Murray Journal - June 2015 - Vol. 15 Iss. 6

June 2015 | Vol. 15 Iss. 6

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Festive Farewell For Annual Riverview Junior High Dutch Oven

A Murray Night

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murray fun days!

8

crafting the budget

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By Julie Slama All good things must come to an end, so the saying goes ...

Bethany Haskell and Brynn Gale served everything cheese-related at their booth during the 25th and final annual Dutch Oven Cook-off this May at Riverview Junior High. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

O

n May 8, Riverview Junior High students, alumni, staff, faculty and the community celebrated 25 years of the school’s Dutch Oven Cook-off with scents of chicken, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, garlic potatoes, rice, cheese rolls, fruit cobblers and minty fudge chocolate cake wafting through the air before saying good-bye to the tradition.

Dutch Oven continued on page 4

state reflections

14

community sponsors:

“I can promise you that funding from this local option

will provide visible improvements that can be detailed and shared with our citizens through the years.” page 13

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44

Page 2 | June 2015

Murray City Journal

THE RESIDENT VOICE EDITORIAL

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

WE WANT YOU! The City Journals are excited to announce the addition of “Letters To The Editor” and “Photo Of The Month” in our new “The Resident Voice” section.

A community without a voice is a powerless entity. Because news is the aggregate voice of the people, its importance depends on the belief that you can make a difference.

The editorial staff at My City Journals believes it to be vital to receive, hear and address the unique and invaluable voices of the community.

GUIDELINES Letters To The Editor: Please submit letters to lewis@mycityjournals.com with the subject line “Letters to the Editor” (along with which city journal you are submitting to); your letter should include a title and have a word count between 325-500 words.

Photo Of The Month: Submit your photo to lewis@mycityjournals.com with the subject “Photo Of The Month” (along with which City Journal you are submitting to). Please include your full name, in which city you reside and a brief caption describing your submitted photo.

Be involved. Be engaged.

Be the voice of your community.

—Lewi Lewis, Editor

Mexican Mountain WSA: Dramatic storm clouds roiling above the Mexican Mountain area, San Rafael Swell. By Mark Lewis

Be involved. Be engaged.

Be the voice of your community. we want your letters and photos GUIDELINES Letters To The Editor: Please submit letters to lewis@ mycityjournals.com with the subject line “Letters to the Editor” (along with which city journal you are submitting to); your letter should include a title and have a word count between 325-500 words.

m i ss i o n s tate m e n t

THE MURRAY TEAM

Creative Director: Bryan Scott: bryan@mycityjournals.com Assistant Editor: Lewi Lewis: lewis@mycityjournals.com Staff Writers: Julie Slama, Alisha Soeken and Scott Bartlett

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Photo Of The Month: Submit your photo to lewis@ mycityjournals.com with the subject “Photo Of The Month” (along with which City Journal you are submitting to). Please include your full name, in which city you reside and a brief caption describing your submitted photo.

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June 2015 | Page 3

Page 4 | June 2015

MURRAY 2015

Fun Days

JULY 3RD CONCERT

8 pm, Murray Park Amphitheater, FREE SLC Jazz Orchestra, JAM Dancers, Vocalist America’s Music & Dance, Our Nation’s Gift to the Arts

JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES

Lions Club Community Breakfast 6:30 - 10:00 am - Murray Park Pavilion #5 $5 Adults/$3 Child

SUNRISE SERVICE

7 am - Murray Park Amphitheater Patriotic Address by retired Major General Brian Tarbet, Music by Murray Concert Band

5 K AND KIDS RACE

(MUST preregister by June 26) 5 K Race begins at 8 am - $20 before May 29, $25 until June 26 Kids Race (age 4-9) in Murray Park begins at 9 am - $10 until June 26 www.mcreg.com for online registration Both races begin and end near Constitution Circle, Murray Park

PARADE

Begins at 8:30 am at Fashion Place Mall - ends at Murray Park.

Grand Marshal, Bob Dunn, Director South Valley Boy and Girls Club Note: There is NO car access in or out of Murray Park between 7:30 and 11 am.

ACTIVITIES

10 am - 4 pm 11 am - 4 pm 11 am - 3 pm 8 am - 4 pm

Custom and Vintage Car and Bike Show (Behind swimming pool) Registration info at www.vintagevetteclub.com Food and Game Booths, Rides (FREE) Fishing Booth (Near ice rink - minimal fee) Coed Volleyball Tournament (Softball Field - $30 per team)

ON THE COVER Dutch Oven continued from page 1 Family and consumer science teacher Janet Wayman, who is a past world champion of the International Dutch Oven Society’s annual cook-off, originated the school cook-off with 18 pairs of ninth-grade students so they could learn how to cook a main dish. This year, more than 50 pairs, supported by their families and community, made this last year a beloved community event.

“This is a tradition that students come back to say it’s one of their favorite things they did and loved,” Wayman said. “It has been so fun even though it is so much work. Next year, I’ll be working part-time in the high school, so this was a great year for the last one. I have a lot of great memories from the Dutch oven cook-offs.”

Although hundreds of people from the community come to sample the students’ cooking and see the original themes students create for their menu and booth, Wayman said the planning begins each year in the fall, building upon what she created years ago and fine-tuning the event.

“The event actually began in 1989 with eight teams in my foods class. I thought it would be a good idea for them to see what they could do in cooking a main dish,” she said.

After skipping a year, she kicked it off in 1991 for the entire ninth grade.

“I never ever though it would get this big and become a popular community event,” she said.

Eighteen years ago, applied technology and careers teacher Amy Roberds joined Wayman in organizing the event.

“I’ve gotten to see different recipes that people do in their Dutch ovens that they may not even do in their regular oven,

Hannah Conley and Hannah Zollinger cooked chicken in a biscuit and country potatoes during the 25th and final annual Dutch Oven Cook-off this year at Riverview Junior High.

Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES

Near Playground 11 am - 2 pm Games: Money Scramble, Balloon Toss, Corn Hole 12:30 pm Firemen Squirt

DAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT

Murray Park Gazebo 11 am Zany the Clown 11:45 am Juggling Contest 12 noon Super Bunny, Puppet Players 12:45 pm Musical Previews, Annie Get Your Gun, Camelot 1:30 pm Salt Lake Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts 2:30 pm Community Talent Show

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

Murray Park Softball Field 8:30 pm Dr. Decibel and the Sound Prescription 10 pm Fireworks (leave personal fireworks at home)

like a strawberry coconut cake or pina colada cake,” Roberds said, adding that she has used some of the students’ recipes when she and her family cook in a Dutch oven.

Through the years, the cook-off has evolved; now students learn food safety rules and starting in 2007, they had to follow health department regulations. The school then had to get a site license, which allowed all the students to cook.

Wayman said the learning curve was steep, but the students adapted quickly.

“The students had to learn and practice some new techniques required by the Health Department, so that year’s competition was a new learning opportunity,” she said.

The students begin by finding a partner and then plan their meals, prepare their food in the school’s kitchen two

Murray City Journal Some mighty good cookin’ with these scrumptious cinnamon rolls during the 2009 Riverview Junior High School Dutch Oven Cook-off.

Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

nights before the event, plan a budget with their partner and families, and display good showmanship. Students also had their recipes printed in the school’s annual cookbook that was sold at the event.

However, the students still say it’s all great fun.

Ninth graders Bethany Haskell and Brynn Gale created the “Mousetrap Café,” and sporting mouse ears, they served a menu full of cheese dishes.

“We decided that it would be fun to fit it all to a cheese theme, so we made macaroni and cheese, devil’s tooth cheesecake and cheese onion rolls,” Bethany said. “We had to learn how to cook them all at once without an adult helping.”

Brynn’s grandmother contributed the mouse ears to the booth.

“I really love the cheese rolls, so that got us started,” Brynn said. “And we can tell cheesy jokes to go along with our theme and the fun of all this.”

At the competition, volunteers helped with the dishwashing stations, charcoal and other items to support students. Students had to set up their own canopies and tables in addition to wearing costumes and preparing food. Custodians, teachers and Principal Jim Bouwman pitched in.

“Teachers and parents help with the supervision of the event, and without their support, it would not be an event. Many students who have competed in previous years come back to support those who are cooking. I have many students tell me this is the best extracurricular event they have done and even though it is a lot of work, they learned a lot,” Wayman said.

Bouwman, who first attended the 12th annual event, said his first thought was disbelief.

“I thought it was insane that ninth graders be allowed to run around with charcoal,” he said. “However, it is a very controlled and organized process and we haven’t had one case where we’ve had any real injuries.

