Millcreek Journal | October 2023

MILLCREEK COMMON HOSTS NEW HARVEST MARKET ON FRIDAY NIGHTS THIS FALL

By Sara Milano | s.milano@mycityjournals.com

Millcreek residents can enjoy a new seasonal market at Millcreek Common beginning Friday, Oct. 6. The Harvest Market, which runs from Oct. 6 until Nov. 3, is a way to bring the community together to celebrate the bounty of the harvest with a series of festive, local markets on Friday evenings, say organizers. Millcreek Common plaza is located at 1354 E. Chambers Ave., in between Highland Drive and 13th East on 33rd South.

The market will feature artisan goods, salsas, baked goods and fresh produce from local farms. In addition to vendors selling produce, crafts and treats, visitors can enjoy weekly market activities, live music, workshops, food trucks, pick-a-pumpkin and more.

The market will offer a series of rotating themes and activities each week. The event’s opening night on Oct. 6 will feature a petting zoo and a craft making edible Mr. Potato Heads. The Oct. 13 event will have pumpkin-themed games and crafts using gourds. On Oct. 27, Harvest Market will offer an activity making seasonal snacks, and on the final night, Nov. 3, the market will have free pie slices for the first 150 guests and a pie crust baking activity.

Roller skating at Millcreek Common will also be free from 4-5 p.m. every Friday in October. Finally, adults over 21 can enjoy locally-crafted beers and hard ciders from Second Summit Hard Cider Co., which opened in Millcreek over the summer.

Continued page 8

Visitors enjoy roller skating and food trucks at Millcreek Common. (Millcreek Common) page 5

Shelley brothers page 6

Uncontested page 15

Halloween

Special Olympics TopGolf: Championing inclusion for all athletes

Theobject: to hit the target the most. The purpose: So much more.

Eighty Special Olympians with intellectual disabilities paired with partner athletes, were warming up for the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship.

“The athletes are practicing their accuracy, but they’re also developing skills and forging friendships,” said Haley Nall, Special Olympics director of special events. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

It’s also part of a national partnership with TopGolf that provides Special Olympic teams access for weekly two-hour practices as well as hosting the tournament. More than 30 locations are holding state championships.

The Special Olympics TopGolf Championship embraces inclusion and access for athletes, Nall said.

The introduction of TopGolf for Special Olympics comes on the heels of the launch of unified golf for middle school students that was held in South Jordan in the spring 2022.

At the Midvale championship, teams, age eight and up, were hitting the ball off the deck aiming for the targets. They were coached by volunteers.

Hillcrest High 2019 graduate Tanner Cluff jumped at the opportunity to try a new sport, despite needing left-handed clubs for his 6’8” frame.

“I like that this gives me a challenge,” he said. “I can do different sports for every season.”

Cluff, who won numerous medals in unified sports in high school and at the University of Utah, played for Real Salt Lake’s unified team. He plays football, soccer and bocci

By Julie Slama|j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ball with Special Olympics.

“I’m trying to see how many points I can get by hitting the markers. It’s been harder on the top level than the bottom level because the launch in every bay is different and I never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’m making new friends here at the same time.”

Cluff made friends with his partner, Keaton Phillips, who just moved to Utah nine months ago. Previously, Phillips volunteered with Special Olympics in Florida.

“I love the unique energies that everybody has,” he said.

Prior to the TopGolf practices, Phillips played golf once on a traditional course.

“This is challenging. I didn’t think it would be as challenging at TopGolf. We struggled through it for a couple of weeks, but we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “We’re trying to get more distance and accuracy. We have a bit to go, but it’s fun.”

A few bays down the Cox sisters from Murray were ready to compete.

Viewmont Elementary sixth-grader Livvy partnered with her sister, Bree, a junior at Murray High.

“I like to volunteer because it’s fun interacting with kids with special needs,” said the younger Cox sister, who was a partner track athlete as well.

Bree Cox, who has Down syndrome and performs with Murray’s drill team, was game to try golf.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love it because I can do it with my sister.” l

Brighton High’s Mitchell Burt hits the ball during warm-ups of the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Ceremony marks the final resting place of last Utah Civil War soldier

By Collette Hayes | c.hayes@mycityjournals.com

In

General Hood, who was second in command to Robert E. Lee, was moving his unit to be resupplied to continue to fight against the Union. On Dec. 25, Stormes’ unit arrived in central Mississippi and tapped into the Confederate telegraph lines learning there would be a large resupply by rail coming into Egypt Station. Stormes’ unit intercepted the Confederate army supply train. They destroyed two locomotives, warehouses full of ammunition and provisions and captured 500 Confederate soldiers. One hundred and twenty-eight Union soldiers gave their lives during the battle.

“Although Ira’s tour was brief, he made a significant impact and saw the conclusion of the Civil War,” said United States Army Colonel Kent Hackley. “They freed thousands of slaves. Over 100,000 slaves assisted them. Proving two things, the Union would be preserved, and we would have the guarantee in our constitution that all men are created equal which would be preserved and continued to this day as well.”

Stormes was discharged in 1865, and in 1873 married Jane “Jennie” Tachell. Together they had 13 children, six died before reaching adulthood. Family was important to Stormes as well as tradition.

“Harry Ira was a stalwart for tradition,” said Natalie Ann Hackley, third great-granddaughter. “The last five years of his life he

Jou r nals

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1864, 18-year-old Harry Ira Stormes of Janesville, Wisconsin, enlisted in the United States Army for duty in the Civil War Company M, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment. On Dec. 21, Stormes found himself in Memphis, Tennessee as part of a calvary division going to conduct a raid into central Mississippi, the heart of the Confederacy. The intent of the raid was to destroy rail lines, intercept supplies and destroy the Confederates ability to make war.A Musket Volley Salute by Honor Guard Detail Commander Captain Jared Cornell and members of the Utah Living History Association was presented during the ceremony. (Collette Hayes/City Journals)

was the only member of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) in Utah. He would conduct the annual one-man convention each year going through the motions to nominate himself then elect himself as the department commander, bang the gavel and proceed to conduct routine business by himself. This great enhancement presented here today is meaningful. It shows Ira’s love of country, his patriotism and his service to country and to family. Hopefully, this will help his posterity carry on that tradition.”

On Sept. 9, a local chapter of the national organization, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), the legal successor to the GAR, held a Last Soldier Ceremony honoring Stormes at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. According to a press release, The

Last Soldier Ceremony is a ceremony held to mark the final resting place of the last Union Civil War soldiers buried in every state. Identified as the last known Civil War veteran in Utah, the SUVCW was successful in locating Stormes’ gravesite earlier this year.

Taylorsville High School JROTC color guard presented and retired the colors during the ceremony.

State of Utah Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Director of Veteran Services Cory Pearson provided the opening remarks.

“During 2003, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War embarked on this last soldier project. They wanted to locate and appropriately mark the final resting place of last Civil War soldiers buried within their state. One of those being honored today is Private

Harry Ira Stormes. We are here to remember that and his sacrifice. Not only did he serve, but he continued to want to serve 1920 through 1940.”

