See Inside... Balloon Festival
Hot air balloons dotted the sky in late September Page 6
Murray Theater reopens
Loren Allred headlined the two-night celebration Page 8
Border fire tests Murray’s readiness for urban wildfires
Murray crews first on scene as Millcreek blaze burns apartments.
When flames swept through the Willow Glen Apartments in Millcreek in July, the fire exposed how quickly a small spark can become a destructive blaze. Fueled by dry grass and wind, the fire destroyed two apartment buildings, displaced nearly 80 residents, and forced a region-wide emergency response.
Salt Lake City investigators later determined the fire began when a mower blade struck a rock on city-owned land, igniting grass that exceeded local weed-control codes. Maintenance crews initially tried to fight the blaze with handheld extinguishers before calling 911, a delay that allowed the fire to spread to nearby structures.
The fire erupted just over Murray’s border, and Murray’s fire crews were among the first to respond. Murray City Fire Chief Joseph Mittelman said the incident underscored the importance of cooperation across city lines. “The recent Millcreek fire at the Willow Glen Apartments quickly advanced before dispatch and arrival of the response units, and the combined efforts on both the apartment fire and the adjacent wildland fire were crucial to successful suppression,” Mittelman said.
According to Mittelman, Murray is well-positioned to respond to similar fast-moving incidents. The city staffs three fire stations daily, with at least 15 firefighter-paramedics on duty. Each station houses a structural fire apparatus, an ambulance and a wildland brush truck. Crews respond with the most appropriate equipment, and contingency plans cover stations when units are dispatched elsewhere. “We follow established response models supported by ongoing training and certifications
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
A fire spread from a small patch of wildland that displaced 80 residents in Millcreek in July. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
across both Murray Fire and our neighboring agencies,” Mittelman explained. “A shared dispatch center ensures that the most appropriate resources are deployed quickly for each emergency.” Monthly training with surrounding departments as part of the Salt Lake Valley Fire Alliance, he said, ensures coordination and integration of best practices.
While Murray’s wildland fire risk is lower than in foothill communities, Mittelman pointed to specific vulnerabilities.
“Given our geography—particularly the Jordan River Parkway, the power line corridor, and highway corridors—the greatest risks we face typically fall into three categories,” he said. Those risks include vehicle hazards such as sparks from dragging
chains or mechanical failures, open flames from unapproved backyard fires or illegal campfires, and fireworks use near dry vegetation.
These concerns have precedent. A brush fire was reported near the interchange of Interstate 15 and Interstate 215
Continued page 4
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Continued from front page
in Murray, a reminder that freeway embankments and right-of-way lands can ignite quickly and carry fire toward nearby neighborhoods.
For some residents, utility maintenance offers reassurance. Mark Muszynski, who lives near the large power corridor in western Murray, said he feels secure because of the upkeep. “Rocky Mountain Power keeps the grass cut in the field, and there are no trees in the field by me,” Muszynski said. “So there isn’t a lot of
fuel to burn that would cause a lot of damage.” Muszynski said fireworks in the corridor have not been an issue, though he has watched neighbors set them off nearby.
For apartment managers and homeowners, Mittelman urged prevention as the best defense. “Maintain defensible space— keep grass, weeds and brush mowed or trimmed back from buildings, fences and parking areas,” he advised. He added that residents should create at least 30 feet of clear space around structures, avoid storing combustibles like firewood near homes, and use fire-resistant landscaping.
Outdoor equipment such as grills and fire pits should only be used in approved areas away from vegetation. Fireworks and open flame restrictions should be enforced, and fire lanes and hydrants kept clear.
Murray City relies on a combination of education and code enforcement to address weed growth and neglected properties. “Most residents respond quickly once they’re aware of an issue,” Mittelman said. “When needed, we also have weed and property maintenance ordinances that give us enforcement tools. Our approach is to educate first, enforce when necessary.”
The Willow Glen fire was deemed accidental, and the investigation was closed without further action. But for communities across the Salt Lake Valley, it remains a case study in how quickly grassfires can escalate in urban settings. For Murray, the takeaways include the value of regional partnerships, the need for ongoing vigilance along corridors and parkways, and the importance of property-level maintenance. The chief summed up the challenge: “Even in a city with limited wildland interface, vigilance, education and enforcement are essential to keeping Murray safe.” l
MURRAY TEAM
The Murray Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Murray.
For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website.
The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
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MURRAY CITY JOURNAL 9500 South 500 West, Suite 205
Sandy, UT 84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across
The charred remains of Willow Glen Apartment complex is all that remains after a wildfire spread from nearby. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
The charred remains of Willow Glen Apartment complex is all that remains after a wildfire spread from nearby. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Care that grows with you and your family.
Visit CommonSpirit Primary Care Murray.
At CommonSpirit Primary Care Murray, our physicians and caregivers are committed to keeping you healthy at every stage of life. We provide comprehensive care that covers everything from routine wellness visits to the management of chronic conditions.
Our services include:
• Annual physicals and wellness checkups
• Immunizations and screenings for medical conditions
• Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma
Meet our providers
DO Family Medicine
• Family planning support
• Health education and advocacy
Morgan McKee, PA-C Family Medicine
Same-week appointments are often available. Call 801-281-2658 or scan the QR code to schedule.
CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711). Copyright © CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region, 2025. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-303-643-1000 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: N
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Richard Donaldson,
Pragati Hooda, MD Family Medicine
Murray balloon festival draws record crowds
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Murray’s skies lit up Sept. 19-21 as the annual Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza filled Cottonwood High School with color and excitement. At sunrise, families gathered to watch crews inflate dozens of balloons before they launched in unison, creating a breathtaking display. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed food vendors, bounce houses and live music, capped by the evening “balloon glow,” when illuminated balloons dazzled the crowd. Murray City Chamber president Kathy White estimated that nearly 8,000 people attended the three-day event, making it one of the city’s largest community gatherings in recent memory. l
Thousands watch the balloons “glow” up. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Some hot air balloons ranged from promotional while others like this one were whimsical. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Balloon crews prepare for launch. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Balloon pilots allowed their balloons to bump when inflating their inflatables. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
After launching the balloons, the crew then needed to chase the balloons once they landed. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
A performer from the Homestead Circus opens for Loren Allred. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Singer Loren Allred interacts with the audience at the Murray Theater grand reopening. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Loren Allred performs “Happy Days Are Here Again.” (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)
Seven cities join forces in a trashy partnership
Trans-Jordan Cities’ new transfer station will streamline waste disposal for Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Midvale, Murray, Sandy and West Jordan, reducing travel times and improving regional solid waste management.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
There are few things that bring seven cities together. High school football rivalries? Not a chance. Water rights? Please—people would sooner agree on pineapple on a pizza. But garbage? Garbage is the great unifier. Enter the Trans-Jordan Cities agency, which has now given seven municipalities—Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Midvale, Murray, Sandy and West Jordan—joint custody of a gleaming new transfer station in Sandy.
Architects at Galloway, who actually brag about this, designed the place with a clearspan truss system so the tipping floor has no columns. Imagine a cathedral, but for garbage. “The facility is especially beneficial for the member cities on the east side of Salt Lake County, providing them with a closer disposal facility to handle curbside waste,” they note in their project summary. If you’ve been stuck behind a garbage truck lumbering down I-15, this is basically your redemption arc.
