February 2018 | Vol. 18 Iss. 02
FREE THAT’S A WRAP. MURRAY’S FIRST CULTURAL ARTS MANAGER CALLS IT A CAREER By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
S
ix weeks before Mary Ann Kirk became a volunteer for the Murray Arts Advisory Board in 1992, she gave birth to her son Ben; many remember her pushing him in a stroller around the Murray Amphitheatre. Twenty-five years later, Ben watched his mother receive a resolution from the city recognizing her for a quarter century of service as its cultural arts manager. “I do 100 percent believe that the arts and history are the city’s heart and soul because that’s what connects us together,” said Kirk. When serving on the first Murray Arts Advisory Board in 1992, she was expected to volunteer 10 hours a month, merely overseeing grants to local arts agencies and use of the amphitheater. That volunteer stint lead to Kirk being appointed to cultural arts manager, and, by the time of her retirement, she had overseen nearly 200 annual events and projects, invited 2,500 amateur and professional artists to participate, and hosted 35,000 to 40,000 patrons from Murray and throughout the Wasatch Front. “You can’t think of any of the arts and history programs without thinking of Mary Ann,” remarked Mayor Blair Camp. “She has so much passion and love for this city, for the arts and for its history.” Murray’s active art scene indeed owes much to her influence. She worked to strengthen relationships with local art organizations by coordinating grant funding and city support for critical facility needs, provided professional training for non-profit administration and developed shared winter and summer seasons, including the Murray Arts in the Park series. She also designed and implemented many programs for
Mary Ann Kirk sat on many panels regarding Utah’s arts. (Photo Utah Division of Arts and Museums)
school-age youth for both large and small numbers of students in a variety of educational and performance opportunities.
Murray youth worked with professional artists in after-school musicals; film festivals; school residencies in storytelling, dance, theater, music, secondary school art shows; and touring performances and residencies, such as the Missoula Children’s Theater. In 2017, Kirk accepted the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Award on behalf of Murray City Cultural Arts. The award recognized that “Mary Ann’s vision and dedication, paired with tremendous support from the city, elected officials, local art organizations, school personnel, and a contingency of dedicated volunteers, have allowed the arts to thrive in Murray City.” Kirk expanded the vision of her office by incorporating the preservation and promotion of Murray’s history. This included the development of the Murray City Museum. In conjunction with the museum, she added historical programming that included annual cemetery tours, bus and walking tours, Halloween history events and storytelling. Seeking to preserve Murray’s history, she coordinated efforts to provide public access to the museum’s large photo collection and created a searchable catalog of other history resources, including family histories and documents. Along with others, she personally interviewed and recorded oral histories of seniors to capture Murray’s story. With the vast collection of history she acquired, she supervised eight history publications and created a mobile app for touring historic downtown. “The coolest thing about this is that it allowed me to use my talents to create and think of fun things to do for people to enjoy,” she said. Continued on Page 5...
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Murray City Journal
Meet Dale Cox: Newly elected city councilman The Murray City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Murray. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.
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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
D
ale Cox’s calm and deliberate manner has earned him a nickname that only his wife, Jann, is allowed to call him: Turtle. “I keep in control with the exception of home repairs,” jokes Dale. Jann agrees, but notes that he is never going to die of stress. Murray’s newest city councilman, elected in District 2, which covers south-central Murray, stands over six-feet tall and sports a shock of snow-white hair. His serious, mellow facial features, like that of a turtle, show neither demonstrative excitement nor despair. His composure disguises another thing Dale is known for—his joke-of-the-day. One such joke: “Question: What do you call a lawyer with a 50 I.Q? Answer: Your honor.” He needed jokes to build rapport with others as he led Utah’s largest labor union, the AFL-CIO, a job he has done since 2012. He has served in some leadership capacity in that organization for the past 40 years, but recently announced his retirement. Trained as a welder mechanic, Dale has held other trade jobs, which all have steered him into his involvement with organized labor. “I never wanted to work indoors. I liked working with my hands,” Dale said. “And now I have ended up working in an office.”
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Through his leadership with the AFL-CIO, Dale Cox and his wife Jann have met many dignitaries including the Dalai Lama. (Photo/Dale Cox)
Through the union, Dale met the two most pivotal people in his life. During Dale’s first union election (and first defeat), he met Larry Walsh. Walsh, a fellow tradesman and seasoned union official, saw the potential in Dale and mentored him as he progressed in the AFL-CIO from his beginning as operating engineer’s staff business agent to assistant district representative, then district representative to legislative coordinator for the State of Utah and finally becoming president of the Utah AFL-CIO. The second person became a match made in union heaven. Nearly 30 years ago, Dale was on official union business visiting a worksite and stepped into the operating engineer’s office where he encountered a fellow union worker. “I was struck by his dark curly hair,” said his wife Jann with a laugh. While the darkness and curls have left his hair, he and his wife, Jann, still have their greatest source of pride, their son Trace. Trace chose a different career path than his labor union parents—he is a police officer for West Valley City. He, too, has a personal nickname for his father: Clark Griswold. “I love Christmas,” said Dale. While Dale’s house is nowhere near the outrageous, over-the-top lead character’s home in “National Lampoon Christmas Vacation,” not one corner of the Cox yard is void of at least some Christmas decoration. Jann tries to keep up with Dale by festooning the inside
of the house, which includes two trees in the front room, one of which was redecorated twice. Christmas isn’t the only thing that Dale is obsessed about. If the city councilman gig doesn’t work out, he could be a Disney park tour guide. He and Jann have made visiting a Disney park a yearly ritual, and they can tell you not only the best times to visit the parks, but the best time to go on certain rides. As empty nesters, Dale and Jann have adopted Harley and Buddy, a border collie and a Bernese mountain dog. Dale’s work in the legislature has made him friends with legislators from both political parties. Working in such power circles, the ironworker sometimes wonders how he ever got to be there. When he decided to retire, a state senator asked what he was going to do, and that set Dale to pondering. He felt he might have something he could offer to Murray as a city councilman. When he announced his bid, Dale was able to raise an unheard of amount for a Murray city council race—over $33,000—of which only $234 was from his own pocket. Donations came in from union friends, but also from politicians ranging from Democrat Doug Owens to former chair of the Utah Republican Party Stan Lockhart. In the end, Jann said that through the election, like all stressful times, Dale reassured himself by always saying, “It is what it is.” l
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Page 4 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
From shoe cobbler’s son to Murray’s newest mayor, meet Blair Camp
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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
he son of a shoe repairman, Murray’s new mayor, Blair Camp was taught how to work hard at an early age. “My dad taught me the value of work. Whenever I wanted something, like paying the fees to play little league baseball, he had me come into his shoe shop and earn the money for it.” Working together at the shoe repair store, which stood on the corner of Murray-Taylorsville and Redwood Roads, created a close father-son relationship. From his father, Blair learned the lessons of life and other useful skills, like how to put new soles on a pair of boots. Raised just west of the Murray boundary in Taylorsville, Blair was one of nine children. He was in the inaugural sophomore class of Cottonwood High School when it opened in 1971. On growing up with Blair, his younger sister Marilee recalls her brother’s determined resourcefulness. “As a teenager, he spent summers as a lifeguard at our aunt’s pool in Idaho. One summer he and his three friends rode their bikes all the way there. It was about 100 miles (from Taylorsville). They camped overnight at the park in Brigham City.” During his last year at Cottonwood, Blair acquired one of his favorite personal features: a mustache. According to him, the mustache has
One day, Paula attended a safety presentation by the Murray Fire Department at the local church; one firefighter mentioned that they were looking to hire more firefighters. Paula told Blair— who had previously considered firefighting as a career—and he jumped at the opportunity. Finding a mentor in Dale Davies at the Murray FD, Blair was able to move through the ranks, finally advancing to chief. His experience as chief gave him wide exposure to the inner workings of Murray City. But Provo lured him away from Murray to be their chief, where he had to fight some high-profile fires, including the blaze that destroyed the historic Provo Tabernacle. As fire quickly consumed the Tabernacle’s interior, Blair ordered his crew to save the exterior walls from collapsing. Some incidents still haunt him from his time as a firefighter. He emotionally recalls responding to an accident caused by a drunk driver which killed a pregnant mother; her husband wandered around the scene in shock, unaware his leg was broken. He gained a new respect for how precious life is and gained perspective on how to live. Given his experience working with cities, Blair thought that he might try a run for city council after retirement. Since his election to the council in 2014, he has never missed a city council meeting. l
As fire chief, Blair Camp was able to visit ground zero in New York City. (Photo/Blair Camp)
been a part of his life more years than not. As he entered the workforce, the future LDS bishop was sporting not only a mustache but lamb chop sideburns and long, flowing hair down to his shoulders. Now, tightly trimmed with no evidence of his mustache, his wife, Paula, corroborates his story. “At first I was kind of scared of him,” said Paula of her first encounter with her 1970s hipster husband when she was hired to work at Piccadilly Fish and Chips in Sugar House. Howev-
er, as Paula the waitress got to know Blair the cook, she took a shine to him. “I asked him out first!” she declared. After that first date watching “The Sting” at the old Century 21 dome theaters, it wasn’t long before the two teenagers wed. They have one son and four daughters and now seven grandsons and seven granddaughters, with two new granddaughters on the way. It was Paula who helped Blair embark on the career that would last until his retirement.
