Murray Journal | May 2023

FOR 57 YEARS, TWIN PEAKS ELEMENTARY HAS BEEN THE ‘HEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

OnJune 2, Twin Peaks Elementary will hold its last day of school—ever.

The school, which cost about $700,000 to build in 1966, opened to 760 students. It now is home to 225 students, making it Granite School District’s smallest school.

However, that doesn’t make the closure any easier.

For more than 40 of the school’s 57 years, Lea Garvey has been connected with Twin Peaks. She tagged along with her older sister when she was a student, playing on the monkey bars or the huge tires until she was old enough to attend herself. Her niece and nephew and her own children all attended the school and for the past eight years, she has managed the cafeteria.

“It’s an awesome school where kids feel safe and they come here to play,” she said. “We knew it was our school, our place and parents knew where we were. When there was a community event, it was held here. Twin Peaks is the heart of the neighborhood.”

With an overall declining student enrollment, the Granite Board of Education voted this school year to close three elementaries, including Twin Peaks, this spring. Three other elementary schools were closed in the previous five years. However, classrooms were bursting with students when Garvey attended Twin Peaks in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“We had anywhere from 30 to 35 kids per class, guaranteed, and there were three teachers teaching per grade. Ev-

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ery class was full, and it was all our friends who lived right here in the neighborhood,” she said, adding that she remembers always having friends to walk the two blocks to and from school. “We’d pound erasers from the chalkboards on the side of the building to clean them and we all wanted to help in the cafeteria serving line or spray the dishes off. That meant you were special. We had some fun times.”

Garvey remembers her field trips as a Twin Peaks student. Her favorite was in second grade.

“We rode to Provo to a history museum, and everybody was excited because we hadn’t ridden a train before,” she said. “We were more excited about exploring the two levels of the train than we were about the museum.”

As fifth-graders, they had a mock legislative session where they’d learn about democracy.

“We’d have to choose where you’re a Democrat or a Republican, and of course, we all chose whatever our moms were because we knew nothing about the parties, and we’d just start debating the legislation. It was fun because we got more involved and we got to understand it more,” she said.

Their PE days were always outside, where relay races were a favorite; they’d be introduced to music and learn to play instruments from a music teacher, and they tried to fend off the choir teacher “with bright red lipstick” who would kiss the students on their cheeks for their birthday.

“It would not come off, no matter what we tried, so everyone knew it was your birthday,” she said.

Several teachers would teach students skills before and after school. Garvey remembers chess being popular and learning how to clog and performing dances at a senior center.

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“We did that for about three or four years until we caught up to her level and she couldn’t teach us anything new,” she said.

In the summer, she was part of the ceramics class.

“In the morning, he would pour into molds and by afternoon, we’d take them out and paint them. Then, he’d fire them,” she said. “I made several items. My mom got two owls which I still have, and I remember making the piggy bank and a Christmas plate.”

It was during that era that the panther school mascot was changed to “Pink Panther.”

“It was after the movie came out that all of us called ourselves the ‘Pink Panthers’ and that’s how we were known. We even had a picture of the Pink Panther on the wall, but after that era, we returned to the panthers,” she said.

After school on Fridays, the PTA would hold a movie for students and those who had money could purchase candy or cupcakes.

“School was a lot of fun, you didn’t feel any pressure or stress,” she said. “Now so many of our choices involve technology and the push to learn 24-7. I used to walk home for lunch, and it wasn’t a big deal. Now, the atmosphere is different; safety is in the fore-

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front.”

Much of the building looks the same, except for different tables in the cafeteria, the addition of a computer lab (and not as much emphasis placed on penmanship), the elimination of library book pocket check-out systems, the back of the stage being converted to a kindergarten dramatic play town— and empty classrooms.

“Our numbers have dropped. We don’t have any re-los (relocatable portable classrooms) for students and in some of our grades, there is only one teacher,” she said.

There are some changes in the student population—sixth-graders moved into mid-

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Students have engaged in art projects through the years at Twin Peaks as seen here 2017. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

dle school, kindergarten being offered full day and a more diverse student body, with more than 56% identifying as an ethnic minority, which has brought about a more recent favorite tradition, cultural night, said intern teacher-mentor and instructional coach Melissa McQueen.

“There are so many different languages. You don’t just teach English to your class; you translate everything. For example, we give a writing prompt, and the prompt is given in English, Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese. Google Translate is a huge part of our day, but it teaches our kids to embrace culture and diversity, which is super cool,” she said. “During COVID, we not only had to move to online platforms, but we’d be translating assignments into 15 or more languages; it was a big learning curve for everyone.”

McQueen said the number of students who are considered economically disadvantaged has increased.

“We have a closet of supplies; vision, hearing and dental services; breakfast program; and take-home meals from the children’s pantry now for 58% of our population. Compared to zero students when I started at Twin Peaks 26 years ago, there are a lot of families who are struggling on the east side of the (Salt Lake) Valley. This community rallies around our children, no matter the language, the cultural differences, the financial changes. We just believe students need to be celebrated and loved by their community. Being an educator comes with compassion,” she said.

While employees are guaranteed positions next year, they still aren’t sure where they will be.

“I understand that a school does not function well with one or one and one-half teacher per grade well, and no matter how

qualified your teachers are, you don’t have a team to collaborate with and it’s hard to build leadership with the same people—but it doesn’t mean we’re not going to miss our students, our school when we close,” she said.

In the last two months, the 12 faculty members and staff are helping students make memories, including distributing a school yearbook to the school’s last students.

Some long-standing traditions have continued through the years, such as field trips to the Utah Symphony and the children’s museum as well as holiday programs with visits from Santa Claus, but the return

of a school musical—this year, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”—has been welcome. The show was slated for late April.

The school’s 11th culture night where students, along with their families and the community, can learn more about the world and explore traditions and customs of many of their classmates, will be held beginning at 5 p.m., May 4. Typically dance, displays, music, food and stories are shared.

Thanks to the students themselves for surpassing the school fundraiser Penny Wars goal of more than $1,000, a community

event to celebrate the legacy of Twin Peaks Elementary is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m., May 19 at the school, 5325 S. 1045 East. Not only will alumni be able to look back at PTA minutes, photographs and memory books, but they will be able to join the students in the traditional cultural night festivities.

To incentivize the students, McQueen and Principal Rachel Lowry promised to sleep on the school roof after delivering bedtime stories to students. As of press deadline, they were expected to brave the dip in temperatures during a mid-April night. l

Tucked in a mature neighborhood, Twin Peaks Elementary is home to about 225 students, Granite School District’s smallest school. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Two secretaries were part of the Twin Peaks staff in 1967. (Photo courtesy of Twin Peaks Elementary)

Twin Peaks staff members Zee Stewart and Melissa McQueen join Principal Rebecca Spence (dressed as the bird) at Halloween time. (Photo courtesy of Twin Peaks Elementary)

Murray legislators wrap up legislative session

Murray legislators concluded the 2023 legislative session with varying degrees of success. While Sen. Stephanie Pitcher and Rep. Andrew Stoddard proposed numerous bills, veteran lawmaker Mark Wheatley sponsored one bill that did not pass.

Pitcher was the most successful of Murray legislators in getting bills to the governor’s desk. The senator sponsored 16 bills, of which 10 passed.

Pitcher sponsored several bills regarding juvenile justice. Juvenile Offender Penalty Amendment addresses the sentencing of a juvenile offender for the conviction of certain sexual offenses. Under the new legislation, courts were given broader jurisdiction over juvenile offenders brought in for sexual crimes.

