Murray Journal | December 2022

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Arguably

Cottonwood High School’s most acclaimed athlete ever, is not a CHS graduate. Oh, Rhyan White certainly earned her diploma; but it was from the public charter high school located inside Cottonwood.

Students of the Academy for Math, Engineering & Sci ence—or AMES High School—are allowed to compete for Cottonwood teams, since they are located in the same spa cious Murray building. And that eligibility rule allowed the CHS girls swim team to produce Utah’s first-ever Olympic swimmer—and a silver medalist to boot.

Earlier this fall, White made a triumphant return to her alma mater, where student-athletes of both Cottonwood and AMES treated her to a hero’s return, at a school assembly in their gymnasium.

“It was super fun (returning to Cottonwood High School), because I don’t get a lot of opportunities to get back to Utah these days,” White said. “I was very excited. It was not what I was expecting. (The students) were su per-attentive. It was really cool to talk with them. And they wanted lots of pictures.”

It had actually not been that long since White visited Cottonwood High. Just two months earlier she was there to hand out awards at a summer swim meet. But this was White’s first time to be with a large group of students who compete on all the school’s teams—and a group that want ed to show her just how proud they are of her accomplish ments.

Cottonwood’s Rhyan White was the four-time Utah prep swimmer of the year, before her career took her to the University of Alabama and then to the Olympics. (tide1009.com)

Miss Murray

In a first for the Miss Murray Scholarship Competition, a former Murray Little Miss has been named Miss Murray. Emma Robison was crowned Miss Murray 2023 on Oct. 23. Usually, the annual competition is held in the summer. This year, however, plans for the pageant were put on hold so that organizers could find a new director after the unexpected loss of Leesa Lloyd.

Robison was crowned during an emo tional night that featured a tribute to Lloyd from previous dance students and Miss Mur rays. Robison is a freshman majoring in busi ness at Brigham Young University. Like her parents, Ken and Amber Robison, she gradu ated from Murray High School. As a compet itive dancer, she aspires to open a Pilates stu dio and design fitness apparel. Currently, she is authoring a cookbook of oatmeal recipes.

Q: What inspired you to enter the pag eant?

A: I have been attending the Miss Mur ray Pageant since I was 8 years old, and when I was 9 years old, I was crowned Murray’s Little Miss and was lucky enough to be men tored by Miss Murray 2014, McCall Gray, and I have wanted to compete ever since.

Ms. Lloyd invited me to attend the infor mation meeting last year, and I went. I was excited to compete but couldn’t because I was already a title holder, Distinguished Young Woman of Murray. In May, I became eligible to compete for my current title.

Q: What was it like to be named Miss Murray?

A: When they announced, “and your new Miss Murray 2023, candidate No. 6 Emma Robison,” I was in shock. This is something that I have worked incredibly hard for, and the moment it became a reality seemed a little surreal. I am beyond grateful for the tribe of women it took to prepare me for this incredi ble opportunity.

Emma Robison, to promote serving others

By

Q: What have you learned about yourself during the process?

A: I have learned that hard work pays off, to trust my gut and never give up, that I can do hard things…, and to be grateful for the big things and the little things. Also, if it’s meant to be, it will be. A year ago, I dreamed of being a BYU Cougarette but had a very clear impression that there was another path for me, and that collegiate dancing wasn’t in my future.

Q: What is your platform as Miss Mur ray?

A: As a child, one of my most influential moments was coming home to (paper) hearts completely covering my door (sometimes referred to as a “heart attack”) at a moment when I needed to feel loved. At that moment, I realized I wanted to spread the love that I felt, and that small act of service blossomed into an initiative that has blessed my life and countless others. My initiative is “serve oth ers selflessly” (SOS). Commonly known as a signal of distress, we can use this initiative to notice distress in others and take action to show we care. SOS initiates, organizes, and implements acts of kindness and promotes awareness of the needs of those around us. I plan to expand SOS to all Murray schools and hopefully beyond. We learn to look out, “heart attack” (express love), and serve. We will also organize monthly service projects for Murray City. The first event is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11 a.m. at the Murray Library; everyone is welcome.

Q: Tell us about family and friends who were influential to you, and what are some of the most meaningful things they have done?

A: My dad is the most genuine person I have ever met; I have never heard him say anything unkind or raise his voice. He pro tects my mom fiercely and has always en couraged me to be the change I want to see

in the world. My mom is the most selfless and hard-working woman I know. She has adopt ed more teenagers than I can even count. She truly does see the best in others and encourag es them to live up to their potential. My broth er is a quiet and gentle giant. He has taught me how to serve others selflessly and with hold judgment.

One of the most meaningful things I have done is work with Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year, I raised money for little Evie, who dreamed of being Clara in “The Nutcracker.” I dedicated three weeks straight to babysitting as much as I possibly could, sometimes one family right after another. I took that time off from dance and social engagements. The night we presented her with the money we had raised was so overwhelming. She was also declared cancer free the night before, and we all celebrated with a princess party. l

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Miss Murray 2023, Emma Robison, with her atten dants Dakota King (l) and Rian Haslam (r). (Photo courtesy of Miss Murray Organization)

Miss Murray 2023, Emma Robison, takes a selfie after the scholarship pageant. (Photo courtesy of Miss Murray Organization)

Miss Murray 2023, Emma Robison, stands with outgoing Miss Murray, Morgan Workman, new pageant director Lindsay Smith (far right), and other Miss Murray contestants. (Photo courtesy of Miss Murray Organization)

Dressed to impress, the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses and people

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Glitz and glamour were on full dis play at the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce annual gala, whose theme was “Dress to Impress.” The gala was held Oct. 1 at Pierpont Place, where the Chamber honored Murray’s businesses while raising money for local charities.

“The feedback we received from the gala attendees has been outstanding; they loved the event, some said it’s the best event they have ever seen,” Murray Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Matt Gibbons said.

After being dormant during the pan demic, the 2022 gala was meant to unite the community, help businesses network and grow, and honor companies and people who have made a difference this year.

Businesses and people honored by the Chamber include: Legacy Of Excellence for Perseverance - Ben McGarry; Legacy Of Excellence for Generosity - AAA Res toration; Legacy Of Excellence for Lead ership - Ken Bruch; Legacy Of Excellence for Service - Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries; Legacy Of Excellence for Large Employer of the Year - Associated Food Stores.

“These people and businesses were se lected because of their contribution to the community,” Gibbons said. “The honorees were chosen by businesses that sponsored the event, the city, and the Chamber to give recognition to people or businesses that have made a significant difference in our community.”

This year’s Chamber gala sponsors included Precision Heating & Cooling, Intermountain Healthcare, SelectHealth, Security National Financial Corp, Trillion Mortgage, and TD Williamson.

“Moving forward, we have business networking events that happen each week. Next year we will have another gala. We also have an annual golf tournament; each October is the Haunted Woods at Murray Park; and in January, there will be a legisla tive meeting. Knowing the amazing people that are part of the Chamber, I’m certain we will come up with another couple amazing events, all designed to help the businesses in our area and our community,” Gibbons said.

Jim and Jennifer Brass were awarded the Chamber’s “Legacy of Excellence for Humanitarian” award. The Brasses helped found the Murray Children’s Pantry, which received proceeds from the gala’s event. Also benefiting were Elevated Mountain Guides, which provides trauma-informed climbing opportunities, and Yellow for Life, a suicide prevention and awareness group.

Gibbons explained, “The Chamber

Gala Committee chose these nonprofits be cause we felt they made a significant differ ence in our community. For example, the Murray Children’s Pantry hands out about 7,500 bags of food per month. We raised $15,000 at this event.”

Murray City first responders Kevin Davis and Brian MacNeil were awarded the “Legacy Of Excellence for Paramedic of the Year” and “Legacy Of Excellence for Firefighter of the Year” awards.

Recently, the Chamber faced rocky times, replacing two presidents. However, the Chamber rebounded with new Board Chairman Brett Lechtenberg and board members Leonard Leslie, George Wilkin son, Sheri Van Bibber, Jenn Kikel-Lynn,

Stacey Pasalich, Amber Lewis, Luke Thomas, and City Councilor Pam Cotter.

“The Chamber was moving forward during the pandemic; like most businesses, it was a challenging time,” Gibbons said.

The Murray Area Chamber of Com merce is a referral-driven networking and educational resource dedicated to the suc cess of affiliated businesses. The Chamber extends beyond Murray City boundaries, and membership is open locally, regionally and nationally.

“We believe the future looks bright for the Chamber. We have a strong group of people that are working on being the voice of businesses in the area and providing top-level training and education to assist

businesses in continuing to thrive,” Gib bons said. “One way the community can stay in the loop on what we’re up to is to subscribe to the Chamber newsletter.”

More information about the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.murrayareachamber.com. l

Don and Marie Goettsche of AAA Restoration received the Legacy Of Excellence for Generosity award. (Photo courtesy of Murray Area Chamber of Commerce)

“The feedback we received from the gala attendees has been outstanding; they loved the event, some said it’s the best event they have ever seen.”

Matt Gibbons

Election Day 2022 yields some surprises and new faces

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Murray will have new faces representing it in state, county, and local offices, as voters chose to send some incumbents packing. The city will have a new state senator, county councilor and school board representative.

Data from the county clerk’s office shows that Murray does not necessarily vote straight party. The Salt Lake County Clerk’s maps show that when broken down by pre cincts, Murray overwhelmingly voted for independent candidate Evan McMullin over Republican Sen. Mike Lee for the Senate and Democratic candidate Darlene McDon ald over Republican Rep. Burgess Owens. However, Republican Rep. John Curtis split precincts with Democrat Glenn Wright on the city’s east side. Overall, incumbents held on to their seats.

Analyzing the precinct maps, Murray’s individualistic spirit lived on, with precinct voters switching between Democrat and Re publican candidates depending on the race. Generally, northern Murray, which has many apartment complexes, tends to vote for the Democrat candidate, while southern Murray, which has more single-family homes, votes for the Republican.

State Senate

District 13

Western Murray will have a new sena tor. Nate Blouin, who lists his occupation as Renewable Energy Advocate, defeated longterm Sen. Gene Davis in the primary election and soundly defeated Republican challenger Roger Stout, claiming 69% of the vote.

Sen.-elect Blouin posted online, “I’m committed to working for a healthy environ ment, a more accountable government, and a future that works for every Utahn. This is a humbling moment that I do not take these results lightly.”

District 14

With recently redrawn boundaries, Dis trict 14, starting eastward at State Street, re-elected Democrat Sen. Stephanie Pitcher over Republican Dan Sorensen, 62% to 36%.

Pitcher, an attorney, posting after the election, said, “Thank you to so many of you for your support, political engagement, ideas, and most importantly, being part of the democratic process and voting. Thank you, also, to Dan Sorensen for running a friendly, positive race.”

State House

District 34

Northeast Murray voters chose to send Democrat Carol Spackman Moss back for a 13th term in the Utah State House. She defeated Republican John McPhie soundly, 66% to 33%.

District 35

For the first time in recent memory, in cumbent Democrat Mark Wheatley faced a

formidable challenge from Belinda Johnson. At press time, the competitive race had John son at 46% to the 10-term Wheatley’s 54%. Wheatley, in the past, has had commanding wins, but with new district boundaries, his hold on voter interest has changed.

District 40

Southern Murray hosted another com petitive race: incumbent Democrat An drew Stoddard was re-elected over Thomas Young, 55% to 41%.

Rep. Stoddard posted online about the election, “This election really stressed me out because of the slate of really poor Re publican candidates for county-wide races in SLCo (Salt Lake County). I am so happy with how things are looking.”

District 41

Southeast Murray voters decided to send incumbent Democrat Gay Lynn Ben nion back to the State House, winning 63% to Republican Wayne Gary Sandberg’s 37%.

Bennion posted online, “Thank you for your votes and support. I am so excited and honored to represent HD41.”

State School Board District 5

Democrat Sarah Reale defeated Mur rayite Republican Laurel Fetzer 59% to 36%. Unaffiliated candidate William Fisher garnered 4% of the vote. District 5 covers all of Murray except the southwest corner of the city.

“Our messages of supporting our edu cators, creating safe spaces for our students to learn, and taking the politics out of edu cation, clearly resonated with voters,” Reale posted online.

County

County Council At-Large B

In one of the most surprising victories of Election Day, Democrat Suzanne Harri son defeated incumbent Republican Coun ty Councilmember and Murrayite Richard Snelgrove, 54% to 45%. Snelgrove was first elected in 2010, while Harrison has served in the legislature.

County Council District 3

Republican Aimee Winder Newton re turns to the county council after defeating by 55% Democrat Ashley Liewer (40%) and Unified Utah Party member Kerry Soelberg (5%). Winder Newton captured west and south Murray precincts, while Liewer ap pealed to northern precincts.

“Ashley is a great person, and I respect her willingness to get in the race. It’s not easy to put yourself out there and run for of fice,” Winder Newton posted online.

In other county races, most Murray pre cincts backed returning Democrats County District Attorney Sim Gill, County Sheriff Rosie Rivera, and newcomer County Clerkelect Lannie Chapman. However, many Murray precincts, along with a majority of

Murray School Board

District 2

Incumbent Kami Anderson defeated op ponent Jessica Miller, 60% to 40%. This will be Anderson’s second term representing the southwest part of the school district.

District 3

Northwest Murray had a vacancy, with Belinda Johnson leaving to challenge Mark Wheatley for his State House seat. Educator Jill Weight defeated April Wilde Despain 60% to 40% in the board race.

“Over the past year, I’ve had an in credible adventure filled with making new friends, continuing old friendships, listen ing to others, sharing ideas, learning from the community, and to prepare to serve this great city of Murray with its’ parents, fami lies, teachers, administrators and especially the kids in our amazing district,” Weight posted online.

