Community

Dominion Energy Environmental Grant Applications Now Open to Nonprofit, Educational Organizations

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Dominion Energy is encouraging nonprofit and educational organizations to apply for a total of $1 million in environmental grants to be distributed this year through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. This competitive grant process is designed to support work to improve the environment and provide educational experiences in communities served by Dominion Energy.

“As a company we strive to be good stewards of our environment and natural resources. We’re proud to support local organizations leading exciting and impactful programs to protect and conserve our environment,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, President of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “These grants make the outdoor spaces in our communities more accessible and sustainable.”

Since 2003, nearly $39 million has been donated to projects that protect and improve the environment. Last year, one grant helped the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro treat and research wild animals, while training other veterinary professionals to heal and rehabilitate injured wildlife.

“We have collected valuable information on the causes of our patients’ injuries, then used the actual case histories of real patients to educate the public, inform policy makers, and address the root causes of the real threats to wildlife,” said Edward E. Clark, Jr., President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. “Dominion Energy’s generous support of our general operations has been an important factor in our success and enabled us to achieve goals that serve both wildlife and humans, in Virginia and around the world.”

In Chesapeake, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads put Dominion grant dollars to work teaching kids to swim so they can better appreciate the outdoors.

“We are grateful to have Dominion Energy expand our impact and elevate access to water safely through the Y’s All Kids Swim program,” said Jean Adler Stean, Director of Grants Management for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. “Our local neighborhoods are surrounded by water and we want every child to experience the fun, recreation, and joy that comes with swimming but we want it to be done safely.”

Another grant to Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria is helping educate young people in an urban setting about the importance of environmental stewardship.

“We much appreciate Dominion Energy’s ongoing partnership in support of our Nature Explorers and Restorers program and youth internships,” said Kurt Moser, President of the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation. “To date this year, these dollars have enabled us to provide free outdoor learning experiences to 71 Arlandria-Chirilagua youth, and conservation internship opportunities for 12 high-school students.”

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for grants up to $50,000 to support specific projects that promise measurable results to improve the environment. Also, public and private K-12 schools in eligible regions can apply for classroom grants up to $5,000 for environmental education programs.

Eligible organizations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Connecticut, Idaho, Wyoming and other areas in Dominion Energy’s footprint are encouraged to apply.

Dominion Energy will consider grant requests that focus on one or more of the following priorities:

Educating K-12 students and the public about environmental science
Protecting and preserving natural habitats
Improving open spaces and making nature accessible

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/envirogrants

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $50 million in 2021 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.dominionenergy.com to learn more.

SOURCE Dominion Energy
For further information: Craig Carper, (804) 771-6115, Howell.C.Carper@dominionenergy.com

Exciting Changes Coming to YCC – We’re Building Homes and Futures!

As we all know, the affordable housing shortage is a significant issue in our community and country. Finding a safe and accessible housing option is even more difficult for survivors of domestic violence. In addition to physical abuse, many victims have experienced financial abuse as well. This may include limited or no access to bank accounts, destroyed credit, and a compromised tenant rental history due to the actions of abusive partners.

Among YCC clients, we have seen firsthand the challenges, and unfortunately, we also see many returning to their abusive relationships due to financial constraints and a lack of housing options. Therefore, YCC is embarking on an exciting new project to create a transitional housing option right on our current site.

YCC will break ground in January 2023 on a 14-unit apartment building located on the southwest corner of our property just off 23rd Street. We will be demolishing the 85-year-old apartment building, thrift store, and warehouse in order to make room for the apartments. Wadman Corp. will lead the development of the project, designed by Bellgique Architects, with a projected open date of early 2024. Tenants in the building will be able to live there for up to two years as they prepare to become fully self-sufficient. YCC will provide ongoing case management, and tenants will have access to classes, therapy, support groups, child care, and parenting classes. Along with healing from domestic violence, tenants will experience a rental structure that supports them based on need. They will build a rental history, work to restore credit, eliminate debt, and prepare to live independently.