In addition, Sen. Pitcher also passed SB0135 Government Transportation Cost Amendments, which will streamline transportation costs for the state. The new legislation aims to improve efficiency and reduce waste by consolidating transportation services and amending provisions related to costs ordered by a court as part of a criminal sentence.

Another bill passed was Public Notice Requirements, which aims to ensure the public is informed of government proceedings. The bill creates classifications for types of public notices where each classification requires notice to be provided in specific ways.

She sponsored the Driver License Suspension and Revocation Amendments, which changed how driver’s licenses are suspended and revoked. Under the new legislation, it provides for the shortening of the driver’s license suspension or revocation period required for certain traffic violations if an individual participates in a problem-solving court program and meets specified probationary conditions; and limits the types of offenses for which a court is authorized to shorten an individual’s driver’s license suspension or revocation period.

In his first session as a legislator, Sen. Nate Blouin, sworn in January, co-sponsored an Educator Salary Amendment.

This bill adds an appropriation adjustment for the educator salary adjustments and the Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP). In addition, it modifies what constitutes an eligible teacher for the TSSP.

The Utah Teacher Salary Supplement Program (TSSP) is designed to provide additional salary support to teachers in Utah who work in high-need subjects or schools. The program was created to help address the low salaries for teachers in Utah and encourage more qualified individuals to enter the teaching profession.

Under the TSSP, eligible teachers in Utah can receive an annual salary supplement of up to $4,100. To qualify for the program, teachers must meet specific criteria, including holding a valid Utah teaching license, working full time in a high-need subject area or school, and demonstrating proficiency in the subject they teach.

One of the most active of Murray’s representatives, Stoddard, sponsored 20 pieces of legislation, of which seven moved forward for the governor’s signature.

The first of the bills, Process Server Amendments, establishes new requirements for serving legal documents in Utah. This bill allows certain special function officers to serve court documents when the use of force is authorized or when a breach of the peace is imminent or likely.

Stoddard’s Sex and Kidnap Offender Registry and Child Abuse Offender Registry Administration Amendments update Utah’s offender registry laws. This bill

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

moves the administration of the Sex and Kidnap Registry and the Child Abuse Offender Registry from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Public Safety.

Also notable is Stoddard’s Vehicle Accident Reports Amendments. This bill requires the Department of Public Safety or the investigating peace officer’s law enforcement agency to provide an unredacted accident report to specific persons. It also provides that the unredacted accident report shall contain, among other items, the name, phone number, and address of each driver and person involved in the accident. Finally, it allows a witness of the accident to request that the witness’s address and phone number be excluded from the accident report but allows a

party in a lawsuit arising from an accident to discover the witness’s address and phone number.

Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion also scored a win by passing a Driver’s License bill. The bill allows the Driver License Division to begin administering specific examinations in languages other than English. It also allows an individual to take certain driver’s license examinations in the individual’s preferred language, subject to availability.

Her second passed bill, School Energy and Water Reductions spells out regulations to reduce the environmental impact of Utah’s schools by incentivizing energy and water conservation efforts.

Utah’s longest-serving female representative, Carol Spackman Moss, passed a duo of legislation to enhance the Utah International Baccalaureate Program. Her University Recognition for International Baccalaureate Achievement bill amends the Utah Board of Higher Education’s requirement for acceptance of prior learning. In addition, it requires Utah institutions to award credit for International Baccalaureate programs.

Her second bill, Suicide Prevention in Correctional Facilities, aims to improve mental health services for incarcerated individuals in Utah. Her bill requires the Department of Public Safety to administer the Suicide Deterrence Grant Program to provide suicide barriers in county jails.

Rep. Wheatley sponsored one bill to create a Kidney Health Task Force. Wheatley could not push his only bill forward before the end of the session. He did sign on as a co-sponsor to designate the brine shrimp as the state crustacean.

A complete listing of all Utah State legislation can be found at le.utah.gov. l

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and the Utah State Legislature dressed in blue during the first week of February to demonstrate bipartisan support to sustain Utah’s water supplies.

Murray State Sen. Stephanie Pitcher rises to address the Utah State Senate. (Photo courtesy of Center for Constitutional Studies at UVU)

Storytime for adults?

Murray City Library has you covered

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Murray City Library invites residents to take their summer reading beyond the backyard hammock or the beach. Marilyn Hurlow, the librarian in charge of adult programming, has curated diverse and engaging events so that kids are not the only ones to have fun at the library.

One of the most popular programs is the library’s two book clubs for adults. The groups read the same books each month but meet at different times to allow different groups of people to attend. One group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 12:30 p.m., while the other meets on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining can ask the library for the reading list and schedule.

“Art for Adults” is a creative drop-in program at the Murray City Library designed for adults of all ages and skill levels. This program takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is open to everyone. In the past, participants have enjoyed a variety of unique and engaging art projects, including book origami, Shrinkydinks, various painting techniques, Yayoi Kusama pumpkins and many more. These projects are often led by talented local artists or library staff members who are passionate about art and eager to share their knowledge with others.

The library also hosts a “Big Little Art Show” as part of this series every July, allowing participants to showcase their artwork in a public exhibition. Last year, the show had a huge turnout, with 87 4-inch by 4-inch paintings submitted and displayed at the library. The library’s Instagram account features images of some of these past projects to inspire and see participants’ work. Acrylic painting was featured in April, while watercolor painting is May’s focus.

The “My Life Story” group allows those who enjoy writing to share their experiences and memories with others. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the library. During the session, participants are given a prompt to write about and encouraged to write

an individual story about their life experiences based on that prompt. Sharing and discussion are also a significant part of this group, although it’s not mandatory. Participants can share their writing with others and discuss their experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment. This group is perfect for individuals who enjoy creative writing and storytelling or want to document their life experiences for future generations.

Know somebody who can’t make it to the library? Murray City Library has the “Homebound Outreach Program,” which allows people to register to receive five books per month via U.S. mail. The books are on the usual 28-day checkout schedule, but there are no late fines for participants. When signing up, participants answer questions about their book preferences, and librarians select books that match them. Participants can then provide feedback to help the library fine-tune their book selections for future mailings. A similar program is also available for residents in the memory care unit of the Abbington, where the library spends 90 minutes each month presenting stories and songs.

For those interested in games, the library has a Chess Club that meets on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. for casual games of chess. The club is open to kids, teens and adults; all skill levels are welcome. The library also keeps an in-progress puzzle on one of the tables near the holds shelf for anyone to drop in and spend a minute or an hour.

Several programs are also planned for later in the year, including an adult summer reading program and a tie-dye party in June 2023. Reservations will be required for the tie-dye party to ensure sufficient staff time to help with participants’ projects.

For more information or to join any of these programs, contact Marilyn Hurlow at the Murray City Library or visit their website at www.murraylibrary.org. l

Murray City Library’s “Homebound Outreach Program” allows people to register to receive five books per month via U.S. mail. (Photo courtesy of Murray Library)

Michael Romero: A Murray resident who makes a difference by giving back

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Michael Romero, a lifelong resident of Murray, is proud to call himself a true Murray resident. He was born at the old Cottonwood Hospital on Vine Street and has lived most of his life in Murray. In fact, he met his wife, Kathy Poulsen, in their 11th-grade Murray High English class, and they got married at the Murray Baptist Church, a year after high school graduation. They have four children, and two of them still live in Murray.

“I’m about as indigenous of a Murray citizen you will find,” Romero said.

Romero grew up in the ’60s and ’70s on 4800 South west of the railroad tracks between 200 West and 300 West. Romero remembers that the older kids were always in trouble with the law, and the police were always in the neighborhood.

