Murray City Journal July 2018

July 2018 | Vol. 18 Iss. 07

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CHIEF RODRIGUEZ ANSWERS HIS FINAL CALL —retirement

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

I

t was just supposed to be a part-time gig for the South High School teacher and coach. But 36 years after discovering his passion as a volunteer firefighter for Murray City, Fire Chief Gil Rodriguez responded to his last call on June 14 – his retirement party.

“It is rewarding when you show up on someone’s worst day and hopefully can bring back to (them) some kind of normalcy,” said Rodriguez.

The Los Angeles native fell in love with Utah when he attended Southern Utah University, graduating with a degree in secondary education.

“Although I loved being a teacher and a coach, I had a passion for being a firefighter at a very young age,” he said. “When I did move back (to Utah), I started testing and was lucky enough to end up at Murray as a part-time firefighter.”

Within two years, Rodriguez was working full-time, moving up the ranks from engineer all the way to chief of the department in 2005.

“I have had some great times in the fire service,” he said.

“This kind of work affords you many experiences; it also can give you some memorable experiences that are very tough in nature.”

Rodriguez responded to the 1987 explosion that leveled the landmark Murray business Don Blair Studio. A drunk driver smashed her car into a natural gas meter, triggering a blast that Continued on page 5...

Chief Gil Rodriguez (center) serves on the American Red Cross Heroes Awareness Board. (Photo courtesy Murray City Fire Department)

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July 2018 | Page 3

Murray’s long-time and sometimes-crazy affair with fireworks

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com The Murray City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Murray.

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The Murray Team

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Tracy Langer Tracy.l@mycityjournals.com 385-557-1021

T

he tradition of Independence Day fireworks in Murray not only pre-dates the creation of Murray Park but the city itself. The celebratory pyrotechnics that take place every Fourth of July is as much a holy ritual in Murray as are other towns’ Christmas celebrations.

Murray’s central location and large park has made it the go-to place in Salt Lake Valley to witness the aerial barrage. Crowds have become savvy in trying to experience the show; neighboring Hillcrest Jr. High and Murray High schools and Mick Riley Golf Course have become as packed with lawn chairs and blankets full of people as Murray Park itself. Murray Police Department has turned crowd control into an art form to efficiently disburse departing spectators.

Of course, there are those who wish to avoid the mob, so they bring the explosive mayhem to their home instead. It’s unsure if there is any middle ground for feelings about personal firework displays, as they are generally loved or loathed. Consider this 1904 report from the Salt Lake Herald about Murray’s local firework displays: “The town of Murray has had more than its share of noise occasioned by fireworks of all descriptions. Complaints were made by citizens residing along State Street regarding the boisterous actions of young Murray.”

Nothing yet compares to the wild Fourth of July shenanigans of 1899. At 5 a.m., 18-yearold Jacobus Cannegether and former Buffalo Soldier Walt Cooper started firing a cannon.

The entire town reportedly could hear the racket, which was taking place behind the Murray Opera Hall (5020 South State Street). They had improvised a cannon from a bored-out car axle, about 8 inches long and 4 inches in diameter.

This was placed upright in the ground, and 12 shots were fired with success. But the 13th was the fatal shot.

The Salt Lake Herald reports, “Cannegether … was holding the ramrod in the axle which

had been loaded with powder, and Cooper … was hammering it down with an ax handle.

They had packed the powder down with wadding and were hammering it further when suddenly there was an awful explosion. The improvised cannon had burst. The first twelve shots had so heated the barrel that the hard pounding of the powder caused it to explode. Both men were thrown backwards, and when Cannegether recovered he found that his right hand was almost blown off. It was feared that it may become necessary to take off the whole hand. His right eye was also injured. (Cooper) had the drum of one of his ears destroyed.”

The force of the explosion was so strong that it shot the ramrod a half-mile away through the roof of the Murray Mansion and into its kitchen. The ax handle they were using was found blown over several buildings and shattered on State Street.

After the complaints of 1904, city leaders took matters into their own hands and offered a substitute in the form of a city-sponsored fireworks celebration. The public was invited to convene on State Street, after a parade and hot air balloon launch, to watch the show.

In 1923, Murray Boy Scouts were part of a valleywide celebration in which every mountain peak surrounding Salt Lake Valley was to be scaled by a troop. At precisely 9 p.m., each troop was to shoot a white flare from the peak.

As for forest fires that may have accompanied the flares, newspapers did not have any reports.

Murray’s Fourth of July firework tradition continues this year at Murray Park, with the show starting in the evening at 10 p.m., and with a special request from the city: “Leave personal fireworks at home.” According to law, personal fireworks are only allowed to be set off from July 2 to July 5 and from July 22 to July 25. Fireworks are restricted on or within 300 feet of the Murray Parkway, Wheeler Farm, and Murray Park. l

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Murray photographer Robert Richmond snapped these Independence Day aerials. (Photo courtesy Robert Richmond

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Murray City Journal

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leveled the building, injured seven, and blew out the windows of 35 nearby businesses.

“We were very lucky that no one lost their lives that night,” Rodriguez said.

The chief does keep it all in perspective.

“Although it is a great and noble profession, you are always very close to tragedy—you are a part of the toughest day in people’s lives, whether it be them losing everything in a fire, personal injury or illness for them, or being witness to them losing a loved one,” he said. “That can be very tough, especially when you have tried hard and couldn’t make things right.”

Rodriguez has also served on numerous committees as a representative, not only of the fire service but various community boards as well. He served as president of the Western Fire Chiefs Association, president of Greater Salt Lake Chief Officers Association and president of the Salt Lake Valley Fire Alliance. He has chaired several committees and continues to serve on the American Red Cross Heroes Awareness Board.

“Being the fire chief, you are responsible for not only the protection of the community but for the people who work for you and with you,” Rodriguez said. “Firefighters don’t hire on for the money, but with that being said, it is a competitive business. It is tough when neighboring departments are doing well and we are just short; although to me our firefighters are young, but they are still responsible adults with families and financial responsibilities. Hopefully that will change soon.”

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He describes the fire department as a family and recalls the names of Bob Young, Kelly Farrington, Andy Walkingshaw and Glenae Turley, who all passed away during their time with the department, though not due to fire-related injuries.

“As devastating as these events were, it showed the caring, strength and class of this organization,” he said. “These individuals were honored and will never be forgotten. We are still close with their families today; they will always be a part of who we are.”

Rodriguez will be renowned for expanding the department to include ambulance transport services and for working with the legislature to improve the working conditions of firefighters.

One of his most meaningful accomplishments has been the establishment of the western region golf tournament for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, serving as chairman for the past 10 years and raising more than $200,000 for the foundation.

As for retirement plans, Rodriguez intends to travel with his wife and also spruce up his yard to compete with the neighbors. Looking back at his time in the fire department, Rodriguez reflects, “This profession is not a job; it is a career. It is a calling of providing a service to the community. It won’t make you rich and many times can be frustrating and heartbreaking, but if you do it for the right reasons, you will never work a day.” l

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Chief Gil Rodriguez (right) consults with a fellow firefighter. (Photo courtesy Murray City Fire Department)

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July 2018 | Page 5

‘Greatest musical’ to grace Murray Park stage

By Shaun Delliskave|s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Murray Park Amphitheater will present “Into the Woods” in July. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

V

eteran director Will Saxton enthuses, “‘Into the Woods’ is the greatest musical that currently exists.” Having directed more than 30 musicals over the course of his 15 years of teaching theater, Saxton knows a thing or two about musical theater and will helm Murray Park Amphitheater’s July production of “Into the Woods.”

The plot of “Into the Woods” is about a collection of the Brothers Grimm fairytale characters and how their stories fit together. Then, after their stories end, it becomes about the consequences of their actions.

“The theme of ‘Into the Woods’ is about going out into the world, facing your fears, learning from your mistakes and accepting help from others,” Saxton said. “The play brings together the well-known characters of Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel.

The play is based on the book by James Lapine, with music and lyrics composed by Stephen Sondheim. Debuting in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, it premiered on Broadway in 1987, where it won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical. Disney adapted it to the big screen in 2014, and the movie received three Academy Award nominations.

“Into the Woods” is the fifth musical Saxton has directed for the Murray Arts in the Park summer musical series. He also directed “Pirates of Penzance” in 2007, “Grease” in 2009, “Oliver” in 2014 and “The Music Man” in 2017.

Saxton teaches theater at Murray High School; he previously taught at Morgan High School.

Saxton plans on staying true to the original production.

“There’s no need to do anything special to make it appeal to audiences,” he said. “I think the best thing you can do with any production of this show is to simply do justice to the material.”

All the actors in this show have extensive theatrical experience, both in educational theater and community theater in this area.

Maren Abercrombie is cast as Cinderella.

Previously, she played Leisel VonTrapp in Mur-

Page 6 | July 2018

ray City’s production of “Sound of Music” and Belle in Murray’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Handling the role of Jack is Benjamin Stanford, who performed in “The Music Man” last summer. He just directed the world premiere of his first original musical, “Behind the Bookstore” at Murray High School this past March. Emily Voorhees plays Little Red Riding Hood. Previously she played Wendy in Murray City’s production of “Peter Pan” and also acted in “The Music Man.” For the show’s Rapunzel angle, Kirby Saxton is cast as Rapunzel’s father, the Baker.

He also performed in “Oliver” and “The Music Man” as well as multiple roles for the Open Community Theatre in Salt Lake City. Taking the role of the Baker’s Wife, for the second time in her career, is Amy Garrard. In addition to being on stage, she is also the show’s music director. Cari DeCoursey will handle the role of the Witch. She performed as Eponine in “Les Miserable” and Maria in “Sound of Music.”

“We have a fantastic cast, and I think the audience will enjoy the staging,” Saxton said.

“There are a few surprises, but I want them to remain surprises.”

Behind the scenes, Shaun Davis will conduct the orchestra, Madison Howell will handle costumes and hair/makeup, Gaby DesVaux-Saxton will design and build the set, and Cade Denton will be the stage manager and prop master.

Saxton described the play as “a show about everything. This show delves into the most complex emotions that humans feel in their lives and why they feel them. Yet it’s disguised as a fractured fairy tale. It’s about the fears and anxieties of leaving home, going into the world, learning lessons, experiencing loss, making choices and taking responsibility for the consequences. Every time I listen to it or watch it, I learn something new.”

“Into the Woods” will be presented on the Murray Park Amphitheater stage July 26–28, 30, 31 and Aug. 1. More information about all of Murray’s Arts in the Park season can be found online at: www.murray.utah.gov/l

Murray Park Amphitheater will present “Into the Woods” in July. (Photo courtesy Murray City)

The wolf (Shelby Saxton) confronts Little Red Ridinghood (Emily Voorhees) in the Murray Art’s in the Park production of Into the Woods. (Photo courtesy Will Saxton)

The wolf (Shelby Saxton) confronts Little Red Ridinghood (Emily Voorhees) in the Murray Art’s in the Park production of Into the Woods. (Photo courtesy Will Saxton)

Murray City Journal

Many Murray children still suffer from food insecurity

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

I

t may seem odd that a prosperous city like Murray has a hunger problem, but many of its children still find it hard to get a good meal every day.

KidsEat!, a local nonprofit that focuses on addressing children’s food insecurity in Murray and neighboring communities, has ramped up efforts to raise funds and attention for this still-growing problem.

Lynda Brown, founder of KidsEat!, expressed her frustration.

“The need continues to slowly grow since we started giving out backpacks in September 2017,” she said. “We’re unable to provide all the backpacks that are needed and can only help five of the 10 schools with a minimum of backpacks. We simply must do better.”

The indefatigable Brown has mounted a full-court press to attack the problem, recruiting the Utah Jazz’s G-League team affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, to call for donations.

In March, the players paid a visit to the KidsEat! Pantry to help stuff backpacks and held a canned food drive at a home game.

“I think donations are staying the same, which is not good,” Brown said. “We need everything to increase, both food and funds. As we end this school year, we are approximately 500 backpacks short each week for the kids we have identified as needing help. We will be doing our first summer program for Murray Schools this year as well.”