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MurrayJournal .com Her imprint on Murray includes many public art projects and history signage including the TRAX station artworks, Costco mural, Jordan River and Murray Park history signage, Murray Park historic overpass, and the smelter plaza at IMC. Crowning her career was the remodeling of the Murray Park Amphitheater. Even after heading into retirement, Kirk will still be involved in the arts. She and her husband will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the San Diego Mormon Battalion Visitor Center coordinating its art and history. To honor her contributions, Murray City hosted a celebration on January 5 where some of Kirk’s favorite local artists performed. “I can’t go out without doing a concert,” remarked Kirk. The celebration, planned by Kirk herself (“It’s what I do,” she said), featured performances from the Murray Symphony; Murray High madrigals, percussionists and dance company; soloists and the Viewmont, Grant and Horizon Elementary musical casts. Performances included music from “West Side Story,” “The Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Newsies” to name a few. Kirk’s love for the arts started early in her life, piano at age 8 and dance at age 3 when she pretended to be a butterfly. Dance provided solace in her life when
her mother died of cancer. Kirk was 12-yearsold. “I chose to attend ballet class where I could immerse my troubled soul in a world that provided comfort,” she told the audience at her retirement celebration. Kirk narrated the night explaining the significance of each song in her life. For example, when her father started dating again, he took his children to see “The Sound of Music” five separate times on five separate dates. The children were told to pretend they had never seen the show before. “I think my dad, who was a marine corp reserve officer and raising five children alone, chose this show because he wanted a potential wife to understand his current situation,” she said. And just as the artistic experiences in her childhood shaped her, Kirk is offering the same to the next generation. Kirk announced they were establishing a Kirk Family Arts Scholarship of $1,500 to be awarded to a Murray High student each year. It will be based on who valued and made time for the arts in their busy schedules. “I believe arts in education is critical for well-rounded and successful adults and much of the programming I worked on was for the artistic experience for our kids,” she said. l Julie Slama and Travis Barton also contributed to this story.
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Page 6 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
One for the books—Murray Library earns national ranking
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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
urray City Library joined elite company being recognized as a “Star Library” by the national trade publication Library Journal. Murray was one of only three Utah libraries, including Salt Lake City Library and Salt Lake County Library—West Jordan branch, to be recognized. Out of 7,409 U.S. public libraries qualified to be rated in Library Journal’s index, only 259 Star Libraries received three-star, four-star or five-star designations. Along with Murray’s threestar rating, it was ranked the 12th best nationally for program attendance per capita. “I am elated that Murray Library received a national ranking, but the statistical rankings are only a small part of the picture of what we are trying to accomplish at Murray Library,” said Murray Library Director Kim Fong. The Library Journal star ranking designation is an index of transactions for public libraries across the nation. Libraries are ranked by five per-capita measures: circulation, electronic circulation, library visits, total program attendance and public internet computer use. Libraries are scored based on their statistical performance in each of these measures and ranked with libraries that have similar budgets. Every year, all public libraries in the country file a statistical report to their state libraries. The reported statistics are used in determining the ranking. “Our mission is to be your friendly home-
town library,” said Fong. “We constantly strive to give library users the best experience. That kind of service cannot be measured by statistics.” The library offers a variety of programs for all ages, both inside and outside the library. Fong has staff members who are specifically assigned to plan and present programs. “Many people in our community appreciate these programs and the efforts of our staff,” noted Fong. One of the library’s most popular offerings is its online story time, which is available on their YouTube channel. “We have viewers around the world that watch these videos, which are produced here at Murray Library.” For kids, the library offers popular programs such as Stop in for Stories and Wiggle Worms, which are story times for preschoolers and toddlers. The library also has monthly programs for families, which attract many attendees. The library has other community outreach programs in addition to its literary efforts. Kids’ Café, in partnership with the Utah Food Bank, feeds kids after school twice a week at the library. As part of the library’s outreach effort, they have added a library mascot, Murray the Dragon. He often attends library events, as well as visits community events outside of the library. Fong noted that they are making a determined effort to improve the atmosphere of the library after area schools let out. Its proximity to Hillcrest Junior High has caused some issues with
Murray the Dragon, the Murray City Library’s mascot, is a hit with the kids. (Photo Murray Library)
student loitering in the past. “At the beginning of this school year, we hired a security monitor, which has resulted in a significant reduction in noise and rowdy behavior. Our goal is to make the library an inviting place for everyone at all times of the day.” Murray Library is now offering Homebound Service for library users who are unable to come to the library. Homebound individuals can consult with a librarian and have items mailed to their home. The delivery includes a return label, which
allows for easy returns for those using the service. The library has been included in discussions for relocating it to the new Murray City Center District. City leaders have yet to determine if a move is feasible since the library is currently in a 99-year lease with Murray City School District. Regardless, Fong said the library will emphasize its patrons and the services it provides to the community. “We try not to focus on statistics, but try to find ways to truly improve the lives of the people that use our services.” l
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MurrayJournal .com
Is it a bird? Is it a squirrel? No, it’s Jake the power man!
W
e all know of that one tall tree in the neighborhood with that one questionable branch that someday, with the right wind gust, will fall onto a power line or into a window. Fortunately, Murray residents have Jake Bleazard, one of the best tree climbers in the country, to take care of those pesky tree limbs. The Murray City Power employee recently competed in the International Tree Climbing Championship that was held here in Utah. Bleazard started working in arboriculture in 1998, at the age of 18, with his brother at Trees Inc. It was there that he was first introduced to tree climbing. “From the beginning, I liked climbing. I guess you could say I’m a little bit of a daredevil.” He worked his way up to become foreman at the company and found his passion to be among the trees. He began studying to become an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist and started to learn about new climbing techniques. Upon being certified an arborist, Jake decided to compete in his first climbing competition. The North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC) takes place every fall. Forty-six of the top professional tree climbers from the United States and Canada compete for the title of North American Champion while demonstrating their skills as professional arborists. The challenges ranged from scaling a tree as quickly as possible to simulating a rescue in a tree using a dummy and several ropes. The competition has five pulmonary events, including the rescue, the speed climb, the footlock (the ability to perform a vertical ascent into a tree using a friction hitch), the workclimb (ability to move about a tree using a tree-climbing rope and harness)
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com and the throwball (inserting a climbing rope high into a tree). The top four climbers in these events go on to compete in the master’s challenge, which is a combination of the pulmonary events. “I was hooked and have competed in 12 competitions since, eight of them were for the Utah chapter. And, in 2014 I took first place and was able to represent Utah at the International Tree Climbing Competition in Milwaukee.” He also won a chainsaw and $600 worth of tree gear from different companies. Last year at the Utah competition he took second and qualified for the North American championships, where he took 18th; these competitions have about 35 to 40 competitors. “The last three years I have taken second place in the Utah competitions, and have competed in the North American competition in Colorado, Niagara Falls, and last fall right here in Salt Lake.” Bleazard said that tree climbing is more than conquering a fear of heights. “Tree climbing is very physical; you have to be in good shape to be competitive. Climbing is extremely mentally demanding. Not only are there many different technical aspects to the gear and how it should be used, you need the right frame of mind to climb 60 feet in the air connected to only ropes.” While Bleazard has worked for Murray City Power for nearly 20 years, he also serves as a board member of the Utah Community Forest Council. The father of three also plays in a band and writes music, but still, on his off-days, you can catch him scaling a tree. “I have spent countless hours climbing trees and for the most part it’s a serious environment, one wrong move and it could mean big trouble. But the relationships I have made with the people I climb with are second to none.” l
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And he’s off! Murray City Power’s Jake Bleazard starts a timed tree climb at the International Tree Climbing Championship. (Photo Murray City Power)
Page 8 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
A Murray flu outbreak like no other
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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
hough this winter’s version of the flu is particularly virulent, it pales in comparison to the historic Spanish flu that once ravaged Murray. This year marks the centennial of when the world and Murray went through a pandemic that sickened 500 million people and killed, at most, an estimated 100 million people—the single most deadly event in human history. In fact, the United States’ life expectancy rate dropped by 12 years in 1918. Murray in 1918 was experiencing a heyday. World War I had created a demand for steel, and Murray’s smelters could hardly keep up with the demand. Labor shortages were common since men were off to war, and new workers were recruited throughout the country. The city was also sending servicemen off to the frontline in Europe at the Murray train depot on 4800 South. What Murrayites did not know was that they were also welcoming the H1N1 virus brought into the community by visitors and soldiers exposed to the disease. With soldiers living in close quarters, the contagion spread like wildfire as the infected traveled to other bases or returned home. The outbreak was first noticed in the spring of 1918 in war-torn Europe. American war censors forbade newspapers from reporting it at home, fearing that it would deflate the nation’s morale. But they did allow newspapers to report its impact on neutral Spain, thus giving it the
name of the Spanish flu. One of the first instances reported in the media of a Murrayite contracting the Spanish flu appeared in the Salt Lake Herald on October 11. “A Murray man attended a Salt Lake theatre and within forty-eight hours after his return home he and four other members of his family were attacked.” Subsequently, all theatres in Utah were shut down to lessen exposure in crowds; this order soon progressed to churches, schools, and all public gatherings. The pandemic was explosive. Newspapers reported that Murray was one of only 13 affected communities in Utah on October 5 but one of 95 by October 17. Murray Mayor Norman Erekson ordered masks to be worn when riding streetcars or going to city hall. The Salt Lake Telegram on December 6 reported, “Health officers have been stationed at Vine Street, a point midway between Murray and Salt Lake… [to ensure that streetcars] carry only the limited number of passengers. Every person on these cars beginning today will be compelled to wear influenza masks. Although the masks do not have to be worn on the streets of Murray, they must be donned upon entering all buildings.” As hospital beds became full, the Murray branch of the American Red Cross opened the Commercial Hall (5010 State Street) building as an emergency hospital. Murrayites with even so much as a head cold were quarantined at home. Teachers were recruited to volunteer as nurs-
