Murray Journal | October 2023

ROTARIANS AND STUDENTS JOIN FORCES

By Shaun Delliskave

Ina display of community spirit, the Murray Rotary Club and Murray High School Interact service club joined forces for a service project at the Jordan River Parkway. The initiative was organized in conjunction with the National Day of Service, which is observed on the anniversary of 9/11. Bruce Holyoak, superintendent of the Murray Parks Department, chose the location, describing the need for painting a lengthy stretch of fence just north of 5300 South.

“The District Governor of the 45 Utah Rotary Clubs suggested that clubs should do something special for the National Day of Service,” Jim Wilcox, community service chair of Murray Rotary, who was in charge of the project said. “That’s why we chose to coordinate with Murray High Interact to paint the fence at Jordan River Parkway.”

The Murray Parks Department provided the materials, including paint, rollers, brushes and pans. In turn, volunteers from both clubs and the community were mobilized for the effort. “We thank the Murray Parks Department for providing the necessary materials. Our volunteers were ready and excited to contribute,” Wilcox said.

The service project was an extension of an annual tradition. “Every school year, Murray Rotary and Murray High School Interact club undertake a project that the Parks Department requests. Over the past three years, we’ve focused on cleaning trash from banks of different streams in Murray, including trash from abandoned homeless camps,” Susan Banks, Interact faculty advisor at Murray High School said.

JustServe.org, a platform for recruiting volunteers,

Continued page 11

High School’s Interact Club paints

table at Germania Park. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Summerhays)

Drill team starts school year with fundraisers and a new head coach

By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

For the Cottonwood Chaparrals drill team, there have been some great moments in terms of performances over the years.

But for this team, now led by new head coach Jill Garcia, it’s starting the season running. Literally.

As in they were busy washing cars and trucks for a minimum of $7 while people left their vehicles running in Cottonwood High’s parking lot. That was on Aug. 5 and since then the Chaparrals have not stopped.

“Our theme for the year is ‘Limit-less,’ said Coach Garcia. “We are removing the limits we place on ourselves; there is a lot of comparison in the dance world so we are challenging our team to push away from the negativity, stand tall in unity and allow positivity to lead us to success.”

They trained with Jayden Herman-Lopez of the Utah Jazz Dancers in Cottonwood’s gym on Aug. 15.

“He gave us so many amazing tips and helped us improve so much,” said one of the coaches.

They’ve held team-bonding events on the Cottonwood campus that included one of them handing the ball off to a teammate in a flag-football game.

And they’re currently in the middle of a clothing drive—all to help them raise funds to pay for everything from team uniforms to travel for competitions.

Through Oct. 27 at a designated drop-off location at Cottonwood High, the team will be collecting

clothing and household items: shirts and dresses, shorts and pants, shoes and socks, hats and belts, scarves and gloves, jackets and sweaters, purses and bags, backpacks, and sheets, blankets and towels.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to be coaching at Cottonwood,” said Garcia, the new head coach of the Chaparrals. “I have incredible support from the administration, athletic director, not to mention the coaches of the other sports and fine arts department.”

Garcia’s goal is lofty. She said she wants “to grow & develop this drill program to help support our young ladies, and guide them to not only improve their self-confidence, but become the best version they can be, and have the skills to be strong independent women.”

The Cottonwood Chaparrals for 2023-24 are [officers in parentheses]: Sannetta Archuleta [co-captain], Kaylee Hill, Clarice Castro, Navy Sauz, Markasa Williams [drill mistress], Aria Larsen, Brielle Fredericksen [social chair], Ali Christiansen, Lauren Pesantes, Marisa Gomez [co-captain], Ada Judd, Talyn Rohovit [co-captain] and Jessie

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MURRAY TEAM

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Through Oct. 27, the Cottonwood High drill team is collecting clothing donations to help fundraise for uniforms, travel.

(Photo courtesy Jill Garcia)

A culinary tour of Murray: The ultimate guide to dining across cuisines

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Whereshould we go to dinner? A common question in Murray. This guide compiles insights from TripAdvisor, Yelp and Google Reviews, featuring the best that Murray has to offer across various cuisines and dining styles.