“I joke with my adult friends that I grew up in a police state because there were always police in the neighborhood looking for older kids that were always in trouble with the law.

Many of the kids in the neighborhood never made it to high school and eventually ended up in jail, the military, or getting someone pregnant and having to get married and go to work. Fortunately, for me, because I was part of the younger kids, things began to calm down in the neighborhood by the time I was in my teens. I was one of the fortunate ones that were able to graduate high school and go on to college,” Romero said.

But this did not happen by luck. As Romero looks back, there is an individual who had a positive influence on him and explains the person he is today. This person is Bill Crocker. He owned the Superette grocery store on Vine Street, just across the entrance to Murray City Park. He was also a Murray City employee and a Boys & Girls Club volunteer.

Crocker had a good idea of the history and problems in Romero’s neighborhood and was aware that the Hispanic kids were not involved in the community sports and the Murray Boys & Girls Club activities. He took it upon himself to change that and came to their neighborhood and organized a basketball team of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade boys to participate in a basketball league through Salt Lake County Recreation. He would pick them up every Saturday and take them to their games. Crocker made it a requirement that if they were to be part of this team, they would

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need to commit to helping him with the elderly in their community, mowing their lawns, cleaning their yards, and sometimes doing an occasional painting job. This experience left a lasting impression on Romero, and he recognized the important responsibility of being involved and giving back, making a difference along the way.

“The only regret I have is I never thanked Mr. Crocker for what he did for me,” Romero said.

Romero has served on various boards and committees, including the Utah Transit Authority Board of Trustees; the Wasatch Regional Council, 2007-17; the Frank Cordova Foundation; the Murray City Personnel Advisory Board; the Murray Baptist Church Board of Trustees; the Murray Children’s Pantry; the Murray Exchange Club; and the Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Santaquin City. The highlight of serving on so many boards and committees is making a difference in people’s lives he says.

Former City Councilor Jim Brass, who now heads the Murray Pantry, has known Romero for 20 years. Brass needed a location to base the operations when he was organizing the pantry and asked Romero to help.

“It was his relationship with the Baptist Church that brought about the partnership that allows the pantry to use the old church parsonage as a home for the pantry, rent-free. This arrangement has saved the

pantry many thousands of dollars over the last three years. We could not exist without that support,” Brass said.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, many use this time to experience Hispanic food, music and culture. Romero also suggests joining an organization in the community that addresses a need or problem.

Mindful of his heritage, Romero has plenty to say about the current state of Hispanics in America. According to the 2022 Census data, there are 62.1 million Hispanics in the U.S., representing 18.9% of the U.S. population.

“Discrimination against Hispanics continues to be a problem. It seems there is a lot of finger-pointing today, and nothing is being done to address this problem. There is a lot of fear and hatred regarding our southern border. There are challenges to DACA students’ opportunities for an education. The status of the undocumented individuals and families in our communities presents major human rights issues of abuse and discrimination. For many Hispanics, even those whose families are born and raised here still lack financial security, educational and decent wage opportunities,” Romero said.

Still, Romero believes there is a way forward for everyone.

“As Americans, we need to quit pointing fingers, spreading false information and learn to trust each other and work together to address the problems and concerns in our communities,” Romero said. l

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MAY

May 26 The Alapa Family and the Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah

May 27 Aladdin, Movie Sing-Along

JUNE

June 3 Murray Concert Band

June 9-10, Disney’s High School Musical 12, 15-17

June 24 Murray Symphony Pops

JULY

July 7-8, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella 10, 13-15

July 21 Peter Breinholt

July 28-29, Seussical the Musical 31, Aug 3-5

AUGUST

Aug 12 Thurl Bailey with Marvin Goldstein

Aug 18-19 A Celtic Summer’s Night

Aug 25 Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband

Aug 26 Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four

SEPTEMBER

Sept 1 4 HIMS

Sept 9 Trio Los Charros

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts.

Michael Romero visits Miss Murray at a fundraiser. (Photo courtesy of Michael Romero)

Romero

Memories fade as 49th Street Galleria makes way for new development

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Afteryears of serving as a landmark, the 49th Street Galleria was demolished to make way for a new development. Nothing has been proposed formally to the Murray City Planning Department, but the property owners, Cottonwood Development, could offer up to 40 apartment units an acre. Theoretically, at 26 acres, the property could have a maximum of 1,040 units for the site.

The 49th Street Galleria, later the Fun Dome, and the American International School of Utah (AISU) charter school have been a fixture in Murray for over three decades. The sprawling entertainment complex featured a roller-skating rink, bowling alley, arcade, miniature golf range, and batting cages, drawing crowds of families and teenagers alike.

Murray City Community and Economic Development Director Jared Hall said the development will not reach the maximum number of units allowed under zoning requirements due to logistic reasons. He noted that while the site technically provides for 40 units per acre, it’s not enough density for anyone to build parking structures, which costs a lot of money.

“It’s almost a given that at 40 units per acre, we will see mostly—and probably totally—surface parking. Surface parking is cheaper, but it eats up your space—space you would have used to build units and max out your density. The other way to max out

is to go higher with the buildings, but that also costs a lot more. The costs increase a lot over three stories. With greater densities going taller may be a good investment, but probably not at 40 units per acre,” Hall said.

City Councilor Phil Markham shared his concerns about the project, which include traffic and the impact on the quality of life in the Clover Meadows subdivision. He also noted that the development does not require approval from the council for a rezoning, but it will be required to submit a site plan to the planning commission.

“Personally, I would have preferred a lower-density project with twin homes or townhomes as the primary feature. My dream scenario would have been an (age) 55 and over senior housing community,” Markham said.

Clark Bullen, a resident, expressed disappointment that the site will no longer be an entertainment destination for families and children. He said, “I know this was tried in two iterations and ultimately not successful. It’s unfortunate. Many people from all over Utah and beyond have fond memories of the 49th Street Galleria and the Fun Dome.”

Bullen believes that the city should focus on balancing its housing stock and availability with medium- and low-density and single-family homes. “If we don’t carefully plan, a community like Murray could become mostly a bedroom community of

Crews have demolished the former iconic 49th Street Galleria for a yet-to-be-proposed development.

(Photo courtesy of AISU)

The former 49th Street Galleria grand hall is being demolished. (Photo courtesy of AISU)

apartments without enough medium and low density to remain an effective city,” he said.

The former 49th Street Galleria site is a sizeable property with close access to two freeway entrances in Murray’s central location. As a result, many developers see it as a particularly desirable location.

“I think you’ll see a project that mixes apartments at no more than three stories mixed with some townhomes that carry a lot of value in this market. Neither of those things will require expensive structured parking, but you won’t see any density even close to the maximum. Maybe more like half or less,” Hall said.

Markham said, “I believe that we have more than our fair share of apartment projects nearing completion or in the planning phase. I attribute this to our central location in the valley and easy freeway access, as well as having three light rail stations and a FrontRunner station. Our proximity to Intermountain Medical Center and Fashion Place Mall also contributes.”

“Arguably, we need more medium-density housing and single-family homes for balance in our housing stock and availability. The State is trying to solve the housing shortage by pressuring cities to build more and more density, which is causing neglect for the ‘missing middle’ housing. There is actually a shortage of all housing types, not just high density,” Bullen said.

The Murray City Master Plan is scheduled to be updated within two years. The city is already undertaking studies of transit station areas to address the demand for higher density and commercial development.