Red Cross nurses created a makeshift hospital in Murray during the Spanish flu. (Utah State University)
es. Those who recovered from the flu were also pressed into aiding others with the disease. In a tragic story reported by The Salt Lake Telegram, “Mrs. Mary Draper of Murray left her home and family nearly two weeks ago upon receiving a message that her mother was ill in Richmond. Soon after her absence her husband, William Draper, died of influenza and the little daughter soon followed. The three girls were stricken suddenly and rushed to the Red Cross hospital. During all this time telegraph messages were being sent out in an effort to find the mother.” Mrs. Draper was eventually found and her
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twin daughters did survive. The pandemic subsided by the spring of 1919 and the exact death toll in Murray is not available. Where the Commercial Hall sat, now sits the sprawling Intermountain Medical Center. The Murray LDS First Ward’s practice of using individual sacrament cups instead of a common goblet became standard practice for the entire LDS Church afterward. Vaccinations have done much to stave off epidemics, but as made evident by the whooping cough outbreak at Murray’s American International School of Utah last year, there is still room to improve. l
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February 2018 | Page 9
MurrayJournal .com
Murray Boys & Girls Club raising funds for expansion
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oining the winds of change in Murray, the Murray Boys & Girls Club has announced a fundraising effort to expand its facility. The space available for its elementary-aged program is too small to accommodate demand. The club has up to 100 kids on its waiting list, particularly during summer months. The proposed expansion will allow it to immediately serve an additional 100 kids each day. “Our staff has been very creative and has learned to adapt programming to the space available,” said LeAnn Saldivar, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake (BGCGSL). The Murray Club serves about 900 members annually with between 225 and 300 attending daily. These figures include its childcare program (ages 3-7), before- and after-school programs for elementary-aged youth, and its teen center. The club, located next to Murray Park, has been a fixture in the community since its founding in 1967. “We also rely on out-of-facility field trip activities to reduce the burden on the building. However, it’s very difficult to conduct effective academic or prevention programs in makeshift places like gymnasiums and large noisy areas,” noted Saldivar. The planned improvements for the Murray Club include a 10,000-square-foot expansion on two floors on the southwest side of the existing building. The expansion will include a lobby for more secure check-in/out, a new multipurpose/game room, and three classrooms for elementary-aged members. Additionally, renovations of existing areas will include a new STEM lab and more space for teen members. “The other problem that will be solved with the expansion is the new lobby. We currently have two very small entrance areas
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com that make it difficult for parents to conveniently use the front desk area and for staff to effectively monitor who is entering and leaving the building,” explained Saldivar. “The new lobby will create a single point of entry with a central control desk and adequate space for kids, parents and guests to interact with staff without interfering with programs.” BGCGSL announced its multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand facilities to meet growing demand for services in two Salt Lake Valley neighborhoods in November 2017. Private fundraising for the projects began in February 2017, but the campaign was conceived in 2011. Seven years ago, a planning study showed that the Murray community building had more children in need than could be accommodated at the existing building. The November formal kick-off event included Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs Spencer F. Eccles and Henry S. Hemingway to announce the campaign details and lead gifts as well as to reveal plans for the new expansion in Murray. BGCGSL’s fundraising effort is called the “Great Futures Capital Campaign,” aimed at raising $7 million for both the Murray Expansion and a new facility (to replace the old Capitol West Club) in the Rose Park area of Salt Lake. To date, BGCGSL has raised $5.9 million from foundations and individual donors, board members and staff. Two very special “naming” gifts have been pledged: $1.5 million from the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to name the new Capitol West Club and $1 million from the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation to name the Murray Club. Founded in 1967, BGCGSL is the largest and oldest Boys & Girls Club organization in Utah and provides a safe place for more than 1,500 kids each day and 7,500 kids annually at eight
locations across Salt Lake, Tooele and Carbon counties. The Clubs are affordable for all kids and provide youth with caring adult mentors and life-enhancing programs. More information on donating to the BGCGSL fundraiser can be found online at http://www.gslclubs.org/GreatFutures/ l
Murray Boys & Girls Club expansion will include a new multi-purpose room. (Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake)
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Murray City Journal
12:05 PM
Jennifer Covington
Superintendent of Schools
MURRAY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 5102 S. Commerce Drive 5102 South Commerce Drive • Murray, UT 84107 Murray, Utah 84107 801-264-7400 | Fax 801-264-7456 Phone 801-264-7400 801-264-7456
City wastewater rates to increase and fire station bond approved
february 2018
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
fax
Elementary Director of Teaching and Learning I was honored to be hired this year as Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning after having been a school principal for 16 years, with two of those at Viewmont Elementary. One of the assignments in my new role is to oversee technology. Working with district technology coordinator Jason Eyre, we are embarking on an ambitious three-year Technology Plan. One of the Board of Education goals is to “integrate technology to improve student achievement” for our students. Technology affords teachers an opportunity to differentiate student learning, and technology allows students to demonstrate their mastery of content in creative and meaningful ways. It impacts so much of our life today, and we want to harness the power and potential of 21st Century skills and advanced technologies in the learning environment. Missy Hamilton This year, 31 classrooms in Murray City schools received funds from the Digital Teaching and Learning Grant, allowing students in those classes to have their own computers. Grants also provided funding to engage teachers in over 20 hours of professional learning on different software programs, assisting them in finding rigorous materials to implement. As we gain momentum on our technology initiative, principals and school community councils have found funds to buy additional classroom carts of laptops to provide even more students with the digital experience. Students are engaged in learning through the 4-C’s of “Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity.” These are skills students need to succeed in work, life and as community members. Our district recognizes that need and is implementing those skills into daily curriculum. Our technology plan includes equipping teachers with different computing solutions to help teach core standards. By building on this foundation, combining knowledge and skills with the necessary support systems of standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development, and learning environments, students are more engaged in the learning process and graduate better prepared to thrive in today’s digitally and globally interconnected world.
Murray District Office Staff
2017-18 MCSD Calendar Highlights feb. 16 (fri.) Professional Development Day ½ day class; early dismissal for students feb. 19 (mon.) President’s Day holiday Schools and buildings closed feb. 20-21 (tues., Wed.) High School Parent-Teacher SEOP Conferences feb. 21-22 (Wed., thurs.) Jr. High Parent-Teacher SEOP Conferences feb. 23 (fri.) Secondary Teacher SEOP Compensatory Day All secondary schools will be closed
ADMINISTRATION Jennifer Covington—Superintendent Scott Bushnell—Assistant Superintendent, Teaching & Learning Darren Dean—Director, Personnel & Student Services Richard Reese—Business Administrator Melissa B. Hamilton—Director, Elementary Teaching & Learning Robin Williams—Director, Secondary Teaching & Learning Kelli Kercher—Director, At-Risk Programs Rock Boyer—Director, Support Services DEPARTMENT COORDINATORS Jason Eyre—Technology Rod Pace—Buildings & Grounds David Trujillo—Child Nutrition Program D. Wright—Communications & Public Information ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF Lisa Adair—Administrative Assistant At-Risk Department Kristen Davis—Executive Secretary to the Superintendent, MCE Shannon Hoff—Secretary Teaching & Learning, CTE Megan Kunzler—Secretary Maintenance & Transportation Randi Leffel—Accounting Technician/Benefits Kay Lindorff—Secretary Nutrition Services Denise McDougal—Administrative Assistant, HR AnnMarie Nielson—DO Secretary & Receptionist Hollie Worthen —Accounts Payable/Payroll & Purchasing
feb. 28, mar. 1 (Wed., thurs.) Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences The entire 2017-18 school year calendar is available on the District website, along with other event listings. The Murray Board of Education reserves the right to alter or amend this calendar as may be necessitated by unforeseen events.
Murray High Sterling Scholars 2018
Website: www.murrayschools.org | Facebook: Murray School District UT The Your Murray Schools section is a Murray City School District publication, under the direction of D. Wright, MCSD communications & public information.
Finance Director Danyce Steck addresses the city council on issuing bonds for a new fire station. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
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urray City Council unanimously approved a wastewater fee hike that will increase rates by nearly 26.6 percent over a five-year period. The increase was necessary because of required upgrades to the Central Valley Water Reclamation (CVWR) Facility, which is the wastewater treatment plant handling all of Murray’s sewage. Murray has an 8 percent stake in the facility, a proportion based on how much wastewater the city sends to that plant. For several years, Central Valley Water has been planning an expansion and upgrade to the facility to comply with state and federally mandated requirements for phosphorus and nitrogen removal. Central Valley Water has estimated that over the next 10 years the cost of these upgrades will be approximately $250 million, and the seven member entities will share in that cost. When the city found out it would have to pay for a portion of the upgrade and expansion to Central Valley Water, then Public Services Director Doug Hill, at a Nov. 21 city council meeting, said, “We realized that with our current rates we would not be able to make that payment to Central Valley Water.” The city charges a base monthly fee to everybody, regardless of how much sewage they produce; that base charge is $7.62 per month. Residents are assessed an additional usage fee based on how much water they use during the winter months (November through April). The city does that because most people don’t use any outside water during the winter months, which makes it easier for the city to determine how much of the water being used is going to the treatment plant. The current usage charge is $2.26 per hundred cubic feet. For a single-family home, the average monthly sewer bill is approximately $30. Hill said, “The proposal is for the sewer rates to increase a little each year over the next five years.
