foundation for his new team. He was forced to jump straight into teaching the players a new offense and defense.

This year, he was able to incorporate an entire offseason conditioning and weightlifting program. Sagupolu expects that will help condition the Grizzly players to prepare them for their season. Last season they finished winless. They have only qualified for the playoffs three times in the school’s history.

The team has benefited from new academic strategies and has tried to recruit from the largest student body in the state. Sagapolu started mandatory study sessions to encourage students who were struggling to stay eligible.

The Grizzlies spread offense will return five starters –they only scored 97 points the entire season. A new quarterback is going to need to settle in quickly, so they put points on the board quickly. Christian Hoffe and Leolei Roberts are competing for the starting quarterback position.

Its base 3-4 defense will need to improve. They allowed over 44 points per game last season, last in Class 5A. The Grizzlies return five starters from that defense and hope the experience will help them improve this season.

The City Journals sports staff picks the Grizzlies to finish seventh in Region 3.

West Jordan The Jaguars had a small taste of playoff football last season. They finished the regular season with a 5-5 record and placed fourth in Region 3, the first time the team had finished with a .500 winning percentage since 2009. They hope to

return to the playoffs again this season and avenge their 53-6 loss to Lone Peak in the first round.

Meifu employed an open spread-style offense last season led by Dylan Krans at quarterback. The returning senior will be a key in the team’s offensive success this season. In 2015 Krans threw for nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Jaguars return eight starters on offense.

They averaged 26.5 points per game last season.

The Jaguar defense has their work cut out for them in a tough Region 3. Last season they allowed 29.8 points per game in region contests. They return five starters. Region 3 has some of the highest-scoring teams in the state. A key to the Jaguars improving will hinge on stopping their opponents. Defensive lineman Alden Tofa is expected to anchor the defense. He has been heavily recruited by Division 1 colleges.

The Jaguars need to secure important victories to accomplish the team goal of a region title. Must-win games include Sept. 16 at home against Cottonwood, Sept. 30 at home against Jordan and Oct. 7 at Brighton.

The City Journals sports staff picks the Jaguars to place third in Region 3. l

Page 14 | September 2016

LETTER to the EDITOR

TANKS

By Austin Ashby, Age 12 Scout Troop 847

T

anks should not be called assault vehicles because there is already a vehicle called the “Assault Vehicle”.

The difference between tanks and assault vehicles is, tanks have a long canon barrel and use tracks. The assault vehicle has a machine gun and a shot range grenade thrower and they can drive on land and in water and a tank can’t. When someone says “assault vehicle” I think of Humvees or the assault vehicle not tanks.

If a General said, use an assault vehicle, I wouldn’t know what to use, a tank, a Humvee or an assault vehicle. So, assault vehicle is a very general term. And that is why tanks should not be called assault vehicles but should be called tanks.

Experienced Invested Dedicated

MarilynRichards4Jordan@gmail.com 801-557-1549

www.Richards4Jordan.com Paid for by Friends of Marilyn Richards

West Jordan Journal

September 2016 | Page 15

W estJordanJournal.Com

G O O D NEI GH BOR

NEWS

April 2016 September 2016

Paid for by the City of West Jordan

M AY O R ’ S M E S S A G E

Funding Approved for New Recreation Center & Public Works Facility Ever since I started serving on the City Council in 2004, there have been talks about building a rec center on the city’s fast-growing west side. I’m happy to announce that on Aug. 24, the City Council passed a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of bonds to fund a new West Jordan Aquatics & Recreation Center. The facility will be located in Ron Wood Park (5900 W. New Bingham Highway).

The project is currently being designed by VCBO Architects, the same firm that designed the Provo Rec Center. This firm has successfully executed the three largest, most similar recreation projects in the state: Provo Recreation Center, South Davis Recreation Center and the West Valley Family Fitness Center. I know they will do a great job designing a facility for our community to enjoy.

This rec center will be in addition to the county-owned Gene Fullmer Rec Center.

It will be owned and operated by the city rather than the county. We are still in the early stages but plan to use the same model of operation that Provo City uses successfully. Details like membership costs, specific programs and funding mechanisms are still being discussed, but the goal is to create an amazing amenity that is financially sustainable as a standalone facility.

The City Council also approved a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of

bonds to build a new Public Works Facility to house our water, sewer, stormwater and street operations. The current building is outdated and too small to house the equipment and personnel needed to serve our city. It’s over 30 years old and was built when the city had a population of about 35,000 people. Today, we have over 110,000 residents, and we still have over one quarter of our city left to develop.

The new facility will be built on city-owned property to the north of the existing public works building (8030 South 4000 West) and will help better serve our community now and for many years to come.