Committee chairman for the event, Ken Jacobsen, acknowledged the key people instrumental in supporting the ceremony including Captain Lot Smith Camp, Senior Vice Commander Mathhew Brown and Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and grounds crew.

A wreath laying by Kayla Willey and Captain Kenley Mauerman and a Musket Volley Salute by Honor Guard Detail Commander Captain Jared Cornell and members of the Utah Living History Association concluded the ceremony. l

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CIRCULATION

Lydia

Shelley brothers help each other on and off the golf course

By Daniel Olsen | d.olsen@mycityjournals.com

When brothers Tyson, Jackson and Austin Shelley tried various sports as kids, they stumbled by accident into the sport of golf that has become a big part of their lives.

“I was a big basketball and baseball player,” BYU and former Skyline High School golfer Tyson Shelley said. “In the summer we didn’t play as many sports so my mom decided to sign us up for golf camp. We ended up really enjoying it. I fell in love after playing in my first tournament. After I shot 88 and saw progress continue to happen is what helped me stick with it.”

While he has been a great mentor to his brothers, Tyson Shelley has mentors up to the professional level that have helped him with his game.

“Tony Finau has been an awesome mentor to me,” Tyson Shelley said. “We share the same coach. He’s given me good advice. If I ask a question he is always happy to answer it. It’s especially helpful because he’s local and competes with the best players in the world.”

That advice seems to have paid off as Tyson Shelley recently won the 56th Pacific Coast Amateur over the summer. His goal is to advance from the amateur to the pro ranks in the future.

“Tony really hasn’t talked to me much about the pros,” Tyson Shelley said. “There is a slight difference between the college and professional ranks. They make a couple more putts. They drive the ball the exact same. From 80 yards in, the pro game is significantly better. He is an excellent wedge player and putter.”

Tyson Shelley and his brothers have all learned different preparation techniques to help them get to this point.

“When I play with BYU, I will see what the course is going to be like,” Tyson Shelley said. “If it’s a wedging course, I practice hitting wedges. If it’s a driving course then I practice with my drivers. Mental preparedness is also important. I practice positive self-talk. You never want to be negative. All of this helps you to be prepared for the next tournament or round.”

“I also prepare for what I need that day,” Austin Shelley said. “I practice tee shots if it’s a tight course. I always practice putting it inside 10 feet.”

Younger brothers Jackson and Austin Shelley both play for rival schools. Jackson Shelley is at Skyline and Austin Shelley is at Olympus.

Skyline has always been better than Olympus, both Jackson and Austin Shelley agreed. The brothers haven’t been rivals in golf until the last couple years when Olympus has competed with Skyline. The brothers said their parents “just root for us to do well individually.”

Tyson Shelley is taking a year off from golfing at BYU to focus on other

goals he has.

“I’m just trying to take a lot of credits and get good grades,” Tyson Shelley said. “I’m trying to get better and practice every day. I’m trying to be the best player I can be. I play in tournaments on the side, but I am not competing with the team. I will go out of state for some tournaments. I will practice through the winter and spring to get ready for summer events next year.”

While they all are different in age, the three brothers have equal experience since they started playing golf around the same time so they push each other.

“We can still push each other,” Austin Shelley said. “I beat Jackson a couple times. Jackson can hang with Tyson sometimes. I can’t hang with Tyson. We all push each other and play short wedge games since we are all decently similar in the short game area. I drive it 50 yards shorter than my brothers, so it’s harder to compete when we play a full game.”

Jackson Shelley is preparing for the next level as he is in the process of being recruited by several college teams.

“I’m just trying to find the right fit,” Jackson Shelley said. “I will pick whatever feels like the best place to go to. I’m excited to move forward with that.”

Both Jackson and Austin Shelley have big goals for the remainder of this high school season.

“A big goal I have in October is to do well at the state championships,” Jackson Shelley said. “State is the biggest tournament of the year. I want to do well in it. We are trying to go back to back.”

“I am hoping to finish top five individually in the state,” Austin Shelley said. “I want to be all-state. We can beat Skyline because they lost their players. It’s down to us and East.”

The sport of golf has also taught the three brothers about life skills.

“I learned the importance of organizing things,” Tyson Shelley said. “We can’t just do things inconsistently. You have to be organized in everything you do. The biggest lesson I learned is to be organized in practice and disciplined in everything I do.”

When putting it in perspective, Tyson Shelley is grateful for what golf has done for his relationship with his younger brothers.

“We are out there trying to get better and get to the highest level,” Tyson Shelley said. “We like spending time as brothers on the course. We form special bonds that you can’t get often. We are competing as brothers which has formed a great relationship between us.” l

Top: Brothers Tyson, Jackson and Austin Shelley. Right: Brothers Tyson, Jackson and Austin Shelley at a younger age. (Photos by Solhee Shelley)

Mayor Silvestrini and Councilmember Catten re-elected in uncontested race

Ina rather unique turn of events, the residents of Millcreek witnessed the re-election of Silvia Catten as District 1 councilmember and Mayor Jeff Silvestrini in an uncontested race. The absence of opposing candidates led to an anticlimactic yet expected outcome in the young city.

Mayor Silvestrini noted the exceptional circumstances, calling it, “a rather remarkable circumstance in a city of 63,000 people that no one except Councilmember Catten filed to represent District 1, and nobody but yours truly filed to serve as mayor.” Even the deadline for write-in candidates had passed without any entrants.

To address this unusual scenario, the city opted to cancel the election for District 1 council and the mayoral race, a resolution permitted by state law when no contested races are expected. The decision was primarily motivated by the impracticality and cost of printing a ballot with only one candidate. By canceling these uncontested elections, Millcreek will save at least $85,000.

Silvestrini expressed his surprise at the lack of competitors, remarking, “I don’t think we live in a city of apathetic people. The only other conclusion that I can draw from this is that we must be doing something that is satisfying enough people in the city of Millcreek that they’re satis-

By Sara Milano | s.milano@mycityjournals.com

fied with their representation.” He expressed his gratitude for the people’s confidence in him, and his humility in serving them as mayor.

Councilmember Catten echoed this sentiment, saying, “I feel lucky to serve, and I, too, am very surprised that we are uncontested. I do hope next time there’s more than one candidate.”

Both officials have demonstrated their competence and dedication to Millcreek throughout their tenure. Silvestrini served as the President of the Utah League of Cities and Towns, elevating Millcreek’s profile at both state and federal levels. His initiatives have tackled pressing issues, including homelessness, through the establishment of a winter overflow shelter and rezoning ordinances for affordable housing.

Catten, in her capacity as the chair of the Jordan River Commission, has worked on projects aimed at expanding access to recreation along the Jordan River Parkway, alongside her efforts to address homelessness and affordable housing on city council.