This would bring the average sewer bill for a single-family home from $30 to approximately $38 per month.” Councilman Jim Brass, who represents Murray on the Central Valley Water Board, remarked in support of the rate increase, “When the EPA and the Division of Water Quality changed the rules on phosphorus and nitrogen discharge from the plant into the river, it essentially made the plant obsolete. To meet the new rules, the plant must be completely rebuilt, and Central Valley Water has five years to do it.” In additional city business, the council addressed the development of the Murray City Center District and the issuance of bonds for a new fire station. A public hearing was held at the Dec. 12 city council meeting to receive input regarding the issuance of approximately $5.8 million in sales tax revenue bonds for construction of the station and command center. The payoff period for the bonds is less than 14 years, which is the period in which the city will collect the local option sales tax to pay the debt service. City Finance Director Danyce Steck said, “The purpose of this bond is to smooth out the cash flows for the city as we attempt to finish the downtown redevelopment and build a new city hall.” Steck added, “The main purpose is to preserve our reserve levels and to try and increase our credit rating when we go out to build city hall. If we issue the bonds at this point in time, we will be able to save interest that we may end up paying later when we issue the city hall bond. It’s not an issue of really giving the city more debt than what our plan is overall for the next two years. It is just merely shifting it from one year to another.” The council unanimously approved the issuance of sales tax revenue bonds for the fire station. l
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February 2018
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS 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
murray.utah.gov
MAYOR’S OFFICE
Mayor’s Message February is the shortest month of the year, the only month with less than 30 days, and the only month that doesn’t always have the same number of days every year. In February we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, commemorate our U.S. Presidents on President’s Day, and hold our breath while the Utah State Legislature is in session! Because all cities and towns in Utah are creatures of the state, every session has bills introduced that impact our city in one way or another. Murray City works very closely with the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) each year to lobby the legislature and encourage legislation that strengthens local control and the ability of local elected officials to make decisions about local issues that impact our residents. We, along with our fellow ULCT members, strongly oppose state laws that undermine local government. The Executive Director of ULCT, Cameron Diehl, is a local Murray boy! Cameron was part of the Murray City Youth Government in 1999-2000, and we value the wonderful relationship and benefit from his love of his hometown. I agree with the mantra that he reminds us of often, that “government closest to the people governs best.” As a city, we also enjoy very positive working relationships with the State Senators and Representatives who represent Murray. We remain in constant contact with them throughout the legislative session. I encourage all Murray citizens to learn who represents them, both at the State Capitol and at Murray City Hall. Visit le.utah.gov/GIS/ to find your State Legislators and murray.utah.gov/683/Council-Members for your city council members.
which was Washington’s birthday. In 1971 President’s Day was moved to the third Monday in February and we now celebrate all presidents, past and present. As we approach President’s Day this year, I have reflected on some of the quotes of past presidents, and how they may be relevant to my term as mayor of Murray City. Here are a few of these quotes:
D. Blair Camp Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” – George Washington “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” – Thomas Jefferson “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.” - Abraham Lincoln “In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics.” – John F. Kennedy “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” – Ronald Reagan “We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters most.” – Bill Clinton Regardless of political party, religious affiliation, or economic background, every one of our former presidents has had at least one thing in common: All were human, each with his own strengths as well as weaknesses. Each contributed in their own unique way. As we commemorate President’s Day, let’s learn from the wisdom of those who held the office, rather than reflect on their human weaknesses.
President’s Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of our first president, George Washington, and was celebrated on February 22,
For more information, please contact Battalion Chief Mike Dykman at 801-264-2762
Murray Fire Department Murray City Firefighters Volunteer to Help California
the fire as “apocalyptic” as they watched the winds push the fire so quickly that entire hillsides were igniting instantly. In order to slow its progress, firefighters had to fight fire with fire using drip torches to complete a back burn towards the fire. As the wildfire reached the areas that had already burned, the fire died down and slowly expired due to lack of fuel. The Thomas Fire ended up being the largest fire in modern California history, growing to nearly 281,893 acres, destroying 1,063 structures, and damaging another 280. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families in California who were affected by these devastating fires, and especially to the family of the California Fire Engineer Cory Iverson, who lost his life fighting the Thomas Fire. The MCFD firefighters that were deployed learned very valuable lessons they were able to bring back to the department and community. Despite the destruction sustained, citizens of the San Diego area remain extremely grateful to all fire personnel involved. We are not only thankful that our firefighters came back safely, but that Utah’s city leaders and fire chiefs allowed our firefighters this unique opportunity to help others.
On Dec. 6, 2017, the state of California declared a state of emergency due to raging wildfires. In response, the Utah Office of the Governor sent out a request to all fire departments throughout the state asking for firefighters and engines to assist. Firefighters from several different agencies volunteered to go, despite knowing there was a chance they could miss Christmas with their own families. The Murray City Fire Department (MCFD) was able to deploy four firefighters as well as the department’s wildland engine to assist with the Thompson Fire in Southern California. The individuals selected from MCFD were Captain Matt Boulden, and firefighters Zac Hansen, James Oyler, and Josh Schultz. In total, over 80 firefighters from different departments across Utah were sent. While working on the wildfires, MCFD’s firefighters saw the enormous devastation to homes and property. In fact, most homes destroyed by the fire left no salvageable belongings for their owners upon their return. When talking with some of the residents of San Diego, they described Not Just News... Your Community News...
Page 12 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
Message from the Council Running for public office was quite an experience! From the time I heard that Blair Camp would run for mayor and vacate his District 2 Council seat, I began considering and talking with my family about the possibility of running for office. Being politically active my entire life and with my recent retirement the decision to run for city council seemed a natural step. Jann and I had a lot of fun, but it was also a lot of work. We walked, knocked on hundreds of doors and talked with a lot of good people. I found that most people were very engaging and surprised that we were taking the time to go door to door. It was my desire to talk with people and find out their views and just as important for them to meet me. Unfortunately, we went door to door during one of the hottest summers on record. On one memorable front door visit, I asked a lovely woman near the mall if there was anything I could do for her. To my surprise, she said, “Yes ... there’s a hornet’s nest in that tree that you could get rid of for me!” We had a good laugh together as she explained an exterminator was on the way. Now that I have attended training and am serving the first week of my new position, I find that this is a very consuming parttime job! No, it is not just the two council meetings held monthly.
E-WASTE
I find opportunities to become educated and participate in many ways. Using my legislative experience and background, I will be representing the city council at the Legislative Policy Committee meetings of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. In January, the 2018 Legislative Session began with numerous bills to watch, analyze and Dale M. Cox negotiate. I have a genuine passion for this District 2 aspect of government. Over the next couple of years, the city will be working toward construction of a new administrative fire station and building a new city hall to house together city administration, city council, planning, police and courts. This is an enormous and complex project that will include citizen input on the development strategies. Growth is sure to be a factor in all we do as a city and I look forward to sharing in the solutions to these challenges. Murray City has one of the best city councils in the state with an amazing relationship of mutual respect between the council and the administration. Our city is very well managed and envied across the state. I am excited to be part of that. Thank you to everyone who opened their doors to us, to all of our volunteers, family, friends and the citizens in District 2. I take my responsibilities very seriously and look forward to the opportunity to serve you and work toward sustaining and advancing the vibrant, independent community that we have in Murray City. –Dale M. Cox District 2 Council Member
& DOCUMENT SHREDDING
Power Department
Saturday-Feb 24, 2018 9:00 am-11:00 am
Street treeS for SaLe
Recycling day Murray City Public Services Building 4646 South 500 West (Open to all Murray City Residents)
MAP OF DROPOFF LOCATION
Street trees are available for sale to Murray City residents. There are four trees available: Hackberry, Spring Snow Crabapple, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac (limited quantities) and Frontier Elm. Trees will be planted in the park strip by our certified arborists during May and June.
MURRAY CITY COUNCIL Council District 1 Dave nicponski 801-913-3283 dnicponski@murray.utah.gov Council District 2 Dale m. Cox 801-971-5568 dale.cox@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 additional information, please call: 801-264-2703
Hackberry
Spring Snow Crabapple
Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac
Frontier Elm
• Orders and payments must be made Feb. 1 - May 1 • $100 each (cash, check, or credit card) • Payment must be made in person at Murray City Power, 153 W. 4800 S., between 7 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
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FEBRUARY 2018 Murray Arts Beat Twin Peaks, AISU and all secondary schools. Residencies for the general public will be held at the Murray Library for kids’ grades 2-12 and the following: • Liberty Elementary - Grades 2-6 Feb. 6 – March 1, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 3:15-5 p.m. • Murray Heritage Center - Adults & Seniors Feb. 26 – March 30, Mondays/Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m.
resident on Display
The central display case at City Hall features original artwork from a different Murray artist each month! Our featured artists will be Jordan Brun in February and Kay S. Jones in March.
murray Winter Series
• Feb. 15 – Choral Fest, MHS/CHS choirs with guest artists; MHS, 7 p.m. Free • March 6-10 – “Animal Farm” MHS, 7 p.m., $6-7 advance, $8 door
For registration forms and additional information, please visit murray.utah.gov.
murray 2018 Literary Competition
The deadline for our biennial literary competition is Feb. 13, 2018. Entries must be received at the Parks and Recreation Office, 296 East Murray Park Ave., Murray, UT 84107. Murray writers may submit one entry per individual category. The submission form is available at the Murray Parks Office or online.
• March 10-12 – “Behind the Bookstore” MHS, 7 p.m., $6-7 advance, $8 door • March 22-24 – “Twelve Dancing Princesses,” Fairytale Ballet Murray Ballet Center, 7 p.m., $8
For additional information, please contact Lori Edmunds at 801-264-2620 after-school musicals
Parents, watch for information to come home from your children’s elementary schools with details about after-school musical auditions and performances! Schedules are as follows: • Parkside Elementary “Lion King Kids” - Feb. 22-23, 7 p.m. • Twin Peaks Elementary “Kicked Out of the Woods” - Feb. 27-28, 7 p.m. • AISU “That’s What Friends Are For” - March 8, 7 p.m. (tentative) • Horizon Elementary - “Annie Kids” - March 8-9, 7 p.m. • Longview Elementary “Big Bad Musical” - March 9, 7 p.m. • Liberty Elementary “Back to the Bandstand” - Auditions: March 9, 3:30 p.m. Show:s: April 30, 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. • McMillan Elementary “Back to the Bandstand” - March 12, 6:30 p.m. • Grant Elementary - “Annie Kids” - April 5-6, 7 p.m.
murray arts in the Park musicals
Auditions for the Summer Arts in the Park musical productions will in March-May. This summer’s shows are “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (June) and “Into the Woods” (July). The August show will soon be announced. Specific audition dates will be coming in late February and will be posted on the Murray City website under Cultural Arts. “Like” our Facebook page to get the latest updates.
