Monthly Newsletter - January 2025

NEWS & UPDATES

Executive Director's Corner

As we step into 2025, there’s a lot to be excited about here at MAG. Our team is hard at work planning and implementing initiatives to support the cities, towns, and communities within our region.


The Utah Legislative Session is in full swing—one of the most impactful and dynamic times of the year for our organization and stakeholders. I appreciate the dedication of our elected officials, whose efforts greatly benefit the people of Utah. At MAG, we remain committed to collaborating closely with state, county, and city leaders, as well as our sister agencies and partners, to turn shared goals into meaningful results.


From advancing transportation and transit projects to driving economic development and expanding services for our aging seniors, the opportunities before us are substantial. Together, we can make 2025 a year of meaningful progress for the communities we serve.



-Michelle Carroll, MPA


Dementia Training for Caregivers

MAG Aging and Family Services is offering Dementia Live® training for family caregivers to increase their understanding of those living with dementia.


Dementia Live® is a highly-impactful, dementia simulation experience that offers an

immersive experience into the world of dementia. Participants come away from the event with a deeper understanding of how it feels to live with cognitive impairment and sensory changes that accompany dementia.


Dementia Live® can:

  • Boost empathy for people living with dementia
  • Help build bridges of communication
  • Provide de-escalation and calming techniques


Sessions are held in person and last about an hour. To register, visit magutah.gov/education or call 801-229-3818.

Bob Nave Honored with Utah AmeriCorps Senior Service Award for 21 years of Dedication

MAG's Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has chosen Bob Nave to receive the Utah AmeriCorps Senior Service Award for our region, and he is now nominated for the UServeUtah State-Wide Award.


Bob and his late wife, Darlene, began their mission to help the homeless in Utah County over 21 years ago. With support from local grocers, Bob started picking up unsold bakery, dairy, and salad items twice a week, delivering them to the Food & Care Coalition in Provo. His 56-mile round-trip drive takes over 3 hours and has become a labor of love.



Bob has also delivered food directly to people’s homes, seeing firsthand the impact of his work. “It really makes me know that my efforts are worthwhile,” he reflects. His dedication has provided a steady supply of fresh food to those in need. Bob Nave’s legacy is one of love, perseverance, and the power of one person to make a lasting difference. Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for your service!

Governor's Symposium on Aging

Linda Cole and Jimmy Golding, co-deputy directors for MAG's Aging & Family Services Dept, joined leaders in aging services for the Governor's Aging Symposium in January. 


The Symposiums, titled Aging with a WISE Purpose, and represented topics of “wealth, independence, security and engagement,” highlighted recommendations for improved experiences with Utah’s growing senior population.


We were thrilled with Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson's remarks, which included a shout-out to our Aging: So Cool buttons. Her remarks emphasized the important message that aging is a universal experience!


For those interested in proudly wearing a button of your own, contact sbenson@magutah.gov.


Weatherization Program Kudos

MAG's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers assistance to income-qualified 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.


The Weatherization Program recently received the following letter of thanks for services provided:


"I just wanted to sincerely thank you for helping us with our new A/C System. We had no idea that such a program existed and have gone without and A/C for over two years! We were worried about what to do with our heating and cooling system when the A/C went out because it was so hot some days. We are on a fixed budget so the A/C installation was a huge blessing for us. We can now comfortably have our grandkids come visit us thanks to you... we also deeply appreciate your professionalism."


To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program, visit https://magutah.gov/weatherization/

Economic Development Roundtable- Legislative Review

On January 13, MAG hosted an Economic Development Roundtable at Orem Library Hall to discuss the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session and the Wasatch Choice Vision project.


Justin Lee, Deputy Director of the Utah League of Cities and Towns presented a background of the legislative process and priorities, including energy production goals of doubling output over the next 10 years, water infrastructure, eliminating social security taxes, and housing targets. Justin explained the Governor’s Office goal to build 150,000 new homes, including 35,000 starter homes by 2029. The Senate and House leadership changes were noted, with a focus on higher education, public safety, and election reform.


Adam Kolowich, Director of Legislative Affairs at Utah League of Cities and Towns

discussed two key issues: changes to the transient room tax and possible changes to

county forms of government.


Dan Wayne with MAG spoke about the Wasatch Choice Vision project with additional

comments from Ryan Beck from Envision Utah. Dan presented the project’s goal to create a vision for the Wasatch Front, extending plans 30 years into the future. The project aims to maintain mobility, quality of life, and vibrant city centers while addressing population growth and economic development priorities.


More than 80 people attended the event, either in-person or remotely.

New MAG RLF Loan

Silicon Signs, headquartered in Spanish Fork, received a loan in November 2024 from

MAG’s Revolving Loan Fund for working capital. They specialize in large-format printing, graphic design, custom fabrication, and installation. Silicon Signs is a growing company expanding into nationwide sales. Some of their customers include Crumbl Cookies, UVU, Sodalicious, and many other well-known businesses in our region. With years of experience in the sign industry, their goal is to help businesses rise above the competition with stunning, custom-made exterior signs.


The MAG Small Business Loan Fund provides gap funding for start-up and expanding businesses. To learn more about the MAG Small Business Loan Fund, visit https://magutah.gov/loans/


Maps of the Quarter: Active Transportation & TIP Dashboard

AG Analytics staff are pleased to announce two new public maps: the MAG Active Transportation Map and the TIP Dashboard.


The MAG Active Transportation Map shows existing and planned paved trails and bike lanes in Summit County, Utah County, and Wasatch County. It represents months of effort from MAG staff to update bike data in our region.

Explore the new TIP Dashboard to view projects funded by MAG, UDOT, and UTA in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) in Utah County.


Using the filters on the left side, you can find answers to questions like “What projects are funded in my city?”, “What projects did MAG help fund?”, or “What is the cost of highway projects not yet under construction in my city that are funded by UDOT?”.


We hope this map will help you find the answers to questions you might have about important transportation projects.

Partner Shoutouts

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


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! 

Community Action Services and Food Bank is seeking donations for new and CLEAN gently used blankets for warming centers for the homeless.


Blankets will be provided to those accessing the warming centers to help keep them warm. They should be adult sized, and not fleece.


Blankets can be dropped off Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, at Community Action Services and Food Bank (815 S Freedom Blvd, Provo) at the east door marked "Donations and Volunteers" and please let our staff know that it is for the Warming Center.


If you are interested in donating other items, https://a.co/euMb4Yr is our Amazon Wish List! For questions and more information regarding the drive, please contact Kena Mathews at kenam@casfb.org 

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