Murray Journal | December 2023

Dec. 2023 | Vol. 33 Iss. 12

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MURRAY UNVEILS MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR HISTORIC CITY HALL SITE

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

A

fter months of waiting, Murray has unveiled its plans for the former City Hall/Arlington School Site. The Murray City Council held a pivotal meeting on Nov. 15 where Murray Mayor Brett Hales announced the city's selection of the Triumph Group to redevelop the site of the location at 5025 South State Street. This 1.88 acre property was appraised at $14.3 million assuming high density multi-family housing development.

"After a rigorous selection process, I am presenting my final recommendation to move forward with the Triumph Group's proposal," stated Mayor Hales during the meeting.

Backstory Behind the Redevelopment Previous to the announcement the city has been receiving feedback regarding what the city should do with the land. Historic preservationists decried the potential loss of the building that dates back to the 1930s when it was initially Arlington Elementary School. After the school closed in the 1980s, Murray City remodeled the interior to function as its new city hall. The Murray Redevelopment Agency (RDA) currently owns the land.

Looking to spark new growth, the RDA hired real estate marketing firm CBRE International earlier this year to facilitate proposals Continued page 9 Designs for the former City Hall replacement include a large observation tower and two restaurants. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

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Dec. 2023 | Page 3

Murray swimming enters new region with lofty goals

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

M

oving to the 4A classification has brought a lot of uncertainty and curiosity to Murray High School teams. This is true for the swim team, which enters the 2023–24 campaign ready to compete against some new opponents.

Still, the Spartans aren’t shy about setting a high bar.

“We are new to the 4A classification this year, so we don’t really know exactly what to expect,” head coach Adam Huff said. “But we have been looking really strong in the early part of the season. We have a goal as a team to be region champions, and we think if we work hard and have a great season, we have a chance to be the 4A state champions.”

Huff said the team doesn’t need to win region or state to be successful. If the swimmers show dedication and put forth their best effort, he believes good things will happen. Winning meets and bringing home championships will depend on many factors, including younger swimmers stepping up and other competitors improving their times.

“For our season to be a success, our swimmers have to know that they gave everything they had to this season,” he said. “If they show up, work their hardest and do their best every day, then I can’t think of a better measuring stick for success. In order for us to achieve our goals, we need the whole team to buy in and contribute. We have some fantastic swimmers who are likely going to be state champions in their events, but that won’t be enough. We need other swimmers to score points and make goals to finish in the top 10. It’s going to take our entire team for us to achieve our goals this year.”

Several swimmers are back for the Spartans this season who placed at state a year ago.

Huff is counting on them to contribute to the team and repeat or even surpass their performances from last season.

Senior team captain Zach Richter is one

Journals T H E

The swim season started in November and Murray’s swim team has lofty goals this year. (File photo City Journals)

to watch. He swims the 200-meter individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. He also holds school records. Another record-holder is sophomore Kathleen Richter, who excels in the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Senior Maren Walton, a team captain, will swim the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle this season. Seniors Estrella Underwood and Natalynn Davies are also team captains. They swim the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle and the 200 freestyle and 100 freestyle, respectively. Juniors Riser Lundberg (200 IM and 100 breaststroke), Aiden Martin (50 freestyle and 100 freestyle) and Adelaide Stoddard (100 butterfly and 100 backstroke) should have big seasons as well.

Bolstering the team and adding depth are plenty of other capable swimmers. Huff highlighted Audrey Gale, Kinlee Cook, Brooklyn

Richter, Elsie Shumway, Jordan Fitts, Bridger Davies, Jarom Horne, Rowan Morris, Keaton Ashcroft, Mckay Wendt, Zane Learned, Joshua Johnson, Marcus Richter and Jax Brimley.

“There is no secret to what makes a great swimmer great,” Huff said. “It is just hard work. These swimmers work extremely hard both in and out of the pool. They are focused and dedicated. They support each other. They work through the tough times. They enjoy being with each other. They are great swimmers, teammates, leaders, students and people.”

Murray will be tough to beat in the pool this season. Huff said the Spartans are focusing on being a good sprinting team and breaking team relay records. There are also many challenging aspects to competitive swimming that Murray—and all teams—face. The season is

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long, as the team starts training in September, and the state meet is in mid-February.

“Over nearly six months, it is very easy to become discouraged and lose focus, especially if you feel like the work isn’t producing the desired results,” he said. “Keeping our eye on the end goal helps, but it can still be difficult to show up in the early morning every day.

One thing we focus on is the out-of-the-pool activities. These kids work so hard in the pool, but it’s also important to take breaks and spend time together doing something fun that has nothing to do with swimming. Taking those breaks and having fun together as a team can build trust and excitement and helps them to work even harder when they are in the water.”

Murray not only has talented swimmers, but many of the team members do well in the classroom. Huff said more than half the team finished the most recent term with a 3.8 GPA or higher. Most of the swimmers also have many responsibilities outside of school and the pool, including jobs and family commitments. He is impressed with the discipline and devotion the swimmers show.

“The amount of work that these kids take on is astounding,” Huff said. “And they do it so successfully and with a great attitude (most of the time). It is really fun to coach a group of kids like that. Especially when they have a common goal that they are pursuing.”

Murray swimming should be a fixture in its new region in 4A for a long time. Nearly half of the swimmers on the team are freshmen. Huff is excited about the present and the future.

“We are set up to really strong for quite a few years,” he said. “Our freshman class is great now, and in a few years, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I want Murray swimming to establish a culture of excellence and dominance for years to come.” l

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Murray City Journal

Resident proposes repurposing utility land for a future Murray cemetery

S

licing through Murray City, a patch of land straddles the realms of possibility and bureaucracy. Here, under the watchful eye of Rocky Mountain Power, lies a corridor brimming with untapped potential. Enter Darin Bird's brainchild: a vision to metamorphose this dormant stretch into a vibrant cemetery and community haven.

Darin Bird, who is at the heart of this proposal is a former Deputy Director at the Utah Department of Natural Resources and a 24-year resident of Murray. Bird, leveraging his rich background in land management, has put forth a plan to repurpose a swath of land currently under the utility easement of Rocky Mountain Power, envisioning it as a new cemetery and green space for the city.

Bird’s connection to this land is deeply personal. As he explains, “This is a large swath that runs the entire length of Murray that I drive by several times a week.” His proposal is not just about finding a new use for the land but also about creating a lasting benefit for the community. He sees the potential for this underutilized space to serve a greater purpose, saying, “After many years at a land management agency, it is second nature to always be thinking about creative opportunities for land use and partnerships.”

The inspiration for the cemetery came from a practical need. Murray’s existing cemetery is nearly full, and Bird was aware of this pressing issue. He said he considered the costs and benefits, noting, “I would assume that there is a fairly considerable cost to Rocky Mountain for weed control to reduce the danger of wildfires along the corridor. A cemetery, if designed correctly, could adhere to the utility needs for Rocky Mountain while creating a new green space and cemetery for the city.”

Bird’s idea, however, faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the fact that the land is under the control of Rocky Mountain Power. He acknowledges this hurdle, stating, “Rocky Mountain has no obligation to work with the city on this idea.

They hold all of the cards and are well within their rights to deny any request.”

Despite these obstacles, Murray City has a history of successful collaboration with Rocky Mountain Power. Doug Hill, Chief Administrative Officer in the Murray City Mayor’s Office, highlights past achievements: “The city does have a lease agreement with RMP for the use of their right-ofway at the golf course, Willow Pond Park, and the Jordan River Parkway trail system.”

He also notes that while the city previously used RMP’s property without a fee, a change occurred about ten years ago, with the city now paying approximately $17,000 annually to RMP. David Eskelsen, a spokesperson for

MurrayJournal .com

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com Rocky Mountain Power and PacifiCorp, provides further insight into the utility company’s relationship with Murray City. Eskelsen details the company’s existing agreements with the city, which include easements for city parks and leases for golf course land.

According to Eskelsen, these arrangements demonstrate a history of collaborative land use and mutual benefit.

Eskelsen also outlines the company's approach to public use of their land, stating, “The company maintains agreements with several cities including Murray for public facilities that are compatible with a power line corridor. These uses must be approved

by Rocky Mountain Power and allow for the 10-foot clearance requirements and physical access needs of the utility for maintenance and repair at any time as needs arise.”

Safety is a paramount concern for Rocky Mountain Power, as Eskelsen explains. He emphasizes that all facilities comply with the National Electric Safety Code and are maintained in accordance with Utah utility regulations to provide safe, reliable electric service. The utility company is required to ensure safe distances from power lines and provide for maintenance access, which would be key considerations in any new development of the land.