Before exploring Murray, Utah’s top restaurants, let’s quickly unpack our data sources. TripAdvisor is known for its extensive travel and restaurant reviews, offering a global perspective. Yelp zeroes in on local businesses and is popular for its detailed reviews and photos. Google Reviews, integrated into Google’s search platform, gives quick, at-a-glance ratings that often appear first in search results. Together, these platforms provide a well-rounded snapshot of the best dining spots in Murray, useful for both locals and visitors alike.

None of these polls would be considered scientific in polling but rather what represents attitudes of those who voluntarily respond on these websites.

Asian Cuisine is Supreme

The Tea Rose Diner (65 E. 5th Ave.) stands out as a culinary gem in Murray, earning accolades across multiple review platforms. On TripAdvisor, it holds the enviable position of being the top-rated restaurant in the city, boasting a 4.5 rating based on 65 reviews. The diner specializes in Asian and Thai cuisines, setting it apart as the No. 1 choice for Asian food in Murray, according to TripAdvisor users. What is not certain is where Murray’s most popular eateries will go when the city’s downtown plans take shape, as locations might be forced to change.

Additionally, Tea Rose Thai Express (6014 State Street) has garnered attention on Yelp with a 4.6 rating from seven reviews, especially noted for its cozy atmosphere and Thai noodle offerings.

Aroon Thai Kitchen, JINYA Ramen Bar, Thai Time - Murray, and Keyaki Sushi each offer unique culinary experiences in Murray, capturing high praise across different review platforms. Aroon Thai Kitchen (548 W. 4500 South) reigns supreme on Google Reviews with a 4.9 rating from 392 reviews, showcasing its Thai cuisine. Thai Time - Murray is another standout in the Thai cuisine scene with a 4.8 Yelp rating based on 32 reviews. The restaurant has been praised for its authentic Thai spices and mango sticky rice.

JINYA Ramen Bar (5905 S. State Street) specializes in Japanese, Asian and soup dishes and is a contender on TripAdvisor. On TripAdvisor, it ranks as the second-best restaurant in Murray with a 4.5 rating from 52 reviews. Keyaki Sushi (167 W. 4500 S. Frontage Road) is another Japanese favorite, impressing with a 4.8 Yelp rating from 37 reviews and a 4.9 on Google Reviews from 107 reviewers. This high score is particularly noteworthy given that the restaurant doesn’t front any major street but sits on the south

frontage road of 4500 South.

Soys Sushi Bar (4923 S. State Street) makes TripAdvisor’s top 10, rounding out a diverse and high-quality Asian cuisine scene in Murray.

International Flair

Brio Italian Grille (Fashion Place Mall) and the now-closed Celeste Ristorante were both go-to spots for Italian cuisine in Murray. Brio specializes in Italian and European dishes, ranking third on TripAdvisor’s list with a 4.0 rating based on 197 reviews. On the other hand, although Celeste Ristorante has closed its doors, it used to be another cornerstone in the local Italian food scene. While Brio continues to satisfy the local appetite for Italian fare, the closure of Celeste Ristorante marks the end of an era for some local foodies.

Beloved Italian eatery Italian Village (5370 S. 900 East) scored strongly but not enough to crack the top 10 of the three lists.

The closure of Celeste Ristorante marked the end of a culinary chapter in Murray, but Bombay Palace’s (5468 S. 900 East) arrival has written the beginning of a new one. Taking over the location once occupied by Celeste, Bombay Palace brings a different set of flavors to the table, specializing in Indian cuisine. The restaurant has distinguished itself with a near-perfect rating of 4.9 on Google Reviews based on 93 reviews and holds a 4.6 rating on Yelp from 13 reviews.

San Diablo Artisan Churros (231 W. 4500 S. Frontage Road) adds more ethnic flavors to Murray’s culinary tapestry. Specializing in artisan churros, the place has taken this classic Spanish and Latin American treat to new heights. With a high Google rating and a 4.7 rating on Yelp based on 142 reviews, it’s become a go-to spot for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth with its unique and customizable churro options. Operating on a takeout and delivery-only model, San Diablo’s does not take reservations.

Taste rather than ambiance might best describe La Cocina De Mama Hila (4489 S. Century Drive), which offers traditional Mexican cuisine that resonates with authenticity. The diner resides within the Texaco station at 4500 South. With a Google rating of 4.8, diners are captivated by the restaurant’s rich flavors and its famous shrimp cocktails.