KidsEat! helps feed the children along the Wasatch Front who rely on school lunch and breakfast programs for nutritious meals but often go hungry on weekends and holidays when school is out. KidsEat! provides backpacks filled with non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food that help feed hungry families, some of whom are living in cars or in single-room, short-term housing. Last year KidsEat! provided 9,000 backpacks and 123,000 meals and snacks. The organization is staffed by volunteers and has very little overhead, so 96 percent of funds raised go toward feeding kids in the community.

A recent heart scare briefly sidelined Brown, but she recovered in time to represent KidsEat! at a Murray City Council meeting recognizing her organization’s efforts. The city council unanimously adopted the proclamation stating that “No Murray Child Goes Hungry.”

“The need always remains the same: either food or funds,” Brown said. “Most of the food donations we receive come from outside the Murray area. There are a few Murray businesses that have supported us this year, however, with food gifts, including Mike Hale Acura, AAA, Murray Exchange Club, American Legion Post 112, California Pizza Kitchen, Murray City and several LDS church organizations. Our monetary donation from Murray has been small, with the exception of Statewide Insurance.”

To help raise funds, the community came

Murray Mayor Blair Camp and city council present a proclamation to KidsEat! founder Lynda Brown, declaring “No Murray Child Goes Hungry.” (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

together in Draper on May 20 for the “Help Us Bloom Garden Party.” Guests at this year’s garden event enjoyed a wine and cheese pairing along with a silent auction. Auction items included a painting donated by artist Ran Stewart, painted especially for the KidsEat! organization. Bobsled Coach Jeremy Holm was on hand to offer an opportunity to race in a bobsled and have lunch with future Olympians.

“Our fundraiser ‘Help Us Bloom’ was a pretty great success,” Brown said. “Our sponsors, Foothill Family Clinic, Black Diamond, Kenworth Sales and Chapman Richards, really stepped up prior to the event to make sure we have funds to continue for a few months. We currently use $7,000 per month in retail food

in the 250 backpacks we give out. We need to at least double that to reach those other at-risk kids out there.”

For those interested in being involved in her endeavor, Brown said there are future events planned for which she will need help.

“On Aug. 18, we will have our first 5k at Sugar House Park called ‘Own Every Second,’ and on Sept. 21, we have our KidsEat! Golf Tournament at Murray Parkway. All these events need sponsors and donors, and we hope to see more come from the Murray community.”

More information on KidsEat! can be found online at www.kidseatutah.org. l

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July 2018 | Page 7

Murray teen violin virtuoso Ellen Hayashi talks surviving music and high school

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

I

t’s not unusual for teenagers to get a group of schoolmates together to form a band, and with a little luck, they might find success with their music.

Murray teen Ellen Hayashi and her group are just coming off a successful national tour, earning recognition at some top musical festivals. But before you think of ear-splitting amps and guitar smashing, you should know that Ellen plays the violin for the BEAR Quartet, and the classical music world is taking note.

The BEAR Quartet’s name does not originate with the group’s affinity for grizzlies or pandas; it is an acronym created by using the first name of each of member: Benson Marshall, 16, cello; Ellen, 15, violin; Abby Smith, 16, violin; and Rachel Aina Call, 16, violin.

They formed their quartet as students at the Gifted Music School in 2017.

Locally, the quartet was named 2018 Best of Utah Youth Small Ensemble. Nationally, the quartet placed first at two competitions: The Pasadena Conservatory of Music Chamber Music competition and the WDAV Young Chamber Musicians’ Competition in North Carolina.

They also took the bronze prize at the St. Paul String Quartet Competition.

Ellen’s mom, Kristen Keefe, noted her daughter’s first interest in the violin.

“Ellen asked Santa for a violin for Christ-

Page 8 | July 2018

mas when she was in first grade and started taking lessons the week after Christmas,” Keefe said. Now 15, and a freshman at Murray’s American International School of Utah, Ellen participates in the school’s orchestra and also attends the Gifted Music School in Salt Lake City part time.

Practice is a musician’s closest friend, and Ellen typically rehearses with her quartet for two and a half hours three times a week, sandwiched between three coaching sessions. As the teens get closer to competition time, they often practice together daily for up to three hours.

These teens are so determined that they will not only schedule their practice time but also plot the finest details into their calendar.

“That schedule always includes wake-up time, breakfast, personal practice time, group rehearsal and, of course, we have to set aside time for one of the most important parts of competition day: hair and makeup for the girls,” Ellen said.

Such diligence to the quartet begs the question: Is Ellen is missing out on other experiences?

“It’s true that we don’t have a lot of time to chill with friends on a daily basis or live through what my grandmother likes to call, ‘the full high school experience’—dating, high school drama, school dances and all,” Ellen

said. “But to me, when I do have time to hang out with friends, it just makes that time all the more special. course, I choose to hang out with my friends from the music world, even though we see each other all the time. We just can’t get enough. I also don’t feel like I am sacrificing much because I would never trade the experiences, the memories and the bonding that I have with the people that I get to make music with every day.”

Ellen has her goals set high and hopes to apply to the New England Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School of Music or the Cleveland Institute of Music. In the meantime, Ellen notes, “First I hope to survive the scariest place on earth—high school.”

When asked if she ever second guesses her current path, the teenager replies, “There have definitely been times where I personally have reached a breaking point. I have spent several nights wondering if I should continue with music or switch to a different path. When I get to those situations, I remind myself of all of the rewards that have come with working hard at this craft. Because of music, I have wonderful friendships, I get performance opportunities that I will remember forever and I have memories that are irreplaceable.” l Murray teen Ellen Hayashi (Photo courtesy Kristen Keefe).

Murray City Journal

Story Crossroads: more than Mother Goose in a bonnet

By Amy Green | a.green@mycityjournals.com

Master storytellers Brian “Fox” Ellis and Denise Valentine, share background and purpose, of how they became professional tellers. (Amy Green/City Journals)

S

tory Crossroads is an artistic juncture of professional narrators and even novices who come to the Salt Lake Valley for a yearly storytelling event. It is a meeting place for experienced yarn-spinners and newcomers to voice unique tales. It’s a performance for anyone to show up and hear. The stories are interesting, hilarious, intense and diverse — exaggerations or reality? That part is for listeners to decide.

Children, teachers and community members sat together under pavilions at Murray City Park on May 23 to hear a portion of the multiday storytelling event. The audience couldn’t help but have listener’s zeal. The gathering was a compelling “crossroads” in and of itself.

It was an intersection of spectators and storytellers both that had deeper significance beyond entertainment.

This year there were tales about notable historic characters such Sojourner Truth and Abraham Lincoln. The stories are told with plain sailing, mingled with believe-it-or-not details. It is an impressive showing of practiced talent. Each teller brought a very personal enactment and performance style. Many fables are based on real research. The orators have a knack for delving deep into historic elements.

They somehow find the most remarkable points and interweave those details with creative approach.

“This storytelling festival is a new festival, but it’s quickly growing in reputation because it’s really about the community,” professional teller Brian “Fox” Ellis said. “And I love that they get the kids on stage. They get community members from senior centers. There’s a pretty elaborate network of encouraging people to find their voice and to celebrate their story.”

As a skillful teller at this event, Ellis also

MurrayJournal .com

modeled how to do it, for those newer to the craft.

“Like a lot of kids, I used to get in trouble for talking too much, and now I get paid for it,” Ellis said, recounting how he got his start. “As a job in college, I worked at summer camps.

My favorite part of summer camp was telling stories around the campfire. I’m like, ‘I want to make this my career.’ Little did I know that was even possible at the time. But I started touring the country. I called myself The Eternal Camp Counselor. Basically, I coordinated the children’s program at weekend festivals and conferences, and quickly figured out they paid me more for one hour of entertaining adults than for 48 hours of taking care of kids.”

Then Ellis described his moment of self-actualization that many of us who also work, wait, watch and hope for. “I got invited to the National Storytelling Festival, and I saw people on stage doing what I’d been doing for 10 years, and I went ‘Oh, so that’s who I am,’ and I never looked back,” he said. “I’ve been doing full-time storytelling for 38 years now.”

Telling stories is one way we get to know each other’s backstory. It is a way we can try to understand one another. How well do we attempt to really listen and get to know people around us? According to the professionals, stories are a productive and positive way to teach and communicate—to even help solve cultural misunderstanding and differences.

Denise Valentine, also a professional teller, praised Story Crossroads.

“The folks in this area should be really proud and tickled that you have one of the better storytelling festivals in the country, with Timpanogos in the fall and this in the spring,” she said. “There’s a lot of opportunity to hear

great stories, to participate in workshops, to find your own voice and celebrate your story.”

Valentine brought some of her diverse repertoire. “I tell traditional African folk tales,” she said. “I tell love stories. I started out telling love stories since my name is Valentine—it just seemed to work.”

Her stories sound eclectic and exciting.

“All kinds of love—family love, community love, love for mother earth and father sky—how I started out,” Valentine said. “Then I branched out into traditional folk tales. Occasionally, I tell personal stories, but my specialty is historical narratives, since I’m from the birthplace of America, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.. Every place I visit, I always try to seek out the missing stories, the stories that have been buried and omitted—the people who have been marginalized. I’m really delighted to be performing with Brian ‘Fox’ Ellis,” Valentine said.

A “crossroads” has been defined in English language as a time when crucial decisions must be made — decisions that can have significant consequences. But, could a “crossroads” offer a lighter, less stressful opportunity? Can it simply be a meeting place? A point where totally different paths come together to talk and listen.

The title of this event is thoughtful and jampacked with significance.

Tell your perspective, respectfully. Listen to others tell their version. Educate, enrich and enjoy the fantastical details. Don’t let a crucial, comical or unusual time in your history fall silent. At your next reunion, picnic or party… think about including a story. Hear one, and bring one.

For more information on this event or even how to volunteer, visit: storycrossroads.com/. l

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Lori Edmunds takes Murray Cultural Arts helm

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

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Murray Cultural Arts Director Lori Edmunds. (Photo courtesy Murray City)

I

t is quite a daunting task to oversee Murray City’s vast cultural art’s resources, but even more so to take over from the person who built those resources from the ground up. Lori Edmunds has been named Murray City’s new cultural arts director, taking over from the retired Mary Ann Kirk.

“Mary Ann Kirk did such a great job creating and protecting the arts and history of Murray, Edmunds said. “The challenges I have are keeping things moving forward without losing any of the momentum that Mary Ann created.”

Indeed, Edmunds will have to program shows at the newly renovated Murray Amphitheater, oversee the Murray Museum and its historical resources and help get the planned Murray Theater renovations off the ground.

“Early on in my training as an arts coordinator, a wise man told me to think of the different departments of a city this way: If the city was a person, the public services (police, fire, streets, water, etc.) would be the skin and bones of that person,” Edmunds said. “The arts are the soul. I truly believe that. Murray is fortunate to have a well-tuned arts program within the reach of every person that resides in the city.”

To nurture that soul, Edmunds brings decades worth of experience working with South Jordan City and as a special events planner.

“During that time, I had met Mary Ann

through networking experiences, and I was very impressed with her programs and her knowledge,” she said. “I tried to use her expertise in the programming that I was doing with South Jordan City. When the opportunity to work with her became available, I was lucky enough to get the job. I am grateful for the year I spent with her before she retired, as she had so much to teach me about Murray City.”

Edmunds is excited to be involved in the development of the Murray City Center District . The MCCD will have several historic properties that not only include the Murray Theater but also the Murray Mansion and Murray Chapel. Edmunds is applying for county funding to start the renovation of the Murray Theater.

“I grew up just north of Murray, and I spent many Saturday afternoons at that theater, so it holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “It should be an amazing space when it is finished.”

The new cultural arts director sees Murray as being a very unique and diverse population with residents who love and understand the importance of both art and history.

“They also have the support of the mayor and city council. Not all cities have that luxury,” said Edmunds.

Edmunds advises not to expect big changes with her promotion.

“There are several moving parts to my

job, and, of course, I see things through a different pair of eyes, and things will be different because of that,” she said. “Things will change with time, as that is normal and natural as the city itself evolves. For the most part, I really want to keep things going status quo because it has been so successful, but I want to enhance what has been done.”