Bird envisions a design for the proposed cemetery that respects both the aesthetic and functional requirements of the space. He suggests, “Perhaps a wide roadway including parking could be installed through the center of the corridor allowing for utility access to power lines while placing graves with flat, in-ground, headstones outside of the roadway with grass and some landscaping.” According to Bird, this design proposal indicates a thoughtful approach to balancing utility needs with the creation of a serene and functional community space.

Community response to Bird’s idea is another critical factor. Bird himself is optimistic, saying, “I for one, would love to live next to a cemetery. It would be a quiet neighbor, who keeps up with their landscaping, and an area that is only busy on Memorial Day weekend or briefly for graveside services.” He also believes that such a development would reduce the wildfire danger in the area, providing an additional benefit to residents living nearby.

Moving forward with this proposal, Bird recognizes the importance of city leadership. He expresses confidence in the city's management, stating, “I trust the judgement of Mayor Hales and his staff. It is easy for me to sit on the sidelines and offer ideas, but they have the benefit of seeing the bigger picture.”

“Over my years with the city, there have been numerous citizen suggestions regarding

Vast swaths of Murray land come under Rocky Mountain Power’s lines. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

what to do with the Rocky Mountain Power right-of-way. Soccer fields, dog parks, skate parks to name a few. However, there have been no serious discussions with RMP about leasing their property for these purposes nor are there any current plans,” Hill said.

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“I feel comfortable in approaching my city council member, Pam Cotter or Mayor Hales. They are both friendly and open to new ideas,” Bird said. l

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Dec. 2023 | Page 5

A journey through Murray City’s legacy on screen

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

M

urray City, with its independent spirit, may not actively seek out film crews, but it has nonetheless become an unsung hero in the world of cinema. Serving as the backdrop for various productions across multiple screens, Murray has quietly but significantly etched its mark on film history. This cinematic journey not only underscores Murray's valuable role in the tapestry of filmmaking but also celebrates its modest yet impactful contribution to the art of storytelling.

While Murray City’s Community and Economic Development team might pass on placing the following information in any tourism brochure, Murray’s most recent notable screen appearance is on Bravo’s “Real House Housewives of Salt Lake City.” The city features quite prominently as housewife Heather Gay owns Beauty Lab + Laser (5495 S. 900 East) and in one of its most prominent episodes police swarm around a vehicle outside the salon to arrest Jen Shah for money laundering and wire fraud.

Just as gossipy, the city was recently featured on TLC’s Sister Wives. The show focuses on polygamist Kody Brown and his four (now mostly ex-) wives. Sister Wives star Christine Brown left her husband Kody in Arizona to move into a Murray duplex. She now has moved from Murray with her new fiancé.

As Ted Bundy’s murder spree came to a temporary end in Murray, after a brave Carol DaRonch escaped his clutches and identified him as her abductor, many documentaries have featured file photos of Ted Bundy in a Murray Police line up photo and 1970s era footage of Fashion Place Mall. In Netflix’s “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” Bundy is portrayed by Zac Ephron and is confronted by a police officer played by Metallica frontman James Hetfield asking, “Have you ever been to the town of Murray?”

Murray locations have popped up as interesting back drops such as the 1982 Civil War mini-series “The Blue and the Gray,” which used Wheeler Farm for some scenes. 1980’s teen music sensation Tiffany filmed parts of her music video, “I Think We Are Alone Now” at the now demolished 49th Street Galleria.

Filmmakers have frequently chosen Murray's diverse locales for a variety of independent and short film projects. The following is a curated list of some of the most prominent films shot in Murray, as rated by popularity on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB). This selection is presented in chronological order, highlighting the city's filmography over the years.

“Fire" (1923) The cinematic history of Murray City starts with the 1923 silent movie "Fire." This 20-minute melodrama, featuring the local fire department and residents, is not just a piece of local history but also a reflection of the era's filmmaking. The addition of music later on paid homage to the silent theaters of the time.

Page 6 | Dec. 2023

The film features the story of a love affair between a senior firefighter and a prominent town member’s daughter. The movie is available to view at the Murray Museum.

"Take Down" (1979) Jumping forward to 1979, "Take Down" tells an inspiring underdog story set in the world of high school wrestling. This comedy-drama sports film showcased Murray City as a backdrop to resilience and determination, resonating with the city's spirit. Filmed at Murray High School, it has the highest critical ranking of any Murray film on IMDB. The film starred Edward Herrman, Lorenzo Lamas, and Maureen McCormick.

"Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers" (1988) The interior scenes of the movie's fictional Vincent Drug were actually filmed inside the now-closed Millcreek Pharmacy, located at 1260 E Vine St. This local pharmacy stood in for the movie's setting, while the exterior scenes of Vincent Drug were shot at a different storefront in Midvale, which also carried the store’s name. Evidence of this cinematic moment in Murray's history was captured in photographs taken by the pharmacy's owners, showcasing film crews and actors during the shooting process.

"My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To" (1993) In the horror film "My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To," the city lent its locales to create an eerie atmosphere, enhancing the story of troubled siblings and an ailing vampire. Places like now-closed Needful Things in Murray were integral to the film's setting, adding authenticity to the narrative.

"Read It and Weep" (2006) Disney discovers Murray in the first of four films it will shoot around the city. In 2006, "Read It and Weep" brought to life the dual worlds of a shy high school freshman, Jaime Bartlett, and her confident alter ego, Isabella.

Shot at Murray High, this film delved into themes of adolescence, popularity, and identity.

"High School Musical" Franchise (20062008) The "High School Musical" series, spanning from 2006 to 2008, is perhaps the most iconic set of films shot in Murray City. This globally beloved franchise, featuring stars like Zac Efron (Troy Bolton), Vanessa Hudgens (Gabriella Montez), and Ashley Tisdale, turned Murray High School into a cinematic landmark. The films explored the lives, loves, and challenges of high school students, blending catchy music with engaging storylines.

The franchise's success led to several sequels, a spin-off, and even a reality show.

While Salt Lake City’s East High School is the central location, the actual high school musical part takes place in Murray High’s auditorium. The school's corridors, and auditorium became synonymous with the series,

One of the first known movies to be filmed in Murray, was a 1923 silent film “Fire.” (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum) “High School Musical” used Murray High School’s auditorium for filming. (Photo courtesy of the Disney Channel)

drawing fans from around the world. The franchise's impact went beyond entertainment, influencing fashion, music, and even theater productions across the globe.

"Minutemen" (2008) In a sci-fi tale, three teenagers, Virgil Fox (Jason Dolley), Charlie Tuttle (Luke Benward), and Zeke Thompson (Nicholas Braun), embark on a journey through time with a machine they built. Initially, their goal was to travel back and win lottery tickets, but they soon pivot to a more altruistic mission: preventing embarrassing moments for their classmates from ever happening. However, their frequent ventures through time lead to unforeseen and significant consequences. Faced with these challenges, they must strategize not only to rescue themselves but also to protect their school.

This narrative unfolds at Murray High School, the primary filming location for the movie.

"Darkroom" (2008) "Darkroom" is a psychological drama centered around David Mills and his wife, Coy, who work for the Salt Lake Police Department developing crime scene photographs. The

graphic nature of these images takes a heavy emotional toll on them, plunging their lives into a deep melancholy. Coy struggles with fertility issues, while David becomes increasingly detached from reality. He faces difficulty in distinguishing his mundane, everyday life with Coy from the vivid, imagined relationships he conjures with the victims in the photos. This internal conflict and constant gloom create a growing rift in their marriage. The film, directed by Joshua Tai Taeoalii, who has strong connections to Murray, explores these complex themes and their impact on the couple's life and relationship.

Murray City's journey through cinema, presented chronologically, shows a dynamic and adaptable character, hosting a variety of stories and genres. From silent films to modern dramas and horror, Murray has not only provided a backdrop for these stories but has also become a part of Utah’s cinematic history, celebrating its unique contribution to the art of storytelling. l

Murray City Journal

Ella Reese Olsen: A Murray native's rise from local reader to celebrated author

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

I

n the literary world, few stories resonate as deeply as those rooted in personal history and the transformative power of place.

Ella Reese Olsen, a celebrated author from Murray, is a shining example of how local landscapes and familial legacies can shape compelling narratives.

Her journey from a practical professional in the business world to a celebrated author is a narrative of embracing one's true passion and the profound impact of one's roots on their creative expression. This story unfolds as Olsen, in her own words, takes us through the chapters of her life and work.

“I grew up on an urban farm. In fact, my parents still raise pygmy goats and chickens.

I’d imagine many Murray residents know of their place on 5600 South and likely visit it to see the ‘kids’ in the springtime. My dad (Max Reese) is kind-of a local legend, still working around the property with a shovel in hand and a hat on his head. When he’s irrigating, let’s say he’s certainly ‘outstanding in his field,’” Olsen said. “People would see me working and call out from their cars, ‘hey, farm girl.’ It was mortifying at age 14.”

