September 2023 Focus

Check Out South Jordan’s Senior Programs & Level Up

This September

If you’re 60 years or better, or if you have a loved one in that age group, it’s time to level up your senior experience and discover the fantastic opportunities waiting for you at the South Jordan Community Center. Take advantage of the chance to celebrate National Senior Center Month with various exciting events and activities this September!

September is a special month dedicated to seniors nationwide, and South Jordan is no exception. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has designated September as Senior Center Month, and this year’s theme is “Discover Your...” So, what does that mean for you? It means it’s time to unlock a new level of enjoyment, connection, and well-being at our vibrant senior center.

Discover Your Senior Center

If you have yet to explore South Jordan’s Senior Programs, now is the perfect opportunity to discover the treasure trove of activities and services we offer. From social gatherings to educational workshops, there’s something for everyone. Our center is a hub of joy and camaraderie, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all seniors to thrive.

Discover Your Exercise Abilities

Aging doesn’t mean slowing down; it means embracing the opportunity to stay active and healthy. South Jordan’s Senior Programs staff believes in the power of fitness, and we have several exercise classes designed to improve balance and overall well-being. Try our Tai Chi classes on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m. for a graceful and meditative form of exercise. Flow Yoga on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. and Restorative Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. offer gentle yet invigorating practices. Remember,

our Gentle Yoga class on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. caters to those seeking a low-impact option. With exercise classes available every weekday, you’ll find the perfect fit to level up your fitness journey. Don’t forget to attend the Senior Health & Wellness Fair on September 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Discover New Friends

They say companionship is the spice of life, and at South Jordan’s Senior Programs, we couldn’t agree more. One of the greatest joys of being part of our senior community is making new friends who share your interests and passions. Attend

our upcoming events like the Fall Banquet on Thursday, September 7 at 11:30 a.m. or the Patriotic Luncheon on Thursday, September 14 at 11:30 a.m. to meet like-minded individuals and forge meaningful connections. Celebrate together and create lasting memories with your newfound friends.

Discover Your Artistic Talent

Unleash your creative side and tap into your hidden artistry through our engaging art programs. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, our art classes are designed to inspire

and nurture your talents. Join our art workshops and let your imagination run wild while you create beautiful masterpieces. You might just discover a passion you never knew you had!

Discover More Confidence

September also brings Fall Prevention Awareness Week, with the theme “From Awareness to Action,” running from September 18 to 22, 2023. At South Jordan’s Senior Programs, we take your safety seriously. Our exercise classes, notably Tai Chi, are great for balance improvement and aid in fall prevention. Participate in these classes to enhance stability,

flexibility, and confidence.

Don’t miss out on the fantastic events and activities this September at South Jordan’s Senior Programs. Level up your senior experience, explore new horizons, and embrace a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle. We can’t wait to welcome you into our community and embark on this exciting journey together!

Remember, age isn’t just a number, it’s an achievement, and at South Jordan’s Senior Programs, there’s no limit to how high you can level up in life! See you this September!

BE PREPARED FOR ALL EMERGENCIES

September marks National Preparedness Month, a timely reminder to ensure readiness for unforeseen disasters or emergencies in homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. The motto “Be Prepared,” often associated with scouting, resonates strongly during this month, encouraging everyone to anticipate and plan for potential crises. Understanding the hazards specific to your community is an essential first step in enhancing emergency readiness.

South Jordan City’s Emergency Manager, Aaron Sainsbury, emphasizes the importance of preparedness for all hazards. He has compiled a list of potential situations to equip individuals and families with the tools they need to navigate emergencies effectively.

Community Hazards

Hazards can be categorized as natural occurrences or human-induced events. South Jordan City faces a range of hazards, including natural ones like floods, earthquakes, wildfires, droughts, and severe weather, as well as human-caused hazards like hazardous material incidents, power outages, and even acts of terrorism.

Preparedness for Families

Here are some steps to ensure your family’s readiness:

STOCK UP: Gather a four-day supply of essential items, including food, water, clothing, medical supplies, and provisions for pets.

FAMILY REUNION PLAN: Establish a meeting point and procedure for reuniting family members if separated during an emergency.

OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT: Choose a person outside the immediate area as a point of contact, considering that long-distance communication might be restored sooner.

SCHOOL POLICIES: Familiarize yourself with school or daycare policies and arrange for someone to pick up your children if you can’t.

LANGUAGE BARRIERS: If anyone in your family doesn’t speak English, create an emergency card with essential information in English for identification and special needs.

REGULAR DRILLS: Conduct emergency drills with your family every six months.

ROOM SAFETY: Identify the safest areas in each room for shelter during an emergency.

UTILITY KNOWLEDGE: Learn how to shut off water, gas, and electricity; also, store vital utility contacts.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: Keep copies of vital records in a safe deposit box elsewhere.

VALUABLES DOCUMENTATION: Photograph or video your valuable possessions and store copies elsewhere.

EXIT STRATEGIES: Map out multiple exit routes from your house and keep them clear.

INCLUSIVE PLANNING: Include household help like babysitters in your emergency plans.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: Maintain extra eyeglasses, keys, and medication.

CASH RESERVE: Keep extra cash on hand for situations when ATMs are inaccessible.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS: Prepare for earthquakes with supplies to last at least 96 hours.

Amid a disaster, remember to stay away from heavy objects and focus on safe spaces. Be mindful of dangerprone areas like kitchens and garages. While emergency response teams might be stretched, your proactive measures can ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

National Preparedness Month serves as a yearly call to action, reminding us all that readiness is the key to minimizing the impact of emergencies. By taking the necessary precautions and implementing preparedness plans, we can face challenges head-on and protect our families and communities.

City Event Calendar

SENIOR PROGRAMS: FALL BANQUET

11:30 AM

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd. Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 to reserve a spot.

SENIOR PROGRAMS: PATRIOTIC LUNCHEON

11:30 AM

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd. Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 to reserve a spot.

GET TO THE RIVER FESTIVAL

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

South Jordan Fishing Ponds, 11200 S. Riverfront Parkway https://gettotheriver.org/events

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

6:30 PM

City Hall at 1600 W. Towne Center Dr. & Online sjc.utah.gov/city-council

SENIOR PROGRAMS: SENIOR HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR

9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Community Center, 10778 S. Redwood Rd. Space is limited. Call 801-302-1222 for more information.

As we enter the month of September, we turn our attention to a critical and deeply significant topic: suicide prevention. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, we aim to raise awareness, foster understanding, and provide support to those who may be struggling with mental health challenges. Together, we can make a difference and be proactive in striving to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

Recent discussions surrounding suicide prevention have emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma that often surrounds mental illness and suicidal thoughts. It is crucial to create open, safe spaces for conversations and provide resources for those who need support.

One significant development in this effort is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s new threedigit number - 988. This accessible number provides easier access to critical mental health services, ensuring that those in crisis can quickly connect with trained professionals who can offer help and support.

During this month and beyond, let us stand together as neighbors and friends in promoting mental well-being, fostering empathy, and creating a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and understood. Let us strive to break the silence, provide resources and compassion, and reinforce the message that no one should face their struggles alone. Reach out, connect, and let us unite to prevent suicide and strengthen the bonds that make South Jordan such a wonderful community.

STAY OFF YOUR PHONE

Put your phone away–Most of our crashes happen around intersections due to drivers not obeying stop signs and traffic signals or because they are distracted by something or someone inside the vehicle. Please put distractions away. If you need to look at GPS, make a phone call, or read or send a message, please pull off the roadway.

Traffic Tip