District 4 Elizabeth Payne ran unopposed after

At press time, the Salt Lake County Clerk’s office was still finalizing results. Upto-date information can be found at: slco. org/clerk/elections/. l

Salt Lake County voters, supported Republi can Chris Harding for County Auditor.

Cheree Larson dropped out of the race. Granite School District had no Murray school precincts in play this election cycle.

Jill Weight is sworn in as a candidate for Murray School Board. (Photo courtesy of Jill 4 Education)

Nate Blouin (l) meets with potential voters. (Photo courtesy of Nate Blouin for Utah Senate District 13)

Sen.-elect Nate Blouin (l) and Murray School District-elect Board Member Jill Weight (c) are two newly elected Murray officials. Longtime County Councilor Richard Snelgrove (r) was defeated. (Shaun Del liskave/City Journals)

“This assembly with Rhyan was near ly a year-and-a-half in the making,” said White’s former Cottonwood High swim coach Ron Lockwood. “Our Athletic Direc tor Greg Southwick has been talking with me about putting it together since Rhyan made the Olympic team—even before she earned her silver medal. Everyone came to cheer and congratulate her. We had a big banner made up, honoring her. It was a nice, well-deserved tribute.”

For those not familiar with White’s exploits in a swimming cap, the first ques tion really is: where to begin? Her “career” actually began years before high school, when she participated on coach Lockwood’s Wasatch Front Fish Market year-round com petitive swim team at age 12. But, honestly, successes way back then are too numerous to mention.

Starting in ninth grade, White competed four straight years on the Cottonwood girls swim team. In all four of those years, she was named “Utah High School Female Swimmer of the Year.” In her senior season, White led the Colts to their first girls swimming state team title in 37 years. She closed her high school swimming career in that two-day meet nearly five years ago, with dominant individual state titles in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. She was also a member of two state champion relay teams, in the 200 medley and the 400 freestyle.

By the fall of 2018, White was calling Tuscaloosa home where her successes con tinued on the University of Alabama swim team. In 2019, she was named to the South eastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team. In 2020 and 2021 White was First Team All-SEC and also in 2021 she was crowned the conference’s Swimmer of the Year.

All of those successes preceded the meet that qualified White to become our state’s first United States Olympic swimmer.

“The U.S. Olympic trials were held in June 2021 and there were about 100 swim mers competing for each event,” White ex plained. “It took several races to go from the top 16, to the top eight, to the top two. It had been my goal to make the Olympic team for so many years. I was so excited to qualify in multiple events.”

After qualifying, White was soon trav eling to Tokyo. It was not the first time her swimming prowess has taken her overseas.

“I have competed or been involved in swim clinics in Japan, Abu Dhabi (Unit ed Arab Emirates), Argentina, Croatia and Budapest (Hungary). I’m also very excited about my next competition out of the coun try. I’m going to Australia in December.”

If any disappointment has befallen White during her swimming career, it was undoubtedly the two fourth-place finishes at the Tokyo games, in the 100- and 200-me ter backstrokes. Each left her barely off the medal podium. In one of the races, the bronze medal winner bested White by less

than a quarter of a second.

White’s silver medal came in the wom en’s 4x100-meter relay. White did not partic ipate in the actual final relay, but earned her medal (along with three other teammates not in that medal-winning race) for her contribu tion in the prelims of the event.

A half a world away, her former high school coach watched every race live, here in Utah—no small feat since Japan is 15 hours ahead of us.

“I got up early…stayed up late…what ever I had to do,” coach Lockwood said. “I made sure I saw all of Rhyan’s races live.”

Ironically, White was not the only ath lete Lockwood was following at the Tokyo games. About the same time he was working with White, Lockwood also coached Jarod Arroyo, who competed for the Puerto Rican Olympic team.

“Jarod also attended AMES and swam for me his freshman year,” Lockwood said. “I had coached him for a couple of years. But after that one year on the high school team his family moved to Arizona. He never lived in Puerto Rico himself; but Jarod was eligi ble to compete for their national team be cause his family was originally from there.”

Arroyo was one of only two swimmers representing Puerto Rico at the games. He qualified in the men’s 200 and 400 IM, but did not medal.

“I’ve been very lucky to coach many outstanding swimmers over the years,” Lockwood said. “About 30 of my swimmers have earned major college scholarships. It’s been about 50/50, boys and girls. My swim mers have gone to four Ivy League schools, Kansas, Texas, Virginia, Alabama, Tulane, the Air Force Academy. In our state, they’ve gone on to Utah Tech (formerly Dixie State University), BYU and Utah.”

So, bottom line coach, is White the best swimmer you’ve ever coached?

“Absolutely. I don’t mind saying that,” Lockwood said. “Even her college coach has said, ‘This is the best athlete I have ever coached.’ Rhyan is an exceptional athlete. She has all the tools, motivation and dispo sition to succeed. But she didn’t do it alone. It does take a village. It takes parents tak ing time off, skipping vacations. It takes a knowledgeable coaching staff. Things like (White’s success) don’t happen by accident. I try to pawn off as much of the credit as I can.”

That “college coach” Lockwood men tioned is Alabama Senior Associate Head Swim Coach Ozzie Quevedo. The day after White’s assembly at Cottonwood, Quevedo joined White as a guest instructor at a swim ming clinic in Provo. In years past, White had attended that annual event to receive instruction from other Olympic swimmers.

“It was super cool to be a guest Olym pian at the clinic,” White said. “Two of my 2020 Olympic teammates, Hunter Arm strong and Bobby Finke, were there too, along with coach Quevedo. We started the day signing autographs. Then I got in and

swam with them. We got to tell them about our Olympic experience. It felt like coming full circle, after I had been on the other side of it in the past.”

White has already completed her degree at Alabama and is now taking just enough classes to be eligible for the “bonus season” she’s getting this winter. Because of corona virus, all collegiate athletes received an ad ditional year of athletic eligibility.

“I’m taking communication courses

now; but I’m really not sure what I want to do for a career, after swimming,” White said. “I want to swim as long as I can. I will definitely tryout for the 2024 Olympic team. I also hope to go pro (as a swimmer) next year.”

White’s family continues to call Her riman home. And she promises to return to Utah for visits as frequently as possible, when not in Croatia, Australia or elsewhere.

l

This banner now proudly hangs at Cottonwood High, after Rhyan White returned to the school to offer words of encouragement to current Colt athletes. (cottonwoodcolts.org)

Former Cottonwood swimming champion Rhyan White (in white) rekindled memories with three former coaches—Alan Jones, Ron Lockwood and Ashton Palmer (L-R)—during her recent visit to her alma mater. (cottonwoodcolts.org)

Sen. Jani Iwamoto retires from Senate

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

he first Asian-American woman elected to the Utah State Legislature, Sen. Jani Iwamoto, has decided to retire. Iwamoto, rep resenting the Salt Lake Valley eastside sub urbs of Murray, Holladay, Millcreek, and Salt Lake City’s Sugar House borough, has served in the Utah Senate since 2015.

“I’ve been in public office for 12 years and have always considered it a full-time job. However, although bittersweet, I felt that now it was best to focus on my family—and spe cifically my elderly mother,” Iwamoto said.

During her term, she was elected Assis tant Minority Whip by the Democrats in the Utah Senate. Before her election to the leg islature, she served on the Salt Lake County

“When my public service began with my election to the Salt Lake County Council in 2008, then-County Councilmember Ran dy Horiuchi asked, ‘Don’t you just love it?’ I remember saying that filling the post was a huge responsibility, and that I was, quite frankly, terrified,” Iwamoto said.

Iwamoto passed over 26 bills, including funding the Pediatric Trauma Network and creating the American Indian-Alaska Native

“I have been privileged to work with many great stakeholders in this important realm on improving Utah’s water conser vation and resiliency. A major policy that I sponsored was water banking.

“Additionally, I have worked on signif icant law enforcement policy, including leg islation I recently passed, which created min imum standards for police misconduct and reporting. I recently received the Executive Award of Merit from Utah’s Department of Public Safety for my work on multiple pieces of legislation on police reform and issues of public safety,” Iwamoto said.

Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., appointed her to

serve on the Central Utah Water Conservancy

District Board of Trustees and the Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Committee. In addition, she presently serves on the Native American Legislative Liaison Committee.

“I have been fortunate to be successful in passing most of my legislation during gen eral sessions. Outside of sessions, I work hard to engage with stakeholders pertinent to the legislation I am working on. During the last general session, I was fortunate that all 12 of my bills passed, along with the appropri ations I sponsored. I also was the floor spon sor on many bills as well. However, there are some policies, such as the Pediatric Trauma Network, that will need further funding. In that regard, I will continue advocating,” Iwa

Sen. Jani Iwamoto stands next to Vice President Kamala Harris for Asian-American Pacific Island er Heritage Month at The White House. (Photo courtesy of Jani Iwamoto) Accounts & loans are subject to creditworthiness, terms, change, and conditions. Membership and eligibility apply. Special, business, and secondary accounts, as well as existing accounts opened in the last 12 months, are ineligible. Applicants must mention this promotion and be 18 or older. Bonus will be provided within 60 days of completing the required actions. America First share savings has an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.05% as of November 15, 2022. The APY for Premium Checking is 0.05% as of November 15, 2022. New accounts must remain open for at least six months or promotion incentive will be forfeited. Federally insured by NCUA.

Just open a savings and checking account

Sen. Jani Iwamoto (center right) and other legislators speak to second-graders. (Photo courtesy of Jani Iwamoto)

Three Cottonwood student-athletes sign their National Letters of Intent

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

At a special ceremony on Nov. 9, several student-athletes from Cottonwood High School sat at a table adorned with hats from several colleges and universities.

Eventually, after a bit of playful teasing with the audience, each picked the one that suited them best.

But what made them truly unique on this day was that they were three Cottonwood baseball players signing National Letters of Intent to play for and attend their respective schools and universities.

“When a student-athlete signs their Na tional Letter of Intent it means three things— that student-athlete has committed to one year at the university, the university is prom ising to provide an athletic scholarship for that year, and no other schools can continue to recruit that student-athlete,” said Granite School District communications and market ing coordinator Matt Sampson, in a release.

For one year, these three Cottonwood students will be locked into those commit ments he or she made. In the new age of NIL (name, image and likeness) in which any stu dent-athlete can profit from his or her name, image and likeness, anything can change for any student-athlete after that year is up.

For senior Jaxon Pfeil, he’ll be attending Salt Lake Community College to play base ball along with fellow senior Avery Doezie. With SLCC being a two-year school, Cot tonwood athletic director Greg Southwick said “it’s more likely” Pfeil and Doezie will get opportunities to stay on at SLCC (former Colts head coach Jason Crawford is the de fensive coach there) beyond the one year and complete their two-year degrees.

moto said.

Iwamoto says she will miss working with fellow legislators from both parties and those who worked behind the scenes.

“There are so many great memories from serving in the legislature. I enjoyed the chance to work alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and working to come together on important issues. It also was great to work with our often-unrecognized Office of Legislative Research and General Coun sel, who have so many incredible profession als that help us form policy.

“Most importantly, I will remember en gaging with the many constituents I have had the pleasure to meet during my time in the legislature and on the county council,” Iwa moto said.

As her term expires in January, Iwamoto does have concerns for not just the state of Utah but the nation.

“A vast majority of the legislation we pass is supported by all sides and is relatively

For Colts senior Cameron Nielson, who will be attending the University of Utah on a baseball scholarship, it could be a different story for him.

The pitcher/infielder led Cottonwood to a Region 7 title last year and hopes to help his Colts gallop even further in 2023.

At Utah, Nielson will be following in the footsteps of several Colts baseball stand outs. Current Cottonwood head coach Chris Shelton, the Dunn brothers, and Hunter Heu gly all played for the Utes over the past two decades.

More recent examples of former Colts turned Utes were Zach Adams and Caleb Manuel. Finally, of course, there’s Christo pher Rowan Jr., who not only starred at Cot tonwood—or, The Wood as the kids like to call it—but also with the Utes, where in 2021 he hit .301.

Rowan’s story, however, will continue not at Utah in 2023 but at Coastal Carolina University, a program that was a national champion as recently as 2016.

For that is the story of this one-year scholarship commitment, here in the new age of NIL.

“You’d like to have to have a solid commitment of four years for these kids (from schools) so they can get their degree,” Southwick said. “But, I guess it’s a sign of the times, that with the transfer portal comes uncharted waters, and I do worry that these kids now aren’t always doing what’s best for their futures…but, you know, we’ll hope that they know what they’re doing when they do go into (transfer portal) and it does turn out OK.” l

non-controversial. However, I do have con cerns with increased divisions across our state and country, which can make it difficult to come together and find solutions. Civili ty and humanity are so important, especially when we don’t agree,” Iwamoto said.

Although she is retiring from the state legislature, she will continue to work on causes most dear to her.

“After my term is finished, I plan to continue staying engaged in many important issues close to my heart. One is campus safe ty, as I have sponsored multiple related bills on this issue. Recently, I became a member of the Board of Directors of the Lauren Mc Cluskey Foundation. I also will continue my involvement in the new vision for a revital ized Japantown in Salt Lake, and other issues related to our communities of color. Locally, I am also continuing being on the Board of Trustees for Primary Children’s Hospital,” Iwamoto said. l

Nature’s Virus Killer

Copper can stop a virus before it starts

By Priscilla Schnarr www.copperzap.com

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Users Say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen airline flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

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Student-player numbers rise as chess returns to Woodstock Elementary

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

In the middle of more than 20 pairs of el ementary schoolchildren playing chess before school on a Friday morning, a parent breaks in with a lesson.

As he moves the pieces in front of the group of student chess players, he asks stu dents for their move. He pauses, then asks: “Let me ask you, why do we want it in this position and not this? Which is better? Why? Yes, to control center is better, right?”

The parent volunteer is Toby Ray, who has been helping teach chess to the early morning chess group at Woodstock Elemen tary.