The uncontested re-elections of Silvestrini and Catten seem to indicate the community’s approval of their leadership. The officials will have another four years to demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the city’s well-being as Millcreek continues to grow. l

Newly re-elected Mayor Jeff Silvestrini. (Screenshot)

Joint council meeting lays groundwork for future of Murray North Station area

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a concerted effort to shape the future of one of their most dynamic urban areas, Murray City and Millcreek City officials recently convened a joint council meeting to discuss longterm plans for the area surrounding Murray North Station. Known as the Fireclay area (4400 S. Main Street), the area has experienced tremendous growth as old industrial areas have been replaced with new multiuse housing.

“The initial concepts for the Fireclay area were presented at a joint council meeting with the city of Millcreek on Aug. 21,” Zachary Smallwood, senior planner with Murray City Planning and Zoning Division said. “We’re not looking at this as a redevelopment plan but rather a station area plan. Our consultants are using the broad ideas discussed at the meeting to work on more specific scenarios.”

In an effort to incorporate community perspectives into the planning process, Murray City has organized a series of open houses designed to gather public feedback on the Fireclay area. According to Smallwood, the aim is to work in collaboration with Millcreek City to improve the area. Smallwood stated that feedback from residents and local businesses is not just welcome but is considered essential for informed decision-making. He indicated that the feedback collected will be analyzed and incorporated into an implementation plan, which will subsequently be part of the overarching Station Area Plan.

Regarding community outreach, Smallwood stated that the city has adopted multi-

ple channels to ensure diverse participation. “We’ve used signs at the Trax station, mailers to every address within a half-mile radius, and social media to engage the community,” Smallwood said.

Key stakeholders such as local apartment and business owners, as well as residents, have been included in a Community Advisory Committee. “The committee ensures that the feedback we gather leads us down the correct path,” Smallwood said. He also noted that Murray City is trying to make data-informed decisions by using resources like the census, information from local police departments, and a dedicated website that has been live for at least six months to engage with the public and provide ongoing updates.

The visioning process, as Smallwood emphasized, is long term. “Planning projects like this span five to 20 years into the future. The community should expect that the adoption process will begin in November, offering yet another opportunity for public input.”

Challenges such as natural boundaries created by arterial roads and Union Pacific Rail Lines also exist. “These are limitations we have to work around,” Smallwood said. However, he emphasized that the Fireclay area already has several low- and moderate-income housing developments, aligning with the state’s requirements.

Despite these challenges, Smallwood was optimistic about fulfilling the state’s requirements for moderate- and low-income housing.

City Journals wins multiple awards for 2022 Society of Professional Journalists

Here are the winners from Davis:

First place: Front page design –Anna Pro and Roger Tuttle

Honorable mention: Front page design – Anna Pro

Honorable mention: Best single page design – Anna Pro

Honorable mention: Best photographer – Roger Tuttle

Third place: Humor/lifestyle – Peri Kinder

Honorable mention: Humor/lifestyle –Peri Kinder

First place: Best newspaper reporter –Becky Ginos

First place: Medical/Science – Becky Ginos

Third place: General news – Becky Ginos and Roger Tuttle

Third place: Military – Becky Ginos

Third place: Sports – non-deadline reporting – Tom Haraldsen

Honorable mention: Military – Tom Haraldsen

Here are the winners from Salt Lake:

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Di-

vision B - Julie Slama

Second Place - Division B - Carl Fauver

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Personality Profile - Julie Slama

Second Place: Sarah Morton Taggart

Third Place: Sona Schmidt-Harris

Third Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Religion/Values - Sarah Morton Taggart

Second Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Medical/science - Julie Slama

Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Medical/science - Shaun Delliskave

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Military - Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Education - Jet Burnham

Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Education - Jet Burnham

Honorable Mention Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Education - Jet Burnham

Second Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Environment - Deb Hafner

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Diversity and Equity - Julie Slama

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Di-

vision B COVID-19 - Cassie Goff

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Continuing coverage - Cassie Goff

Second Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Business/consumer - Sarah Morton Taggart

Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Government Reporter - Cassie Goff

Second Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Best newspaper reporter - Carl Fauver

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Arts and Entertainment - Julie Slama

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Sports non-deadline reporting - Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Sports non-deadline reportingCarl Fauver

First Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Personality profile - Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Personality profile - Sarah Morton

Taggart

Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Personality profile - Sona Schmidt-Harris l

“We already have a number of low- and moderate-income housing developments in the Fireclay area,” he said. “But housing alone can’t fix the affordability issue. We aim to show the state that if people don’t have a place to recreate, obtain necessities, and have a good environment, they won’t have happy experiences and won’t want to reside in the area.”

As Smallwood concluded, “The Station Area Plan will serve as the guiding document that the city uses to inform long-term urban and social goals for this area. These smaller, focused plans allow us to take a more nuanced approach to developing parts of the city. With the public’s help, we aim to shape the Fireclay area into a jewel of the city, enriching the lives of its residents for years to come.”

“Housing isn’t the only factor that contributes to a community’s well-being. We aim to also focus on recreation, safety and accessibility,” Smallwood said.

According to Smallwood, “With the community’s help, we aim to make the Fireclay area a vital part of the city that meets the needs and expectations of its residents.”

For those looking to stay updated or provide feedback, Smallwood encouraged frequent visits to the project’s website, www.murraynorthstationarea.org. l

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The Birkhill Development (4300 Main Street) was one of the first modern multiuse housing to go up in Murray. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

The festival is meant to honor and celebrate Millcreek’s agricultural history. When Mormon pioneers settled in the Salt Lake Valley in the mid-19th century, Millcreek was known as a mill town, meaning it was home to several lumber mills. Eventually, settlers began to divert Mill Creek itself to irrigate crops and the land began to produce fruit.

One such group of settlers are known as Utah’s Black Pioneers. Local historians have uncovered stories of formerly enslaved pioneers who “settled permanently in the Salt Lake Valley in 1870 and became successful farmers.”

Many of these pioneers arrived in downtown Salt Lake City but eventually moved to Millcreek where they purchased land and pursued farming. Over time, a collective of Black agriculturalists flourished, and the area they inhabited was called The Hill.

The launch of the Harvest Market at Millcreek Common marks not only an exciting addition to the community but also a tribute to the city’s rich agricultural history. Through artisanal goods, local produce and weekly activities, residents can come together to celebrate not just the bounty of the harvest but the stories of those who, like Utah’s Black pioneers, cultivated their dreams here.

COREY J. MILLER, MD

For Dr. Miller, joining Mountain States Eye Center is highly personal. Serving the patients that his father, Dr. Corey A. Miller has cared for and and treated is as an honor and privilege. Dr. Corey J. Miller brings his own set of exceptional skills, experience, and dedication to continuing the legacy of outstanding medical care.

Dr. Miller specializes in cornea, cataract, refractive, and external disease. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Churchill Jr. High starts the school year with a rocking outdoor community celebration

In September, Churchill Jr. High welcomed back students with a rocking community celebration that included live music, games, food, fun and friends.

With a backdrop of Mt. Olympus, the Churchill Jr. High’s campus and the community were celebrating the beginning of a new school year with administrators, faculty, parents, students and neighbors. Live music was provided by the band Superintendents of Rock.