Casual Dining

East Coast Subs (6056 S. State Street) and Karroo are establishments that have quickly made a name for themselves, especially in the sandwich arena. With a Google rating of 4.7, East Coast Subs offers a variety of sandwiches that conjure the flavors and styles of East Coast sandwiches. Karroo (4700 S. 900 East), another highly-rated sandwich shop with a 4.7 Google rating, is known for its well-executed sandwich selections that leave customers coming back for more.

Wriggles Wraps (43 E. 5900 South) has

also captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. Specializing in wraps and salads, their highly customizable menu allows patrons to tailor their meals according to preference. On Yelp, Wriggles holds a 4.6 rating based on 234 reviews, indicating its popularity and broad appeal. The establishment also offers outdoor seating, delivery and takeout options.

FishOn Bistro (4700 S. 900 East) is a lesser-known but highly rated spot specializing in fish and chips. Its quiet ambiance makes it the place for a low-key, quality meal. Visitors have praised the restaurant for its cleanliness and friendly staff. The restaurant holds a 4.7 Yelp rating from 25 reviews.

Café Bistro, Nordstrom Department Store’s café in Fashion Place Mall, also ranks among the popular eateries in the area. On Yelp, it has a 4.5 rating based on 60 reviews and offers delivery and takeout options.

New to the list is Garden Espresso (917 Vine Street). It has a 4.6 rating on Yelp based on 20 reviews.

Pub Grub

Starting with Red Rock Place (Fashion Place Mall), the restaurant enjoys a 4.0 rating on TripAdvisor and ranks as the No. 1 bar in Murray. Known for its American cuisine, the venue also serves as a brew pub, crafting an array of beers that pair with its diverse menu.

Prohibition (151 E. 6100 South) makes a strong impression with another 4.0 on TripAdvisor. Specializing in cocktail bars and gastropubs, Prohibition is celebrated for its high-quality drinks and brunch options. The ambiance receives particular praise, creating a speakeasy-like atmosphere that makes for a memorable dining and drinking experience.

New on the scene, Gordo’s Tacos and Beer (5470 S. 900 East) also makes an impression with a Yelp rating of 4.7 from 110 reviews. Specializing in tacos and beer, it’s made the most of a simple combination.

Tried-and-True Brands

The Cheesecake Factory (Fashion Place Mall) may be a national chain, but it has

maintained a solid reputation, earning a 3.5 rating on TripAdvisor from 270 reviews. It’s the No. 3 American restaurant (TripAdvisor) in Murray and offers a voluminous menu that spans from pasta to burgers, and of course, their famous cheesecakes. Indeed, this location made headlines for selling one particular menu item more than any of its 323 worldwide restaurants—cheesecake, go figure.

Well known for its bright, ever-present food trucks, CupBop (Fashion Place Mall) offers a sit-down restaurant experience for its Korean barbecue in a cup and has received high praise, with a 4.7 Google rating based on 1,925 reviews. The restaurant offers a modern atmosphere complete with food truck vibes, black and yellow interiors and outdoor seating.

Cafe Zupas (5157 S. State Street) ranks high on TripAdvisor and is popular for its soups and American cuisine. With a 4.0 rating, the cafe is lauded for offering healthy and fresh ingredients, setting it apart as an excellent option for the health-conscious diner.

Finally, let’s talk about Chuck-A-Rama (6363 S. State Street), a spot for those who can’t quite decide what they’re in the mood for. With a 4.0 TripAdvisor rating from 42 reviews and an affordable price, this buffet-style restaurant has a little bit of everything. l

One of La Cocina De Mama Hila’s trademark shrimp cocktails is made. (Photo courtesy of La Cocina De Mama Hila)

Garden Espresso sits off Vine Street in a renovated old cottage. (Photo courtesy of Garden Espresso)

Murray High’s thespians to open season with ‘9 to 5: The Musical’

Longdays of summer have ended, but the performing arts season has begun, with opportunities to catch a musical or play on Murray High’s stage.

Murray High thespians are kicking off their theatre season with competing in the 47th annual Shakespeare high school competition, followed by the musical “9 to 5.” In the spring, they’ll perform “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Macbeth” and a Broadway revue.

This year, new theatre teacher Alexie Shaffer will direct the shows after 17-year veteran Will Saxton moved.