During the COVID-19, the school chess program was put on hold out of safety and health concerns surrounding the pandemic.

“When chess came back, I felt I need ed to help,” he said. “I know the game well enough to help these guys and my little girl is very excited about the game. I have a lot of great memories of playing in school tourna ments when I was her age and I want to help instill that love in these kids.”

Ray’s lessons include the three basic chess rules: control the center, get the knights as well as the bishops out of castle as soon as possible.

“I'm not an educator, but I think those bite-sized rules are ones these guys can hold

on to,” he said. “These kids are learning fo cus, decision-making and planning, and sportsmanship.”

A student asks for help, and Ray replies: “Have you checked the three rules of check mate?”

“I want the students to learn the rules of the game and be able to play independently so it’s an opportunity for them to think another way, but also to have fun,” he said.

He began teaching his daughter, Olive, with No Stress Chess.

“It’s a great product that gives you the di agram of how the piece moves and you draw a card, and it shows the piece that you're sup posed to know. It's just a good teaching tool. It helped with chess fundamentals,” he said.

His daughter, who started playing the ac tual game around age 7, was playing against her third-grader classmate, Ryan Wagner.

Olive has “grown to love chess after my dad taught me” and said they often check out a chess book from the library.

Ryan, who learned chess from his older brother, said his favorite part is to strategize.

“Chess is really fun to really think about what your next move is going to be,” he said.

At the end of their game, the same as ev ery game, the students record the winner on cards that teacher Sonja Aoki provides. This

particular morning, Aoki has a handful more kids than have come before so she was mak ing more cards.

“This is great,” she said. “This started a couple of years before COVID and it was pretty popular and now, we’re back and the group is growing once again.”

Aoki said with the donation of chess sets, and the help of parent volunteers like Ray, there is a commitment to the game.

“The children come play chess and some kids who know how to play, they may help other children learn, but they’re still learn ing some strategies from Mr. Ray,” she said. “And they’re learning teamwork, how to get along with others, communication and prob lem-solving. We have second-graders through fifth-graders and this brings a little bit of team spirit and camaraderie at our school and may be they’ll see each other in the hall and say hi or at recess, they will have a new friend to play with.”

Aoki, who admits she’s not a chess play er, “saw how important chess was” so she volunteered to coordinate its return.

“I remember when my kids, who are in their 30s, played chess before school and they just had so much fun meeting new friends and learning some new things. It’s great to expose children to other things that are meaningful

because a lot of them don't have the opportu nity,” she said. “I know a little chess and I’ve learned a few tricks, but I certainly appreciate my parent volunteers to come in and show these students how to play and teach them strategies. Chess has helped them be respon sible and respectful and it’s giving students another way to be involved and connect to the school. I just want them to have the opportu nity to play.” l

Woodstock Elementary students play chess on Fridays before school begins. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Words, songs of gratitude by schoolchildren thank veterans

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Schoolchildren across the Salt Lake Valley thanked veterans and active mil itary personnel for their service through school programs featuring students singing patriotic songs or sharing special words in appreciation of their sacrifice and service.

At many schools, it was the return of in-person assemblies after virtual celebra tions or classroom programs. It also meant veterans and those serving were welcomed back into schools to be honored.

Here’s a look at what four area ele mentary schools did to honor those who are or have served the country as well as two students who wrote essays for the Utah PTA Veterans Day essay contest.

McMillan Elementary, Murray School District

Twenty-two active military and veter ans, some in full uniform, stood with the singing of their branch of service during the Armed Forces on the stage of the 68-year-old McMillan Elementary, looking into the audience of first- through sixthgrade students.

“That was really sweet,” said McMil lan PTA President Andrea Pili, who has overseen the program the past six years. “They always sing along to it. They’re just really proud to stand for their song.”

The ceremony began with a flag cer emony conducted by local Girl Scouts who attend the school; students in each grade level sang patriotic songs including “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land is Your Land,” “My Country Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful;” and featured a slide show of the McMillan students, staff and faculty’s relatives and friends who have served.

“It makes the assembly more special for them, and the kids love to see there are people personal to their teachers,” she said.

Select students shared their own words of thanks to their guests.

Second-grader Isaac Smith’s

great-grandfather flew a B-17 bomber during World War II. Isaac shared his story: “On a bombing mission, his plane was shot down. He parachuted out of the plane and landed in a farmer’s field. The farmer turned him over to the German army and he was taken to a prisoner of war camp. He had to ride in a box car without any seats for four days straight. He was only able to get out of the car for one hour a day. He was in the prison camp for eight months and then the war ended, and he was freed. He went home and lived a wonderful life. He died in 2013 at the age of 89. My great grandpa’s life-long motto was, ‘Perfect or better.’ He is one of my biggest heroes.”

Fourth-grader James Dunkelberger shared that he “thought about how veterans chose to serve others instead of just them selves” and reflected on ways he could do that now, such as doing his chores and tak ing care of the family dog, having a posi tive attitude in class to create a good class room environment, and obeying the school rules of being respectful, responsible and safe.

“It isn’t always easy to do things for others,” James wrote. “It would be easier just to do whatever I wanted. I am thank ful for everyone who chooses to put them selves second in order to create a better place for the members of our community, society and world.”

Fifth-graders Janessa and Galen Ban croft’s grandpa served in the military and their mom served in the Air Force as imag ery intelligence. In their essay, they shared: “They fought for our justice which means they fought for the rights we have today and our freedoms. We’re here today be cause of them and other people who fought for us. It is important to remember those who served because they fought for us and their freedoms too. When we think of he roes we think of guardians, soldiers, rela tives, educators, health care workers, and

“I am thankful for everyone who chooses to put themselves second in order to create a better place for the members of our community, society and world.”

James Dunkelberger

people who keep us safe. We should always remember our heroes and thank them every day.”

Fifth-grader Ava Pili wrote: “Cou rageous, serve, honor, brave, protect,

and willing. These are all the words that describe our amazing military men and women.” While Ava doesn’t have a family member who is active in the service now, she told McMillan’s guests: “Thank you

for the freedoms we enjoy and for showing us what bravery is. Your sacrifice and ser vice should not and will not be forgotten.”

Suzie (last name and grade withheld) said she was grateful to be an American.

“Being an American means to be free and united as one country,” she said. “Be cause of veterans, we are free. It is our duty to celebrate and express gratitude for the brave men and women who have fought and who continue to fight for our country, the United States of America.”

The assembly concluded with the en tire student body singing, “God Bless the USA.”

“The kids are just belting it out, hon oring them, singing their little hearts out,” Pili said. “It's a beautiful way to end the program and a great way for our students to express their gratitude through music and words. It’s a very touching tribute.”

Woodstock Elementary, Murray, Granite School District

Woodstock Elementary students in vited veterans in their lives to attend their after-school program that also featured a PowerPoint slide presentation of those who are serving or served in the Armed Forces.

“It tugs at my heart,” said fifth-grade teacher Kate Axtell, who has family mem bers who have served in the military. “When the kids sing the ‘Armed Forces Medley,’ the little old men stand up and are crying. The kids are crying back at the vet

erans because they can't believe how much it means to them. Afterward, the kids say it’s the coolest thing they’ve ever done.”

The program also featured songs from World War I, such as “Over There,” “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” and “Till We Meet Again” and World War II songs, including “Sentimental Journey.”

Sprinkled into the program were some of the 90 fifth-graders sharing their thanks and appreciation to the veterans for the service. Axtell, who has coordinated the program three times, said the students re hearsed for two months, tying it into their curriculum of learning American history.

“They’ve learned about the different wars, and we talked about the music we sang and what it meant. I showed them where Tipperary is and we talked about it, we talked about the trenches, and they know the history of Armistice Day being the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Great War ended,” Axtell said. “We’re wanting our students to think about their lives and have them understand the sacrifice and service.”

As part of the school’s celebration, third-graders wrote thank you letters to veterans and were sharing them with those in a local veteran’s hospital as well as one in California. The school’s PTA decorated for the celebration and provided refresh ments. l

WHERE THERE IS GRIEF, THERE IS GREAT LOVE

Grief is an individual journey with a path as unique as each one of us. To o er support and hope, we provide various Grief Support Services for those who are mourning a recent or past loss.

Call or go to Jenkins-Soffe.com and click on Resources then Grief & Healing.

McMillan Elementary first-grader Amelia Jarman stands alongside her uncles, National Guard Staff Sgt. Christian Davis, on the left, and Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Thompson at the school’s Veterans’ Day assembly. (Photo courtesy of McMillan Elementary)

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

Attorney 801-264-2640

Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2432

Cemetery 801-264-2637

City Council ............................. 801-264-2603

Finance Department 801-264-2513

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2781

Non-Emergency Calls 801-840-4000

General Information ................ 801-264-2525

Senior Recreation Center 801-264-2635

Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656

Library 801-264-2580

Mayor’s O ce .......................... 801-264-2600

Municipal Court 801-284-4280

Museum .................................. 801-264-2589

Murray Park Outdoor Pool 801-266-9321

Murray Parkway Golf Course 801-262-4653

PARKS AND RECREATION

Administrative O ce 801-264-2614

Rain-out Information ......... 801-264-2525

The Park Center ....................... 801-284-4200

Passports 801-264-2660

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce 801-264-2673

Animal Control/SL County .. 385-468-7387

Code Enforcement 801-264-2673

Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000

POWER DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce 801-264-2730

After Hours Emergency ....... 801-264-9669

PUBLIC SERVICES

Administrative O ce 801-270-2440

Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431

Green Waste Trailers 801-270-2440

Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2420

Solid Waste 801-270-2440

Water, Sewer, Streets .......... 801-270-2440

Zoning Enforcement 801-270-2426

UTILITIES

After Hours Emergency ....... 801-264-9669

Billing Questions 801-264-2626

murray.utah.gov

Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful… Mayor’s Message

Soon enough, the snow will y in Murray! Rest assured that Murray Public Works is already planning for the inclement weather. Here are some of the activities that will spin up into action and some of the things residents can do and must do when the snow starts piling on the sidewalks and driveways.

Murray City Rules:

SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES;

PROHIBITED:

A. It is unlawful to park, leave or abandon a motor vehicle on any streets after one hour from the commencement of snowfall until the completion of snow removal operations on the street.

B. A violation of this section is an infraction. A vehicle in violation of this section may be impounded.

REMOVAL OF SNOW BY ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNERS:

A. It is unlawful for the owner, occupant, lessee, or agent of any property abutting on any paved sidewalk to fail to remove or cause to be removed from such paved sidewalk, all hail, snow or sleet falling thereon within twenty-four (24) hours after such hail, snow or sleet has ceased falling.

B. Any violation of this section is an infraction. A separate o ense shall be deemed to be committed on each day an o ense occurs or continues.

OBSTRUCTING RIGHT OF WAY WITH SNOW:

• Pre-treatment Before a Storm – If a storm is forecast, the Street Department will deploy trucks to spray a brine treatment on all main roads, secondary roads, roads with hills and around schools.

• Deployment of Plows – The Streets, Water, Sewer and Stormwater Departments are all called into action for snow removal.

• On-Call Schedule - The Street Department has someone on-call (24) hours a day. During business hours, plows are deployed accordingly depending on snow fall. After-hours and holidays, the police department contacts power central to dispatch the Streets on-call person. The on-call person then contacts the Street Superintendent and deploy salters to salt main roads, secondary roads, roads with hills and around schools. Once there is snow accumulation of approximately 2-3 inches on residential roadways, the Street Superintendent will callout all personnel of the Streets, Water, Sewer, and Stormwater departments to clear all roadways of snow.

• Sidewalk Crews - We also deploy (3) sidewalk crews with set routes to clear sidewalks on bridge overpasses and many public sidewalks throughout the city.

• Street Parking - Residents need to have their vehicles o the street within (1) hour of the start of a snowstorm and continue until snow removal operations are complete.

• Sidewalk Clearing - Snow needs to be removed from sidewalks within (24) hours after the storm has ceased.

• Residents can best help our e orts by:

• Removing all vehicles and trailers of the roadway when a storm is forecasted.

• Keep parked vehicles o the roadway during the storm and until the city has completed the removal snow from their streets.

• Shovel, blow or push snow onto grass areas NOT into the roadway. (Snow melts into grass or unpaved areas and helps recharge our ground water).

What follows is a reminder of the laws and rules to keep in mind.

A. It is unlawful to place snow removed from private property, sidewalks, drive approaches or other public places in a street or any other public way.

B. A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.

When a storm is forecasted, to remind residents we will put this on social media:

Message from the Council CITY COUNCIL

Introductions Are In Order...

As I wrap up my service on the Council, I re ect on the progress we have made. Murray has never been a city to settle for the status quo when there is room for improvement. This is why I started Murray’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force - to study whether all residents feel safe, welcome, and included in all public spaces and community events. During those meetings we heard many wonderful things that Murray is already doing to reach out to and include marginalized communities. We also heard examples of how we can do better. With that in mind, On November 1st, Mayor Hales introduced the Council to Conlon Bonner - Murray’s new DEI consultant.

THE PARK CENTER HOURS

THE PARK CENTER HOURS

DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Diversity is the individuals who make up our community. Equity is when each person has equal access. Inclusion means everyone can show up safely as themselves without fear of persecution, judgment, or violence.

Monday - Friday 5:30am - 9pm Saturday 7am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

DEI at its root is about kindness, informed policies, and practices. Treat others as you would like to be treated. This seems so simple it might seem silly to have to hire a consultant to specialize in it. However, it wasn’t until 1964 the Civil Rights Act outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. That means discrimination not only regularly occurred but was approved by the government until only 58 years ago. Many laws and traditions were started in a time when not everyone was welcome to participate. Untangling those policies and community norms

Monday - Friday 5:30am - 9pm Saturday 7am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

from habits of exclusion take time and purposeful work.