The Murray Museum will need to find a new home, as it currently resides in city hall.

With the relocation of city hall, Edmunds sees potential for the museum’s future.

“We want to be able to facilitate programming from the museum,” she said. “We see it as being a destination—somewhere that people want to visit often. Murray City has a treasure trove of history at the fingertips of its residents, including oral histories, thousands of historical pictures and artifacts.”

Still, Edmunds does have some lofty dreams for Murray.

“I would love to see Adele come and perform once again at the remodeled Murray Theater,” she said. “I would also like to see David Archuleta perform at the amphitheater. Honestly, it is not my lineup that is important but the desires of the community. The bottom line is to try and figure out what the residents want.”l

Murray City Journal

Is Murray seeing an uptick in crime?

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

W

ith the current building boom of new neighborhoods in Murray, many online real estate research websites have posted data for potential homebuyers about living in the city. Some of these websites, such as NeighborhoodScout, show Murray having a concerning upward trend in crime.

Websites such as NeighborhoodScout are online real estate databases that consolidate data regarding demographics, real estate values, crime and public school ratings. Data is gathered from federal and state agencies, and generally the websites will offer their own conclusions or summaries about the community.

The Murray Journal staff decided to test the conclusions of NeighborhoodScout by comparing them to Murray City’s interpretation of the crime reports. We asked Murray City spokeswoman Jennifer Heaps for Murray’s responses to the website’s claims. All data is based on the Utah Department of Public Safety’s 2016 “Crime in Utah” report.

Claim 1: “With a crime rate of 77 per 1,000 residents, Murray has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes—from the smallest towns to the very largest cities.”

Murray City: “This statistic is incorrect because it is based on residential population.

Our population doubles during the day when people come to Murray to work, shop, obtain

Murray saw 421 motor vehicles stolen in 2016. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

medical care, visit parks, etc.”

Other cities like Murray, such as Midvale and South Salt Lake, also argue that their populations nearly double during the day. These cities’ “daytime populations” are higher than their official “nighttime” resident population because of visitors working in or traveling through their cities.

Claim 2: “For Murray, we found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes (both large and small).”

Murray City: “If you obtain the ‘Crime in Utah’ 2016 report from BCI, it contains the cor-

rect statistics for crimes in Utah. The website you are referring to collects data by ZIP code and not jurisdictional boundaries and appears to be intended for real estate purposes. Again, this statistic is inaccurate, as it is based solely on the city’s residential population and not our actual daytime population. Because we are located in the center of the valley, we have a high number of commuters passing through, and we are a destination location for shopping and services.”

Claim 3: “… a lot of the crime that takes place in Murray is property crime.”

Murray City: “Vehicle burglary [considered a property crime] is a crime of opportunity.

We see vehicle burglary in large retail shopping lots, apartment complexes and park-and-ride lots. Although we have our fair share of vehicle burglaries, they are primarily contained to large parking areas, and the ratio is probably similar to other neighboring communities when considering our daytime population.”

Claim 4: Murray has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation according to our analysis of FBI crime data.”

Murray City: “The ‘Crime in Utah’ 2016 report shows that Murray had 421 motor vehicle thefts, which is comparable to surrounding cities with a similar daytime population.”

For comparison, motor vehicle thefts in South Salt Lake, 379; Ogden, 368; Sandy, 244; and Salt Lake City, 1,963. Communities such as Midvale and Taylorsville fall under the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, which reported 1,689 motor vehicle thefts in all UPD precincts.

As far as homelessness and whether Salt Lake City’s 2017 crackdown impacted Murray, City officials replied, “Our interactions with homeless people have increased since Operation Rio Grande. The ‘Crime in Utah’ 2017 report will provide better statistics on this particular issue. It’s too early to determine if these interactions have resulted in increased crime.”

The 2016 “Crime in Utah” report can be found online at https://bci.utah.gov l

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July 2018 FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Grant Elementary . . . . . . 801-264-7416 Heritage Center (Senior Programming) . . 801-264-2635 Hillcrest Jr. High . . . . . . . 801-264-7442 Horizon Elementary . . . . 801-264-7420 Liberty Elementary . . . . . 801-264-7424 Longview Elementary. . . 801-264-7428 Ken Price Ball Park . . . . . 801-262-8282 Miss Murray Pageant (Leesa Lloyd) . . . . . . . . . . 801-446-9233 McMillan Elementary . . 801-264-7430 Murray Area Chamber of Commerce.. . . . . . . . . . 801-263-2632 Murray Arts Advisory Board (Mary Ann Kirk) . . . . . . . . 801-264-2614

MAYOR’S OFFICE D. Blair Camp Mayor

Mayor’s Message As July rolls around each year, I love the signs of summer in Murray City! The Murray Park outdoor pool is filled with people of all ages enjoying refreshing relief from the hot summer sun. The parks and parkways are bustling with joggers, walkers, and bicyclists enjoying our great public amenities.

The outdoor tennis and Pickleball courts throughout the city are very popular and busy, and the golf courses are a popular attraction for those who like to spend their time in the sunshine doing their best Tiger Woods imitation! As it gets closer to evening, our vibrant neighborhoods fill with the sounds of children playing, mowers and trimmers humming, the smell of backyard barbecues, and the sight of neighbors visiting with neighbors. It’s a really great time of year!

July is also the time that we celebrate and commemorate our heritage with parades, fireworks, music, and community celebrations. Abraham Lincoln once said, “I like to see a man proud of the place he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” I am proud of our city, state, and country!

Paul Sweeney is credited with saying “We fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy.” Despite the problems and challenges of our

time, I am so grateful for the favorable conditions that we enjoy, mayor@murray.utah.gov many of which have resulted 801-264-2600 from the insight and sacrifice of our forebearers.

5025 S. State Street I wish each of you an enjoyMurray, Utah 84107 able and safe summer with family and friends. I hope to see you at the Murray Fun Days celebration activities on the 4th of July, beginning with the Rotary Club breakfast at 6:30 a.m. and ending with a great fireworks show in Murray Park at 10 p.m. Please visit murray.utah.gov for a schedule of all the activities.

I hope that in the midst of the summer fun and activities, we will all pause in gratitude to remember our great heritage and the sacrifice of so many who gave so much for us to enjoy the freedom that we have in this country. Let’s also honor those who proudly serve today. I salute the men and women who are serving or who have served our country in any branch of the military, and their families, and especially those who have suffered injury or loss of life. Thank you for your unselfish service to our country.

Happy Birthday, America!

Murray Boys & Girls Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-268-1335 Murray City Cemetery . . . 801-264-2637 Murray Community Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-264-7414 Murray High School . . . . 801-264-7460

Arts

in the

Park

Murray Museum . . . . . . . 801-264-2589 Murray Parks and Recreation Office . . . . . . . 801-264-2614 Murray Parkway Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-262-4653 Murray Park Aquatics Pool . . . . . . . . . .801 290-4190 Mick Riley Golf Course (SL County) . . . . . . . . . . . 801-266-8185 Parkside Elementary . . . . 801-264-7434 Riverview Jr. High . . . . . . 801-264-7446 Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation . . . . . . . . 801-468-2560 Salt Lake County Ice Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-270-7280 The Park Center . . . . . . . . 801-284-4200 Viewmont Elementary . . 801-264-7438

Summer Evening Series Murray Arts in the Park provides a summer full of artistic entertainment. The evening subscription series usually opens in late May and runs through Labor Day in the Murray Park amphitheater.

Season tickets are now available at the Parks Office and online, and individual tickets may be purchased at the Murray Parks & Recreation office or at the door. Tickets for the 2018 evening series will be available through the Murray Parks Office, 296 E Murray Park Avenue, Murray, UT 84107.

R ECREATION Fall Adult Softball

Monday Coed or Wednesday Men’s $250.00 per team First (7) teams to register Starts in August

Matt Harping “ Back to the Basics” Basketball Camp Dates: July 30- August 2 Cost: $165 per participant/per session Sessions: Session 1 8 am-12pm Session 2

1:00-5pm

Place: The Park Center Ages: 7-15 pm Register: Online at www.mcreg.com, The Park Center or the Murray Parks and Recreation Office.

Johnsen and Johnsen Basketball Camp

Fall Youth Flag Football

Tuesday nights & Saturday mornings $35.00 residents $45.00 non-residents (8) games Starts in September

Dates: July 16-20 Place: The Park Center Cost: $160 Sessions: Camp 1, 9:00 am to 11:00 am Camp 2,

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Grades 2-6 Grades 7-10

Register: www.johnsenbasketballcamps.com

Youth Tennis Lessons Dates: July 9-13

July 16—20 July 23– 27 (no Class 7/24) July 30-Aug. 3 Aug. 6-10 Aug. 13-17 Instructor: Ages: Cost: Place: Time:

Flag Football 101

Saturday mornings for six weeks $35.00 res. $45.00 non-res.

9:30, 10:30, 11:30 (pick a time) Starts in September

Fall Adult Coed Kickball

Thursday Nights September 6, 13, 20, 2 7, October 4, 11, 18,25 Cost: $250 Murray Park Softball Field First teams to register

Andrea Perschon 6-18 $40 Residents, $50 Non-residents Southwood Park 8-9 am Beginners 9-10 am Advance/Intermediate

Fall Soccer

Dates: August 16-September 13 Divisions: Pre K, Kindergarten, 1-2 grade, 3-4 Grade, 5-6 grade, 7-9 grade, 10-12 Grade Days: Thursday Nights 5:30 to 7:30 pm, Saturday day mornings 9:00 am – Noon Cost: $45 Residents, $55 Non Residents Deadline: August 1, $5 late fee Locations: Games played at parks and schools located throughout Murray Register: Online at www.mcreg.com, The Park Center, and Murray Parks and Recreation Office

Murray Youth and Family Triathlon

Date: Sept. 3, 2018 Place: Murray Park “The Park Center” Time: 7:45 AM START Free Prep Clinic: Aug. 28 @ 6:30 PM (Park Center Parking Lot in front of the leisure pool) Cost: Early Bird Registration: Youth 15 and under $25, Adult $30 and F1 $35 Late Registration: Price increase by $10 after Friday, August 24 Divisions: Girls 5-6, Boys 5-6, Girls 7-8, Boys 7-8, Girls 9-10, Boys 9-10, Girls 11-12, Boys 11-12, Girls 13-15, Boys 13-15, Women 16-19, Men 16-19, Women 20-29, Men 20-29, Women 30-39, Men 30-39, Women 40-49, Men 40-49, Women 50-59, Men 50-59, Women 60-69, Men 60-69, Men 70+, Women 70+, Men’s Open F1 (double super sprint, Women’s Open F1 (double super sprint) Register: www.mcreg.com

JULY 2018 C ULTURAL A RTS Resident on Display

Arts in the Park

Original artwork by Murray resident artists are displayed in the central display case at City Hall.

Our featured artists will be Jon Whitney (pictured) in July and Larry Limberg in August.

May - September Evening Series Lunch Concert Series Children Matinees Family Night Series Season Tickets mcreg.com Complete schedule at www.murray.utah.gov

Murray Symphony July 7 | 8:00 PM $6 General Admission

Into the Woods Into the woods is presented by special arrangement with MTI, at the Murray Park Amphitheater. Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM. Book by James Lapine.

Murray Arts in the Park Musical production of Into the Woods will be directed by Will Saxton.

Children 10 & under Free

@MurrayCityCulturalArts @Murraycitymuseum

Museum Memes WIN 2 TICKETS to the Musical Production of either Secret Garden or Into the Woods.

