Murray Journal | April 2023

AFTER LOSING HER PARENTS TO SUICIDE, A LOCAL REALTOR DETERMINES TO HELP OTHERS

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In the face of immense personal tragedy, a realtor has turned her pain into a purpose by creating a foundation to prevent suicide.

As a young adult, Jenn Kikel-Lynn, lost both of her parents to suicide within a decade. The profound impact of this loss stayed with her, motivating her to act and make a difference in the lives of others.

As a realtor, Kikel-Lynn was in a unique position to help those struggling with mental health issues. She used her platform to raise awareness about suicide prevention, advocating for greater access to resources and support for those in need.

“Our dad tragically took his life in a horrific manner when my brother and I were only 9 and 11 years old—he was 42 at the time. Our mom was suddenly a widow in her 30s, with two young kids and working multiple jobs to support us. She developed cancer soon after, lived through that battle, and then had a different type of cancer at 50. She didn’t want to go through the painful treatments again, so she ended her life at 52 years old by medically induced suicide. My brother and I were 28 and 30 years old at the time,” she said.

Kikel-Lynn, a fourth-generation Murray resident, has had a deep connection with the city. Like herself, her parents were business owners in the city. In addition, her dad was quite well known as he DJ’ed local dances and was an announcer for the Murray Independence Day parade. Those ties to a close-knit community made it difficult for her to relate to her friends and neighbors.

“For years, I was afraid of judgment if I told people that both

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It is not uncommon to see realtor Jenn Kikel-Lynn wear yellow, the color for suicide awareness. (Photo courtesy of Jenn Kikel-Lynn)

After $1 million cleanup, controversial Bullion Place subdivision begins construction

Acontroversialhousing project has commenced construction on Bullion Street. Developer Michael Brodsky announced that after environmental containment, the development of 74 homes at Bullion Place, a late 19th-century copper smelter site, will move forward. The development consists of 20 single-family homes and 54 townhomes on an 8-acre site that was contaminated with slag material, a waste product from the copper smelting process containing lead and arsenic.

However, the main controversy surrounding the site had nothing to do with contaminants than it did with changing the planned housing density. Since it was first proposed in 2020, residents near Bullion Street vociferously expressed concern with the city planners and elected officials about the potential of high-density apartments that could be constructed on the site.

Developers have passed on the property due to forecasted cleanup costs that many would deem unprofitable if left to a single-family zoned neighborhood. Brodsky Built developers came up with a compromise proposal that eventually passed the city planning commission and was adopted by the city council.

In a press release, Brodsky said, “These old industrial sites in Murray, Midvale, and other communities just sort of call out to me. I welcome the challenges and opportunities that come with transforming brownfield properties in prime locations. The things that made Murray convenient for the industry in the 19th century—location, location, and location—are the same things that make sites like Bullion Place perfect today for residents seeking walkable, amenity-rich neighborhoods with easy access to freeways, TRAX and FrontRunner.”

The property sits on the site of the former Highland Boy smelter. That mill closed in a landmark environmental case in the early 1900s due to its emulsions. However, slag from the mill can still be seen on the property, and the soil remains contaminated with lead and arsenic. In the 1980s, US Satellite Corporation excavated a privacy berm and constructed a communications facility.

Subdivisions in the same vicinity have all had to contend with some sort of environmental mitigation when they were developed.

According to Brodsky, the cleanup cost approximately

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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

$1 million and was carried out by his team under the authority of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Voluntary Cleanup Program. Kilgore Companies completed the cleanup work, and EDM Partners and Wasatch Environmental undertook design work.

The final step before construction can begin on the property was for UDEQ to issue a Certificate of Completion, indicating that the site has been safely cleaned to residential standards.

In all, a block of 20 single-family homes will front Bullion Street. Behind that block, 54 townhomes built by Garbett Homes will round out the subdivision. In addition, the new neighborhood will feature a community park with picnic areas, a playground and open spaces for multiple uses by residents of Bullion Place.

Murray City Chief Administrative Officer Doug Hill said, “The city appreciates that Mike Brodsky is cleaning up

the environment and that he is providing more housing. The housing shortage is a serious issue in Murray and the entire Salt Lake valley. Bullion Place, like Mike’s other projects, offers a good variety of housing options. We’re happy to say goodbye to the contaminated soil and hello to the new families moving into the neighborhood.”

Bullion Place is the fifth environmental cleanup project and the 11th residential or commercial development that Brodsky has built in Murray alone or with partners.

Brodsky said, “Building in Murray has been the highlight of my career. The professionalism, competency, and integrity of the city administration have made working here a real pleasure. It is a very satisfying experience to be able to take blighted sites and turn them into vibrant, safe, quality residential neighborhoods. I’m proud of what we have accomplished.” l

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Coalburn Street in the new Bullion Place development. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray City Hall art piece showcases community pride with new laser-cut discs

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

With the opening of a new city hall comes unfettered unity within Murray City. At least, that’s what artist Karl Hale hopes. The city has chosen Hale to decorate the northern exterior of the building with his unique art pieces.

Hundreds of metal discs arranged in a wave will depict familiar images within the city. The project has taken several months to install but now completed in time for the opening of the new city hall. In addition, the city plans on having several large art pieces installed around the edifice.

“‘Unfettered Unity’ is an effort to celebrate the independent spirit of Murray while also showing the strength of the city’s cooperative spirit,” Hale said. “The root inspiration came from the city’s circular symbol, which exploded into a full circle packing (a branch of mathematics interested in how tightly packed circles relate to each other). The piece has three visual layers: at a distance, you see the sweeping flow from a strong past to a limitless future built on the natural and manmade infrastructure of the three rivers running through Murray and the industry of its history. As you come closer, the piece resolves into the complex simplicity of the circle packing, and then at the closest inspection, your individual representations of the beauty and strength of Murray, including the earliest settlers, the academic institutions, the commerce engines of the area, and the architectural heritage of the city.”

Hale’s artwork will feature images of Murray’s history and culture. He incorporates images of local landmarks, including the Murray Theater and Wheeler Farm. Residents will recognize Cottonwood and Murray high schools’ logos. Hales hopes his work will resonate with locals.

“I hope they feel inspired toward their own creative greatness. I speak a language that is not common in art: that of math and science. I hope others who may not consider themselves to be particularly creative look at this piece and feel the pull to create using whatever language is theirs,” Hale said.

The laser-cutting process will allow Hale to create intricate and detailed designs that will be mounted on the walls of the city hall. The steel will be coated with a special finish to prevent rust and weathering, ensuring that the artwork will last for years to come.

“I am an engineer by training, and my art is strongly influenced by that background. I love to express math and engineering in ways that are aesthetically interesting while being accessible to people of diverse backgrounds,” Hale said.

Hale is known for his skill in creating intricate designs and patterns using laser-cutting technology. His work has been featured in Magna and two in Salt Lake City. Those are all the same medium. His next public piece will be painted, carved wood, and installed in Brigham City. He also has several pieces in private collections.

“I started my art career in wood but quickly discovered the value of metal for longevity and durability. Laser-cut steel seems to work well in a public setting because you can produce a large-scale piece with good visual impact that is also easy for the public works folks to take care of,” Hale said.

As for the Murray City Hall piece, Hale has said the hard part was not the installation of it but of something less tangible.

“Waiting to have it up. It’s been a pleasure working through the entire process, including working with the art committee as well as the construction crew,” Hale said.

For such a large art project, Hale has no formal training in art.

“I spent two decades in the software world before unintentionally making a piece of art. That first piece got some good attention and showed me that engineering can be interesting and aesthetically pleasing, so I went from there,” Hale said.

The completed project stands 15 feet tall and 42 feet long. Murray City Hall is slated to open in June. l

The “Unfettered Unity” art installation graces Murray City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Karl Hale)

Karl Hale applies emulsion to his work before its installation. (Photo courtesy of Karl Hale)

Workers install Karl Hale’s artwork on the north side of Murray City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Karl Hale)

Hillcrest Junior High students learn from former players during NBA All-Star Weekend

Hundreds of middle school and junior high school students from five school districts, including Murray School District, took part in a NBA All-Star Weekend skills and drills clinic held Feb. 17 at the Salt Palace, but about 30 Hillcrest Junior High students also got some firsthand coaching on their home floor.

“We want to be energetic, enthusiastic, excited and all those things, so we have a great day,” former NBA player Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams told the students who gathered in a circle around him. “We want you to have energy; if you have it, it will be contagious to everybody and that’s true whatever you do.”

After catching some quick-trick passes by Charles “Choo” Smith, Eric “Broadway” Jones joined the two former players to lead the students in high knee and leg exercises, lunges, shuffles and runs across the gym floor.

Then, they taught students an action, and another, and another. Put together, students learned a series of basketball moves. However, there was some pauses in the learning when they hit the floor to do pushups.