Tammy Miller, a math teacher and parent of students who attend Churchill, said, “We

By Jolene Croasmun | j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com

usually do a back to school night but have this beautiful facility and love our neighborhood and this year we decided to put on this event as a thank you to the community.”

“This is an opportunity to show off our teachers to parents and bring younger kids out to learn about the school,” Miller said. Miller added, “We also want to celebrate that Churchill Jr. High’s test scores came back really high.”

The Churchill choir sang while teachers and staff members joined in on the fun by greeting the students and families.

The attending faculty and administrators posed for photos on the field as the rock band began to warm up.

“This is awesome,” said Assistant Principal Matt Schelble. He has been at Churchill for two years. “The band we have here today is called the Superintendents of Rock and all but one of the band members are superintendents.”

Mia, a sixth grader, said, “I am very excited to be here and this event is very cool and it just shows how awesome this school is.” This is Mia’s first year at Churchill.

“I am very excited about my STEM class this year and really like Mr. Tate,” Mia said. This event was held after school on the campus and was free for all.

Churchill Jr. High serves grades sixth through eighth and is located off Oakridge Drive in Holladay. It is part of the Granite School District and has been open since 1965. l

Left: The Churchill Jr. High Rocks event at the school’s campus with Mt. Olympus in the background in September. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals) Middle: The Superintendents of Rock performed at Churchill Jr. High on the campus in September. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals) Right: Some of Churchill Junior High’s faculty and staff pose for a photo at the back to school outdoor event for the community. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Left: Churchill choir performs at the community celebration in September at Churchill Jr. High. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals) Right: Sixth-grader Mia enjoys the community celebration at Churchill Jr. High. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

Mayor Jenny Wilson starts book/media club to engage community around the Great Salt Lake

“Inthis world of division; red, blue, old, young. What can we do to come together as a community? What can I do to create a dialogue? Let’s start a book club.” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

In late August, the stage at the Salt Lake City Public Library held some acclaimed names: Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake.

It was the second meeting of Mayor Jenny Wilson’s Book and Media Club, a community-wide club designed to engage people around a common theme. Up for discussion was a harrowing New York Times article by Williams telling the story of the retreating Great Salt Lake and the repercussions its potential death will have on the valley, the state and the nation, titled, “I Am Haunted By What I’ve Seen At Great Salt Lake.” The link to a PDF of the article can be found at parsintl.com/ eprints/115576.pdf

It was a free event, with ticketing/reservations available through the county website. During the club, Wilson led a 90-minute discussion between Williams and Abbott, leaving time for Q&A between panelists and the audience.

“Our body and the body of Great Salt Lake—there is no separation—we too are salt water.” – Author Terry Tempest Williams

Williams grew up in Salt Lake City and found acclaim as a naturalist and environmental writer with the publication of her 1991 memoir, “Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place.” Since then, she has published many articles and numerous books. She is a writer who draws inspiration from the American West and the arid landscape of Utah.

When the mayor asked Williams about the significance of the lake and her fears about the retreat, Williams indicated it was Abbott’s January 2023 report about the state of the lake that put her (and the world) on notice. “When I read that the lake could disappear in five years, I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

The climate editor at the New York Times also read the report, called Williams and asked for an article of 5,000 words, a length not often granted by the selective publisher. Williams was terrified to write the piece, completing 14 drafts in one month, because she had to tell the hard truth, because, “It had to matter.”

“As the lake goes, so goes our community.” – Professor Ben Abbott

Abbott’s BYU study sounded the alarm about the state of the lake, but his message during the book club was one of action rather than despair or complacency, indicating there

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

should be no divisions between urban and rural, left and right in coming to a solution. The condition of the lake affects everyone. The solution relies on legislation and conservation, and must be enacted now. For a link to the study, pws.byu.edu/GSL%20report%202023.

“The health of all of us depends on this lake,” he said. “I’m talking about our air pollution, our water pollution, our economy, because the Great Salt Lake is not an outlier. We know what will happen.” He was speaking of Owens Lake.

Owens Lake, a saline lake in California, a lake the fraction of the size of the Great Salt Lake and much farther from a community center, dried up due to water diverted to the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Before the diversion of the Owens River, Owens Lake covered an area of up to 108 square miles. When the lake dried, it became the single largest source of particulate contamination in the United States. To date, the state of California has spent over $2.5 billion to control the dust, but according to Abbott, “If you look at a map of air quality index, there is still a dark red ring, even today, around that dried lake.”

Compare that to the Great Salt Lake. After years of drought and increased water diversion upstream, the lake fell to its lowest level: 950 square miles. One takeaway? The Great Salt Lake at its lowest level is still 10 times larger than Owens Lake at its highest, with the potential of a much greater impact on our local and regional environment.

“Did the big snow year solve the problem?” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

Because of his faith, Abbott said he does see [the big snow year] as divine intervention. “It gives us a chance to do something, but it has only rewound the clock by one to two years. A solution it is not.”

Water levels at the Great Salt Lake have peaked for 2023. They rose about 5 ½ feet

from the record lows of last year. Even with improved water levels, about 50% of the lakebed is still exposed.

Researchers at the University of Utah found that in 2022, the exposed lakebed was responsible for about one-quarter of dust pollution along the Wasatch Front. Additionally, the dust that collected on the snow caused the snowpack to melt more than two weeks earlier than it should have, according to an investigative report on KSL.

“The only way to solve it is to live within our means.” – Professor Ben Abbott

The January report co-authored by Abbott indicates agriculture dominates water use in the Great Salt Lake watershed. Irrigation of alfalfa and other crops directly accounts for around 75% of total consumptive water, plus 5%-10% indirectly through storage and transport losses such as reservoir evaporation. Mineral extraction from the lake itself represents another 9% of water use. Cities and industry account for the final 9% of consumptive water use, of which 90% is outdoor water use (irrigation for lawns and other decorative plants).

Basically, many parties are financially tied to the lake, and the entire Wasatch Front population is reliant on the health of the lake for their own health and the health of their families. Because the stakes are extremely high, participants from all communities need to come together to make changes through conservation efforts and education. Additionally, “We are in a much better place than we were five years ago, as far as legal opportunities go, to take next steps,” Abbott said.

Collaboration and cooperation are needed. “We need to have the grace to believe all

sides have the best interest of others in mind,” said Abbott.

There are several organizations attempting to pull the many communities together, to invite people into the conversation, to forge new ideas. Grow the Flow at growtheflowutah. org and Friends of the Great Salt Lake at fogsl. org, are two.

Up Next for The Mayor’s Book and Media Club

While called the Mayor’s Book and Media Club, future events will include discussion about film, story and video, with the intent of creating open and engaging public dialogue. The hope is to hold an event every two to three months.