For several weeks, the student-actors have been rehearsing for the Shakespeare contest that will be held Oct. 5-7 in Cedar City. Twenty-two thespians will take part in the “Merchant of Venice” ensemble scene with several students performing in individual or small groups.

“‘Merchant of Venice’ is a comedy and I have a lot of actors who are just strong with comedic timing so I wanted to pick something that lends to that,” Shaffer said, adding that “We picked a theme that we could twist to make it more modern and it’s a scene where I could put lots of kids in.”

The thespians also are preparing for “9 to 5: The Musical,” which will be at 7 p.m., Nov. 10-11 and again, Nov. 13-14 on Murray High’s stage, 5440 S. State St. Tickets to the family-friendly show can be purchased in advance on the school website for $8 and they will be available $10 at the door.

“9 to 5: The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and the book by Patricia Resnick, was inspired by the 1980 hit movie. Set in a male-dominated office in the late 1970s, the story showcases three female coworkers who unite in a plan to get even with their sexist, self-centered, two-faced boss.

“It’s been really fun to teach the kids a little bit about the time period and to try on some vintage costumes that are from the ’70s and early ’80s that I and a student brought in. The kids have looked at all sorts of pictures of the awesome haircuts and hairstyles of the late ’70s and the makeup they wore so they’re very excited to try all of that. We’ve studied about Dolly Parton, her music and what her life was like, and the few changes made from the movie script to make it work for musical,” she said.

Following her predecessor, Shaffer didn’t select the musical alone. Having directed Riverview Junior High’s theatre students last year and attending Murray High’s shows last year, she worked with the students to narrow down the possibilities to find a musical that was a good fit.

“I noticed we had a strong female force, just a lot of talented female vocalists. I wanted to pick a show that gave them a chance. There are so many musicals that highlight

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

males because in the past, most shows were written by men. Now, with some more modern shows, it’s balancing out characters and genders and vocal ranges a little bit more. So ‘9 to 5’ was a fun pick with three female leads and it’s giving our female vocalists a chance to showcase what they can do,” she said, adding that Saxton helped with the casting last spring.

Shaffer also was excited as it’s a show that isn’t performed a lot in high schools.

“At first, some of the students didn’t know what ‘9 to 5’ was, but I told the kids I said your parents and grandparents are going to know what this show is. Then they watched it and were excited to try something that they hadn’t seen before. That’s good for kids, trying something new,” Shaffer said.

About 60 actors and dancers will be on stage accompanied by a pit orchestra and have the help of 10 stage tech students. Joining Shaffer with the direction of the show will be musical director Alan Scott, orchestra pit conductor Jordan Beckstrand and choreographer Savannah Angle. The student stage manager is J. Sommers and the tech manager is James Richhart.

On Feb. 1-5, 2024, Murray High will present, “The Drowsy Chaperone” a musical with music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar.

“It’s a really fun show that is set in the Roaring Twenties. Students will be directing, music directing, choreographing, costuming, set designing, running tech. I will teach them, but step into the role of producer. It just adds another layer to their education about other positions in the theatre industry,” she said, adding that the positions will be announced in October after an application process.

Students will compete with a yet-to-beannounced one-act and several scenes and monologues at the region competition. State is in April 2024. There also will be a show-

case of those pieces held at the school before the competition.

In April, Shaffer plans to continue the tradition of students performing a Shakespeare play. They will put on “Macbeth.”

“I thought it was a good fit because I know all the 11th-graders read it so it ties into what they’re learning in school and they’re familiar with, but it’s one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. Since our two musicals are more comedic this year, this dramatic piece gives the kids a chance to try a different genre and there’s just such compelling characters. ‘Macbeth’ is such an interesting character, because he’s surprised by his own power. But then when he has it, he can’t let it go. Lady Macbeth is such a tormented character and so strong in the beginning and the witches are amazing,” she said.

The season will end May 9-10, 2024 with a Broadway revue that is being created with the drama council.

Murray High’s 35-member improv team also will perform several shows as well. Those dates will be set on the school website calendar.

“I graduated from Murray in 1999 so this is kind of coming home for me. I was in all of the musicals. I was in ‘South Pacific’ my sophomore year in the ensemble and then my junior year, we did ‘Brigadoon’ and I played Fiona. We did ‘Westside Story’ my senior year, and I played Maria,” Shaffer said. “I did choir with Mr. Scott and I was the editor of the school literary magazine my senior year.”