“The way you can prevent doing any more pushups—unless you want to get strong—is to commit. We want you to fully commit because if you don’t commit, you can’t get the full experience in this today— and in everything you do,” Williams said.

They finished with shooting drills, where many students received compliments from the stars.

It was part of “Shooting for Peace,” a program designed to bring communities together, promote education through reading and encourage youth to engage in sports and activities. Williams, along with the two former Harlem Globetrotters, came to Hillcrest to share their stories and the importance of education.

“My hardest journey was deciding what to do after basketball, but I found this gives me a way to share my message and inspire students to learn and be smart with technology,” Williams said. “I listened to many of my coaches who were on the sidelines called teachers. They got me to the NBA. Without schoolwork without dedication in the classroom, I would have never made it. Because what I told myself when I was young was ‘I was going to be an NBA star’ and I flat out told everybody in class and in school, ‘I don’t need education. I’m going to the NBA.’”

Williams figured he’d be picked up by college scouts. However, when he learned that to get a scholarship, he’d also need good grades, he buckled down to do his homework every night. When Williams didn’t earn a scholarship out of high school, he got a job to pay for Montgomery College, a two-year college and continued to play basketball.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

His dream was to play pro—like his alltime favorite player, Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Williams saw him play during spring break.

“He picked me out of a crowd of 5,000 kids at Daytona Beach to play me one-onone. He told me I was going to make it to the NBA. He gave me inspiration; I took that away and I kept it deep inside,” Williams said. “That’s why I give those positive energy words because I want them to know I take notice like he did for me.”

He prayed, at 6-foot-2, he’d grow seven more inches—and by the end of summer, he had.

While playing a game of pickup on an outdoor court, Georgetown University coach “John Thompson came up to me on the playground and asked me to play for the Hoyas with Allen Iverson,” Williams said. “Through that experience, I was drafted in the first round all because I decided to continue with school. I tell these students to focus on their education. Don’t lose sight of the moments because they have a lot of coaches they see every day—their teachers, counselors, mentors—that can get them to becoming pro.”

Two years later, Williams graduated on the dean’s list from Georgetown.

“I got my degree because I was going to class and I didn’t just go to class, I paid attention and I learned,” he said.

In 1996, the 6-foot-9 Williams was selected by Detroit and played for the Pistons for five years. He went on to play for the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls and New York Knicks before retiring after nine seasons.

His favorite moment wasn’t when he first set on the floor in what would become 587 NBA games during his career, but when he came out of retirement.

“I came back in 2017 to play a little three-on-three. I say I got better with age, but it was my fondest moment because my son was there and he wasn’t born when I was playing in the NBA,” he said.

Now, he travels, shares the sport and digital education program throughout North America during All-Star Weekends.

“I’ve been to over 20 All-Star Games. My favorite All-Star moment was when (Michael) Jordan hit the fadeaway make in (Washington) D.C. to win it,” he said.

Smith said his favorite parts of All-Star Weekend are the slam dunk contest and reuniting with other retired players.

“I just like to listen to the older guys who gave me everything, taught me and they paved the way for us. Now we’re here to pass it along,” he said. “A lot of women in the WNBA, too, are pillars of the game. They’ve given a lot to the game.”

Smith played overseas before joining the Globetrotters “as the 1990s and 2000s version” of Fred “Curly” Neal, who men-

tored him.

“He told me to embrace the moment and just give it your all every day—and to just have fun doing it,” he said.

Smith reminded the students the importance of leadership based on trust, being helpful and being selfless. He also said he learned many of life lessons from the game.

“Sometimes you’re not going to shoot all the time, you’re not going to score on the baskets. But when you add the opportunity to take a charge, or help a teammate, get some water, all of it is important,” he said. “It translates to life lessons—how to deal with adversity, how to lose graciously and learn from those losses and when you win, how to

Former NBA player Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams with retired Harlem Globetrotter Charles “Choo” Smith advised Hillcrest Junior High students over All-Star Weekend to fully commit to their learning and listen to their “coaches” or teachers to turn “pro.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)

As part of All-Star Weekend, former NBA player Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams and retired Harlem Globetrotter Eric “Broadway” Jones warm up with Hillcrest Junior High students before they teach them some drills and moves. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

be humble and understand you’re only as good on that day.”

His best friend of 25 years, Jones, said their message is one of positivity, goal setting, discipline and teamwork.

“Those are the keys—and respect. Ask yourself, ‘What is the impression you’re giving me and how do you represent your school, your family, your belief system?’” said Jones, who started playing ball at age 5 as his dad was a high school coach. “I’m from the Bronx, New York. I had a really tough upbringing. I’m a basketball player. I’m a mentor. I’m a coach. I’m a leader in the community. I stand for

everything that’s right and to live the right way. At some point in your life, you have to stand on who you are and understand what that means. “

For more than 10 years, the three basketball players have talked to students at assemblies, being advocates for change and establishing a good online presence.

“Shooting for Peace partners with Microsoft’s NFT’s,” Williams said. “Technology has helped me—looking at my journey from middle school to high school, high school to college and college to the pros. We didn’t have any idea. We have name image and like-

ness. Technology has brought that to the forefront with social media and the power of the picture. With Microsoft’s NFT technology, these kids can create essentially a digital scrapbook of themselves, and they can protect their image and likeness; it’s their right. Instead of agreeing to other social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, who will own their image and likeness when they agree, this technology is something that can be used for their benefit if they choose to.” At the assembly, he showed the students how to create their own NFTs and offered prizes to them. l

Murray basketball bows out in first round

Photos by Travis Barton

The Murray High bench erupts after a 3-pointer against Skyline at home. The Spartans would defeat Skyline 64-56 ending the Eagles hopes of a region title.

Tayshaun Tramel shares a laugh with Jaxon Workman as the Spartans wind down a region win.

Jaxon Workman looks to move the ball. Workman and the Spartans would go 10-15 on the year, losing in the first round to Payson.

Senior Chudi Anosike would finish as the top scorer in the state averaging almost 27 points per game.

Murray High’s two-sport star in the making: Dillon Curtis

By Marcy Fragoso | m.fragoso@mycityjournals.com

For Dillon Curtis, a sophomore at Murray High School, picking soccer over basketball (or vice versa) was just too much, so he decided to play both.

His love for soccer started after watching a video of the famous soccer player, Cristiano Ronaldo, playing out in the field.

Later on, at age 9, he played soccer with some friends and, as he did, time seemed to slow down. He would just dribble, pass to others and would end up scoring along with his other teammates. He felt the sense of achievement whenever he would score and the sensation later on became his drive to creating more goals toward his future in soccer.

In school, he started to get into basketball just as much as he was with soccer. He then had to decide on whether he wanted to play soccer or basketball, but that didn’t work out for him at first.

“It was the middle of freshman year, the start of basketball season, and my parents kind of told me, ‘Well, you kind of have to decide for one.’ I kind of just stuck with basketball for a little, but I started missing soccer too much and I switched to soccer. Then I just realized I can’t really do one without the other. I just like them. I love them both too much so, I worked it together,” Dillon said.

Dillon plays for the Murray High’s bas-

ketball team as No. 24 and his position is being a three (swingman or small forward) or simply being a guard. On Feb. 7, the team had a home game against Brighton where

Dillon guarded and scored. His teammates talked about his motivation as a player.

Power forward and center Ethan Davies said, “He’s the typical soccer, basketball play-

er so he brings a lot of energy on the floor. Always giving a 100% on every play. He’s so thoughtful and always caring for others and always trying to help you out if you need it.”

Another teammate, point guard Treyce Wilson, said, “Dillon can jump very high and is a great teammate. I think he has a hard work ethic. He’s always on top of his grades and he’s very athletic.”

Dillon, along with his teammates, went on to beat Brighton 75-69.

Along with basketball, he plays for the US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), a program that allows talented young athletes to compete with other players through state, regional and team selected competitions.

“They (ODP) got the best players in Utah. There was a 100 that tried out and the top 18 made the travel team, and I was part of the top 18. We went to Phoenix and we competed against other West Coast states, and we won the championship this year,” Dillon said, referring to the 2023 championship on Jan. 8 for ODP in Mesa, Arizona. Dillon draws inspiration from his parents. “They’re always pushing me to get better, keep working, eat healthy,” he said, “and they always take me to practice every day.” l

Dillon Curtis before scoring a two-pointer for Murray High’s boys basketball team. (Marcy Fragoso/City Journals)

of my parents died by suicide, so I didn’t tell anyone the truth about my mom—I just focused on how my dad took his life. Even though we had this nonprofit, I was still afraid to tell their stories. It wasn’t until I took a QPR class (a suicide prevention course) years ago that I was fully able to embrace their paths and choices, but that I also needed to share my experience of being a part of it.

“Talking about suicide is part of my story and my parent’s story; therefore, this topic is important to me. I want all of us to talk about it—not hide behind it.”