The next Book and Media Club discussion will be about the documentary film, “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed.” In celebration of the upcoming eclipse, the mayor’s office is providing 200 free tickets to the documentary at the Clark Planetarium. The ticket can be redeemed to any scheduled showing and will include a pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

Then on Oct. 14, the community is invited back to the Gateway Fountain for a live community viewing of the eclipse. Viewers should plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m., as the eclipse happens just after 10 a.m. Afterward, the Clark Planetarium education staff will facilitate a short presentation and discussion. Everyone is invited to the fountain for the eclipse viewing, but tickets for the film and glasses are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

For future events keep updated at slco. org/mayor/bookclub. l

Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School, Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, a BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake attend an event at the downtown library in August. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson facilitates a conversation between author Terry Tempest Williams and BYU Professor Ben Abbott. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

With star power, Olympus cross country achieving big success

As a first-year coach of the Olympus cross country team, Christophe Humbert knew this season could pose some challenges. It’s a good thing he has some outstanding runners on the squad.

The Titans boast whom Humbert calls “two of the best athletes in the entire country” in senior JoJo Jourdon and freshman Adria Favero. The pair has helped the Titans score some big wins and become a force in every race.

“The learning curve has been steep, but I am super excited and happy with our season,” he said. “We have athletes of all speeds, getting faster week by week, and everyone is having a great time. My goals were to grow the team, which we accomplished, and we hope to grow again next year. I wanted to be able to improve all our athletes, which I feel we've accomplished. I wanted to be sure our very best athletes also had the support they needed to excel at their very elite level, which I feel they are doing.”

Jourdon is a blazing-fast runner who broke the 14-minute mark in the 3-mile race. His time of 13:587 came at the Woodbridge Invitational in California against some of the best runners in the nation. Meanwhile, Favero has shown what a bright future she has. The

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

ninth grader has won four of the five races she has raced this season, including the prestigious Timpanogos Invite, which is the biggest meet in the state. For her efforts, she was named Larry H. Miller Athlete of the Week. She also won the Bob Firman XC Invitational in Boise, Idaho, which is one of the largest meets in the country.

“[Jourdon] and [Favero] are truly exceptional, great talents,” Humbert said.

Another freshman girl, Sophie Wrona, won her first-ever meet this season on the JV team. Other top athletes on the team include Sofi Jourdon, Audrey Edwards, Eleanor Delaney, Kyle Berkson, Dillon Elliot and Brenen Elliot. There is also a long list of runners that Humbert said have improved the most throughout the season. He mentioned Hannah Snow, Crew Ashton, Ali Hansen, Logan Robbins, Whitney Fisher, Mark Marriott, Grant Marriott, Isaac Lofgren, Lilee Ferguson, Jainee Ferguson, Leila Lopez, Laia Barrat, Kaily Truon, Reilly Truong, Lydia Hall and Summer Hansen as those who have made big progress.

“Olympus High School’s team strengths have been our depth—considering the overall size of our team—our team unity and our consistent work ethic,” Humbert said.

Indeed, the Titans don’t have the size

of team that other school have. A total of 58 runners are on the squad. The Titans have also dealt with some injuries, including one to Brenen Elliot, who should be back for state competition. There were also some unforeseen transportation issues, including one where the team’s charter bus canceled hours before the Titans were supposed to travel to Boise for a big meet. Luckily, Skyline High School’s cross country team came to the rescue, helping Olympus to get to the race. Humbert’s wife also rented three minivans to assist with the travel.

Overall, Humbert said his first season has been a memorable one so far.

“Our ridiculous success at the Bob Firman XC Invitational in Boise will never be forgotten,” he said. “Being blessed with two of the very best cross country athletes in the nation at the same time is once-in-lifetime stuff. Seeing athletes smile and have a great time, whether it's cheering on their teammates or singing wildly to Taylor Swift and Disney songs, was so much fun. These are great kids, talented athletes and inspirational students. I’m very fortunate.”

Humbert also said he is eager to take the team to the next level and see the program become even stronger.

“Anyone and everyone is invited to join our team,” he said. “We have a lot of fun, race hard and want to grow the team. Please join us next year at Olympus High School.” l

Olympus cross country starts JoJo Jourdon and Adria Favero after an unprecedented sweep of the Bob Forman XC Elite Races. (Photo courtesy of Christophe Humbert)

HALLOWEEN SECTION

A publication covering local Halloween legends and activities for men, women, and children in the Salt Lake Valley

The scariest way to know what’s most popular this Halloween—with numbers!

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Hit the trifecta this Halloween by giving out M&M’S (or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) to the trickor-treaters while wearing a scary (but unique) costume in between catching glimpses of one of the Halloween franchise movies on your television screen. (“Halloween Ends” is the most recently released movie in the franchise, but “Halloween: Resurrection” (2002) and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers” (1995) (filmed in Utah!) seem to be most adored by fans.)

If you’re wondering what type of candy variety pack to pick up from the store for the Trick-or-Treaters this year, go with the chocolate. Specifically, M&M’S, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats tend to be the most sought-after candy choice.

Some 1,188 participants (based in the United States) were surveyed during an online study conducted in October 2021. Participants were asked which candy they liked better during head-tohead match-ups of 76 different sugary items.

M&M’S topped out by being the favorite of the online voting base with 76.1%. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups came in at 74.4%. Kit Kats received 72.8% of the vote, with Peanut M&M’S not trailing too far behind with a 72.4%. Butterfinger was the last of the 70 with 70.9% of the vote.

The remaining candies to make up the top 10 favorite Halloween treats (scoring between 67.1% and 68.8%) included Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Hershey’s and Reese’s Pieces.

In case you were curious about the top 20: coming in at being the favorite between 57.5% and 65.5% of the online surveyed population were Hershey’s

Kisses, Dove Dark Chocolate Bar, 3 Musketeers, Dove Milk Chocolate Bar, Krackel, Crunch, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth, Starbursts, and Andes Chocolate Mints.

Another study conducted in 2020 broadly backs up the claim to fame for chocolate. Some 13,852 participants were surveyed about their various Halloween preferences in September 2020.

Out of those 13,852 (United States) adults, 88% reported that they would be buying chocolate candy. Forty-two percent reported that they would be buying candy that was either chewy or fruity, with 40% reporting they’d be buying caramel candy, and 37% reporting lollipop purchases. Further, 36% of respondents reported they’d be buying sour gummies, 28% would be looking specifically for candy corn, 25% would by buying taffy, 20% would be buying nut-filled candy and 12% would be buying either gum or mints.

Overall, most (United States) adults purchased candy for their trick-or-treaters (71%). But! Twenty-nine percent of adults still purchased healthy alternatives like carrot snack bags, trail mix, or toothbrushes to throw in amongst the candy. But! You can’t just give out the most desirable candy and be the favorite Halloween house around. You have to dress the part!

A study conducted in 2017 by aytm, a market research company, encourages people to dress as scary imposters. A thousand (American) adults were surveyed during September 2017. Survey results were compared with secondary research of search trends from Pinterest and Lyst as well as predictions from USA Today.

Some 24.4% of Halloween costumes were described as being scary, with 20.3% described as sexy. Other

descriptions of costumers that didn’t score as high were cute, funny, weird/ creative, classy/sophisticated, and other. The most frequent costumers of 2017 including Pennywise the Clown, a witch, Wonder Woman, a “Game of Thrones” character and a zombie.

