Monthly Newsletter - September 2024

Executive Director's Corner

I’m so proud of our staff who participated in MAG’s inaugural support of the 9/11 National Day of Service. I believe that service is one of the best ways to honor the lives lost on 9/11 and continue their legacy of unity, compassion, and resilience.

Our incredible staff, joined by Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers, pulled an impressive 500 pounds of invasive puncturevine (goat head) weeds in support of the Jordan River Commission in Lehi City. This project was chosen because of MAG’s ties to active transportation through walking and biking trail development throughout the region. The Commission paid a bounty of $2.50 per pound of weeds, which means our team raised $1,250- with all proceeds benefiting the non-profit Meals on Wheels Summit, Utah & Wasatch. We’re thrilled we were able to lend a hand to not one, but two organizations that support initiatives aligned with MAG’s responsibilities and values.

I’ve decided that our participation in the 9/11 National Day of Service will continue in the years to come!

-Michelle Carroll, MPA

Staff Highlight: Steven Libardi- Weatherization Field Technician

The Weatherization (WAP) assists income-qualified individuals and families in reducing their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. As a Weatherization Technician, Steven offers assistance to homeowners, renters and mobile home owners to improve the energy efficiency and safety of their homes so that they hold heat better in the winter and stay cooler in the summer.

About his new position, Steven says, "As a dedicated husband and father, I was faced with a difficult period of unemployment that left my family in a vulnerable situation. But through perseverance and resilience, I found my current position as a field tech at MAG and was instantly made to feel valued and respected. My new job not only reignited my passion for helping others, but also allowed me to finally do what I love for a living. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to growing in this company and continuing to use my skills to help those in need."

Meals on Wheels Driver Saves Heber Woman After Fall

Last month, Tom Greer, a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver in Wasatch County, sensed something was off when one of his regulars didn’t meet him at the door like she usually did. Concerned, he called out and heard a faint cry for help—she had fallen, broken her hip, and couldn’t get up. Without hesitation, Greer called 911, and first responders quickly arrived to take her to the hospital.

For the past two years, Greer has been more than just a delivery driver. He’s a lifeline, bringing meals and much-needed companionship to 50-60 homes every week. In small, often isolated communities, these daily visits are vital for checking in on seniors who may have no one else.

Heber City Police honored him with their "Busted for Making a Difference" award, recognizing Meals on Wheels drivers' crucial role. Greer is back on the road, knowing his deliveries are truly about more than a meal. To learn more about Meals on Wheels volunteer and donation opportunities, visit magutah.gov/volunteer/ or magutah.gov/contribute/.

Registration Opens for 2024 Caregiver Conference

The 19th Annual Caregiver Conference is on Friday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at doTERRA (389 S 1300 W, PG) and virtually. This year's theme is Mind, Body, Heart: Boosting Caregiver Resilience, with a keynote address by Jody Moore, popular life coach and host of the Better Than Happy podcast. If you care for a senior loved one, this conference is for you. 

The conference is free, but registration is required. Call 801-229-3808 or visit magutah.gov/cg to register and learn more.

Governor Cox Knows: "Aging- So Cool Everyone's Doing It."

Governor Spencer Cox celebrated Utah’s amazing seniors over 100 years old at this year's Centenarian Luncheon. It was a special moment recognizing their wisdom, contributions, and lasting legacies.



Thank you, Governor Cox, for honoring these remarkable individuals and the vital role they play in our community! We were thrilled to be able to give the Governor one of our Aging: So Cool buttons!

The HEAT Program is Heating Up

The Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program assists low-income households with energy costs. Households may apply for a one-time benefit per year. HEAT applications are accepted and processed on a fiscal year basis.

We have completed nearly 180 more applications than last season already. Almost $1.5M has been spent in support of income-qualified families struggling to heat or cool their home. We offer a huge shout out to the HEAT team for their hard work!

Single Family Home Repair Program

The goal of SFHRP is to assist homeowners with major or minor home repairs, improve accessibility, and increase your home’s energy efficiency.

This fiscal year, the program has repaired 8 homes in Utah County totaling $97,775.00 & 12 homes in Summit/Wasatch counties totaling $234,066 to eliminate Health and Safety issues. There are currently 4 projects in Utah county and 5 in Summit/Wasatch in the works. This program has reduced stress to clients and keeps them in their homes. 

"I can't thank you enough for my new roof and bath repairs!! We can now use the bathroom and don't have to worry about the roof falling in this winter. I am SO grateful for this program, and it couldn't have happened without you, again, my sincere thanks!"

-Wasatch County Resident

Utah League of Cities and Towns

MAG leaders, planners, and analysts recently had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Utah League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference.

Michelle Carroll, MAG's Executive Director, along with WFRC's Executive Director Andrew Gruber and South Jordan City Mayor Dawn Ramsey discussed many of the resources and analytic tools that Associations of Government provide to the municipalities within their respective regions. Provo City Mayor, and 2024 ULCT President, Michelle Kaufusi acted as moderator during the panel. Forefront to the discussion was the continued need for collaboration at the city, region, and state levels in order to ensure thoughtful and responsible planning in light of Utah's rapid growth.

Thank you to Mayor Kaufusi and the Utah League of Cities and Towns for hosting a great 2024 conference!

Partner Shoutouts

Local Warming Center Program Needs Volunteers, Blankets, and Supplies for Upcoming Winter Season 

Beginning October 15th, warming centers for individuals who are homeless and seeking warmth and a place to stay for the night will be open nightly from 9pm to 8am through April 30, 2025, and will be in Provo and incorporated Utah County. Volunteers (18 years and older) are needed to help at the warming centers during the evening, late night, and early morning. Those serving will be assisting experienced staff with set up, clean-up, safety, and security and will be providing our homeless friends with care and fellowship. Training is required. To sign up and/or find out more information, go to https://app.vomo.org/opportunity/warming-center. 

The warming centers are also in need of tons of blankets and other supplies. To find out what is needed and for drop off instructions, look online at JustServe Warming Center Needs.

For questions or additional information, please contact Kena Mathews at Community Action Services and Food Bank at kenam@casfb.org. Thank you! 

UrbanPlan Workshop to be Held Friday, November 8th, at the Lehi City Offices

UrbanPlan is an interactive workshop designed for regional elected and appointed officials to explore the dynamics that shape the built environment. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including role-playing and teamwork, to address real estate and land use challenges. The workshop features a simulation where attendees work in teams to respond to a hypothetical Request for Proposal, develop site plans, and build models using LEGO bricks.

To register for the workshop, please visit this Registration Link.

Update to the UTA Five-Year Service Plan (FYSP) for 2025-2029.

Earlier this summer UTA gathered feedback on an unphased version of this plan and now are returning with an updated phased draft of the FYSP. This plan is informed by the UTA Long-Range Transit Plan and provides guidance for potential transit service changes over the next 5 years to get people where they need to go! The changes proposed in this plan are based on systemwide analysis, community feedback, operational and cost concerns, and other factors.

 UTA is seeking feedback through October 6, 2024 on the updated 2025-2029 Five-Year Service Plan. More information is available at rideuta.com/FYSP, including an interactive maps and opportunity to comment. We will be hosting a public information session on Zoom on the evening of Tuesday, September 17 – register here to join.

For questions, concerns, or comments contact Johnathon Knapton, MAG Communications Manager, at jknapton@magutah.gov or (801)229-3836