After dealing with the tragic loss of her parents and suffering through a divorce in her late 30s, Kikel-Lynn found meaning by serving others having breast cancer and devoting time to the deaf and blind community. In her 40s, without a college degree, Kikel-Lynn started a successful real estate brokerage (K Real Estate) and re-married. She and her brother created a nonprofit charity to help those with trauma, mental wellness and suicide awareness.

“The FMK Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2014 by my brother and me in memory of both of our parents. Their names are Frank and Marlene Kikel (FMK). We’ve both dealt with a lot of trauma since we were children and into our adult lives due to losing our parents. Therefore, this nonprofit has been a way for us to help heal personally and provide resources to others,” Kikel-Lynn said.

She has especially focused on young adults who, like her, have faced the issue of suicide as she did at their age. So, she created a support group called Yellow for Life.

“The name ‘Yellow for Life’ was created years later when my husband (Jason) and I were invited to speak at a class at the University of Utah on the topic of for-profit business versus nonprofit. We had several students who were touched by the topic of my nonprofit, and together, we created an on-campus student group for suicide awareness. The students came up with the name based on the suicide awareness national color of yellow; they designed the

logo, maintained the website and social media for years, and created on-campus events,” she said.

Unlike in her past, she now encourages people to be more open about their mental health needs.

Kikel-Lynn said, “As a society, we need to openly talk about our past traumas and our triggers to focus on our overall mental health. What does this mean? We all have experiences from childhood, adulthood, and even the present that impact our thoughts and create triggers of how we react to daily life. We need to understand our path to know what resources we each need. For example, yoga, meditation and counseling might work for one person, but for another, they might need ketamine, mushroom therapy or other resources. The biggest issue is that most of these resources are hidden and not talked about openly.

“This all plays into suicide awareness and prevention because when we focus on our overall personal mental wellness, we can get to a place that feels more balanced and in control rather than in a constant dark place where suicide becomes a potential option.”

If one knows about a friend or are they themselves contemplating suicide, she recommends immediate action.

“Your immediate resources are the Suicide Hotline 988 and finding a safe place—the emergency room or 911 if need-

ed. The website 988lifeline.org has great resources also. My nonprofit also provides scholarship funding for suicide prevention training called QPR (QPRinstitute.com) which can be helpful if you’re interested in learning more about how to be trained in emergency response. This is the program

that personally empowered me to share my story,” Kikel-Lynn said.

More information about the FMK Foundation and Yellow for Life organization can be found online at yellowforlife. org. l

Jenn Kikel-Lynn with her parents Frank and Marlene and brother Jon. (Photo courtesy of Jenn Kikel-Lynn)

Murray educators celebrated at 20th-annual Pinnacle award ceremony

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

MurrayHigh school teacher and student government adviser Jessica Garrett was teaching her students about the Great Depression in their U.S. history class when she saw her principal along with district personnel by her classroom doorway.

“They had a big thing of flowers and I’m thinking they’re dropping something off for a student because I get a lot of district people come to me for student government,” she said. “Then, I looked behind them and in one glance, I see (Murray School District Superintendent) Jenn Covington, (Assistant Superintendent) Scott Wihongi—and my brother. Then it hits me: ‘this is big, and it’s for me.’ Then I see my husband, my nephews, my parents and my kids and I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t speak; I was a hot mess. I was really trying not to lose it in front of my students, but I immediately started crying because I was so overwhelmed and so touched.”

A student government junior class officer in class pulled out his phone and recorded the moment, posting it using her nickname, “‘Top G’ wins awards” in a group chat so students would know as soon as they checked their phones. She said she learned many students nominated her for the District’s top award, the Pinnacle.

Garrett, who is in her ninth year teach-

ing at Murray High, was honored along with school volunteer Natalie Dansie. Around the District, others also were surprised, including Annette Tomlinson, who has been teaching kindergarten at Longview since 1997; and Heather Nicholas, who currently is Parkside Elementary’s principal since 2020 and previously was Horizon’s principal from 2001 to 2020. Joining them is Lindsay Preece, who has been a student advocate at Grant Elementary since 2014, and Susan Wright, who taught at Grant Elementary, been a school instructional coach at Viewmont Elementary and then, the district instructional coach. She has served the district since 2006.

Covington is indebted to the group’s devotion to educating students.

“We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our 2023 Pinnacle recipients and

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recognize them for their outstanding contributions to our education community,” she said. “They have inspired countless students and helped shape their future profoundly. We appreciate their unwavering commitment to excellence in education in Murray City School District.”

The group was honored March 16 at a dinner at Murray High, where they received a statuette, $1,000 and a gift basket that included Hale Theatre season tickets. The evening’s Mardi Gras theme featured southern cuisine and music by the high school jazz band.

“It’s our 20th year honoring educators and it’s awesome to see how the Pinnacles to come to this point,” said Jeanne Habel, Murray Education Foundation executive director. “When they say, ‘it takes a village,’ there’s nothing truer. Everyone contributes to commend these

honorees. For me, it’s fun to read all the amazing things these teachers and others have done to help our students and for the committee, to our community, to come together to show their appreciation of their dedication.”

Garrett planned to keep the Pinnacle statuette on her classroom desk.

“The award was a reminder of why I teach,” she said. “I know a lot of the people who received this in the past, and I’ve looked up to them. My first reaction is I want to rise up and work harder to feel worthy of being included in their ranks. I’m grateful for my loved ones, my colleagues, my administrators at the school and in the District to be there with my students at the same time in my room in that moment—just bringing all those worlds together was really special.” l

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This year’s Murray School District Pinnacle recipients. (Photos courtesy of Murray School District)

City hall for sale: Height limited; parking increased for future development

At a crowded March 7 City Council meeting, Murray leaders heard comments regarding a zoning change regarding the soon-to-be-vacated City Hall. At issue were zoning changes to the Murray City Center District (which contains City Hall) that impact any development planned for the site. In sum, the city listed the property’s restrictions to buyers and allowed it for sale.

“Tonight, we’re going to focus on three things that the Planning Commission forwarded recommendations to you about. They involve height, parking, landscaping and open space, and those are the only items we’ve proposed changes to at this time,” Murray City Planning Director Jared Hall said.

Height restrictions were a topic of concern before the meeting. In August, the council held a workshop to discuss the property. The minutes record City Councilor Gary Hrechkosy’s thoughts on the property stating, “…being less restrictive in height at the current city hall property where the highest market value could be generated.”

Area residents near Murray Park have expressed derision about the height of a seven-story apartment tower being constructed on Vine Steet. Area residents have also voiced their concerns to the council since that meeting causing the city to shy away from anything near the height of Intermountain Medical’s 14-story tower across the street.

“The proposal is that buildings in this area south of Vine Street and east of State Street would not be allowed to exceed six stories or 70 feet in height,” Hall said. “During the Planning Commission discussion (we were) asked why we would have a height restriction that included both stories and height, and that’s because…people use different heights for different stories for different building purposes. So we wanted to have two different limitations so that there’s a lesser than the component of the required height in this area six stories or 70 feet.”

Clark Bullen, who resides near city hall, expressed concerns about the project’s density and said, “It is my understanding that if these three simple changes are approved, then the property will be marketed to those interested in purchasing it with this zoning in mind. The RDA already decided to sell this property; they already contracted with a realtor, and that realtor is waiting for the go-ahead to market this property.

“Now, the only thing that determines how the property is marketed, based on my understanding of my conversations, is how the zoning is set up now. If the zoning is set up with 80 units per acre, then we are putting it out on the market that you can put 80 units per acre on a six-acre property up to 480 units. If we don’t want this to become an apartment complex, then we should con-

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

sider doing less density or removing the density and making it a commercial-only property.”

Later in the hearing, Hall addressed this, stating that 480 units would not be allowed to be constructed.

Hall said, “We talk about the housing a lot because that is a critical component. It’s something that concerns folks, but this property is not zoned multi-family. This property is already zoned mixed-use. So, what that means is that on State Street, we require a commercial component. It cannot be simply 480 apartment units, period. It’ll have a commercial component.”

However, some residents oppose even tearing down city hall based on the historic nature of the building. Constructed in

the 1930s to be the home of Arlington Elementary School, the building was renovated in the 1970s to become Murray City Hall. However, preservationists like the Historic Murray First Foundation voiced concerns about accepting the zoning change.

Rachel Morot, vice president of the HMFF, said, “There is a public will for this building to stay standing, and we realized that it’s serving a number of purposes. It’s important in its own right, as this is a historic building and should be continued to be reused and to serve the city and the citizens, and it can be done. I also understand that it is a hindrance to those that would like to have it removed so that they can put up new things that are bigger and have more capacity, so depending on what side of the equation you’re on, it is an important question.”