“This is a crucial timeframe for citizens to become involved in the future of our city. With the price and scarcity of land in Murray, it is inevitable that we will see more projects with higher density. The days of everything being single-family, R1-8 housing are over. We need to revisit the areas surrounding our neighborhoods and figure out ways to preserve the quality of life that made Murray attractive in the first place,” Markham said.

Bullen said, “I think we need to specifically plan where we want to see more commercial growth/activity and where we want more medium and low density. Otherwise, there will be a lot of pressure from the State and developers for all available space to become higher-density apartments.” l

The former 49th Street Galleria is now a pile of rubble. (Photo courtesy of AISU)

INDEPENDENT • ASSISTED • MEMORY CARE

We are located in the heart of Murray and are excited to improve the lives of our residents and their families by offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

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Registration Deadline: June 9th, 2023

Season Runs: June 26th - August 24th, 2023

Where: Sugarhouse Boys & Girls Club Who:

Cost: $66/player before deadline, $76 after deadline (open until full)

For more information contact Linnea Aguirre at Laguirre@gslclubs.org

Talented Spartans enter final stretch in strong region position

Photos by Travis Barton

Sophomore Preston Lawson is part of a talented Murray group this year, capable of controlling the game via possession against any team. Consistently finding goals will determine how far the team goes as a wide variety of players are capable of finding the back of the net with eight different players scoring through 10 games.

Joksan Arana cuts inside as part of Murray’s agile midfield. In an extremely competitive Region 6, the Spartans are in position to win the region title.

Carlos Nieto Rosales, a freshman, beats his defender during a matchup against Olympus. The Spartans won five of their first seven region games, dropping two home games to Skyline (in double overtime) and Olympus while sweeping Brighton and picking up wins against East, Park City and Highland.

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Mayor’s Message

Murray’s Legislative Wrap-Up

The 2023 General Session of the 65th Utah Legislature ended March 3rd. At the close of the 45-day session, a record number of bills totaling 575 had been passed. The scope of statewide policies considered, and the laws enacted were described as “historic.” The Legislature set a state budget record when it nalized a scal year 2024 $29 billion budget.

Among the many issues considered were water conservation, a ordable housing and homelessness, tax cuts, domestic violence victims, education, infrastructure, public safety, abortion, transgender surgery, the Great Salt Lake, cybersecurity, and social media’s impact on children, to name a few.

When the Legislature meets there is always the possibility that state laws will trump city ordinances and policies. Losing “local control” is one reason cities hold our collective breath during legislative sessions. While several bills that could potentially preempt our local control were passed, thanks to the e orts of many, numerous “bad” bills impacting local control were defeated and many positive bills were passed.

Of particular interest to cities was the Legislature’s continued emphasis on a ordable housing and its mandates and restraints on cities’ land use authority. It is always interesting to watch how policymakers work to resolve problems.

Since the 1990’s the State Legislature has considered the development of a ordable housing to be a statewide concern. Cities are required to plan, implement, and report on their e orts to provide developers meaningful opportunities to build a ordable housing. If the report is not submitted

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Viewmont Elementary 801-264-7438

on time or is otherwise noncompliant, a ne may now be imposed in the amount of $250 for each day of noncompliance. We certainly want to meet the housing needs of everyone. Whether the state can do this with its mandates, in an e ort to meet demand remains to be seen.

Cutting development costs was at the forefront of a bill that prohibits cities from requiring roads, in excess of 32 feet wide, when the road is primarily serving neighborhood tra c. Another bill prohibits a referendum if the city council vote (for a zone change, for example) is unanimous.

Finally, to entice developers to build more a ordable starter homes and to enable their purchase, the Legislature budgeted $50 million to provide $20,000 loans to eligible homebuyers for down payments or closing costs. The single-family home, townhome or condo must be new and not exceed $450,000 in cost. Doing the math, this would help 2,500 buyers.

The bill examples above show that governing is not a spectator sport, and it isn’t easy. We have a Legislature committed to working hard to resolve very di cult issues. Many of these issues overlap local issues. Murray is a city where people come together to solve di cult issues. We appreciate the many Murray residents who reached out to their elected leaders, both at the City and State levels, to provide feedback, insights, and opinions on proposed bills and other related issues this session. The City continues to advocate for solutions to address many of these di cult issues while still striving to maintain local control and to provide the best possible opportunities and services for the residents and businesses of Murray City.

Municipal Election Information

The 2023 Murray City Municipal Primary and General Elections will be held on August 15, 2023, and November 7, 2023, respectively. We encourage all eligible voters to participate in this process and cast a vote.

The following seats will be up for election:

Councilmember District 1; Councilmember District 3; and Councilmember District 5.

If you are interested in running for office you must be a United States citizen, at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of Murray City for 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of the election. If you are running for a council district, you must be a resident of that council district. Additionally, you must not be mentally incompetent, a person convicted of a felony or a person convicted of treason, or a crime against the elective franchise.

Those interested in running for office must file a Declaration of Candidacy in person with the City Recorder from Thursday, June 1, 2023, through Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm at 10 East 4800 South*, Murray City Hall Recorders Office. Please note that there is a filing fee of $95, which must be paid at the time of filing the Declaration of Candidacy.

We encourage all citizens to get involved in the election process, whether as a candidate or a voter. Your participation can

make a difference in the direction and future of Murray City. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Brooke Smith, City Recorder, at bsmith@murray.utah.gov or 801-264-2662.

*Please note that Murray City Recorder’s office is scheduled to relocate from 5025 S State Street to 10 East 4800 South close to the end of May; however, that date is subject to change. Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your participation in the 2023 Murray City Municipal Elections.

M URRAY S ENIOR R ECREATION C ENTER

10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107

801-264-2635

seniorrec@murray.utah.gov

murray.utah.gov/140Senior-RecreationCenter

mcreg.com

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Check our website for any changes in programs.

DAILY LUNCH BY CHEF OMAR LIMON

Date: Tuesday through Friday

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

SPECIAL EVENTS

Family Concert Series

Date: Monday, May 15 – BD Howes (classic rock)

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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

National Senior Health and Fitness Day

Date: Wednesday, May 31

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free for health screenings and classes; $5 for box lunch; Register now

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, May 5 and 19

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

Fly Fishing Class

Date: Tuesday, May 16 and Jun. 20

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; register now

Vital Aging: Anxiety

Date: Tuesday, May 23

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; register now

DANCE

Line Dance: Beginning

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 for the month; register now

Thursday Evening Social Dance

Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays

Date: Thursdays

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $5

EXERCISE

Daily Exercise Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule

PROGRAMS

Hand and Foot Card Game

Date: Mondays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free Bridge Lessons

Date: Mondays

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Mexican Train Dominos Game

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES

Haircuts

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $10; advance appointment required

Onsite Stretch

Date: Thursday, May 4 and 18

Time: 9:30 a.m. – noon.

Cost: $38 per session; advance appointment required

Massage Therapy

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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

COTTON TALES!

In April, we held our annual Cotton Tales writing competition, which included a showcase for our participants.

FIRST PLACE WINNERS:

Short Stories:

Hadley F. Planting for the President

Long Stories: Brooklyn B. Extraterrestrial

Lucy H. The Gread Pyramid

Fable B. Seventy-Five Percent

Picture/Comic Book: Kit W. The Gardener

ARTS IN THE PARK!

To kick o our 2023 Arts in the Park Season, we will be holding a Friday night concert and a Movie Sing-Along, Saturday.