Public facilities like rec centers, public works buildings, parks and more are costly to operate, and I am always grateful for those willing volunteers who help. Recently members from the World Mission Society Church of God and local volunteers rolled up their sleeves to spruce up Bateman Pond Park!

A total of 65 volunteers worked for several hours spreading bark mulch and cleaning the area. This provided the city with 130 hours of volunteer labor! The Church also provided lunch, drinks and dessert for all who participated in the event and their families. I really appreciate their generosity. Our community is better because of the many volunteers who share their time and talents.

Feel free to email me at mayorsoffice@ wjordan.com and express your thoughts in building a better City of West Jordan.

Don’t Have Your High School Diploma Yet? If you haven’t yet graduated from high school, a GED could be vital to your future.

Stevens-Henager College will help you finish your GED at no cost to you.

As part of its Good Neighbor Initiative, this nonprofit college provides GED instruction and tutoring. You can use the college’s computers, software and supplies. Stevens-Henager College will also pay your GED test fee.

Would earning more income make a difference in your life? On average, high school graduates earn over $500,000 more during their lifetimes than those without a diploma or GED.* There’s never been a better time to finish your GED. The clock is ticking – every month without your GED means less potential income and less career satisfaction.

To get going on your GED, call 801-281-7632 today. Getting your GED could help you enjoy a better career, a bigger paycheck and a more rewarding life. Your GED will also prepare you to get your college degree, which could lead to even greater rewards. * Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce

Mayor Awards Scholarship Mayor Kim Rolfe partnered with Stevens Henager College to offer two mayor’s scholarships to West Jordan residents. James Thomas was selected for a $25,000 scholarship to go toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

“James has been encouraged by his work and family to further his education,” said Craig Wallace, director of admissions for Stevens Henager College. “He is a

great fit for Stevens Henager College and we are lucky to have him! We are so excited to see him graduate in just 36 months!”

Stevens Henager funds the Mayor’s Choice scholarship program. There is still a $15,000 scholarship to go toward an associate’s degree. For more information, email mayorsoffice@wjordan.com.

Work where you live!

Employment Opportunities

The City of West Jordan currently has employment opportunities including a human resource specialist, seasonal utilities laborer, seasonal parks laborer, street maintenance worker and crossing guard. Job opportunities continually change so if you don’t see something that interests you now or need more information check our website WJordan.com.

Page 16 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Residence Inn coming to Jordan Landing

Recycling Update In order to operate successful recycling programs, proper use of the recycling container is mandatory. Please take a look at the list below to find out what is and is not acceptable. If your cart is found with contamination, pick up may be refused or the cart may be removed.

Marriott International, Inc., Performance Capital Partners and Utah Hospitality broke ground Aug. 8 on a new Residence Inn by Marriott. The 99-room hotel will be located in Jordan Landing and is set to open in mid-2017. The four-story hotel will contain a fitness center, indoor pool and spa, lobby market, business center and 1,700 square feet of meeting space. Guests will enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and evening social events.

The all-suite hotel is designed for the extended-stay guest and features spacious suites with a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious bathroom and work desk designed for guests to spread out and work in comfort. “This new hotel is much anticipated and will help service our vibrant and fast-growing community,” said West Jordan Mayor Kim V. Rolfe.

“It will be a great addition to our city and features a nice mix of amenities travelers will enjoy.”

September 2016 | Page 17

W estJordanJournal.Com

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2016 (Note: Activities are tentative and may change)

5

September

Labor Day – City Offices Closed

6

September

Planning Commission, City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Rd., 6 p.m.

7

September

City Council Meeting, City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Rd., 6 p.m

10

September

Demolition Derby, West Jordan Arena, 8035 S. 2200 West, 7 p.m.

17

September

Endurocross, West Jordan Arena, 8035 S. 2200 West, 7 p.m.

20

September

Planning Commission, City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Rd., 6 p.m.

21

September

City Council Meeting, City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Rd., 6 p.m.

The City of West Jordan 8000 S. Redwood Rd., West Jordan, UT 84088 (801) 569-5100 www.wjordan.com

Join the conversation! Follow West Jordan – City Hall.

West Jordan Police Dept.

8040 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, Utah 84088 801-256-2000 | 801-840-4000 Dispatch

Suspect arrested in tree vandalism case Over the past few weeks, 68 trees were damaged and destroyed along 2200 West and in the city’s Veterans Memorial Park.

On Aug. 28 the West Jordan Police arrested a man who claimed responsibility for some of the destruction. These trees were paid for with tax dollars. Please spread the word and help people realize that when public property (like parks and trees) is damaged, the costs to repair and replace come from tax dollars.