There are parents rallying around, second generations now, and more and more families gather to support these kids. I’m sad to see it go, even if it adds a little chaos for a day, because it is such a positive community event that involves students to businesses.”

Judges volunteer from local businesses and Dutch oven competitions; many donate items and awards for the event.

“Many of these judges are great with the students and ask them questions about what they have done, learned and would do differently. We’ve had judges help us from the very start, for all 25 years,” Wayman said.

Flavors from all over the globe were tasted, first by judges,

June 2015 | Page 5

MurrayJournal.com Dutch Oven continued from page 4 then by students and community members who come faithfully to support the school’s event. Wayman makes sure the judges taste a variety of the students’ meals.

“It’s fun to hear the compliments from the judges. It really puts a smile on students’ faces when they hear, ‘Wow, this is beautiful and I haven’t seen it at a world competition’,” Roberds said.

Every year, family and community members, as seen in this photo taken in 2005, come to support and taste the Dutch oven cooking of Riverview Junior High students. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama The prizes, including Dutch ovens, gloves and lid lifters, were supplied from Camp Chef, Cabela’s, IKEA and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Other area business leaders donated cookbooks, meal certificates and cash cards. The school also has provided trophies for the top teams, Wayman said.

This year, the best overall Dutch oven winners were Seth Ellis and Rhett Reger, who cooked braciole with prosciutto, red spaghetti sauce, lemon pasta, focaccia bread and Italian almond cake.

“They did a phenomenal job and their spaghetti sauce was amazing,” Wayman said.

The first place Dutch oven winners were Issac Walker and Stewart McKenna, who cooked pot stickers, spicy chicken stir fry over noodles and crab and tofu dumplings.

“They were very detailed and had excellent flavor,” Wayman said.

Emily Lind and Rylee Richart earned second place, and Shae Harmon and Jessica Walker finished third.

The best dessert went to Carter Benson and Reggie Lee for their fried pineapple rings, and the best costume was awarded to pirates Braedy Dykes and Caleb Black.

Since it was the last year of the cook-off, Wayman opened the contest to all students, breaking the tradition of it being a ninth-grade event.

That opened the door to Team Hannah, or Hannah Conley and her best friend Hannah Zollinger, both seventh graders who created Hannahs’ Home Cookin’. The two were dressed in jeans, wearing cowboy hats over their braided hair and bandannas around their necks.

“We made chicken in a biscuit, country potatoes, which sound much happier than funeral potatoes, homemade ice cream and Hannah’s grandma’s cherry crisp,” Hannah Zollinger said.

“It took us four times practicing to get the ice cream right,” Hannah Conley said, saying that one time it didn’t set, and another time salt leaked into the Ziploc bag they were preparing it in.

“The last time, the Ziploc broke and it exploded all over, but we still had fun and were laughing,” Hannah Zollinger added.

Those memories are the ones that will last with students, Wayman said, but it also opened a learning opportunity.

“I suggested they talk to former students, which they did, and they learned some tricks, but what all students learn — that it takes practice,” she said.

Bouwman said that what he will miss is the opportunities it grants all students.

“One of the things I’ll miss is it allows any student to be involved, from the kid in the office to the one who earns a 4.0. They’re out there, working together, side by side, practicing cooperation, planning, teamwork — all those life skills, but also learning the skill of cooking in a Dutch oven. It is one of the funnest times at school and sometimes that social aspect is lost in all our instructional time. It certainly will be something we’ll remember more than a certain day in math or English, and it’s an event that we’ve done together in our community,” he said. l

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Big crowds attend the 2011 Dutch Oven Cook-off at Riverview Junior High. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

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Page 6 | June 2015

A World Inside A Murray Night

By Alisha Soeken

L

ike the varying patterns of snowflakes that make one beautiful storm, or the billions of stars in our galaxy, there are many separate worlds of community life found knit together inside a night at Murray City Park.

So much of our lives are repetitive, on autopilot; we forget to look up, look around,

Luiz Gomez and Hannia Banuelos enjoying the Murray Park Arboretum.

play or enjoy. But there is something of magic in a park; it creates an energy that brings strangers together, joy to playing children and rare contentment to relaxing adults. On the evening of May 29, 2015 under wide weeping willow trees, hundreds of people crowded together to enjoy a movie in the park, an event held eight evenings throughout the summer at the gazebo in Murray City Park. Joan and Shae Morgan, a young couple, cuddled together with a blanket to sit on and some candy for the show. “I love movies in the park because it’s the official kick

off to summer,” Morgan said. Also enjoying the June 26 “Maleficent” park and movie that evening was Isis Mansilla; she and her family had recently moved from July 17 “The Boxtrolls” (Will be held on the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. “I love movies west side of the Park Center) in the park because they remind me of home: July 31 “Frozen” we had them in Canada,” she said, smiling, August 14 “Monsters University” as her kids dashed around the playground, August 28 “Dolphin Tale 2” swinging, twirling and sliding with delight.

Another separate, yet integral, part of the park’s evening life was happening close by at its softball field. A co-ed kickball tournament was being held, where non-professional co-workers and friends came together to play and challenge each other for the much-hopedfor win. Jessica Grayson and her three-year-old Murray community members gather to watch as “Annie” is played at Murray City Park. daughter were there in the stands cheering the park, “before the big restaurants came in,” on their husband and father. “He is playing because it’s calming,” Gomez said.

The highlight of any evening spent in West remarked. He remembers playing in the for a team called the Recess Rejects,” Grayson said. Incidentally, the Recess Rejects won that Murray Park is the people you’ll meet there; river that runs through Murray City Park as a they help you remember that the beauty of kid. “My favorite thing about this park is that particular game.

Within walking distance of the soft- any place is made lovelier by the people in there is lots of memorabilia in it. I have a lot of ball field, you enter into another one of the it. Two of those people were Mark West and memories here; it was my backyard growing parks, the Arboretum, which lures many. It Kim Marshall. They were sitting on a bench up,” West said. “And I love the running water,” has pleasant walkways that amble alongside next to the river under those beautiful golden Marshall added. Surprisingly, the two were trees with names that sound a lot like candy: weeping willows. West’s father, Terry West, actually on a first date. Imagine that: your first chokecherry, goldenrain, maple, tricolor beech owned commercial property on the corner date documented for all time, with your faces and service berry. The Arboretum was offi- of 53rd South and State Street right next to smiling on ink and paper for a lifetime. They looked so natural together. cially established on Arbor Day This world is big; it’s hard to wrap a mind in 1961, and aside from being Mark West and Kim Marshall sit together enjoying an evening at Murray around the space between cities and seas and a beautiful space, it’s used as a City Park after a first date. the vast amount of people who live here and place to test new tree species for share this planet. But tonight as the sun goes their ability to adapt to Murray’s down on another evening, our community is climate and soil conditions. Most playing together, laughing, having a first date, of the plants in the Arboretum walking through the trees, or just enjoying the have been donated not only by sound of running water. And as the west sky companies but also by individual turns pink and swirly, it almost pleads for us people. Each tree in the park is to turn off the autopilot. labeled with its species, makThere is so much beauty on this ancient ing it easy, even for a novice, to planet to get out and find, and when we reach learn their names as you stroll out to people, even those we don’t know, we through the park. Luiz Gomez might find not only a charming communiand Hannia Banuelos were two ty park with worlds within itself, but also a of those young people enjoying park’s true beauty: it’s people. l the Arboretum. “I like it here

She is an angel of a cat who was taking in all of the orphaned kittens coming into the shelter. She was such a good mom to the kittens, that they are big and healthy now and ready to be on their own. With an empty cage, Foster is ready to start her new life as a cat with a forever home. Madame Foster’s adoption fee is $65 and that includes her up to date vaccinations, her spay and a microchip. If you think you Madame Foster is the cat for you, visit her at the Murray City Animal Shelter during normal business hours.

MURRAY ANIMAL

MOVIES IN THE PARK SCHEDULE Fridays Nights in Murray Park at the Gazebo at 9 p.m

Have you met Madame Foster?

s h e lt e r

Murray City Journal

LOCAL LIFE

MURRAY

POLICE DEPARTMENT

5624 South 300 West • 801.264.2671 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm

June 2015 | Page 7

MurrayJournal.com

D

“Grease’d – Happy Days Are Here Again!”

esert Star Playhouse, the theater that’s built a reputation for producing laughout-loud, family-friendly musical comedies, continues its 2015 season with a sock hoppin’ flashback to the 1950’s in “Grease’d - Happy Days are Here Again!”