For the moment, residents will find the new station at 8813 S. 700 West open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though Saturdays are mainly for residential use. The rest of the week, it’s a constant ballet of collection trucks unloading their cargo. You can watch, if you’re into that sort of thing, but be aware that staring dreamily at a pile of drywall scraps is frowned upon.
And what if your garbage is… hazardous? Fear not: Salt Lake County’s health department has kindly provided a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center nearby at 8805 S. 700 West, open the same hours. That’s where you take paints, batteries, or anything that makes a sizzling noise when you look at it funny. Businesses can drop off their hazardous odds and ends, or the microwaved overcooked fish by appointment.
Meanwhile, the mothership itself—the Trans-Jordan Landfill in South Jordan—remains fully operational. Located at 10473 S. Bacchus Hwy. and open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., it is the beating heart of garbage life, home to mountains of yesterday’s leftovers and a surprisingly robust household hazardous waste program. Draper residents even get vouchers to reduce their disposal fees, because nothing says municipal pride like subsidized dumping.
There is, of course, a rule: your loads must be covered. Salt Lake County makes it
very clear—“a driver utilizing a landfill shall ensure that the vehicle’s load is securely covered from the destination of origin until the driver deposits the load at the landfill.” This isn’t just to keep debris from smacking into passing cars, but also to spare you the humiliation of everyone on I-15 learning you still own a floral couch from 1983.
So what does this mean for you? It means you can drive a shorter distance to toss out the mattress your cat has “remodeled.” It means fewer garbage trucks doing cross-county marathons. It means your kids now have a local field trip destination they’ll talk about for
minutes. Mostly, it means the valley’s trash continues its dignified journey toward the Bayview Landfill in Juab County, because even garbage needs a final resting place.
Tran-Jordan Landfill accepts approximately 365,000 tons of municipal solid waste annually from its seven member cities. In sum, the new transfer station represents a regional investment by seven cities to reduce travel times, improve efficiency, and extend the life of local landfill resources. For more information about seasonal hour changes, services and guidelines, visit the official site at transjordan.org. l
Mayors of the Trans-Jordan Cities (Bluffdale, Draper, Herriman, Midvale, Murray, Sandy and West Jordan) cut the ribbon on the waste transfer station. (Photo courtesy of Sandy City)
MAYOR’S OFFICE
Brett A. Hales -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov
801-264-2600
10 East 4800 South, Murray, Utah 84107
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 Competition (Lindsey D. Smith) 801-699-2288
McMillan Elementary 801-264-7430
Murray Area Chamber of Commerce. 801-263-2632
Murray Arts Advisory Board .
Murray Boys & Girls Club
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
801-264-2614
801-268-1335
Murray City Cemetery 801-264-2637
Murray Community Education 801-264-7414
Murray High School 801-264-7460
Murray Museum
801-264-2589
Murray Parks and Recreation O ce 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
Salt Lake County Ice Center
The Park Center
Viewmont Elementary
801-468-2560
801-270-7280
801-284-4200
801-264-7438
A Murray Christmas - The Magic of Murray’s Tree Lighting Tradition
By Greg Bellon, Murray City Power Director
The holidays in Murray have always carried a special kind of magic. For decades, families have bundled up on a chilly evening to gather at City Hall for the annual tree lighting, an event proudly sponsored by Murray City Power and the Murray City Shade Tree and Beautification Commission.
The Tree Lighting is one of those simple traditions that brings our community together. Kids’ faces light up as the switch is flipped, and the tree sparkles to life. Santa soon follows, greeting visitors young and old, as laughter and music fill the air.
Many longtime residents might remember when the Power Department would run an ad in the Murray Journal looking for a perfect tree to display at City Hall. Once selected, a forestry crew would carefully cut and transport the tree, often early on a quiet Sunday morning. Afterward, a permanent tree was planted on site, framed beautifully by the Wasatch Mountains.
Fast forward to today, and our celebration has grown right alongside our city. With a brand-new City Hall and a dazzling display of lights— now featuring more than five illuminated trees—there’s no better place to soak up the holiday spirit. In 2023, the city added a festive 70-foot tree, a one-of-a-kind design inspired by public holiday celebrations in Spain. Since then, the city has continued to add new lights and decorations each year, transforming City Hall into one of the most festive destinations in the valley. Strolling the plaza, hot chocolate in hand, you can feel what makes Murray such a special place to live.
This year’s event includes even more family fun. Alongside Santa’s visit and the breathtaking light display, we’re adding a Village complete with activities, s’mores stations, and free hot chocolate from the Murray Exchange Club. The Murray Museum will stay open late—until 8 p.m.— with new coloring pages featuring stories from Murray’s history, all decked out in festive lights.
Our Murray Youth Community Council will host a toy drive. You are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need. As the Grinch would say, your heart just might grow a few sizes.
Students from Hillcrest Jr. High will perform holiday favorites, and both Miss Murray and Little Miss Murray will join us in spreading cheer.
While you’re downtown, visit the beautifully restored Murray Theater. On the east side of the building, you can see a mural in progress, created by students from the University of Utah’s Department of Art & Art History. Their design, featuring a tree filled with people and birds, was voted on by the community earlier this fall and received wonderful feedback. The class will be painting the mural each Friday through December, transforming the wall into a lasting symbol of art and community pride. Finally, don’t miss a delightful new tradition taking shape: handmade candy windows decorating Murray Theater’s State Street storefront. Inspired by the beloved holiday displays once featured at ZCMI and Macy’s, these whimsical works of art are crafted from real candy, bringing nostalgia and sweetness to the season.
Please join us for the time-honored celebration of the Murray Tree Lighting: Saturday, November 29, at 6:00 p.m.
Murray City Hall (10 E 4800 S)
This free, family-friendly event is one of the highlights of our season, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Come for the lights, stay for the warmth, and be part of what makes Murray sparkle and shine.
10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107 801-264-2635
murray.utah.gov/140/Senior-Recreation-Center seniorrec@murray.utah.gov mcreg.com
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Check our website for any changes in programs.
CHEF OMAR LIMON
Daily Lunch
Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon
Cost: Cost is $6; prior registration not required
CLASSES
Ceramics
Date: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
Cost: $2 each class plus cost of supplies
Grief Support
Date: Friday, Nov. 7 and 21
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
M URRAY S ENIOR R ECREATION C ENTER
Greek and Roman Theater
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Better Health Through Color
Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Vital Aging: Maximize Your Retirement
Date: Friday, Nov. 21
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Science Class: Science of Christmas
Date: Thursday, Dec. 4
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Nutrition: Shocked by Sugar
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 9
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
DANCE
Beginning Line Dance Instruction
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 for the month; register now Thursday Evening Social Dance
Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays
Date: Thursdays
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
FITNESS: Daily Fitness Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule and fees
PROGRAMS
Bingo
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays
Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations are appreciated
Bridge Lessons
Date: Mondays
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Chess
Date: Thursdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Mexican Train Dominos Game
Date: Thursdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Monday Movies and Munchies
Date: Mondays
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Photography: Using Your Cell Phone as a Camera
Date: Monday, Nov. 17
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free; register now.