City Councilor Phil Markham brought up Morot’s plans for the property. Markham said, “She talked about she’s in discussion with a developer on her own to make a restaurant cooperative here. That’s wonderful, that’s great, that’s progress, let’s work in that direction. If you really feel strongly about this, be proactive, don’t be negative, tearing down, or ruining the process.”

Other components that the zoning change will force developers to have 1.5 parking spaces per unit. The city’s proposal also increased the amount of landscaping and open space required in this area of the MCCD.

“Again, these are changes that would allow us to limit the height, increase that landscaping and increase the parking standards a little bit and make us more comfortable with this area of the MCCD zone,” Hall said.

The city council voted unanimously to approve the changes to the MCCD. While the resolution does not guarantee a particular fate for city hall, it effectively places it on the market with these designations.

Orden Yost of Colliers International will act as the city’s real estate broker to sell the city hall property. According to Murray City’s Chief Administrative Office, the city hopes to sell the property within three months. l

Murray City Hall is rezoned, limiting any future project to six stories. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray City Community and Economic Development Director Jared Hall addresses the City Council. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray resident Clark Bullen addresses the City Council. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray, Cottonwood unified basketball brings inclusion, engagement and fun

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood

High sophomore Alizia Sherard was playing in her first unified basketball tournament.

As a new team to unified basketball, Sherard was excited, nervous and wanted to do her best.

“I was playing for my dad; he’s my hero,” she said, adding that she has practiced with him at home. “I like playing hoops with all the kids and making my shots. I was nervous at first, but when I’m on the floor, it feels like home so it’s just fun.”

It’s the first time she’s put on a jersey to represent Cottonwood.

“It feels good. I feel part of school,” she said.

Cottonwood players partnered with their peer tutors and other students to learn basketball basics —how to pass, how to defend, and when to shoot the ball, said paraeducator Libby Calton.

“Our goal is for them to learn, to work hard and mostly, to have fun,” she said. “This has been fun. It started with the parade of athletes; they thought that was so cool. Then, we’ve had some good games and people are here cheering for them. It’s been a great experience.”

Cottonwood Colts met up with one of Murray High’s two unified teams at the Feb. 27 regional tournament, which was packed with fans.

Murray had held practices after school leading up to the tournament. At a practice beforehand, Murray High senior Vale Condori was shooting baskets. He likes cheering on his teammates, giving anyone on the basketball court a high-five and making baskets.

“They’re all my buddies,” the unified student-athlete said. “We like to have fun.”

Junior Jenelle Westenskow, who has been a peer tutor for three years, was playing alongside him. She appreciates the judgment-free zone offered by unified basketball.

“I like how everyone comes together and is welcome,” she said. “We become a team where we support one another. Ever since I became a peer tutor, this is the highlight of my day every day. These kids have such a big heart. They are the sweetest kids and being with them, in class or on the team, is the coolest experience.”

In unified basketball, there are five players on the court—three athletes and two unified partners. Teams play against other squads of the same ability in two eight-minute halves. Supported by Special Olympics and the Utah High School Activities Association, unified sports has both a competitive and a player development level, the latter which provides more of a cooperative environment with partners being teammates and mentors.

UHSAA referee Paul Madsen said he

appreciates unified basketball.

“There’s great sportsmanship,” he said. “Everyone is helping each other. It’s wonderful to see.”

At the regional tournament, Murray High’s Condori along with his partner, junior Tyler Cropper, took the athlete pledge before Cottonwood got second place in its division; Murray took third and fourth places in their divisions on their home court.

In Utah, involvement in unified high school basketball has skyrocketed. This year, there were the most teams in its history competing to play at state—73 teams competed for 32 state seeds, said Courtnie Worthen, Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools manager.

At the March 8 state unified basketball tournament, there was plenty of smiles and cheers as Murray beat Hillcrest High to earn silver medals.

“Unified sports is unlike anything else,” said Kim Domiguez, the mother of two Murray student-athletes, Braedon and Turbo. “It’s the spirit of the sport to give the ball to a different team and to cheer for them to score. It’s as much camaraderie and love for each other as it is skill and competition.”

Administrators from several school districts and educational foundations joined Gov. Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox to support the competition that was held at Weber State University.

Abby Cox said she was proud of everyone in the gym.

“Utah is a state—we are part of the inclusion revolution,” she told them.

Unified sports engages students with and without intellectual disabilities on

the same sports teams, leading to not only sports skills development and competition, but also inclusion and friendship, Worthen said.

“Unified sports provides social inclusion opportunities for all teammates to build friendships on- and off-the-court,” she said. “The teammates challenge each other to improve their skills and fitness and at the same time, increase positive attitudes and establish friendships and provide a model of inclusion for the entire school community.”

Unified sports, Worthen said, is included in the Unified Champion Schools model,

where a unified team is supported by the entire school and there is inclusive youth leadership and whole school engagement.

“With schools that embrace the Unified Champion Schools model, they create communities where all students feel welcome and are included in all school activities and opportunities. Students feel socially and emotionally secure, they’re more engaged in the school and feel supported, and are respected,” she said. “It changes school climates.” l

At the regional tournament, Murray High senior Vale Condori (right), along with his partner, junior Tyler Cropper, took the athlete pledge with First Lady Abby Cox and others looking on. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Unified basketball promotes friendship and partnership as seen here by two Murray student-athletes on the court during the regional tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Cottonwood High players give each other a high-five after playing Murray High at the regional tournament. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Fastest female firefighter: Murray FD’s Taylor Ward

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Time is of the essence when fighting a fire, and fortunately for Murray residents, Murray FD firefighter Taylor Ward is standing watch over their city. Last July, the Firefighter Combat Challenge World Championship was held at South Towne Mall. Firefighters from all over the world came to Utah to compete in the meet. Ward won the Fastest Female in Utah award and 10th place in the Open Overall Female category in the World Championship.

“I completed the challenge in three minutes and plan on being faster this year,” Ward said.

The challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession’s rigors to the public. Ward competed wearing full turn-out gear. She then raced head-to-head against an opponent in a series of events simulating the physical demands of real-life firefighting. Ward performed a linked series of five tasks, including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting, chopping, dragging hoses, and rescuing a life-sized 175-pound dummy. She did all this by racing against her opponent and the clock.

Ward is a paramedic/firefighter at Murray FD. Her responsibilities range from running medical calls to putting out house fires. Being a paramedic/firefighter, she spends equal time between the ambulance and the engine.

Ward’s achievement is particularly noteworthy in a field that men have traditionally dominated. Despite facing gender barriers, Ward has persevered and proven that women can excel in firefighting.

“In high school, I was lucky enough to do an internship with the fire department and fell in love with firefighting,” Ward said. “I

love solving problems, facing new challenges, working in a fast-paced environment, and working in teams. Working as a firefighter, you do all those things. Every call we go on is different, and the outcome is always different,” Ward said.

The Firefighter Combat Challenge began in 1991 and is an annual event attracting firefighters worldwide. The competition aims to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among firefighters and raise public awareness of firefighters’ challenging work to protect their communities.

“Competing in the challenge just solidifies how much I love firefighting and the challenge of the job. I loved connecting with other firefighters not only in the state but around the world. It motivates me to maintain a high level of fitness,” Ward said.

While it is no secret that firefighters risk their lives to save others, event organizers hope that this competition helps raise awareness of the importance of a firefighter’s work. In addition, the Firefighter Combat Challenge demonstrates the physical demands that firefighters face daily.

“I decided to compete on a whim; Murray Fire has an extensive history in competing in the Firefighter Combat Challenge, and a co-worker suggested I should go out and compete,” Ward said. “I think physical fitness is one of the most important parts of being a firefighter. I strive to maintain a high level of physical fitness to perform my job as a paramedic/firefighter to a high degree.”

Originally from Lehi, Ward and her two sisters were raised by a single mom. She credits competitively dancing as a Lehi Pionette in high school as helping her in her future career.

“I have always loved competition and challenging myself. When I am not working, I love to work out, cook, fish and hike,” Ward said.

For now, Ward is enjoying her victory and looking forward to continuing her work as a firefighter in Murray City. However, her dedication to her career transcends beyond

the firehouse with her work with teenage girls.

“I find it very important to reach out to high school students to show them how rewarding a career in firefighting is,” Ward said. “I have and currently help with different camps for high school girls to show them a career in firefighting.” l

Taylor Ward drags a hose at the Firefighter Combat Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Ward)

Taylor Ward displays her trophy for taking first place as the fastest female at the Firefighter Combat Challenge. (Photo courtesy of Taylor Ward)

Robbyn Scribner is a passionate advocate for women’s professional development. Her commitment to empowering women began in 2020 when she co-founded TechMoms to help women raise their game, develop skills, get higher pay and be Mom.

“During my 15-year-long career break, I met many women who found themselves in a panic and had not planned on having a career or hadn’t much work experience,” Robbyn said. “Some found themselves facing a divorce or a partner’s disability, and the financial stability they thought they had was suddenly gone. I wanted to help more women avoid that situation by creating ways for them to support their family.”