She went on to get her Bachelor’s in English and theater teaching from Weber State University while performing locally, including at Hale Centre Theatre. In addition to Riverview, she has taught at Paradigm High in South Jordan and Highland High in Salt Lake City.

Saxton, who directed at Murray High for 17 years after teaching at Morgan School District for three years, now works for Broad-

way Now, managing and teaching teachers in developing an after-school musical theater program to elementary students in the San Bernardino (California) Unified School District. He also is directing an advanced musical theater program.

During his teaching career, Saxton was named teacher of the year at both Emory and Murray high schools, outstanding concurrent enrollment instructor, received Murray School District’s Pinnacle Award and Utah High School Activities Association’s outstanding theater educator.

While he was proud of everything during his teaching career and the support he received from Murray School District colleagues and administration, Saxton was pleased with two students who wrote full plays that were “produced as part of our regular season. I’m very proud of that.”

Saxton said Murray High’s 2023 spring production, “Into the Woods,” his favorite musical, was special.

“I just loved the way we did it in the round, how successful and how bold our production was,” he said.

At the close of the show, the students gave him a send-off.

“I didn’t make a big announcement. I didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to myself. It’s never been about me. It’s always been about the students, but they couldn’t have made me feel more loved and more appreciated,” he said. “I always tried to teach my students every show comes to an end. Then, we reset, clean up, pick up and move forward with the next adventure. This was the end of my show at Murray High. In every story, endings can be good and it’s OK for them to end. This couldn’t have ended any better than it did and now, the students are moving forward with their new teacher to more theatrical adventures.” l

Murray High’s “9 to 5” cast rehearses choreography for “Shine like the Sun,” the finale in the first act. (Photo courtesy of Murray High theatre department)

Comedy, tragedy, family are some show themes for Cottonwood’s theatre season

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Cottonwood

High thespians will plunge into their season with the dynamic production of “The SpongeBob Musical” this fall.

Through a tidal wave of original songs by well-known recording artists, the student-actors will sing and dance and come together to save the fate of their undersea world after a volcano eruption.

“I love this play,” Cottonwood High theatre director Adam Wilkins said. “I always think ‘SpongeBob’ is a show that is better than it should be. The characters are quirky and different yet fun and relatable, and they make some great iconic moments. What makes the show unique is the fact the songs are from incredible artists like David Bowie, Aerosmith, John Legend, Cyndi Lauper. It’s an incredible rock score. It’s just so much fun.”

The family-friendly show will be performed at 7 p.m., Nov. 15 through Nov. 18 as well as at noon on Nov. 18 on the school stage, 5715 S. 1300 East. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.cwoodtheatre.com.

Wilkins said that not only does this give students a chance to explore more current musical theatre, but it appeals to everyone.

“It’s an iconic children’s animated television show, yet it appeals to adult fantasy. The actors are literally playing anthropomorphic sponges and amoebas and it’s so creative. My amazing costumer helps bring magic to it as the students are embodying these characters to life,” he said about the 80 actors on the stage who began rehearsals in late August.

Joining the actors will be a pit orchestra of about 55 student-musicians and 20 tech crew students.

“It’s very much a production that where all our students are engaged and are given the opportunity to learn, but they’re having fun at the same time,” Wilkins said.

Some of the students may have taken part in the new Granite School District’s youth theatre program that Wilkins directed this past summer. It attracted about 75 junior high and high school students across the Salt Lake Valley to learn more theatrical skills as well as perform in a showcase.

“It was much larger than we expected for our first year. We were thrilled to provide this opportunity for the community. It was so successful and fun,” he said.

After “SpongeBob,” the student-actors will perform a Broadway Revue and melodrama in late January.

“Our students will have the opportunity to not only choose the show, but get that opportunity to direct it,” he said, adding that it will be in October when the material for the melodrama and Broadway Revue is chosen.

Following that, Wilkins will direct William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in mid-March, 2024. Tickets will be $10.

“I am absolutely thrilled over the moon to be able to do ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for our community. I reread it this summer, and I realized how funny, how dramatic, how action-packed, how tragic it is. There’s a reason people study in high school. It’s one of, if not the most, well-known Shakespearean shows, and therefore one of the most well-known plays ever written,” he said.