• March 24 – Murray Symphony HJH, 7:30 p.m., $6, under 10 free
Storytelling residencies
Murray holds storytelling residencies every winter, ending in a city-wide storytelling festival in the early Spring. In-school residencies will be held at Grant, Longview, Parkside, Viewmont,
Murray Library Happy Valentine’s Day from the Murray Library! We hope you enjoy spending this month with those you love, cuddled up with a good book you checked out from your favorite library. Here are some of our upcoming events.
On Monday, Feb. 12, we are bringing back our ever popular Family Movie Night. This month’s movie will be “Despicable Me 3” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Free popcorn will be provided for all participants. As always, if you have any questions about these events, feel free to contact us. All of these events are free and open to the public and do not require tickets or registration.
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Visit us online at murraylibrary.org OR CALL US AT
801-264-2580
FOR MORE INFORMATION Throughout February, we will be holding a “Read Down Your Fines” initiative. The more you read, the more your overdue fines can be forgiven (up to $5). For further details ask one of our staff members at the front desk. On Thursday, Feb. 1, we will be holding our last Food Sense class of the season. This class is full of tips and tricks to help your food money last all month long, make healthy choices when shopping, and cook with food already found in your pantry. Each class includes a recipe demonstration and sample. The class goes from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 3.
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166 East 5300 South Murray, UT 84107
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Heritage Center
Stay informed.
murray.utah.gov
UPCominG eVentS: 6th annual Storytelling Workshop
The Center is pleased to bring back the Storytelling Workshop in February, which is sponsored by the Murray City Cultural Arts Department. It will be starting on Friday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.-noon. This six-week workshop will run every Monday and Friday through March 30. The first class will be an introduction to storytelling and explain what to expect from this workshop. Cassie Ashton will be leading this workshop. You can expect to learn an easily applied model that defines the people, places, problems, and processes that apply to a myriad of story types. In addition to recognized story themes such as folk tales and urban legends, the well-told personal remembrances of your life are “stories” too. Learn to connect with your audiences and invite them to share in the joys, lessons and journeys you can take when you share the stories you love to tell. The workshop is free so register early.
MURRAY The Park Center 202 E. Murray Park Ave www.murray.utah.gov 801.284.4200
H.e.a.t. – Home energy assistance
A H.E.A.T. professional will be at the Center on Friday, Feb. 9 from 11:30 a.m.1:00 p.m. to help people complete applications for H.E.A.T. assistance. The H.E.A.T. program assists with winter home heating and year-round energy crisis assistance for eligible, low-income households throughout Utah. You must reapply for this program each year. Information on income guidelines and the documents needed to complete the application are available at the front desk. This assistance is free. Sign up now.
Open Pickleball Days: Mon. & Wed. Dates: Jan 2 - April 26 Time: 8am-12pm Courts: South ONLY
tax Planning for retirement
On Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m., Tyler Petersen will be at the Center to present a Tax Planning for Retirement class to discuss some of the changes in the tax laws. Learn how changes to the tax code may impact the taxes you pay in retirement as well as other tax-efficient retirement planning strategies. Ample time will be given for questions and answers. This is a free class, register early.
Dance Lessons: american Smooth Ballroom
The Center is offering a five-session Dance Lesson Workshop beginning Monday, Feb. 5 from 1- 2 p.m. Dates: Feb. 5 and 12, March 5, 12, and 19. Kyle and Jackie Kidd will be teaching beginning and intermediate level waltz, foxtrot, and single—step swing. Classes are for beginning level dancers; no prior experience required. This is a free class. Register now.
Valentine Cards
HOLIDAY HOURS
April 1 Easter Sunday CLOSED
FACILITY HOURS
November—April Mon-Fri 5am-10pm Saturday 7am-7pm Sunday 9am-2pm Last Sunday Open April 29th Closed Sunday May 6-Oct. 28
Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life? This year we are teaming up with Olympic Ranch Retirement Living to make Valentine cards for all of their residents. The Center will provide all of the supplies, which will be available during ceramic classes (Tuesdays - Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-noon) and also during crafting classes (Tuesdays 12:30– 4 p.m.). This is an opportunity for you to share your Valentine wishes to someone who may not otherwise receive a Valentine card.
Open Pickleball Days: Tues & Thurs. Dates: Jan 2 - April 26 Time: 8am-12pm Courts: South & North Open Pickleball Days: Saturday Dates: Jan 2 - Feb 24 Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm Courts: South ONLY
Open pickleball times will change during Holidays, school breaks & summer Open Volleyball Day: Sunday Dates: 11/5 - 4/29 Time: 9am-12pm Court: South Net Height: Women (7’4”)
February 4, 2018 9:15am Spinning 10:30am TRX February 11, 2018 9:15am Spinning 10:30am Yoga February 18, 2018 9:15am Spinning 10:30am AIS February 25, 2018 9:15am Spinning 10:30am Yoga
No Open Volleyball 4/1 Easter Sunday
WWW.MCREG.COM
mardi Gras Celebration
Join us on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. as we transform the Heritage Center into downtown New Orleans and celebrate the final day of the carnival season, Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday.” A special Cajun meal will be served, including King Cake, while listening to the sounds of the Riverton Jazz Band. We’ll toss beads and a few lucky participants who find the “baby” in their King Cake will win a prize, donated by Jenkins-Soffe. The cost for this fun event is $8 for a reserved seat.
#10 East 6150 South (one block west of State Street) For information on these and other great Heritage Center programs call 801-264-2635
All Players must be 18 years and older. This is an all night tournament. All players must be female.
All Players must be 18 years and older. Teams consist of 3 male and 3 female players.
Day: Friday, Feb. 10th Time: 5:30pm Capt. Mtg. Cost: $240 per team
Day: Saturday, March 17 Time: 6:30am Capt. Mtg. Cost: $240 per team
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MCREG.COM
Begins January 13-March 31 Cost: $79 program only $129 with Polar H10 Sensor
Description: POWER UP is a 12 week endurance training program. It includes weekly emailed ride profiles, training information, access to a coach and tracking with the Training Peaks app. The program is designed with specific physiological training purposes for competitive as well as recreational riders and triathletes. The rides are based upon individualized wattage & heart rates along with training objectives and goals.
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MCREG.COM
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February 2018 | Page 15
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You were just in a car accident, now what?
U
nless you’re one of the few anomalies in the world, we’ve all been in an accident. We’ve experienced that sickening feeling when your car makes unwanted contact with another vehicle. We’re frustrated and disheartened. While we may want to crawl into a hole, we can’t. There are things to do and we’ve given you 10 to be aware of (in no particular order). 1. Have an emergency kit in your car. While this step comes before the accident occurs, it’s essential to be prepared. Whatever you kit entails, make sure it has a first aid kit, flashlight, reflective triangles and a small (and simple) camera in case there’s been damage to your phone. We’re typically frustrated or frazzled after an accident and not inclined to rational thinking. Being prepared limits the possibility of forgetfulness. 2. Take a deep breath. Accidents are traumatic experiences. Taking a breath will shift focus from what just happened to what needs to be done next. 3. Get a status check on everyone in the car. Check with each passenger to see if they are OK. Have someone call 911 immediately if someone is injured or unresponsive. 4. Move to a safe location. Most insurance companies recommend relocating the vehicle to the sidewalk or shoulder of the road as soon as possible after the accident. If the damage to the car is minor, this should be relatively easy. But if there are major injuries or questions about the safety of the car, leave it where it is, even if its blocking traffic. 5. Increase your visibility. Turn on your hazard lights and set out your attention items from the emergency kit—flares, orange cones, reflective triangles, etc. One accident should not lead to another. Take precaution to ensure other drivers on the road remain safe. 6. Stay calm. It is very easy to lose your temper in this situation, it’s human nature. Keeping your cool will keep the situation from
getting worse. If it wasn’t your fault, it’s easy to want to let your emotions loose on the other driver. This will cloud your judgment and may lead to something that does not help the situation. You still need to exchange information. 7. Exchange insurance information. This is imperative. If you are to file a claim on your car, you will need the other driver’s information. Most likely, after an accident you are feeling jumpy or stressed. It means when you try to write down their information your handwriting will look like ancient hieroglyphics and, unless you are a cryptographer, will be unable to read it later. We live in the 21st Century, take a photo of their information and take photos of the damage done to both cars. 8. Don’t admit guilt. Every insurance company will tell you to do this. Even if you are at fault and it was you to blame. This could drive your premium up or even lead to you being sued. Let the police and insurance companies determine this. 9. Call the police. While some minor accidents don’t require a report to be filed, it’s up to the discretion of the drivers in the accident to call the police. Law enforcement can take statements, get information on injuries and property damage. Be sure to ask for a copy of the accident report. If there is a dispute, the officer will be an important testimony. 10. See a doctor. Depending on the injuries suffered or not, it is easy to skip this. A large financial situation has just happened with the car accident, you don’t want another one by seeing the doctor and jacking up your health costs. It’s important to consider it, or possibly speak with one. Adrenaline can be pumping after the accident and one might not notice the amount of whiplash to your neck. Symptoms can take 24 hours to appear. The warning signs include neck pain, stiffness, loss of motion in the neck, headaches, fatigue, dizziness and pain in the shoulders or upper back. It can be better to be safe than sorry. l