To find out how you can support this transformational project, contact:
Margaret Rose, Executive Director – (801) 689-1703
Sara Mejeur, Development Director – (801) 689-1740

Changes to the Donation Center and Thrift Store

Due to the construction project, we will no longer be able to accept used donations. We simply will not have the space to manage the volume of donations. The last day to bring in your used donations will be August 31st. Starting September 1st, please reach out to one of these fantastic community partners to see if they can accept your donation:

Boys & Girls Club
Deseret Industries
Lantern House
Ogden Rescue Mission
Salvation Army

As always, we will continue to welcome and appreciate new donations at our main office. These donations help our clients, children, and our organization in many ways, and we are incredibly grateful for past and future giving from our generous community.

The thrift store, Threads of Hope, will remain open until the end of October. Please come and shop and help us raise our critical funds before we close!

Mel Witharana, Janadhi & Company

In 2006, Mel saw that one of the needs for small businesses was assistance with technology and cooperation – to provide the same quality assistance that you’d find from enterprise-class businesses with dedicated IT teams. He believed that with the right help, small businesses could compete and be successful in the marketplace. This defining moment is what sparked the inspiration for Janadhi & Company.

Janadhi & Company helps businesses cross the bridge of technology. As an IT solution for businesses, they offer A-Z technological needs. When asked what makes his organization unique, Mel said, “Even though we provide services to over 2000+ customers, we have a close relationship with each client. We like to build long-term relationships and we have always stood by our clients.”

Mel and his team are also very knowledgeable about their products and services. Every year, they allocate a large amount of their revenue to properly train their staff. They also look after the community by volunteering, donating to non-profits, or working on projects that help build better communities.

“I feel I have grown stronger by hearing and seeing others smile when they succeed. Knowing that I have contributed to the growth of a client’s business and helped them in accomplishing their dreams of success… This is why I do what I do,” said Mel, referring to his purpose at Janadhi & Company.

One of Mel’s favorite quotes is, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” from Gandhi. This quote is one that him and his team live by. Mel loves to see the smiles on people’s faces after they get the help they need – this is the biggest win for his company.

Mel is excited for the future of Janadhi & Company as technology continues to advance!

To learn more about Mel, his staff, or Janadhi & Company please visit their website here, call or email: (801) 529 4182 or mel@janadhi.com

Target River Earns Award as Best Target Marketing Company of 2022

Target River, a marketing agency headquartered out of Salt Lake City, has recently been recognized as the “Best Target Marketing Company” of 2022. Target River has spearheaded several successful campaigns in many states due to its innovative marketing strategy to assist clients nationwide, including businesses, non-profit organizations, school districts, and government departments. Target River was previously honored with this title for 2020 and has been once again recognized.

This award was received from Global Business Insight Magazine. The magazine describes itself as a “knowledge sharing platform designed for and committed to sharing the latest business news.” The magazine awards successful businesses each year across various categories based on in-depth studies, analysis, and a voting system to determine which companies should be awarded for their innovative efforts in the business industry. More information on the Global Business Insight Award Program can be found at https://www.gbimagazine.com/gbi-awards.

In addition to being named as Best Target Marketing Company of 2022 by Global Business Insight Magazine, Target River has been recently recognized as a Top 10 Google Advertising and Marketing Partner in 2022.

The State of Utah recently recognized Target River as the top full-service advertising agency for government work. When working with the Utah State Government departments, Target River was approved to do work in 14 unique marketing categories. Of the 45 agencies that submitted for consideration with the State, only 18 received approval. The agency with the second-most marketing categories accepted, behind Target River, was only approved for 5.

Target River Founder and CEO Brian Epperson has completed work for many clients in California, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, and Utah. Brian developed a unique marketing strategy titled the “Who, What, How” method to increase targeted outreach in campaigns. As a Salt-Lake based firm, Target River is seeking opportunities to work with more clients in Utah. Brian is available for meetings, interviews, and other discourse to discuss the methods that led Target River to receive this award.