Friday, May 26 at 8 PM

The Alapa Family & The Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah

The Alapa Family have been singing together since their parents got married in 1995. Their heritage derives from Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Chinese, and Portuguese descent. The Kulturang Pilipino Ensemble of Utah will be sharing the stage with the Alapa Family. They are a volunteer group from di erent sectors in the community, joined together with a common interest of showcasing a kaleidoscope of Philippine culture and traditions. Tickets are $15 General Admission and can be purchased at the Murray Parks & Recreation O ce (296 E Murray Park Ave) or online through RegTixs.

Saturday, May 27 at 9 PM, Disney’s Aladdin will be playing at the Murray Park Amphitheater for a movie sing-along. Small interactive prop bags will be given to the rst 100 patrons. Movie is free admission and open all ages. Full schedule and more information at www.murray.utah.gov/853/Arts-in-the-Park

Back row: Lucy H., Kit W., Eleanor W., Brooklyn B.

Front row: Hadley F., Eden F., Emily J., Fable B.

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country.

Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10:00 am.

Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery

1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED

SPEAKER: Jennie Taylor Gold Star Wife, Civilian Aide to the U.S. Secretary of the Army

Former National Guard Armory to serve as Murray City’s latest indoor gathering place

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Adding a new jewel to its park and recreation crown, Murray City will begin renovating the National Guard Armory as a meeting place and indoor pavilion. The armory building, which has functioned as a Murray Parks and Rec storage facility, borders Murray Park’s Arboretum and Little Cottonwood Creek.

Amory with the agreement that they could use the indoor gymnasium during the county fair. The National Guard also donated an S-84 airplane (used as a slide) and anti-aircraft guns. The aircraft was mounted in Murray Park as part of a playground for public use, and the aircraft guns are still in Constitution Circle.

When the National Guard opened its current main headquarters in Draper in the 1990s, they sold the property to Salt Lake County.

PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: Hill Air Force Base, Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet

The featured speaker is Congressman Chris Stewart. Program will include: Hill Air Force Base Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet and Refreshments Courtesy of Cedarwood at Sandy.

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

Murray Parks and Recreation Director Kim Sorensen said, “Anticipated use includes city dinners, meetings, events, trainings, social gatherings, small company conventions and weddings. The building will be available for outside rentals, similar to a park pavilion.”

It was built in 1949 by the Frederickson Building Company of Salt Lake on the west side of Murray Park. This building was commissioned by the National Guard to be used as a motor vehicle storage garage. The National Guard also built a separate Armory at 5200 S. State St. in 1955. Units at the time of dedication were the 115th Engineer and the 1334th Engineer battalions.

Murray City and Salt Lake County donated the land to the National Guard for the

“The building was purchased in 2009. The city bought the building and property from Salt Lake County using county open space funds. The agreement with the county does not allow the city to sell the property. Furthermore, the property could only be used for recreation uses,” Sorensen said.

The site and floor plans show that the existing overhead doors will remain and be used to expand the event space into the north pedestrian plaza and the south outdoor seating and outdoor plaza space. The property has multiple access points but primarily would be accessed by Myrtle Avenue and

An architect rendering of the proposed interior of the Murray Armory. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Jones Court. These roads serve the Boys & Girls Club, Ken Price Ballfield and Murray Park.

Murray Parks and Rec propose significant upgrades to the site to help blend the renovated armory building into Murray Park. In addition, they are offering to include a new pedestrian plaza surrounding the building, perimeter landscaping, and a pedestrian path to connect to the Murray Arboretum.

“The building is very basic as it was used for a vehicle maintenance shop. The bones of the building are in good shape. Upgrades to mechanical systems, roofing, grounds, seismic upgrades, and interior need to be completed. AJC Architecture was hired to develop plans for the development of the facility. AJC determined the building could be repurposed at a lower cost than tearing it down and rebuilding,” Sorensen said.

The armory meeting space will join other similar public park facilities. Wheeler Farm has several available indoor spaces,

including the Show Barn, the Activity Barn and the Pavilion. Liberty Park has several indoor areas, including the Chase Mill, the Tracy Aviary Education Center and the Rotary Clubhouse. Sugar House Park has the Garden Center. International Peace Gardens has a Cultural Hall.

“We are working on a cost estimate to be completed and submitted to the Mayor and City Council during the upcoming budget process,” Sorensen said.

With the Armory project, Murray continues an active construction spree. The city will finish the new city hall in June with the renovation of the Murray Mansion, as home to the Murray Museum, not far behind. Across the street from the Mansion, the city announced that the historic Townsend Home would be moved down the road by the Murray Chapel. In addition, the city has begun the restoration of the Murray Theater and hopes to have that finished in the next 12 months. l

The older National Guard armory will be transformed into an indoor pavilion. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Proposed exterior for the Murray Armory renovation. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Murray City Power boss quits ahead of expected rate increase

Former General Manager of Murray City

Power Blaine Haacke has resigned after 16 years of service to the city. Murray City announced that Murray City Power’s former Assistant General Manager, Greg Bellon, who has over 30 years of experience in the public power industry, has been appointed as the Interim General Manager.

“The city values the leadership and knowledge that Blaine Haacke provided to Murray. The city will miss his contribution. However, because of the department’s succession planning, his departure will not affect the quality of power services that Murray citizens have come to expect,” Murray City Chief Communications Officer Tammy Kikuchi said.

Haacke’s resignation came when the city announced, as early as December, that city power rates could substantially increase. In January, Murray City Chief Administrative Officer Doug Hill told the Murray Journal, “Power might actually be probably one of the biggest issues that our citizens will be impacted by next year. We may have to go out and buy power on the market, pay higher rates for what we currently do with our existing resources.”

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

According to Hill, Glen Canyon Dam’s ability to generate hydroelectricity for the city was in doubt due to the falling lake levels of Lake Powell. The Colorado River Basin’s record level of winter precipitation might prevent that from being an issue unless the spring and summer end up dryer than average. He also indicated that other market forces were impacting Murray City Power.

“The biggest question right now that we have for 2023 is what’s going to happen with energy… there are a lot of different forces in play right now with power,” Hill said. “I mean, coal is hard to come by. People don’t like it. Some of the resources we have, like the coal-powered Hunter (Power) Plant, come with questions about how long that plant will be open. Right now, you can’t get coal because one of the big coal mines in Utah is on fire....We have the IPP plant, and they’re converting to natural gas, but California is taking much of that power.”

The city did not elaborate if the issue of power rates were the cause for Haacke’s sudden departure.

“Murray purchases wholesale power through contracts with other power generating plants. Over the winter months, the cost to purchase wholesale power increased dramati-

cally. The increases are primarily due to higher natural gas costs, the drought affecting the Colorado River power generation, and curtailments of coal plants because of supply chain issues. Purchased power costs exceeded Murray City’s budget by over $7 million between December and March. Fortunately, the city has healthy reserves to absorb these increases. The city expects future costs to stabilize but still remain high. Consequently, the city has hired an industry consultant to conduct a rate study and recommend future rate increases,” Kikuchi said.

Specifically, the consultant will consider operating costs, capital improvement needs, market costs, conservation measures, system impacts and costs, and other regional trends and emerging markets.

To offset the need for power rate hikes, the city is exploring other opportunities to purchase sustainable power, reduce operating expenses and delay projects. The city is also balancing the need for affordable power rates with the need to maintain and improve infrastructure and services provided by Murray City Power by having an up-to-date rate structure, a sufficient reserve fund, and a master plan and capital improvement fund to plan for the future.