HEALTH SERVICES
Haircuts
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $12; advance appointment required
CLUBS
Book Club
Date: 1st Tuesdays each month
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Thursday Quilters
Date: 2nd Thursdays each month
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Murray Senior Choir
Date: Thursdays
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
A long-standing tradition in the Murray School District, was music instruction by William F. Robinson. Mr. Robinson became the music supervisor of the MCSD in 1907. During the early years of his teaching career, he would walk from one end of the district to another, making rounds to each of the schools. He was known as “Murray’s Music Man” and the “Father of Christmas Caroling” in the Murray community. Leading the evening will be Dawn Korzen, a relative of W. F. Robinson himself!
Dates: December 1, 2025
Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 6:30 PM
Tickets go on sale AUGUST 1st beginning at 10:00 AM
Free Admission - tickets required
NOVEMBER 2025
Murray City Recreation
JR JAZZ BASKETBALL
Boys High School - Saturdays
December 6 - February 7 (7 games/tourney)
$88 Residents | $98 Non-Residents
Ages 14-15 & 16-18
Coed Ages 6-7 - Tuesdays
January 6-February 17 (7 games)
Practice on game day
$68 Residents | $78 Non-Residents
Coed Clinics Ages 4-5 - Wednesdays
January 7 - February 18 (7 clinics)
$60 Residents | $70 Non-Residents
Boys Ages 8-9 - Fridays
January 9 - February 20 (7 games)
Practice on a weekday
$73 Residents | $83 Non-Residents
Girls & Boys Leagues Ages 6-7 - Saturdays
January 10-February 21 (7 games)
Practice on game day
$68 Residents | $78 Non-Residents
Girls & Boys Leagues Ages 8-9 - Saturdays
January 10 - February 21 (7 games)
Practice on a weekday
$73 Residents | $83 Non-Residents
Girls Ages 10-12 & Boys Ages 10-11 Leagues
January 10 - February 21 (Saturdays - 7 games)
Practice on a weekday
$73 Residents | $83 Non-Residents
Boys League Ages 12-13 - Saturdays
January 10 - February 21 (7 games)
Practice on a weekday
$82 Residents | $92 Non-Residents
Jingle Jacks / Five Carols for Christmas brings a double holiday evening to the stage!
ACT I: Jingle Jacks: starring four Canadian lumberjacks, isolated in a cabin, living out their dreams of becoming internet sensations with their Christmas webcast featuring favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and many more. And just like every pop star wannabe, they hold contests, sell merchandise, and send shout outs to their loyal fans, “The Jackals”. Through it all, their warmth, charm, and quirkiness provide a big ol’ holiday bear hug loaded with traditional song favorites and fresh melodies.
ACT II: Five Carols for Christmas: It’s 1954, and ve best friends - all named Carol - prepare for their annual holiday performance at the local high school on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, egos, miscommunication, and a power outage turn their quest for perfection into a madcap misadventure that somehow manages to salvage their camaraderie and the spirit of the holidays. Bursting with wonderful new songs and lush arrangements of Christmas classics, this riotous romp is heartwarming and absolutely hilarious.
Dates: December 12,13,15,19,20 (+Matinee on 20th)
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 7:30 PM
You can purchase tickets online at MurrayTix.com or at the Murray Parks & Recreation O ce (296 E Murray Park Ave)
GRAND REOPENING & UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE MURRAY THEATER
We’re thrilled to announce the Grand Reopening of the Murray Theater! Our newly renovated theater is ready to welcome you with a dazzling lineup of music, mystery, and holiday cheer. From powerhouse vocals to toe-tapping tributes, laugh-out-loud mysteries, and cozy seasonal shows, there’s something for everyone this fall and winter. Get tickets at www.murraytix.com!
MURRAY THEATER LINEUP
• The Joe Bouchard Band –November 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM
• Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver starring Jim Curry –November 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM
• Robinson Carol’s Sing-Along –December 1, 2025 | 6:30 PM
• Carpenters Legacy – December 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM
• Jingle Jacks / Five Carols for Christmas –December 12–20, 2025 | 7:30 PM
• Caesar Sings Nat “King” Cole & More –December 14, 2025 | 7:00 PM
• Johnny Owens and the Bakers eld Sound –January 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM
• Gary Lewis & the Playboys –January 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Tickets: murraytix.com
Located at 4959 South State Street, Murray
Ho Ho or Humdrum? Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays
Our favorite big box stores and online ads have been reminding us for weeks that the holidays are just around the corner. Happy time, right? Surprisingly the holidays can be a time of increased stress and can trigger mental health challenges for many. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays, with more than one-third indicating they experience higher stress levels during the holidays compared with other seasons. Added holiday stress can cause physical ailments, anxiety, depression, and in some cases substance misuse.
So what’s the holiday stress culprit? Well actually there are several:
Money. The holidays create budget pressures – gifts, travel, events.
Social. Family gatherings can produce awkward moments, especially when there are unresolved conflicts or pressure to follow tradition.
Busyness. Schedules can become overloaded with shopping, cooking special meals and attending holiday festivities. Sometimes with all the extra activity and disrupted routines, the holidays can be exhausting.
Loneliness. The holidays can create a heightened sense of loneliness for those who are separated from loved one or grieving a loss.
According to Dr. Jared Lambert, a CommonSpirit family medicine physician in West Jordan, there are several things we can do to manage holiday stress and even find joy in a season that is meant to be joyful.
First – Set realistic expectations. You may not cook the perfect turkey. The gift that you spent hours searching for may not elicit the magical reaction from the recipient. You may not be able to attend all the holiday events you’re invited to. That’s OK.
Second – Make time for yourself. Carve out a few moments each day during the holidays to read, get outside, meditate, and remember that the basics of self-care
– sleep, exercise, and healthy eating – still matter at this time of year.
Third – Set a budget. Having a financial plan going into the holidays helps with avoiding excessive spending. There’s nothing quite so deflating as January credit card bills that exceed what we can afford.
Fourth – Find joy in small things. Make time to talk to a friend or family member who makes you feel good. Savor that favorite side dish at Thanksgiving Dinner, listen to a favorite holiday song – and look for reasons to be grateful each day.
Fifth – Take a time out from Social Media: By limiting time on social media feeds you can reduce feelings of inadequacy by avoiding depictions of others’ perfectly curated holidays.
“The holidays can be a beautiful time, but they can also bring to the surface a lot of underlying stressors,” Dr. Lambert says. “It’s crucial to be honest with yourself about how you’re truly feeling and to allow for imperfections. Prioritize your well-being over societal pressures to create a ‘perfect’ holiday.”
If you find yourself severely struggling, reach out for help. Talk to a trusted friend, call a helpline, or visit a mental health professional.
For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
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count, count on our emergency care. Get to know us before you need us.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Salt Lake has been awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria for evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org.
i số 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
SPONSORED CONTENT
Daughter transforms father’s letters into heartfelt book
Letters from the frontlines of the Korean War detail a love story in the making.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
When Kathy Poulsen Romero began sorting through a bundle of 72 letters written by her late father, Medford Poulsen, she expected glimpses of the Korean War through the eyes of a young artilleryman. What she discovered instead was a tender, unfiltered record of devotion between two strangers—her father and her mother, Lila—who met on a blind date in Utah before war carried him halfway around the world.
Her new book, “Love Letters from Heartbreak Ridge,” reveals both the soldier’s daily peril and his emotional lifeline: the woman who became his wife.