To enter, create an original meme with the photograph below. Photo and rules can be found on the city History Webpage at www.murray.utah.gov

Pioneer Home Tours Saturday, July 21st Tour starts at 10:00 AM Opportunity to tour through the following buildings:

The Secret Garden The Secret Garden is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. The book and Lyrics are by MARSHA NORMAN with music by LUCY SIMON. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Walton Home – 10:00 AM Murray Mansion – 10:45 AM Murray Theater – 11:30 AM If interested, contact LEdmunds@murray.utah.gov

@MurrayCityCulturalArts @Murraycitymuseum

Movies in the Park – FREE

T HE P ARK C ENTER

Friday, July 20 | Finding Nemo | Murray Outdoor Pool | 9:00 pm Friday, July 27 | Space Jam | Ken Price Ball Park | 9:00 pm Friday, Aug. 3 | Stars Wars: The Last Jedi | Ken Price Park | 9:00 pm

Upcoming Certifications and Trainings at The Park Center SAVE THE DATE for the BRAND NEW Pound for the Generations training to be held on September 22, 2018!

M URRAY S ENIOR R ECREATION C ENTER The Murray Senior Recreation Center is a 55+ recreation center for people who like to stay active, learn, get services, go places, stay healthy, play, volunteer, meet people, enjoy life and more.

The Center’s current newsletter is available on our website at www.murray.utah.gov/140/Heritage-Center and will have the most up-to-date information on our activities and services. Please call the Heritage Center at 801-264-2635 or visit us to register for any of our classes or services.

Lunch is served Tuesday–Friday anytime between 11:30–12:30 and you pay for your meal after you pick up your food. No reservations are needed—except for special events. Options include the regular menu item, salad, soup, Panini, and sandwiches. The cost ranges from $2–$4 for people 55+.

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS WANTED: The Murray Senior Recreation Center is seeking qualified volunteer drivers to drive our 14 passenger bus on trips and transportation to and from the Center. Please call the Center at 801-264-2635 if interested.

CLASSES: Living Well With Chronic Pain: Thursday, July 12-Thurs. Aug. 12-9:30-12:00 Free Car Health: Tuesday, July 10, 10:30 learn how to keep your car running well eBook & eAudiobook Class: Friday, July 13-10:30

AARP Smart Driving Class: Tuesday, July 31, 9:30-2:30 Vital Aging: Tuesday, July 31- 10:30 Stop the Bleed: Tuesday, July 17 10:30 free Brunch: Monday, July 16, 23, & 30- 10:00-12:00 Massage every Thursday: 12:00-4:00- $36 Registration required Medicare Counseling: Tuesday, July 17 12:002:00 Registration required Recycle Presentation: Friday, August 24 – 10:30

JULY/AUGUST TRIPS: Payson Salmon Supper Join us for the 64th annual Payson Salmon Supper on Friday, August 3. We have chartered a 52- passenger bus that will depart at 2:30 and the cost is $26. Registration for this popular trip begins on Wednesday, July 11.

Every August, thousands of pounds of fresh Alaskan salmon are flown in to Payson City for this hearty meal of fine-grilled salmon served with a baked potato, sweet local corn on the cob, salad, and dessert. This annual celebration attracts visitors from all over, not only for the salmon, but for the entertainment as well. Local firemen, turned salmon chefs, busily prepare and cook the fish to perfection, while wearing their yellow coats. Musicians and singers serenade the crowd waiting in line. The wait is well worth it as you are sure to leave Payson City with memories of a marvelous culinary experience.

THE MURRAY SENIOR RECREATION CENTER

Utah Festival Opera We will be making two trips to Logan for the Utah Festival Opera to see matinee performances of Into The Woods on Thursday, July 19 and The Barber of Seville on Thursday, July 26.

Both trips leave at 9:30 and we will have lunch at the Bluebird (on your own) then see the show at 1:00. The cost of each trip is $55 for transportation and show ticket. If time allows, we will also visit the Gossner Cheese Factory. Registration begins on Monday, July 2. These trips are limited to 13 people per trip.

Utah Shakespeare Festival We will charter a bus to visit the Utah Shakespeare Festival on August 27-29. Join us as we see three classic William Shakespeare plays this year—Henry VI, Othello and The Merchant of Venice.

The cost is $350 per person (double occupancy) or $425 (single room) and includes two nights at the Abbey Inn, chartered bus, dinners at Rusty’s and Milt’s, and three plays.

Registration begins Tuesday, July 3. A minimum $50 deposit is required for each participant to register for the trip. Trip payment in full required

by Friday, July 20 at 4:00. Travelers may register for themselves and one other person.

Cancellations must be made prior to Friday, July 20 for a full refund. After July 20, trip refunded amounts will be on a case-by-case basis.

10 East 6150 South (West of State Street) • 801-264-2635

Chief Justice Howe reflects on nearly a century of memories

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

F

or his 22 years on the Utah Supreme Court and as a member of one of Murray’s oldest families, Chief Justice Richard Howe has been honored by having a street named after him.

Justice Howe Lane, part of the new Balintore neighborhood by Hamlet Homes, intersects the former Howe homestead on 5600 South.

In 1980, Gov. Scott Matheson appointed Howe to the Utah Supreme Court; he served as Chief Justice for his final four years. He was known for his fairness and for treating others with respect. He retired from the court in 2002.

Since then he has been devoted to gardening and growing the sweetest ears of corn—his favorite crop.

The grandson of some of Murray’s earliest settlers, the 94-year-old was born on the property where he would later raise his family. He lived there for a total of 93 years. While attending Woodstock Elementary, Irving Junior High and Granite High School, he remembers going to Murray Park and swimming in its pool. Back then, the pool was fed directly from Little Cottonwood Creek.

“It was really cold most of the time,” said Howe.

He fondly remembers growing up in a Murray that no longer exists, such as getting ice cream at Tyler’s Café. He also remembers the Murray City Pharmacy (now Wright’s Costumes at 4874 State Street).

“I worked there at one time, and it was also the same place that I met my future wife, Juanita. I was always interested in farming. As a boy, I worked on my uncle’s farm, and there were farms all around us in the Murray area. It was in my junior year of high school that I took a class called commercial law. Much to my delight, the class was very interesting. I just decided then that perhaps being a lawyer might be a better career choice.”

Howe went on to the University of Utah and graduated with a law degree. Keeping close to his Murray roots, he hung out his attorney shingle on State Street. His reputation for being a good lawyer soon spread, and he was appointed a judge on the Murray City Court, serving from 1953 to 1955.

He also represented Murray for six terms in the Utah House of Representatives and two terms in the Utah Senate. Howe, who had played a central leadership role in shepherding judicial reform bills through the legislature as Speaker of the House, caught the attention of Matheson for a potential State Supreme Court Justice.

During their time on the court, Howe and fellow justices Dallin Oaks and Christine Durham were noted for their efforts to reform and modernize Utah’s judicial system. Many processes and procedures that Howe instituted can still be seen in Utah’s judicial organizations today.

“I think the hardest thing (about being a judge) was affirming sentences on men and women who had committed criminal acts,”

Page 16 | July 2018

Howe said. “It made me always reflect on my own life—about the importance of being raised in a good home and having good friends around me.”

Howe’s colleagues were always recipients of his garden’s bounty. Upon his retirement as chief justice, he received as a gift a new set of gardening implements to carry on his farming passion, which he uses to this very day.

In order to help all those who pass through Justice Howe Lane understand Howe’s personal history and legacy, Hamlet Homes has installed a community plaque at the entrance to the neighborhood. The plaque contains an old aerial photo of the land with a brief biography of Howe.

When asked if he would do anything differently in his near-century of life, the judge reflects, “I don’t think I would change things very much. I would hopefully spend more time outdoors with my family. I also would like to have a bigger garden so that I could raise more of that wonderful sweet corn.”l

Top: The Honorable Justice Richard C. Howe was presented with a plaque, from Hamlet Homes, to dedicate the community, Balintore, in his name. (Courtesy Hamlet Homes) Bottom: Former Chief Justice Howe cuts the ribbon officially opening Justice Howe Lane in Hamlet Homes’ Balintore development. (Courtesy Hamlet Homes)

Murray City Journal

Ready, set, go — running step in step for technology

By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

Creating environments where moments of Joy, Independence, and Wellness are the focus each and every day!

Liberty Elementary fourth-graders race to help race funds for Chromebooks. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

L

iberty Elementary’s Carlos Nieto-Rosales set a goal — to be the first fourth-grader to cross the finish line at his school’s fun run.

In preparation, he not only ran with his class and trained through physical education, but he played soccer three times a week and found time to run around his neighborhood doing both sprints and some distance workouts he created himself.

“I don’t want to stop running,” he said. “I want to make my mom and dad proud.”

The fun run also served as a fundraiser for Chromebooks, so Carlos went about raising $80, which he donated to the school.

Carlos, along with his schoolmates, ran the newly designed 1-mile course through the school neighborhood, where police and parent volunteers lined the course for assistance, and residents joined cheering on 374 students.

His goal paid off, as he was the first fourth-grader to finish, doing so in seven minutes 11 seconds. The school, which had contributions at $15,007 as of press deadline, was still adding up any last-minute donations from both the fun run and barbecue held afterward.

Carlos’ teacher wasn’t surprised.

“He’s a good runner and a good student,” Toni Wilkins said. “Some of our students really went after getting donations and brought in around $800 for Chromebooks. We use them for math, writing, SAGE testing and educational games. Times are changing, and these students are tech savvy, so we need to change our teaching approach. That’s how they’re learning—not by flash cards and times tables. We use Google Classroom so they can log on at home and use it. In class, we can see how they’re engaged and how many students understand concepts, and if they don’t, we know immediately if we need to go back and reteach it.”

Wilkins said that not only do the students

MurrayJournal .com

appreciate the technology, but they’re motivated.

“I mentioned preparing for SAGE testing (when they’re on the Chromebooks), and they said, ‘Why do you have to bring up testing?

We’re just having fun,’” she said. “They don’t always realize they’re learning as they’re doing the activities online.”

The fun run also gives them a break from being in testing mode at the end of the school year.

“They’re out of class, in the outdoors, and it brings together our school,” Wilkins said as she cheered the students running.

Some teachers, like fourth-grade teacher Mike Okumura, ran with the students.

“The students look forward to this, and many of the girls participate in Girls on the Run, so they’re prepared for it,” he said.

Katelyn Jorgensen was the first female finisher for fourth-graders, she ran a time of seven minutes 57 seconds and is part of the program.

“It was really, really fun to be out with friends and running,” she said. “Girls on the Run helps us to be positive with ourselves and others, and that pushes me to run harder. I went out with the attitude that I’m going to do my best, and that is all that matters. But it was fun for us all to do it together.”

Students also participated in the Step Express program—a free program designed by Intermountain Health to help students lead a healthier lifestyle through classroom lesson plans, physical activity and a fitness challenge.

Her husband, Brent, motivated students at the starting line.

“It’s good for the kids to be active,” he said. “It’s a good idea for a fundraiser and for them to set goals — and to celebrate achieving them with Chromebooks.”

PTA President Jamie Hunter said the goal

is to provide Chromebooks at a 1:1 student-device ratio.

“We got some last year, so this will about finish up our goal,” she said. “It’s pretty cool to watch students follow the teacher with them. At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but that’s where the world is headed, and this is the way students are learning.”

To help students earn the Chromebooks, Hunter said there were incentives from wearing a crazy hat to school to listening to music at lunch.

Principal Jill Burnside said with the funds they raised, each student has a chance to throw a pie in her face among other incentives such as dressing in their favorite decade and having a dance party.

The top three boy and girl finishers in each grade also will receive a medal at the end-ofthe-year assembly.

Hunter said for the past three years, the school has combined the once fitness-only fun run with a fundraiser.

“By combining it, students still get to run and have fun, but we’ve also earned the most amount ever for the school,” she said. “I’d much rather sponsor a student running than purchase something and have only half of the money go to the school. This way, 100 percent of the funds go to students.”

It also brings in the community and parents, with several of them purchasing a shirt to run alongside students, coming to support them and eating a hamburger afterward or being one of 30 volunteers lining the course, Hunter said.

“It’s the ‘funnest’ event at Liberty,” she said. “Our kids worked so hard, and we are grateful to all our community sponsors who support our students.” l

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Community supports McMillan’s Fit Fun Run

By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

Students were off and running at McMillan’s 23rd annual Fit Fun Run. (Ann Saltzman/McMillan Elementary)

A

head of the crowd of elementary school runners, a tall red-headed teenager took a few strides and was ahead of the pack. It was Joseph Longhurst’s 10th time running McMillan Elementary’s Fit Fun Run, the last three as the pace-setter.