Rocky Mountain Power, which serves

eastside Murray residents, has not announced any rate increase yet. However, Idaho and Wyoming customers have already learned to expect as much as a 21.6% increase in rates. Murray City Power will not announce its rates until its study is completed. The city council will also hold a public hearing in conjunction with any proposed rate increase. l

Murray City Power lineman works to restore electricity on Winchester Street. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Haacke

Murray City prepares for potential spring flooding

Asthe Jordan River Watershed snowpack measures 229% above normal, Murray City is preparing for potential spring flooding. The Jordan River Watershed includes Little Cottonwood Creek, Big Cottonwood Creek and the Jordan River. Although there is no way to predict future temperatures and weather that may impact the runoff, the city closely monitors weather patterns, snowpack levels and stream flows.

“We are closely monitoring weather patterns, snowpack levels and stream flows,” Murray City Chief Communications Officer Tammy Kikuchi said. “Public Works purchased a second round of 20k sandbags and numerous loads of sand in preparation. Sand and bags are available to the public now. We have public works mutual aid contracts in place and county support for any additional resource needs. Creek beds and storm drains are currently being cleaned of debris by SLCO Flood Control and several contractor companies.”

To assess flooding potential along waterways, FEMA maps are used. Sand and bags have been placed in at-risk neighborhoods, Wheeler Farm and Murray Amphitheater for public use. The city has taken measures to clean storm drains, secure resources (pumps, sandbags, etc.), train staff, meet with residents, remove bridges and set up sandbag-filling areas.

“Water flows to the lowest point, and Murray is the lowest point in the valley. The city has a history of flooding, including high water in many years since the historic 1983 floods. As a result, the city has knowledge and experience with problem areas,” Kikuchi said.

Murray City Public Works has access to rock, muscle wall and portable flood barrier throughout the county. They have removed footbridges in the park that can cause debris problems and will sandbag a few areas. Debris blockages will likely cause the most significant problems for any critical infrastructure. Public Works will have equipment and personnel staged in those locations to ensure they remain debris-free.

“Public Works is in the 500-year flood zone but does not anticipate problems there,” Kikuchi said.

Murray is in constant contact with Salt Lake County, which will coordinate with state and federal agencies if necessary.

“Nick Haskin, Murray City emergency manager, is in near-daily contact with Salt Lake County Emergency Management and Murray City Public Works. I am also in contact with surrounding city Emergency Managers. Salt Lake County Emergency Management is working closely with the State Division of Emergency Management and will contact the governor if federal resources are needed,” Kikuchi said.

The city provides information to its res-

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

idents via its website, electronic newsletter, social media and utility bill inserts. To subscribe to or obtain information about these measures, visit the city’s website at www.murray.utah. gov. Residents may also call the public works department at 801-270-2400 for assistance or to get additional information.

FEMA flood maps for information on threats in your area can be found online at msc.fema.gov/portal/search.

Kikuchi said, “Please sign up for the emergency alert notifications. We also have reverse 911 and IPAWS Integrated Public Alert Warning System for notifications. Slcoem.org for volunteer signups, volunteer assistance needed and sandbag locations.”

Murray City provides resources such as

sand and bags (free of charge) for property owners to use at their discretion. According to Kikuchi, it is the responsibility of the individual property owners to take mitigation and protective actions on their property. Most private properties meet in the middle of the creek beds. This is not the responsibility of the city. The city will supply resources and assist where possible, but the owner is solely responsible. Murray Emergency Manager will help facilitate volunteers as requests for help come in. The city will meet with property owners to discuss mitigation plans at their request.

Individuals or businesses who may suffer losses due to flooding are encouraged to purchase flood insurance and take protective

actions to secure their valuables and property from flood threat/damage.

Murray Park is designed as a flood basin. Therefore, higher retaining walls were placed in the park, and equipment will be staged near problem areas to prevent debris from blocking channels, bridges and culverts. Fatalities and injuries have happened in previous flooding years, especially children falling into Little Cottonwood Creek.

“If citizens live on one of the creeks and rivers in Murray, then now is the time to prepare for potential flooding. Sandbags and sand are available at several locations in Murray to fill and transport. Call the city’s public works department for more information or questions,” Kikuchi said. l

Floodwaters in 1969 rendered a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round in Murray Park useless. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Little Cottonwood Creek, near the Murray Park outdoor pool, flooded the area in 1983. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)

FEMA flood map of Murray City Park. (Photo courtesy of FEMA)

Riverview talented thespians make a splash with ‘Little Mermaid’

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Sixty-seven

Riverview Junior High students recently spent their afternoons the past three months dedicated to their production of “Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.”

“It’s a large commitment,” Riverview Junior High director Alexie Baugh said. “Many of them were proud and excited; they hadn’t done a full musical before. I was really impressed with the kids and how hard they worked.”

Helping Baugh was applied technology teacher John Johnston with overseeing the set construction, choir director Lindsey Parker directing music for the show, Lukas Orton managing lights and sound and many parents volunteering where help was needed.

It’s the second full musical Riverview has held since the COVID-19 pandemic suspended traditional presentation of shows.

During 2021, Baugh’s first year at the school, she wrote a mini-musical, “Once Upon a Pandemic” about the impact of COVID-19 and performed it, socially distanced, on Hillcrest Junior High’s larger stage. Last year, about 80 students performed “Aladdin, Jr.” to several sold-out audiences.

This year, she wanted another musical with lots of parts for her student actors.

“There were just a lot opportunities to highlight so many kids, so that’s one of the reasons that I picked ‘Little Mermaid.’ I usually don’t do two Disney shows in a row, but it gets the kids excited, and the music is iconic. This just felt it was the right fit. It’s fun, colorful, exciting and high energy and we want to make sure that it’s a family friendly environment where everybody can come,” Baugh said.

“Little Mermaid” also had a relatable theme.

“These are teenage kids who are trying to make their way in the world, and you have this character, Ariel, who’s trying to find where she belongs. Most people relate to that and they know how it feels to have somebody tell you, ‘No, you can’t be that,’” she said. “Instead of giving up, she tries to find her way in the world. She has the sisters who in the junior version, are fully in support of their sister. They want her to be happy. You have Flounder, who’s her cute little quirky friend, that says, ‘you’re crazy, but you love this stuff and I’m your friend and I’ll listen.’ There’s so much to be learned there.”

Through theater, Baugh wants the students to have fun, but also experience the magic.

“I want them to have fun and to learn. The kids learn how to work together. About half the kids in my show this year have never performed before. They’re all learning how be a friend and with their fellow actors, encourage them or ask them if they have questions. It’s so great when kids feel that sense of community and they do all want to give their best because they don’t want to let each other down or themselves down,” she said.

They’re learning how to take the opportunity and make it a genuine learning opportunity.

“Many of the students are trying something new and are taking a risk of standing up in front of their peers and parents with having 800 pairs of eyes looking at them. After opening night, they’ll come back and say, ‘We did it.’ They’re excited and exhilarated; they feel that sense of accomplishment and they’re so proud. When people clapped and cheered, it was such a rewarding feeling for them,” she said. “At the same time, theater is an authentic environment. We talk about applying what we learn in school to real life. Theater is real life. When your audience shows up, you can’t say, ‘Never mind, we’re not ready, come back another time.’ There are real deadlines and a real audience. If you put on a good show, they’re going to clap and cheer. It’s what happens when you do something great, and you put in the effort and work hard.”

The show required dedication from the students.

“We worked a lot on choreography. I had a lot of kids that have never danced before so they learn to dance and move. Choreography is always fun, especially with ‘Under the Sea.’ I wanted to see if they could do a little Latin inspired type dancing, so I taught them how to move their hips,” she said. “The two eels decided they wanted to perform in Heelys and really practiced with them until they got really good. It was fun to see from the first day when they were both a little bit nervous to where they finally got into production where they really could glide right across the whole width of the stage.”