“Initially it was his sincere gratitude that my mother, Lila, had sent the opening letter after they had met on a blind date,” Romero explained. “Throughout the course of the entire 72 letters he always mentioned how grateful and blessed he felt to know he had a beautiful girl back home waiting for him. That gave him the courage and will to fight and survive, and ultimately get back home to his girl in Utah.”
A War He Never Spoke Of Romero describes her astonishment at the candor of the letters.
“Every single letter was a surprise,” she said. “Neither my brother nor I had ever heard our dad talk about his war experiences, much less the fact that he ended up on the front lines in the artillery at Heartbreak Ridge.”
Her father’s modesty concealed distinctions, including a sharpshooter’s medal. But the letters show him carefully balancing honesty with restraint, sketching the dangers of battle without subjecting Lila to graphic details. “Weeks would go by between my mom receiving his letters,” Romero recalled. “All you had to hold on to was faith and hope that
he was still alive.”
What Was Heartbreak Ridge?
For readers unfamiliar with the conflict, Heartbreak Ridge was one of the most brutal and drawn-out battles of the Korean War. Fought in the rugged mountains of North Korea in September and October of 1951, the battle pitted U.S., French and South Korean troops against entrenched North Korean and Chinese forces. Soldiers fought on steep, rocky ridges under constant artillery fire, often at close quarters, in conditions that left little room for retreat. The fighting lasted for nearly a month, and both sides suffered heavy casualties—tens of thousands in all.
The ridge itself, scarred and contested, became symbolic of the grinding stalemate of the war: territory won at devastating cost, only to be retaken and fought over again. For men like Poulsen, serving in artillery on those front lines, survival often depended as much on sheer will as on firepower.
Fear and Vulnerability
One of the book’s most arresting moments comes when Poulsen confronts his own dread.
“Honey, I just can’t seem to get it out of my mind the idea of going into combat—how will I react and what’s going to happen?” he wrote. “All I have heard in our orientations the past few days is Kill! Kill! or be killed and it’s weighing on my mind so much that I feel as though I will go crazy. Why do I have to be here? I’ll fight, honey, for all I’m worth because thinking of you will give me added faith and courage.”
Such admissions of fear, rarely voiced in person, form the beating heart of the correspondence.
A Love Story in Ink
The book is also, unmistakably, a love story.
On June 3, 1951, writing from Pusan, he told Lila:
“Darling, you mean more to me than anything on earth, and I want you to know that thinking of you has given me the faith and courage to see this thing through. I WILL come back honey.”
The letters chart his shift from cautious optimism to the hardened reflections of a man changed by war. “As time goes on you sense how he is changing,” Romero observed. “One cannot experience first-hand the things that combat soldiers on the ground are exposed to continuously without it altering the way they look at life.”
Humor and Humanity
Amid danger, humor persisted. Medford teased Lila affectionately, calling her a “cute little sh--,” a term Romero recalls from their marriage decades later. He even downplayed calamities with levity:
“My tent was hit and burned to the ground
(I’m sure glad I wasn’t in it),” he wrote. “Darling, please don’t worry now as everything is under control once again, and I’m OK.”
The Letter That Endures
For Romero, one letter eclipses the rest: March 13, 1952, written in Sasebo, Japan.
“Honey, guess what? I’m on my way home! It came as a complete surprise to me as they only gave me a few hours’ notice to get ready. Many of the boys won’t return home but I’m sure they won’t have died in vain. I just hope that it won’t be too much longer before they all can return.”
“Every time I read this letter I cry,” Romero said. “The countless emotions and euphoria that go along with ‘I’m on my way home!’ can only truly resonate with all the military families who are lucky enough to receive a letter like this.”
Preserving Love and Memory
In “Love Letters from Heartbreak Ridge,” Romero does more than publish her parents’ private correspondence. She frames their story as a reminder of the quiet courage of families who endured wars without fanfare.
“They taught me so much about life, love, understanding and the freeing power of forgiving,” said. “And I think to myself, thank you Dad and Mom, for leaving this precious yet painful history.”
For readers, the book offers both a history lesson and an intimate chronicle of two young people whose faith in each other withstood one of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War.
More information on Romero and her book, “Love Letters from Heartbreak Ridge,” can be found online at www.authorkathyromero.com. l
Author Kathy Romero. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Romero)
Medford Poulsen during the Korean War. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Romero)
Medford Poulsen’s artillery crew in action. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Romero)
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Murray High theatre shines bright in 2025-26 season
From a sword fight in a Shakespearean play to a hungry plant in a quirky musical, Murray High’s theatre troupe is creating a season with something for everyone.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
It will be a school year of spotlights for students at Murray High as the theatre department is already rehearsing countless hours and performing its 2025-26 season — and anticipates packed houses in their upcoming shows.
The season kicked off in late September with its Shakespeare Showcase, which also served as the final rehearsal before the advanced theatre/directing class headed to the 49th annual Utah Shakespeare High School Festival in Cedar City. In addition to individual events, they performed their vignette of “St. Crispin’s Day” taken from “Henry V.”
“We invited MHS alum Rhyann Harman (who was a member of the school’s dance company and drill team) to choreograph our battle and it is looking amazing,” said director Alexie Shaffer.
scenes in the school musical, “Once upon a Mattress.”
The show will be performed at 7 p.m., Nov. 7-8 and again, Nov. 10-11. There also is a 2 p.m. Nov. 8 matinee. All performances will be on the school stage, 5440 S. State St. Tickets are available online at buyyourtix.com.
“Fairytales are for all ages and this high-energy retelling of ‘The Princess & The Pea’ has a little bit of everything for everyone. This show had a recent revival on Broadway and it such a happy-ending, feel-good kind of show,” said Shaffer, who was “elbow deep” in fittings of the costumes she was making.
Following the fall musical, the thespians will put on “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7 p.m., Feb. 5-7, and again, Feb. 9-10, 2026 in the Little Theatre. There also will be a 2 p.m., Feb. 7 matinee. Tickets are available at buyyourtix.com.
“This is our student-directed musical,” Shaffer said. “This show will be double cast and we are renting some amazing puppets from Sandy Arts Guild to help us bring this dark comedy to life.”
The spring play, “Radium Girls,” is a gripping drama based on the true story of U.S. Radium Corporation female watch dial painters who suffered and died from radium poisoning. Shaffer said they were instructed to finely point their brushes by molding the bris-
tles with their lips while using radium-based paint during the efforts of WWI.
“The history and truth of the story really hit home,” she said.
“Radium Girls” will be performed at 7 p.m., April 29-May 2, 2026.
There also will be four improvisation shows throughout the year and the Spartans will host the annual SLAAPfest event
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in March. SLAAPfest includes invitations to about one-half dozen schools to perform together and be judged by local professional troupes.
For more information on performances and showcases, follow murrayhigh_theatre_ dept on Instagram as well as search the events calendar on the school website, mhs.murrayschools.org.l
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Murray High’s Fable Bytheway, as the Jester, rehearses with the cast in “Once Upon a Mattress.” (Photo courtesy of Murray High theater department)
Murray’s annual tournament raises $33,000 to fund teachers’ grants to enhance classroom learning.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
F or 27 years, the Murray Education Foundation’s annual golf tournament brought together community members, businesses and educators in support of one shared goal: helping teachers enhance learning through much-needed classroom grants.