Olsen's relationship with literature began in her formative years, deeply influenced by a diverse range of authors. "I’ve always been a reader," Olsen said, noting how she toyed with writing, inspired by the novels she devoured. She was well familiar with Twin Peak Elementary School’s and Murray City’s library from an early age.

“Authors were my rock stars. I didn’t really listen to much music, but I always had a book to read. I’d read while walking to Twin Peaks and neighbors would ask if I ever tripped. I didn’t, by the way,” Olsen said.

Despite this early inclination toward literature, Olsen chose a pragmatic path, earning a business degree and embarking on a career as a commercial loan underwriter.

This decision, however, didn't extinguish her passion for books; it remained a quiet but constant companion as she built her life in Seattle and Savannah, before returning to

Utah.

The turning point in Olsen's life came with the birth of her family. "I started a book club, which has been going strong for 26 years," Olsen said, underlining her need for a reading community. The real transformation occurred when her youngest child began school. "I had this longing to try to write a novel," Olsen shares, revealing the moment she finally decided to embrace her passion for writing fully.

Her debut novel, "ROOT, PETAL, THORN," set in her beloved Sugar House bungalow, marked her foray into the literary world. This novel intricately weaves the stories of women who might have inhabited her hundred-year-old home, blending fiction with historical elements. "It’s entirely fictional... but it’s based on the history I could find about my house, neighborhood, and Utah," Olsen said. Published in 2016, the book not only graced airport bookstores and Barnes & Noble but also earned accolades for its significant historical content.

Olsen's literary journey didn't stop there. Her second book, "WHERE THE SWEET BIRD SINGS," released in 2017, delved into genealogical research and family secrets. "The opening scene is in the Salt Lake Cemetery and explores elements of genealogical research as my character digs up hidden truths about her ancestors at the Family History Library and also through DNA mapping," she describes. Her third book, "BIRDIE & JAY," set in the Gilded Age in New York City, showcased her versatility as a writer. However, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted its print release, reflecting the unpredictable nature of a writer's journey.

Olsen's contributions extend beyond her novels. She served on the Salt Lake Public Library Board of Directors, taught writing courses, and ran a writing business, emphasizing her commitment to fostering a love for literature in her community. "I taught a variety of writing courses through U of U Lifelong learning, until COVID and Zoom classes, which took the fun out," Olsen said,

Murray native Ella Olsen presents her book, “Where the Sweet Bird Sings,” at the King’s English Bookshop. (Photo courtesy of Ella Olsen)

highlighting how she adapted to changing circumstances.

Olsen's roots in Murray and Millcreek run deep, with family stories dating back to pioneer days. "My great-grandma Ella was a writer," she shares, noting the influence of her family's stories on her work. “She wrote short missives about her ancestors and their early experiences as pioneers in SLC, and about everyday things that seem remarkable now,” Olsen said.

Murray's influence on Olsen is palpable. From cherished memories at the Murray Park swimming pool to her work at Wheeler Farm, these experiences offered a wellspring of inspiration for her novels. "I walked to the Murray Park swimming pool, I was a regular at the old Murray Library, I loved the Murray Theater," she reminisces. Her education at Cottonwood High and involvement in local journalism further solidified her bond

with her hometown.

Despite the success of her novels, Olsen is ready for a new chapter. Following the departure of her literary agent in 2022, Olsen found a new calling. "I was ready for a change and still wanted to write," she states.

Her passion for local stories led her to City Journals, where she covers the Salt Lake County beat, immersing herself in community journalism.

“I love the history of a place. It’s the reason I chose to be married at the Murray Mansion. It’s the reason I love to read and write historical fiction. I’m a person who reads all of the historical placards on buildings and hiking trails. Currently, I’m on the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) board and we review and approve historical sites, buildings, and districts for historical designation,” Olsen said. l

Viewmont students honor their ‘King’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

N

ot everyone can be a king. But at Viewmont Elementary, they are led by a King every day.

In honor of National Principal Month, the studentbody presented their king, Principal Jennifer King, with a crown and cloak and supported her by wearing crowns them-

MurrayJournal .com

selves. Fifth-graders also made her a video presentation and second-graders sang to her.

She is one of about 90,000 principals across the country, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Dec. 2023 | Page 7

A new chapter in holiday heritage: Murray unveils high-tech tree and light show

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

M

urray City is entering a new era this holiday season with the unveiling of a dazzling high-tech yule tree and light display outside the new City Hall building. The artificial 70-foot tall tree is a noticeable upgrade from the traditional live trees the city has used in years past.

The switch comes as Murray looks to establish new traditions following the completion of the new civic center complex earlier this year. "We felt the city needed to have an attraction in the plaza area in front of City Hall to celebrate the holidays," Tammy Kikuchi said, Murray City's Chief Communications Officer. "It is also hoped that the lighting display will bring visitors to Murray and the historic downtown area."

Inspiration for the flashy new tree came from a holiday lighting display Kikuchi saw in Plaza de San Francisco in Seville, Spain.

"During the holiday season, the square is wonderfully illuminated by a huge tree and animated lights that are synchronized with music," she said. "It will be a wonderful and lovely outdoor place for people to gather and create memories with family, friends and neighbors."

The new Murray display features the 70-foot main tree as the centerpiece, surrounded by four 20-foot tall synchronized

"dancing" trees. Brightly lit arches that visitors can walk under complete the festive scene.

The tree lighting ceremony has been a staple of the Murray community for over eight decades, with the first documented lighting occurring in 1937. That year, the local Lions Club decorated the downtown thoroughfare known as the "White Way" (because it was fully electrified) with strings of lights and small trees. They also erected a large live tree in front of the original City Hall building.

Historical newspaper accounts show Murray has traditionally used locally donated live evergreen trees, typically in the 40 to 50-foot range. Blue spruce, blue balsam and Douglas fir have all made appearances over the years. Trees were occasionally transplanted from locations slated for demolition, such as the 42-year-old blue spruce planted in 1917 but threatened when 700 East expanded to six lanes in 1959.

Over time the city’s annual tradition includes lighting the street posts with festive light sculptures. The city once awarded Murray residents for having the best decorated yard. Of recent tradition, Murray City Fire Department brings Santa in on a large fire engine to flip the Christmas lights on.

So, what motivated Murray to break from tradition this year with a sparkling artificial tree? According to Kikuchi, much of it had to do with the lower maintenance requirements compared to a live tree. "There aren't really impacts to the local ecosystems since the tree is artificial," she said.

The city also wanted an impressive display to show off the capabilities of the new civic plaza. "Although the new City Hall has been open since June, many residents still don’t know about the new location and not many citizens know the extent of the trees that will be lighting the plaza," Kikuchi said.

"When the tree(s) is up our citizens will have a view of it from the surrounding area."

Resident feedback on the switch to a high-tech artificial tree has been positive so far. "We are excited for this new tree(s)," a representative of the city's tree lighting committee said. "It’s going to be a spectacular sight and with the music it will be a multi-sensory experience."

According to Kikuchi, the tree lighting ceremony has always been about more than just the tree—it's an opportunity for the community to come together. "The lighting display will bring visitors to Murray and the historic downtown area," Kikuchi said.

The event provides a perfect occasion for

Miss Murray 2021 Morgan Workman at the 2021 tree lighting ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Miss Murray)

residents to gather with family, friends and neighbors and feel the holiday spirit.

“The city will be adding new items to the collection in subsequent years. We didn’t have enough in the budget to provide all the decorations that we hoped to have. Stay tuned. It will be great,” Kikuchi said. l

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Continued from front page from private developers interested in redeveloping the site. The property that sits on prime land bordering State Street and Murray Park received 10 total proposals that were submitted by the May 31 deadline.

The RDA board then reviewed the proposals and recommended two top contenders to Mayor Hales and city staff for further negotiation.

Details of the Triumph Group's Winning Proposal "I am recommending the Triumph Group for several reasons," Mayor Hales said at the meeting. After review and negotiation, Mayor Hales ultimately selected the Triumph Group, a prominent Murray-based developer, to move forward.

While their offer of $9.52 million fell below the appraised land value, the proposal impressed in other areas.

Most notably, the plans include 180,000 square feet of medical office space intended to elevate Murray as a healthcare services destination. The anchor tenant would likely be Granger Medical Group, who has indicated serious interest in bringing their orthopedics, urgent care, imaging, and other specialty services to the development.

Two restaurants are also proposed at the base of a towering landmark structure.

This tower will include a grand staircase leading to an observation deck, offering sweeping views and "creating a true community gathering place," Jeremy Lowry of the Triumph Group said.