For more information and scheduling, please email elizabeth@targetriver.com or go to targetriver.com

OGDEN – Ogden School District’s summer lunch program has been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recognized 84 summer meal sponsors and awarded them with Turnip the Beet! Awards. For the 2021 program year, 14 sponsors qualified for a gold award; 54 qualified for a silver award; and 16 qualified for a bronze award. Ogden School District was one of two silver award winners from Utah – the second award was given to Tooele School District.

Ogden School District was nominated and then given a score by the FNS. Winners of the award must provide appetizing, appealing, and nutritious meals. Categories in the scoring process include:

Age-appropriate meals
Nutrition-based activities
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Amount of whole grain foods

Summer meals supports students’ health, even when they no longer have access to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Ogden School District provides both breakfast and lunch for children under 18 Monday through Friday during the summer months. This meal program has been available to students since 1984 and positively impacts the development of our students.

In summer 2022, Ogden School District will continue its efforts to serve our community. This year’s services will be provided June 6 – July 29.
Program sites are:

Ben Lomond High School
Bonneville Elementary
Lincoln Elementary
Monroe Park
New Bridge Elementary
Odyssey Elementary
Ogden High School
West Ogden Park
4th Street Park

Breakfast will be served at school sites from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Lunch will be served at school sites from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

For more information about the meal program visit: https://www.osdmeals.org/

About Ogden School District

Ogden School District serves the city of Ogden, educating approximately 11,000 students. The district has a tradition of academic excellence enhanced by the values of a culturally rich and diverse community. Roughly 55% of Ogden students are ethnic minorities and approximately 75% come from low-income families.

For more information visit: https://www.ogdensd.org/

Weber State alumna, businesswoman and civic leader Kearston Cutrubus was elected as chair of the university’s Board of Trustees at its monthly meeting on Aug. 9.

Karla Bergeson, a retired corporate legal counsel for Citigroup, was elected as vice chair. It’s the first time two women have served together in the leadership positions of the board, which advocates for the university and advises the president on issues such as budget, programs, personnel and planning.

Cutrubus, who was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2016, and has served as vice chair since 2017, thanked the board for its confidence in her leadership.

“I’m honored and humbled to serve as chair of the Weber State University Board of Trustees,” Cutrubus said. “I look forward to working with an incredible team of trustees, WSU leadership, faculty and staff who endeavor to collaborate with the community, businesses, Hill Air Force Base, and each other, to ensure that the students and their education are the top priority.”

Cutrubus is the customer and community relations director for her family’s multiple automotive dealerships in northern Utah. She serves on various boards and committees for community organizations, including the Top of Utah Military Affairs Executive Committee, YCC (Your Community Connection), the WSU Wildcat Club Executive Board and many others.

Cutrubus succeeds Nolan Karras, who has led the board as chair since 2016.

Ogden native, Karla Bergeson, was appointed to the board in 2017. She is the former executive vice president and deputy general counsel for Citigroup’s credit card business in the U.S., where she worked for 23 years before retiring. Throughout her career, Bergeson supported higher education in northern Utah. In 2017, she received an honorary degree from Weber State and delivered the commencement address.

Eight of the university’s 10 trustees are appointed by Utah’s governor and approved by the Utah Senate before being sworn in. Appointees are eligible to serve two four-year terms.

Two new members are expected to join the board officially at its next meeting in September: Keith Titus, president and CEO of MarketStar, an Ogden-based global sales organization, is also a member of Weber State’s National Advisory Council. Brent Bishop is the founder of Greenbacks All-a-Dollar and co-founder of Franklin Covey.

Other appointed members of the board include Amanda Covington, Louenda Downs, Karen Fairbanks and Donald Salazar.

Weber State student body president, Ben Ferney, and Alumni Association president Curtis Funk, which are not appointed positions, serve one- and two-year terms respectively.

Visit weber.edu/PresidentsOffice/Trustees for more information about the Board of Trustees.