Wilkins’ students will compete in March 2024 at the 4A region competition with individual pieces as well as with their one-act ensemble piece, “Triangle.”

The show takes the audience back to the immigrant experience in Manhattan where many immigrant girls were hired as seamstresses to sew dresses 14 hours per day. When a cigarette was tossed into a bin of fabric scraps, flames engulfed the 500 workers in less than 30 minutes, ending with the death 146 people. Through eyewitness accounts of Ukrainian seamstresses to millionaire Fifth Avenue socialites as well as court transcripts from the manslaughter trial of the factory’s owners, the play explores the flaws in the working conditions and the fire, known as the “fire that changed America” at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on March 25, 1911.

“The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire is a historic landmark event that helped lead to workplace safety regulations. Even so, it’s tragic and terrible of these women who were locked in, trapped in a burning building. It’s very tragic, very heavy, but it’s incredible and truly marvel for our students to have this epic story that they’re going to undertake,” he said. “This show deserves an audience, especially now as we have the UAW, the auto workers on strike right now, and we have the SAG-AFTRA Writers Guild union on strike so it’s interesting these workers are fighting injustice. It’s fortuitous that these types of conversations are happening in the community and for our students to learn about.”

Wilkins said that the thespians will perform their region and state pieces in a showcase in mid-April 2024. Tickets will be $5. State competition will be held in mid-April.

“We’re in a new region so it’s a new challenge for us and it’s exciting. We have some schools that we’ve never interacted with on a competition basis so that’ll be fun. Cottonwood has an amazing tradition of placing top three in the region and top 10 in state every year since the schools been built (in 1970) so it’s our challenge to sustain that high level of excellence and tradition,” he said. The Colts’ final show will be “The Addams Family.”

“It’s a great show and a good contrast between ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘Triangle.’ It will be a good way to end the year with

a quirky family and hilarity ensues. There’s great music, a fun script about family and finding your identity, classic characters and a comedic show that has a beautiful heart to it,” Wilkins said.

The show will be performed at 7 p.m., May 1-4, 2024 as well as a noon matinee on May 4 in the school’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $10.

The school’s improv 16-member team will perform about eight shows throughout the school year, starting in October. The dates will be posted on www.cwoodtheatre. com. l

Cottonwood High’s improvisation team is seen here rehearsing early in the school year prior. (Photo courtesy of Sammie Vance)

Murray’s open houses seek community input for downtown makeover

Murray City is actively crafting a comprehensive blueprint for the future of its downtown precinct, officially dubbed the Downtown Murray Strategic Plan. Designed to serve as a roadmap for rejuvenating and redefining the city’s core, the plan has been gathering momentum and community input through a series of open houses held in August and September. These events have provided the city with a wealth of resident perspectives, feeding into what the overarching vision for Downtown Murray should ultimately entail.

“The Downtown Murray Strategic Plan will serve as our roadmap for shaping how Downtown Murray should look and feel,”

Zachary Smallwood, senior planner with Murray City Planning Division said. “To formulate this plan, we have constituted a steering committee. This committee is a diverse blend of local residents, architects and property owners, all of whom contribute insights to ensure that the final plan is comprehensive and realistic.”

As part of this developmental process, the city recently held a visioning open house. This event was specially designed to collect the views and suggestions of Murray residents and business owners. “Our primary aim with this open house was to inform potential

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

changes downtown,” Smallwood said. “It’s essential for the community to know that we are not making decisions in isolation. Therefore, this event served as a platform for them to voice their thoughts.”

The approach of the open house differed from conventional public meetings. It was not focused on delivering set presentations or showcasing pre-determined development concepts. “The open house was set up as a listening session,” Smallwood said. “Our primary goal was to gather thoughts and ideas from the community. This input will be valuable as we move forward with developing the plan.”

Smallwood highlighted that Downtown Murray faces several challenges that the strategic plan aims to address. “Our citywide survey from last year gave us an idea of where people want to go with downtown development, but it also made us realize that some aspects still need deeper exploration,” Smallwood said. “These include design standards, parking, fostering a sense of community, and accommodating various modes of transportation. The visioning process allows us to delve into these details, making sure that no essential issues are overlooked.”

When asked about the community’s response to the initiative, Smallwood said,

“The turnout at the open house and the response to the survey exceeded our expectations. This tells us that the community is genuinely concerned and interested in the future development of Downtown Murray.”