Adjacent to the medical and dining facilities, plans call for 99 condominiums and townhomes units to provide owner-occupied housing options. The condominiums style closely resembles Arlington Schools façade.

Three levels of parking garages will accommodate tenants and visitors once complete. The lower garage will offer exclusive resident access while the upper levels will serve the office, restaurants, and public.

This abundance of on-site parking was noted as a major benefit for the nearby Murray Theater. The historic theater is currently undergoing major renovations, but parking has been an ongoing challenge. With these new parking garages situated across the street, the theater will now have the public parking it desperately needs to accommodate larger audiences and spur growth. The garages will likely be bustling during weekday business hours but then open up evenings and weekends aligning with peak theater attendance. The short walking distance between the two sites will likely provide a major boost to the theater as it has always lacked significant parking.

Dubbed the Murray Tower Plaza, the Triumph Group's proposal includes plans for a dynamic plaza area that aims to become a true community gathering space.

MurrayJournal .com

Some key features they highlighted for the plaza are: • Flexible open space, Part of the plaza can be closed off for community events like health fairs, outdoor classes, and concerts. The open layout and proximity to parking allows for hosting large crowds.

• Landscaping. Landscaping like trees, fountains, and greenery will create an inviting urban park-like environment in the plaza.

• Seating areas. Benches, ledges, and tiered steps will offer plenty of seating for individuals to relax, work remotely, or gather in groups.

• Monument tower. The landmark staircase tower will be centrally located in the plaza as a distinctive architectural focal point.

• Visual arts. The Triumph Group mentioned wanting to incorporate visual arts like murals and sculptures to enhance the plaza's aesthetics.

• History tribute. Historical tributes, plaques, and photos will pay homage to Murray's origins and the old City Hall's legacy.

Attention to Murray's History and Character Beyond the structural plans, the Triumph Group emphasized designing an aesthetically cohesive development honoring Murray's character. The towering landmark aims to reflect Murray's historic architecture through its brickwork and detailing.

The condominiums and townhomes mirror styles found in adjacent neighborhoods such as the Jones Court and Myrtle Street quarters. Classic exterior materials like brick are used throughout to tie old and new together.

Jim Alldredge, an architect with the Triumph Group, said "As long-time Murray residents, we want to build something the community can take pride in for years to come."

The Triumph Group has indicated plans to salvage and repurpose some of the original bricks from the beloved Arlington building into the new towers and plazas.

These bricks will pay homage to the building many locals were educated in and still cherish today.

Next Steps for the Development Mayor Hales concluded by stating the proposal meets the city's needs for "lower density, tax revenue potential, medical office space, a landmark tower, owner-occupied housing, design principles in line with Murray's character, and energy efficiency."

With the council's support, the city will now negotiate a real estate purchase contract with the Triumph Group. This contract will go before the RDA board for final approval in December 2023. If approved, construction could begin soon after on this estimated 3-4 year phased project, starting with the parking garages. l

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.

GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICES

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-facilitated grief support groups in Utah.

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Murray girls basketball set to tip off 2023–24 campaign

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

I

n her nine years as coach of the Murray girls basketball team, Holly Gillette has seen a lot of highs and lows, ups and downs. This includes big wins, tough losses and lots of different region opponents.

This season features more change.

Murray has moved from Class 5A’s Region 6 to Class 4A’s Region 10 where it will face several teams it ordinarily wouldn’t play. These new foes include Stansbury, Tooele, Hillcrest and Jordan. With the switch to a different region, Gillette is looking for the Spartans to move up the standings. Murray was fifth in Region 6 a year ago with a 5-7 record and sported an overall mark of 9-13. It was the second-straight sub-.500 season for the Spartans, which last had a winning record in 2020–21 of 13-10. Murray’s best mark in recent years is a 16-7 record in 2018–19.

Last season, two players averaged in double figures in scoring. One of those players, Iyana Beh, graduated; however, second-leading scorer Mia AuClaire, a senior guard who averaged 12.5 points an outing last year, is back. She’ll be a go-to player. She also averaged 2.7 rebounds a game a knocked down a team-high 39 three-pointers. Fourth-leading scorer Charlotte Scherbel also returns. The junior scored 4.8 points a game a season ago and chipped in two rebounds and 1.6 assists a game too. Senior guard Sariah Taeoalii, sophomore post player Felika Tauvao and senior guard Venssa Anaafi will also fill important roles on the team. The trio scored 2.2, 1.2 and two points per game last season, respectively. Senior guard Daisha Hopkins and senior guard/post player Alexa Davies also saw time on the floor last season and will have bigger responsibilities in 2023–24.

Murray basketball moved from 5A to 4A this year in its new Region 10. (File photo City Journals)

The Spartans lost in the Class 5A state first round to Woods Cross a year ago. The team’s last postseason win was in 2021 when it defeated Payson in the first round. This sea-

son began Nov. 21 with a home game with Alta. Murray has 10 non-region games before jumping into league action Jan. 5 at Cottonwood. l

Spartans excited to begin play in new region for boys basketball

A

fter spending several years in Class 5A, the Spartans are going back to where they once were: 4A. This moves Murray to Region 10 from Region 6 where they will now face Cottonwood, Hillcrest, Jordan, Stansbury and Tooele. Park City joins Murray in the move from Region 6.

“Everyone is very excited and motivated to have a successful season,” head coach Jason Workman said. “We have a good mix of returning and new players and have some talent to watch this year.”

Last season, Murray was 10-15 overall and 5-7 in league play, good enough for fourth place. The Spartans lost to Payson in the first round of the 5A playoffs. Head coach Jason Workman, now in his 19th year at Murray, lost some big-time talent from last year’s squad, so he’ll be looking for new faces and to returning players to take on expanded roles. The team looks to improve in what should be a less formidable group of opponents.

“Our goals will be to win a region championship and make a deep run in state,” Workman said.

Unfortunately for Murray, it has to replace superstar Chudi Anosike, who poured in 26.7 points per game a year ago,

Page 10 | Dec. 2023

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com which was No. 1 in the entire state. His loss is huge, so multiple players may need to step up and try to fill the void. Secondand third-leading scorers Jaxson Workman and DaVonte Hooks are also gone, but Murray brings back senior Quinton Christman, who scored 4.7 points and dished out 2.2 assists a year ago. He enters his fourth year on the varsity team and third year as the starter. Workman said he will rely on Christman to be a playmaker and scorer.

Sophomore Isaiah Beh saw some time as a freshman, scoring 70 points to average 2.8 a game. He also hit 17 three-pointers in limited minutes. Senior guard Deacon Poole could be a factor. He scored nearly three points a contest in 2022–23, with a season-high of 11 points against Skyline on Feb. 10. He also averaged 2.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals a game last season. Workman highlighted his defensive ability and said he will have the ball in his hands often.

Treyce Wilson and Kade Whitlock will also contribute. Workman said both have high basketball IQs and great athleticism.

Murray started out the season with a Nov. 22 home game with Roy followed by a trip to Highland Nov. 28. In December,

the Spartans take on several non-region foes, including former league rivals Olympus and Brighton. Region games start Jan. 4 at Cottonwood.

“Our team will be able to pressure defend and play a fast game offensively,”

Workman said. “We are a smaller but very athletic and talented group. If we can rebound the ball, we can be really good. We hope people will come out and support this group, as they should be very entertaining.” l

Blake Vega-Chand saw significant minutes for the Spartans last year as a freshman. (City Journals)

Murray City Journal

DECEMBER 2023

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney .................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2425 Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637 City Council ............................. 801-264-2603 Finance Department ............... 801-264-2513 Passports................................. 801-264-2660 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 General Information................ 801-264-2525 Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656 Library .................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office.......................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office .......... 801-284-4200 Recreation Division ................. 801-284-4200 Museum .................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Outdoor Pool ............... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653 The Park Center ....................... 801-284-4200 Senior Recreation Center ......... 801-264-2635 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2673 Animal Control/SL County .. 385-468-7387 Code Enforcement .............. 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office .......... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2430 Solid Waste......................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets.......... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ................ 801-264-2626

murray.utah.gov

MAYOR’S OFFICE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Sewer Inspection Goes High Tech Do you ever stop to think about where the water from your sink or dishwasher or toilet goes after it leaves your house? Thankfully, you have dedicated people at Murray City who make it their goal to keep you from having to worry about that.

There are 135 miles of pipe that make up the Murray Wastewater Collection System. Usually, the pipes are underground and generally below our streets. All that pipe needs to be inspected regularly for defects that could include cracks, roots, broken or separated pipe and excessive grease build up.

The Public Works Wastewater Division is responsible for inspecting and maintaining the pipes in the sewer collection system to prevent Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) from happening.

Now, the Division has a new way to track the health of the system.