Echoing the sentiment, a 2021 study surveying 2,312 (United States) adults encourages people to pick classic Halloween costumes like ghosts and witches, as that’s what 20.81% of respondents chose to do.

Even if you’re still unsure what to dress up as this year, absolutely don’t go as an athlete, clown, pumpkin, ghost or cat. Survey results show that we’re all too tired of those costumes.

And be yourself! The 2021 study reported that only 10.57% of people coordinated their costume with another person.

While you’re waiting for trick-ortreaters with your M&M’S and scary costume, you may as well spend you time watching the most preferable scary/Halloween movie.

According to an online survey conducted in October 2022, 56% of 2,210 (United States) adults reported “Halloween” as their favorite horror movie franchise. “Friday the 13th” just about tied with a rounded 56% as well. “Nightmare

on Elm Street” came in closely after those two with 54%.

“Halloween Ends” ranked as the fifth top grossing horror movie in the U.S. and Canada in 2022 at $81 million, according to data collected and published in January 2023.

Plus! Halloween 2023 is anticipated to see the most participation and attendance in the last decade. According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, 73% of (United States) adults will participate in Halloween activities this year. The last time over 70% of the population participated in Halloween actives was in 2017 when 71.7% of adults participated in spooky fun.

What will we be doing? About 67% of us will be handing out candy (hopefully those chocolate bites!). Fifty-one percent of us will be decorating our homes and yards (this reporter’s decorations have been up for two weeks now). Forty-seven percent of us will dress in costume. Forty-four percent of us will carve a pumpkin (you got this one). Twenty-eight percent of us will throw or attend a Halloween party. And 20% of us will dress up a pet (this reporter’s fur baby rocks her pumpkin costume). l

Responses to the question “What Halloween costume(s) are you sick of seeing every year?” (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Edwards and Katelyn Shaaf/HalloweenCostumes)

Draper families transform their yards into Halloween destinations

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

No other state gets into the spirit of Halloween like Utah. A recent three-year study of Google search terms and homeowner survey by Lombardo Homes revealed that Utahns lead the nation in decorating for Halloween. Across the state, people transform their yards and gardens into supernatural realms filled with animated creepy characters, spooky lighting, fog machines and all manner of things that go bump in the night.

The most elaborate of these homemade “spook alleys” attract visitors from all over and become neighborhood gathering places on Halloween. For years, three families in Draper in particular have shared their passion for the spine-chilling and spooktacular with the community through their immersive yard displays.

Larsen Manor

“We build stuff all year long,” LaDawn Larsen said. “It’s a construction project when it starts. It takes over everything.” LaDawn and her husband, Steve, transform the grounds of their home at 1871 Flat Bear Circle into “Larsen Manor” for the month of October. Visitors to Larsen Manor can walk around the yard where a giant pumpkin-head creature with burning eyes watches over a graveyard and skeletons appear to march out of a mausoleum.

“Steve and I got married 11 years ago. He got drawn into the Halloween craziness and it got bigger,” LaDawn said with a smile.

Halloween is a special holiday for the couple. As a firefighter in Magna, Steve used to dress up as a cyclops and ride the fire truck handing out candy on Halloween. LaDawn has cherished memories of trick or treating in Sandy as a child and enjoyed decorating and throwing Halloween parties as an adult. The pair got engaged at TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis.

“We really like to mix things up,” Steve said. “This year we’ll have armies of the dead. A mad scientist scene will be the feature.” The Larsens also plan to transform their 12-foot skeleton into the mummy of King Tut.

“A little girl who likes to come every year said that we needed more jump scares,” LaDawn said. “So we did. We have a pumpkin that opens up and comes alive. We’re trying to do more of those things.” She added that their display is not gory. “We don’t have our own children that are here so we do this for other peoples’ kids.”

The appreciation they receive from visitors to Larsen Manor is a major inspiration for LaDawn and Steve. They plan to open their yard display on Oct. 6 but will have to close it before Halloween this year on Oct. 28, for work-related reasons.

The Haunted Haven

Tifini Folkersen’s love for Halloween is a longstanding family tradition. Her mother, Jodi Tebbs, decorated her childhood home at a time when Halloween decorations weren’t quite as popular as they are today. Tebbs’ parents loved the holiday as well. “My mom’s dad would dress up like a werewolf, in full theatrical makeup. He’d run around the neighborhood and scare people,” she said.

A trellis over the front walk leading to the Folkersen’s house at 1338 Hana Court is entwined with skulls and grimacing skeletons. “Our decorations are never the same,” Folkersen said. “It changes from year to year as the kids grow.”

Tebbs and Folkersen explained that their décor came out of a desire to make Halloween an interactive experience for the children in the family. The yard display features little vignettes that relate to members of the family. When Folkersen’s son, Kolsyn, went to his senior prom, they put up dancing skeletons in the display. “Last year, Kolsyn went to the U so we had a University of Utah-themed skeleton area,” Tebbs said.

“We make it family friendly,” Folkersen said. “It’s fun and spooky, not too scary.” On Halloween night, she and her husband, Lynn, give out candy and run the technical aspects of things. Tebbs enjoys mingling with the visitors.

This year the family is planning a ghosts in the graveyard theme. “Once I come up with a theme, we figure out what we want to add and build,” Folkersen said. “We’ve been collecting for 30 years and building. There are memories attached to each decoration.”

Building the displays is a labor of love for the family and they enjoy watching visitors react to their handiwork. “It’s cute seeing all the people having fun,” Folkersen said. “People stay and have a good time.” She said that her neighbors having been getting into the Halloween spirit with their own decorations as well.

Folkersen plans to have her display ready for the first weekend in October. It is open to visitors every night from when darkness falls to 10:30 p.m. She said, “We tell people, when they hear the witches cackle, it’s time to go home.”

The Farr family’s “Southfork Sanitarium” is located at 927 E. Southfork Drive in Draper. The decorations are up throughout October. (Photo by Farris Gerard)

A pumpkin-headed monster towers over “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by Steve Larsen)

Southfork Sanitarium

Dan and Stephanie Farr explained that "love for the neighborhood" was the inspiration behind their yard display. "I loved it in our old neighborhood when our neighbor would have a Halloween potluck," Stephanie said. The Farrs started out serving chili and hot dogs to their neighbors on Halloween night and set up a "spook alley" in their yard. The spook alley got more elaborate every year and evolved into "Southfork Sanitarium."

"Dan got started with the life-sized monsters," Stephanie said. He became

hooked on Halloween after a trip to a friend's Halloween store. About 15 years ago he joined the Rocky Mountain Haunters group.

“I geek out on Halloween,” Dan said. "I love entertainment and doing stuff that makes people happy.” That same passion inspired Farr to become the founder and producer of FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention. Soon after the convention ends in late September, the Farrs start putting out the monsters.

The family has built up a collection of props that would fit in at any commercial haunted house. Some have been

created by professional monster makers. Dan has acquired a few creatures, including a giant animated demon, from his friend, Dick Van Dyke. The actor enjoys putting up an elaborate Halloween display for trick or treaters at his home in Malibu, California.