A concerted effort also was made with the music.

“The music is hard, and Ms. Parker did not let them simplify the music. She was like, ‘Nope, there’s three parts here. We’re going to learn three parts.’ They learned harmonizing and blending; they learned the tones and stylistic ways to perform; and they learned they can do hard things. Learning how to work with different costuming was tricky, with ‘Under the Sea,’ some of them had big starfish costumes and others carried umbrellas and learn not to hit the audience with them; they had to learn to focus and be aware of their surroundings while performing,” Baugh said.

That includes learning to perform on the modified stage.

“Our stage doesn’t have wings. It’s shallow on the edges of the stage. So, I really try to do as close to a single set that can be manipulated as much as possible. That’s what Mr. Johnson

built for us, what I call ‘the cave.’ By the steps on the sides of our stage, he built platforms in front of those. One platform was the castle for Eric and the other cave was Ursula’s cave, so we had the land and the sea that that were always there. That helped us move things around a little bit and have more of kind of a set rather than pieces coming in and out all the time,” she said. Baugh really was proud of the effort the students did with their characters.

“I really try to work with the kids on their characters and to learn how to tell the story. Even in one scene, when Ariel is in the Grotto, I used my actors to hold all of her trinkets. When she sang her song, they were moving and had pleasant faces because I told them somebody likely would be looking at them. I told them, ‘If you’re in the scene, even though you’re not the focus of the scene, you have to look at what can I do to help tell the story.’ And they did that. They also learned to share the spotlight. For some, maybe they didn’t get the part they were hoping for, but they learned they still wanted the person that got it to do well so the show would succeed. That showed their maturity, their desire to work as a team and to celebrate each other. I’m really proud of them.” l

Riverview Junior High School students recently performed “Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.” on the school stage. (Photo courtesy of Janel Williams)

In “Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.,” Flounder (Mady Larsen) meets with Ariel’s sisters. (Photo courtesy of Janel Williams)

Prince Eric (Max Schulz) is being revived by Ariel (Lily Williams) and Scuttle (Abigail Borsos) in Riverview Junior High’s production of “Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr.” (Photo courtesy of Janel Williams)

Thousands of teen girls’ interests sparked at SheTech Explorer Day

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 3,000 girls attending the ninth annual SheTech Explorer Day profited from the 1,000 mentors, tech companies and educational institutions who offered classes, tech zone experiences and advice to them.

“Think about something that you totally love, something you totally love to do,” said Cydni Tetro, president and one of the founders of Women Tech Council who oversaw SheTech Explorer Day. “Then think for just a moment how technology might be part of the things that you love to do. You’re going to have an opportunity today to see so many different technologies and to be able to apply to things that you love. Think about if you learn technology, how you can apply that and help us change the world—and some really big problems. Your objectives today are to learn about all sorts of things you don’t know about, to intentionally meet role models— hundreds of them. Take advantage of the time to go and meet those women; they are here because of you.”

Behind the “Imagine the Possibilities” SheTech Explorer Day, was a student board of about 100 girls.

SheTech’s student board has two ambassadors from each high school who serve a one-year term. As ambassadors, they share information at their schools, attend monthly events, belong to school SheTech clubs, and have opportunities interacting with women in tech, industry leaders and the governor.

Many of them participated in the SheTech summer internship program. Several donned cap and gown as seniors and 30 were honored with SheTech scholarships to further their education. Applications for the board and internship are open now at their website, www.shetechexplorer.com.

Hillcrest High Work-Based Learning

Facilitator Cher Burbank said her school’s ambassadors have promoted SheTech’s event annually.

“I like how the day is interactive; they’re showcasing their innovation and changes in the industry, and it engages students year after year,” she said.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox supported that as he addressed the attendees.

“Technology is changing rapidly and it’s impacting every single experience that we have; it’s impacting every industry and we need more women involved in those industries,” he said. “I see some of the best leaders in technology in our state here and they are incredible women. You can look up to them. I look up to them. We’ve been working hard to remove those barriers in the past and that’s what today is all about. This will do more to remove barriers than anything else. These people here have broken down those barriers for you and are here to support you in exploration and journey in STEM.”

Tetro realizes the impact SheTech is making as former SheTech students become leaders.

“Last year, a presenter told me, ‘I’m teaching one of the workshops and the only reason I graduated in civil engineering is because I came to SheTech seven years ago. Another told me she had met a woman who was an aerospace engineer, and she decided, ‘I could become that person,’” she said.

Summit Academy senior Kaidence Johnson followed the footsteps of her older sister to serve on the student board. She also serves as vice president of her school’s SheTech Club, a group her sister founded.

“I love the message SheTech is sending

of empowering women to get into STEM,” she said. “It’s definitely a field that is growing and I’ve seen on Instagram and on the news how powerful SheTech is. The program is exploding into every school across Utah and every tech industry, so it’s exciting to be part of it.”

Hunter High senior Paris Ott also is a student board member.

“The end of my junior year, I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go and that’s when I came across the opportunity for the summer internship,” she said. “It was through that, I applied to be a board member and found my passion within STEM.”

She learned from data analysts, product managers and software engineers.

“Seeing their passion and the opportunities I had, I realized ‘this is something I can go into.’ I started my school SheTech club and I’ve been helping others see opportunities. At Hunter High School, we have a lot of ethnic kids with Latina and Asian backgrounds. I think a lot of them don’t know that they even have opportunities, especially those like me, as a woman, to have a future in STEM. I think a lot of girls are scared to enter the STEM field because it’s been a male-dominated field. When I see all these women in STEM, it inspires me. I’ve gained so much confidence through this program, and I was able to get an internship with Pixar because of SheTech.”

Johnson said that the male-dominance is changing.

“My dad works in tech and says the attitude is changing and they’d love women’s viewpoints, but there’s still the idea of 20 years ago when you didn’t have a chance,” she said.

During the day, students were engaged in workshops such as programming, engineering, robotics, biomedicine, web development, ChatGPT, virtual reality, entrepreneurship and others.

Copper Hills High sophomore Sadie Smith attended their first Explorer Day.

“It is a good way to learn more about different jobs and get that in-depth understanding of technology, specific for girls,” Smith said. “Having an organization run this that encourages women empowerment is cool.”

Riverton High junior Elizabeth Westwood said she was researching engineering and learned about SheTech’s student board and scholarship program.

“Explorer Day seemed like a perfect opportunity to learn more about that and about STEM,” she said. “I love physics and math, which isn’t everyone’s love, but it’s normal here.”

The TechZone offered hands-on learning about aerospace programs, 3D printing, automotive tech, gaming, aerial photography and more. Students also used creativity and visionary skills in the annual TechChallenge, with the guidance of industry mentors.

Participants chatted with Miss Utah Lyndsey Larsen, who shared she was a SheTech ambassador and summer intern as a Skyridge High student.

“I’m hoping I’m breaking stereotypes by talking about tech with a tiara,” she said. “I was really intimidated by math growing up, but I came to SheTech and realized that STEM is all around us. My experiences inspired me to take a kinesiology class. As a dancer, it was interesting to learn about the mind and the body and how that connection

About 100 high school girls, seen here with Women Tech Council president Cydni Tetro and Gov. Spencer Cox, represent their high schools are part of the SheTech student board, which is now taking applications. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

and the science behind that. That early exposure here at SheTech helped me want to pursue kinesiology with ballet performance for my college degree.”

