GOODBYE TO A GREAT COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AND LONGTIME SUN VALLEY RESIDENT

The community of Sun Valley lost a great advocate last month as John Jackson passed away surrounded by his family. John spent his entire life doing for others and many in the community benefited from his passion and expertise in taking a complex issue and breaking it down into easy solutions. John and his wife, Phyllis, have resided in Sun Valley for over 47 years.  He often said that  they chose Sun Valley when they both experienced the amazing sunrises and sunsets that are a symbol of the valley. John’s sense of public service was ingrained in his character as he spent serving the public for 24 years while working for Washoe County.

John’s advocacy ranged from helping to construct Gepford Park to starting the first Parent Patrol group in Sun Valley. John was also a member of the Sun Valley Family Resource Center Board, a Sun Valley Sertoma officer, and sat as a respected member on numerous Sun Valley Citizen Advisory Boards.

John  took an active role in community clean-up projects and efforts, helping to champion the “Looking Great in 98” public-private partnership and the “Looking Fine in 99” which ended in a cleaner valley and a closer community.  John was a driving force on passing a Misdemeanor Manslaughter bill through the 2005 Nevada Legislature so that victims of simple driver negligence would show that they had taken a life.

John served as a Sun Valley General Improvement District trustee for over ten years. He was committed to residents, and was a great steward of District funds as he worked tirelessly with District staff to make sure that clean water, sanitary sewer services and recreation was available for residents in the valley. John was also instrumental in encouraging Washoe County and The Sun Valley General Improvement District to reach an agreement to allow the District to assume the maintenance and operations of four local parks in the valley. This bold move during the last economic downturn by the Board of Trustees preserved the parks for residents as the county was moving towards shuttering the parks in the valley.

John’s wife Phyllis shared John’s proudest moment, when he was asked to throw out the first pitch on a Babe Ruth baseball opening day. This was special for John because he was one of the leading volunteers in the late 1970’s that turned a donated lot into a youth baseball complex that is still used today.

Thank you John Jackson for the legacy you have left behind. You will certainly be missed.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

The District is celebrating 50 years of serving Sun Valley. We are planning some fun celebrations so be sure and check the District’s website for information and updates.

FREE SWIM DAYS

Local residents enjoyed a FREE SWIM DAY on July 4th sponsored by Assemblywoman Teresa-Benitez-Thompson.  Don’t miss the next FREE SWIM DAY on Saturday July 15th sponsored by the Fink Family. On behalf of the District and the community , we extend a heartfelt thank you to these generous donors for these days of free swimming fun!

SWIM LESSONS

There are still some spots available for swim lessons this summer. Inquire at the District office Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm or at the pool Wednesday thru Sunday 12pm-5pm.

END OF SEASON POOL PARTY

Come join the party at the pool on Saturday, August 5th where we will celebrate the District’s 50th Anniversary! Watch the website for more details in the coming weeks. The pool will close for the season Sunday, August 6, 2017 at 5pm in conjunction with Washoe County School District Fall Schedule.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Nominate local people or businesses that go above and beyond to improve the quality of life in Sun Valley for one of these annual awards. Forms are available on the District’s website or at the District office.  Deadline for entries is September 30, 2017. Please send your entry to jmerritt@svgid.com.

PHOTO CONTEST

Use your photography skills and enter the District’s annual photo contest. Cash prizes for 1st-2nd-3rd place. Contest rules are available on the District’s website. Deadline to enter your photo is September 30, 2017. Please send your photo to jmerritt@svgid.com.

WATER QUALITY REPORT

The District is proud that our drinking water continues to meet all state and federal drinking water quality standards. Our mission is to provide high quality water at a reasonable value with the highest level of customer service and support. The 2017 Water Quality Report is available on the District website or you can obtain a printed report by contacting Jon Combs, Public Works Director, at the District office.

TARIFF HEARING

The District will hold a tariff hearing to review District rules and rates September 28, 2017 at 6pm. Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) rate increase will also be discussed and how is will affect water rates in Sun Valley.

DATES TO REMEMBER

  • July 15th             Free Swim Day
  • August 5th          Pool Party
  • August 6th          Sun Valley Pool Last Day
  • September 4th   Labor Day District Office Closed
  • September 13th  Life Line Health Screening
  • September 28th  District Tariff Hearing