Other supernatural scares are homemade. Dan constructed Stephanie's favorite, a glowing ghost on a pulley that appears to hover in the window over the front door. "I don't like gore, I like spooky fun and jump scares," she said. The Farrs' display has attracted attention beyond their neighborhood.

"There have been years that we've been in the news," Dan said. "A lot of people will come in from other areas."

Stephanie explained that this year's haunt might not be quite as over-thetop. "We used to have our sons and their friends help set everything up, but they're grown up now," she said. "We've had to simplify."

Still, monsters will appear once again at 927 E. Southfork Drive this month. "The neighborhood kids love it!" Stephanie said. Dan added, "We just can't stop!" l

Steve and LaDawn Larsen put personal touches on their Halloween display. “Larsen Manor” will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

When their youngest son went to college, the Folkersen family put up a “U” themed vignette with skeletons as part of their Halloween display. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

The cackling of the witch tells visitors that it’s time to go home at the Folkersen family’s Halloween display in Draper. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

In this photo from 2021, a skeletal procession was on display at “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

Double, double, toil and trouble: Haunted Woods spells fun and funds for families

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

For over 50 years, Murray Haunted Woods has been a tradition in the local community, but it's more than just a seasonal attraction. It serves a dual purpose, both as a family-oriented entertainment venue and as a fundraiser for noble causes, primarily focused on the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

Originally managed by Murray City until 2010, the Haunted Woods faced potential discontinuation due to budget cuts. However, the Murray Exchange Club and Youth Council stepped in to take over the event. "During the economic turn, the city needed to cut back. When they cut this event, the citizens responded with an adamant ‘No, we need to keep this. It’s tradition and family-oriented,'" Sheri Van Bibber of the Murray Exchange Club said.

The event has always had a charitable edge. "Our Exchange Clubs across the valley all participate. We contribute funds to different groups, past examples include YWCA, Taylorsville Family Center, Midvale Family Center, Boys & Girls Clubs, Victims’ Advocates of SLC and several more," Van Bibber said.

The Murray Haunted Woods has adapted to the changing times, especially in the era of COVID-19. "We almost shut down, but public input encouraged us to continue," Van Bibber said. "We met all health requirements and have since added double the availability. People can buy tickets online or at the gate." The event also complies with all city and county standards to ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees.

Interactive elements have become an integral part of the event. "We want the wait in line to be just as much fun as the actual tour through the Woods," Van Bibber said. Performances from the West High Drill Team, appearances by the Ghost Busters Team and their iconic car, and multiple interactive activities are designed to keep visitors entertained throughout.

However, creating such an event does not come without challenges. "We spend months preparing, so logistics are always a challenge," Van Bibber said. In addition to dealing with increasing amounts of props that now require rented storage space, the event must adapt to changes in the city's infrastructure. "Last year, the challenge was the pavilion being rebuilt; this year, it was a new addition to the city's warehouse," she said. Despite these hurdles, Van Bibber assured that "everyone has been working together to make it possible."

Being an outdoor event, weather is a significant concern, but the organizers are undeterred. "We have run the woods in wind, rain, snow, hail, 11 degrees; it just adds to the ambiance," Van Bibber said.

She also mentioned the valuable assistance from local police and fire departments in ensuring that the event setup remains secure overnight.

As for the experience itself, the Haunted Woods offers something for every age group. "We start in the daylight with the 'Silly Trails'—the music and characters are fun and entertaining. As the sun goes down, the energy in the woods shifts, and so do the characters," Van Bibber said. A safety feature, a "Safe Code" called “Ghouls Be Gone,” is in place if anyone finds the experience too intense.

Although there have been discussions about extending the traditional three-day schedule, limitations arise. "People have asked us to run all month, at least a week, or even move to the weekend," Van Bibber said. However, due to logistical issues related to volunteer availability, "we have found it best to leave things as they are."

This year's event includes several noted attractions. "The football team playing ball in the woods as scarecrows is always entertaining," Van Bibber said, "and the polo team playing on land along with Madame Leota is new this year."

Regarding the trail designs, Van Bibber said, "We always look at it with fresh eyes every year. There's a 'Light Show' crafted by Jeff Evans and music and design by Andy and Jeleigh Evans from Murray High."

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments in running the event. "One of our first years we had three fog machines, and it was so humid that the whole park filled up with fog. The Fire Department kept getting calls that the park was on fire," Van Bibber said. In another instance, "One year, it was thundering and snowing, and we were all covered with snow. The kids had a riot, and no one wanted to leave."

Volunteers from the Murray Youth Council and the Exchange Clubs are vital. "There’s a lot of leadership involved, and we have amazing kiddos," Van Bibber said. Local businesses like K Real Estate and AAA Restoration play significant roles behind the scenes. "Our Murray businesses are the reason we are still here. We are always open to our business family and look forward to more partnerships in the future.”

The event runs Oct. 23-25 at Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.) on the south side of the outdoor swimming pool in pavilion 5. Visitors can choose the Silly Trail for younger guests from 5:30-7 p.m. or the Scary Trail from 7-9 p.m. for the more adventurous. Tickets are $5. Visit MurrayHauntedWoods.com for tickets and more information. l

Two ghosts dance in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A zombie startles visitors in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A witch greets small visitors on the Silly Trail of the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

Q & A Business Spotlight

Megan Sewell owns Wild Sage Acupuncture in Cottonwood Heights. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist in the state of Utah and maintains diplomat status at the national level:

NCCAOM. Megan also has a Master’s degree in Science with a focus on Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine. She has 15 years of experience in the field of medicine and opened her clinic in Cottonwood Heights in 2021.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: As a holistic endocrinologist and pain specialist, I do acupuncture, cupping, diet guidance, and internal medicine in the form of herbs and key supplements.

Q: What sets your company apart from your competitors?

A: Our 100% natural therapies address the root cause of acute / chronic pain and hormonal imbalances. Your body never forgets how to heal, it just needs the right guidance and support. Through simple treatment strategies, along with our targeted acupuncture sessions, we provide a clear and concise way of improving your health and wellbeing. We offer a free initial consultation to see if our services are a good fit.

Q: Does your business solve a problem for your customers?

A: We offer solutions that Western medicine fails to provide. By reducing or eliminating pain, improving sleep and energy levels, and lowering physical and emotional stress for our

patients, on a daily basis, we naturally increase quality of life. Many of our patients love acupuncture’s naturally relaxing effects every time they receive treatment.

Q: Who is your ideal client/customer?

A: Anyone suffering from acute or chronic pain and/or nerve related conditions is urged to check us out. We also specialize in women’s hormonal health and infertility.

Q: What factors should potential customers know to make a decision about your business?

A: Our mission at Wild Sage is to provide efficient, cost-effective, natural healthcare.

We accept HSA/FSA cards, provide Superbills for insur-

2258 E Fort Union Blvd #B6 Cottonwood Heights 801-849-8312

ance reimbursement, and have a financing solution through CareCredit.

Q: What can customers expect from your business?