“It’s really cool to know that all these little kids are looking at me as a leader and to know that they will follow me,” he said. “I return because I love running and the Fit Fun Run.” Since its beginning 23 years ago, teacher and Fit Fun Run organizer Kathy Reynolds has had students write a goal to run one, two or three miles and train for the run.

Joseph, who now is a high school junior and had Reynolds as his first-grade teacher, ran three miles every time as an elementary student.

He now is a high school cross country and track athlete.

“She was one of my favorite teachers and had a great influence on my running career. She showed me how running could be fun,” he said, adding that his two friends, Michael Durrant and Cooper Henricksen, were also encouraged to run. “I mostly did it just for fun. In the later years of elementary, I did end up running with and racing my friends, but it was never really a competition — just fun.”

That was the case with fifth-grade cousins Ethan and Boston Hampton.

“We compete against each other and try to push and challenge ourselves to do our personal best,” Ethan said.

That included training for it as Boston would run one mile each night leading up to the

Page 18 | July 2018

run, sprinting at the end. He’s also ran 5Ks in the past, and both boys have played for Murray Max soccer club.

Not only do the boys enjoy running, but Boston said it helps him with anxiety.

“It clears my mind, gives me a goal and allows me to focus on school work so I can do my best,” he said.

That’s something that their teacher, Ann Saltzman, recalls students saying — even back to the days when she had Joseph in class.

Joseph wasn’t the only lead runner. Another of Reynold’s former students, Tyler Howland, has led the pack for about 20 years, Reynolds said.

“He’s amazing,” she said. “He’s run Boston (marathon) and does the Iron Man in Hawaii. He was here and pumped all our students up at the assembly beforehand and encouraged them to get and stay in shape. It’s great that students are able to look up to former students and see where running has taken them.”

In past years, Reynolds, herself an accomplished marathoner, would run right alongside her students. With a recent illness, she instead took to the sidelines and cheered the 500 McMillan students on, each wearing a shirt designed by sixth-graders Alyssa Harlin and Max Staley.

“The Fit Fun Run is a huge thing here,” Reynolds said. “It started with six boys in my class who wanted to run, and one of the boys’ mother was a big runner. She ended up taking them to a race in the Wasatch Front, and I realized we could do a schoolwide run here. And

it’s grown and grown to 2,000 as parents and community members join in.”

Through the years, she points out she’s had numerous parent volunteers helping as well as Tammy Jenkins for 20 years and recently, her daughter, Angie Thompson.

“My mother talks to the students about setting a goal and setting a good pace, and not starting fast and burning out,” Thompson said.

“This really is a cool thing. All the students talk about it and organize themselves to run with their friends.”

Reynolds is quick to point out that the name fits the run.

“It’s designed just for its name — fit and fun run. It’s not as a fundraiser,” she said, although she was quick to thank several local sponsors who helped provide food to T-shirts as well as the Murray Police, who escorted the runners on the course to and from Friendship Park.

Fifth-grader Bonnie Hendricksen was one of the students who completed the 2-mile run for its namesake — fun.

“I like the feel of running and getting faster,” she said. “I like the wind in my face as I run. And I like the Creamie at the end.”

For Joseph, the Fit Fun Run holds fun memories and hopes it will for current McMillan students.

“The school did a really good job of making the Fit Fun Run something that elementary kids could look forward to and have fun while doing it,” he said. l

Murray City Journal

AMES student coordinates empowerment week

By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

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Iman Ibrahim, a junior at the Academy of Math, Engineering and Science who was a student leader at the national walk-out day, planned a week of empowerment to help her classmates learn to stand up for their beliefs. (Jennifer Tellez/AMES)

“We need to see the change we can be.”

Those are the words of Iman Ibrahim, a junior at the Academy of Math, Engineering and Science.

Iman organized an empowerment week at her school that, among other activities, brought in local and state leaders to listen to students express concerns.

“Students are passionate about issues, so this gave us a chance to express ourselves and embrace the opportunities we have to address those who represent us,” she said. “AMES prepares us. Our voice is valuable and should be heard.”

Iman, along with junior Jasmine Draper, thought of ideas and planned events, including a panel discussion with State Sen. Jim Dabakis, Rep. Carol Spackman Moss and Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Karen Hale.

“We had students speak with them and have a one-on-one discussion,” Iman said.

“They were impressed and said that it is up to us students to be the ones to shape change.”

School safety is among the issues they discussed.

“Do I not deserve to live? Or to go to school to get an education without being terrified that an intruder could come into my school and cause mass hysteria?” asked the self-described student activist. “I’ve already felt I’ve

MurrayJournal .com

been living with a target on my back as a person of color, a Muslim, a woman and as a student — and all I’m trying to do is pursue an education, so I don’t need to worry about being shot in school.”

Iman said several students expressed similar concerns for gun control, race and gender treatment and equality, and their safety.

“I’ve grown up in an unfair world of America, and we can demand change for equality of all,” she said. “And we can stand up for what is right. Citizens do have the right to protect themselves, but why do we need to have a military grade weapon available? It’s ridiculous that at age 18, someone can buy a gun to hunt someone down or end kids’ lives.”

Iman said much of her strength comes from her hero, her mother.

“My mother — I admire her,” she said.

“She was so generous and helped people who were in need even though we were struggling ourselves. She taught us compassion and how to serve others. She told me that ‘you’re going to change the world.’”

Iman already is putting that message to heart. Along with the panel discussion, the empowerment week she organized for her peers included getting students registered to vote and allowing students to express themselves through art.

“I know I made an impact, as more students are expressing themselves, and now many more are able to vote,” she said. “We, as the younger generation, have the power to want change, express change, demand change and take a stand.”

Iman’s school principal, Brett Wilson, said he is supportive of students.

“They have the right to have their voice,” he said. “They’re learning through their voice, they can change things.”

On her own, Iman isn’t forgetting the lessons her mother taught her. She continues to help in the refugee community, as her mother did, and she volunteers at the local hospital and at the YWCA women’s shelter. She is involved in organizing activities for the homeless youth, is a mentor for Real Life and is planning to go on a humanitarian trip to Cambodia to bring health supplies and feminine products to students.

Iman, who is an honor student, plans to become a pediatric surgeon to “change lives in the world.”

“I’ve learned I can make an impact and that I am valuable, I am worthy of love and deserve respect,” she said. “I’ve been discriminated against, but I still can express my views and have the right to live and to be safe. I hope my peers realize the same thing.” l

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July 2018 | Page 19

Murray High student takes aim at vaping, wins Taylorsville City Council support

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

I

t is now illegal in Taylorsville to smoke or vape in parks or their parking lots. All thanks to a high school senior.

“I’ve been (Taylorsville) Youth Council advisor for several years and have never had a council member take on this kind of a challenge; I’m just so proud of Bryn,” City Council Coordinator Kristy Heineman said.

“This is a very proactive and forward-thinking ordinance change, and Bryn explained it so well; I’m proud to support it,” City Councilwoman Meredith Harker added.

And after congratulating Youth Council Mayor Bryn Gale personally, Mayor Kristie Overson said, “I know Bryn’s put a lot of hard work into researching this issue and did a great job explaining it to the council. This will be a positive change. She should be proud.”

A lot of high praise for a Murray High School Senior – and Taylorsville resident – who didn’t so much “fight” city hall, as she worked to educate decision makers.

“After attending an anti-drug conference in Washington DC,” Gale explained. “I really wanted to help the city council to better understand that ‘smoking’ these days is not so much about cigarettes as it is about vaping. So after doing a lot of research, I decided to try to get them to change the law.”

The conference Bryn attended was a meeting of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). According to its website, “the mission of CADCA is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally.”

It was on that trip Gale got to know another public health and safety advocate from the Salt Lake Valley.

“I knew Bryn a little bit before the CADCA conference; but that’s where we really started to talk about ways we might work together to combat cigarette smoking and vaping in public places,” said Salt Lake County Health Department Educator Julia Glade. “This is the one thing I love about my job: finding someone who is as passionate as I am about helping people to be healthier.”

While doing her research, Gale learned cigarette smoking continues to decline among teens, but the number of people who vape to get their nicotine is going up dramatically. Here in Utah, the number of teens who vape grew by 500 percent, from 2011 to 2017.

“It has been illegal to smoke cigarettes and cigars in Taylorsville parks and other public areas for a long time,” Bryn said. “But the ordinance did not make vaping illegal and it also didn’t include smoking other things, such as marijuana. My ordinance amendments dealt with that.”

After Gale and Glade studied the issues, Bryn sought out legal counsel before taking the amendments before the city council.

“She met with our attorneys and really did a fine, thorough job with this,” said Taylorsville

Page 20 | July 2018

Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson, County Health Educator Julia Glade, Youth Council Mayor Bryn Gale and City Attorney Tracy Cowdell (L-R) each played a role in adding restrictions to the city’s public smoking ordinance. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

City Attorney Tracy Cowdell. “We could tell she was determined about this and had done her homework. So we were glad to help her a little with writing the ordinance amendment.”

Gale’s research showed, Taylorsville leaders would not be blazing new territory, but was simply following anti-smoking ordinance updates enacted in other areas.

“Taylorsville is actually one of the few cities (in the Salt Lake Valley) that has not yet included vaping in its smoking ordinance,” she told city council members. “And (Taylorsville is) one of the few cities that still allows smoking in parking lots at city parks.”

At one point during Gale’s presentation to the city council, Council Chairman Brad Christopherson asked Unified Police Taylorsville Precinct Chief Tracy Wyant “Do you have enforcement concerns about this, chief?”

Chief Wyant responded, “Yes.” However, as the discussion continued, council members seemed to reach a consensus that strengthening Taylorsville smoking prohibitions was “the right thing to do.”

In the end, Gale’s proposed municipal code amendments passed the council on a 4-to1 vote. In casting the lone dissenting vote, Christopherson said it was due to enforcement concerns and not because he opposed what the changes were meant to accomplish.

The amended ordinance now makes it illegal to smoke or vape anything in Taylorsville parks or in their adjacent parking lots. However, Police Chief Wyant said his officers will be

As a result of Murray resident Bryn Gale’s efforts, it is now illegal in Taylorsville to smoke or vape in parks or their parking lots. (Pixabay)

more inclined to explain the ordinance changes to offenders than to issue citations – at least initially.

“Mostly I wanted to address the issue of vaping, because the companies that make the vaporizers are clearly targeting young people,” Gale said. “They are selling products with all kinds of different flavors and in colorful packaging. But in the end, they are simply trying to hook teens on nicotine. I’m grateful the city

council supported my amendments to help fight that.”

Gale – and the other 20 members of the 2017-18 Taylorsville Youth Council – have now officially wrapped up their duties for the year, after assisting with the just-completed Taylorsville Dayzz celebration. Applications for the 2018-19 Youth Council will be available later this summer at www.taylorsvilleut.gov. l

Murray City Journal

Fifth graders boost fish population at Murray’s popular Willow Pond with unusual project

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

M

ill Creek Elementary School fifth-graders enjoyed an unusual class project this year, where they learned about the “circle of life,” environmental stewardship and survival of the fittest.

A lot to be contained in three 20-gallon aquariums, for sure.

And when their work was done at the school, the kids — and their three teachers — shared their accomplishment with the world, at Utah’s most popular fishing hole: Murray’s Willow Pond (6100 South 900 West).

“This project was one of the most rewarding I have ever done in the classroom—a perfect 10,” said teacher Carla Hall. “The students learned so much about wildlife management and science. It was terrific. And I’ve also got to give my husband a lot of credit for helping us out.”

Her husband, Blaine Hall, works in Grantsville, for Cargill, a worldwide company that harvests salt from the Great Salt Lake.

“Cargill partners with Trout Unlimited on various community outreach programs,” Blaine said. “My wife and I discussed it — and she spoke with her fellow fifth-grade teachers — and we came upon the idea of hatching trout eggs in classroom aquariums to release into the wild.”