This year, 128 golfers contributed a net total of $33,000, a 25% increase over the previous year.
“This tournament is specifically geared toward teacher grants that elevate student experiences,” said Doug Perry, Murray Education Foundation executive director. “These are things our teachers wouldn’t be able to do otherwise without this kind of support.”
This year’s tournament proceeds will fund classroom grants of up to $500 each, with teachers applying for specific needs — from educational manipulatives to classroom science projects. In total, 140 grant applications were submitted, totaling
Golfers chip in for classrooms
nearly $70,000 in requested funding.
“Some teachers ask for flashcards for every student, others for trout eggs for biology projects,” he said. “These grants help fund experiences and materials that bring learning to life.”
The tournament is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, and with the support from Murray City, golf cart fees were waived this year.
“We couldn’t do this without the support of the city and our sponsors,” Perry said. “It really is a community effort.”
This year there were two Gold Sponsors, Hughes General Contractors and Hogan & Associates Construction, each contributing $6,000 — a bump which helped cover rising costs and ensured more money made it directly into classrooms.
This year’s event added a few new features including neck and shoulder massages at the clubhouse and golfers could receive slow-motion video footage of their golf swings, provided by one of the sponsors.
“It was just a fun bonus that some players really appreciated,” he said.
With grant funding just beginning to be disbursed, Perry said teachers are looking forward to giving students hands-on experiences that textbooks alone can’t pro-
vide. He said in past years, grants ranged from field trips to ukulele instruction.
“As these grants are used, we’ll see
their impact across classrooms — often in very creative and inspiring ways,” Perry said. l
Team Colliers was the winner of the 2025 Murray Education Foundation golf tournament. (Photo courtesy of Murray Education Foundation)
STEMfest sparks curiosity for all ages
Interactive exhibits, student leaders and curious minds turned out for the 11th annual event.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Amid thousands of students during the day and hundreds of families at night, an electric energy pulsed through the crowd at Utah STEMfest — and no lab coat was required.
Kids felt literal static electricity as they placed their hands on a plasma ball at the Clark Planetarium booth while others explored how electric currents work at a Rocky Mountain Power display. To cool off, they plunged their hands into insta-snow demonstrated by SheTech student leaders or touched sea stars, sea turtle shells and other marine life specimens at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium table.
Three-year-old Poppy, brought along her 1-year-old sister, Delilah, and her dad, Jed Hall, eager to dive into the hands-on experiences available at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
“We like to do experiments at home, so I’m trying to foster a love of STEM in my little girl,” Hall said. “I hope she can have a better understanding of the world.
GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE
I want her to develop a love of learning while she’s young so she will keep it up when she’s older.”
It wasn’t just kids who were learning — volunteer Dannette Rose said she was helping because she wanted to expand her own STEM knowledge.
“I like to learn all kinds of stuff when I help; it’s a good opportunity to learn and explore,” she said.
Rose was assisting Denise Taylor, a Utah 4-H STEM and strategic partner with Utah State University. Together, they guided attendees through the Utah 4-H night sky star dome, encouraging them to look to the heavens.
“It’s important kids get exposed to lots of different things because STEM is in everything we do,” Taylor said, listing a vast array of 4-H clubs which all include STEM. “We just need to point it out to students. They can garden, and there’s science behind the soil and the growing process. They do robotics and we can talk about coding. They read Harry Potter and explore potions and wands and learn about chemical reactions and magnetic fields. When we go into elementary schools, sometimes kids say, ‘I don’t do STEM,’ but they don’t realize our world is engrossed in it, and it will be a big part of their future and is what they can do.”
Tami Goetz, director of the Utah
STEM Action Center — the organization behind the 11th annual event, agrees.
“I have seen students trying to figure how to balance their love of STEM with other interests and passions,” she said.
“My advice to them has always been that they are lucky because STEM overlaps with so many other education and career paths.” l
People of all ages engaged in activities during the 11th annual STEMFest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
‘Hunt. Fish. Feed.’ brings Utah’s military families and community together
The meal showed gratitude for Utah’s airmen.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Behind every military mission, family members and communities stand to support their loved ones in the U.S. armed forces. In September, Comcast partnered with Hill Air Force Base, The Boyer Group and Sportsman Channel for the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event that honored airmen and their families.
The “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” outreach program was created by Sportsman Channel 17 years ago to address hunger issues across the nation. Using donated game meat and fish, the events have served more than 42,000 meals to communities all over the country, led by noted game chef Paul Comes.
During the event at Hill Air Force Base, hundreds of airmen and their families were served a meal, including Master Sergeant Dale Clark.
“All the events and all these organizations help us in the military and make us feel like we’re supported,” Clark said. “I have airmen who are struggling financially or, whatever the case may be, but these helping agencies really contribute a lot to health and morale.”
The event brought families together to enjoy a meal, connect with friends and take a break from the hectic pace of daily life.
Jeffrey Brown, director of Sportsman Channel’s distribution and affiliate marketing, said they are taking the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” program to every Comcast region throughout the country, including one other military base.
“We just came off the anniversary of 9/11 and we appreciate the service that they’re doing. That goes without saying,” Brown said. “But to be out here and provide them a nice meal, it means so much to us. These are our brave warriors who are out there defending the red, white and blue every day.”
Supporting military families is central to Comcast’s mission. With thousands of employees who are actively serving or veterans, including founder and WWII Navy veteran Ralph Roberts, the company is committed to creating opportunities and providing support for those in uniform.
Comcast Mountain West Region’s Technical Operations Senior Manager Shawn Kessler joined the Marines in 1996 and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He said events like “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” support military personnel and the challenges they face every day.
“It’s so cool being part of Comcast,” Kessler said. “What we do with veterans,
Daniel Arevalo, senior airman for the United States Air Force, 88th Maintenance Group, takes part in the “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” event at Hill Air Force Base, providing meals to servicemen and their families. (Photo provided by Comcast)
like the internal networks and how many veterans we hire, is impressive. People are coming home and having to find careers and transition. Comcast does such an amazing job supporting these folks, wheth-
er it’s from a job standpoint or from a mental standpoint, that’s how Comcast leans in to support these folks.”
According to the Department of Workforce Services, Utah is home to more than 116,000 veterans, with the majority being 65 and older. A 2023 Blue Star Families report showed that more than 25% of active-duty military personnel experience food insecurity and homelessness remains a serious issue.
“We understand how important it is for the military community to be connected, be part of a community and also have a continued sense of service,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “Comcast is committed to supporting veterans and the military community through employment, economic mobility, and by ensuring the military community has access to connectivity and the digital skills to thrive in today’s world.
“We also invest in partners that support the military community throughout its entire lifecycle, from entry throughout the journey of service and beyond, including the families.”
For more information about “Hunt. Fish. Feed.” visit TheSportsmanChannel. com. To learn about Comcast’s military customer programs, visit Corporate.Comcast.com. l
VA 2705169445, WA LEAFFNW822JZ, WV WV056912.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Healthyhabits over goals — that’s the key message
CottonCrest mountain bike team coach Dan Fisher tells his 71 riders.
That’s because he’s wanting his student-athletes to learn life skills and character development beyond racing.