Excited to start their senior year at Saltair High School, the Sharks dream of repeating their state championship victory in water skiing at the Great Salt Lake over their bitter rivals, the Antelope Island High School Jets. With the help of Saltair High School’s own hero, Manny Zeko, victory is almost assured. When the mysterious and charismatic new student Charles “Ponzi” Ponzerelli shows up, can Manny with his fellow Sharks, Canucky and Putzi, and accompanied by the lovely leader of the Pink Lemons, Frizzo, stay on top of the world?!

Come along with this crazy cast of iconic characters and their sidesplitting, high school high jinx as Desert Star takes you through this spoof of all things 1950s.

Written by Ed Farnsworth and directed

by Scott Holman, Grease’d runs from June 11 to August 22, 2015.

The evening also includes another of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. The Kickin’ It Country Olio will feature some of your country music favorites, with a unique and always hilarious, Desert

Mayor Crafts Budget With Residents In Mind

A

CALENDAR: “Grease’d – Happy Days Are Here Again!”

Plays June 11 - August 22, 2015 Star twist!

Desert Star audiences can enjoy gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, burgers, scrumptious desserts, and other finger foods, as well as a full selection of soft drinks, smoothies and a large array of iced and hot steamers and coffees while they watch the show. Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table. l

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2:30pm, 6pm and 8:30pm, and some Saturday lunch matinées at 11:30am; Friday late shows at 9:30pm Tickets: Adults: $22.95, Children: $12.95 (Children 11 and under) 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107 Call 801.266.2600 for reservations or visit www.

DesertStarPlayhouse.com for more info.

By Scott Bartlett

new fiscal year begins July 1, and Mayor Ted Eyre has proposed a budget he feels will benefit Murray residents. He presented the budget to the city council in its May 5 meeting.

“It is our primary responsibility to provide services to our residents,” said Eyre. In the past fiscal year, Eyre has focused on improving Murray and the lives of its residents through city services. Those services include a new culinary well at McGhie Springs, new reservation software for recreation programs and city facilities and street improvements.

Those and other areas will continue to be the mayor’s focus in the upcoming year.

Eyre reported that the city’s general fund is 2.7 percent above last year’s levels.

This increase is due in part to increased sales tax revenue.

The city’s Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, is a main area of focus in the budget.

When departments save money in their operations budget, that money is placed in the CIP to be spent on one-time projects throughout the city.

Past and current CIP projects include the purchase of ten new police cars, a new

Budget continued on page 8

Page 8 | June 2015

DRAPER

Murray City Journal

Kicking Off Murray Fun Days On July 3

By Lewi Lewis

CAPPELLA I 4 GROUPS 1 Amazing Show!

FRIDAY

JUNE 26 7:45PM SHOW HOSTS: voice male Taylor Hicks

American Idol Winner

July 31 • 8pm TICKETS & INFO:

www.

DraperAmphitheater .com

t’s that time of year when a shadow of patriotic proclivity blankets the majority of cities and residents throughout Utah, and Murray is no exception.

“The Murray Fun Days offers a time when our residents can come together to celebrate the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as citizens of this great nation. It also is a time when the City can express our appreciation to those who truly make up the character of our community,” Mayor Ted Eyre said of the importance of Murray Fun Days On the night of July 3, Murray Fun Days will get underway at the Murray Park Amphitheater with “America’s Music and Dance: Our Nation’s Gift to the Arts,” a free concert scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., featuring the Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra, the JAM Dancers, vocalist and narrator Denny Floor, and much more.

On July 4 there will be a sunrise service at 7 a.m. which includes music by the Murray Concert Band, followed by an address from Major General Brian L. Tarbet.

And then, seemingly everyone’s favorite: the parade. Murray’s Fun Days parade is one of the largest parades in the Salt Lake Valley.

This year’s float and grand marshal will honor the Boys and Girls Club.

Bob Dunn was selected as this year’s grand marshal; he has 40 plus years of service

with the youth of Murray.

“My philosophy has always been that only through collaborating with the city, school district, other service and non-profit organizations, business and community leaders can we be successful. Our success is due to the support of these outstanding groups and individuals,” Dunn said.

Following the sunrise service and parade, Fun Days will include a variety of activ-

Budget continued from page 7 ambulance and six new defibrillators. The city cemetery is being improved, including an update to the sprinkler system, the removal of roads and the creation of new burial plots.

The Jordan River Parkway Trail is also being repaired and will have a new asphalt surface.

“This budgeting tool has been invaluable in planning for these large dollar expenditures,” said Eyre.

The CIP will continue to fund projects in the upcoming fiscal year, including the purchase of a new fire truck and another ten police cars, road projects and improvements to the pathway in Murray Park.

Eyre also reported that the city has received a triple-A credit rating, making Murray the second city in the state, along with Salt Lake City, to receive that rating. This means the city will get lower interest rates on future bonds.

“What this tells you is that the city is well run,” said Justin Zollinger, the city’s finance director. “We have great financial policies that dictate how we do business. The impact is when we need to build a city hall or a big project, it actually costs less in interest. It could save us a lot of money over time.”

In the last fiscal year, the power department used reserve funds to pay down bond balances early. The power department, the mayor,

The Murray City Cemetery will continue to see improvements as part of the proposed 2015-2016 city budget. Photo by Scott Bartlett the city council and Zollinger decided that it made sense to pay down those bond balances out of reserves to save money on interest, rather than rebuild the reserve.

Zollinger said the early payoff made in the last fiscal year saved over $640,000 in interest. The mayor’s current proposed budget calls for the same early payoff plan, which will save another $870,000 in interest.

This year’s bond payments will pay off the remainder of the balances six years earlier than scheduled. The city will again tap reserves for this payment.

Eyre also plans to award a three percent increase in compensation to all full-time, benefited employees. The increase is based partly on merit and partly on a cost-of-living adjustment.

According to Zollinger, this is only the third year since 2008 that city employees have received this sort of merit increase or

ities during the day, including a community breakfast, 5K and kids race, entertainment, food, rides, games, volleyball tournament and car show. Fun Days will conclude with Dr. Decibel & the Sound Prescription as the evening concert at 8:30 p.m. in the Murray Park softball field.

In order to keep its residents safe, Murray City asks patrons to leave their personal fireworks at home. l cost-of-living adjustment. Zollinger says the recession played a major role in preventing wage increases.

The budget will also cover an eight percent increase in the city’s employee health insurance plan.

“Our employees … take pride in providing great service to our residents,” said Eyre.

“The work they do is accomplished by dedicated, trained, professional employees. These are ways we can acknowledge and appreciate all the good work they do.”

The entire 2015-2016 budget accounts for just over $119 million in revenue and expenditures. This includes revenue that would be generated from a proposed 0.2 percent local sales tax that Eyre has proposed to the city council. Should that tax not pass, the budget would have to be scaled back accordingly.

The budget is now in the hands of the city council for review. They, the mayor, Zollinger and other departments are working to fine-tune the details of the budget. Zollinger expects that several details will change, but that the main components will stay as proposed by Eyre.

Those wishing to review the budget in its entirety should visit the city website at murray.utah.gov and navigate to the Finance Department page.

The city council plans to vote on the budget in its June 16 meeting. l

June 2015

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

Mayor’s Message

Attorney.............................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing.............................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery............................................ 801-264-2637 City Council......................................... 801-264-2603 Finance Department........................... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office...................... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls..................... 801-840-4000 General Information............................ 801-264-2525 Heritage Center (Sr. Center)................. 801-264-2635 Human Resources................................ 801-264-2656 Library................................................ 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office...................................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court................................... 801-284-4280 Museum.............................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Park Outdoor Pool................... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course................ 801-262-4653 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office...................... 801-264-2614 Rain-out Information..................... 801-264-2525 Park Center (indoor pool).................... 801-284-4200 Passports............................................ 801-264-2660 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office...................... 801-264-2673 Animal Control............................... 801-264-2671 Code Enforcement.......................... 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls..................... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office...................... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency................... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office...................... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection........................ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers....................... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning...................... 801-270-2420 Solid Waste..................................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets...................... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement....................... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency................... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions............................ 801-264-2626

WEBSITE:

murray.utah.gov

One of our city-owned utilities is Murray City Power. It was created in 1913 when the community demanded affordable, reliable electricity along with the control over this vital service. The Progress Electric Company brought the first power to the city in 1905 when wire was strung to light about 100 lights and a few businesses. The residents were so excited and pleased, they wanted more, but the Company couldn’t accommodate their request. Soon thereafter, the City Commissioners acquired the company and signed a resolution to start the City’s owned power department.