Tech-Moms, a non-profit organization that helps women transition into or re-enter a career in tech, empowers moms to create career development opportunities while simultaneously being great mothers and caregivers.

Robbyn's message to students at Tech-Moms is clear: take a chance on yourself. Of the 300+ students who have completed the program, 40% are single moms who are the

A Passion to Lift Moms Higher

primary provider for their family.

“Being a single sole-provider for your kids can be scary,” she said. “When you’re a mom who has been faithfully working to raise your children, suddenly needing to get a job that pays a fair salary is overwhelming, especially if you haven’t developed the skills.”

That’s where Robbyn, Trina Limpert and Mikel Blake combined skills, vision and a firm determination to literally make dreams come true for women who may feel trapped or hopeless.

“I didn't know what else was out there,” said Allison Worthy, a mother of four children and cosmetologist. “I didn't know how I could do something for myself and finally get a job and do something besides being a mom. I had no idea where to turn or what to do.”

Robbyn champions women like Allison to look for new possibilities for themselves and to be successful in both their vital role as mom and caregiver, as well as pursue careers that will support their families financially.

But it doesn’t stop there.

“You have to make company

leaders aware,” Robbyn said. “That’s where we actively encourage employers to invest in diversified women by recognizing the unique set of skills and perspectives women bring to tech roles. When they see that, it’s like magic.”

Thanks to tireless work by Robbyn, Trina and Mikel, organizations such as Comcast have partnered with Tech-Moms, providing cash funding and in-kind support for their technical training program.

“The work Tech-Moms is doing is truly making a difference in the lives of hundreds of families in Utah,” said Deneiva Knight, Ex-

ternal Affairs Director at Comcast. “We wholeheartedly champion that cause.”

Allison and more than 300 Utah women have learned coding, cyber security, and data science from expert tech trainers. What’s more, over 100 companies have jobs for future tech roles, setting the stage for Utah women to make incredible contributions.

“During March’s National Women’s History Month, which honors women who quietly and profoundly influence society, culture, families, and communities, we celebrate Robbyn’s ongoing commit-

ment to help Utah women succeed in tech by increasing access to resources they need for fulfilling careers in this industry,” said Knight.

“More than ever, the opportunities are here in front of us,” said Robbyn. “To every woman, we say, ‘Take a chance on yourself’ because they deserve it, their families deserve it, and companies will benefit greatly.”

#TechMoms #NationalWomensHistoryMonth #RobbynScribner #WomenInTech #EmpoweringWomen #CareerDevelopment #Coding #CyberSecurity #DataScience #UtahWomen #Comcast l

Intermountain Health performed a record-breaking number of organ transplants in 2022

Kristine Fogarty didn’t even hesitate. When she learned her friend and coworker Carrie Riggs needed a life-saving liver transplant, Fogarty went online to register as a living organ donor. No one in Riggs’ family could donate, but Fogarty’s bloodwork came back as a potential match.

“I told her, if you need someone to match you, I’ll do this because it’s important and it will save your life,” she said.

Fogarty was one of only 13 living liver donation transplants performed at Intermountain Health during 2022, a year when the facility performed a record-breaking 300 adult transplants, thanks to the generosity of organ donors, their families and a team of transplant caregivers.

The Intermountain Transplant Program performed a total of 104 liver, 159 kidney, 29 heart, and eight kidney/pancreas adult transplants last year, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for the program.

“Living donors are incredible people,” said Diane Alonso, MD, transplant surgeon and former medical director of Intermountain Health’s abdominal transplant program. “They are often undergoing major surgery to give new life to their aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, neighbors—and sometimes to someone they don’t even know. They truly are giving the gift of life and we do our best to be great stewards of that gift.”

The uptick in transplants is due to generous donors, an increase in donor organ availability and advancements in technology and medicine. Liver transplants at Intermountain Health exceed the national average because they are able to match a wider range of donor organs to recipients.

Live transplantation saw the largest increase, with 32 living kidney transplants and 13 living liver transplants.

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

“Intermountain has created the environment and provided us the necessary tools and medical team to be successful,” said Jean Botha, MD, transplant surgeon and medical director of Intermountain Health’s abdominal transplant program. “I couldn’t be prouder and more honored to be working side-by-side with these caregivers who are changing lives in our communities.”

Within a couple of months, Fogarty passed all the screening tests and was approved to be a living liver donor for Riggs. The transplant was performed in October 2022 and both women are doing well. Riggs said she doesn’t know how to adequately thank Fogarty for saving her life.

“I thought I had to wait for someone to die and that scared me,” Riggs said. “Kristine was my lifeline. She saved my life. We are now closer than ever.”

The success of Intermountain’s transplant program, which serves patients throughout the nation, is the result of caregiver teams across the Intermountain system and community partners working together. The addition of an Intermountain Life Flight long-range medical jet in 2022 enhances organ transplantation by retrieving donor organs from across the United States.

Intermountain also launched a new platform called iReferral with InVita Healthcare Technologies and DonorConnect, the organ procurement agency for the Intermountain West. iReferral streamlines the organ donor referral process and automates the identification of potential donors.

To learn more about organ donation or register to become an organ donor, go to intermountainhealthcare.org/donatelife.

Fogarty said although her experience was scary, she’d do it again if she could. She challenges others to look into becoming a living donor to give another person the opportunity to live.

“Do it. Save a life. Get this feeling of purpose in life that you helped be part of a miracle. There are so many people out there waiting,” she said. “Living donors are very rare. There were only 13 living donors for livers last year. There’s more people dying than 13. That’s why that number needs to change.”

Kristine Fogarty (left) donated a portion of her liver to her friend and coworker Carrie Riggs as part of Intermountain Health’s living organ donation program. Intermountain Health performed a record-breaking 300 adult transplants in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Kristine Fogarty)

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Mayor’s Message

Preparing for a Flood

Just a year ago, we were being told to conserve water. Now, we’re being told to prepare for ooding! Besides the mental whiplash, it’s hard to get my mind to face something that we haven’t really confronted since 1983!

Still, I want to pass along some information to help you prepare in the event it suddenly gets very warm and all that snow in the mountains comes down and oods Murray!

According to our great Public Works Department, maintenance e orts are underway on all permanent pump stations and headgates. Most of us don’t need to know what and where the pump stations and head gates are, but at least we can feel comforted that those things will be ready to switch into high gear, if and when, they are needed!

The most important thing for you to know is that the department has purchased 20,000 sandbags and sand to ll them! The sand and bags will be made available at these four critical locations in May. If warranted Public Works can also deliver a load of sand and bags to places like a large apartment complex.

But in the meantime, if you need sandbags, please call Public Works at 801-270-2440 for pick up hours. Also, there is an after-hours emergency number to call, 801-264-9669, for assistance. Murray has sandbags on hand, but you may also reach out to the County for lled sandbags. Public Works is located at 4646 South 500 West.

Also, before the spring runo starts lling our rivers, streams and canals, here are some things residents can do to protect their property:

• Check and clean all rain gutters and down spouts.

Brett A. Hales -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107

• Make sure water will drain away from walkout basements and window wells. Use sandbags to help keep water away with reverse grade slopes.

• Have sandbags and a pump on hand for reverse driveways and slopes.

• Check roadway catch basins in front of your house for debris, call Public Works if you see any issues.

• If you live next to a river, stream or canal check for fallen trees, branches or debris on the banks and in the channel. Call Salt Lake County Flood Control for assistance.

• If you are unsure feel free to call Public Works. 801-270-2440 MonFri 7:00 am- 3:30 pm

FEMA has a ood hazard map to help you discover your risk for ooding. Access the information at this link: beready.utah.gov/utahhazards/ ood/ There is also information on the di erent kinds of ooding, ood insurance and protecting your home from ooding. Additional FEMA information is here: www.ready.gov/ oods

This is also a great time to register for the Emergency Noti cation System at this link: www.murray.utah.gov/1185/Emergency-Noti cationSystem---Register This will ensure that residents and businesses can receive emergency noti cations and critical public safety information within Murray and Salt Lake County.

Message from the Council

Last week at the March 7 Council meeting, the City Council made a unanimous vote to change requirements for future developments in the Murray City Center District (MCCD). The MCCD sets speci c guidelines for future residential and commercial developments to ensure our downtown area is a vibrant, cultural space for residents and visitors. I personally live in the MCCD so I have a vested interest in its future. There are three speci c changes that are important to understand that will a ect developments located south of Vine Street and east of State Street:

• Reduction of the number of stories of all new buildings from ten stories to six stories or 70 feet

• Increasing the landscaped area of a project from 15% to 25%

• Increasing the allotted amount for parking by 0.5 spaces per unit

Last year, I advocated for a city-wide survey to hear directly from

residents on what they would like to see in future developments in the MCCD. Many responded with less density and additional scenery to enhance our downtown area. The Mayor and his sta , especially the Economic Development department, all worked with us individually to nd a middle ground to revamp the MCCD code, especially in reference to the site of the current City Hall. This is a win for our city, but there is still more work to do.