Trees are vital to our community. As the biggest plants on the planet and the greatest asset in cities and towns, they give us shade, store carbon, stabilize the soil and give life to many species of wild life. Without trees in the urban landscape, we would be left with a sterile landscape (like concrete, brick, steel and asphalt that provides little benefit to the landscape).

Our urban forest is a very important asset to our community

that requires care and maintenance just as the other public greenspaces we maintain. Trees make communities aesthetically pleasing places to live. Trees are planted so the tree canopies can grow and provide the needed shade and enjoyment along our streets, parks and greenspace. A well-managed urban forest contributes to a sense of community pride and ownership

Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting Project The city is looking for volunteers to help plant trees along 2200 West to replace those that have been damaged by vandals. The planting party will take place Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 a.m. Meet in the Veterans Memorial Park, 8030 S. 1825 West, at the small pavilion near 2200 West. Breakfast will be served. Bring a shovel and work gloves.

Volunteers under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit WJordan.com or email info@wjordan.com.

Utah Backs Our Blue Utah nonprofit “Utah Backs Our Blue” is holding a free 5K Walk Saturday, Sept. 24 at the State Capitol to raise awareness for law enforcement. Donations will be accepted to help police officers purchase equipment to make their jobs safer.

In conjunction with the “Back Our Blue” fundraiser, West Jordan business Simply Healthy Nutrition will be raising money the whole month of September to benefit the West Jordan Police Department. Come in to purchase a Meal Replacement and Energy Tea for $5 and they will donate $1 to the police department’s Peer Support Program. Simply Healthy Nutrition is located at 6912 S. Redwood Road.

“These great men and women deal with so many things each and every day as well as putting their lives on the line,” said Al Richards, wellness coach. “We’re happy to be able to give back to the police department.”

Page 18 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

GOOD NEIGHBOR NEWS: WEST JORDAN NEWSLETTER

PAID FOR BY THE CITY OF WEST JORDAN

Sign up for deals from West Jordan businesses

Anyone who texts “Deals� to 313131 will automatically receive weekly text specials delivered right to their phone from local West Jordan area businesses.

For example, the text specials include things like free lunches, discounts on car care and alerts of deep discounts they can receive from local vendors. They can also visit shoppingwestjordan.com for a complete list of local vendors that are participating in the shop local program.

September 2016 | Page 19

W estJordanJournal.Com

JEA

Thursday, September 22, 12:30pm Thursday, October 20, 12:30pm Thursday, November 17, 12:30pm

Pheasant Run

2664 W 11400 South, South Jordan 84095

ON THE COVER

Page 20 | September 2016

Endurocross Invades West Jordan

“Ghostblasters: We Ain’t Afraid of No Jokes!”

D

esert Star Playhouse, the theater that’s built a reputation for producing laugh out loud, family-friendly musical comedies, continues its 2016 season with a comedic take on the supernatural, “Ghostblasters: We Ain’t Afraid of No Jokes!” The show opens Thursday, August 25th.

Dr. Stanley Bonkers is busy putting together a new exhibit of priceless artifacts at the city museum, but his colleague, Dr. Polly P. Pratt is busy trying to catch his eye! When Dr. Bonkers gets possessed by the evil sorcerer Drool, there’s only one group she can call on for help, Ghostblasters! Supervised by their inventive leader, code name A-1, the Ghostblasters have added the clairvoyant I-15 to their ranks; but will she be accepted by her fellows? On the other side of town, Ghostblaster 401K is sent to investigate strange disturbances in journalist Fanny Berrett’s apartment (aside from all his failed

attempts at getting her to go out with him!)

And with the increase of supernatural activity, can the Ghostblasters save the day without divine intervention? Find out in our hilarious new show!

Directed by Scott Holman, Ghostblasters runs from August 25 to November 5, 2016.

The evening also includes another of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. The Monster Rock ‘n Roll-io will feature some new and classic rock music favorites with a dash of Halloween fun, and always hilarious Desert Star twist!

Desert Star audiences can enjoy gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, burgers, scrumptious desserts, and other finger foods as well as a full selection of soft drinks and smoothies while they watch the show. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table.

CALENDAR: “Ghostblasters: We Ain’t Afraid of No Jokes!”

Plays August 25 - November 5, 2016 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm Saturday at 2:30pm, 6pm and 8:30pm And some Saturday lunch matinées at 11:30am, and Friday late shows at 9:30pm

Tickets: Adults: $22.95, Children: $12.95 (Children 11 and under) 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107

801.266.2600

Call for reservations For additional information, visit our website at www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com

West Jordan Journal

By Greg James— gregj@mycityjournals.com

A fan favorite at the West Jordan endurocross is the UTV or side-by-side class.