Today, in our Power Department, we employ 47 individuals, performing all aspects of utility work including electrical distribution system design, construction and maintenance, electrical generation and substations, along with administrative functions. The forestry division, including the utility arborists, are also housed in this department.

Our power resource mix is quite diverse and is generated from three main sources

– natural gas, coal and water turbines. Fifty percent of the energy comes from three different coal generation projects, 25 percent hydro, 12 percent renewable landfill gas, 6 percent natural gas turbines, and the remaining 7 percent comes from spot market purchases. At the Trans-Jordan and Salt Lake County landfills, the waste generates methane gas which generates useable power. Murray was one of the first communities to receive power from methane gas. Electricity generated from the landfill fulfills a percentage of our needs and has the ability to produce even more if needed. Not-for-profit prices help keep Murray’s power costs among the lowest in the state and country.

In the event of regional transmission failures, Murray’s gas turbine generation plant is capable of delivering electricity to a substantial portion of the city, including hospitals and other emergency systems.

Murray City is highly respected when dealing with other power agencies. We are valued members of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and the American Public Power Association (APPA).

The utility arborists are responsible for keeping the trees trimmed around

MOSQUITOES The South Salt Lake Valley Mosquito Abatement District (SSLVMAD) would like to wish everyone a safe and pleasant summer. Summer provides a great time to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Unwelcome mosquitoes, however, can make many outdoor activities less enjoyable.

You can help control the mosquito population by: • Eliminating unnecessary standing water from your property.

• Emptying and refreshing desirable standing water at least weekly.

• Treating livestock watering troughs and ornamental ponds with mosquito control products or fish (this service is available free of charge from the SSLVMAD).

• Reporting other standing water to the SSLVMAD.

MAYOR’S OFFICE Ted Eyre, Mayor Jan Wells,

Chief Administrative Officer

801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107 the power lines, park strips and other City properties. Murray City was just awarded the Tree City USA award for the 37th consecutive year. This is the longest for any city in the state. Each year our arborists plant approximately 50-100 trees and trim upwards of 3400 trees. The arborists train and compete in competitions which test their skills. They always represent our City well.

Murray’s Power Department is stronger than ever, providing exceptional reliability at competitive prices while advancing environmentally sensitive resources and are financially sound. This is just one more aspect of our City that makes “Murray, a City without Equal.”

Sincerely,

Ted Eyre, Mayor

Additionally, the following suggestions can help you avoid being bitten by mosquitoes: • Use mosquito repellents approved by the Environmental Protection Agency according to instructions on the product label.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible when outdoors.

• Avoid outdoor activities during times of peak mosquito activity (between dusk and dawn for several species of mosquitoes including disease vectors known to occur in Utah).

For additional information about mosquitoes and mosquito control or to submit a request for service, please visit sslvmad.org.

Message from the Council As an elected official it’s important that I take the time to represent to my constituents how their tax dollars are being spent. From road projects to parks and recreation, your tax dollars are at work building and maintaining your community.

Murray City is fortunate to have the budget capability to underwrite professional public safety providers, firefighters and police who are prepared to respond within minutes to public safety needs, all the while patrolling and protecting our homes and businesses.

In addition to providing for our citizens’ public safety, Murray City is also busy maintaining your municipality through the application of various public works projects. Here are just a few of the endeavors, by topic, that currently benefit our respective areas.

ROADS • 4800 South State Street to Van Winkle – complete rebuild • 5900 South overlay (725 East -1050 East) • Road improvements to Winchester, College, Fashion Blvd, Creekview Dr., Greenfield, and Creek Lane • Rail crossings at Vine St. and Fireclay – utility work, design, and inspections • 5900 South – State Street to 725 East design and construction • 5900 South – State Street to 700 West project design • Winchester St. road overlay – State to 900 East • Marriott, Home2Suites, and Holiday Inn –complete roadway, sidewalk and utility improvements for each hotel • Traffic signal improvements at 4800 South and 500 West, 5400 South and 700 West, 4500 South and Main Street, 4500 South 500 West, and 4500 South and 500 East • Bike lane projects on Vine Street and Winchester • Vine Street overlay from 1300 East to Van Winkle • 5600 South widening at 925 East

FLEET • 2014 purchased $650,000 worth of vehicles and equipment, with another $750,000 worth of vehicles and equipment on order.

• Storm water pipe replacement Stauffer Lane, Bellview, Greenfield and 5900 South at 380 West

PARKS, RECREATION, HERITAGE CENTER & ARTS/HISTORY • Southwood Park pavilion and restroom remodeled and playground replaced • Pickleball added at the Park Center • Re-plaster leisure pool and reconstruction of the water slide tower at the Park Center • Plaster replacement in the competitive pool at the Park Center

In addition to these Parks and Recreation projects, service records in this area show some impressive statistics. Swim lessons are the top recreation program in the City with 2,450 participants.

Over 14,000 individuals participated in recreation programs for adults, youth and special events. And, our Heritage Center served nearly 12,700 meals in one year. Cultural Arts and History sponsored approximately 75 different programs, including multiple nights, involving over 35,000 patrons and artists.

These are just some of the many projects and services provided. Your City’s infrastructure is in capable hands. And I trust that we are spending your tax dollars effectively.

Councilman Dave Nicponski

Council District 1

MAKE SMALL CHANGES

MURRAY CITY COUNCIL Council District 1

Dave Nicponski

801-913-3283 dnicponski@msn.com Council District 2

D. Blair Camp

801-214-8547 blair.camp@murray.utah.gov Council District 3

Jim Brass

801-598-7290 jim.brass@murray.utah.gov Council District 4

Diane Turner

801-635-6382 diane.turner@murray.utah.gov Council District 5

Brett A. Hales

801-882-7171 brett.hales@murray.utah.gov Council Administrator

Jan Lopez

801-264-2622 jlopez@murray.utah.gov

FOR BIG IMPACTS

We recycle about 65 percent of all paper consumed, which means most people are recycling at least some paper. Yet, according to the EPA, there is more paper and cardboard in the landfill than any other one thing.

WATER PROJECTS • McGhie Springs rehabilitation project began, stabilizing tunnels and springs.

• Water line replacement project – Winchester, Golden Drive, Sanford and Lindon replacing 6-8 inch cast iron with 8-10 inch ductile iron pipe.

SEWER PROJECTS • Completed sewer line replacement at Fashion Place Mall • Sewer projects at Fairborne, Edison and 235 East • Cleaned 95 miles of sewer line

STORM DRAIN PROJECTS • Winchester storm drain and detention basin project • Parkside storm drain installation project

Nearly all paper products are recyclable!

This includes our paperboard products, too.

Simply make sure any plastic inserts or other non-paper materials are removed and then toss them in your recycling bin!

For more recycling information, visit recycle. slco.org or email us at recycle@slco.org.

For additional information, please contact Mary Ann Kirk at 801-264-2638

Murray Arts Beat kerbell visit the nursery of the Darling children and with a sprinkle of pixie dust begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. Produced by Sandbox Theater Company with special permission by Music Theater.

• June 27, Murray Symphony Pops, 8 p.m.

Murray Arts in the Park Evening Series, Murray Park Amphitheater

• July 10-11, Ballet under the Stars, 8:30 p.m.

• July 18, Murray Concert Band, 8 p.m.

• June 17-20, 22-25, “Peter Pan,” Murray Park Amphitheater, 8 p.m. - Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick Tin-

•July 30-Aug 5, (excluding Sunday), “Annie Get Your Gun,” 8 p.m.

• August 8, Big Band Swing with guest artist, Bill Tole, 8 p.m.

Murray Arts in the Park Free Series continues throughout the summer with the Family Night Series at the Heritage Senior Center at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of June through September at 7 p.m., Lunch Concerts Series at 12:10 p.m. every Tuesday and Children Matinee Series every Thursday at 2 p.m. at Murray Park Pavilion #5.

Murray Library June 1 - August 31 Summer reading program for kids, teens and adults. Come sign up today!

SUMMER SHORTS Mondays in July at 2 p.m.

July 6 - Wild Wonders Animal Show July 13 - Super Hero Training Camp July 20 - Dazzle Dogzz July 27 - Mad Science—The Science

Behind the Super Heroes

TIE DYE Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to noon

FIREMEN’S SQUIRT Monday, August 3 at 2 p.m.