We need to continue to work together to make informed decisions that will bene t residents and future generations. The current City Hall will be vacant soon and many stakeholders have a vested interest in this important space. I encourage you as a citizen to work with your community and developers in letting them know what you want. Not every decision comes to the City Council about development as the Planning Commission also makes these decisions. You are always welcome to contact them as well. Again, I appreciate your emails and please continue to submit your comments.

CITY COUNCIL

Council District 1 Philip J. Markham 801-518-1719 pmarkham@murray.utah.gov

Council District 2 Pam Cotter 801-541-8364 pcotter@murray.utah.gov

Council District 3 Rosalba Dominguez 801-330-6232 rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov

Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-635-6382 diane.turner@murray.utah.gov

Council District 5 Gerry Hrechkosy 385-800-1796 ghrechkosy@murray.utah.gov

Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622 jkennedy@murray.utah.gov

Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

Rosalba Dominguez, District 3

Rosalba Dominguez District 3

Murray Senior Recreation Center

10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107 801-264-2635

mcreg.com • seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center

Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thurs 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. • Closed Sat and Sun

Check our website for any changes in programs.

DAILY LUNCH By Chef Omar Limon

Date: Tuesday through Friday

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

SPECIAL EVENTS

FAMILY CONCERT SERIES

Date: Monday, Apr. 10 – Surf Daddy (Rock Instrumental)

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; no appointment needed open to all ages and doors open at 6:00 p.m.

CLASSES

CERAMICS

Date: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies

GRIEF SUPPORT

Date: Friday, Apr. 7 and 21

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

IT ALL STARTS AT THE CORE

Date: Tuesday, Apr. 18

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

FLY FISHING CLASS

Date: Tuesday, Apr. 18, May 16, Jun.20

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; register now

VITAL AGING: ASSERTIVENESS

Date: Tuesday, Apr. 25

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; register now

DANCE

LINE DANCE: BEGINNING

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 for the month; register now

THURS EVENING SOCIAL DANCE

Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays

Date: Thursdays

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $5

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Murray Arts Beat

For additional information, please contact Lori Edmunds at 801-264-2620

Auditions for Seussical will be held April 20th and 21st at the Murray City Senior Recreation Center, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

Directed by Wendy DahlSmedshammer, Seussical will be performed at the Murray Park Amphitheater, July 28-29, 31, August 3-5, 2023.

Auditions are open to ages 8 & older. Prepare 16-32 bars of an upbeat Broadway song in style of the show (an accompanist, MP3, and CD Player will be available to use at auditions). Headshot and resume is encouraged, but not required. Questions?

Email murrayseussical@gmail.com

ICE SKATING IN MURRAY PARK

In 1973, a new outdoor pool was built in Murray Park and the old concrete pool was converted to an outdoor ice-skating rink. During summer, the rink served as a tennis court. The old pool bathhouse next to the rink was converted to a warming room and concession stand. The ice rink was closed in 2007, but the old building remains and is currently used for storage and public restrooms.

Murray City Museum is looking for memories and photographs of people’s experiences at the ice rink as part of the upcoming centennial Murray Park celebration in 2024. For more information or questions, email klindquist@murray.utah.gov

SENIOR CENTER CONTINUED

EXERCISE

DAILY EXERCISE CLASSES – check our current newsletter for the schedule

PROGRAMS

HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME

Date: Mondays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free BRIDGE LESSONS

Date: Mondays

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC by Harmony Home Health

Date: Wednesday, Apr. 5

Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon

Cost: Free; no appointment necessary

UVU HEALTH SCREENING

Date: Wednesday, Apr. 12

Time: 9:30 a.m. – noon

Cost: Free; no appointment necessary

HEARING SCREENING

Date: Monday, Apr. 17

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; advance appt required

HAIRCUTS

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $10; advance appt required

ONSITE STRETCH

Date: Thursdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – noon. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Cost: $38 session; advance appt

April Special: 3 stretch sessions for $99

MASSAGE THERAPY

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $20 for half-hour or $40 for hour; advance appointment required

TRAVEL

TUACAHN AND MESQUITE

Date: Monday, Jun. 5 through Thursday, Jun. 8. Leave at 10:00 a.m.

Cost: $475 per double occupancy.

$575 per person on single occupancy

Register now. $50 deposit per person

Payment in full due by Friday, Apr. 28.

Plays: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Tarzan

Public Utilities requests resident engagement to help inventory water infrastructure

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) Director Laura Briefer presented an overview of the water supply for the area to the Cottonwood Heights City Council on March 1. She reported on current drought conditions, detailed the water utility infrastructure and drinking water supply, shared new federal regulations, and provided updates on the department’s guiding documents.

Additionally, Briefer asked Cottonwood Heights to spread the word about their calls for resident engagement. SLCDPU is asking residents to be mindful of water conservation, get informed about new regulations regarding lead in water pipes, provide feedback for their management plan updates, and help inventory the water utility infrastructure system.

“Our snowpack and water supply is in very good condition this year,” Briefer said.

Even though the winter season has been positive in terms of contributing to the service area’s water supply, Briefer reminded the council that drought conditions persist. According to the Intermountain West Climate Dashboard in February, 99% of Utah remains in some level of drought. Salt Lake Valley, specifically, remains in severe drought conditions. The Great Salt Lake remains in critical condition as well.

“One year of snowpack is great. But we need average, or above average, snowpack for several years to exit drought status,” Briefer said.

SLCDPU has a vast water utility infrastructure from water treatment plants to transition mains and pipelines, with over 90,000 connections. Their service area includes all of Salt Lake City as well as portions of South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, Murray and Midvale.

The drinking water supply for the service area is collected from a few different channels. Fifty percent to 60% is filtered from Parley’s Canyon, City Creek Canyon and the two Cottonwood Canyons (Little and Big), while 30% to 35% of the drinking water supply flows from the Deer Creek Reservoir as part of the Provo River project.

“These canyons are so valued and important for the quality of life for our community. There is a lot of interaction with communities interested in what is happening in the canyons,” Briefer said.

Many additional cities throughout Salt Lake County and Utah County benefit from Deer Creek Reservoir. Briefer described the reservoir as an insurance policy when experiencing year over year droughts as it can store a significant amount of water for long periods of time. The canyon systems, however, are not equipped for storing wa-

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

ter (with the exception of the Little Dell and Mountain Dell reservoirs in Parley’s Canyon).

“The combination of readily available water sources and stored water puts us in a very nice position,” Briefer said.

Following the crisis in Flint, Michigan (and other drinking water crises concerning lead contamination), the Environmental Protection Agency has made it a priority to update their federal rules related to lead and copper. The SLCDPU has already replaced older parts of the water utility infrastructure system that could have been constructed from lead.

“We are quite sure we don’t have lead in the water mains that run through the city,” Briefer said.

Recent mandates require every single water service line to be inventoried. If there is suspicion any part of a service line could have the potential for lead contaminants, a plan must be developed and put into place to remove and replace those service lines.

“One of the challenges we are having is we have good records of the water lines the city has installed, but not water lines installed by private entities,” Briefer said.

SLCDPU is responsible for water lines connecting from mains to meters, but connections from water meters to developments are the individual property (or home) owners’ responsibility. Currently, 64,000 service lines are unknown. SLCDPU is asking for help from residents to reduce that number.

In addition to helping inventory the water utility infrastructure, residents have been working with SLCDPU to update the Watershed Management Plan through surveys and open houses. Originally drafted in 1989, the Watershed Management Plan identifies pollution risks to drinking water resources and identifies management strategies to reduce those risks.

Vulnerability assessments and resident feedback will be finalized into a report that will be taken to the Salt Lake City Council and the Public Utilities Advisory Committee. (Cottonwood Heights resident Ted Boyer serves on that Advisory Committee.)

“We have a lot of coordination opportunities,” Briefer said.

Residents can expect water quality reports annually delivered to their mailboxes. SLCDPU monitors water quality for more than 90 contaminants to comprise individual water quality reports.

To learn more about the rebuild of the Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (4101 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road), visit: KeepItPureBigCottonwood.com.

To learn more about the process to get involved with the Watershed Management

Plan update, visit: slc.gov/utilities/watershed/watershedmanagementplan.