“I emphasize habits over goals,” Fisher said. “Goals are important, but habits are what make you into the best version of yourself. And when motivation fades — because it always does — discipline and healthy habits keep you going. I want kids to learn deeper life skills and a love for the sport.”
Every race ends with reflection. Exhausted riders roll into the finish corral, where Fisher is waiting to ask: “What are two things you would do differently next time?”
“There’s nothing that will humble you like racing 10 to 25 miles on an incredibly challenging mountain bike course. But when you’re at that peak intensity, things become crystal clear,” he said.
With that mentality, Fisher has seen success in races with Team CottonCrest — comprising of student-athletes from Cottonwood and Hillcrest high schools — and their feeder systems — as well as AMES.
Hillcrest High senior Alex Fisher and Cottonwood High senior Ben Evans competed at the varsity level. Their path to varsity wasn’t quick or easy — both have spent years working toward this moment. This season they began training in January, and as press deadline, they had two races left in Oc-
tober — a course in Gunnison and the state championships in Cedar City.
“This is a multiyear process to get to the point where you’re a varsity-level athlete. Alex is in the top 10. Ben had a hiccup last race, but that’s part of the journey and life lessons,” he said.
That last race in Panguitch, Alex Fisher placed 10th while Evans was 36th. Earlier in the season at the Herriman course, Evans took 19th. The next race at Beaver Mountain, Alex Fisher took 12th and Evans, 21st.
On the girls’ side, Hillcrest High senior Alice Stephens has led the riders, competing in junior varsity A. She has been consistent, placing 17th at Herriman, 15th at Beaver Mountain; and 15th at Panguitch. Her teammate, senior Sophie Riches took 20th at Herriman, 19th at Beaver Mountain; and 19th at Panguitch.
Two juniors, Cottonwood’s Collin McDonnel and Hillcrest’s Lincoln Wickham, have set their sights on varsity competition next year. Both are currently racing JVA.
“High school mountain biking is very competitive. To compete at the varsity level, you’re training at least five days a week and putting in thousands of miles. It’s a huge commitment,” Fisher said.
But not every rider is aiming for the top tier. All riders can find their trails in the program, Fisher said.
For example, one rider set a goal this season to be more social and her coach supported her in her goal while also helping her grow as a leader on and off the bike.
“I asked her, ‘How many people have you introduced yourself to this week?’ One time, she started complaining after a race, and I reminded her to set an example,” he said.
CottonCrest’s culture thrives thanks to a group of more than a dozen volunteer coaches, some who continue to coach
because they love being part of it.
“That gets me emotional. Seeing someone who no longer has a kid on the team, still showing up because they believe in what we’ve built — to me, that’s a bigger success than any race result,” said Fisher, who has ridden for 34 years and coached the team nine years, the last two as head coach.
The team also does trail maintenance projects, takes part in bike clinics and holds a barbecue as well as performs service work with Bikes for Kids.
“We’re not just building racers. We’re building people,” Fisher said. “We’re about making sure the kids and parents have a good experience.”l
People of all ages engaged in activities during the 11th annual STEMFest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Utah Sports Hall of Fame coach hits home run for equality
Mary Kay Amicone’s story spans decades of dedication and proves good coaching knows no gender.
By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com
It’sbeen more than 20 years since Mary Kay Amicone made history at Jordan High — the first woman in Utah to coach a high school boys’ baseball team. But Amicone, a 2025 Utah Sports Hall of Fame inductee, never set out to change the playbook for women in Utah sports. She just loved the game.
She grew up in Southern California, always in the lineup with her brothers and neighborhood kids.
“My only friends were boys in the neighborhood because I had two brothers,” Amicone said. “There were lots of opportunities for playing on teams or after-school programs where you learned how to play sports.”
Amicone’s mother, a former Orange Lionette fastpitch softball player, signed her daughter up for Bobby Sox softball at 8 — her first official at-bat in organized sports.
“It was the only organized team sport for girls at that time. I had played a lot of baseball. There often was a game of Over the Line and whoever was available would play,” she said.
After moving to Utah in junior high, Mary Kay Anderson, as she was known then, kept her eye on the ball — playing volleyball, basketball and softball at Murray High
“At Murray, there was only one gym and who took the gym? Of course, the guys,” she said about the mid 1970s. “In those days, they were just starting women’s sports, so we would go to Field Days and play a round robin tournament. We played in our gym suits; we didn’t have any uniforms — but we were grateful for the opportunity to play.”
Amicone kept swinging in college, playing softball at Weber State and later the University of Utah, serving as team captain at both.
“After my sophomore season, the news broke Weber State softball would no longer be sanctioned. It was devastating. They decided not to sponsor it saying it was too expensive. But honestly, softball wasn’t that expensive. We didn’t have equipment back then. We didn’t wear helmets. We had about three to four bats. We had our own gloves. The costs were uniforms and travel, so there was really no logic to it,” she said.
At the U, Amicone’s team played in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women World Series — her first taste of postseason play on the national stage.
“It was cool to play there; it was quite an event,” she said.
While teaching at Riverton and Oquirrh elementaries and playing in fast pitch and slow pitch leagues, Amicone found herself in the coaching box at the U of U as an assistant. She married Marc, former U of U associate athletic director and later president of the Salt Lake Bees; his upbringing also was deeply
rooted into softball and baseball.
“I loved coaching. I always felt like coaching was teaching,” she said. “I feel I was a trailblazer in women’s sports. I was one of the only coaches at the time who had children, and there were times when people doubted me. I’d say, ‘Don’t hold me back. I can do this, if you’ll let me manage that situation.’”
The Amicones’ support system — including her mother, in-laws and friends — often pinch-hit when they needed help.
During Amicone’s career, she called signals at nearly every level: Brigham Young University, Salt Lake Community College, Weber State University as well as Bingham High, where she was an assistant coach for girls basketball and softball. Her collegiate coaching record includes more than 800 wins, multiple conference titles and several trips to the postseason.
As BYU’s first softball coach in 2000, she helped the Cougars clinch the Mountain West title in their second season. But after a “difference of philosophies” with the women’s athletic director, Amicone walked away from the program.
Around that time, life threw her a curveball — the sudden death of her younger brother, the last surviving member of her family, from a brain aneurysm.
“I was really down. I wasn’t sure I wanted to coach again so I was going to go back to elementary school teaching,” Amicone remembered.
“I sat down with Trevor and told him I was proud of the way he handled the season, but then I asked him, ‘What do you feel like is the best decision for me and for you?’” she said.
He encouraged his mom to accept the coaching job at SLCC where she lead the Bruins to seven conference titles in nine seasons.
“I left Jordan’s program in a great spot. The next year, they won state. It was incredible to watch and fun to know I was a part of the grassroots of this championship team,” she said.
To Amicone, good coaching is good coaching — regardless of who’s on the roster.
“As a coach, you want to bring out the best in them. I coach them hard; that’s what I know. Kids need guidance,” she said.
Now retired, Amicone is still active — trading cleats for court shoes with pickleball and racquetball and enjoying life as a grandmother. But her clubhouse includes her former players.
“I’d like to think if we could all relate to one another as team members and be a good team member in society, we’d be much better,” she said. “With my teams, I don’t have to be their coach anymore, but the relationships can continue as friends.”