(At the baseball field next to the Murray Aquatic Center) EVENTS ARE FREE AND FOR ALL AGES. Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Visit us online at murraylibrary.org Murray Library Home

166 E. 5300 South, Murray, UT 84107

Keep your kids busy this summer with productive activities instead of sitting in front of the TV or computer. Murray City youth grades K-8 are invited to participate in a fun summer program. Check it out on WePlayUnplugged.

Kids can earn “brag badges” as they participate in various free activities. Lanyards were sent home with school children. If your child did not receive one, they can pick one up at the Murray Parks office or the Murray or Granite School District offices.

Like our Facebook page at murraycityculturalarts to get more detail and regular reminders of weekly activities.

Street Department

Every Hero Has a Story at Murray Library!

or call us at 801-264-2580 for more information

WePlayUnplugged

Murray Library Calendar

If you have questions, please contact the Murray Public Services Department at 801-270-2440

5900 South Construction Update Beginning in late fall 2015 and continu- project in the spring of 2016. ing through 2016, Murray City will be emThank you for your patience during this barking on a roadway improvement project next year as we complete this final phase of on 5900 South from State Street to 700 West. 5900 South reconstruction.

This project will include: • new storm drain and water lines, • sidewalk improvements, • roadway resurfacing, and • signal upgrades.

The intersection of 5900 South and 300 West will be widened and new signals will be added to improve safety at the UTA Trax crossing. Delays are to be expected and local traffic only is encouraged. Efforts will be made to continue pedestrian access throughout the length of the project. For the past several months Questar Gas has been installing a new gas line through the corridor. As they finish over the next several weeks, they will be making repairs to the curb, sidewalk, roadway and landscaping.

Temporary asphalt is being placed instead of concrete in several areas. This asphalt will be replaced with concrete by the Murray City

Heritage Center The Heritage Center in Murray is having a Yard Sale and Car Show all on the same day. Join us Saturday, June 20 for our annual fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the family and enjoy a $3 pancake breakfast, served from 8 until 11 a.m., listen to the music of the Second Story Band from 9 to 10 a.m., shop for treasures in our huge Yard Sale and look over some cool cars on display at our Car Show. If you would like to donate items to the Yard Sale, bring your clean and good working condition items to the Heritage Center, 10 E. 6150 South, after May 26 (no old TVs, computer monitors, old clothes or electronics please).

Murray Water Department Murray City Water Department’s Fix A Leak week activities included an art contest using the theme of Water Conservation. With the help of the Murray School District and the National Energy Foundation, all the fourth-grade classes throughout the district were invited to submit entries. We received over 400 entries depicting numerous thoughts and ideas about water conservation. Rahim A., from Grant Elementary, was the overall winner.

(See winning pictures at right and below)

Yard Sale & Car Show!

If you have a classic car you would like to enter in the car show, the cost is $10 in advance or $15 the day of the show. Applications are available at the Heritage Center. The first 50 cars entered will receive a t-shirt and dash plaque. In addition, all car show entrants will be entered into a drawing to win an Aussie Walk-A-Bout propane grill donated by RC Willey. There will also be prize drawing raffles for everyone visiting the car show.

ENVISION UTAH We need your voice to help shape the future of Utah

For information on these and other great Heritage Center programs call 801-264-2635

By the year 2050 Utah’s population will nearly double.

What will that mean for our schools? The quality of our air?

Our water? Our economy? What do you want Utah to be like in 2050? At Governor Herbert’s request, Envision Utah is giving you the chance to decide what Utah should be like. You can decide by taking the Your Utah Your Future survey at envisionutah.org. Your answers will help create a vision for keeping Utah a great place to live.

MurrayJournal.com

June 2015 | Page 13

LOCAL LIFE

Mayor Promises Visible Improvements From Proposed Local Tax

M

ayor Ted Eyre has recommended a new local sales tax as part of his proposed budget for 2015-2016. The new tax would be 0.2% charged at every point of sale within Murray and would fund projects the City has been unable to do otherwise.

In his May 5 budget address to the City Council, Eyre explained that the state changed its tax distribution formula in 2006. While most cities statewide saw an increase in their share of sales tax received, Murray City was among a handful that saw their sales tax revenues decrease significantly.

According to Justin Zollinger, Murray City finance director, the City took a $1.5 million hit with the change to sales tax distribution, measured in recession years. In non-recession years, this hit reaches $2.73 million. A property tax increase has covered a portion, but not all, of the loss.

Eyre explained that in 2008, the state legislature realized that cities such as Murray had suffered the unintended consequence of the changed tax distribution formula. To provide relief, they made it possible for those cities to enact a 0.2% local sales tax, which translates to $.20 on a $100 purchase. Eyre is recommending that the City put this local sales tax in place as of October 1, 2015.

Eyre already has many projects in mind to utilize the funds that would be generated

The old Murray ice skating facility would be replaced with a pavilion, splash pad and restrooms funded by a new local sales tax. Photo by Scott Bartlett through the local sales tax. The list of unfunded projects has grown since 2008 and will continue to grow without additional money.

First on the mayor’s list is public safety.

Several years ago, the City offered a retirement incentive to help balance its budget. Two firefighters and five police officers accepted that incentive and have not been replaced to date.

Eyre considers public safety a major priority and wants to replace both firefighters and three police officers with the new funds.

Eyre also acknowledges that many roads are in need of repair. Part of the additional funds would be combined with gas tax revenue to maintain and repair roads.

“We’re trying to put a lot of money into roads this year and make some repairs and start catching up with the sales tax dollars.

If we don’t pass the sales tax it’s a moot point because there’s no money to do those additional roads,” said Zollinger.

Recreation projects also made it onto

the mayor’s list.

“We have plans to remove the old ice skating arena and replace it with new restrooms, a new pavilion and a splash pad. This project will take a couple of budget cycles and will vastly improve that area of Murray Park and provide new amenities for residents to enjoy,” said Eyre. Neighborhood parks would also be upgraded with additional playground and bathroom facilities.

Other projects include converting the city-owned Armory building to a community building and upgrading the animal shelter.

The sales tax option has a sunset provision in 2030, and Eyre wants to do as much as possible until then. Zollinger shares the sentiment.

“We would balance the budget, we would make every dime work we could, but if you want to get these additional roads fixed and parks improved it just takes more money.”

Eyre is confident the local sales tax will provide substantial and tangible benefits to

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“I can promise you that funding from this local option will provide visible improvements that can be detailed and shared with our citizens through the years.”

In response to the mayor’s address, Councilmember Dave Nicponski stated that the proposed 0.2% sales tax is an adjustment to correct for the loss of funds the City suffered with the changes in tax distribution. The City is looking to replace those funds to be able to provide services and capital improvements to the community.

Zollinger also looks forward to the work that can be completed should the new tax be enacted.

“I’m excited for the roads that we can do, especially if the sales tax goes through.

I’m excited for the parks and the pavilions we can improve and make new. I’m excited for the positive things that could result from it. Hopefully, our citizens appreciate it, too.

We’re doing our best to manage the funds that they’ve given us stewardship over.”

The mayor’s proposed 2015-2016 budget includes funds that would be received through the new sales tax. Should the City Council not vote in favor of the tax, the budget revenue and expenditure would have to be rolled back.

The City Council plans to vote on the proposed tax in its June 16 meeting. l

Page 14 | June 2015

Unsung Heroes

In Our Community sponsored by:

Hero Of The Month Machelle Lake is being honored as this month’s Jenkins-Soffe Hero. Machelle has worked at the Murray Boys and Girls Club for almost 5 years. She is the director of special events, and also plans and executes fundraising events for the Club. “I love being able to see our mission in action,” says Machelle.

“I am fortunate to work closely with the program directors and Area Director. I admire them so much.”

Machelle is uniquely able to see how the Club benefits not only the kids who come through the doors, but also the families which they come from.

Just three weeks after starting work at the Club, she accepted the opportunity to be a foster parent to 3 wonderful kids, then ages 15, 11, and 4. Since that time, the kids’ younger brother has joined the family, and Machelle has adopted them all. She has been able to bring her own kids to the Club, and has experienced first-hand the benefit that can come from a child’s participation in its programs. “I’ve been here long enough to see how the Club has affected [the kids] in so many levels,” says Machelle.

“My office is in the teen center, and several of the teens will come into my office to talk about life, school, or future plans. I love being able to talk with them and support them, while working to keep them in school and on track.”

Machelle grew up, and has lived most of her life in Utah. Currently, she and her 4 kids call Midvale “home”. She loves Italian food and popcorn, and spending time with her kids going to soccer games, the movies, or swimming. Thank you for your service, Machelle!