Choosing inclusion can take on many forms, like education. When a child is bullied in the school cafeteria for the tamales in their lunchbox, a teacher may respond by reading the book “Too Many Tamales” by Gary Soto. This isn’t to make children with PB&Js in their lunch feel bad. It’s an e ort by an educator to make a child feel welcome and seen. It’s an e ort to teach the entire class about a food and culture they may not be familiar with.

Council District 1 Kat Martinez 385-743-8766 kat.martinez@murray.utah.gov

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

THE PARK CENTER

THE PARK CENTER

The CDC released a report stating that “one in four teenagers who identi ed as LGBTQ+ said they attempted suicide during the rst half of 2021”. When there is a pride ag visible in a public space, that sends a message. That message says to LGBTQ+ members of our community that they are welcome and safe. It says, “we’re glad you’re here!” It tells people that when we say “we are Murray” we mean you too. Inclusion can save lives.

Saturday, Dec 24 7am-2pm Sunday, Dec. 25 CLOSED Saturday, Dec 31 7am-3pm Sunday, Jan. 1 9am-2pm Monday, Jan. 2 5:30am-9pm

When Murray puts images on social media that include Alt Text (a description of the image) it sends a message to residents who are blind that they aren’t forgotten. That the city wants to include them in their communication, because they matter.

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

Saturday, Dec 24 7am-2pm Sunday, Dec. 25 CLOSED Saturday, Dec 31 7am-3pm Sunday, Jan. 1 9am-2pm Monday, Jan. 2 5:30am-9pm

I invite you to enthusiastically welcome e orts to make Murray more inclusive to everyone. Remember: rights, inclusion, and access aren’t like pie - more for those have been historically marginalized, doesn’t mean less for someone else. There is plenty of inclusion to go around. And when in doubt, start with kindness.

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

Kat Martinez, District 1

Kat Martinez

District 1

NOVEMBER 2022

Murray Senior Recreation Center

10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107

801-264-2635

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

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday

Check our website for any changes in programs.

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, Dec. 12 – Cactus Cola (country rock)

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; no appointment needed, open to all ages, 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, Dec. 16

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

Date: Monday, Dec. 19

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free; register now

VITAL AGING: NAVIGATING TECHNOLOGY

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20

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

THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE

Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays

Date: Thursdays

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $5

EXERCISE

Daily Exercise Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule

HEALTH SERVICES

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC by Harmony Home Health

Date: Thursday, Dec. 8

Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon

Cost: Free; no appointment necessary

HEARING SCREENING

Date: Mondays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; advance appointment required

HAIRCUTS

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $10; advance appointment required

MASSAGE THERAPY

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20 half-hour $40 hour; appointment required

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 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free

Murray Arts Beat

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

Storytelling Residencies are a great opportunity and fun way for children, teens, and adults, to develop story writing and storytelling skills! Murray City Cultural Arts hold residencies each year, where participants are taught by professional storytellers. Finalists from each residency will be invited to tell at the Murray City Showcase, April 22, 2023. As residencies are scheduled, updates will be made on our webpage at: www.murray.utah.gov/ 1293/Murray-Storytelling-Showcase

Questions or interested in participating in a Storytelling Residency, please email klindquist@murray.utah.gov

Murray Park Center turns 20

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In 2002 Utah welcomed the sporting world to the Olympics; that same year, Murray welcomed sports to its brand-new Murray Park Center. To note this anniversary, the Park Center invites the public to check out the facil ity and celebrate with them.

“We are excited to announce on Saturday, Dec. 3, we will have a free admission day to the Park Center,” Murray City Recreation Di rector Soni Hirasuna said. “Please come and join us anytime between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. We encourage you to make an extra effort to join us from 3 to 5 p.m. for our two-hour event op portunities. We will have numerous activities scheduled for youth and adults to participate in and get their passports stamped for a chance in our drawing with great prizes. We will have fit ness class samplers, carnival games in the gym, and a ducky derby in the leisure pool. We will also have staff available to take groups on tours of the facility and see if the Park Center can benefit their lives.”

Much was uncertain when the Park Cen ter opened. At the time, most indoor recreation programs utilized nearby schools.

“Within our facility, the community has really appreciated the large gymnasium that features two full-size basketball courts and three full-size volleyball courts. It’s hard to close the building at night because the mem bers want to keep playing. The gymnasium also features programming for pickleball, sports camps, preschool programs, basketball, and adult volleyball leagues,” Hirasuna said.

However, the Park Center has had to face unique challenges. A significant focus of the center is swimming pools and offering swim lessons. The center’s aquatics programming in cludes swim teams and meets, water aerobics, water polo, Splashball, and open plunge and lap swimming hours.

“Finding space and time to program ev erything the community wants and deserves continues to be a challenge. Everyone attend ing the Park Center is unique and has different interests and reasons for attending our facility. We strive to program the building for all ages

and ability levels while maintaining plenty of nonscheduled hours for members to utilize the facility without areas being closed for pro gramming. During the summer, we operate three pools, so the need for lifeguards is always a concern to keep our pools open and our pub lic safe,” Hirasuna said.

According to Park Center Director Jen nifer Leitner, “Our attendance is picking up, the center is livelier and more energetic, and our staff is looking at adding new equipment and opportunities for the public. We have 64% of our members utilize the center between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. We get a wave of members before work around 6 a.m. and after work between 5-6 p.m.”

Throughout its existence, the Park Center has depended on annual memberships. While COVID caused the center to close, they have since rebounded and recorded a 14% increase in yearly memberships.

So, what does the future hold for the Park Center?

“Currently, there is no funding in place for expansion. However, we need to expand, including another gymnasium and more pro gramming space (open rooms). This was in cluded and verified in the Parks and Recreation master plan. We are hopeful that funding will become available in the near future for expan sion,” Murray City Parks and Recreation Di rector Kim Sorenson said.

Hirasuna hopes residents will take the time to learn about this community asset.

“The best way to learn is to come and par ticipate in what the Park Center has to offer that interests you. Visualize yourself utilizing our amenities while creating long-lasting healthy fitness habits, creating great relationships, and successfully attaining your goals,” Hirasuna said. “When you come, our staff will take you on a no-pressure guided tour while answering any questions you may have. Visit us at www. murray.utah.gov, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, email or call any of the staff to learn more information.” l

Chichi Eke-Ukoh and Adam Dansie man the Park Center’s front desk. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Navigating Grief and the Holidays

By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW

The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness.

As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some find meaning in following cherished traditions, and others benefit from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people find great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.

Plan ahead for the holidays: The first step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology.

Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have significantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you.

Accept that the holidays will be different this year: The holidays are often filled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and find a balance between continuity and change. Many people find a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died.

Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are different from yours. You all may need to make compromises.

If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new.

For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal significance or not, it can be a season in which we reflect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.

Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and the Director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program. Caring Connections is a not-for-profit program that offers clinician-facili tated grief support groups in Utah. 801-585-9522 healthcare.utah.edu/caring-connections www.LarkinCares.com

‘Wander-ful’ Haunted Tales student writers honored with certificates

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Fifty-four students in Murray recently entered their hair-raising, ghastly, sin ister stories and poems in the city’s annual Haunted Tales writing contest, where readers found themselves facing ghosts and ghouls in haunted woods and corn mazes.

Several stories emerged as winners in several categories. They are: “Monsters Creeping” by Emmy L. (surnames withheld), fifth grade, Horizon Elementary and Leah F., ninth grade, Utah Connections, in poet ry; “The Haunted Sleepover” by Clara N., fifth grade, Grant, short story; “The Young Girl and the Cat” by Eleanor W., eighth grade, Riverview Junior High, short story; “The Doll Maker” by Ellen C., fourth grade, Woodstock Elementary, long story; “Camp ing in the Woods!” by Joe M., fifth grade, Viewmont Elementary, long story; “The Great Halloween Escape” by Lucy H., sev enth grade, Hillcrest Junior High, long story; “The Monster in the Corn Maze” by Victoria W., ninth grade, Riverview Junior High, long story; “Possessed by My Nightmares” by Fa ble B., ninth grade, Riverview Junior High, long story; “Hallo the Ghost” by Jade M., fourth grade, Viewmont Elementary, picture book; and “The Little Witch” by Kit W., 10th grade, Murray High School, picture book.

Winning students were recently recog nized at a ceremony at Murray Senior Cen ter. Those entries will be kept in the city’s collection, said Katie Lindquist with the cul tural arts and history division.

“Writing is a very important skill to learn, and it leads toward public speaking and creativity,” Lindquist said. “We want to encourage all forms of art. We like to hold the writing competitions during the school year to encourage teachers to have their kids participate so as the Murray City Arts Advi

sory Board and cultural arts division, we can support students.”

One teacher who regularly encourages her students to participate is Ginger Shaw, who instructs fourth grade at Grant Elemen tary.

“We all work on practicing using their quotations skills in the assignment, but then it’s up to them to enter it in the contest, which I definitely encourage,” Shaw said. “Students can practice their computer skills, or they can write it by hand and add some creativity to it. I think it’s a great way for them to be excited about writing and it gives our students the opportunity to be creative at the same time.”

With a change of deadline this fall, Shaw’s students missed it, but Lindquist still recognized the students in their classroom, awarding them certificates and pencils from the Murray Museum they recently visited.

“There's a lot of creativity in your en tries and your drawings to accompany your writing really helped bring in the visual, which was super fun,” Lindquist told stu dents. “I remember a janitor was turned into a floating ghoul. Hopefully your janitor here doesn't actually turn into one as that would be scary. In another story, one character helped a skeleton who got stuck on the rock, and they became friends at the end. The sto ries were fun, and I want to encourage you to please keep writing. It's really good to write not just to learn sentence structure and gram mar, but also because sometimes the only way to express yourself is through writing or drawing, so keep them both up.”

In the spring, Murray City will hold an other writing competition, Cotton Tales, with the theme this year being fairies and magical creatures. l

Katie Lindquist, with Murray City’s cultural arts and history division, hands certificates to students for their “wander-ful” entries in the Haunted Tales writing contest. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Scoop the poop at school playgrounds: ‘We’re not your dog park’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Near Murray, there are off-leash dog parks in Taylorsville, Sandy, Draper, West Jordan and Salt Lake City, to name a few, but dogs are not allowed off-leash in Murray School District’s playgrounds.

“People are here at the school, and they start out with their dogs on their leash and then they just let them go,” McMillan Elementa ry secretary Teresa Bigelow said. “If people would just clean up, it would be really lovely, but it's not happening. It's not just at McMillan. All of the schools in Murray, and probably ev erywhere, are having problems with it.”

In nearby Canyons School District, East Midvale Community Schools Facilitator Shel ley McCall said pet owners not scooping the poop is a problem.

“We have a significant issue at East Mid vale which flares its ugly head when kids step in it,” she said. “I had three students yesterday come into my office for new shoes and pants. We do have ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs posted just because dog owners aren’t responsibly picking up after their dogs and the kids are pay ing the consequence.”

In Murray District, signs posted direct dog owners that their pet needs to be leashed and any feces should be immediately picked up.

Bigelow said in addition to health, safety and environmental concerns, it also is an emo

tional one.

“When kids have stepped in it or they're playing ball and they fall in it, they usually end up with it on their shoes or clothes. It's pretty devastating when a student falls in it or it's all over their shoes. Kids don’t just say, ‘Eww, gross.’ It’s emotionally upsetting to them. They don't know they've stepped in it, then they come back into the classroom and it's on the carpet. Our custodians are having to clean carpets. Then, the kids need a change of clothes because it's all over their pants, so we help them; we have extra stuff here for them to change into. It involves all of us—the custodians, the princi pal, the teachers, me, whoever, needing to clean it up, and assuring the students it’s all going to be OK,” she said.

While Bigelow said the doogie doo has been a problem for a while, it has increased the past few years. The situation also isn’t just a neighbor or two allowing their dogs off leash either, she said.

“People will drive up, park their cars and get out and let their dogs roam. Murray doesn't have a dog park so there are not a lot of places for people that live in apartment complexes and different places like that to take their dogs and let them off the leash. They throw the ball way out in the field and there's no way for them to possibly be able to see where their dogs go ev

ery single time. It would be one thing if they just cleaned up, but they’re not,” Bigelow said, who owns a dog herself. “This is not a dog park. We want to make the public aware so hopefully,

we'll have a few less kids sliding in it. All we ask is to be responsible dog owners and clean up.” l

Dog owners are to clean up after their pets after exercising them on Murray School District play grounds. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Comcast celebrates the launch of SheMoney’s Spend program

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

When ComcastRISE was launched to support women-owned small busi nesses, Comcast committed $1 billion to programs that would affect 50 million people. ComcastRISE, which stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment, helps business owners get access to tools and funding they need to thrive.

In early November, Comcast spon sored the opening of SheMoney’s Spend program, inviting conscious consumerism to support women+ business owners in their wealth creation journey.

SheMoney, a content platform dedicat ed to financial equity, is a sister brand to ShePlace, a network designed to help mem bers build social capital through resource sharing and opportunities for worldwide collaboration.

Madison Limansky, COO of ShePlace, worked in the fashion industry and produc tion for 17 years. After receiving a degree in gender studies from the University of Utah, it changed her perception of the fash ion world and she revolutionized the way companies approach representation through media campaigns.

Limansky joined forces with ShePlace founder Jacki Zehner to build a program

that takes networking to a new level, with a focus on collaborative success.

“We believe that social capital is a cru cial ingredient to financial success. What we want to do at ShePlace is provide dig ital and in-person space where people can connect in a way that goes beyond industry and socioeconomic status,” Limansky said. “Research shows when looking at what makes a community vibrant for upward mo bility, what’s most important is friendships that connects people across a socioeconom ic spectrum.”

ShePlace is a network where individ uals and groups can share opportunities and challenges and have the opportunity to coordinate efforts. Approximately 70% of ShePlace members are based in Utah, but the platform includes women+ from 28 states and 13 countries. It encompasses nonbinary or gender fluid individuals and is intentionally inclusive of people that don’t identify on the binary spectrum.