Last smelter-era building the focus of city redevelopment By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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ne last vestige of Murray’s long gone smelter industries is slated for redevelopment. The Utah Ore Sampling Company mill has been approved as a community reinvestment project area by the Murray City Council. The Redevelopment Agency of Murray City has designated the area as the Murray City Ore Sampling Site Community Reinvestment Area. The reinvestment area is bordered by Commerce Drive to the west and 300 West to the east, with 5300 South as the northern border and 5560 South (Anderson Avenue) as the southern border. The project area consists of 22.7 acres, 19.4 of which are included on 20 parcels within the area, and the remaining 3.3 acres are a road, roadway or other easement acres. According to historian Ron Andersen, in his book “Salt Lake Valley Historical Tour”, “Utah Ore Sampling Company built this sampler in 1909. Consolidated mining companies did their own sampling. This was the largest independent sampler between Missouri and California. After the ore was crushed and analyzed for content and quality, smelters decided on the basis of the samples, whether to buy larger quantities of the ore. Ore came here from all over the West. Most of the ores sampled here went to the ASARCO smelter for processing. The close proximity of the two plants allowed the railroads to treat them as a single destination for billing purposes. “The large ‘Thawed House,’ where loads of frozen ore were completely thawed before they were run through the sample plant, still remains. This mill was unique because it contained the only railroad spur that connected to both the Denver and Rio Grande and the Union Pacific Railroads. The company operated until the 1950s when the smelting industry in Murray ceased.” The mill primarily sam-
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The Utah Ore Sampling Company mill area slated for redevelopment. (Photo Murray City)
pled galena ore (a mix of lead and silver ore), but also sampled other minerals like zinc, cadmium, antimony, arsenic, and bismuth, which caused it to become an archived Superfund site. An archived site is one that the EPA has determined that assessment has been completed and no further remedial action is planned under the Superfund program at this time. Since the close of the ore mill, the property, when not vacated, has mainly acted as a storage or construction yard. According to a blight study, “Crime rates in the proposed project area have generally increased over the last 10 years, peaking in 2014 and decreasing in recent years. The proposed project area generally has higher crime rates than a comparable site within the City.” A public hearing was held on Nov. 21 regarding the adoption of a resolution for the plan and budget for the Ore Sampling Mill Community Reinvestment Area. State law requires that the city council evaluate and pass an ordinance adopting the plan. The council is required to identify the project area plan and the budget, which must satisfy several items including provid-
ing a public benefit, being economically sound and feasible, conforming to the city’s general plan, and promoting the public’s health, safety and welfare in this area. Administrative Services Director Tim Tingey explained, “There was a blight study conducted in this area and it was determined that the area has blight elements. Because of that, there is a need for reinvestment in the area. With this plan in place, any tax collections that occur due to new investments in the area can be reinvested back into the area.” The plan also identifies what the city would use those funds for, which includes enhancing pedestrian walkways with possible pedestrian overpasses over rail areas and cleaning up environmental conditions in the area. The project area includes several properties with new developments, such as the TNT Guns & Range and Holiday Inn. The toxic mill has been discussed for historical preservation by Murray City and other, but the property’s environmental conditions are considerations that have been weighed against it. l
Page 16 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
Therapy bunny listens to Parkside students read
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By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com
he dark, soft-coated bunny with long floppy ears sits quietly in the laps of school children each week, quietly listening as they read her stories about why Ann is so sad and Phoebe and her school spelling bee. Each week, Gunkey, who volunteers along with Alexa Kruckenberg, listens as part of the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D) Program to assist struggling readers at Parkside Elementary. “They can be stroking her or having a hand full of fur as it gives them something to hold on to, to support them while they’re reading,” Kruckenberg said. “At times, I’ll tell them that Gunkey doesn’t understand so I ask questions about what they’ve read so they can tell it in their own words.” Through the READ program, Intermountain Therapy Assistant Director and READ Coordinator Karen Burns said it gives kids additional opportunities to read, but in a one-on-one setting where they can be with a trusting animal. “As they’re petting the bunny on their lap or the dog alongside them, they’re not being judged,” she said. “It calms them and they’re able to practice reading without any pressure.” While most are dogs, Burns said of the 400 therapy animals, there are five cats, two miniature horses and another rabbit besides Gunkey. A local woman, Sandy Martin of Intermountain Therapy Animals, started the READ program in 1999 by gaining the support of a Salt Lake City librarian to host a six-week pilot program where kids could read to dogs. Now, 25 years later, the city library continues to host the high-demand program. In March 2000, Intermountain Therapy Animals held a pilot study at Bennion Elementary School in Salt Lake City. The study
found students that read to a dog showed marked improvement in their reading scores, Burns said. Since then, the READ program has spread to all 50 states in addition to 21 countries. All READ volunteers have nine hours of training as well as additional screening of their animal. They have at least four hours of literacy support education. “If a child is having trouble sounding out a word, the volunteer may put the animal’s paw on the book or by the word and together, they’ll read it again. We can encourage the kids to read at home to their animals, if they have them, or to a stuffed animal to practice,” Burns said. READ came to Parkside at the suggestion of social worker, Michelle Bouwman. “I worked at Primary Children’s Hospital and we’d have the Intermountain Therapy READ animals come in to help the children and it would help them to relax,” she said. “By having a bunny sit on the lap, it lowers their blood pressure and especially helps with burned or trauma patients offering their soft fur to lessen their pain.” At Parkside, she said the animals don’t correct the readers so it helps them build confidence. “Kids come with their strengths and weaknesses in learning and reading and some can be challenging. The therapy animals give them a chance to build trust and know that learning can be fun and not see it as a struggle,” Bouwman said. At Parkside, third-graders who are identified as needing a boost in their reading have the opportunity to read to Gunkey, with a parent permission slip. Burns said that the READ target age is for kindergartners through third-graders.
Principal Lindsey Romero said Parkside Elementary is the first school in Murray School District to welcome the READ program. “This is a nationally recognized program, that yields high results for both students increasing their reading fluency and comprehension, but also helps with social and emotional problems,” she said. Burns said that other kids in the area have the opportunity to read to therapy animals at Murray Library. l
Gunkey, a therapy bunny, waits for a Parkside Elementary student to read a book. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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February 2018 | Page 17
MurrayJournal .com
Gone fishing, City Attorney Frank Nakamura retires
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or once, Frank Nakamura was caught off guard at a city council meeting. Though he has drafted hundreds of resolutions for the city, Nakamura was not expecting to be the focus of one at the last city council meetings of 2017. Mayor Blair Camp and the City Council approved a joint resolution honoring Nakamura for his nearly two decades of service to Murray City. Nakamura’s ever calm demeanor gave way to a change that nobody on the city council could recall. “Oh gosh, I’m getting some dirty looks over there,” joked Councilman Brett Hales. “I’ve had dirty looks but not dirty looks from Frank before.” “This is a real pleasure because Frank loves the limelight,” Camp also jested, referring to the very private Nakamura’s discomfort before he read the resolution. Nakamura began his career in the Salt Lake City Attorney’s office in 1987 and was there for 12 years, becoming a deputy city attorney along the way. Murray lured him over in 1999 to direct the City Attorney’s office. The joint resolution noted that Nakamura has been involved in every one of Murray City’s legal matters since taking the reins. Nakamura has had his share of interesting legal cases, including defending the city from a $3 lawsuit (in damages) by an atheist who took the city to court concerning a prayer. He has also made a number of weighty legal decisions, such as determining that the law wouldn’t allow a third-place primary election candidate to advance to the general election due to one of the candidates dropping out. His lasting legacy may be his dedication to the Utah Open and Public Meetings laws. The city recognized him as the guiding hand behind the city’s transparency and as a stickler for ensuring that all municipal meetings are conducted by the code to keep public meetings open. Due to his efforts, Murray was recognized in The
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com Salt Lake Tribune as the city that has held the fewest closed public meetings of all the Utah cities it reviewed. Nakamura was also recognized for being personally open and for never turning away anyone who asked to meet with him. He was praised for always remaining calm and unflappable, especially in critical, high-pressure situations. The calmness has come in handy, as for the last 19 years, he has literally sat between the mayor and council members in sometimes acrimonious city council meetings. “I always brag about the staff that I have and to be able to work with you all every day,” said Nakamura. “To a terrific staff…I got to tell you that they’ve been so loyal.” “I wish you would have told me this was going to happen tonight. Oh, that’s the only time that they have ever been disloyal to me,” he said smiling. “I love this city. I love everybody that I work with. I am lucky to be in a position where it’s so hard to leave and so difficult to leave. It was very special for me to work here.” “I come in and talk to him. He keeps me honest,” remarked Councilman Jim Brass. “And maybe now that he’s retired, he might take me fishing, because he has talked about fishing this particular spot up in Wyoming.” Brass also revealed one of Nakamura’s hidden passions, NASCAR. “I teased him that he did not fit the typical NASCAR fan image.” Camp hinted that Nakamura may still be involved with the city: “I just want to assure everyone that Frank is not really retiring, he is taking his talents and spending his time somewhere else, but this man is not going to retire.” “I expect you’ll see me in other capacities. I do anticipate working for government again,” confirmed Nakamura. With a quick laugh, he concluded, “I’m just taking my pension, and I hope to double dip.” l