Family Owned and Operated Since 1915

Longview Student Wins State Reflections Contest

By Julie Slama

W

hen Longview second grader Megan Kirk entered the dance category in the Parent-Teacher Association’s Reflections contest this year, she did it simply because she likes to dance.

That love and talent propelled her to win the state title on May 2 at the state Reflections ceremony.

“I guess I’m good at it,” Megan said about receiving her first dance award. “I’m excited since I don’t have a lot of trophies.”

At the ceremony, the state winners were presented wooden plaques and rosette ribbons.

The students’ work will be displayed at the Leonardo’s exhibit, “SPARK!” through this summer.

The Utah PTA Reflections awards has celebrated more than 40 years of student achievement in the arts, including dance, film, literature, music, photography, three-dimensional art and visual art.

Megan made up moves and choreographed those with some she learned in her ballet class to the song, “Hello Sunshine.”

“I did my arms in a circle for the sun and put my hands around my face when the song said, ‘It’s been a beautiful place,’” she said.

While Megan wore a ballet costume and ballet shoes, her feet, however, were more restricted as she danced in a wheelchair since she has spinal muscular atrophy.

“She doesn’t let her physical weakness stop her from participating in things,” her mother, Nancy, said. “She is spunky and funny. And the dance she choreographed in her wheelchair was darling.”

This is the first year that the Reflections program has held a special artist category, which Megan won in dance. In addition, she competed in the literature and visual art categories with other students outside of the special artist category.

“I decided to do ballet because I’m not as good in tap. I just like to dance to the music and (in) the lights,” Megan said.

Megan is also involved in theater and has participated in after-school Up With Kids performances of “Neverland” and “Frozen.”

She enjoys reading the Rainbow Magic Fairies series and wants to grow up to be either a veterinarian or sports medicine doctor.

Megan’s older sister, Adrianna, also was honored at the state Reflections ceremony with an award of merit in dance for the in-

Longview second grader Megan Kirk won the Utah PTA Reflections state title in the special artist dance category. Photo courtesy of Nancy Kirk termediate level.

Other students who were honored with an award of merit at state include Murray High’s Rebekah Schaus in dance, McMillan’s Ender Rasmussen in film, and Horizon’s Alexia Jarvis and Grant’s Sadie Milne in photography. l

Murray Rotary Honors Top Murray High Scholars, Teacher

By Julie Slama

T

en Murray High scholars were honored at a Murray Rotary Club luncheon on May 18 for their scholastic achievement. Murray Rotary president James Charnholm welcomed guests before Murray High principal John Goldhardt introduced the honored students, who were selected by their grade-point average and ACT college entrance scores.

“We celebrated these students’ academic achievement,” Goldhardt said. “These are the

100 years and 5 generations of experience creating life tributes in our community.

4760 South State Street Murray, Utah • 801-266-0222 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, Utah • 801-254-1928

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Murray City Journal

EDUCATION

Nathan LeCheminant

students who put forth the effort to learn the material and prepare for college. It’s a great partnership with the Rotary, who recognizes and values the importance of these students’ achievements.”

Max Adams, who was one of the honored seniors, appreciated the recognition being given to his classmates.

“It’s an important award that recognizes Murray High’s scholastic achievements and also, it means a lot coming from people who serve others, to so many of our students who are helping the community and finding a way to give back,” he said.

Adams, who earned a perfect ACT score, plans to study finance in college, earned his Eagle in Boy Scouts and has been involved in music, theater, cross country, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Health Occupation Students of America and Academic Olympiad. He was named the state Sterling Scholar for business and marketing.

His fellow classmates who also were honored include: Bradley Baer, who has a 3.97 grade-point average, has competed for Murray High in both soccer and basketball, played in the concert band and earned his Eagle in Boy Scouts.

Caitlin Coplan Tyler Bartunek, who wants to study mechanical engineering, holds a 3.96 grade-point average and earned a 29 on the ACT. He has helped with the Murray High ArtsFest and is involved in film. He also earned the Super Spartan Award.

Alexander Burns, a four-year cross country letterman, earned a 30 on his ACT and holds a 3.9 grade-point average while taking several Advanced Placement classes. He also is a volunteer counselor for Write On! Summer

Rotary Honors continued on page 15

June 2015 | Page 15

MurrayJournal.com Rotary Honors continued from page 14 writing camp and plays violin.

Caitlin Coplan wants to study chemistry and has dreams of teaching science in high school. She was Murray High’s Sterling Scholar and has been involved in Key Club, Academic Olympiad and in the choir program. She is the school’s salutatorian and received the AP Scholar Award.

Lia Gale, who plans to study science and engineering in college, is the school’s vocal performance Sterling Scholar. Lia is a member of the teen advisory council at Murray Public Library, Tyler Bartunek helps run junior high science fairs, plays lacrosse and is involved in the book club and choir program.

Nathan LeCheminant earned a 34 on the ACT, holds a 3.998 grade-point average and has taken six AP courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, is the school’s English Sterling Scholar and volunteers with the Special Needs Activity Program.

Kaycee Mortensen, who plans to study finance, wants to be the first female general manager of a National Hockey League franchise. She will compete in the national Future Business Leaders of America contest this summer and also is involved in the school’s Spanish Club, cheer team, National Honor Society and DECA business and marketing organization.

Claire Nelson, who has been named an AP scholar with honors, plans to study science, technology, engineering or math. She has completed nine AP courses, has been on the honor roll every term while in high school and is a

National Honor Society member. She also has competed in both Academic Olympiad and the state math test and volunteers at the Homeless Youth Resource Center.

Sarah Nelson, who was a Sterling Scholar state finalist in instrumental music, will graduate from Murray High with a 4.0 grade-point average. She has taken five AP classes, plays piano for the Madrigals and participated in the Girls Leadership Forum, National Honor Society and Peer Leadership Team. She also has been involved with the Special Needs Activity Program.

“The 10 students selected a teacher who has had the greatest impact on their education,” Murray School District Superintendent Steve Hirase said.

Goldhardt named the Meritorious Teacher as Chantel Olsen.

Olsen has been a teacher at Murray High since August 2003. She taught English until this year when she became the school’s work-based learning coordinator. She was the 2014-15 Teacher of the Year for Murray School District.

The Rotary has honored Murray High students for years and a Murray High teacher since 1972.

“I am appreciative for the Murray Rotary Club’s longstanding commitment to recognize the top senior scholars who attend Murray High School,” Hirase said. “These students are outstanding representatives of this year’s senior class and a great reflection of the outstanding school that Murray High School is.” l

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Sandbox Theatre Company

By Pat Carr, Sandbox Theatre Marketing Manager

C

ome fly with us to the place where dreams come true— Neverland! Sandbox Theatre Company, in conjunction with Murray Arts in the Park, presents the timeless musical “Peter Pan!” based on the play by J. M. Barbie. Performances are June 17 – 20 and June 22 – 25 at the Murray Park Amphitheater, located at 371 East 5300 South, Murray, Utah.

Showtime is 8:00 p.m. each night.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors and may be purchased at the Amphitheater box office.

Fred Lee plays Peter Pan, while Jim Dale plays the infamous Captain Hook and Kellie Lawson debuts as Tiger Lily, supported by a cast of pirates, Indians and the Darling family.

Produced by the same teams that brought “The Sound of Music,” “Annie,” “Beauty and the Beast”, “Scarlet Pimpernel,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to life on the Amphitheater stage, “Peter Pan” is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Special show memorabilia, such as pixie dust necklaces, pirate necklaces, wands and Peter Pan hats will be available before each show and during intermission. l

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Page 16 | June 2015

Murray City Journal

City Renews Partnership With Housing Rehabilitation Non-profit

O

n May 5 Murray City Council voted to renew its partnership with NeighborWorks through 2017. NeighborWorks is a non-profit organization that provides financial education and loans for housing rehabilitation, with 22 projects complete or pending to date within the city.

The partnership originated in 2010. In the city’s 2009 housing analysis, “we identified areas in Murray that we need to address related to the age of our housing stock … and keeping our housing stock very positive for the community,” said Tim Tingey, director of the city’s redevelopment agency.

The city brought in NeighborWorks to help in those areas. NeighborWorks has operated for many years in Salt Lake City, completing many multiple-home neighborhood rehabilitation projects there. They are a national entity with financial and housing expertise.

In return for NeighborWorks’s services, the city provides administrative funding to staff a local Murray office; NeighborWorks can then provide its expertise and funding sources locally.