This Mural will be representing inclusivity and a sense of belonging during special community ceremony. MarketStar, one of Ogden’s largest private employers, has partnered with the Ogden Downtown Alliance and local artist Cole Eisenhour to present “You Belong,” a new painted mural celebrating diversity and inclusivity in downtown Ogden.

A community ceremony will be held on August 6 at 6:00 p.m. to introduce the mural and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity within Ogden. Keith Titus, MarketStar Chief Executive Officer, Kim Bowsher, Ogden Downtown Alliance Executive Director, and local artist Cole Eisenhour will give remarks during the event. Community members will have the opportunity to create art, enjoy local food trucks, and listen to live music from Ogden’s own Cherry Thomas. This community celebration is also part of the Ogden City First Friday Art Stroll, which happens the first Friday of every month throughout the year

The mural, painted on the south side of the company’s parking structure, is representative of MarketStar’s dedication to building and maintaining an inclusive culture within the communities in which the 33-year-old company does business. The theme of the mural, “You Belong,” is taken from one of the company’s six core values.

The mural will now become a prominent part of Ogden’s downtown art scene thanks to collaborative funding from the MarketStar Foundation, RAMP and the Ogden Downtown Alliance.

The mural kicks off the first of many community-oriented projects MarketStar has in store for their communities this summer. It is significant because of the partnership it represents with the company’s home city of Ogden.

Weber State University’s Center for Community Education (CEC) invites the community to the Food FUNding & Your Future Carnival at 2605 Monroe Blvd., Aug. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This event will give students and their families the opportunity to learn about scholarship and financial aid options available to them at Weber State. Experts will be on hand to help students with applications on the spot. Applicants will need to bring identification and estimated gross annual income information. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are encouraged to attend.

“You can also explore educational programs from badges and certificates to degrees to secure a better future in just a few months,” said Niki Tonks, marketing manager for the John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics.

Spanish and English speakers will be on hand to answer questions.

The carnival will have a number of activities to entertain family and friends, including lawn games. Hokulia, a local food vendor, will hand out free shaved ice as long as supplies last. Participants may visit various booths from Weber State organizations and learn about different activities and services.

Along with financial information and assistance, the CEC offers a variety of services including English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for non-native speakers. The Weber-Morgan Health Department is also offering COVID vaccine clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays in August from 1-8 p.m.

This carnival is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fb.me/e/159yqLVPN.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Contact:

Niki Tonks, Goddard School of Business & Economics marketing manager
801-626-7397 • nikitonks@weber.edu

Author:

Melissa Smith, Marketing & Communications
801-626-6348 • melissasmith9@weber.edu

Ogden, Utah joins national mountain town partnership Pledge for the Wild! Visit Ogden announced their partnership with Pledge for the Wild on June 2, 2021. This collaboration is an opportunity for Visit Ogden to further its efforts to promote responsible tourism to Weber County.

Pledge for the Wild encompasses a number of mountain towns around the country committed to supporting responsible tourism and building awareness around opportunities to directly give back to the wild places in these iconic mountain towns. Whether you’re a visitor or resident frequenting your favorite local adventure spot, Pledge for the Wild encourages users to pause and consider who supports and cares for these wild places day-to-day.

Visit Ogden will launch an outreach campaign titled Wild4Ogden, to encourage participation in the Pledge for the Wild program. In addition to sharing outdoor principles and responsible tourism tips, through Wild4Ogden, Visit Ogden will create a direct channel to give back locally through online or text-to-donate options with their selected community non-profit partner, Trails Foundation Northern Utah (TFNU). Each donation is sent directly to TFNU so 100% of donations made in Weber County, stay in Weber County.

Those wishing to participate, can donate to TFNU by texting WILD4OGDEN to 44321 or by visiting www.visitogden.com/wild4ogden/ . Participants can also learn more about how they can take care of our wild places or purchase a series of four (4) special edition, vintage-style Weber County outdoor recreation posters at this same website. The posters will be available for purchase at the Visit Ogden office starting Monday June 14, 2021. A portion of the proceeds of each poster sale will be donated to the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah.