Retiring Murray City Attorney Frank Nakamura has counseled three mayors in his service to the city. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
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Page 18 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
McMillan students learn to code Ozobots
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Students learned about coding with Ozobots, tiny robots that can identify lines, colors and codes on paper as well as digitally, during McMillan’s Hour of Code. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
By Julie Slama | Julie@mycityjournals.com
cMillan fourth-grader Ender Rasmussen said that the challenge cards with the Ozobot game he was playing with classmates during Hour of Code made it more difficult. “We have half as much space to write the code,” said Ender, who wants to pursue a career as a “good hacker” to solve problems with websites. “I like playing games to learn coding. I’ve created video games and have done whatever I’ve wanted with Scratch (a designed for children programming language). These are fun to see if we can figure out how to tell the Ozobot what to do.” Ozobots are tiny robots that can identify lines, colors and codes on paper as well as digitally. During Hour of Code, McMillan computer aide Dee Heath gave students four different colored markers and paper to have them create colored codes that would tell the robot which direction to go. “I like the games and trying to figure out all the different combinations and codes,” fourth-grader McKenna Heath said. “It’s going to be good knowledge for the future.” Last year, students logged onto the website, code.org, to learn about coding. “It piqued their curiosity and many of them have gone on to explore on their own,” Heath said. “They play and don’t always realize all the skills they’re learning. We don’t even know what all these students will need to know as we are sending them out in the world for jobs that don’t exist yet. But if we give them the skills and teach them to think outside the box, they’ll likely use the skills in the workforce even if they may not become programmers.” Heath has been teaching students about coding since the onset of Hour of Code four years ago. “It’s something kids look forward to and it’s important for them to learn critical thinking and logic skills. They can decon-
struct problems, breaking them into concepts and parts so they’re learning how to problem solve,” she said. She decided Ozobots would give them the opportunity to discover a different technology. Using a Murray Education Foundation grant she received, she purchased seven Ozobots. The school Parent-Teacher Association bought a classroom set of 18 and she purchased six on her own. “They’re really small and can do some cool, amazing things, like you guys,” she told a class who came to use the Ozobots. “You have eyes so you can see the world around us. They have eyes and can see colors so you’ll be creating programs for them to read in red, blue, green and black.” By combining the colors, the Ozobots read the codes and were able to go straight, turn or reverse as students played the game, “Ozobot goes to school.” Ten lessons came with the Ozobot set, but Heath selected this one so it would cover the basic concepts and she could adapt it to the appropriate grade level. “I want them to get thinking about what they can do and spark their curiosity. If they’re not able to create the code correctly, then I want them to debug the problem to find their error. They’re working individually to create the code, but in groups so they’re learning teamwork and community skills while figuring out what went wrong,” she said. Heath also has introduced students to Spheros, white orbs that roll in the direction controlled by an electronic device. “I like to plant a seed so they can explore more on their own,” she said. “When they’re curious, who knows where they can go.”l
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February 2018 | Page 19
MurrayJournal .com
Cottonwood drill team coaches encourage dancers to ‘win the day’
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By Julie Slama | Julie@cityjournals.com
or 15 hours each week, 25 Cottonwood High Chaparrals practice routines to precision. Their routines are not just to be performed for the student body at the high school’s sporting event half-time shows and assemblies, but also at three invitational meets leading up to region and state. “We tell the girls to ‘win the day,’” said Erin Burk, who coaches with Kelsea McGregor. “(We ask) ‘What did you do at this competition that you consider a win?’ We try to keep their focus on their own accomplishments as a team.” That may not result in winning a competition, but putting forth the best effort for the team, she said. For example, Burk said at a recent competition, an alternate learned 30 minutes before competing that she’d take part in the dance routine. “She learned her new spot seamlessly and was prepared for the team. She went on to compete the routine and was perfect. The whole team walked off the floor screaming in excitement because she was able to pull this off for the betterment of the team,” she said. Cottonwood hosted the 5A region competition Jan. 20 that included high school teams from Murray, Alta, Jordan, Brighton and Corner Canyon. “Our region is once again very competi-
tive. We have amazing teams that we’re competing against which has pushed the girls to work even harder this year to make it back to state,” she said. “Our goal is to always do better than we did at our previous competition and through hard work, they have been able to increase their scores at each competition.” Last year, after a five-year absence, Cottonwood advanced to state where they competed in the semifinals. To prepare for region, Cottonwood competed at several invitational meets, including those hosted by Wasatch High and Clearfield High, where they took home trophies for placing in the top four in their routines. “So far, our strongest routine at competitions has been military. The girls really love this style, we had an amazing choreographer, and it’s just been working for us,” she said. Training and team bonding started soon after last season, once the new team was announced. First, the team built leadership and bonded as a team by participating in the Disney Youth Education program in California. “We love going on this trip because it creates team unity being able to experience traveling together out of state. We love the leadership workshop. It helps the girls think about what type of leaders they look up to, what type of leader they can be, and how their actions and
leadership skills directly affect the team and program,” Burk said, adding that they are making plans to return in April with next year’s team which is determined at tryouts and based on grade-point average, citizenship, teacher recommendations and performances. The team also went to the Epic Drill Camp in Park City where they performed their pompom routine. They also learned their choreography for football half-time routines as well as team unity activities, techniques classes and focusing on what it takes to have a successful year, she said. The Chaparrals also bonded through community service projects. Recently, the team decorated and donated a Christmas tree to a family in need in the community, Burk said. Another benefit to the team has been two former members and Cottonwood graduates, Sophie Ford and Bella Papadopoulos, who are helping coach. “The dancers really look up to them and their talent, they’ve been a huge asset to our coaching staff. We love having the extra help and a couple extra eyes on our routines,” Burk said. “Our team motto is ‘We can, we will, end of story.’ This motto helps remind them that they are capable to do anything they set their mind to.” l
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Cottonwood High’s Chaparrals, seen here in their pom routine, were host to the 5A region competition on Jan. 20. (Cottonwood High School)
Page 20 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
Murray girl rings in 2018 in Texas, trying out for a national soccer team
MISSION STATEMENT The Murray Chamber creates synergy among professionals. We facilitate the creation of long lasting business relationships between members that are based on trust, value, and cooperation. We provide tools to connect education, service opportunities and interaction between members.
By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com
SAVE THE DATE!
Murray Chamber 4th Annual Gala Saturday, March 24th • 6:00 – Midnight Hotel RL (151 West 600 South) Seeking Award NOMINATIONS: Chamber Champion Community Hero Small Business Big Business Community Service
Murray’s Sophie Post (R) and United States Deaf Women’s National team coach Amy Griffin. (Caprice Post)
Nominees do not need to be chamber members. Email nominations to Stephanie@murraychamber.net by February 16th, 2018 Small business and large business —must be in the Murray / Midvale area.
UPCOMING EVENTS EVERY FRIDAY: Eggs & Issues Friday Breakfast Meeting open to the public! Chamber membership not required to attend. Mimi’s Café 5223 South State Street 7:30 – 8:30am If you are wishing to help serve the Murray community, create lasting relationships and learn what other organizations are doing, then join us each Friday! The public is welcome and there is no cost to attend, unless you order from the menu.
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For event schedules or meetings, go to our website at www.murraychamber.org or MeetUp. WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME INVOLVED!
www.murraychamber.org
W
hile most of us were relaxing and celebrating the holidays between Christmas and New Year’s, a Murray girl was hard at work, trying to earn her way onto the United States Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team. For Hillcrest Junior High School ninth-grader Sophie Post, it’s an important goal on a path she hopes will one day lead to playing her favorite sport professionally. “That’s by far my number one goal right now, to play college and professional soccer,” Sophie said. And her mom believes, if anyone can, she can. “Sophie has been passionate about soccer from a young age,” said Caprice Post, who accompanied her daughter to the tryouts in Austin, Texas. “She began playing when she was just four years old in the Murray City youth recreation league.” Now 14, Sophie was the second youngest among 22 girls and women invited to the soccer camp, which is actually a tryout. The oldest woman competing for the same team was 38. Sophie impressed the coaches enough to be invited back for another camp in June. “Sophie was born with a rare disorder called reverse slope hearing loss,” her mother added. “It is a genetic problem that has also impacted her father, grandmother, uncle and a couple of cousins. She has worn hearing aids since age 4.” However, she won’t be allowed to wear them if she makes the national deaf team. The league forbids them. “I learned so much during the camp,” Sophie said. “The coaches were awesome and taught me to play with my head up more, so I could see hand signals and read sign language during our scrimmages. It was a challenge but really helped me become more confident.” Sophie and her mother departed for the Austin, Texas team tryouts just after Christmas and remained in the Lone Star State to ring in the New Year. But the pair didn’t spend much time together. “My mom stayed in the same hotel as I did; but the coaches wanted us to bond, so parents weren’t around much,” Sophie said. “On New Year’s Eve, a bunch of my teammates came to my room to watch the celebration on television.