The SheMoney brand gives women the ability to learn about and control financial resources. While money can’t buy happi ness, it can help provide resources like ac cess to counseling services, fitness classes, networking opportunities and more.

Through its custom framework called

the 7 Money Moves, SheMoney delves into the actions a person can take with money. Whether it’s spending, saving, investing, protecting, giving, borrowing or earning, SheMoney offers women a chance to un derstand and control their financial security.

“If we can make a difference in a per son’s financial wellness, that has the poten

tial to impact every area of their well-be ing,” Limansky said. “If you can’t afford a therapist or live in a home with access to clean water or take time for a spiritual practice, money has the ability to impact all areas of your life.”

Spend is the first targeted focus of the SheMoney platform and brings together 70

PA and MI. Expires 12/31/22.

EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2022

At a launch party in November, sponsored by Comcast, SheMoney launched its Spend program to support women+ business owners. (Photo courtesy of The Ahfuas)

small business owners across 10 categories, including business services, art, food, beau ty and health. SheMoney hopes to inspire conscious spending and intentional support for women+ owned businesses and create social change.

“We started with Spend because it’s something everyone can participate in im mediately,” she said. “If we spent every dollar in a more intentional way to support women and people of color, that could make a huge impact in the financial landscape of Utah.”

Historically, Utah has been a diffi cult place for women economically but the Spend experiment could be the first step to ward addressing change in a healthy, longterm way.

“We hope to be an aggregator of the resources readily available to business own ers,” Limansky said. “It’s about economic connectedness among the business owners and accessing resources like knowing which type of capital is most effective for your business, or understanding when is it time to grow and scale your business.

“Comcast not only provided a cash sponsorship for the launch event, they also provided a lot of photo and video coverage for this event. That was such an extraordi nary gift and an asset to us as a small com pany just getting started.”

Visit sheplace.com and comcastrise. com for more information. l

On Dec. 10, about 100 high school stu dents from across the Salt Lake Valley will compete with their schools in the Robot Bucket Brigade, hosted by Academy of Math, Engineering and Science and Cottonwood High robotics teams.

“We can never know what the new of ficial FRC (FIRST robotics competition) game will be, so instead we look at the previous game,” said Douglas Hendricks, AMES robotics coach and physics and en gineering teacher. “We design our informal December game so that teams can fairly easily repurpose their robot from the pre vious FRC game to fit a slightly different set of circumstances. However, we always include a new element too.”

The concept of this year is that a wild fire is raging, and robots are needed to help extinguish it. Pretending the balls are water, the robots can shoot balls directly at the fire or they can place buckets into a cargo bay that represent loads of fire retardant that will later be dispersed. Since fire retardant is a more effective fire suppressant than wa ter is, placing a bucket on a peg will earn more points than will shooting balls at the ball targets, Hendricks said.

The rules are simplified as well so rookie teams can participate with “a very simple robot that can do nothing more

Robots to the rescue

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

than drive around (without shooting or lift ing anything) can still earn at least a few points,” he said.

At the same time, students learn the same skills they will need during the season, which kicks off in January. That includes mechanical design, mechanical fabrication, electrical design, electrical assembly, soft ware development, and strategizing the best way to put it all together, with consideration of “the constraints they face and given the

various ways points can be earned,” he said.

The preseason game not only prioritiz es students commitment to their own team, it helps form and solidify bonds between teams in the sense of FIRST’s “cooperti tion”—a cooperative competition between teams.

“There's much more sharing of infor mation and ideas now than there had been before we started doing these preseason competitions,” Hendricks said. l

Now you c a n fi na l ly have a l l of t he soot h ing benefit s of a rela x ing wa rmbat h, or enjoy a c onvenient ref re sh ing shower wh i le se ated or st a nd ing w it h Sa fe Step Wa l k-In Tub ’ s FR E E S howe r Pa c k a ge !

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AMES and Cottonwood High will host a high school robotics competition this December, similar to the one shown here that was held in 2019. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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Salt Lake County Library Services to increase tax rate

By Zak Sonntag | z.sonntag@mycityjournals.com

Salt Lake County Library Services is set to bump its tax levy in 2023 in re sponse to inflationary pressure, as well as ad dress delayed maintenance while maintaining and expanding offerings at its 18 branches.

Under the proposal the average Salt Lake County home, valued around $560,000, would see an increase of $30 per year for a total annu al outlay of $149 to support the library services. The hike will be put to a vote on Dec. 6, and if passed will increase the County Library budget by 25%.

Library officials say the increase is needed to offset inflationary pressure; the library ser vices has seen a compounded 30% increase in expenses since its last tax adjustment in 2012.

“Every business has to deal with (infla tion), and they’ll work through it by constantly raising prices. But as a municipality, we don’t have that option. Anytime we want to raise more money, it has to be through the Truth in Taxation process,” said Sara Neal, marketing and communications manager for Salt Lake County Library Services, speaking about the state law that lays out how government bodies can raise taxes.

The library services has absorbed cost increases through new efficiencies like system automation along with staffing changes and deferred maintenance. However, maintenance needs have continued to mount, and leaders say they cannot continue to put repairs off.

High on the priority list is the West Val ley branch, whose derelict boilers have a pen chant to leave patrons and staff in the cold, and whose limited facility space fails to meet the needs of a modern library user.

“Their boilers are 50 years old at this point. There not made any more and we can’t get parts for them. If that system failed and we had to replace it the cost is huge. But would you invest that much money in an old building that doesn’t serve the needs of the community anyway?” said Neal, who anticipates a brandnew West Valley facility is on the way with the

help of new tax dollars.

Neal says the county is also looking to replace or renovate older, smaller libraries in its service area, including the Tyler branch in Midvale, the Whitmore branch in Cottonwood Heights, and the Sandy branch. The renova tions will help modernize the facilities in ways that meet community needs.

Neal points to the success of the Granite Branch, opened in 2022, which stands in high contrast to the libraries of yore.

“At Granite we have creative space for people who want to explore technology tools that they might not have access to otherwise. They have study rooms that are always being used because people need spaces like that. It’s fun to see how a library can really serve the different needs of people in the neighborhood,” Neal said.

In this way Salt Lake County has become home to one of the most popular library sys tems in the nation, with over two-thirds of the 837,000 people in its service area designated as “active library card users,” defined as a patron who utilizes a library service during a threeyear period.

“There are about 9,000 library systems in North America, and we’re usually about num ber 13 or so,” Neal said.

According to Neal, the county system cir culates 12 million items—close to 80% of them physical items like books and audiobooks and the remainder digital items like e-audiobooks.

The service’s popularity is driven in part by the county’s expanding population, which has grown by 13% in the last decade.

Some county residents—including those in Murray and Salt Lake City, who have their own city library systems—are not impacted by the county library tax in order to prevent “dual taxation,” even as reciprocal borrowing agree ments allow residents to hold cards in all three systems simultaneously. l

A patron enters the Whitmore Library. (File photo Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

Murray schoolchildren discover their community’s history while learning about Utah

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

During his class visit to the Murray Museum, Grant Elementary fourth-grad er Konnor Boddy learned how pioneers came to the area with handcarts, got water from Little Cottonwood Creek for their crops and traded their supplies with each other.

“I learned the kids worked as hard as the grown-ups,” he said. “The pioneers’ crops were mostly grain and there was a lot of hard labor involved back then. It’s evolved; we’ve gotten smarter.”

During their class field trip, the students learned about the impact the Great Salt Lake had on the settlers’ crops, how Native Ameri cans hunted with bows and arrows and fished along the Jordan River, and about the games children played—and they learned about the Mormon crickets.

“The settlers were excited about their crops, but swarms of crickets came and de stroyed a lot of them—until the seagulls came and helped to save enough for the pioneers to eat,” Konnor said.

As they moved around the museum, they completed a scavenger hunt that had items to check off from a Pony Express marker to ore samples to a musket to a pair of boxing gloves.

When they saw a washboard on display, their teacher, Ginger Shaw, told them that she had used one before. When the museum do cent held up a wringer to squeeze the water out of clothes, students guessed it was a de vice to make spaghetti or paper.

“Pioneer children did the laundry as well as planted and picked the crops on top of their other chores and schooling,” the docent told them.

Fourth-grader Kensley West learned

they also ironed their clothes with a heavy metal iron and was excited to learn about shoemaking.

“My grandpa made shoes that way,” she said.

The Grant students also learned that some students wrapped themselves in blan kets and rode to school in a horse-drawn cut ter sleigh, like the one the Erekson family do nated. They learned their school district was formed in 1905 and saw early artifacts like an attendance record book and a slate and chalk.

The fourth-graders also learned about how the city moved away from being an agricultural community to a booming smelt er town—and how it has changed since the smokestacks were demolished.

“That’s how Murray High got its colors of black and orange, from the black soot and slag and burning color in the smelters,” their teacher said.

Much of Murray’s history can be found at the museum, Shaw said.

“The history of Murray comes alive through the artifacts and stories found here at the Murray Museum,” she said. “This gives the students a chance to learn what it was like and how it has changed. We learn about Utah history in fourth grade, so it’s import ant to learn the story of our own community where some of their relatives may have lived. It gives them a greater appreciation of Utah and our diversity.”

To further tie in their study of the state, the class also has plans to study Utah’s coun ties before hosting a county fair in January and travel to This is the Place Heritage Park and the state capitol in the spring. l

Grant Elementary fourth-grade students learned about the community’s history at the Murray Museum. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Hillcrest-Riverview students bonded over flag football game

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Junior High ninth-grader Taylor Shelton likes to hang out and play differ ent sports with his buddies, many of whom at tend the crosstown junior high, Riverview.

Hillcrest

“I thought it would be cool if we did a game versus the two schools,” he said about the two junior highs that feed into Murray High. “We could build a better relationship before high school, starting with a fun friendly rivalry game.”

Shelton, who serves on Hillcrest’s student council, shared the concept with his adviser, Brecken Gnehm.

“Initially, it started as a small idea. Then, it turned into this huge thing—like super cool,” Shelton said. “I didn’t think there was going to be a ton of people like there was. I thought it would be pretty mellow, just a small chill game. It turned out to be perfect, way better than I expected.”

Fans lined up to purchase $5 tickets for “Battle of the Freshmen,” even though tickets were available ahead of time for purchase.

While there was a lot of effort and fun happening on the field and sidelines that day, much of the hard work was done months be forehand.

“We, our student council-SBO (student body officer) class, had a lot of planning to do. I went to a few PTA meetings with a lot of the people and administrators since we turned it into a fundraiser to help our school,” Shelton said.

Gnehm said that for the first couple months of the school year, her class of 29 stu dents has been devoted to the project, even working after school and weekends.

“They were contacting businesses for donations, working with Riverview to make videos encouraging people to come and how to behave appropriately at a game, and we ac tually put together a spirit week with activities leading up to the game,” she said. “COVID really hit all schools hard, so we’re just begin ning to see some normalcy, and we wanted to make it a week which students looked forward to, making school a fun place they wanted to be at and foster school spirit. A lot of kids I spoke with who weren’t even a part of the game or they weren’t on Dance Co., weren’t an SBO or on our student council, they came to watch and said it was the ‘funnest thing I’ve ever done in school.’ A lot of our students were involved in one way or the other whether it was planning or volunteering at the game or being there and watching it. Most of the staff at both schools came to volunteer their time and support the kids.”

Shelton said he and his peers went around Murray businesses “and they gave us some money and donations of many things: a Nike gift card, Nike Dunks (shoes), a really cool new bike, a ton of gift cards from restaurants, and all kinds of cool things. We had a raffle for

them at the game,” he said.

Gnehm said she was impressed with her students writing a fundraising letter, delivering it in person, meeting with businesses, and fol lowing up with them.

“It was really cool because students were at the center of this whole event, not parents, not staff; it was the kids. They called the businesses, they went there, they planned the events, they marketed the game, and they were 100% rock stars,” she said, adding that the stu dent leaders also organized the tailgate games and activities in the end zone prior to kickoff.

Hillcrest’s dance company also stepped up to create routines and cheers for students, Gnehm said, even being part of the pep assem bly right before the game.

Hillcrest Junior High ninth-grader Taylor Shelton, who came up with the idea of a rivalry flag football game, holds the winning trophy. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Shelton)

Hillcrest Junior High flag football team races onto the field to play Riverview Junior High in a friend ly rivalry game. (Photo courtesy of Instagram @ bradenkram)

“It was really cool that the dance compa ny offered to choreograph a halftime routine; they’re middle schoolers, and this is not some thing that they’re used to doing. They jumped in, made a halftime dance, because they said, ‘we had halftime show,’” she said.

Gnehm said that before everything got rolling, she reached out to her science teaching peer, Taylor Bly, at Riverview, who got every one on board there, and oversaw her students work together on the promo video with Hill crest to organizing a student pep group.

“I had a random group of students, some SBOs and just some kids who volunteered to help out, and they spray painted a raptor claw on some shirts to throw out into the crowd,” she said. “They came up with different cheers and made posters and signs. The whole time, they did a great job, keeping the crowd cheering and getting our students really excited, jumping up and down on the sidelines. It was really fun.”

Bly said that much of the entire event was student-lead at both schools.

“I’ve noticed that when I’m teaching, when I let the students come up with the ideas, then I can guide and help them make their ideas happen. They can do miracles when they come up with these ideas themselves,” she said.

She was even inundated with interest in playing.

“Once we showed the video, I had an in flux of ninth-graders charging my room at the end of the day, seriously, to get their packet. The next day when I walked into school, I had five kids running to my room with their packets signed and ready to go,” Bly said, adding that there were about 40 on her team.

Along with a student who volunteered to be a defensive coordinator, the two created plays and held practice during their “Jurassic” or homeroom time a couple times each week for about two weeks prior to the game.