The Division just received the new IBAK HD closed circuit television

CCTV

Brett A. Hales -Mayor

mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah 84107

(CCTV) van. Operators now remotely drive the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera up every sewer main pipe in a collection system while recording a high-definition video.

Van operators record and report any defects that are found within the collection system. Fats, oil and grease known as (FOG) and tree roots are the main cause of backups that occur in the sewer collection system. With this new CCTV van, the Wastewater Division can identify the potential problems in the collection system and repair the defects before they become an issue and potentially to cause an SSO. Wastewater operators continually work their way through the collection system individually televising the pipes and fixing issues.

The City is very lucky to have such skilled people who work behind the scenes, making sure the pipes that carry waste away from our homes and businesses are clean and flowing smoothly.

Sewer collection pipe

Mobile recording station

Message from the Council

Murray Senior Recreation Center

Warming Hearts Through Service

10 E 6150 S, Murray, Utah 84107 • 801-264-2635 mcreg.com • seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thurs 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. • Closed Sat and Sun Check our website for any changes in programs.

CHEF OMAR LIMON DAILY LUNCH Date: Tuesday through Friday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS CHRISTMAS EVENING DANCE Date: Thursday, Dec. 14 Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5 at the door CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND BINGO Date: Friday, Dec. 15 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5 for the lunch; prior reg. not required 2024 Kick-off for our new “-ING Club” (i.e., moving, dancing, walking) Date: Thursday, January 11 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $5 per month

The holiday season is a time of generosity for many Murray residents, and my family is no exception. One of our cherished holiday traditions is to find ways to support nonprofit organizations in place of exchanging presents.

We consistently contribute to our local animal shelters, offering both monetary donations and essential items. Additionally, we take great pleasure in backing the Murray Children’s Pantry, an organization that provides crucial assistance to those facing the most challenging circumstances. In a climate of rising inflation and increasing demand for these services during the harsh winter months, it’s crucial for us to extend our help to these worthy organizations within our community.

I encourage you to explore the wonderful small nonprofits that Murray has to offer, such as the Murray Greenhouse Foundation, Murray Symphony, Murray Concert Band, Murray Ballet, Spartan Closet, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake. Your support can take many forms, from attending performances to making monthly donations. Even a modest contribution can make a significant impact.

If financial contributions aren’t feasible for you, consider donating your time. Volunteering at local establishments like St. Vincent de Paul’s or seeking volunteer opportunities at your child’s school can be incredibly rewarding. Giving of ourselves is a meaningful way to brighten the holiday season and foster a warmer sense of community.

As the councilwoman for District 2, I’m immensely thankful for the opportunity to serve our community and address any concerns you may have. I’m dedicated to finding ways in which Murray can better serve its residents.

I wish you a bright and fulfilling 2024 filled with meaningful connections and opportunities to come together as a community.

—Pam Cotter, District 2

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. 15 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now VITAL AGING: MINDFULNESS Date: Tuesday, Dec. 19 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; register now

BRIDGE LESSONS Date: Mondays Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME Date: Thursdays Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free PINOCHLE LESSONS Date: Fridays Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

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

PROGRAMS HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME Date: Mondays Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES HAIRCUTS Date: Wednesdays Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $12; advance appt required MASSAGE THERAPY Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $40 p/h; advance appt required

CITY COUNCIL Council District 1 David Rodgers 385-743-9325

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

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

rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-635-6382

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

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

jkennedy@murray.utah.gov Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

DECEMBER 2023 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 20, 2024. 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: rcoates@murray.utah.gov A long-standing tradition in the Murray City School District (MCSD), was music instruction

by William F. Robinson. Mr. Robinson was made the music supervisor of the MCSD in 1907.

During the early years of his teaching career, he would walk from one end of the district to another, making rounds to each of the schools. He was known as “Murray’s Music Man” and the “Father of Christmas Caroling” in the Murray Community.

Join us December 19th as we honor Mr. Robinson’s Carols, along with some fun Christmas favorites. Free for all ages to attend!

HAUNTED TALES WRITING COMPETITION Participants of our Annual Haunted Tales Writing Competition were invited to our Showcase, where winners were announced and invited to read selections of their entries. Pictured are a few participants who were able to attend that evening. Next writing competition will be Cotton Tales in spring of 2024!

McMillan students learn to give this Thanksgiving

I

n early November, the foyer of McMillan Elementary was stuffed with packages of instant potatoes, Rice-a-Roni, pumpkin pie mix and stuffing. There were canned fruits and vegetables, juice and crackers and an assortment of other food items to help those in need of a meal.

It was the school’s annual food drive, where families are asked to donate food items, if they’re able, said PTA president Bethany Matsumori.

“This year, we received more Thanksgiving specific food because the Murray Children’s Pantry asked us to hold our food drive out earlier in the month so we could help them collect food for the holiday,” she said as the school moved up its late month drive to the first few days of November. “Parents just sent canned goods with their kids to school and then it’s the responsibility of the sixth-graders to sort them in the bins.”

This year, the student body filled four large bins, with all grade levels participating in donating items.

Service has long been a priority for students to learn at McMillan.

Matsumori has helped at the elementary school for 10 years and even through Covid-19, students have served the community. While the food drives’ contributions used to be sent to the Utah Food Bank, she said now it stays local.

MurrayJournal .com

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com “The Murray Children’s Pantry reached out for help and because they’ve helped provide some services to some of the families that go to our schools, we liked building that connection and helping within our community,” Matsumori said.

Having students serve the community is part of the PTA’s mission, she said.

“With PTA, it’s giving them opportunities that aren’t just educational, but things that enhance and help them connect to their community. This food drive provides them an opportunity to serve and to see how that makes an impact on people’s lives,” Matsumori said.

The students’ service is not just donating food items once per year.

“We look for service activities a couple times each year. In the spring we try and do a cleanup or beautification of some type. Last year, they planted trees,” she said.

That tradition has served the McMillan community for more than a dozen years. In 2010, students and volunteers came out to spread wood chips in the playground, raked leaves, planted flowers, weeded and trimmed bushes — in the rain.

“Last year, it was so much fun,” Matsumori said. “It wasn’t just planting trees; it was building our community.”l

McMillan sixth-graders sorted and boxed up food donations for Murray Children’s Pantry. (Bethany Matsumori/McMillan Elementary)

Dec. 2023 | Page 15

Murray High project home gave students opportunity to learn

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

M

urray High alum Alejandro Tolayo helped build the cabinets that he and other Salt Lake Community College cabinetry students installed in a 2,800-square foot home on Bullion Street, one block north of Viewmont Elementary.

It was a home he helped start to build last school year, which will come up for sale in late December. The Murray High house, which 37 students this term helped to complete, will have its open house for the public from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 19.

The house at 711 W. Bullion St. will be put on sale and money from the home sale will go back into future project houses for students.

Toyalo’s former skilled and technology education high school teacher Quinn Drury said he has witnessed this many times in his 28-year career during 12 different project houses.

“Over the years, we’ve had hundreds of kids from our program build the cabinets because when they graduated from our program they got college scholarships (at SLCC),” he said, estimating 75% of his seniors every year receive the full-tuition scholarships at SLCC, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University.

It’s the second two-story house built by the high school students. Designed by Hearth Home Designers, the home features nine-foot ceilings and includes a finished basement; it’s the first time students have finished a basement. There are three bedrooms with built-in closet shelving and three and one-half bathrooms, with two bathtubs and two showers and tile flooring.

Junior Ethan Syevens said his favorite room may be the master bedroom.

“It’s pretty spacious and the master bedroom has a very nice view of the backyard,” he said. “All the bathrooms are nice.”

The SLCC-made cabinets, with softhinged pull-out shelving, stretch from the kitchen to the mud room, which has hooks and shelving for coats, hats and mittens. Inside a walk-in food pantry, there are three plug-ins. The kitchen, which looks into the backyard, also has two sinks, granite countertops, luxury laminate flooring and under-the- cabinet lighting.

Junior Kristina Jorgensen, who followed her brother’s footsteps in enrolling in the class, appreciated the “modern kitchen look and functionality with the cabinets.”

On the main level is an open living room that flows into the dining room. The family room is on the lower level and the laundry is upstairs. The three-car garage sits off of the kitchen to the north and to the south, a barbecue area in the backyard.

It sits on .2 acres. The home, with insulated walls and doors, an enormous cold storage

Page 16 | Dec. 2023

Murray High construction students work to finish the master bathroom floor in November before the house goes up for sale in December. (Julie Slama/ City Journals)

room and a tankless water heater, received a five-star energy rating.

Senior Xander Brener, who wants to study engineering, likes the experience and problem-solving he’s getting by building the home the past two years. His appreciates the overall look of the home.