To get the $7,500 necessary to purchase three aquariums, lights, nets and other equipment, Blaine Hall wrote a grant proposal, which was considered and approved by Cargill executives here in Utah and nationally.

“The most expensive things we needed to purchase were water cooling machines,” Hall added. “Trout eggs require the water to be about 52 degrees in order to hatch.”

In January, just after their holiday break, Mill Creek fifth-grade teachers Carla Hall, Kathryn Shields and Jackson Bellaimey each received the equipment they needed in their classrooms. Not long after that, the Utah Division of Natural Resources provided each class with 300 brook trout eggs.

The surrogate parenting had begun.

“The fish were a wonderful addition to my class, because it is all set up in a ‘Harry Potter theme,’” Shields said. “So this is how my students provided care for magical creatures. The kids embraced the project immediately and really learned a lot.”

Student Chase Keesen agrees. “It sounded boring at the start, but turned out to really be fun,” Keesen said. “It was fun to feed them and release them. I also liked learning about the circle of life.”

Chase’s classmate Jane Walker added, “We were all given different assignments to care for the fish,” she said. “I liked feeding them the best. I used to fish with my Grandpa at his cabin in Wisconsin, so it was fun to have a project putting fish back into nature.”

Shields added she was aware of at least 10 other schools that were doing similar fish hatch-

MurrayJournal .com

Mill Creek Elementary fifth grade teacher Kathryn Shields assists a student with her fish release. (Emily Hall)

Parks and Recreation Fishing Club Instructor Patti Barton. “More people go to Strawberry (Reservoir) and other places. But in terms of the number of people fishing — compared to the size of the waterway — this is the busiest spot in Utah.”

The teachers admit, even after all the hard work to get the 2-inch-long hatchlings to the pond, some of the students witnessed several of the fish instantly becoming meals for larger fish and ducks.

“That was just another part of the circle of life lesson the students learned,” Shields added.

“It’s hard to explain death to fifth-graders. But the kids learned so much. This project helped boost their confidence, and I know it helped them to perform better on their end of the year tests. This turned out to do so much more for them than we expected.”

Now that the Mill Creek Elementary School fifth-grade classrooms have all of the equipment they need to hatch fish, they plan to do it again next year.

“I don’t think we will have to request any new funding from Cargill,” Blaine Hall said.

“This has been such great fun to see the kids connect with science and nature. I know my wife has also loved teaching it.”

In the end, people who fish Murray’s Willow Pond will be the ultimate winners when they catch a fish just a little quicker than they otherwise would have, thanks to some dedicated students and their innovative teachers. l

Mill Creek Elementary fifth graders watched fish hatch in classroom aquariums and later released them into Murray’s Willow Pond. (Emily Hall)

ing projects, but none were as successfully as the Mill Creek fifth-graders.

“The state people told us we had the highest survival rate,” she said. “But that was still only about 50 percent. So, the students learned about life and death in nature.”

For starters, the kids were taught the fish are not pets, they would not be given names and

there would be no “funerals” for the ones that didn’t survive.

After hatching and feeding the tiny brook trout for about four months, all three classes took a field trip to Willow Pond to release them into the water.

“Believe it or not, (Willow Pond) is the busiest fishing spot in our state,” said Murray

Mill Creek Elementary fifth grade teacher Carla Hall’s husband Blaine assisted in getting funding for her class’ trout hatching project and then helped students with the fish release. (Emily Hall)

July 2018 | Page 21

Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Stick to fireflies

By Amy Green | a.green@mycityjournals.com

W

hen it comes to Utah insects, a few on the easy-to-spot list would be grasshoppers, ants, wasps and boxelder bugs.

Earwigs find a way to make a casual sashay up the walls here.

Daddy long-legs seem to have a rockhound club in every valley window well. Mosquitos regularly perform a funky flash mob out on the lakes. Pill bugs hide smart and tight in our suburbia sidewalk cracks. Moths find their place of expiration in that common graveyard of sliding door tracks.

We have our predictable Utah creepy-crawlies. But, don’t let the stink bug you accidentally squashed curb your wild creature enthusiasm. It’s a good time to see something new.

There are luminous beetle characters showing up on the Utah scene—fireflies. They are a curious thing, flashing their creature rhythm of morse-style code. They are convincing many that there is more biodiversity to our state than we may think.

Utah entomologists and insect experts have a proposition for local residents. Researchers can use our assistance for a firefly citizen science project. The Natural History Museum of Utah and BYU specialists have merged efforts to find and observe firefly populations, and they’re looking for help. To badly mis-quote a 1990s hit TLC song… “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.” Please stick to the wetlands and the mud that you’re used to, and help find fireflies.

You can visit the citizen project details here: https://nhmu. utah.edu/fireflies, where you can learn about these interesting beetles, submit sightings and view a firefly map of where people have observed them. The map has a spread-out selection of possible places to find them. The project can help offer clues of where more might be found. For those interested in experiencing creatures behind glass, there is a temporary firefly exhibit at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

A large firefly sculpture lights up with the press of a button, at Natural History Museum of Utah (Amy Green/City Journals)

When asked whether fireflies are native or invasive to Utah, Christy Bills, entomology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah, clarifies that fireflies are in fact, indigenous.

“They’ve been here forever,” she said. “They’re not strong flyers. Once they’re in an area, they can’t move away from that area very successfully.”

She explained how some people believe anecdotes of how their ancestors must have brought fireflies to Utah in a jar. It’s not common to spot a firefly though.

“We don’t know about them, but farmers who go out to their pastures at night—they have known about them,” Bills noted.

Just one firefly logged to the map gives a whole lot of data.

There’s hope to find more and to involve resident scientists or even just outdoor enthusiasts to take on new purpose in their adventures. It could be a fun outing to search, find, get pictures

SPOTLIGHT

of and actually log a firefly onto the community map.

It’s likely that more firefly sightings would be in areas with wet reeds, near still waters and around wild corn dogs (cattails).

These are the best places to spot them. Head toward muddy areas.

“Swaner Preserve (Park City), Spring Lake (near Provo) and Nibley (Cache County) are three places to possibly see them,” Bills said. “But, you never know. I hate to say, ‘Go there, and you’ll see one.’ You can never shop the wild.” Go out during night-time hours, and it seems like one might want a headlamp and sturdy galoshes to go searching.

If you go firefly spotting, remember to wear proper bug repellant, full coverage outerwear and choose a safe plan. Let others know where you’re going. These things are always best done in groups and with an adult.

If you see fireflies, “Leave them alone,” Bills said. “We have the web farm (website above) for people to report that they’ve seen them. We never harm the population.” The few that are taken by scientists are kept in a specimen collection and used for important nationwide research.

“They are not an endangered species,” Bills said. No one is going to have to give up their property for government scrutiny, or areas won’t become restricted if fireflies are spotted. Be careful not to trespass on others’ privacy though. Go firefly searching in public areas.

Scientists are calling for those who enjoy a tiny species hunt to help communicate where a firefly has been seen. Even if we can only spot one—playing the fiddle, living inside a giant peach or eating its way through a wild corn dog. Each glowing firefly has loads of valuable information to offer us, with just one more dazzling dot on the map. l

Replenish

4660 200 W, Murray, UT 84107

Business Spotlights are a service offered to our advertisers to help them inform our readers about their businesses. For information on scheduling a Spotlight, please call us at 801-254-5974 or email us at ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com

B

eautiful gardens, lawns, and landscapes all start with the foundation of quality, nutrient-rich soil. While that is easy to say, it is much more complicated to sort through the numerous companies that all claim to sell the best. Whether you are starting a new flower garden, or growing your own fruits and vegetables, Replenish Landscape Garden Products is here to help make your gardening goals a reality.

Replenish (the compost) and Replenish the Earth Products (the company) where created by Connie Cannon in 1994 in the driveway of her home. She wanted to create a compost/mulch that would be high in nutrients, low in salts, as well as dark and rich in appearance. After seeking counsel from Peter Lassig, who had been the head landscape architect at Temple Square for over 40 years, she came up with the superior formula and blend for Replenish Compost. Mixing it together in her driveway, she would have her children put the compost in bags and sell it in their neighborhood.

“Throughout its history Replenish has provided great service and customer satisfaction,” said Mike Nitz, the current co-owner. “Whether you are picking up material at our yard, or hav-

Page 22 | July 2018

ing us deliver or install material in your yard, the service is always outstanding and to your satisfaction. As our customer, we have your best interest in mind.”

The Cannons sold the company 10 years later to the current owners, Mike Nitz and Greg Bettinson. After purchasing the company in 2004, Mike and Greg gave it a new name – Replenish Landscape Garden Products – to better describe what the business was all about. They also moved the business from West Valley City to its current location in Murray, at 4660 South 200 West. Over the past 12 years, they have grown the business by expanding the variety of landscape materials offered and expanding their customer base to cover the entire Wasatch Front.

“There are a number of options when it comes to landscape materials, but they are not all created equal,” explained Greg. “We believe that in Replenish Compost we have the finest and most versatile compost available, period. To complement our signature Replenish Compost product, we have made it our focus to develop, or find, the very best soil blends, barks, mulches and materials available in the industry. Quality is what we sell!”

Any of Replenish’s products can be picked

up at their Murray yard, in either bulk or bag. They also deliver in bag, bulk, or 1-cubic-yard ‘Super Big Bag’, to homes and businesses from Brigham City to Price. One of the unique services Replenish offers in their “Blower Truck” service. With this truck they have the ability to install through a hose, any of their products (except the rock and sand) directly into gardens, lawns or playgrounds.

Make your garden and yard work a successful, rewarding, and enjoyable experience. Call Replenish Landscape Garden Products at (801) 262-5142 for any question you might have or for a free quote. l

Murray City Journal

Golden Spoke ride unites bikers, communities of Wasatch

By Justin Adams | j.adams@mycityjournals.com

N

early 150 years ago, railroad workers from the east coast and west coast met at Promontory Point, Utah, where they signified the connection between the two halves of America with a Golden Spike.

On June 2, bikers from across the Wasatch Front rode from Ogden in the north and Provo in the south and met one another at the center of the new Jordan River Parkway Bridge in Salt Lake City to celebrate the completion of over 100 miles of continuous multi-use trails. The name of the event (as well as the new trail system itself): the Golden Spoke.

“It was a great ride,” said Matt Christensen, who rode from the mouth of Provo Canyon, where riders met as early as 5:15 a.m.

Christensen said the various new additions to the trail system make using it much easier for Utah bikers.

“I rode, and it wasn’t all connected so you would get lost in neighborhoods,” he said.

“Like the Jordan Narrows area, past Thanksgiving Point, is all connected now which is great.

Before you had to go up and do a big detour. So yeah, it’s great to be able to stay on trails all the way through and avoid all the traffic.”

The trail system is now the longest multiuse trail west of the Mississippi River.

After the two groups of riders met on the bridge, they gathered at nearby Fisher Mansion in Salt Lake City for a celebration that included food trucks, a bike course for kids and public

I

speakers.

“It was a great ride,” said Scott Barrett, a Sugar House resident who regularly uses the trails system as well as public transportation to commute to his job in Draper every day. “There were all types of riders, all types of bikes, and we had great weather.”

The trail system’s potential for providing Utah residents with alternative commuting options was noted by both event organizers and guest speakers, including Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who attended the celebration portion of the event at Fisher Mansion.

“This helps us with our air quality as we get off of our vehicles and onto bicycles,” said Herbert.

Herbert also drew comparisons between the Golden Spoke trail system and the Golden Spike, the place where the Transcontinental Railroad’s east and west ends met in Promontory Point, Utah.

“The Golden Spoke’s a little more regional, a little more local, but no less important,” said Herbert. “The Transcontinental Railroad connected the east and west coasts together so America was a little smaller. What we’re doing here with these trails is connecting our communities, making it so we can in fact work together and appreciate each other’s communities.”

Herbert was joined by other local leaders, such as Mike Caldwell, the mayor of Ogden, as well as the chair of the Wasatch Front Re-

Bikers from the south head up the Jordan River Parkway Bridge, where they met with another group of riders who came from the north. (Justin Adams/City Journals)

gional Council, a cooperative alliance of local government leaders tasked with finding and implementing innovative transportation solutions to accommodate Utah’s rapidly growing population.