“We split the team into their lines and looked at the strength of each line. We came up with specific plays, opting for passes if a quarterback had an arm that could throw far or shorter plays or running plays if that was their strength,” said Bly, who played flag football intramurals in college. “Some of the students who hadn’t played football got excited and I could see their confidence growing. Our whole approach was to go there to have fun. It wasn’t about winning. It was about having a good time as a team.”

At Hillcrest, 32 Hillcrest students signed up to participate, practicing during their “plus” period as well as occasionally after school un der the direction of first-time coach Gnehm and Murray High junior Zach Richter.

“He offered his help with coaching, which was super helpful, but the students stepped up. By the end of the game, the kids were coaching themselves. They were huddling up calling the plays,” she said.

Shelton said that the team had “ton of plays and it worked out really well; so many people on our team scored. We all got equal playing time,” he said.

Gnehm said that almost every person “was given an opportunity to catch the ball or

make a play on the ball, which is the best thing I could ask for. I wanted to make sure everyone felt included and I didn’t even facilitate that during the game. It was just done by the play ers because they wanted to make sure everyone had an opportunity.”

All the flag football players had their names and numbers on their shirts, thanks to a donor who worked with Bly.

“We had so much community support,” Gnehm said. “I’m surrounded by a lot of amaz ing people.”

The Hillcrest fundraiser, which was still being counted at press deadline, brought in several thousand dollars.

Assistant Principal Lia Smith, who was impressed that the event was creating unity be tween the two junior highs before entering high school and had much support from the com munity, said the money raised likely would be used to purchase items students can strive for at the Emporium, Hillcrest’s store that supports students who have been rewarded for positive behavior at school.

“With positive behavior, they can receive a laurel, a coin, and they can use it for school supplies, save it for a Hillcrest hoodie (sweat shirt) or get a bag of chips or whatever might motivate them to be positive members of our community,” she said.

Gnehm said that Hillcrest already has committed to be part of Riverview’s fundraiser, supporting them the same way. At Riverview, there are talks about having another sporting contest this winter or coming spring that would help support the school’s socio-economic chal lenged students with needed items, Bly said.

“I’m hopeful that we get to do something like that because I really think adding this ca maraderie between the two schools will make us feel more of a whole,” Gnehm said. “A lot of them are friends at the two schools. During the game, it was cool because the kids were joking around with each other, and it was all in good fun.”

Hillcrest ended up “schooling” River view, 36-6, which Shelton reminds his friends in jest, but “they don’t take it too seriously. The game was all just for fun. We got to help our school and I loved every part of it. It was just super rad.” l

Fans could purchase snacks in support of their favorite team at the Battle of the Freshmen flag football game. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field Until now Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough . . . a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!”

–Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum so it weighs only 47.2 lbs. It features onetouch folding and unfolding – when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a

backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

Why take our word for it? Call now, and find out how you can get a Zinger of your very own.

Murray complies with legislative demand for more medium-income and higher-density housing

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Murray City Council voted to comply with a new state law that requires cities to zone for more moderate-income housing and high-density projects. At the Sept. 20 city council meeting, the council adopted a resolution outlining five strat egies out of 24 selections identified by House Bill 462.

Zachary Smallwood, senior planner with Murray City Planning, told the coun cil, “So we, through your discussions and working through everything, we came through with these five strategies. So with the overarching goal—which we didn’t change, which was to provide a diversi ty of housing through a range of types and development patterns—to expand the moderate-income housing options avail able to existing and future residents.”

HB 462 requires cities to zone for some moderate-income housing while en couraging more dense housing to be per mitted near public transit hubs. The Utah State Legislature passed this legislation in 2022 to address the housing shortage im pacting Utah’s communities.

Smallwood said, “Major transit in vestment corridors are your Trax lines and your FrontRunner lines, so that it will be around those stations. So an example of higher density means going from an R-1-8 (single-family homes) to an R-1-6 (high er-density housing) that could be a higher density. In all fairness, that doesn’t neces sarily mean that we’re going from R-1-8 to 200 units per acre. Those are two very different things, so this strategy is to have

Zachary Smallwood

us look at that a little bit further and deter mine what we can do to evaluate that and determine if those are adequate numbers where our densities are written…at right now.”

HB 462 requires that municipalities take additional steps to ensure that each city is planning and reducing barriers to moderate-income housing. Moderate in come is defined as those with household incomes less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).

The new legislation requires mu nicipalities to include specific strategies in their general plans’ Moderate Income Housing (MIH) elements. It provides a list of 24 “menu” items to select. HB 462 also requires that cities develop actionable im plementation plans for each of those strat egies and give the state a yearly report of

The Utah State Legislature requires cities to zone for higher-density housing around transit corridors. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

“The overarching goal... is to expand the moderateincome housing options available to existing and future residents.”

the city’s steps to make affordable housing more attainable.

The five strategies are: 1. Demon strate investment in the rehabilitation or expansion of infrastructure that facili tates the construction of moderate-income housing. 2. Create or allow for and reduce regulations related to Internal or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units in residential zones. 3. Amend land use regulations to allow for higher density or new moder ate-income residential development in a commercial or mixed-use zone near major transit investment corridors. 4. Implement a mortgage assistance program for munic ipality employees or employers that pro vides contracted services to the municipal ity or any other public employer within the municipality. 5. Develop and adopt station area plans.

“The Fashion Place West area would probably be the most impacted. I would anticipate this because you know we have MCCD (Murray City Center District) that already allows a certain density. MCMU (center’s mixed-use zoning for Fashion Place West) allows for it, and the center’s mixed-use area allows for pretty signifi cant density. So we just need to evaluate that and determine if it needs more or if there is so mething that it might need dif

ferently,” Smallwood said. “None of this binds your hands to say that you shall in crease these things. It’s that we will look at them.”

Murray City Community and Econom ic Development Director Jared Hall told the council, “You evaluate whether you’re allowing a little more density on your tran sit corridors, and the answer is yes. We al ready are, so this is one of those things we already meet in some ways. We’re looking at changes in the future possibly, but that’s like Zach said; this isn’t us binding your hands to say we’re going to increase densi ties because we’ve already allowed greater densities on our transit corridors than any where else in the city. That’s the intent for the state saying, ‘Hey, city that doesn’t do any of that stuff (which isn’t us) you need to look at your situation and…not waste the opportunity of having transit corridors. That’s where you can handle your densi ty better, so that’s where you should have some density.’ If you’re going to have it, it’s really just trying to direct it to those corridors.”

The resolution passed without opposi tion. l

Fashion Place West Trax Station may see more higher-density housing developments around it. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) Fashion

Former NBA coach hosts winter break basketball camp

By Catherine Garrett | c.garrett@mycityjournals.com

Utah native Barry Hecker, who coached in the NBA for more than two decades, including working with current Jazz players Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, will be hosting a basketball camp during the winter school break.

The camp, which will emphasize footwork, passing, dribbling and shoot ing, is scheduled for boys and girls in third through ninth grades from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 27 through 30 at the Sandy City Recreation gym, located at 440 E. 8680 South.

“These camps are all about the ba sic fundamentals of basketball,” Hecker said. “We focus on quality fundamental instruction, we work hard with a lot of discipline and structure and we have a lot of fun. When these kids walk out of there, they know they’ve been taught and improved.”

The cost is $85 and includes a T-shirt for all participants. Registrations are currently open online at www.san dyparksandrec.activityreg.com/selectac tivity_t2.wcs#.

The veteran coach, who lives in Murray, said the values he has learned from his basketball coaching journey— beginning at Oxon Hill High School in

Maryland and spanning through Salt Lake Community College and stints with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, Los An geles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies— are invaluable. Being able to share those principles of hard work, teamwork, un selfishness and persistence, along with the physical skills of the game itself, with others thrills him.

“I don’t care who I coach or when I coach,” Hecker said. “I simply enjoy teaching the game. It’s great to see a smile on someone’s face as they expe rience success. If you help somebody, you’ll be somebody.”

Hecker has conducted clinics all over the world for more than 40 years, including many since his retirement from coaching in the NBA. He said he particu larly enjoys working with the youth.

“If you teach skills, that leads to confidence and that confidence can al low anyone to do anything they want,” he said. “I have more fun with young kids than with the pros. In the NBA, you have guys who are making millions and they don’t listen. These kids are making nothing and they’ll listen to you.” l

Former NBA coach Barry Hecker has been teaching the game of basketball for more than 40 years. (Photo by Barry Hecker)

It’s been the focus of petitions, protests and investigations but the animal exhibit at Lagoon, featured on the Wild Kingdom Train, continues to house dozens of animals including Bengal tigers, bison, African lions and zebras.

Since 1967, Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington has kept the wild animals on dis play and has received numerous citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the animals’ care. Lagoon’s most recent violation of the Animal Welfare Act was in 2018 when a young elk crawled into a neighboring pen where it was attacked by a bi son. The elk was subsequently euthanized.

Lagoon spokesperson Adam Leishman said the veterinarians and animal caretakers on staff take pride in the work they do. He said many of the animals have indoor closures and heated outdoor spaces to provide comfort during the cold months.

“I can’t stress enough how much care the animals get from the caretakers here, to make sure that they’re safe and healthy,” he said. “They get excellent nutrition and veter inary-recommended diets. Just because we’re closed in the winter doesn’t mean the care stops. I couldn’t and I wouldn’t say what I’m saying if it wasn’t true.”

Amy Meyer, director of the Utah Animal Rights Coalition, said the Lagoon animals have been on her radar for many years, with people often contacting her with concerns about the animals’ care.

Meyer doesn’t understand why the park’s owners won’t send animals to sanctuaries and close the display for good because she thinks the zoo has to be Lagoon’s biggest public rela tions nightmare.

“These majestic animals, especially the big cats, live in small concrete enclosures. These big cats are some of the hardest animals to have in any sort of captivity, let alone some thing that has nothing that resembles their nat ural environment,” Meyer said. “We’ve actual ly coordinated with some global partners who are committed to helping us get those animals to accredited sanctuaries. If Lagoon ever says the word, we would get them to beautiful sanc tuaries.”

Leishman said the park’s owners have never been contacted by wild animal sanctuar ies and added the longevity of the wild animal park at Lagoon is a testament to the type of care the animals receive.

The big cats at Lagoon came from a va riety of places. The Bengal tiger came from a municipal zoo in the Midwest that lost its funding. The mountain lions were being held illegally in a private home, confiscated by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and placed at Lagoon. The African lion was used for a photo op as a cub. As the lion got older, the owners wanted to get rid of it and Lagoon took it in.

Patrick Craig, executive director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colo

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

rado, said they would be willing to take the big cats from Lagoon. Although he hasn’t contact ed the park’s owners directly, the sanctuary has publicly offered to give the cats a home when animal rights groups have tried to persuade La goon to discontinue the display.

“This establishment has had their wildlife train going since the 1960s and it has a long-es tablished history of never providing adequate enclosures for the animals. It is the No. 1 com plaint we receive on a yearly basis, which is saying a lot, given the number of other terrible exhibits that exist in the United States,” Craig said.

He agrees with Meyer that the cats’ en closures are too small, without the benefit of a natural environment. Big cats often suffer from arthritis and other conditions affecting paws and joints when they are kept on con crete. Stress and boredom have an impact on the cats’ mental health, along with being sub jected to the train going past their cages several times a day during the summer.

Meyer thinks the time has come to close the exhibit as people’s attitudes toward animals held in captivity has evolved over the years. She believes Lagoon could turn the closing of the wild animal park into a positive story, with a happy ending for all.

“If they finally said, ‘You know what,

we’re going to shut this down. We started this zoo before we knew what these animals need ed and there are good reputable sanctuaries we can send them to. We’re going to shut this

down and turn it into something people enjoy’ then the UARC would definitely be going to Lagoon to celebrate and finally ride on the roll er coasters.”l

While Lagoon’s spokesperson says the big cats in the wild animal display are well cared for, animal rights groups and sanctuaries disagree and feel now’s the time to close that part of the park’s history. (Photo courtesy of Amy Meyer)

She has walked every street in Murray and documented over 6,000 homes, noting their significance. Still, Korral Broschinsky hopes Murray holds onto one more sig nificant building: Arlington Elementary School, also known as the current city hall. Broschinsky has devoted much time to her hometown, from penning two penultimate books about it to putting notable landmarks on the National Register.

Throughout her life, Broschinsky has intersected with important Murray buildings that are starting to be forgotten. She was born at Cottonwood Maternity Hospital, at tended Arlington Elementary, and was raised in ASARCO Community Center worker housing.

“My parents had remodeled the small frame house with a cinder-block addition to resemble a ranch-style house. I always thought of it as the ugliest house in Murray,” Broschinsky said. “Through the years, I de veloped an ability to easily remember his torical dates and the many places my family visited. I have clear memories of standing on the marble floor of the Murray First Na tional Bank as a preschooler, climbing over the slag heap at the former smelter site to touch the base of the highest smokestack on a dare in the fifth grade, and the view from the condemned balcony of the auditorium at Hillcrest Junior High School after sneaking up there with my classmates. I had a natural interest in historical buildings when I began studying architecture at the University of Utah.”

As one of the first graduates of the new

What’s the story about Murray City Hall? Historian Korral Broschinsky can tell you

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

master’s program in historic preservation at the University of Utah School of Archi tecture, Broschinsky created a preservation consulting business. She has worked in ev ery county in Utah and throughout the Inter mountain Region. She prepared hundreds of National Register of Historic Places nomi nations, including many for property owners taking advantage of federal and state preser vation tax credits.

“I am particularly proud of my work in my hometown. My first substantial project was preparing a National Register nomi nation for the Iris Theater & Apartments (today’s Desert Star Playhouse) and its neighbor to the south, the Warenski-Duvall Building,” Broschinsky said.

Her work in Murray includes five list ings on the National Register as well as the Murray Hillside Historic District in 2014, and most recently, an update and boundary increase for the Murray Downtown Residen tial District.