But my mom wasn’t there, and was probably asleep by midnight.” Last fall, Sophie earned a spot on the Murray High School girls’ soccer team as a freshman. There she saw lots of playing time on the sophomore and JV teams, along with limited varsity action. “Sophie is very talented and played a lot of different positions for us,” MHS Girls’ Soccer Coach Brady Smith said. “If you didn’t know she has a hearing impairment, you would never notice it while she is playing. She’s a neat kid and I look forward to having her on the team for three more years.” Just a day or two after returning from Texas, Sophie was back on the road to a soccer tournament in Arizona where she played with a group of Utah all-stars. Her competition there included teams from several western states, including Alaska. The United States Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team is coached by Amy Griffin, who was a member of the U.S. National Team from 1987 to 1991. She has coached soccer at the University of Washington for 24 years and is now that team’s associate head coach. “One of the amazing parts of the Texas camp was the high-quality coaches Sophie got to work with,” Caprice said. “Amy Griffin is very well known and there were many other quality coaches as well. It was a great opportunity for her.” The U.S. Deaf Women’s National Soccer Team won world titles in 2012 and 2016. They will next play for the title in 2020. The location of that tournament has not yet been determined. National team officials learned of Sophie’s interest in trying out after she registered to be scouted on their official website. “It was well over a year after we registered her on the website before the team invited her to their camp,” Caprice said. “We were all thrilled.” A 4.0 student, Sophie has never taken any special classes due to her hearing impairment. But she has had years of speech therapy, provided primarily by the Murray School District. “I can’t wait for the next camp in June,” Sophie concluded. “I’m excited to learn more and to continue to show them what I can do.” l
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February 2018 | Page 21
MurrayJournal .com
Two freshmen from Murray were part of Southern Utah’s best-ever 9-3 football season
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By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com
own at Southern Utah University in Cedar City they’re still talking about the Thunderbirds’ best-ever football season. SUU won nine games for the first time…advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs for the first time…and hosted their first-ever home playoff game. For a pair of freshmen from Murray on the team, it was a dream come true. “People were definitely excited to see the team do so well,” Braxton Jones said. “Our crowds (at home games) really picked up, once people started to see we were going to be pretty good.” Fellow freshman Somtochukwu (“Sommy”) Achebo added, “It was great—the whole community was so supportive. I definitely made the right decision coming down here.” Jones and Achebo each made their way from Murray to Cedar City last summer. But their experiences leading up to the move were worlds apart. The massive 6-foot-6, 270-pound Jones was a multi-sport athlete at Murray High School, earning three football letters and two more in basketball. His SUU Head Coach Demario Warren described Jones on the Thunderbirds’ website as “The biggest human being I have ever met in person.” Achebo, meantime, attended Murray’s much smaller private school, Mount Vernon Academy, where they have no football program. He played basketball and ran track for the Patriots, while getting permission to play football at Granger High School. Moreover, as a student who grew up in the West African country of Nigeria, Sommy had never even seen an American football game until Super Bowl XLIX (49), three years ago. But after thinking “I could probably be pretty good at that,” he played two seasons for the Lancers and was recruited to SUU as a defensive back. “We called Sommy ‘the prince’ because he has such a good attitude and is one of the most exciting players on our roster,” said SUU recruiting coordinator Jared Ursua. “The only reason we redshirted him is because we didn’t want to use up a season of eligibility. He’s going to be on the field a lot for us in the coming years. His energy is unmatched and he has great football intellect.” Neither Achebo nor Jones were key contributors to the Thunderbirds’ success this season, due to injuries. But both were involved in the team’s practices and other team activities. Braxton did enjoy one moment of “glory” in the SUU season opener. Although the T-birds were blown out at Pac-12 Oregon, 77-21, Jones was in for one key play. “I was second string right tackle and on one play the guy who started ahead of me had his helmet knocked off, so the coach sent me in,” Jones said. “On the very next play, our running back bounced off me and then made it into the end zone. So, my first-ever college play was a touchdown.” Jones saw a little more action in the team’s second game—a 51-14 win over Stephen F. Austin, down in Nacogdoches, Texas—before injury slowed him down. “I injured my right thumb and had to have surgery,” he said. “But I did get back to practice in a cast, assisting on the practice squad.” “Braxton was a very motivated freshman and was certainly having an impact on our depth chart until his injury,” said offensive line coach Aaron Fernandez. “He’s very coachable, likeable and personable. He’s got great size and tools, and will definitely compete for a starting offensive tackle position next season.” As for Achebo, the decision was made early in the season for him to redshirt because he was still recovering from injuries when he arrived in Cedar City.
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OF TRUST Taking Care of YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS
EVERY STEP Braxton Jones played in two SUU games before suffering a thumb injury. (Anita Bunker/SUU)
“I was still coming back from shoulder and knee surgeries when I arrived, so the coaches thought it would be best to save my eligibility by redshirting,” Sommy said. “But I still worked out with the team and gained about 20 pounds. So now they are switching me from defensive back to linebacker.” Achebo and Jones also roomed together with two other roommates just off the SUU campus. And both say they are fully healthy now, as they look ahead to next season. “We will run and lift weights until the weather clears enough for spring ball,” Jones said. “I loved being part of a Big Sky Conference Championship team. It’s been such a welcoming atmosphere. My classes went well and I’m excited to earn more playing time next season.” Achebo added, “Even though we went to different high schools, I knew Braxton before we came here after working out with him at the Murray Rec Center. It was great to have him as a roommate and teammate.” l
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Page 22 | February 2018
Murray City Journal
Homemade Love A commercial crazed Valentine’s Day can leave you broke. Americans spend billions of dollars to celebrate a holiday rumored to be started by Hallmark in order to sell cards—which aren’t cheap. Then there’s the overpriced dinners, expensive roses and the marked-up heart-shaped chocolate. Perhaps a more accurate expression of love can be found in homemade gifts, because your time, love and effort was put into them. Here are less expensive alternatives for homemade Valentine’s Day gifts; some not even requiring creativity. Instead of supporting Hallmark’s card industry (some cards are $13 now!), write your own card. It’s not that hard, I promise. Start by picking the front of your card. If you’re not feeling particularly magical, just print a picture. It can be a cartoon your sweetheart will find funny. Or perhaps print a photo of a fun memory, or something related to an interest of theirs. Now you’ll need to write something on the back or inside of the card. Google “Valentine’s Day card messages” for some inspiring poems and sayings. For more personalized content, close your eyes, think about your loved one and what they mean to you, type out your thoughts, and then write it on the card. Creating your own card doesn’t take too much time, and it’s usually
by
CASSIE GOFF
more memorable. Plus, you’ll save a few bucks! If you’re planning on buying candy or chocolate, don’t grab the heart-shaped ones. Candy specifically made for Valentine’s Day is anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars more than the everyday version of the same. Maybe it would be worth it if the candy tasted better, but usually the proportions are thrown off by festivity. I’d rather have a regularly proportioned Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, than a heart-shaped slab of peanut butter. One dozen red roses can cost anywhere from $20 to $50. Instead of buying something that will just die in a few days, make some flowers. This is where DIYers rejoice. It’s fairly simple to make some flowers out of material that won’t wilt. Pinterest is a great place to find instructions on how to make flowers out of any material you can imagine: books, tissue paper, felt, glass, cotton balls, buttons, seashells, pearls, Q-tips, pinecones, feathers, old jewelry, yarn, and even coffee filters. Unless you’re just aching to dine at a packed restaurant followed by watching a movie in a crowded theatre, don’t leave your house for Valentine’s Day this year. Luckily, we have many amazing streaming choices for entertainment. It’ll be much more relaxing to stay in, cook
dinner, pop your own popcorn, and watch a movie together. Cook your partner’s favorite meal. If you need help in that area, many grocery stores have readyto-prepare meals that can help you. Or, try cooking something completely new together. If a movie or TV show is decided upon beforehand, try cooking something from that show. A great place to find ideas for corresponding a meal and a movie is the YouTube channel called “Binging with Babish.”
The best way to save money on Valentine’s Day is to be different and perhaps delay celebrating it by a day or two. Personally, I love a post-Valentine celebration: Dinner reservations are easy. Candy is back to its normal price and, best of all, stores such as Smith’s usually put all of their festive items on sale the day after. That’s when I can go stock up on stuffed animals and heart-shaped candy for my loved one. l
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February 2018 | Page 23
MurrayJournal .com
Life
Laughter AND
by
PERI KINDER
MURRAY
To Infinity and Beyond
A
s our country devolves into a 24/7 protest, people are casting their eyes to the stars. They’re either hoping for a) an asteroid to hit the planet, b) our alien overlords to save us from catastrophe or c) the chance to flee to Mars to populate (and eventually destroy) another planet. Life on this beautiful blue marble (or beautiful blue dinner plate if you’re a flat-Earther) has had a good run. We’ve evolved from being hunters/gatherers to being couch potatoes while creating technology that is certain to bring about our impending doom. Do we really need a talking fridge? But Mars! Oh, the possibilities! I envision a world where everyone lives in hexagonal domes, speaks in British-accented tones, and wears white flowing robes. That could be a problem. I can’t wear white, even when I’m not living on a planet covered in red dust. Every night I would look like a red chimney sweep. NASA wants to send the first humans to Mars in the 2030s, which creates an interesting predicament. I’ll be too old to populate anything, but every planet needs a wise old woman giving cryptic warnings to the younger generation. I could fill that role, assuming I survive the seven-month journey to the Red Planet. The possibility of relocating to the planet of war has become an animated
discussion in our home. Me: Would you want to live on Mars? Hubbie: Of course! Me: Wouldn’t you be afraid we’d die on the way there? Hubbie: Wait. You’re going, too? Seven months is a long time to give someone the silent treatment. Describing the flight to Mars, NASA uses magical terms like “transfer orbit” and “astronomical position” which I’ve learned are NOT part of the Kama Sutra. Voyagers traveling to Mars could lose fingernails, have spinal fractures and vision problems, and there’s always the chance you’ll upchuck in your spacesuit and suffocate after blocking the air system with your intergalactic vomit. So, there’s that. Once we land, we’ll spend a lot of time cleaning up abandoned movie sets that Abbott and Costello, Matt Damon and Santa Claus basically trashed during filming. But once that’s done, then what do we do? I guess people will build greenhouses and grow food. I won’t be on that crew because I can’t even grow mold. Others will install solar panels. Solar companies are already training door-to-door salesmen for the Mars market. There will be a team working on communications so we can keep up with our favorite Netflix shows and hopefully
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someone will open a really good Mexican restaurant. Space enthusiasts have wanted offEarth colonization for decades. There’s been discussion about creating a city on the moon, but scientists feared people would treat it like a giant bounce-house and not get anything accomplished. Plus, one day on the moon is equal to one month on Earth. And you thought an 8-hour workday was bad. Venus was never an option. With skin-melting temperatures, acid rain and a super-dense atmosphere, Venus was too much like Alabama in August. However,
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nights on Venus can last up to 120 days. Maybe then I could actually get eight hours of sleep. So, Mars it is. What if once we get settled, we find a prehistoric Statue of Liberty, buried in the red clay? We’ll discover that billions of years ago, people left Mars to travel to Earth because idiots were destroying the Red Planet. Like one of those giant leaps for mankind, only backwards. There’s no chance of me relocating to another planet. But I can still stare at the stars and watch Mars twinkle in the distance. I just hope it’s not flat like Earth. l
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