— Scott Anderson

O

n Sept. 17, the West Jordan rodeo grounds will be transformed into a mess of logs, obstacles and high-speed jumps. Motorcycle endurocross riders will let loose on a course built to test their stamina and riding skills.

Last year’s champion, Nick Tolman, is scheduled to be one of more than 50 riders to take on the strategically laid out race course. He graduated in 2014 from Copper Hills High School.

“My cousins had dirt bikes, and I was super jealous, so I finally talked my parents into getting me one,” Tolman said. “I have been involved ever since. I started racing endurance desert races, and the last five years I have done these endurocross races.”

In a similar race recently held in Herriman, riders ranged from 4 to 55 years old. Tolman place fifth overall in the pro/expert racing class. Colton Haaker of Hollister, Calif. Was the overall winner.

He was an XGames silver medalist in 2013 in Barcelona. Haaker is one of the top endurance motorcycle racers in the world.

“I love this sport. I feel like I am always fixing my bike, but this race is a great one that my friends and family can come and see,” Tolman said. “I am constantly looking for the best line.

Every lap it can change. I just try to be smooth and fast as possible.”

Tolman rides a KTM 250 –KTM is a popular manufacturer of motocross motorcycles. He regularly races endurance desert races as part of the Utah Sportsman Racers Association Desert Series. He said he thinks he has more than $8,000 in riding equipment.

Many local endurocross riders use KTM, Husqvarna, Honda or Kawasaki manufactured bikes. The engine is typically a single cylinder 2-stroke or 4-stroke. A large and powerful engine is not always an advantage. Many riders prefer a smaller lighter bike for easier maneuvering over the obstacles.

Endurocross is a hybrid motorcycle race which includes aspects of supercross, trials and endurance racing. Events are generally held in small arenas, such as the West Jordan rodeo grounds, or indoor sports arenas. The course can include rocks, boulders, sand, mud, logs and other obstacles. It is designed to be faster than a motorcycle trials race but slower and more technical than a supercross event.

Edge Motorsports and race director Bryan Green promotes the race. His staff builds the race course and attracts riders from around the area to compete.

The mini-motocross (ages 4–12), UTV and tough trucks are also scheduled to compete. l

LOCAL LIFE

W estJordanJournal.Com

Teens from Northern Ireland, Utah Foster Friendships through Differences Tori La Rue | tori@mycityjournals.com

September 2016 | Page 21

Ken Ivory

For Utah hoUse oF representatIves

honesty and Integrity to stand against the status Quo! Teens make sandwiches during a service project through Utah Ulster Project, a program with a goal to fosters friendships between Catholic and Protestant teens from Northern Ireland. –Utah Ulster Project

T

welve catholic and protestant teens left their homes in Northern Ireland and travelled to Utah for a monthlong peace project aimed at unifying their nation.

Northern Ireland’s conflict between its mainly protestant unionists and mainly catholic nationalists, referred to as “The Troubles,” officially came to an end through the Belfast Good Friday Agreement of 1998, but when the divide between the two sectarian groups continued, Reverend Kerry Waterstone founded the Ulster Project, a program designed to bring future catholic and protestant leaders together through association with religious teens in the United States. Utah’s been part of the project for 30 years.

“You can definitely tell at the start of the month they are in the ‘impress phase,’” Adam Dahlberg, director for Ulster Project Utah, said of the 12 Northern Irish and 12 American teens who are part of the project. “They are just getting together, so they want to be cool, but by the end of the month that has faded and they are able to be themselves which is really hard for teens to do. It’s fun to see that transition.”

The Irish teens–six Protestant and six Catholic–roomed with an American teen of the same religion and similar background from June 27 to July 22. The 24 participants had their monthlong schedule filled with service, outdoor and faith-building activities each day.

Maddie Bossarte, of Taylorsville, and Emma Hagan, of Omagh, Northern Ireland, barely spoke to each other when they first met, but by the second day Emma was braiding Maddie’s hair and Emma was helping Maddie to put on her shoes, said Ann Charat, Maddie’s godmother.

The two teens bonded as the group of 24 visited historical sites, rode roller coasters and slides at Lagoon and Seven Peaks, camped, went rafting, attended a REAL Salt Lake game, and volunteered at the Utah Food Bank, Humane Society and at Kauri Sue Hamilton School for students with disabilities, among other activities.

“We’ve become best friends,” Maddie, 14, and Emma, 15, said simultaneously when asked how they’ve changed since the first day

of the Ulster Project.