Hillcrest High senior Morgan Khantivong, who plans to study English and zoology at Weber State, appreciated what she said.

“It made me see how anyone, no matter what your title is or how people may perceive you, can do whatever you want with your life,” she said.

Nearby, girls crowded around the University of Utah’s entertainment arts and engineering, where they learned about game development.

“We teach everything from the history of games to how to do it, like production, design, tech art, game art, programming, all of that culminating in publishing a game,” said academic adviser Miranda Klausmeier. “We want girls to disrupt the norm and envision their future where they can develop these games, whether it’s a traditional entertainment game, or an alternative game, say for the educational or medical field. These

young women here are going to be our leaders in STEM fields.”

Through involvement with SheTech, Adobe Chief of Staff of Cloud Operations Jamie Dalton wants to engage more females into STEM by sharing more career choices.

“We have a community of women here who are wanting to give back and help these young women succeed,” she said. “A lot of times women are pitted against each other and don’t realize if you get into a good healthy environment, women can be your biggest allies. For these high school girls, they’re going to have a really big advocacy group, cheering them on to success.”

Tetro said that is one of the reasons the Women Tech Council founded SheTech— to increase students’ exposure to women in STEM and to have that network “of thousands of women in STEM.”

“We interviewed a 1,000 girls, who said, ‘We don’t know any women in tech and that’s why we don’t enter STEM fields,’” she said. “We knew we could change that.” l

High school girls at SheTech are engaged in an interactive demonstration at the University of Utah chemical engineering booth. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The Invention of the Year

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

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

–Kent C., California

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

Available in Green, Black and Blue (shown)

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

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

Potent Spartans enjoying strong year, head into May near top of 5A

Photos by Travis Barton

Far left: In a spring to remember, the baseball team has suffered many weather-altered days from outright cancellations to playing in a little bit of snow.

Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.

The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.

in a lifetime, a product comes along that truly moves people. Introducing the future of battery-powered personal transportation . . . The Zinge r.

Junior Cooper Wilson hit a crucial three-run homer to tie the game against Olympus. The Spartans had fallen behind 4-0 before a big four-run inning tied the game, swinging momentum in their favor for the eventual 9-6 win. Murray has been consistent from behind the plate scoring at least five runs in 11 of its first 14 games.

Below: Hunter Harmon tries to throw out the runner at first.

Left: Shortstop Vaughn Wilson fields a grounder during a region win over Olympus. Murray won 10 of its first 12 games of the season.

It’s cap and gown time for hundreds of students

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Area schools are announcing their commencement exercises for the class of 2023. ADA accommodations are available at all locations. Here is the pertinent information.

Brighton High — About 500 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 6:30 p.m., May 25 at the Maverik Center with Canyons School District Superintendent Rick Robins speaking. This year’s theme is “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts,” spoken by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Cottonwood High — Seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 1 p.m., June 2 in the school auditorium. The theme is “What matters in life is not what happens to you, but what you remember and how you remember it,” by Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez. During the ceremony, the school’s Madrigals, Concert Choir and jazz band will perform.

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 1 p.m., May 26 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus. l

After slow start, perennial region contenders Murray softball picking up speed

Cottonwood High students will celebrate graduation June 2 at their campus. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District)

Photos by Travis Barton

Left: Junior catcher Jazzy Vera was hitting .452 with 20 RBIs through Murray’s first 14 games. Center: Eleanor Myers (left), Lyndee Marshall (center) and Makayla Roybal catch an Olympus runner in a pickle during the Spartans 7-5 loss. Right: Freshman Savana Whitlock has been the Spartans’ primary pitcher along with Mary Beesley this season. After losing five of its first six games on the year in a tough preseason schedule, Murray won six of its next eight entering the final few games of the season (after press deadline).

people@thecityjournals com

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor---

The volunteer staff of the Murray Park Church of Christ Pantry would like to thank all of those in Murray and the surrounding area for their overwhelming contributions to the recent state wide food drive for the benefit of those many families in need.

Nearly 12,000 lbs of food and non-food items were donated making our appreciation for your generosity and thoughtfulness beyond words. Everyone here, serving and served, thank you for your kindness. Your Pantry Staff

NOTICE

MARKETING/BUSINESS

CRMNEXT Inc is accepting resumes for Revenue Operations Manager in Murray, UT. Build tools, processes, and systems to track, report, and forecast sales, marketing revenue, and KPIs. Telecommuting permitted. Mail resume to CRMNEXT Inc., Attn: HR, 702 Oberlin Rd. Ste. 200, Raleigh, NC 27605. Must reference Ref# NF-UT.

Polish your teapots, iron your doilies and butter your crumpets. For the first time in 70 years, an English monarch will be crowned and the whole world will tune in to see if King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry bust each other up at Westminster Abbey.

Whether or not the coronation turns into a fistfight, there will be plenty of spectacle, pomp, circumstance, tradition, snobbery and a reminder that England adores fluffy hats.

King Charles will be 74 on the day of his coronation, code-named Operation Golden Orb (not even kidding). He’s much older than his mother was when she was enthroned. Queen Elizabeth was crowned at the age of 27 and reigned for 156 years.

The coronation is based on traditions going back centuries. In fact, for nearly 1,000 years, the Archbishop of Canterbury has conducted the ceremony. You’d think, at some point, people would start asking how he’s been alive for so long.

Our country has a bit of history with England, but we're still infatuated with royalty. American royalty just isn’t the same. It’s either the Kardashians or the Kennedys, depending on who you ask. When we elect a new president, we don’t

BOOKS

The Royal Treatment

coronation. King Charles and Queen Camilla will leave Buckingham Palace in a four-ton Gold State Coach that’s been used in coronations since 1830 and is notoriously uncomfortable. It’s covered in gilded statues and painted panels and will be pulled by eight dragons through the streets of London.

The procession travels from the palace, past Isengard at the southern end of the Misty Mountains, along Trafalgar Square, through Hogwarts to Westminster Abbey where the king will be anointed with holy oil using the Coronation Spoon. I don’t know if there’s a knife and fork. Wikipedia didn’t mention any other coronation utensils.

King Charles will then stand next to a really old chair (and it’s not even made out of swords pulled from the hands of his dead enemies), and given things to hold like the Royal Orb, a couple of scepters, gold spurs, a jeweled sword, gold bracelets and a ring. No wonder it’s hard to be king. That’s a lot to carry.

follow centuries of history and tradition. We do a swearing-in ceremony followed by four years of smack talk on social media.

But England knows how to stage a

Then the Archbishop (who HAS to be a vampire, I mean come on!) places the five-pound crown on the king’s head. Saint Edwards Crown has a solid gold frame and is bedazzled with rubies, ame-

PERMANENT

thysts, sapphires and other jewels, making the crown worth more than my entire lifetime income.

Everyone yells, “God save the king!” and trumpets blare and, Bob’s your uncle, England has a new king.

Then the fun starts. Concerts will feature new musical pieces commissioned by the king himself, including an anthem written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and I can only hope it’s performed by the cast of “Cats.” A refugee choir and an LGBTQ+ ensemble will perform, because we all know how much the royal family loves diversity.

There’s even a Coronation Quiche consisting of spinach, broad beans, cheese, tarragon and lard, to celebrate the country’s devotion to bland food. You can get the recipe online and make it for your family as you watch the celebration.

Leaders from around the world will attend the coronation, except some countries who are afraid if they send leaders to the event, England will colonize them while they’re gone. But this is a historical moment you won’t want to miss, especially if the royal family starts throwing the crown jewels at each other.

DECKS