“I think this can only happen in the state of Utah, where communities come together, they

work together, they collaborate, they coordinate,” Caldwell said. “I don’t see this kind of work happening in any other state that I’ve had exposure to.” l

Remember these safety tips during fireworks season

ndependence Day is a day (and night) to celebrate the birth of our nation. There’s watching parades, enjoying backyard barbecues and, of course, igniting fireworks.

Fireworks. There’s lots of them here, especially with July 24 , Pioneer Day, also being a holiday where fireworks play a major entertainment role. In makes for month full of blasts, bangs, whizzes, and sparkly colors lighting up the dark.

But the joys of fireworks come with risks.

To avoid accidents (or even death), here’s a few tips to remember as you and neighbors prepare to celebrate your state and country.

1. Recent legislation passed in Utah limits the days of the year allowed to light fireworks. Only light fireworks during those days in accordance with the newly passed law.

2. Check with your city to determine what areas allow fireworks. Cities such as Sandy and Herriman have decreased the areas that permit fireworks.

3. Know your fireworks. Read cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

4. Don’t get fancy. While it may be tempting to be creative and construct your own fireworks, the results may not be worth it. Just ask a friend who lost half his hair and needed to wear a hat/bandana for six months to protect his scalp.

MurrayJournal .com

5. Responsible adults should not only be present, but should supervise closely. Never give fireworks to small children.

6. Alcohol and fireworks does not make a good cocktail. Save your alcohol for after the show.

7. Light one firework at a time and don’t linger. Fireworks look just as pretty from 30 feet away as they do from five.

8. This one may seem obvious, but fireworks should be shot outside, not inside.

9. Dress appropriately. Loose clothing that can catch fire easily should be left in the drawer, while snugly fitted long sleeves and pants can protect from potential burns.

10. Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

11. Never shoot fireworks into metal or glass containers. The ricochet hurts just as

much.

12. Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials.

13. Report illegal explosives. They ruin it for the rest of us.

14. Don’t forget about your pets. Make sure they are securely indoors and have identification tags in case they do escape during a fireworks display.

15. Keep fireworks out of reach where curious children can’t get to them. High heat or damp air can damage the fireworks. The best place to put them is in a cardboard box in a high location such as a cabinet or shelf.

16. Last, but not least, make sure everyone using fireworks has safety glasses or goggles. l

July 2018 | Page 23

Desert Star Announcement

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esert Star latest parody takes on the thin blue line and those who try to cross it MURRAY, UT, June 1, 2018 / -- The stories of the justice system are full of drama and despair, but not at the Desert Star. This zany parody for the whole family opens June 7th is full of melodrama and puns.

Written by Eric Jensen, Beth Bruner, and Laura J. Lewis and directed by Scott Holman, the story follows Lyz Hatfield who came to LA to open her own key shop, but when she arrives all she gets is an organized crime ring whose muscle, Tommy Capone, tries to bully her into paying for ‘protection’. She calls on the local PD to help her. Officers Joe Friday and Penny Briscoe are on the case! With the help of Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy they will

investigate the witless Keanu, owner of the surf shop, who may know more than it seems. But maybe Granny, who runs the local pool hall, is in cahoots. Although it seems Tommy’s moll, Bambi, probably doesn’t know anything…at all. Intrigue, romance, and adventure are all on the docket for this delightful send up to police procedurals.

“Law & Disorder” runs June 7th through August 18th, 2018. The evening also includes one of Desert Star’s signature musical olios following the show. “Awesome 80’s Olio” features hit songs and hot steps mixed with more of Desert Star’s signature comedy.

Food is available from an á la carte menu and is served right at your table. The menu includes gourmet pizza, fresh wraps, appetizers, and scrumptious desserts.

Granger Murray Women’s Health 348 E. 4500 S., Ste. 200 Murray, Utah 84107

It’s time to hop into summer!

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Page 24 | July 2018

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CALENDAR: “Law & Disorder” Plays June 7 - August 18, 2018 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7 PM Friday and Saturday at 6 PM and 8:30 PM Saturday matinée at 2:30 PM Tickets: Adults: $24.95, Children: $14.95 (Children 11 and under) 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107 Call 801.266.2600 for reservations For additional information, visit our website at www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com l

Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary: At 103 years, it’s the oldest family owned business in Murray, Utah George A. Jenkins, a Midvale barber, and his wife, had lost five children and been closely associated with Bank’s Mortuary in Midvale.

Geroge and Mr. Banks decided to become partners in the mortuary.

On the eve of the signing the necessary papers, Mr. Banks passed away and the agreement never took place.

Having sold his barbershop determining he would become a funeral director, the Jenkins family decided to open their own mortuary in Murray. His first call was on December 15, 1915.

It was February 1935 when Jenkins & Soffe became one. Vaughn C. Soffe, and George’s daughter Mary B. Jenkins met at Utah State University. Vaughn eventually purchased the funeral home and then passed it on to his own sons, Jaren and Gregg. Now the Soffe grandsons, Kurt and Blake, and the great grandsons, make up five generations and 103 years of continued service to families in the community.

Come see the tribute to our founder in the Murray 4th of July parade!

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

Murray City Journal

High schools see decline in number of referees

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

I

f players line up on the field and there is no official to enforce the rules, does it count in the standings?

Overall, Utah high school sports have seen a 2 percent decline in the number of officials for its sporting events. Nearly 2,700 men and women officiate high school athletics in the state.

“We are no different than the national trends,” said Jeff Cluff, Utah High School Activities Association assistant director in charge of officials. “Officiating is a difficult trade. It takes a lot of time just to be adequate let alone very good at it, and our newer officials are not sticking around long enough to get to that point.”

Many of the state’s experienced officials are retiring, and there are not the number of younger replacements. Cluff also pointed out that we have more schools and more athletic participants than ever before.

“It used to be that there would be one game a night at the school,” he said. “Nowadays, there could be a baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse game all at the same time. Not to mention all the club sports that use our officials too.”

Utah’s current unemployment rate of 3.1 percent leads to a strong economy. Therefore, many residents are not compelled to spend extra time at a side job.

The UHSAA has partnered with youth sports programs such as Ute Conference foot-

ball in the Salt Lake Valley. The youth football program referees are also registered as UHSAA officials. The purpose is to train younger referees on Saturday to become high school officials also.

“There used to be college courses as elective credit,” Cluff said. “It was used to get students to referee intramurals. Those classes are no longer available for college credit. I think [Southern Utah University] still has this course, and Weber State recently started one. Young kids do not have as many places to be introduced to officiating.”

The scrutiny involved in the game has also discouraged many eligible participants.

“I can be at a high school game, and within five minutes of an error on the field or court I can get a text, tweet or an email at the UHSAA showing the error that the official made,” Cluff said. “People are less patient, and they expect perfection until they actually try it and see how hard it really is.”

Professional sports fans have become accustomed to instant replay and slow-motion video—something that is not available at the local high school level.

“I had friends that were intentionally thrown at and have heard of parents and players that were malicious and disrespectful,” former high school softball umpire Gerri Ewing said.

“It is hard to put a young 16- or 17-year-old into that environment and expect them to be eager to

come back. I umpired because I love softball.

The money was not important to me. It was so I could give back to the community.”

Utah has two NFL officials both of whom are former high school officials (Bart Longson, Ryan Dixon). Two years ago, two Utah-based officials worked the NCAA national championship football game. DG Nelson (SLCC baseball coach) recently refereed in the NCAA basketball tournament, and six PAC 12 umpires reside in Utah.

“I think our top 15 percent of officials are as good as any in the country,” Cluff said. “I have seen and associate with officials at a high level. We have a deep pedigree of officials in this state. Some of our experienced officials are very well respected.”

Officials and coaches have seen an increase in unsportsmanlike conduct from both players and fans.

“Parents can be so harsh toward officials. It is a toxic age,” Herriman swim coach Michael Goldhardt said. “Kids and parents want game time; they have no loyalty to the school, and it is always someone else's fault.”

Schools and state associations are finding ways to recruit. Their plans include training and seminars at local leagues and recreation sports, but the need is growing faster than they can find replacements. l

The need for more officials of high school sports is increasing. More games, retirement and poor sportsmanship is making it hard to find enough replacements.

(Photo dsandersonpics.com)

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July 2018 | Page 25

Coming spring 2019: Murray High football field to host semi-pro football

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

T

here’s no doubt the worst team in the National Football League in recent years has been the woeful Cleveland Browns. Winners of just one game in 2016, the team found a way to be even worse last year, going 0-16.

So perhaps it’s no surprise one of the newest members of the Minor Football League (MFL) — a team that was originally scheduled to play five home games at Murray High School this summer — has been beset by headaches and conditions out of their control, forcing them to the difficult decision to hold off play for a year.

They are, after all, Cleveland’s namesake, the Utah Browns, a name randomly assigned to the Salt Lake valley group, as the MFL works to expand.

“The bottom line is, we do not want to put an inferior product on the field and ask people to buy tickets to see it,” said Browns Operations Director David Webb. “The MFL is working to expand to a full 32 teams — matching the number in the NFL — but they seem to have been moving too quickly. Other teams they thought were committed, have backed out. We could have played this summer, but the product would not have been as good as we want it to be to build a fan base.”

The Browns’ organization knows full well that secondary football teams have a track record of failure in Utah. Indoor football alone has seen the rise and demise of teams like the Warriors, Blaze and most recently, Screaming Eagles.

“Salt Lake area fans have every right to be skeptical about a new semi-pro football team,” Webb said. “So we want to be sure we can put a quality product on the field. We spoke with Murray School District officials about delaying for a year, and they said we could plan on using the Murray High School football field next year.

That’s what we are now working toward.”

He called the MHS Spartans home field “by far our first choice among high school venues. It’s a quality field, centrally located (in the Salt Lake valley) and has good seating.”

Although it’s described as a “semi-pro” league, MLF players are not paid and must instead pay a $250 participation fee. However, Utah Browns Head Coach and General Manag-

Community Relations Director Jeremy Anderson, General Manager and Head Coach Jon Price and Operations Director David Webb (L-R) make up the Utah Browns brain trust. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

er Jon Price said many of the athletes still hope to work their way into the National Football League or another salary-paying league, possibly the Canadian Football League.

“The MFL is working to become an active minor league partner with the National Football League,” Price said. “The Minor Football League has been around since 1993, but mostly on the east coast. The league has been in talks with the NFL for quite some time to try to formalize an agreement.”

If the NFL formally anointed the MFL as their official “farm system,” the status of the league would skyrocket quickly. Utah Browns brass hope that will happen but aren’t banking on it. They’re instead planning to use the next year to reach out to the community and start publicizing their existence.

“We hope to hold some football clinics for younger players this summer and do some other community activities,” Webb said. “Although we aren’t going to play for a year, we have several players committed to us who say they will help out with these events and getting the word out about the team.”

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mer. At a recent tryout — before the decision was made to suspend play this year — several players were eager to get to it.

“Once you have an itch to play, you don’t want to give it up,” said Ramone Washington, a running back out of Nebraska.

Lavontae Jefferson is a defensive end who played for Jordan High School and Snow College. “I have a passion for football and really want to keep playing,” he said.

And Marcus Nelson also still has not given up the dream of getting paid to play football, even though he’s 11 years removed from his high school playing days, at Magna’s Cyprus High School.

“I’m married with three kids, and this is how I want to support them,” Nelson said at the tryout. “I am a running back and have bounced around several semi-pro teams. I train every day and will be ready if (the Utah Browns) need me.”

The MFL is committed to videotaping all of their games and providing those tapes to the NFL, CFL or any other league that becomes interested in a player.

Price, a 1995 Cottonwood High School graduate, said there’s plenty of work to be done

Utah Browns’ hopeful Ramone Washington goes through a time trial. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

to get the Browns ready to play next year.

“Everything we do will be in the pro style,” he said. “We will run the short pass, west coast offense and a 4-3 defense. It will be exciting for fans.”