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In late September, several former players and coaches were part of Amicone’s team, celebrating her induction into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.l
Then Jordan High’s athletic director, Marc Hunter, made a clutch call. He urged her to apply to be the school’s baseball coach.
“I said, ‘I don’t think so.’ He went on, saying, ‘You’re the best coach I know,’” Amicone said and conceded. “I had zero idea I’d be coaching there. I did not know that coaching boys was an option — none — but they decided I was the best candidate for the job.”
With her sons in the program’s lineup — Trevor on varsity and Derek, a freshman — Amicone found herself back in the dugout.
“At first, it wasn’t a gender thing. It became a gender thing when we started playing against other schools where, it was quoted, ‘We’re not going to lose to that woman.’ I was like, ‘Well, you’re not playing against the woman; you’re playing against our team,’” she said.
Amicone said the heckling turned ugly — and some, played out publicly.
“Your son shouldn’t be hit by a pitch because his mom is the coach. Anytime he (Trevor) was in the game, the message was sent. I had this conversation with him: ‘If they pitch inside, just roll in and own it. You’ll get on base.’ It was very hard for him,” Amicone said. “It was poor for the opposing team because those young men had role models with gender issues, and they set the tone; they were an embarrassment to be called coaches.”
Despite the challenges, the team made a run for the title, finishing second in state. That’s when Amicone got the call to return to softball — at SLCC.
Mary Kay Amicone speaks to the crowd during her 2025 Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
My Gluten Free World Expo serves up flavor
The event attracts people living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
estimated that at least 3 million Americans struggle with celiac disease, an autoimmune illness triggered by consuming gluten. Not only does eating products with gluten cause pain, bloating and cramping for people with celiac, it can ultimately damage the small intestine.
Gluten is a protein found in a variety of grains, including wheat, rye and barley. While doctors say most people shouldn’t avoid gluten, for those diagnosed with celiac or gluten intolerance, cutting out gluten products is the best way to feel better.
Eight years ago, organizers introduced the first My Gluten Free World Expo to people in Utah and this year it included more than 100 vendors introducing gluten-free foods and products. The event was held at the end of September at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.
Local company, Grandpa’s Kitchen, was started in 2007. McKaelle Kauwe’s great-grandfather began the business to help family members with celiac disease who struggled to find quality gluten-free breads and cakes. The company offers gluten-free flour, mixes and recipes to improve the quality of life for those who can’t eat gluten.
“There was no good, gluten-free food in 2007,” Kauwe said. “He created a good flour blend and went through a lot of bad iterations to get to this point and now we’re trying to share it with the world.”
Kauwe said many gluten-free products are made with chickpea flour, which can leave a bitter aftertaste, and gluten-free bread can be dense, gritty and prone to falling apart easily.
The vendors at My Gluten Free World Expo are trying to build better products by using different flour blends and ingredients to create a more realistic flavor and texture to gluten-free foods. Amanda Wuerz started Hugz Snacks in Utah, selling vegan and gluten-free cheez bread inspired by her Brazilian heritage.
“It stands out for a couple of reasons,” Wuerz said. “First, I use freshly-grated cheese. My Colby Jack cheese is freshly grated and put into the dough. And I don’t use seed oil. It’s pure avocado oil and it’s made in small batches.”
Other products at the expo included seasonings, soups, cooking oils, lotions, soaps, cooking utensils, drinks, protein bars and desserts. Gluten-free testing kits were a big hit at the expo, giving people the opportunity to test foods in restaurants to ensure food safety.
Jill Smith is the chief technical officer of Leo Verified, a gluten-free detection kit to help relieve the stress of dining out. It only takes three minutes to get results, so people can make healthy choices quickly.
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“I had not eaten au jus with prime rib for 31 years,” Smith said. “So I ordered prime rib, with the au jus on the side. Then I tested it and it was gluten-free. I wondered how many other things I’d been missing out on.”
Groups like Advanced Research Clinic attended the event to educate people about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and to recruit patients for a clinical trial that tests cutting-edge treatment for the disease.
Lynae Sorensen is an advanced practice nurse working with ARC. She said research into celiac and other autoimmune diseases is growing. Statistically, women are much more likely than men to be diagnosed with an auto-
immune disease and it can take years before it is identified. The average time for an autoimmune diagnosis is four to five years, but it’s often much longer.
“I spoke with a patient who had it for 11 years before she was diagnosed,” Sorensen said. “We’re learning more about specific chemical messengers that are attached to this disease. That’s where we can make specific medications to target those things. There’s a lot that they’re coming out with now and that’s exciting.”
For a list of My Gluten Free World Expo vendors, visit MyGlutenFree WorldExpo.com. l
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Thousands of people attended the two-day My Gluten Free World Expo to stock up on gluten-free products and find new favorites. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Mrs. Hewitt’s vendor booth at My Gluten Free World Expo sold its popular bread, cake mixes, waffles and cookies. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)
Salt Lake County braces for water future
County drafts strategy for drought and development.
By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
Abrushfire erupts in the foothills in the peak of summer.
Firefighters rushed in, but when they attached their hoses to neighborhood hydrants, the pressure dropped to a trickle. Tanker trucks were called in, but precious time was lost. Officials later conceded that water supplies, already strained from years of overuse, had left the system vulnerable. It’s a scenario county planners warn could become reality if water conservation planning fails to keep pace with growth.
Salt Lake County is in the process of updating its Water Use and Preservation Element—commonly known as the Water Conservation Element—for its unincorporated general plans. The work stems from new state requirements. “The county is updating its General Plans … to comply with state law,” the draft explains, “which require stronger coordination between land use planning and water conservation.”
The plan is intended as a roadmap, not an enforcement tool. As the county describes it, “The Water Use & Preservation Element is a planning/policy document rather than an immediate regulatory mandate. It suggests strategies, guidelines, and possible ordinance or incentive changes.”
Among those strategies are changes to the way residents use water outdoors. The document emphasizes “promoting low-water landscaping, ‘xeriscaping,’ and use of drought-tolerant (waterwise) plantings.” It further recommends “smart irrigation practices, efficient systems, [and] minimizing turf coverage in appropriate locations.”
County officials are clear on what the plan does not do. “It does not itself require existing property owners to remove lawns or retrofit systems immediately,” the element notes. “It
does not set water rates. That remains under the purview of water districts or utilities.”
The county points to its own operations as an example. According to the Division of Environmental Sustainability, adjustments to watering schedules and reductions in irrigation days “exceeded the county goal of 5% usage reduction by achieving 13% reduction during May–Oct 2021.” A pilot “Flip the Strip” program, funded with federal recovery dollars, is projected to save “~4 million gallons/year” by converting turf along county-owned park strips into water-wise landscaping.
The planning document also addresses land development. “How different development patterns (density, lot sizes,
impervious surfaces) affect water demand and infrastructure” is a central theme. Denser development, it argues, can help reduce demand for outdoor irrigation while also limiting the strain on aging water systems.
The draft anticipates future changes to local rules. “The plan may recommend changes to zoning, development standards, landscape ordinances, and building codes to support conservation.” It suggests that while existing neighborhoods would be encouraged to conserve voluntarily—possibly with rebates or incentive programs—new construction could be held to stricter water-efficiency standards from the outset.