“It’s like everyone here became best friends,” Maddie added. “I’ve really learned to talk with other people and be confident in what I say and to accept the differences in others.”

Emma, a Protestant, said she didn’t associate with Catholics very often before she came to Utah’s Ulster Project, but after a month of spending time with catholic and protestant teens from her own country and the United States, she said she’s ready to accept people no matter where they come from.

“At home we have separate schools for protestants and Catholics, and they don’t really interact much, but now when I get home, I’ll try to make an effort with the Catholics,” Emma said.

JP Murray, a 15-year-old Northern Ireland resident, said he believes the prejudice between Catholics and protestants will die off as his generation ages. While older people are prone to think of the divide between the group, the teenagers are “more chill” and want to get to know each other, he said. JP’s American roommate for the duration of the project was PJ Mannebach from Salt Lake City.

The directors must have had a sense of humor to pair them together, JP said. Despite the similarity in their names, the two 15-yearolds had many different interests that made their situation ironic, PJ said.

“At first, it was just really awkward, and I was thinking about what I got myself into,” PJ said. “Then I started talking with all the people in our groups, and I realized that all of these guys were pure fun. I used to avoid talking to people in group settings, but now I enjoy it, and that’s something that I’ll always carry with me.”

Aaron Smithson, a counselor from Ireland, said it was amazing to see JP and PJ’s self-confidence increase through the project.

“They used to be some of the quietest kids around here, but then they started being the loudest and most annoying, and that was a good thing to see,” Smithson said. “All of them have really opened up and have been able to see past religion and their cultural differences.” l

The federal government promised every territory in the nation it would relinquish their public lands following statehood. It honored this promise for all states east of the Rockies. But in Utah, and the other western states, it has NOT! Many talk about securing more funding for education, but few are willing to challenge the status quo. Ken is leading the effort to secure our lands and unlock the resources and opportunities necessary to ensure every Utah child is educated to their fullest potential.

The DC status quo desperately wants Utah to forget this promise was ever made.

Ken Ivory is fighting the status quo for Utah, and Utah children.

This Is What representatIon Looks Like!

• Passed legislation that protects our children by • Protecting our air quality and water supplies eliminating the statute of limitations for sexual from overgrown and catastrophically abuse of children. HB277 and HB279 combustible federal forests. HB464 • Enabled lower cost healthcare by allowing consumers and doctors to enter direct relationships. HB240

• Strengthened Utah’s self reliance by requiring all state agencies have a contingency plan in the case of a reduction of federal funds. HB131

• Called for Congress to repay the $1 million Utah paid as ransom to keep our national parks open during the 2013 federal government shutdown. HJR11

• Formally demanded the federal government honor the promise to relinquish our public lands for more effective local care and management. HB148

Find out more & get involved at:

www.voteIvory.com

Or give Ken a call at 801.694.8380

SPORTS

Page 22 | September 2016

Your Text isn’t Worth It!

Nearly 330,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving.

1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

LarkinMortuary.com

West Jordan Journal

Sober Soccer: How the World’s Favorite Sport Aids in Addiction Recovery

By Sarah Almond | sarah@mycityjournals.com

T

here are 149 drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers throughout the state of Utah*. These facilities attract thousands of people from across the country who want to fight addiction and find a new life through sobriety. One such individual came to Salt Lake City in hopes of getting sober and ended up achieving much more than that - he’s chasing his passion.

Twenty-seven-year-old Brian Knight moved from California to Utah 18 months ago to seek addiction treatment. Here, he joined the Fit To Recover gym in downtown Salt Lake City, where he met a community of individuals who were all working towards one goal: to free themselves from the thralls of addiction and live a life of sobriety.

“It was a community that I really wanted to get involved in,” Knight said. “One of the things that helped me stay sober was definitely the Fit To Recover gym, but also rediscovering the hobby of soccer - something that has always been a passion for me growing up.”

Within weeks of moving here, Knight found himself playing at the Gardner Village Indoor Soccer arena almost every night of the week.

“It kept me sober and it gave me something to look forward to everyday and something to make me feel accomplished,” Knight said.

“I just wanted to share that passion with other people.”

Though Salt Lake City has an expansive sober community with dozens of programs designed for those in recovery, Knight immediately recognized an opportunity to combine his drive to live a sober lifestyle with his passion for the game of soccer.

“There are other sober sports like volleyball and softball, but there was no sober soccer,” Knight said. “So I just wanted to take the initiative and see if I could get people involved.”

After deciding to launch a soccer program for those working towards sobriety, Knight started networking and getting the word out about his idea.