“The great benefit about NeighborWorks is that they match us dollar for dollar so that funding we put in through the city or redevelopment agency, they match those dollars by raising private and federal grant

[funding],” said Tingey.

One of the services NeighborWorks provides is financial fitness courses and foreclosure counseling, available to any Murray resident.

NeighborWorks also provides home improvement loans to those who qualify. Typical projects include repairs to roofs, water leaks and siding, but can be much larger as the homeowner needs.

Any Murray resident can apply for the loan program. To qualify, they may earn up to 120% of the area’s median income and must have an acceptable debt-to-income ratio. These factors primarily determine the size of the loan and its terms. NeighborWorks can help unsuccessful applicants through its financial courses to help them qualify for the loan program.

Because NeighborWorks acquires funding through private and government sources, it can offer loan rates at or below prime.

The current agreement states that NeighborWorks will issue no fewer than eight such loans through 2017. Tingey believes that if more qualifying loan requests were made, NeighborWorks would find the funds to fill them.

In addition to financial courses and loan programs, NeighborWorks purchases blighted or problem homes. They then either rehabilitate the home if feasible, or demolish it and build a new home in its place. The current

By Scott Bartlett

NeighborWorks is constructing a new home at 6521 S. 700 W. in place of a severely blighted home. Photo by Scott Bartlett agreement states that NeighborWorks will complete a minimum of two such projects through 2017.

NeighborWorks selects homes to be purchased and rehabilitated through a collaborative effort with the city. A neighborhood complaint may bring a problem home to their attention, or an individual who is unable to sell their home because of its condition may offer their own home for the program.

One such home is located at 6521 South 700 West. Among other problems with the home, its previous occupants had used it to produce drugs, bringing many associated challenges to the neighborhood. NeighborWorks

purchased and demolished the home, and has nearly completed the new one. Once sold, the home must be owner-occupied.

“We are thrilled to have NeighborWorks in Murray because they’re a great organization and are a great partner with us to meet our housing needs in Murray,” said Tingey. “We don’t have the credibility or expertise that they have in this area. They’ve been doing this for over 30 years. We would not be able to leverage the funds that they can.”

Anyone wishing to take a financial course, apply for a loan or find out more about NeighborWorks and its services should visit their office at 4843 Poplar Street (60 East). l

L E G A L S

MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY Pursuant to Title 77, Chapter 24a, Utah Code Annotated (1953, amended) the Murray City Police Department hereby gives notice that the personal property described on the following list has been held for at least three months and the owner(s) cannot be located, or if known, such owner(s) have been notified and have failed to claim such property and that Murray City Police Department will dispose of the personal property according to law. Commencing nine (9) days after the date of this publication and public posting of this notice, if the owner(s) have not claimed the property. Murray City Police Department will dispose of the personal property as outlined by State law, culminating with a public auction or by donating the unclaimed property to charity. The affected personal property is described as follows: SPORTING GOODS AND EQUIPMENT, CELL PHONES AND ACCESSORIES, VEHICLE ACCESSORIES, VEHICLE STEREOS AND ACCESSORIES, TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY, CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES, COMPACT DISKS, HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT, COMPUTERS AND ACCESSORIES, LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT, BICYCLES & MORE. A MORE DETAILED LIST WITH SERIAL NUMBERS IS AVAILABLE AT THE MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

5025 South State Street, Murray, UT 84107 801-264-2652 (EVIDENCE)

June 2015 | Page 17

MurrayJournal.com Heritage Center #10 E. 6150 S. (West of State Street) 801-264-2635 The Heritage Center is a 55+ recreation center for people who like to stay active, learn, get services, go places, stay healthy, play, volunteer, meet people, enjoy life, and more.

Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday anytime between 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. and you pay for your meal after you pick up your food. No reservations are needed - except for special events.

Options include the regular menu item, salad, Panini, soup and sandwiches. The cost ranges from $2 - $4 for people 55+.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Yard Sale/Car Show/Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser is the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 20 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, so bring the family and enjoy a pancake breakfast, shop for treasures, and look at some very cool cars! The pancake breakfast cost is $3 a person and pancakes and juice will be served from 8:00 until 11:00 am. Enjoy the music of the Second Story Band from 9:00-10:00. The car show is from 9:00 to 1:00. Sign-up now to bring your car for the car show.

The cost to enter a car is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Applications are available at the front desk if you’d like to display a car. All entries will have a chance to win a portable grill donated by RC Willey. Take an application home to friends and neighbors. Prizes will be awarded for Director’s Choice and People’s Choice. There will also be raffle prize drawings held throughout the car show.

Monday Evening Family Concerts – The Salt City Saints (Dixieland Jazz) will be performing on Monday, July 13 at 7:00 pm in the backyard of the Center. They play authentic New Orleans jazz from the early 1900s. The Center will open at 6:00 if you’d like to bring a picnic to enjoy before the concert. Invite family and friends to attend; this is a free event for all ages.

Summer Brunch – Starting on Monday, July 13 from 10:0012:00 you can enjoy brunch on the patio. Come alone or bring your friends and enjoy brunch “Café Style.” The patio is a beautiful place to enjoy our visiting quail, flowers and morning breeze. Things are blooming on the patio and the ambience is magical. Brunch will be served every Monday thru Monday, August 31. No reservation is required.

SERVICES: The Center is pleased to announce our new Massage Therapist, Sue Corder. She will be at the Center every Friday afternoon from 11:45-3:45. You may book an hour massage for $36 or a half hour for $18. Sue is a Nationally Certified and Utah State Licensed massage therapist, as well as a member of the

American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). Sue’s massage expertise integrates from several modalities including Swedish, Sport and Orthopedic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Injury Rehabilitation, and Postural Assessment. She has experience working with clients who suffer from chronic and acute pain, sports injuries, and automobile accidents. Sue’s personal experience with severe injuries helps her uniquely identify with the physical, mental, and emotional needs of her clients.

RECREATION: Social Dance – Every Thursday evening from 7:00-10:00. Cost $4. Dance to the musical genius of Tony Summerhays. Light refreshments will be served during the break and door prizes will be given each week.

CLASSES: Medicare Counseling – On Tuesday, June 16 at noon, Vickie Nelson will be available at the Center for Medicare Counseling.

As a SHIP counselor, her job is to help clear up the confusion about where to apply for Medicare, help you understand your Medicare choices and what to do if you have other insurance.

Sign up now.

Vital Aging Program – On Tuesday, June 23 at 10:30, a representative from the Vital Aging Program, a Salt Lake County Aging Service and Valley Mental Health Initiative, will be at the Center to present: Building Healthy Relationships. Relationships with friends and family can sometimes be tricky.

Evolving roles of parents and adult children can present challenges. Come learn how to improve your relationships by using more effective communication skills and gain a greater understanding of how to maintain healthy relationships. They will also discuss common causes of conflict, tips for repairing relationships and ways to give a “nice no.” This is a free class, sign up now.

Hearing Screening – On Wednesday, June 24 from 10:301:00, a licensed professional from Costco will be available to administer a free hearing screening. Having good hearing is essential to keeping your brain active and you interacting with others. This is a free class, sign up now.

Bath Fizzes Craft Class – On Thursday, June 25 from 6:00-7:30, Diane Tibolla Curtz will be teaching you to make homemade gift tags and bath fizzes. The cost of the class is $10. You need to bring the following: medium-size mixing bowl, metal fork, flour sifter (if you have one) and approximately 1/3 cup dried flowers and /or herbs for your bath fizzes. You can bring any kind of dried flowers that you enjoy. Sign up now.

Dance Lessons – The Center is offering a new four-session dance class starting Monday, July 6 at 1:00-2:00. The dance lesson will be held each Monday in July. You will learn two new dances: Rumba and West Coast Swing. Classes are for beginning level dancers; no prior experience required. Dance lessons will be taught by Kyle and Jackie Kidd. Sign up is required for these classes. You must have a dance partner to participate. These classes are free, sign up now.

Aging Spine Class – On Friday, July 10 at 10:30, Dallen B. Lovell, PT, OMT, will teach a class on the aging spine. The class will include information about the spine and the effects of aging to help you avoid injury as well as instruction in proper exercise to strength the spine. This is a free class, sign up now.