A: We will do a detailed assessment of your symptom or pain pattern, medical history, and other factors to determine the best way to treat you. If you follow the plan laid out, our experience has shown that we get quick and effective results, and once you are strong and well you do not need ongoing visits or treatments.

Q: Are you offering any specials?

A: We always offer free consultations and your first treatment is 25% off through May. Call 801-849-8312 to schedule a consultation and visit wildsageacupuncture.com for more information.

We love having our business in Cottonwood Heights to engage this wonderful community and be a source of renewed hope in healthcare. Find us on Facebook at @WildSageAcupuncture and on Instagram @wildsageacu.

“Megan is a world class acupuncturist who has helped me with pain from a spinal injury and chronic nerve pain… gratefully, Megan and her team helped me to recover holistically. I recommend her to my friends and family all the time.” – Sean

Untangling the Madness: Why Trimlight is the Ultimate Holiday Hack

The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the timeless tradition of adorning our homes with festive lights. You’re likely familiar with the routine – unearthing boxes of tangled lights, grappling with a ladder that seems determined to defy you, and attempting to transform your residence into a shimmering winter wonderland. It’s all fun and games until you’re knee-deep in a web of extension cords, pondering the choices that brought you here. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a better way – outdoor permanent holiday lights from Trimlight.

they’ve staged a revolt, protesting against your decorating skills. You become a detective, tracking down the rogue bulb that’s sabotaging your holiday dreams. Just when you think you’ve triumphed, a gust of wind turns your carefully placed lights into a chaotic display of brilliance.

And let’s not forget the extension cords. You weave and wind them through your yard like a mad scientist setting up an experiment. And guess what? They have a mind of their own. They tangle, twist, and trip you up in a game of holiday-themed Twister.

The Drama of Hanging Holiday Lights

Picture this: You’re in your front yard, armed with a string of lights that may have been plotting against you in the attic for the past year. You attempt to untangle them, or at least you try. Suddenly, you nd yourself locked in a wrestling match with a stubborn knot that refuses to let go. This is where the adventure begins.

But that’s not all! You embark on a ladder-climbing odyssey, channeling your inner acrobat as you teeter on the edge of catastrophe. The ground seems to disappear into the distance, and you ponder the cosmic signi cance of your holiday decorating decisions. In that moment, the ladder is not just a ladder; it’s a perilous gateway to a realm of festive uncertainty.

Now, the real challenge begins. You plug in your lights, and behold – a quarter of them refuse to illuminate. It’s as if

By now, your ngers are either frozen or numb, and you’re seriously reconsidering the merits of holiday cheer. You might even have a breakdown amidst the holiday lights, swearing to never repeat this ordeal—until next year, of course.

The Brilliant Solution: Trimlight’s Permanent Holiday Lights

Now, imagine this instead: You’re sipping hot cocoa, snug inside your warm home. With the touch of a button or automated schedule, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame. No battles with knots, no precarious ladder ascents, no detective work, and no expeditions in sub-zero temperatures.

Outdoor permanent holiday lights are your comedic relief in this festive chaos. It’s akin to having a team of holiday magic-makers who turn your home into a dazzling masterpiece with a simple press. You can change colors, craft patterns, set schedules, and adjust brightness—all from your cozy couch.

Meanwhile, your neighbors are outside, grappling with their lights and cursing their extension cords. You, on the other hand, get to relax and savor the spectacle. You’ve outwitted the holiday lighting madness, and you’re relishing every moment.

In summary, the holidays should be a time of joy, not a test of your patience and ladder-climbing skills. Trimlight’s outdoor permanent holiday lights are the ultimate holiday hack, sparing you from the chaos and transforming your home into a yearround holiday haven. Embrace the brilliance of permanent holiday lights and leave the comedy to the experts – and maybe even enjoy a chuckle or two as you witness the chaos unfold elsewhere! Happy Almost Holidays!

Trimlight is the industry leader in outdoor permanent holiday & accent lighting and nobody helps more Utah homeowners than Trimlight. To learn more about Trimlight, or to schedule a free estimate visit trimlight.com/saltlake, or call 801-382-8746.

With the touch of a button, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame.

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Emily Wilson : 801-484-8600

The Truth is Out There

Depending on who you ask, aliens have either 1) frequently visited our planet, 2) never visited our planet, or 3) are currently running our planet.

It’s been quite a year for Unidentified Flying Objects, which are now called Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. (Tomayto, tomahto.) These “extraterrestrial” vessels made the news, created a TikTok channel and had their own congressional hearing.

In early 2023, the Air Force started blasting weather balloons out of the sky. Although weather balloons have been used since 1896, it’s only in the last year the balloons became malicious enough to be shot down. It’s definitely American to shoot first and never ask questions.

It reminds me of the 1978 video game Space Invaders, where the goal was to blast UFOs out of the atmosphere before they reached Earth. Whether the current UAPs were peace emissaries from Alpha Centauri or galactic multi-level-marketing sales-aliens, we’ll never know.

Look at it this way. If you launched a celebratory lightspeed rocket on the day Jesus was born, it would still be in the Milky Way Galaxy, even traveling for 2,000 years at the speed of light. So if a flying saucer made its way across its galaxy and our galaxy, it would take hundreds of thousands of light years to reach us, only to be casually shot down by an F-22.

Maybe they were on their way to teach

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

us how to travel at lightspeed, how to create a functional Congress or how to evolve so our skin glows in the dark. We’ll never know.

UFO sightings occur all over the world, but the U.S. has the most interaction with aliens. The Roswell crash in 1947 was the first “flying saucer” wreckage that authorities said was a UFO, then it was a weather balloon, then it was Carl’s tractor from down the road and then it was the remnants of an atomic test, which didn’t make anyone feel better.

Air Force pilots share stories of strange objects in the sky, security cameras capture “meteors” and eerie lights, and there was a congressional hearing to talk about what the government isn’t telling us. Spoiler alert: the government keeps a lot of secrets.

Many people are convinced the pyramids were built with alien technology. Some people think UFOs travel the world making intricate designs in crops, kind of like alien graffiti. Others point out the first microchip was created just 10 years after the Roswell crash. Coincidence?

Hmmmm.

Records from Rome (AD 65) and Ireland (AD 740) document chariots flying through the clouds or ships floating in the air, filled with people. Too bad there wasn’t an F-22 to shoot them down.

“War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells was written in the late 1890s. It was one of the first novels that detailed an alien invasion on Earth. People lost their minds when Orson Welles dramatized it on a 1938 radio show.

I’m not saying UFOs are real. I’m not saying they’re not. But sightings have increased, usually in the form of an orb, a disc, a triangle,

a cylinder, an egg, a toaster, a VW Bug or other random shapes.

I’ve been saying for years that Earth is a hit reality show in the universe and little green men (or blue or white or gray) watch the hilarious antics on our dumpster fire of a planet while eating alien popcorn.

It’s pretty egocentric of us to think we’re the only planet with intelligent life. And I use the word “intelligent” lightly. I hope somewhere in the universe there’s a planet where the inhabitants live in peace and work together to create new ideas. I just hope they don’t come here. We’ll shoot them out of the sky.l