“I started talking to people at Fit To Recover; I started talking to the alumni department at my recovery center; I started announcing it at AA meetings,” Knight said. “Wherever I would go, I would promote it by word-of-mouth.”

It took time, but Knight’s efforts paid off. Though just six people joined the sober soccer program in the beginning, now, nearly a year later, more than 40 recovering addicts gather every Saturday and Monday to play the world’s most popular sport.

“One of my biggest goals of starting sober soccer is to get people involved even if they don’t do other forms of recovery like AA programs or treatment centers,” Knight said. “I wanted to give them somewhere they could come and be around people of similar backgrounds who are trying to achieve the same thing, which is changing your life and doing something positive in sobriety.”

Though Knight recently established a men’s team, the majority of the sober soccer program is coed, with ages ranging from 19 years olds to players in their late 40’s.

“We have four teams right now,” Knight said. “One of our teams is called Fit To Recover, and another is called FTR - pretty much short for Fit To Recover. We also have one called Socceriety and another called Attacking Sobriety.”

The sober soccer program runs in eight-week intervals with session games played every Saturday and Monday from 5 to 10 p.m. at Gardner Village in Midvale or Let’s Play Sports in Murray. Knight also holds weekly optional practices on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. at Stratford Park near Sugarhouse.

“We end every game by getting together and talking about ways we can directly relate our recovery to playing soccer,” Knight said. “Things like communication - that’s a big one; for people who haven’t played a lot, it’s about achieving something and doing it with no judgment.

“We talk about teamwork and how you can’t win a game on your

Brian Knight (in blue) runs drills with several participants of the sober soccer program during a Wednesday afternoon practice. When Knight started the first sober soccer team, just six people came out. Today the program has four different teams with players of all skill levels. –Sarah Almond

own - you need your team. And that’s the same in life, you know? You can’t stay sober on your own; you need people around you. When one of us is struggling, the rest of us are there to pick them up.”

For many sober soccer players, this sense of sportsmanship is one of the biggest draws and benefits of the program.

“My favorite part of playing soccer here is the friendships I’ve made,” said Mario McLaughlin of Midvale, who’s been with the program for the past eight months. “It’s been a blessing to know Brian, because his drive to get people involved with being active in sobriety and his leadership have really helped me get to where I am.”

Knight said that many of the people who come out for sober soccer have little to no experience with the sport, yet their willingness to grow as both individuals and players is something that inspires him and gives him purpose.

“I haven’t played soccer since I was a kid,” said player Steven Lopez of Sugarhouse. “But playing now, it’s challenging, and I think that’s helped me in my sobriety. It challenges me to get out of my comfort zone, to think less selfishly, and to work through things even when I want to quit.”

Lopez, who’s only been playing with the program for two months, found sober soccer after joining the Fit To Recover gym.

“Being here in Utah, there are a lot of different options in the sober community and a strong sober group here,” Lopez said. “But I can totally see this soccer program really growing and taking off.”

And growing the program is exactly what Knight intends to do.

Though his biggest challenge is funding the program, Knight hopes to continue spreading the word about sober soccer and getting people from across the Salt Lake Valley interested in the program.

“I would love to eventually get Real Salt Lake involved,” Knight said. “But I have this bigger plan right now of trying to do something within the youth community. Once we have the numbers and the stability, I’d like to start a camp for youth were we not only teach them about soccer but we teach them about addiction and substance abuse and alcohol.”

Ultimately, Knight hopes the program will grow large enough to create a sober soccer league and that sober soccer will continue to inspire other leaders to start sober initiatives of their own.

Lastly, Knight’s biggest hope is that the program spurs community involvement and increases awareness of active addiction recovery.

To learn more about sober soccer or to get involved, email Brian Knight at bjknight12@hotmail.com or visit Fit2Recover.org/contactus. ​ l *Statistics drawn from 2015 National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov).

September 2016 | Page 23

W estJordanJournal.Com

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Page 24 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

Important Taxpayer Information: Proposed 2016 Bond

I

Let’s Grow Together There are currently 52,324 students enrolled in our schools.

We are projected to grow by 9,251 students within five years.

The Bond Plan The bond plan calls for building five new schools in the most extreme growth areas. West Jordan Middle will be rebuilt at its current location.

Opening 2019-20 Middle school in South Jordan West Jordan Middle rebuild Elementary school in Bluffdale Elementary school in Herriman Opening 2020-21 High school in Herriman

Elementary School Middle School

Opening 2021-22 Middle school in Herriman

High School

Solutions & Impacts Taxes would increase $16.80, then gradually go down

$200.00

Without this bond, taxes for bond payments could gradually go down by $127.79

$150.00

The bond is for $245 million and cannot be used for salaries or supplies.