Another goal is to coordinate with water providers and agriculture. The Element states that it seeks to “integrate with regional conservation goals, systems, water districts, and agricultural practices.” In practice, that means aligning the county’s land use policies with the conservation targets set by the utilities that deliver water to homes, farms, and businesses.
Some residents have expressed concern that the plan could eventually force the removal of existing lawns. The county addresses that concern directly: “It does not itself require existing property owners to remove lawns.” Instead, the approach is to begin with new growth and voluntary retrofits.
The stakes, officials argue, are clear. Without tying conservation to land use, the county could face infrastructure failure in times of crisis, when water is needed most—whether to fight a brush fire or to sustain neighborhoods during drought.
For now, the Water Conservation Element remains in draft form. It is scheduled for public review and eventual adoption as part of the county’s general plan updates. As the draft concludes, “The plan is to include an implementation schedule, monitoring mechanisms, and evaluation of success.”
To learn more about the Water Conservation Element visit online: slco.to/WaterSurvey. l
“This location is right in the heart of Murray, and it allows us to better serve the community,” said Store Manager Jacob Braithwaite. “We hand selected a team that understands and relates to local drivers, and we’re here to deliver expert service with a neighborly touch.” Stop by Big O Tires in Murray by Fashion Place for expert services on tires, brakes, alignments, oil, and more! The Team You Trust.
This planning effort will focus on three areas across the county: the Wasatch Canyons (blue), Oquirrh and western foothills (yellow) and Sandy Hills (red). (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)
Turning Down the Political Temperature
The recent shooting of Charlie Kirk was a wake-up call for Americans who value free speech. What drives someone to fear opposing views so deeply that violence feels justified? If we want to cool our nation’s overheated politics, each of us can start with three changes.
1. Don’t call names or label the other side. Our country was founded on the belief that open debate makes us stronger. The Founders argued fiercely when crafting the Constitution—and that was healthy. But when disagreement turns into name-calling, the conversation collapses. History shows that dehumanizing language can fuel tragedy; in Rwanda, propaganda that labeled the Tutsis as “cockroaches” helped spark genocide. Calling people “evil” or “dangerous” never changes minds. Respectful discussion does. Express your beliefs firmly but without vilifying others. The moment you deny someone dignity, your argument loses power. One way to rebuild civility is to teach debate skills in middle school and
Newton Salt Lake County Councilmember| District 3
high school classrooms so the next generation learns how to disagree productively.
2. Listen more than you speak. None of us is right all the time. Listening with empathy to those who see things differently can preserve friendships and strengthen our communities. Try this: ask someone with an opposing political view to explain their perspective for 5-10 minutes. Repeat back what you heard, thank them, and resist the urge to argue. It’s hard—but it’s how understanding begins.
During my 12 years on the Salt Lake County Council, I’ve served on a body
that’s often split almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. We debate passionately, sometimes disagree strongly, yet still shake hands afterward. We recognize that each member represents different constituents and experiences. Even when votes fall along party lines, mutual respect keeps us working together. I’m proud of that example of civil governance.
3. Recognize how you’re being manipulated. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke emotion, not inform. Once a platform detects your political leanings, it floods your feed with fear or anger-inducing content to keep you scrolling—and advertisers paying. Limit your time online.
Keep in mind that each side is driven by this algorithm that fuels the flame of conviction. We question how the other side can be so out of touch, yet they simply don’t see what we see. Those on the other end of the political spectrum have never been shown the version of the story we know. Perhaps we are both right, but perhaps we are both wrong. It’s time to pause
before the contempt destroys our country.
Cable news isn’t much better. Filling 24 hours of airtime pushes networks to amplify outrage and tailor coverage to partisan audiences. Try this experiment: if you watch a story on Fox News, switch to MSNBC for the other perspective, or vice versa. The truth may lie somewhere in between.
As we navigate the future, it’s important that we put down our phones, turn off the TV, and talk to real people. Human connection improves mental health and builds relationships. When the political climate feels toxic, step away from social media and find a friend to visit with—no debating required.
Our democracy depends on citizens who can disagree without demeaning, listen without shouting, and stay informed without being manipulated. By resisting name calling, listening with empathy, and unplugging from outrage, we can help lower the temperature, strengthen our communities, and set an example for the next generation that is watching us closely.
Aimee Winder
Life and Laughter - Embracing the Darkness (With Mashed Potatoes)
It’s not a good sign when a season has its own mental disorder, but here we are, entering the dark, cold, abysmal days of post-Daylight Saving Time when Seasonal Affective Disorder destroys all joy. Darkness descends like a roiling thunderstorm in a fantasy novel, erasing all sunshine and leaving us cowering in the cellar.
My husband thinks I’m dramatic, but I tell him to stop calling me names, as I drape across the fainting couch, gently dabbing my tears with a silken handkerchief.
Anyway.
This year, Seasonal Affective Disorder has been changed to Seasonal Affective Despair as we watch the nation’s slow descent into malevolence and madness. Night falls immediately after lunch, pajamas are my goto wardrobe and my serotonin levels drop as quickly as my faith in humanity.
As we move toward winter, light deprivation should be considered a national crisis. Maybe we need a Vitamin D shot mandate or, at least, red light therapy lamps to replace all street lighting. Utah recently eliminated fluoride in the water; could we add a dash of Xanax?
I know there’s a fine line between hibernation and hiding, but maybe the bears have it right. Spend the summer and fall eating ev-
MURRAY
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
erything in sight, yank fresh salmon right out of the river, compete for the World’s Fattest Bear and then sleep until the sun returns.
Therapists recommend regular exercise, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep to improve mental health and reduce Seasonal Affective Despair symptoms, but nobody listens to their therapist; otherwise, we wouldn’t be in this national mess.
Someone on TikTok suggested organizing craft projects to get me through the dark months, but my closet is already full of discarded creations, including featherless pinecone turkeys and the unfinished baby blanket I was making for my first grandchild (who is now 21).
As I sorted through a tangle of thread from my last embroidery project and a cubic pound of glitter I bought when I thought making glitter angels with the grandkids was a good idea, I decided starting something
new wasn’t a good idea. Plus, I still have glue gun scars from my Halloween projects.
Maybe I can spend the next few months snuggled with a book by the fireplace (if we had a fireplace), enjoying a bowl of minestrone (just kidding, my husband hates soup) and trying to live with someone who hates soup.
I’ll be poppin’ melatonin gummies like, well, like gummies, and giving it my best to be optimistic in a season created when a god of the underworld kidnapped a young girl and held her hostage for six months. On a coincidentally bright note, pomegranates are back in stores.
At least Thanksgiving is coming up, when I can get my emotional support food: mashed potatoes.
As we move toward the end of the year, November offers an invitation to look back at the previous months to see…nope…never mind. Don’t do that if you’re looking for sunshine and rainbows. In fact, maybe throw your phone in the Great Salt Lake (if it still had water), disconnect from the internet, delete your social media pages and go off-grid until May.
Mentally prepare yourself to spend several months trapped in a home with kids, or grandkids, who won’t stop saying, “6-7” or muttering Italian Brainrot nonsense.
Maybe this year’s Seasonal Affective Despair will be the start of my superhero origin story. When the light finally returns, I’ll stumble into the sunshine, wearing wrinkled pajamas and gripping a glue gun, ready to battle the forces of evil.
PROFESSIONALS