“The front entrance with the pillars is appealing to the eye,” he said, adding that he liked climbing the rafters to work on the roofing. “I’ve learned how trusses go together; we built them first then pulled them up to the roof.”

Drury, who said that “Xander is a good candidate for the CT scholarship (at SLCC),” said his students work on all aspects of the house.

“I’ve always told my students the best way to learn something is to do it and here, they actually get to,” he said.

Brener enjoys the class.“The teachers provide us with knowledge and hands-on work and that’s the best type of work in my opinion,” he said.

Syevens also appreciates the chance to have real-world experience, getting a break from classroom learning. He was part of the crew that put in the fiberglass insulation and drywall.

“I learned how to put up drywall and learned important skills with mudding,” he said. “I feel like mudding would be a skill I might use later in life when I get a home and do my own renovations.”

Jorgensen learned tiling and may apply her knowledge to helping repair tiling at her parents’ home.

“I had no idea how to put it down or even how to cut it with a tile machine,” she said. “You have to mix up the grout and

Murray High students compact dirt in front of the home they built, which will have an open house Dec. 19. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

lay it down and make sure your lines are straight. Otherwise, there will be air bubbles and the tile will pop back up.”

Drury said that “They’re learning life skills and can use these in their own homes.

Many of my students are highly sought after. I get people calling weekly for kids to sign up for internships or for work. This is one class where what you do, what you produce actually goes on the open market.”

In mid-November, they still had some work within and outside of the home to finish before it was to be inspected by the Murray City inspector.

“It’s got to be a total perfect project when they’re done. When they inspect it, they talk to the kids with what they’re seeing and learning. They’ve been really good to work with us,” Drury said.

While they all receive 18 hours of concurrent enrollment at SLCC toward construction management degree, Syevens said he may want to pursue an automotive degree as he’s also been taking those classes at the high school. Jorgensen is looking at several options ranging from art to zoology.

These students also are part of the school’s 60-member chapter of Skills USA, a career and technical student organization who are enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. Last year, Jorgensen, who is the chapter’s vice president of promotions, received a bronze state medal in the job interviewing competition. She plans to compete this spring as well as Syevens and Brener, who

is the chapter treasurer.

This month, the student will build about 50 wooden cars to give to kids both at the school’s preschool as well as those at Primary Children’s Hospital. In addition, they’ll cut out hundreds of wooden Christmas ornaments so children at the hospital can paint and decorate them. It’s a 25-year tradition for Drury’s classes.

“We want to give back to the community the opportunities to have our kids grow and to learn and to have these experiences,” he said.

Next term, in addition to starting a new project house on Woodrow Street, they also plan to give to the community by constructing a one-bedroom home in the school parking lot that then will be moved to The Other Side Village, as an affordable home in the planned community designed for people coming out of chronic homelessness.

“The state came to us asked if we could help build it and I thought I’d be a good experience for the kids in a way to give back to the community,” Drury said. “It keeps our program strong; we can always be building so we plan to continue doing this as there is a need.”

From mastering skill to building a house to serving the community, Drury has goals for his students: “If they apply themselves, they can do whatever they want.

They can climb any mountain.” l

Murray City Journal

Viewmont students learn how police dog helps to get drugs off streets

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

V

iewmont Elementary fifth-grader Brynli Schmeling knows a bit about police service dog, Argos, who in on his 8th year on the job.

“He can sniff about 300 million times greater than we can so he’s very good at smelling drugs; he’ll bark when he finds them,” she said. “The police dog is a German Shepherd-Belgium Malinois mix and he’s very aggressive when his handler tells him in German to seek out the bad guy. It was cool to see him find the drugs and looked to his owner to see what to do next; that was my favorite part.”

Before Argos put on a demonstration of finding the hidden stash in an orange cone in the front of the multi-purpose room, Murray Police K9 Officer Brian Bybee explained why police dogs are critical to searches.

“We use dogs for a law enforcement because they have incredible noses,” he said. “The way we see the world is with our eyes. We can see everything going on so we can comprehend it. But the way they see the world is through their noses. They can sniff things that we don’t even smell. If we were to spray perfume in here, not only could Argos smell the perfume, but he could tell you every single ingredient that is inside that perfume. That’s how good their noses are. So, we trained them to find drugs because drugs are really bad and the more drugs we can get off the streets, the safer people can be.”

While he led Argos to several orange cones, the dog quickly identified the cone with the hidden object.

“Argos is not only trained to find drugs, but he’s also trained to find and apprehend and bite bad guys. He doesn’t try to hurt them. He just tries to tackle them and

Murray City Police K9 Officer Brian Bybee demonstrates how police service dog Argos can find drugs hidden in an orange cone during Viewmont Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

then hold them until I get the bad guy to put in jail,” Bybee said.

While Brynli was fascinated by Argo’s search, other Viewmont students loved when Argos held onto his toy as Bybee grabbed the toy’s handles and swung the dog around like a helicopter to show the dog’s grip.

“Argos has a powerful jaw; his bite force is 350 pounds per square inch and his teeth are built into his jaw so we’re able to do special things that other dogs can’t do,” he said, warning students not to try playing helicopter at home with their pets.

Argus started his training when he was eight weeks old. When he was about a year and a half, Argos started as

Come together this season.

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a police officer. Bybee said the dog is nearing retirement.

Argos lives at home with Bybee, eats regular pet food and is treated as a normal pet although “he is absolutely a spoiled dog and has a better life than any other dog except for my little mini Golden Doodle,” Argos’ handler said, receiving laughs from the schoolchildren.

Brynli learned another thing.

“Don’t do drugs, and if someone offers you a drug, say no and walk away,” she said.

That was the point Bybee was making to the students during the school’s Red Ribbon Week.

“It’s important for them to understand the dangers of what they may be facing as they become adults,” he said.

“Some of the decisions that they’re going to have to make and having a preparedness for making those decisions beforehand makes it that much easier.”

Bybee shared with the students Red Ribbon Week’s history when in the mid-1980s, parents and youth across the country were angered after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena so they chose to wear red ribbons to symbolize their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs. Now, schools use Red Ribbon to serve as an opportunity to educate youth in drug-prevention activities.

“We honor Agent Camarena for the sacrifice he made as an officer,” Bybee said. “Another way we honor him, is our pledge and commitment not to do drugs.” l

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Murray City Journal

Three Girl Scouts create Halloween costume closet for their school

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

T

hree Viewmont girls were amongst 93 being honored by Girl Scouts of Utah in early November.

They received their Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. The girls identified a project in their community to improve, organized a plan and put it in action.

Sixth-grader Willow Hackwell and fifth-graders Preslee Andrew and Laykin Cheney of troop 865, doubled the required 20 hours by creating a Halloween costume closet at their school and ensured its sustainability.

“We learned last Halloween there had been a lot of kids around school who didn’t have any costumes, so we decided we were going to do a costume drive and have a supply of costumes for students this year,” said Preslee on the day before Halloween.

The girls learned to market their idea by advertising to families via ParentSquare, the school communication application with parents.

“We had a bin by the front doors of the school with a sign we made so people had a place to donate costumes,” Preslee said.

Willow said the trio also organized the donations by creating a catalog, with the size, description and photograph of each of the 75 costumes now available at their school.

“We learned how to plan and organize and stay on track. We put it together in a binder,”

she said.

The girls, and a neighbor, modeled the costumes for the photographs.

“That was the fun part,” Laykin said.

All three girls planned to wear costumes from the closet this past Halloween.

New and gently used costumes range from a clown and a bumble bee to Barbie and the Mona Lisa. The costumes were cleaned and mended, if necessary, then organized and labeled and put into large Ziplock’s that can be checked out for Halloween parties, trunkor-treats, the school parade as well as trick-ortreating.

The Girl Scouts’ project, which began last February, was still receiving donations in October. They decided to share the additional 35 costumes with nearby Horizon Elementary.

Laykin said she was happy that they could share costumes with others.

“We don’t need all of them in our school and other schools probably have the same problem with kids not feeling included by not having a costume,” she said. “We’re helping make other kids happy.”

The girls created a PowerPoint and presented their project to about 35 members of the school PTA, who agreed they would keep up the costume closet to ensure its sustainability for future students. Laykin also presented the project to Murray’s Board of Education.

“It was fun to make the slides and add some Halloween images that we presented,” Willow said. “It gave us a chance to tell our story and how we wanted to help people who didn’t have costumes.”

Troop leader Jamie Cheney said through the project the girls not only used their computer skills to put together the PowerPoint presentation, but also used oral and written communication skills and organizational and management skills. They practiced budgetary skills by using troop funds they earned from selling cookies to pay for supplies they needed, such as catalog supplies, bags and storage bins.

The girls said the idea to get costumes donated came from their school counselor, Heather Preece.