$100.00

Tax for Debt Purposes on Average Home of $300,000

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New Bonds

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

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The average homeowner will pay $16.80 more per year.

Within a few years,taxes for the bond will go down.

Survival of the Fittest

’ve always associated Yellowstone Park with abject terror. A childhood vacation to this national park guaranteed me a lifetime of nightmares.

It was the first time we’d taken a family vacation out of Utah and we were ecstatic. Not only would we stay in a motel, but we’d see moose, bears and cowboys in their natural habitat.

We prepared for a car ride that would take an entire day, so I packed several Nancy Drew mysteries, and some Judy Blume and Madeleine L’Engle novels just in case. Because my parents couldn’t hand us an iPad and tell us to watch movies for six hours, we brought our Travel Bingo cards with the transparent red squares that you slid over pictures of silos, motor homes and rest areas.

For more car fun, there was the license plate game, the alphabet game, sing-alongs, ghost stories and slug bug. Even then, we got bored. Dad decided he’d prepare us for the Yellowstone Park adventure that lay ahead of us.

That’s when the trouble started.

He told us how beautiful the park was.

Then he explained if we fell into a geyser, the heat would boil the flesh off our bones and bleach those bones bright white, and those bones would never be found. He told us when (not if) we encountered bears, we had to play dead or the bears would eat us.

We even practiced drills in the car.

Dad would yell “Bear!” and we’d all collapse across the station wagon seats (we didn’t wear seat belts) until the danger had passed. (It usually took an hour or so.)

He said if we wandered away, it would take just a few days until we died of starvation—unless the bears got us first. He warned us to stay away from every animal, describing in detail the series of rabies shots we’d need if a chipmunk bit us.

We were cautioned to avoid high ledges (we’d fall to our deaths), moose (we’d be trampled), buffalo (again with the trampled) and the requisite stranger warning (we’d be kidnapped). By the time we reached Yellowstone, dad had thoroughly instilled us with horror.

When we arrived at the motel, we frantically ran to our room, afraid there were bears, moose or chipmunks waiting to drag us off into the woods.

That night, as we climbed into bed, Dad tucked us in and said, “Technically we’re sleeping on a huge volcano that could erupt at any time and blow up the entire state of Wyoming. See you in the morning. Probably.”

The next day, he was perplexed when we didn’t want to get within 125 feet of a geyser, when we didn’t want to be photographed near a bison or when we refused to gaze into a boiling hot spot. My sister started crying, “I don’t want to fall in and have bleached bones.”

Then there was Old Faithful. Dad had built up our expectations to the point that anything less than a geyser that spewed glitter, fairies and candy would be a disappointment.

We were underwhelmed.

But the souvenir shop redeemed our entire vacation. We were each given $5 to spend, which was a wealth of frivolity.

I chose a doll in a green calico dress with beautiful red hair—because nothing says “Yellowstone National Park” like an Irish lassie.

As we left the park (with my sister quietly weeping because she’d changed her mind about which souvenir she wanted), we were thrilled to be returning home in one piece. But then my dad said, “We should visit Timpanogos Cave. Have I told you about the bats?” l

September 2016 | Page 25

W estJordanJournal.Com

Council Invests in Equestrian Park’s Future

A

fter many months of meetings and ongoing communication between horse owners, county staff, and community members, the future of the Salt Lake County Equestrian Park is now set. We recently voted as the Salt Lake County council to keep the park in it’s current form but also to invest in a litany of deferred maintenance needs in the park.

This park has been a long-standing fixture of our South Jordan community, and the county as a whole. Unfortunately, many maintenance needs of the park had not been adequately funded and addressed over the years. In addition, as a county we lacked good information about the actual use of the park among members of the community. In essence - the county was not investing in the park properly, and was not understanding the full value of the park sufficiently.

I first posed questions about this park in the fall 2015 budget process, and then again in a blog post in January 2016.

My position was clear - if we as a county are going to have an equestrian park, we need to be willing to invest in it, as well as measure the actual use and value to the community.

For the past six months, a dedicated group of equestrian park advocates (known as the Equestrian Park Coalition) worked diligently to provide good information to me as well as other council members. They shared new information about the

various events at the park, the level of use, and most importantly shed light on the many maintenance needs of the park.

Thanks to their hard work in collaborating with our county parks department, we now have a clear vision for the future of the park. This group also recommended some fee increases to users of the park.

Some of the deferred maintenance repairs include things like: new restrooms for park users, entry gates with controlled access points that will give us more precise data on park use, upgrading or renovating some of the barns for the horses, and upgrading footing (dirt) where applicable.