TRIPS: The Center will again charter a bus to visit the Tony Award-winning Shakespeare Festival, August 31-September 2. Sign up begins June 17. The plays we will be seeing this year are: The

Taming of the Shrew, Charley’s Aunt, and either South Pacific or King Lear. The cost is $310 per person (double occupancy) and $375 (single room) and includes two nights at the Abbey Inn, chartered bus, dinners at Rusty’s and Milt’s and three plays. l

EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Freedom Baptist Church 301 West 5400 South, Murray, UT 84107

801-263-7835 www.freedombaptistslc.com Pastor: Dr. Tom Corkish • Assistant Pastor: Mike Haxton Sunday School 10:00 a.m. • Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m. • Wednesday Evening 7:30 p.m.

We are an Independent KJB, Bible Preaching, Believing and Practicing New Testament Church JOHN 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

10 FREE OR CHEAP ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER

By Joani Taylor

S

ummer season is the time when we are looking for things to entertain the kiddos and get them out and enjoying our fabulous Utah happenings. Here’s a handy list of things you can do with the kidlets this summer that won’t break the bank.

pre-registration is required on their website.

enter. But, there are fees for activities such as wagon Geocaching (geocaching.com) – Seek out a hidden rides, milking the cow and other special events. Wheeler treasure by using the free mobile app or your GPS. Farm also has a kids summer camp that is $65 for an There are 1000’s of geocaches hidden, not only around entire week of farming fun.

Utah but worldwide, making this a great travel activ- Megaplex and Cinemark Theaters – have summer Kids Bowl Free (kidsbowlfree.com) – Kids can ity, too. Check out my post on Coupons4Utah.com for movie passes for kids. A pass is $5.00 to $10 for 10 bowl 2 games for free each week at select bowling all the ins and outs of how it works. (coupons4utah. movies. While these are older movies, kids enjoy getting centers around the state. Shoe rental is additional and com/geocache) out of the heat and seeing their favorite movies again.

Visit your local theater for details.

Barnes & Noble – Download a reading Journal from the website or pick one up at the store. Have your child Splash Pads – Coupons4Utah has compiled a list of read at least 8 books during the summer and then take over 60 splash pads across the state. Visit one close the completed journal to any Barnes & Noble store and to home or check the list for a vacation destination your child can choose a free book. coupons4utah.com/splashpads.

Murray City Park – Has a summer Children Matinee Series, where children’s matinees are held every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in Murray Park Pavilion #5. These are free for all to attend.

T

coupons4utah.com/activities-for-kids

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Gardner Village – June 1st-August 30 th you can keep the kids busy with one of the “Busy Bee” camps at Gardner Village. Make your own jewelry at the Busy Beader Summer Camp at The Bead Farm. Learn to knit at Kamille’s. Attend a tea party at Georgell Doll Shop or Cookie College at Naborhood Bakery.

And master the art of sewing at Pine Needles. Visit the Gardner Village website for a full list of event dates and times.

Conservation Park (conservationgardenpark. he next time you hear the kids saying those dreadorg) – The Garden host various camps and activities ed words “Mom, I’m bored!”, break out this list throughout the summer. Cost for these camps are usually and go make some fun summer memories. around $7.00. You’ll want to register early as they are known to fill up.

Find more fun things for kids to do at

Wheeler Farm – The farm is a fun place to visit to learn about farm animals. There is no admission fee to Lowe’s and Home Depot Building events – While

THIS IS YOUR SPACE

these are held year round, they are a great one to put on your summer to do list. The classes are completely free. Kids will get the materials needed for the build, a special apron, and participation pin or patch. Visit your local store for details.

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June 2015 | Page 19

MurrayJournal.com

spotlight on: Rocky Mountain Care

Rocky Mountain Care

A

s the population ages, more of us are faced with the prospect of moving either ourselves or an older family member into a nursing or assisted living home. Often, the very thought brings to mind images of cold, impersonal hallways and lonely people. Rocky Mountain Care’s Cottage on Vine in Murray is here to challenge that image and prove that skilled nursing centers are communities that enhance a person’s quality of life and make them feel right at home.

“When you walk in, you feel different because it’s smaller,” said Kim Bangerter, Administrator at Cottage on Vine. “Here, we treat you like family.”

As part of Rocky Mountain Care’s network in Utah, Cottage on Vine is under the same ideology. They strongly believe that each of their patients is special and unique, and deserves the highest respect and service possible. Their care and specialized programs meet the individualized needs of their patients and allow them to regain as much independence as possible and live life to its fullest potential.

“We are a smaller cottage-like environment where it’s all about person-centered choice,” says Bangerter. “We want to make sure that [each person] is involved in their care. We do

IS THERE A PHOTO FOR THIS SPOTLIGHT?

everything everyone else does, but with choice.”

Cottage on Vine offers superior care to patients of all ages and walks of life, and are well-known for their award-winning care. Recently the long care facility was awarded with Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2014 Customer Experience Award, and they

make it a point to offer a new and different experience for their community members with a comfortable, active lifestyle.

The recreational department always has something fun for residents to participate in. Residents can enjoy outings to the mountains, expos, and festivals, or participate in barbecues and other outdoor activities on the patio right at home.

“A lot of the health care communities out there are in a commercial area,” explains Bangerter of the Cottage’s location.

“We are in a residential area, where there are lots of trees and green grass [to enjoy]. It’s just a great environment for healing.”

Not only does Cottage on Vine provide a great community for their long-term residents, but they provide short-term stays for people who need to rehabilitate after a major event.

Therapy services are available to all qualifying patients seven days a week in a spacious therapy gym with a team of dedicated therapists, with ninety-eight percent of therapy being done one-on-one. Along with therapists, there are registered nurses present seven days a week to make sure everyone is taken care of.

Come experience the difference at Rocky Mountain Care’s Cottage on Vine. You can take a tour at any time by dropping by 835 East Vine Street in Murray to see what makes it feel just like home. l

Children Without Borders

By Peri Kinder

I

just learned that when I was a child, my parents were criminals. That’s a lot to take in when you thought your mom and dad were law-abiding citizens--more or less. I had no idea my parents hid a dark side until I heard that parents in Maryland were charged with neglect for letting their kids walk to the park. Alone.

At first, I thought the story was a joke and kept reading for the punchline. Nope. Totally real. A neighbor called the police to report that the children were playing without the required amount of helicopter-parent supervision. Additionally, the nosy neighbor stated, “It wasn’t the first time these children played by themselves.” Gasp.

The siblings were taken by Child Protective Services while the parents were investigated, and (because we have to label everything) the term “free-range parenting” was created. Freerange parenting is defined as, “A new, hands-off approach to raising children.” But other people label it as neglect.

So, if I was so inclined, I could retroactively (and in my mom’s case, posthumously) have my parents thrown in the slammer.

Every Saturday morning, after we finished eating Fruity Pebbles straight from the box while watching “Land of the Lost,” my mom would kick us out of the house and tell us not to come home until sunset. Then she’d slam the door. And lock it.

We were cool with that. We shrugged, hopped on our bikes and went to find something to do. We’d wander through neighborhoods like adolescent Pied Pipers, picking up oth-

er unattended children. Then we’d end up in someone’s yard playing Red Rover (aka Clothesline Your Buddies) until those parents told us to get lost.

We’d amble to 7-Eleven where we’d buy candy cigarettes and Fresca (because the can looked like beer). We’d sit on the swings sipping our pretend beer and discuss whatever it is kids discuss in those situations. I’m sure we fooled everyone because doesn’t every 10-year-old sit in the park swigging a cold beer while smoking with her friends?

I guess our parents didn’t think we needed 24-hour su-

pervision. We walked to school every day with a group of friends, rain or shine. And we frequently rode our bikes nearly two miles to the Murray Library with ne’er an adult in sight.

In a time before cell phones, GPS and tracking devices, parents relied on their kids to use common sense. They taught us to avoid strangers, stay off the train tracks, don’t go into homes when the parents weren’t around and, basically, not to be stupid.

My daughters could also have charged me with neglect, and they’ve probably already contacted an attorney. I often allowed them to bike to the local swimming pool and stay there for hours. They also walked to 7-Eleven—and probably bought candy cigarettes with their friends.

People say, “Don’t you know how dangerous the world is?”

Guess what? The world has always been dangerous. Helicopter parenting, obsessive worrying and overprotective hovering doesn’t stop bad things from happening.

Here’s my definition of neglect: not allowing your children to create a feeling of independence; not allowing your children to be bored and have to create something; not allowing your kids to make mistakes, get lost, mess up and face consequences.

Kids are resilient, and more often than not, they make the right decision. So I guess I’ll have to forgive my parents for teaching me to be independent and creative. Gee, thanks mom and dad. l