“We are excited to have Ogden join this notable group of mountain towns supporting responsible tourism in wild places, per the Pledge for the Wild mantra. We know how special our wild spaces are and want to provide resources to support the protection and maintenance of them for future generations to continue to enjoy,” said Sara Toliver, president/CEO of Visit Ogden.

Visit Ogden encourages all to consider a $1 donation for every mile of trail used, or every hour of time spent in our wild places. These small donations add up and make a real difference!

About Pledge for the Wild: Pledge for the Wild is proactively sharing outdoor principles and responsible tourism tips while creating a direct channel to give back locally through online donation or text-to-donate. Each donation is sent directly to the community non-profit partner of choice. Bend donations stay in Bend, Steamboat donations stay in Steamboat, and so on.

Visit https://www.pledgewild.com/ for more information and a complete list of participating communities.

About Trails Foundation of Northern Utah (TFNU): Trails Foundation of Northern Utah builds trails that create culture where all have places to walk, run and ride as they enjoy nature and connect with their neighbors in the greater Weber County area. The mission of TFNU is to plan, construct, and protect a network of public pathways, trails, and related open spaces for non-motorized users throughout the greater Weber County area.

Visit www.tfnu.org for more information.

Photo Credit: Jay Dash

The annual Lindquist Family Symphony Pops and Fireworks will attract thousands of people to Weber State University, July 18 from 9-11 p.m.

Now in its 42nd year, the celebrations are a welcome return to normal after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Initiated by John A. and Telitha E. Lindquist in 1978, the Lindquist Pops is a longstanding tradition in northern Utah that brings the community together each year. John E. Lindquist, President of Lindquist Mortuaries and Cemeteries in Ogden, proudly continues this tradition.

“We are so grateful to the Lindquist family for continuing the tradition of the Lindquist Pops Concert, said President Brad Mortensen. “After all that we have endured as individuals and a community during the pandemic, coming together to celebrate provides real evidence of turning the pandemic corner. We are happy to bring a wonderful community together again on our beautiful campus for a joyous celebration.”

The New American Philharmonic, directed by Shannon Roberts, will provide a free 60-minute concert beginning at 9 p.m. at the Ada Lindquist Plaza. The performance will include a selection of patriotic music, featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with a battery of 16 cannons provided by Cannoneers of the Wasatch to accompany. The group has provided the cannons each year for the concert since it started in 1978.

At approximately 10 p.m., attendees will enjoy one of the largest fireworks displays in Utah, accompanied by the symphony. Due to drought conditions, extra precautions are being exercised with this year’s fireworks display, including the possibility of canceling the show if wind and weather conditions pose threats.

Several food trucks will be on hand to sell drinks and refreshments.

On-campus parking and seating will be available, but may be limited due to ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system through campus. The roundabouts off Harrison Boulevard and Dixon Drive will be closed to traffic. Access to campus will be through Edvalson Street, Skyline Drive, and Birch and Taylor avenues.

Guests traveling in motor homes or larger vehicles are encouraged to park on the east side of campus near Stewart Stadium. The Dee Events Center also offers additional parking.

To minimize damage to the grounds, attendees may not leave blankets or chairs to save spaces before July 17 at 6 p.m. Items placed on the lawn prior to that time will be removed. Tarps, stakes and tent pegs are not allowed due to safety concerns and will be removed. No personal fireworks or pets will be allowed on campus, with the exception of service animals. Spectators are asked to clean up their area and drive with courtesy and caution following the event.

Dominion Energy Environmental Grant Applications Now Open to Nonprofit, Educational Organizations

Exciting Changes Coming to YCC – We’re Building Homes and Futures!

Changes to the Donation Center and Thrift Store

Mel Witharana, Janadhi & Company

About Ogden School District

Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce

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