“They asked me if there were any needs that the school had that they might be able to help with,” she said. “The pressing need that I had at that moment were Halloween costumes for children who may be new to the country, who may not be able to put something together at home, or whose family may have forgotten.

Not all families celebrate Halloween, but for children coming to school sad without a costume (or for families asking for help), I wanted to be able to have a couple of choices to offer them.”

She said the generous outpouring of the

community gave the Girl Scouts enough costumes to organize and fill four huge storage bins. She said that families also donated some trick-or-treat buckets.

“This makes it so easy to show the options to children, particularly when children are still learning English or are sad,” Preece said.

She’s familiar with “this phenomenal group of girls.” Last year, the troop created birthday bags using decorated gift bags to hold birthday party supplies, cake mix and $5 for oil and eggs.

“They gave these to me for families who may need some extra help to make their children’s birthdays special,” Preece said.

Cheney said they also prepared and gave similar holiday bags last year.

“Every year we try to do something service-based for the school,” she said. “This shows the girls can do something that can affect people for a long time. Sometimes you do service like you take a meal with someone and that’s great. This service is one that can be built upon as they’re going to put the bin out every year to keep adding to the costume closet, and it can also help other schools.”

Preslee agrees: “I like that we know these costumes are going to a good cause and people in the school as well as others are going to be affected by this change for a long time.” l

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Viewmont students, fifth-grader Preslee Andrew, sixth-grader Willow Hackwell and fifth-grader Laykin Cheney, put together a Halloween costume closet for their Girl Scout Bronze Award. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Cheney)

MurrayJournal .com

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Cottonwood High opens new teen center to provide resources to all students

I

t only took a couple months to turn two classrooms at Cottonwood High School into a teen center complete with a kitchen, study rooms, showers and laundry facilities — and parent volunteer Robyn Ivins couldn’t be more pleased.

“We had a vision for what this would look like and Granite School District supported it,” said Ivins, the longtime Cottonwood High pantry volunteer who was involved during every step of the five-month construction project.

“We want to meet the physiological needs of our students. If you’re going to educate the whole child, it’s more than just food. When kids didn’t have clean clothes and they didn’t have a way to shower, we knew we needed to help. This organically grew into ‘let’s meet more needs of our kids.’”

Cottonwood High’s teen center was slated to open in November once a director was hired.

Access to the center is available through the school as well as a separate outside entrance.

There is food in the school pantry adjacent to the teen center and counseling services and resources are available.

“There’s a ‘chill pass.’ This is a place if they need a break, but it’s not like they can leave class and hang out here to sluff. It’s a place where they can get a snack, do their laundry, have access to administration, mental health help, learn about resources, get whatever they need to be successful in class,” Ivins said.

Facilities for students have increased in recent years. Nearby Hillcrest High in Canyons School District added services for students when the school underwent a recent rebuilding. Several high schools in Davis School District have teen centers and recently, Herriman High opened a teen center. Several other schools – elementary through high school – have created wellness rooms for students and faculty.

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com School social worker Alisa Webb said there has been a growing need for students in all communities to have access to teen centers in recent years.

“Definitely since COVID, we’ve seen a rise in students with needs,” she said. “It’s true especially with housing this past year because that’s when the protections ran out.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, Cottonwood High has a minority enrollment greater than 53%. Webb said part of the school’s population counts for refugees and newcomers to the country and more than 40 native languages are spoken.

“The beauty of Cottonwood is the diversity,” she said. “It also comes with some challenges. We’re trying to answer some of those with the new teen center. I love that students have access right here to do laundry or take a shower. Over the years we’ve had students who had been staying in their cars or haven’t been able to wash their clothes for a long time.

Just to have the resources for them to be successful at the school is amazing.”

In addition to shower and laundry facilities, Webb, who provides counseling for students, said 46 students of about 1,500 at Cottonwood have been identified as not having a permanent home.

“Those are the ones I know of; there’s probably more than that,” she said. “Initially, they’ve been identified through the McKinney-Vento (Homeless Assistance Act) questionnaire that asks, ‘Are you staying at a house with another person or family due to loss of housing and economic hardship or similar reasons? Are you living in a motel, shelter, temporary housing or living in a car?’ I have all of the above. Then, some pop up through the year either coming in on their own or someone else refers them. We don’t have a place for them to sleep at the school, but I do connect them to resources. Now, our new teen center will help

Cottonwood High volunteer Robyn Ivins advocated for the school’s new teen center which provides students resources for laundry, shower, studying, food and counseling. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The laundry room, with free detergent, is available to students to wash clothes and they can study in an adjacent room. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Two restrooms with showers are available for student use in the new Cottonwood High teen center. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Page 20 | Dec. 2023

me provide resources to our students as well.”

The resources at the teen center are available for anyone, the same as the school pantry, which serves about 150 students per week.

Cottonwood High’s pantry opened in January 2017 when there was a realization that students were too hungry to focus on their homework during an after-school tutoring program. Cottonwood has more than 50% of the student body who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

“There is no stigma with our pantry,” Ivins said. “Everybody comes. Anybody comes.

Whether they just need a pencil or a granola bar or kids who can’t afford to buy things, our pantry is open to all; there’s no qualifier. The teen center is a place for everybody. It’s not a place for a homeless kid. It’s not a place for

a disadvantaged kid. It is a place for anybody who needs something that we offer here to be welcomed.”

Ivins said having facilities available to all students helps with their education.

“I love the food pantry and this teen center,” she said. “These Cottonwood kids are near and dear to my heart; there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them. This is leveling the playing field so every kid can be in school. I want every kid to have what my kids have; I want every kid to have access to physiological and educational needs, emotional support, physical support. We’ve made that happen and it has taken an army of the most incredible people, but we have this magical place. It’s like Disneyland for me.” l

Murray City Journal

Remembering controversial labor martyr Joe Hill and his time in Murray

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

O

ver a century has passed since the execution of Joe Hill, a Swedish-American labor activist whose brief but impactful stay in Murray City left an indelible mark on the labor movement. This retrospective delves into the life and times of Hill, underscoring his role as an organizer, songwriter, and, in the eyes of some, a martyr.

Hill's influence extended beyond his organizational efforts. His songs, like "There is Power in a Union" and "The Preacher and the Slave," became anthems for the working class, echoing across picket lines and labor protests for decades. After his death, Hill was memorialized in literature and music, most notably in the song "I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night."

However, Hill's time in Murray was marred by controversy. In January 1914, he was accused of the murder of a Salt Lake City grocer John Morrison and his son, a charge that remains contentious to this day. The evidence against Hill was circumstantial, yet it led to his conviction and eventual execution by firing squad in November 1915, sparking a national outcry and cementing his status as a labor movement icon.

During his time in Murray, Joe Hill stayed on and off with John and Ed Eselius.

The Eselius brothers, like Hill, were Swedish immigrants, and they had previously met Hill and his friend Otto Appelquist while

working in San Pedro. This connection to the Eselius family reflects the tight-knit nature of the Swedish community in Murray, which was impoverished but closely bonded​​.

On the night of the Morrisons' murder, Joe Hill sustained a gunshot wound from a .38 caliber weapon, which notably resembled the firearm used by the Morrisons, suggesting it might have been used by their attackers. This incident occurred on Jan. 10, 1914, marking a significant event during Hill's time in Murray. Hill, who preferred to keep his personal matters private, did not disclose the specifics of how or why he received the gunshot wound. Seeking medical attention, Hill visited the home office of Dr. Frank McHugh in Murray around 11:30 P.M. that night. He told Dr. McHugh he had been shot by a friend over an argument concerning a woman, and he requested the doctor to keep this information confidential. During his treatment, a gun was discovered in a shoulder holster under Hill's clothing. Dr. Arthur Bird, who happened to stop by Dr. McHugh's home, later assisted in transporting Hill back to the Eselius residence.

Murray City Marshal Fred Peters caught word of Joe Hill’s wounds and came to investigate with two deputies. Peters notably shot Hill in the hand as he attempted to escape from the Eselius’s window. Following this, Hill was turned over to Officer Blaine

Baxter of the Salt Lake City Police Department. During his arrest, Hill maintained a sullen silence and refused to provide details about his injury. He only told the doctors that he was shot by a friend during a quarrel over a girl.

Murray woman Hilda Erickson, whose former fiancé was Otto Appelquist, claimed to have known precisely who shot Joe Hill: Appelquist himself. This information came to light much later, in 1949, when Erickson shared her story with a writer.

Erickson's connection to Hill was personal and complex. Appelquist and Hill had been staying off and on with Erickson's uncles in Murray, Utah. Erickson had ended her engagement with Appelquist a week before Hill was shot. She recalled an incident where Joe Hill had jokingly teased Appelquist about taking Erickson away from him. Following this, Erickson revealed Hill had confided in her that Appelquist shot him in a fit of anger. Despite this, Appelquist immediately regretted his action and carried Hill to a doctor for treatment.