These are just some of the many deferred maintenance needs that will be addressed through this investment. In addition, the fee structure adjustment will help enhance the park’s revenue stream to better fund its operations.

The controlled access points will give us precise data on the number of users of the park, as well as let us better collect appropriate usage fees.

We are also creating an ongoing Equestrian Park User Advisory and Oversight Committee, which will be an official mechanism through which users can provide valuable feedback to county staff as well as the park’s management.

I’m excited about these improvements and the positive

Horses in their stalls at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center. The aged stalls are part of along list of possible renovations that new funding could bring to the facility. - Kimberly Roach

impact they will have on the equestrian park. This is an example of good civic engagement at its best. Members of the public effectively and respectfully educated the council, and we’ve incorporated their feedback into the plan moving forward. l

Page 26 | September 2016

West Jordan Journal

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September 2016 | Page 27

W estJordanJournal.Com

The Crunch, Crunch, Crunch Under My Feet

A

h, It’s here, fall. Here come the treasured foods of warmth, kids back in school, Halloween and that wonderful sound of crunching leaves under your feet when you head outside. There is nothing like the splendor of our amazing canyons with their fiery colors this time of year – anywhere else.

Enjoying our canyons in the fall season is not only beauty to the eyes; it can be as cheap as a few gallons of gas and a picnic lunch too.

Whether you’re leaf watching consists of a quick scenic drive on a Sunday afternoon or a weekend stay amid the trees, we can agree that, when the conditions are right, autumn time in Utah is worth celebrating.

Here are a few ideas of where to see fall leaves that won’t disappoint.

Lets start with The Grand Prix of Leaf Watching (Heber, Midway, and Sundance) By picking a central location; you can spend the weekend enjoying beautiful colors and a variety of fun activities in all directions.

Midway – If you are looking for a unique adventure amid the fall foliage, Homestead Resort in Midway welcomes you. The sprawling cottages provide the perfect setting and destination for the most devoted leaf watcher and a place we try to visit yearly. When the day is done, take a dip in the Crater where the temperature is always a balmy 90-96 degrees. You can find a discount for Crater swimming on Coupons4Utah.com/

Heber – No matter where you are coming from, Heber always feels like home. Heber’s small town charm is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life. When it comes to fall activities, Heber is the one of the best destinations for family fun.

For many, the Heber Valley Railroad is a longtime family tradition for every season. Come ride the Pumpkin Train, but be sure to stay and WEST JORDAN

celebrate the Annual Scarecrow Festival or brave through the spinetingling Sleepy Hollow Haunted Wagon Ride.

More adventurous visitors may choose to soar from above and take in the views on one of two different courses with Zipline Utah. The Flight of the Condor course spans 4 zipline and a suspension bridge. The Screaming Falcon is the world’s longest zipline course over water! It consists of over 2 miles of 10 ziplines and 7 suspension bridges, while also showing you some of the most amazing views Utah has to offer Visit coupons4utah.com for news about available discounts on the train and/ or the Zipline.

Sundance – Nestled at the base of Mount Timpanogos, Sundance Ski Resort places you right in the middle of the fall splendor. After a day of enjoying the fall colors, you can savor wonderful cuisine made special from local and organic growers. For as low as $29.00 you can enjoy a fabulous adventure on the Bearclaw or Halloween Zipline Tour at Sundance or choose to ride the tram up for some amazing views from above. Details are on coupons4utah.com.

Emigration Canyon – Take Sunnyside east past the zoo where you’ll find dozens of trails full of fall color. Make a day of it and stop by the historic Ruth’s Diner for a lunch on their fantastic patio.

Silver Lake at Brighton Ski Resort – The good news, the easy access for people of all ages doesn’t detract from the beauty. The lake is just large enough to provide amazing colors and scenic views and small enough for the littlest of fans to enjoy the stroll.

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Wheeler Historic Farm – Wheeler Farm is a kids favorite with its mature leafy trees, open grassy space, and rustic buildings, and don’t forget the super cute farm animals Wheeler Farm is a great place for the family to visit. Remember to take your camera for this one. Wheeler farm is a photographers dream.

Last, I want to share with you a secret little stop in Draper. Beautiful Leaves can be as close as the next neighborhood over. Go east on Wasatch Blvd. until you reach Hidden Valley Park. Follow the Bonneville Shoreline Trail as it wraps around the east bench where you’ll find amazing views of the valley.

These are just a few of the magnitude of places Utah offers for enjoy fall. Where is your favorite place to see the beauty of fall? l

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