“I walked every street in Murray, in cluding the annexations, to identify every historic structure built before 1965. These surveys included historical research into Murray’s early history and the city’s ubiq uitous subdivision development in the 1950s and 1960s. The work helped create a data base of nearly 6,000 historic resources that meet the National Register eligibility cutoff of 50 years old,” Broschinsky said.

Murray City School District asked her to write the “Centennial History of the Mur ray City School District, 1906-2006.” In 2015, she wrote a second book on Murray

City, part of the Images of America Series, with photographs mostly assembled from the Murray Museum’s extensive collection.

While Murray City looks forward to a new city hall, Broschinsky hopes to call people’s attention back to the old one. She recently wrote a history about city hall called “The Three Lives of the Arlington Elemen tary School.”

Before the present city hall’s “third life,” the building’s second life was lived as Arlington Elementary School (1940-1980). Its first life was home to the Central School, built in 1899.

“Although the former school building has been altered, it is still significant as a representative of Murray’s stability during The Depression years and growth during the post-war population explosion. The proper ty is a landmark and one of only two green spaces along State Street in Murray. It re mains a vital community space adjacent to historic Murray City Park. The structure is sound and does not need to be restored to its original appearance,” Broschinsky said.

According to Broschinsky, the remod eled city hall won an award for adaptive reuse in 1982. In addition, the remodeled building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in less than a decade.

“My hope is that Murray City will find a new purpose, and a fourth life, for this build ing, one that serves the citizens of Murray, such as an expanded library, continuing ed ucation center, rentable event space, indoor market, etc.,” Broschinsky said. “I believe the city will regret selling the property to a

developer by giving up its prominent State Street frontage, connections to Murray Park, and potential parking space to support the restoration of the Murray Theater. At the very least, the city should partner with a developer who understands the significance of the property and who recognizes the resi dents do not want another out-of-scale high rise. l

Korral Broschinsky penned the “Images of America: Murray” book. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Korral Broschinsky stands in front of the family car with her mother and sister. The “ugliest house in Murray” in the background (circa 1965). (Photo courtesy of Korral Broschinsky)

Korral Broschinsky at her desk in 2021. On-screen is a photograph of a former ASARCO Community Center house that was moved to another part of Murray in 1943. (Photo courtesy of Korral Broschinsky)

Ghosts of Murray’s Christmas shopping past

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

While New York City has the flagship Macy’s store, complete with Santa and Thanksgiving parade, and Salt Lake City has the candy-decorated windows in the Gateway Mall (née ZCMI), Murray too has had its stores that left indelible Christmas memories.

While Murray has had Fashion Place Mall, complete with Santa and festive trim, for 50 years, some longtime Murrayites re member the sights and sounds of Christmas at stores that no longer stand.

“My memories of Christmas in the old downtown Murray as a child in the ’50s are a lot like the beautiful, bustling, glistening small towns of the Hallmark Christmas movies. There was always a big Christ mas tree on the east side of State Street and hanging light decorations strung from pole to pole overhead. There was always a Santa in one of the stores, which always scared me. And seldom did you go shop ping between Grand Central and Penney’s without running into neighbors or someone my family knew,” reminisces Laurie Morris Carlson.

In 1908, James Cash Penney stepped onto Murray’s State Street and opened his eighth Golden Rule Store. Penney was known for his motto, “Not gold. But the Golden Rule.” Within three years, he com bined his stores and collectively the Murray location became the third JCPenney store.

Initially, the store stood near the cor ner of Vine and State Street, then sought a more prominent location in the Iris Build ing, today’s Desert Star Playhouse, 4861 S. State Street. Service was vital, as when you entered, the manager greeted you, and ca

shiers had a Lamson Cash Handling System that whisked away transactions.

Sharon Daniels remembers, “One of my favorite memories of JCPenney’s was when they put the change in the can and sent it up to the office, and the office would resend the can down to the check stand on the wire. Fun to watch as a child.”

Eventually, JCPenney would move two more times before closing its final location at 4859 S. State Street in 1972.

After World War II, the United States was awash in military surplus items and contracted with retailers to sell its back log of coats, boots, ammunition and shov els. Roland Davis, Theron Jolley and Tom Cowley took advantage of this opportunity and opened Allied.

Not exactly the most fashionable mer chandising location, the owners bought the Gillen Brother’s Livery and Feed (6400 S. State Street) and converted it into a store. They posted a giant billboard with a friend ly Army grunt and an actual fighter airplane out front. Over time, the Army fatigues were painted over with blue jeans and a polo shirt, and plastered on the side was their sales jingle: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

While the interior was on par with current warehouse stores, Allied’s tree lot endeared itself to many Murrayites’ Christ mas memories.

“Ah, the smell of the flocked tree room at Allied. Every once in a while, I get a whiff, and it takes me back 40 years and makes me want to buy a flocked Christmas tree,” Becky Hansen Gray said.

“I remember Santa climbing down off

Allied and passing candy canes out to all the kids waiting to see him. I think that they brought him in a helicopter,” Peggy Burch said.

Allied caught fire right before Christ mas in 1993 and closed its doors a few years later.

With the advent of big box stores in the 1960s, Gibson’s Discount Center came to call Murray home (5900 S. State Street). Once part of a vast chain of stores, there are now only four locations left in the nation, the Murray store closed in the 1980s.

Many Murrayites remember the corn dogs sold in the front trailer, but it was also a place where anyone could find the right Christmas present for a good value.

“As a young girl back in the ’60s, my family and I went Christmas shopping at Gibson’s Discount.…I had a dollar to buy something for my dad. I found a small plastic container with screws and was so excited and couldn’t wait for Christmas for him to open it. On Christmas morning, my stomach had butterflies waiting for my turn to give him my gift. Finally, he opened it, and the look on his face was priceless. He made a big deal out of my gift, which I still remember to this day. I laugh now think ing about that small container of nothing, but the joy will always be implanted in my heart,” Brenda Nielsen said.

It has been 20 years since Sears closed its Fashion Place Mall store. One of the original mall’s tenants when it opened in 1972, the company started to shutter stores with the advent of online retail, and cur rently, no Sears exist within Utah; Dillard’s now has its place in the mall.

Still, Sears’ Fashion Place Mall lo cation provided Christmas shoppers their first opportunity to purchase their first ar tificial tree and icicle lights. In addition, they provided Christmas gift wrapping, and customers could open a Christmas layaway account.

May Ann Gallego Davis remembers, “My sweet mom went to Sears at Fashion Place for the first time right after it opened. She was excited to go to Sears so close to our home instead of to SLC. It was a new thing to her. Anyway, she goes in, looks around, buys what she needs, and goes out side to her car. But her car was gone. She walked around but couldn’t find it. She went back inside to call my dad. He drove over, and they went inside. He asked, ‘What did you buy? What do you remember?’ They realized she had walked out on the opposite side of the mall. There was her car, right where she parked it.” l

Allied War Surplus store, circa 1970s. (Photo courtesy Murray Museum)

A pre-World War II parade marches on State Street past J.C. Penney’s, currently the Desert Star Play house. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)

Interior of Murray’s J.C. Penney Store in 1919. Manager A. A. Hiatt stands at the front to greet customers. (Photo courtesy of J.C. Penney Com pany)

100 children get clothes shopping gift for winter

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Christmas came early to 100 kids from the Murray School District. On Saturday, Nov. 12, Ken Garff Automotive employees partnered with Reach Out Today to bus in 100 kids from Title I schools and take them on a shopping spree at Kohl’s.

Each student came with a list of neces sities their parents helped them make. Then, Ken Garff employees took them through the store and bought the items on their list to make it a memorable experience for the kids. The Jazz Bear and dancers joined in as well as some of the Jazz players’ significant others.

According to Ken Garff’s press release, “Employees and Reach Out Today are pas sionate about giving back to the commu nity, especially during the holiday season. Partnering together, they want students in Title 1 schools who may feel invisible to be visible and to know that they matter, too, and are not overlooked, even though they may not have money to buy clothes and ne cessities.”

Reach Out Today, a Utah nonprofit organization, addresses the needs of some of Utah’s most vulnerable families. In ad dition, the nonprofit organization searches for gaps in care for children and families.

They provide food kits and arrange services for needy school district children, such as haircuts. Also, the nonprofit assem bles “Family First Kits” that contain items customized to a child and other things to help the family create memories together, such as gift cards to a restaurant or recre ation center.

Initially, the nonprofit started provid

ing clothing and hygiene packs to students in the Ogden School District. However, they broadened their mission when they learned that many students didn’t have access to es sential items like soap and shampoo.

Ken Garff’s “We’re Hear for You” ini tiative, which began as a two-month project at the beginning of the pandemic to serve community members in need, partnered with Reach Out Today.

In a statement from their press release, “Ken Garff employees loved the service so much that they all agreed to continue, now more than two and a half years later.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our employees to work together to help students in need of clothes and necessi ties,” Ken Garff Community Partnership and Events Manager Emma Checketts said. “Our employees love serving our communi ties, and we’re going to continue the ‘We’re Hear for You’ program to help others.”

The “We’re Hear for You” website states, “Listening is behind everything we do at Ken Garff. And when we say ‘We Hear You,’ we’re not just talking to the customers that come into our dealerships, we’re talking to our entire community. Giv ing back has been an integral part of this company, which is why we created the ‘We’re Hear for You’ program.

“In the spring of 2020, we realized that there was a huge opportunity for us to do even more. Many local businesses, fam ilies, and other organizations needed sup port to get through those uncertain times. Our dealerships and our corporate office got to work, purchasing items from those

businesses, and donating them to families, teachers, first responders, and more. But this was just the beginning of the ‘We’re Hear for You’ program. Since then, we’ve kept the momentum going, working on multiple projects at a time, whether it’s re vitalizing a community center, providing meals and household items for local fami lies in need, buying supplies for teachers, and much more.”

Reach Out Today relies on donations of money or items to make the Family First Kits. In addition to helping school districts, Reach Out Today supports children enter

ing or leaving foster care, which can be hard on kids.

Reach Out Today accepts donations through Venmo: @ReachOutToday. l

The Jazz Bear helps a youngster pick out shoes. (Photo courtesy of Ken Garff Automotive)

The Jazz Bear and dancers help two schoolchil dren pick out clothes. (Photo courtesy of Ken Garff Automotive)

Ken Garff Automotive employees and Jazz Dancers get ready to welcome school children for a shopping spree. (Photo courtesy of Ken Garff Automotive)

Utah cities are becoming more food truck-friendly

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

The Salt Lake area isn’t usually thought of as a top food truck destination, but that might now change thanks to a new state law.

House Bill 146 became effective in May and restricts the ability of a city or county to require a separate business license if the food truck owner already has a valid license in an other Utah community. In other words, it re quires food truck owners to obtain a business license from just one city—not every single municipality or county they want to operate in. Communities around the state are gradual ly amending their codes to be in compliance.

Melissa Anderson from the Community Development Department presented related code amendments to the Sandy City Council on Oct. 25.

“In lieu of a Sandy City business license, mobile food business owners may submit a business license from another political subdi vision in the state,” Anderson said. “The pro posed amendments make it easier to operate a mobile food business in Sandy, consistent with a new state law.”

Among other changes, food truck own ers will also not be required to disclose finan cial information or pay additional fees above the actual cost of processing the neighboring business license. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation, and the amendments were approved at the Sandy City Council meeting Nov. 15.

“The impact will be big,” said Taylor Harris, a founding partner and general man ager of The Food Truck League, a network of gourmet food trucks in Utah. In addition to organizing events, the League works to pro mote, lobby and advocate for the industry.

Harris has been part of a four-year-long process begun by then-Sen. (now Lieutenant Governor) Deirdre Henderson and the Liber tas Institute to create a “food truck freedom” law to reduce regulations.

“Sen. Henderson brought everyone to the table,” Harris said. “What was happening was every city was doing a policy that made sense in isolation, but the compounding ef fects—the way we’re organized geographi cally in Utah—it was just killing trucks and stopping them from being able to run their businesses. So, we came up with a frame work, we tried out a couple different things, and that’s evolved over the last several years and we’ve gotten to this place that’s really a happy home where it works for everybody.”

Harris said the original law has been test ed and improved to the point where now it has become a model for other states.

A statement on the Libertas Institute’s website says that the new law is fair since oth er businesses, including catering companies, are not required to obtain licenses in each city in which they operate.

Though it will take time for every com munity to amend city codes to reflect the law like Sandy has, Harris believes it has already

had a big impact in the day-to-day business of food truck owners and operators.

“Most of the cities we work with are working on it,” Harris said. “In practice they’re implementing it and working on for malizing it. I think for cities there’s this bal ance. They don’t want to lose control over protecting their public, and at the same time, they’re busy. They don’t want duplication any more than we do. They just want to make sure that everything is safe and taken care of, and I think this law addressed that concern.”

The Food Truck League held its first pub lic event in May 2015 and has hosted events throughout the valley ever since, including Food Truck Mondays at Sandy Amphitheater Park, 1245 E. 9400 South.

“We work with Sandy to do their event at the amphitheater,” Harris said. “It has been a great event, but this will make it easier to bring a wider variety of trucks in. Now we can pull from all the best trucks Utah has to offer, instead of just the best trucks registered in Sandy.”

The League counts over 300 distinct food trucks in its network. Harris recom mends visiting the League’s site www.the foodtruckleague.com/food-trucks/trucks/ to find food trucks all year long.

“Anyone that knows restaurants knows

Women: Your Voice Matters!

that’s a hard business,” Harris said. “They don’t do it for money, they do it for love. So to give them tools to be more successful is really exciting. And this legislation allows the reg

ulatory environment to help our creators get out there and not get shut down due to signing paper work over and over again.” l

LEARN MORE & REGISTER: www.wliut.com/pds

A new city ordinance will make it easier for more food trucks to participate in events like Food Truck Mondays at Sandy’s Amphitheater Park. (Photo courtesy The Food Truck League)

Which schools made the grade?