To learn more about new regulations surrounding lead in water pipes, visit: slc. gov/utilities/LeadandCopper

To help inventory the water infrastructure system, visit SLCDPU’s survey at: slc.gov/utilities/LeadandCopperSurvey

For find the annual Water Quality Consumer Report, visit: slc.gov/utilities/ water-quality

To learn more about conserving water at home, visit: slc.gov/utilities/conservation l

Salt Lake Public Utilities is encouraging residents to participate in inventorying the water infrastructure system through their website. (Laura Briefer/Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities)

Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities Director Laura Briefer is requesting resident participation and feedback in a variety of projects. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities)

The Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant is currently in the process of reconstruction. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)

Utahns demonstrate attention span disruption with cell phone usage

Itwas 2007 when Apple released the iPhone as the first “smartphone.” Since then, consumers have become increasingly attached to their devices, to the point of distraction. Research shows looking at phones gives users a dopamine boost, creating a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction, but at what cost?

In a study conducted by North Star Inbound, for the gaming platform Solitaire Bliss, smartphone users across 38 states submitted information about their cell phone usage. The study showed 41% of Utah residents frequently use their phones while watching TV, 49% of Utahns admit to looking down at their phones as they cross a street and 59% of Utah residents bring their phones to use while on the toilet.

“This study looked at a few ways being distracted by our phones can impact our lives,” said Melissa Stephenson, North Star Inbound media relations associate. “With 49% of Utah residents admitting to looking down at their phones at least a couple times while crossing a street, a personal safety issue is raised.”

While men are most guilty of looking at their phones while crossing the street, women reach for their phones while watching TV more often than men. Nearly one-third of Utah residents only last a few minutes before their mind wanders and they reach for their phone,

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

and 45% of Utahns talk to others on their phones while working on a separate task.

Habitual cell phone use has been connected with decreased attention spans. According to the study, it’s not surprising that the Gen Z population, who have grown up with smartphones, has the shortest attention span compared to millennials, Gen X and baby boomers.

The Child Mind Institute found an increase in phone use led to a decrease in connection. As attention spans decrease, effective learning is diminished. This includes the ability to retain information, pay attention to details and create cognitive flexibility, which is a brain’s ability to change and adapt.

“As our study points out areas where attention spans aren’t thriving, we can look at research done by George Washington University for recommendations on improving attention spans,” Stephenson said. “They listed meditation, practicing attentive listening, reading, practicing muscle relaxation techniques, mindful walking, reducing distractions and making time for mental breaks.”

Experts recommend putting phones in a different room where it won’t be visible and easily accessible. Sometimes, just the sight of a phone is a trigger to pick it up and use it. Placing a phone in a drawer at work is a

good way to keep from getting distracted on the job. Users can also set time limits on specific platforms or download apps to track cell phone usage.

The North Star Inbound study showed 76% of those surveyed are distracted by their phones at work and 62% give up when trying something new or difficult. For more on the

study, visit Solitairebliss.com/blog.

“Utah residents ranked the fourth worst at being on their phones while talking to loved ones, raising the issue of not being present in those situations,” Stephenson said. “Being present in moments of our lives has been proven to help with stress management and regulating our moods.”l

A study conducted by North Star Inbound showed 49% of Utahns admit to looking down at their phones as they cross a street. (Stock photo)

Changes to Unified Police Department and sheriff duties

Changes to the Unified Police Department are coming. Some of the information out there has not been entirely accurate, so I thought it might be helpful to share some insight. This past legislative session, state legislators made the decision to remove language about the Unified Police Department (UPD) from state statute. This meant UPD would need to operate by interlocal only, and without the state giving specific guidelines.

This legislation originally removed the county sheriff as the CEO of UPD, as many cities questioned whether it was a conflict of interest with the sheriff wearing two hats. But when the sheriff’s association and Sheriff Rivera met with the legislative sponsor, they supported just removing the UPD language altogether from state code.

Unified Police Department is governmental agency created by interlocal agreement. It serves areas such as Millcreek, Holladay, Midvale, unincorporated Salt Lake County, and the townships. The board can choose their CEO, but for years they have just kept the county sheriff as the CEO. This has created some heartburn for cities not in UPD who wonder if there is appropriate financial separation between UPD and the countywide sheriff services. I have also been asked about this and have

Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

been participating on a committee to gather more information.

All of our county residents receive great countywide public safety services from the sheriff’s office. Some of these countywide services include the statutory duties of the sheriff, such as operations of the jail, warrants and extraditions, and search and rescue. There are additional countywide services that provide a countywide benefit such as drug court, metro gangs, major investigations and drug enforcement, and canyon patrol.

For those who are UPD officers or live in UPD service areas, rest assured that leaders from Millcreek, Midvale, Holladay and other areas are working hard to ensure UPD remains a stable and top-notch police agency to take care of your needs. There will just be one difference and that is a cleaner separation between your policing

agency and the county sheriff who represents all areas of the valley. I believe this will give UPD a better chance to grow and thrive. It will also help other police agencies rest assured that there are no conflicts of interest, and all agencies will be represented well by the sheriff’s office.

As a Salt Lake County Councilmember, I believe funding transparency is vitally important for all county services. This is especially true as it relates to law enforcement services that are provided on a countywide basis. The tax dollars used

for these services come from residents and all taxpayers throughout the county. When deciding which programs to fund on a countywide basis I provide careful consideration to determine the usefulness of these services to your community, if the current resource allocations and service levels are appropriate, and the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the programs.

—David C

“ Robert and Mark were great! We had pipes burst at night and they were right there to help us get the water shut off and to help us get all the water out and dried. They were both professional, communication was great and they were thorough.I would recommend them to anyone! ”

—Anna D

“ The technician was prompt, worked quickly, and was very professional. They provided outstanding same day service.”

Pearls With Purpose breaks generational poverty in developing countries

WhenWendy Bird’s husband suggested she make jewelry to sell at farmers markets, she had no idea it would turn into a global foundation that provides training, mentorship and income for hundreds of women.

Back in 2001, Bird was a stay-at-home mom with five children, looking for a project that would help rediscover her identity which had gotten lost in all the laundry and daily chores. Jewelry making seemed the perfect fit. As a certified gemologist, Bird loves pearls for the way they mimic humanity.

“I love that they’re formed because of an irritant within the lining tissue of the oyster,” she said. “The oyster can’t spew it out, it can’t do anything but secrete a soothing nacre. It can only hug the irritant and that transforms it into this lustrous gemstone. To me, that’s a perfect example of what humanity needs.”

The Riverton resident sent out a request looking to import quality pearls for jewelry making and got a response from a woman in the Philippines. The woman said if Bird imported jewelry pieces, instead of loose pearls, she would change lives.

Bird jumped on the idea and created information to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. She emailed the docs to the Philippines and a group of women began making jewelry. Bird would import it back to the States and sell it, giving the women 64% of the profits.

Pearls With Purpose had begun. The social impact organization provides microenterprise training for women in poverty, or women rescued from sex trafficking or abuse, in the Philippines, Kenya, Peru, Dominican Republic, India and Cambodia.

For four years, everything was done through long-distance correspondence; she had never traveled internationally. But then a representative from another nonprofit invited Bird overseas to meet the women working with her.

“I landed and saw for the first time ever, these humble circumstances that the individuals live in and the struggle it was to get to the internet cafe and the cost associated with being able to print out the documents,” she said. “Everything was 10 times worse than what they’d conveyed because I put this American spin on it.”

The obstacles her jewelry makers faced hadn’t registered, even though she had trained more than 70 women at that point. Invited to stay in the home of one of the women, she was shocked at the level of poverty.

“In my head I thought I’m going to stay in a bedroom with my own toilet. No. They showed me this piece of plywood they put on the dirt floor they’d covered with a sheet that had been shipped over in a shipment that I had sent, and it happened to be one of my kid’s sheets,” Bird said. “There was no electricity. I was told to shower under this tree, and it’s mostly private. I realized these people needed more from me than I had been giving.”

That trip changed her mindset. She applied for 501(c) (3) status and started doing in-person trainings to adapt her program to their needs. She trained women in an abandoned school, she helped women living in the jungle and in villages ruled by a king. She adapted to cultural differences and language barriers and learned each woman dealt with their own difficulties.

In a leper colony in India, Bird trained 183 women on a dirt floor in a community center. As untouchables, the women couldn’t sit on chairs because their low caste status meant they couldn't sit higher than anyone else in the village. After months, Bird got permission for the women to sit on mats.

“We’re dealing with individuals who for their entire life had been told you will never go to school, you will never be

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

counted as human, you will never have a job. You will just sit on the sidelines of life and watch it unfold,” she said. “If you’re a woman and you’ve been told a very specific stigma your entire life and all of a sudden you hear that it could be different from what you’ve always known, wouldn’t you show up?”

An orphanage in Cambodia reached out to Bird, asking her to bring Pearls With Purpose to their location, training teens from 15-17 in jewelry making so they would have a skill when they left the orphanage at age 18. Often, those 18-yearolds turned to sex work or drugs, but with a skill to fall back on, they could create a different life.

“A year after that training, we got the first email that [a young man] was going to a university in Australia and because of this program he has the $5,500 to attend this university,” Bird said. “So all of a sudden you can see that it’s working.”