Moreover, Erickson's interactions with Hill extended beyond the shooting incident.

She mentioned visiting Hill every Sunday afternoon in the Salt Lake jail, indicating a continued connection or concern for Hill

after his arrest and during his incarceration.

While it was known that Hill and Erickson were in contact, Hill never mentioned his relationship to Erickson as a possible motive to being shot or any alibi that would help prove his innocence. A jury sentenced him to die due to the circumstantial evidence that he was the Morrisons’ killer.

President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller advocated for clemency. However, the Utah governor's refusal to intervene led to Hill's execution, and Hill was killed by firing squad.

Hill’s influence still resonates to this day and has been cited as influential by songwriters such as Bruce Springsteen and Rage Against the Machine.

Until the 1950’s the Eselius home on Plum Street became a pilgrimage site for labor activists until it was torn down. City Marshal Fred Peters achieved notoriety after arresting Hill and was shortly after elected mayor of Murray. Erickson led a quiet life and Appelquist disappeared completely from history. All that remains in Murray of that era is the former Murray Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Second Ward chapel (5056 Commerce Dr.) that served Swedish immigrants Hill had resided with. l

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The Eselius home where Joe Hill resided became a labor pilgrimage site until it was torn down in 1950.

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Dec. 2023 | Page 21

Murray bonds on $25 million revamp of Public Works facilities

A

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

huge building project is about to set sail for Murray, and it doesn’t involve the city’s downtown area. Murray City is set to embark on a significant journey of infrastructure development, with the council's decision to issue a $25 million bond for a new Public Works facility. This move, underscored in a May 16 Municipal Building Authority (MBA) meeting, is a pivotal step in the city's pursuit to bolster its infrastructure to meet current and future demands.

Murray’s current facilities (4646 S. 500 West) has been a growing concern for the city, and this project, initiated after an independent analysis, marks a substantial effort for future upgrades to Murray’s infrastructure.

Housing Murray’s water, roads and industrial shops, the current Public Works buildings are hampered by space constraints, a critical issue for a facility that has not kept pace with the city's growth. Designed for a smaller scale of operations, it now struggles to efficiently manage the increased workload and storage demands. This limitation significantly impacts the organization and deployment of equipment and personnel, essential for effective public services.

Additionally, the building's aging infrastructure poses safety and compliance challenges with modern building codes and environmental standards. Its outdated design lacks necessary technological integration, hindering optimal performance and responsiveness in public works operations. These shortcomings not only affect daily operations but also present long-term challenges for the city's infrastructure management and development.

Murray Finance Director Brenda Moore said, “The new administration building would be a single-story building, whereas right now it's a two-story building that is way bigger than needed. The biggest and most important thing is that the new admin building would stay up if there is an earthquake and it would be seismically sound. It's my belief, and I think everybody else would agree, that Public Works is essential and that their building should be safe so that they should be able to

continue to function if we have an earthquake or a major disaster. The fleet building, the new admin building, and the other buildings will be built to not fall down. This is their most important feature, so they can continue and go out and rebuild the city as needed in a case of an emergency.”

Murray City's Public Works project, known as Option A, outlines a series of comprehensive upgrades to its existing facilities.

Central to this plan is the relocation of the natural gas station near Riverside Dr. (500 West), aimed at enhancing both access and safety.

Additionally, the project will significantly increase the space allocated for the fleet and sign shop operations, addressing long-standing space constraints.

Improvements in the overall site design are also a key focus of the redevelopment.

The plan includes enhancing site circulation for more efficient movement within the Public Works area. To further streamline operations, segregated parking areas will be introduced, dividing spaces for staff, public, and Public Works vehicles. This division is expected to improve access and reduce congestion at the site.

The construction aspect of Option A features several new buildings and facilities. A new consolidated administration building is set to replace the current administrative structures. This comes alongside the demolition of the old ancillary administration, fleet and sign shop. Additionally, new facilities specifically for stormwater and wastewater management are planned, along with the relocation and extension of drying beds (drying beds provide sludge dewatering by allowing the liquid to both drain).

The project's funding structure involves leasing the land to the MBA, which will issue the bonds. The MBA will oversee construction and lease the facilities back to the city.

Notably, the payments for these bonds will match the bond payments, ensuring that the city will own the buildings outright once the bonds are paid off.

This bond issuance, especially in light of

Murray sprawling Public Works complex is set for a major revamp. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

the city’s existing $55 million bond obligations, was deliberated by the city council. The new bonds come with a maturity of 25 years and an interest rate cap of 6.5%.

“Whoever in January you pick as your chairman is going to get a hand cramp from all of the signing that they will be doing of all of those bonds,” Moore said.

The decision to cross-collateralize these bonds with the City Hall bonds was a notable topic, intertwining the financial fates of these critical city facilities.

Council members, while acknowledging the project's importance, raised concerns about the impact of additional debt. Discussions about potential rate increases and budget adjustments were central to the decision-making process.

“I'm wondering if now is the best time to bond?” City Councilor Diane Turner asked.

“There is probably no great time to bond, but it's not the worst time either,” Moore said.

“These rates are back up to the ones before the 2008 housing crisis. We were doing 5% bonds all the time then. If you look at my old coupon rates on a lot of our bonds, they're 4 and 5%. The cost of construction is going up, so I don't know which is worse: paying 5% or waiting three or four years. If you know anything about Municipal Finance, there is no way we would ever save $20 million for a building; you just can't do it. And the cost of construction is rising way more than 5% a year.”

The roles of Stifel Public Finance and Gilmore & Bell, serving as financial advisors and bond counsel, will be employed to ensure the city navigates this complex financial landscape responsibly and in accordance with legal requirements. l

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Murray City Journal

Christmas Unwrapped

I

t was the Christmas season as I Peri Kinder wandered the aisles at Gibson’s Discount Center with a $5 bill Life and Laughter crumpled in my pocket. It was 1975 and parents didn’t care if their 7-year-old wandered alone through a store.

I’d earned money to buy my parents Christmas gifts and I had to find the perfect presents. I imagined mom’s surprise when she unwrapped a brand new purse that wasn’t filled with broken crayons, Cheerios and used tissues. I pictured dad’s excitement as he opened the model airplane he would assemble at the kitchen table. I would be an example of humility as they raved about my thoughtfulness.

Dad agreed to drive me to Gibson’s and we climbed into our blue Ford Pinto. Once there, I told him he couldn’t follow me, that I wanted the presents to be a surprise. He hung out at the soda fountain drinking root beer so I could shop with privacy.

It didn’t take long to realize my $5 wouldn’t cover the cost of a purse or a model airplane. My heart sank as I walked the aisles. Everything was so expensive. Maybe mom wanted an oven mitt or a wooden spoon. Perhaps dad would like a small bottle of model glue.

Then I saw it. A pint-sized, cut-glass pitcher that gleamed under the store’s fluorescent lighting. It looked so elegant. It wasn’t big enough to mix a half-gallon of Kool-Aid but I didn’t think mom would care. She would cherish it for all eternity. And it was only $3.

That left a present for dad.

Walking past the drugstore aisle, I saw a mini-size bottle of Brut aftershave for less than $2. Mission accomplished.

I wrapped the presents and placed them under the tree, right up front. On Christmas Eve, I had the holiday insomnia where you try to sleep but you hear jingle bells and ho-ho-hos and prancing reindeer on the roof. Finally, it was morning and I dashed down the stairs.

I don’t remember what I got for Christmas that year.

Probably a Madame Alexander doll, a Nancy Drew book and a journal with a heart-shaped lock. What I do remember is being so excited for my parents to open their presents.

Mom unwrapped her gift first. I watched with the giddy excitement of a child who knows she nailed the perfect present. She opened her glass pitcher and held it up for everyone to see. It sparkled in the tree’s lights.

Dad was so grateful for his little bottle of Brut that he never used it. The tiny green bottle sat on the bathroom shelf for at least a decade. I asked him once why he didn’t use it. Didn’t he like it?

“I love it!” he said. “But if I use it, it will be gone and then I won’t have it anymore.”

I get it, dad. I feel the same way about the expensive bottle of tequila in my office.

Mom filled the pitcher with her homemade syrup we poured on pancakes, waffles and French toast. She used

it for all my childhood. My grandkids ate pancakes with syrup poured from that pitcher. I think she even took it with her when she moved to North Carolina.

It takes so little to make a child feel loved. It’s sometimes hard to use the gifts kids give you for the holidays, but they’re always watching. Wear the macaroni necklace.

Use the syrup pitcher. Put on the reindeer earrings. Your child will never forget.l

MURRAY

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