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

The recently released Utah School Report Card shows public and charter schools that were recognized for ex cellence, including area schools such as Academy for Math, Engineering and Science in Murray and Beehive Science & Technology Academy in Sandy, as well as how all schools can improve.

Produced by the Utah State Board of Education, school report cards are intended to inform parents, educators, and community stakeholders to learn more about accountability in schools.

The state report also said, “While no student report card tells the full story of a child, no school report card tells the full story of a school. Education is far more than a single score or letter grade, but it is important that families and communities can see both strengths and areas that need support and im provement.”

The report, which takes into account achievement and growth in core subjects of English/language arts, math and science; as well as English language learners’ progress and post-secondary readiness, and other factors, can be found at: www.utahschoolgrades.schools.utah.gov

AMES received an A or exemplary status.

“It's nice to be validated by another source other than our own data and our own workings,” said AMES Principal Brett Wilson.

While COVID-19 impacted many schools report cards, and they weren’t issued during those two years, Wilson said some measures AMES put in place has helped student learn ing.

“During COVID, we did synchronous learning, which means our students showed up for every class, every day, only it was held online, synchronous with their teacher. It wasn't just all online through Canvas (learning platform) without the teachers there, without some direction and that helped with learning,” he said. “What a lot of schools did is they would put assignments and content up on Canvas and have students watch videos and respond to their assignments. We did that, too, but additionally, we had regular classes on their regular schedule, online via Zoom.”

In addition to making students accountable, Wilson said it helped with relationships.

“It helped keep connections and it didn't let school get too far away. We’re not seeing the really big drop offs in terms of academic knowledge,” said the 11-year AMES principal, adding that the longevity of his teachers and staff have kept consistency in relationships important.

Wilson acknowledged his faculty and staff already have plans to improve their scores.

“We've seen students coming in with lower reading scores and some lower writing skills. It's just not something that anybody does very often outside of school,” he said about the diminishing importance of writing or reading for pleasure.

Wilson said AMES students, under the direction of a teacher, can select a title from a choice of three books, then will read and annotate together, predicting the plot and the characters’ actions.

“All that goes into good reading skills,” he said, adding that it will help with the ACT standardized college exam’s reading comprehension and speed test.

For schools that have lower marks, Wilson said that they can rebound.

“Dive into your data and see where your gaps are. Try to fill those gaps with either teachers that are highly trained for those students, or curriculum or smaller opportunities that you can really direct the learning. We've tossed around doing

a better reading test for our ninth graders and tracking them better as they move through our four years here, since we've noticed that the reading scores are going down — that's just a small example.”

Beehive Academy also received an A.

“We are quite happy that we are still maintaining an A after COVID, especially when so many things have changed,” said school director Hanifi Oguz, who said that the report card is more than an accountability of doing well. “We take it as a tool, an opportunity to see how we are doing and what we can focus on to improve and help our students.”

For example, in English, Beehive’s score has improved through the years.

“Typically English, in the past, was not as good as our other scores, and we have in recent years been working on it and it remains a high priority right now to further improve. It’s what we are working on with interventions, extra programs and support staff,” he said. “We have a collaborative team who work very closely to look at data and set the goals for the year—what we are going to focus on, what we are going to improve and what we are going to maintain. Our teachers are active team members and that makes a big difference because they are working very closely with the students and know how to use strategies to make those improvements.”

While test scores are indicators, Oguz said he also relies on the teamwork of students, parents and school staff.

“At the end of the day, the teachers and administration set goals, it comes down to the actual student who is learning and doing the work, and how the students are supported by their parents. So, they have to be a partner in that. Much success is shown by having a strong parent partnership through open

communication and sharing the progress with parents; I think we have done a good job in that over the years, and we’re con tinuing to develop and have those close partnerships,” he said.

Oguz said Beehive has added more counselors and ser vices to help the social-emotional health of students, which in turn, helps students have a better mindset so they’re ready to learn.

Beehive also introduced more free programs and clubs so students can experience learning in other opportunities.

“It makes a huge difference for those kids because it sup ports and enriches their learning, and it helps students become more well-rounded. It's engaging students very meaningfully, providing not only academic engagement, but also learning to be part of a team, experience working relationships, develop friendship, and those positive interactions that you want with their peers,” Oguz said.

Instilling a mentality of success begins at AMES from the first day, Wilson said.

“We start talking right away about success and college; we set that bar high. We tell them ‘Everybody's going to graduate; everybody's going to have the opportunity if they want to be ready to go to post-secondary school.’ We do that. We've got a whole staff and student body who are connected to that mission. That's the challenge, whether you’re 500 stu dents, 200 students or 2,000,” he said. “A lot of people refer to AMES students as nerds and we're OK with that because that means you're working hard. Our students aren’t afraid to stay up late and do the work that it takes to get good grades and to learn. We embrace the nerdiness of who we are; we have a whole school of 454 nerds all working together toward a common goal of success and we’ll take that.” l

Academy for Math, Engineering and Science in Murray is one of the schools that received an “A” on the Utah State Board of Education’s school report card. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Community packs and ships gift-filled shoeboxes for children around the world

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

As Christmas approaches we often start looking for ways to get involved in giving to others, from angel trees and food drives to secret Santa projects. However, groups across the state of Utah have already gathered during the third week of November to assemble gift-filled shoe boxes for children across the world during the annual drive for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. According to Samaritan’s Purse, churches around the world partner with OCC to receive shoebox gifts to distribute to kids in their community. Every year Samaritan's Purse has collected shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hy giene items for children in impoverished and remote areas. Gifts are matched to children’s specific gender and ages. Since 1993, more than 198 million children in more than 170 countries have received an Operation Christ mas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expres sion of God's love. As result of 5,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, it is expected that over 9.4 million gift-filled shoeboxes will be collected this year.

One of the local host sites, Risen Life Church in Holladay emphasized their shoebox packing night during their annual Harvest Fes

tival in October. Organizer Kristen Veth shared that the entire community was invited to bring their trick-or-treaters out for a fun evening of trunk-or-treating and then take part in the com munity service project inside while also warm ing up with a cup of hot chocolate. “Operation Christmas Child really sets the stage for cele brating Christmas each year—a simple gift that creates an amazing impact,” Veth said. “At this point we’ve collected 413 boxes. It is inspiring to see so many join together to make an impact in the lives of kids they will likely never meet.”

Ilona Penner was a recipient of an Oper ation Christmas Child shoebox when she was a child living in a Ukrainian orphanage. When reflecting on her experience opening her shoe box Penner said, “A yo-yo is what actually captured my attention the most!” Penner said what impacted her most about receiving the gift-filled shoebox was, “Here I was in an or phanage and someone remembered about me and the other children—someone cared. It was exciting! It kind of gave hope that we weren’t forgotten.”

Want to help make a positive impact in the lives of children around the world next year? Visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ to learn more and find out dates. There you’ll learn tips for packing your own box in a shoe box or shoe box-sized plastic container, locate party pack ing events, find a list of drop off locations near

Building community for displaced women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

When Samira Harnish was 10 years old, living in Iraq, she drew a picture of a woman trapped in a spider’s web, calling for help. Even at a young age, Harnish knew the world was a difficult place for women.

Education opportunities weren’t easy for women in Iraq. Harnish’s sister received a scholarship to study in England but communi ty members tried to convince her father to keep her home.

“My dad was strong and said my daughter got this scholarship and I’m going to send her,” Harnish said. “I remember the family didn’t want to be with him anymore. So in that way, society was harsh for the women.”

As a young woman, Harnish came to the United States for an arranged marriage. It was a difficult time and Harnish said she could feel the sticky web keeping her trapped.

“I felt like I couldn’t take it off my shoul ders because I was thinking everyone was go ing to hate me or not want me because I was divorcing my first husband,” she said. “But I was taking care of my life and not wanting to feel miserable.”

In 2009, Harnish gave up her job as a se nior microchip engineer and founded Women of the World, a nonprofit that helps displaced women gain self-reliance by giving them tools to navigate an unfamiliar society.

WoW works with refugees, asylum seek

ers and immigrants, helping them learn En glish, apply for jobs, go to college or even start a business. But the organization fills an even more important role, it helps women find a community.

Harnish understands the loneliness dis placed women experience when first coming to Utah. Assimilating into a community is dif ficult and it is a challenge to find people who will welcome and support them.

“Because of these things I went through, it made me want to become an advocate for them,” she said. “We let women know every thing’s going to be OK. They just need a guide into a new life. They’ve had a lot of hurtful moments: war, oppression, poverty, rape and mutilation.”

Located in South Salt Lake (415 E. 3900 South), WoW is giving a voice to women who have lost jobs, families and homes. By build ing confidence through English skills and mentoring, WoW participants learn how to improve their lives and connect with others. These women often have college degrees and valuable professions, but can’t get hired due to the language barrier.

WoW holds a celebration each December, recognizing women who have reached their goals and becoming independent. The event is supported by local business and government leaders who help the women find jobs in their

you, or even be able to pack a shoebox online. Other ways to help include purchasing items to go into the boxes for groups to assemble, do nate online towards shipping ($10 per box sug gestion), or even serve as one of the 200,000 volunteers involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

For more of Penner’s story check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 1 Episode 6 where Penner shares about her upbringing in Ukraine, her memories of receiving a shoebox while living in the Ukrainian orphanage, and

even suggestions on how to pack your own shoebox for a child in need. Hear of her story of hope, the heart of giving, the gift of time, and how one simple act made her feel like she wasn't alone. Holly’s Highlights podcast is designed to encourage, inspire, and equip you to intentionally live your life full of pur pose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available at www.hollycurby.com or wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and even “Alexa, play Holly’s Highlights podcast.”l

communities.

The WoW model offers advocacy for immigration, housing, law issues and health matters. It customizes its programs for each individual, matching her needs with what she needs to succeed. Volunteers are always need ed at WoW to be mentors, drivers, interpreters, workshop teachers, yoga instructors, child caregivers and event facilitators. Monetary do nations are also accepted.

Gift cards are an important donation for the women who can use them to buy things for

themselves or their children. While the women appreciate the used clothes or shoes donated to help them, they like to purchase items that fit their personality and their bodies.

“They have lost everything but their dig nity and pride,” Harnish said. “They had good jobs in their home country and they are looking for jobs in their profession. They bring a great diversity to our state.”

To donate, volunteer or to learn more about WoW, visit womenofworld.org. l

Risen Life volunteers assembled over 400 boxes for children around the world. (Photo courtesy Aaron Jett)

A Women of the World fundraising event celebrates the success of displaced women from across the globe who work hard to reach their goals. (Photo courtesy of Jake Campos)

Even though 2022 seemed to last as long as a 5-year-old reading “Green Eggs and Ham,” the holidays rushed in like a wicked case of intestinal flu. But high grocery prices? Rising inflation? Those things have never stopped Americans from over-celebrating the holidays.

If you’re finding it hard to capture the spirit of Christmas this year, just remem ber the real meaning of the holidays: get ting presents. All those brightly-wrapped packages will bring you hours of tempo rary joy and fulfillment.

I wonder if we have lost our senses, in a very literal way. Maybe if we come back to our senses for the holidays, we’ll stop eating when we’re not hungry, partying when we’re tired and buying a doghouse full of gifts for the family puppy when we’re already overbudget.

Let’s start with the sights of the sea son, like the piles of enticing Amazon box es shoved into hiding places and spilling out of closets. The twinkling lights of po lice cars at the neighbor’s house. The deadeyed stare of a Target cashier and colored globes hanging on the Christmas tree that drops needles when someone walks by.

How about the sounds of the season, like your favorite holiday tunes played by an accordion, or the infinite Mariah Carey

song remix/mash-ups/covers. You’ll hear “Carol of the Bells” so often it becomes part of that nightmare where you’re run ning to get the last LEGO set but you’re wearing furry slippers and keep tripping over elves. And there’s so much jingling!

What does Christmas feel like? A tod dler’s fingers, sticky from a candy cane, leaving pink fingerprints down the hall. Paper cuts from wrapping gifts. Cold, wet toes as you trudge through snowy parking lots and discover a hole in the sole of your boot. Frozen fingertips, runny noses and being bustled by bustling crowds.

The tastes of Christmas include nasti ness like eggnog and fruitcake, but also the sugary sweetness of gumdrops that suction to your molars and must be surgically re moved. Then there’s scalding hot choco late with toasted marshmallows. (Hint: don’t toast marshmallows in the actual toaster. I know that now.)

December smells like cinnamon, cloves, Seussian roast beast and smoke from your overused credit card. I’ve never smelled roasted chestnuts, but I imagine they have an aroma like a wet dog lying by the fire. Real evergreen trees emit the scent of fresh forests while making it hard to breathe for people with pine allergies.

Obviously, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong with the holidays, without paying attention to the feeling

behind the scenes. When I sit with that emotion, it’s one of peace, generosity, kindness, forgiveness and love. Things Hallmark Christmas movies are always going on about.

What if Hallmark is right? And I’ve never said that before.

Maybe the miracle of Christmas is noticing the small pleasures like when your friend sends you a funny card or your husband brings you a soft, fluffy blanket as you binge holiday movies. Maybe it’s reading stories to your grandkids or listen ing to grandparents share favorite Christ mas morning memories.

More than the senses, Christmas is about time. A time to pause. A time to be still. A time to remember. A time to breathe. A time to be grateful. A time to be with family. A time to reflect with wonder and awe at the beauty of this world.

Coming back to our senses, in a real way, slows time. It reminds us we’re not alone as we move together through these dark nights with bright stars, just doing the best we can.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning hu mor writer, hosts the Life & Laughter pod cast and was voted Best of State for 2022. She’s also a yoga/meditation instructor and life coach.