Last year, Price was the offensive coordinator for that one-season-and-done Screaming Eagles indoor team. That’s where he met Webb and Utah Browns Community Relations Director Jeremy Anderson, who interned for the team. A 1997 graduate of Murray High School, Anderson is excited the Browns will play their home games at his alma mater.

“I used to play indoor football and have always had a love for sports,” Anderson said.

“I coached Ute Conference football for three years. When the Screaming Eagles went under — after only one season — I wanted to assist in getting a franchise off the ground that can be here for the long haul.”

It remains to be seen whether that will happen. But clearly the Utah Browns are determined to avoid putting an inferior product on the field, a commitment their namesakes out in Cleveland have not been able to accomplish. l

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July 2018 | Page 27

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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 Page 28 | July 2018

Murray City Journal

Girls’ volleyball returning to Mount Vernon Academy for first time in nearly a decade

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

POSTPONE YOUR HEADSTONE

Dont Text & Drive

Mount Vernon Academy’s first girls’ volleyball team in nearly a decade will include (L-R): Ester Coon, Kiana Romero, Coach Kristen Henry, Kambrie Tresko, Emily Henry, Daisy Hang, Kinja Nyakabasa, Malia Michel, Savannah Serre and Elizabeth Coon. (Photo courtesy Kristen Henry)

M

ore changes are coming for Murray’s Mount Vernon Academy athletic department, thanks in large part to the school’s move — a year ago — from its historic Vine Street location to the former Christ Lutheran Church School (240 East 5600 South).

The new location, constructed in 1993, features a much larger grass area outside for soccer and cross country practice. But more importantly, for Patriot sports, the new site also includes a fullsize gymnasium.

Mt. Vernon’s antiquated previous campus had such a small gym, teams were forced to play indoor “home” games at off-campus locations. Following the move, last winter the Patriot boys’ basketball team enjoyed the luxury of playing actual on-campus home games, for the first time in school history.

And now this fall, the Patriot girls’ volleyball team will do likewise, as Mt. Vernon resurrects that program for the first time in nine years.

“In a school our size, we don’t always know from one year to the next whether we will field a team,” said Mt. Vernon Principal (and frequent coach of various teams) Mike Lambson. “We normally poll our kids ahead of time, and when there is enough interest to put a team together, we do it. We’ve not had girls’ volleyball since 2009. I suspect part of the reason for that was the lack of gym space we had (at the previous campus).”

However, fielding any team requires more than the space to do it. Qualified coaching is also required. And that’s

MurrayJournal .com

where Mt. Vernon caught a break this spring, when Kristen Henry and her husband decided to enroll four (and possibly five) of their seven children at the school.

“I have been home-schooling the kids, but this year we decided to search around for private schools in the area,” Henry said. “After finding Mt. Vernon, four of the kids said they definitely want to attend. The fifth is still deciding. So I will continue to home school at least two of the kids and maybe the third.”

More importantly though for the Mt. Vernon athletics department, the oldest of the five Henry children enrolling at the school this fall, Emily, will be a junior, and is a volleyball player.

“I’ve played three years of church volleyball and love it,” she said.

Emily also doesn’t mind that her mother, a former collegiate volleyball player, will be her head coach.

“I played high school volleyball in southern New Mexico and then walked on to play for one season at Western New Mexico University,” Kristen Henry said.

“Later I served an LDS mission in Seattle, got married and began a family, earned a degree at LDS Business College and started home-schooling our kids.”

The one thing Kristen has never done in the midst of that life path is coach volleyball. But when she learned Mt. Vernon was considering reviving the program, she stepped forward.

“It’s certainly something new,” Kristen added. “Emily is the only one of these girls who has played any volleyball at all.

So we are starting with the basics. But

they seem to be having fun and are actually picking up the game more quickly than I expected. I’ve been pleasantly surprised.”

As of press time, the Mt. Vernon girls had only gathered for a couple of volleyball practices. Their pace will pick up through the rest of the summer as the fall season approaches.

“Because we did not have a team last year, our girls’ volleyball team will not be eligible to play in the postseason, even if they surprise people and play very well,” Lambson said. “But I’m hoping we can continue to interest enough girls in the sport that volleyball can remain one of our extracurricular activities.”

Lambson also added if the Patriots’ volleyball revival takes off, it might also lead to a return of girls’ basketball for the small Murray school.

“Our team goals this season won’t be about wins and losses as much as they are about learning the sport of volleyball,” Henry said. “I want the girls to learn what each position on the floor is supposed to do. Then they can begin to specialize their skills for certain positions. But mostly I just want to help provide them with an activity they enjoy. A few of these girls ran track for Mt. Vernon, but for most of them, this is their first time to try organized athletics. I want it to be a good experience.”

The coach’s daughter Emily added, “I’m not nervous about my mom coaching. She’s a good teacher. Mostly I’m just glad to have the team so I can get to know some of my new classmates before school starts.” l

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Free events to illuminate your summer fun

S

by

CASSIE GOFF

chool’s out for summer! Here’s a list of free events and activities to keep monotony out of the month of July.

Festivals! Cities all across the valley host activities and events to celebrate our independence. Draper, Murray, Riverton, Salt Lake, South Salt Lake, and Sandy all hold their own celebrations for the Fourth of July.

Bluffdale, Cottonwood Heights, and Holladay celebrate Pioneer Day with multi-day festivals and concerts. For more information on these festivals, refer to the Summer Festival Guide in the latest edition of the City Journals.

Sandy will be hosting a balloon festival on August 10-11 at sunrise at Storm Mountain Park. These festivals highlight the magic of hot air balloons.

Farmers Markets were quite the rage last year, with over 30 to choose from. On July 11, the Sugar House Farmers Market will be at Fairmont Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On July 14, check out the Sunnyvale Farmers Market in Midvale from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. It will include a food pantry, free lunch and activities for kids, and music.

Don’t miss one-night free events like: the Parade of Raptors presented

by HawkWatch on July 9, at the Salt Lake Public Library Riverside Branch from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On July 13, Trivia Night will be held at the Leonardo. Up to six people can sign up to be a team, or go solo!

On July 10, the Local Author Showcase continues at The King’s English Bookshop. Jared Garret will introduce his new book, “Usurper.”

On July 18, Yappy Hour will be at Fairmont Park. There will be an offleash play area for the dogs, and music, beer, and food trucks for the humans.

On July 21, the Indian Food Fair will be held at the Gallivan Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Bollyfood lunch, there will be live entertainment, ethnic shopping, and of course, food!

On July 28, Mindy Dillard will lead a songwriting workshop for teens ages 12-18 at the Salt Lake Public Library Sprague Branch, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Many free series-styled events will be held.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Gateway will host Yoga on the Plaza in the Olympic Plaza. Shopping and food options will be available after yoga.

July is Pacific Island Heritage Month. On the 28th, their annual KickOff will begin at 5 p.m. at the Sorenson Multicultural Center. This event has entertainment and activities from nine Pacific Island countries.

The Community Writing Center will be hosting FreeFest: a youth workshop series, at the Downtown Salt Lake Public Library, Suite no. 8. This series is intended for young adults ages 15-19. Four different workshops will be offered: on July 25, check out the XYZine, zine-making extravaganza.

On July 26, learn basic bookbinding skills during the Book-Making Workshop. On July 27, EnTwined will teach you how to create a twine game. On July 28, check out Poetr?- make a mess of poetry and all things poetic.

Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) is offering a Kids Summer Passport. Get a passport (available to download online), earn five stamps by visiting destinations like the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, Salt Lake County Center for the Arts, and the Wasatch Community Gardens, by August 25. Show the fully-stamped passport at the local library to reserve a spot for a final party at the Clark Planetarium. The party

will be held August 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with movies, popcorn, exhibits, and prizes.

Our canyons also have fabulous options for getting outside. If anyone can do all the following hikes in one summer, let me know so I can be impressed. There’s Buffalo Point, Bloods Lake, Ensign Peak, Bridal Veil Falls, Golden Spike, Cecret Lake and Albion Basin, Willow Lake, Dooley Knob, Hidden Falls, Adams Waterfall, Patsy’s Mine, Grotto Falls, Donut Falls, Timpanogos, Brighton Lakes, Bell Canyon, Stewart Falls, Broads Fork Trail, Silver Lake, Battle Creek Falls, Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Mirror Lake, Fifth Water Hot Springs, Dripping Rock, Mount Olympus, Suicide Rock, Elephant Rock, White Pine Lake, Jordan River, and the Bonneville Shoreline, and Provo River Parkway.

In conclusion, none of us have an excuse to be bored this summer! l

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Murray City Journal

Life and Laughter—Girls Camp

Life

Laughter AND

by

PERI KINDER

MURRAY

W

hat do you get when you have 25 teenage girls camping in tents?

A motive for murder. I’m convinced every crazed serial killer roaming a summer camp, was once a mild-mannered camp counselor hoping to teach peace, love and kindness to a herd of snarling 15-year-old girls.

While men can plan a Scout camp over a 4-hour Call of Duty session, women meet for months to plan an inspirational and life-changing camp that every single girl will whine through.

Leaders schedule dozens of meetings to choose the theme (Let’s Get Dirty!), create the menu (Fun With Tofu!) and decide on the camp color (glittery unicorn pink).

Once those main decisions are finalized, the real job begins: planning hours of activities to teach young women the importance of a) nature, b) bonding and c) indoor plumbing. An ordinary day at young women’s camp can look something like this: 6 a.m.—Flag ceremony and motivational singing 6:15 a.m.—Breakfast/clean-up/ inspirational stories/singing 9:00—Nature hike/Identify native plants/singing Noon—Lunch/Clean-up/singing 1:30-3:30—Glittery art project to

encourage sisterhood/singing 3:30-5:30—Journaling/free time/ singing 5:30-8:00—Dinner/clean-up/ singing 8:00-10:00—Campfire/uplifting stories/singing 10:30—Lights out/quiet singing An ordinary day at young women’s camp actually looks like this: 6 a.m.—Leaders go from tent to tent, waking up girls who spent the night vaping in the woods. No singing.

7:48—Quick flag ceremony followed by burned oatmeal, cooked in a Dutch oven. Inspirational stories interrupted by young women fighting because someone’s journal is missing and, “I know it’s you, Jessica, because you’re such a $#*$&!” Girls are ordered to get ready for the day.

11:17—Hiking! But everyone’s waiting for Angela to finish curling her hair with her butane curling iron because she will NOT be seen looking like a hillbilly in case she runs into lumberjacks wandering through camp.

2:25—Having been chased by a moose, the hikers are now lost and trying to figure out how to get cell service in the middle of the Wasatch Mountains. Leaders consider making a break for it, leaving the girls to wander the wilderness forever. No singing.

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4:58—Leaders have bagged the art project and journaling, and have moved onto the dinner part of the program. Girls are napping in various locations and refuse to help prepare any meal. Leaders consider a mass poisoning but decide against it because they’re too tired.

8:20—Dinner is finally served.

The girls are STARVING and complaining that dinner wasn’t ready hours ago. A few girls half-heartedly sing two camp songs before everyone sits and stares into the campfire. Someone is crying. It’s one of the leaders.

11:45—Girls are told to stop talking because people are trying to sleep. Someone is singing.

1:35 a.m.—The girls are told, for the millionth time to, “Shut the $%&$ up or I’m going to dismantle your tent and you can sleep under a tree!!!”

4:17 a.m.— Everyone is crying.

6:30 a.m.— Someone asks when breakfast will be ready.

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Repeat for five more days. (Note to CIA: If you decide to torture me by making me camp with teenage girls, please, just waterboard me instead.)

At the end of camp, the girls’ matching shirts are covered with mud and glitter. No one is smiling. Even Friday the 13th’s Jason Voorhees wouldn’t approach this scene. No one is singing.

But girls’ camp is like childbirth.

Once it’s over, you only remember the good parts, and soon leaders are optimistically planning the next camp with even MORE glitter, MORE bonding and MORE singing. The men slowly shake their heads and return to Call of Duty. l

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801-819-9158 July 2018 | Page 31

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