In the Dominican Republic and Kenya, Bird worked with children rescued from sex trafficking through Operation Underground Railroad. She taught them to polish, design and wire-wrap gemstones to allow them to create an income.

Along with jewelry tools, Pearls With Purpose also purchases sewing machines, computers and other items women can use to better their lives. Bird teaches them to meet with wholesalers and negotiate prices.

Right before COVID hit, Bird met with some women in the Philippines. They were talking with her but she couldn’t remember their names. She asked what training session they’d completed.

“One of them said, ‘You didn’t train me. You trained my mom. Because of you, I went to college. My mom put me in school. She had enough money.’ Another said, ‘Hi, I’m Janet’s daughter and this is my baby and I married a good man because I went to this university because you trained my mom.’

“It was this generational break in poverty,” Bird said. “I

just started bawling. It was so unexpected. You sit there and listen to these younger adults and you know because you landed on that plane in 2005, they were the ones running around barefoot in their little tank tops and shorts…and here they are dressed so properly you don’t even recognize them and they’re saying, you trained my mom and my life is different now.”

Pearls With Purpose endured through COVID on fumes and held a fundraiser in February to rebuild its accounts. The community can help by purchasing jewelry and books at Pearlswithpurpose.org, donating cash or frequent flier miles, and by spreading awareness on Facebook and Instagram.

Bird’s husband, David, is her biggest cheerleader. As travel opens back up in developing countries, he wants her to get back to doing what she does best: teaching women to build self-reliance and self-worth.

“For years, she has given keynote speeches and had the opportunity to sell the jewelry that these women make,” he said. “My wife is amazing and has dedicated her life to helping hundreds of women in several different developing countries.” l

Riverton resident Wendy Bird (left) created the Pearls With Purpose Foundation to provide jewelry-making training for women in developing countries. The women can create an income while building self-reliance. (Photo courtesy of Pearls With Purpose)

Through Pearls With Purpose, women in developing countries gain self-reliance, self-worth and an income that provides opportunities, education and growth. (Photo courtesy of Pearls With Purpose)

Rep. Spackman Moss breaks record with 23 years of service as a female legislator

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Carol Spackman Moss has made history as Utah’s longest-serving female state legislator. Moss, who has served in the Utah House of Representatives for over 23 years, was first elected in 2000 and has been re-elected every two years since then.

Moss represents District 34, which covers East Murray, Holladay and Millcreek.

“I ran for office because I had a call from my cousin, then a legislator, who said I should run for office because my current representative was not a good advocate for public education,” Moss said. “At that time, I was in my 32nd year of teaching English at Olympus High, and I loved my job. I was, however, getting burned out from grading essays at night, on weekends, and on holidays, and I thought being a legislator might be something I would enjoy if I retired from teaching.

“Note that I started teaching at age 23 but couldn’t afford to retire in my 50s and give up my health insurance. I thought about it for a few days, talked with my family, had a few more legislators call to persuade me to run, and I decided that with all the students I had taught in my neighborhood and community, I had name recognition and thought I would have a pretty good shot at winning.”

In retrospect, Moss might agree that the more things change, the more they stay the same when she characterizes how the legislature has changed since she started.

“The changes I have seen over the years is that the work is more intense, more bills, more meetings, more special sessions. The session is the same 45 days, but the budget has more than doubled to this year’s 29-billion-dollar budget. More bills than ever are written, over a 1,000, this year, but we have the same amount of time to complete the budget. That means more speed, less scrutiny, longer hours, and more competition for funding,” Moss said.

However, one change this year concerns her more over past years.

“The biggest change, especially noticeable this year, is the partisan divide is much greater. When I first was elected, and for many years, the two parties competed, of course, and had some different political views, but this year, it is much more partisan with bills that come from outside organizations, far-right groups that want to restrict what and how teachers can teach, what books students can read, what parents can do in terms of medications for their children who have gender dysphoria, and what rights women have in regards to their reproductive healthcare to name a few.

“This session also saw bills combined

that forced legislators to choose between something they dislike, like school vouchers, coupled with pay raises for teachers, HB 215, which started the session on an adversarial note,” Moss said.

For a Democrat in a super-majority Republican legislature, Moss has passed quite a bit of legislation. However, the one she most fondly remembers is paving the way for using Naloxone.

“It has also been gratifying to meet people who have benefitted from laws I have passed, whose lives were saved by Naloxone, the overdose reversal drug,” Moss said. “That has saved countless lives after I passed bills to allow police to carry it, local health clinics to dispense it, and now it can be purchased without a prescription from a pharmacy, usually covered by insurance.”

Her last few years in the legislature have been challenging, not due to partisan fights but because she lost her beloved husband, Bob.

“Sadly, my life has changed considerably in the past 18 months because of the death of my husband in July 2021,” Moss said. “I am fortunate that all three of my daughters, their husbands, and my grandchildren now live close by in Holladay,

Millcreek and Murray. My daughters attend plays, book clubs, and political functions with me, events that my late husband Bob Moss always attended.”

Does she have any plans on retiring?

“Yes, of course, I plan on retiring. I will announce it when the time is right. Currently, I have another year and a half of my 12th term, and then I will decide. The filing deadline for the 2024 election is next year, the first week in January,” Moss said.

Moving into year 24 of her legislative service, there are things that drive her personally.

“My favorite part of being a legislator has been meeting many people from different backgrounds and professions. I have gained enormous respect for state employees in all the capacities that make our state run effectively, from the folks at the DMV to UDOT, to employees at the state and local health departments, Refugee Services, Consumer Services Division, the State Board of Education, and more.

“I have also met constituents, thousands of them at their doors when I am campaigning, and at town halls, and other events I attend, from parades to arts festivals in the cities I represent,” Moss said. l

Carol Spackman Moss speaks at the Utah State Capitol about her Suicide Prevention in Correctional Facilities bill that passed this session. (Photo courtesy of Carol Spackman Moss)

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First, robots came for assembly line workers. Then they came for agricultural and warehouse jobs. Then a cyborg assassin time-traveled from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor. What will artificial intelligence target next?

If you ask our publisher, journalism is on the robotic chopping block. He recently sat down with our editorial team and told us we’d better get our act together or AI will certainly replace us within five years.

It’s the plot of every sci-fi movie. “Let’s merge robotic efficiency and human connection to create a utopian workplace.” But then, the robots download a virus and turn into killing machines. It doesn’t end well for humanity.

But let’s back up a bit. When encyclopedias were created in the 1700s, people were astonished to have so much information at their fingertips. What’s an encyclopedia you ask? Thanks for asking, young whippersnapper.

Encyclopedias are books bound in fake leather that weigh the equivalent of a baby hippo. They were like printed versions of Wikipedia that became outdated as soon as they were purchased. They were used for footstools and sometimes for murder weapons.

Rage Against the Machine

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

came chatbots, or virtual assistants, like Siri, who learned to answer our stupid questions with a bit of sass.

Now, journalists are encouraged to use AI to produce copy. ChatGPT launched in November and millions of people have tried it out, creating everything from poetry to fake news. It’s like a Google search on steroids.

In fact, it’s so good at creating fake news, that the CNET media website published stories for months before the articles were discovered to be riddled with errors, misinformation and plagiarized material. Oops.

Following my publisher’s orders, I typed a few questions into ChatGPT and immediately ran into a virtual brick wall.

“How many people are living on Earth?” I asked. ChatGPT replied 7.9 billion but added its data ended in September 2021. I guess anyone born after that date doesn’t count.

by emotionless robots like Tucker Carlson?

Sometimes, the “journalism” churned out by AI is racist, offensive and inappropriate because, and here’s the issue, humans create code for these bots. Fallible, stupid humans who unintentionally create programming that mimics their own limiting beliefs.

In These Times writer Hamilton Nolan said, “Journalism is the product of a human mind. If something did not come from a human mind, it is not journalism.”

He said journalism requires accountability. The writer should be able to explain the origins and sources of any story. Can AI do that? Will robots request interviews from other robots? When questioned, will AI fall to pieces like HAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey after being given contradictory orders: lie to the crew but be completely truthful. Pretty much like anything on Twitter.

They were also used for rampant plagiarism. Teachers often received essays copied straight from Encyclopedia Britannica.

As technology advanced, plagiarism got easier with the ability to copy-andpaste from any website; more efficient and much harder to detect. Then along

I asked it to tell me a joke. ChatGPT explained it didn’t have a sense of humor or emotions and didn’t understand jokes. So it could be a Utah legislator.

So, will AI adapt to create personality, voice, humor and journalistic ethics or will future generations get used to reading pedantic and pretentious articles written

I’m mixing movie metaphors, but if Sarah Connor’s interactions with the Terminator taught us anything, it’s that we control our own destiny. Can we unite robotic efficiency and humanity? The fate of journalism could hang in the balance.