Smallwood also outlined the next steps in the strategic planning process. “After gathering all the feedback, our immediate task will be to work on a draft document. This draft will outline the next steps and strategies for implementing the vision that we have collectively developed. In essence, our goal is to convert what we have learned from the community into a concrete action plan,” Smallwood said.

Concerning the integration of community input into the final version of the Downtown Murray Strategic Plan, Smallwood emphasized its importance. “We are committed to incorporating the feedback obtained from the open house directly into the final plan. We are in the process of analyzing all the input we’ve gathered and are aiming to provide the community with an updated draft later this fall.”

Participants at the open houses reviewed options regarding what other communities have done with streets, buildings and neighborhoods. Through structured steps, such as open houses and surveys, the city is hoping

to ensure that the final plan is not just a document but a reflection of the community’s aspirations for Downtown Murray. With several more months until the release of the updated draft, it remains to be seen how the plan will ultimately shape the city’s central district. l

Register Online at GSLClubs.org

Registration Deadline: November 3rd, 2023

Season Runs: 12/4/23 - 2/23/24, after 5 pm

Where: Sugarhouse Boys & Girls Club, Miller Boys & Girls Club

Who: K i n d e r g a r t e n - 6 t h g r a d e b o y s & g i r l s

Cost: $69/player before deadline, $79 after deadline (open until full)

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

Murray residents at the Murray Downtown Strategic Plan Open House. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Odyssey

Odyssey House is the largest nonpro t behavioral health agency in Utah, with more than 30 locations in Salt Lake County and 70 Best of State awards. It was started in 1971 and provides treatment for substance use disorder and mental health issues through a variety of programs, both residential and outpatient, for children, teens and adults. It also has its own medical clinic (Martindale) and administers a substance use program in the Salt Lake County Jail. On any given day Odyssey House serves 1,100 clients and served 12,000 clients in the last scal year.

Randall Carlisle is the Odyssey House media and community relations director. He’s been with Odyssey for six years and before that he spent 40 years as an anchor/ reporter in television news.

What sets Odyssey House apart from other treatment centers in the region?

We have the highest success rate of any nonpro t treatment center. We are the largest and o er more specialized programs than any other similar agency. We can also treat anyone regardless of their ability to pay and our service can be free for residents of Salt Lake County.

Who do you serve?

If you have a substance use or mental health problem we can help. Substance use disorder and mental health problems a ect anyone from all walks of life. We help clients solve the problems of drug addiction and mental health issues.

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played a significant role in the event’s success. “We usually get local volunteers through JustServe.org for our monthly projects. Their involvement greatly enhances the impact of our service,” Wilcox said. The Jordan River Commission also promoted the project.

“Murray Rotary uses JustServe.org to get local volunteers to help with most of our monthly projects. Individuals, families and youth groups volunteer through JustServe.org and greatly increase the impact of the service we organize. The Jordan River Parkway belongs to the entire valley. Some years ago, the 13 Rotary clubs in the valley spearheaded the last bridge over the Jordan River. The Jordan River Commission found out about our Sept. 9 project and promoted it,” Murray Rotary Club President Jerry Summerhays said.

Approximately 80-85 volunteers participated in the project. “We had 13 Rotarians, 45-50 Interactors, and 20 JustServe volunteers. Everyone was tasked with either scraping, rolling or brushing the fence. We finished all 132 sections of the fence in just two hours,” Jill Cox, president of MHS Interact Club said. “The paint for the tables arrived late, so some Interact students stayed an extra hour to complete that task.”

Despite the significant planning, the event was not without challenges. “Managing the logistics of painting 132 sections of fence and 13 tables and benches can get complex,” Wilcox said. “However, our volunteers were resilient,

making quick trips to fetch more scrapers and adapting when the table paint arrived late.”

Wilcox hopes that such events strengthen community bonds. “I personally believe that participating in an event like this creates a stronger bond to the community and fosters a desire to make it a better place to live.”

Summerhays summed up the sentiment of the day, saying, “Murray is a great place to live because we have excellent government servants and so many citizens give back.”

He also encouraged people to volunteer for their next project on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9-11 a.m., focusing on cleaning up interstate interchanges in Murray. “We thank UDOT for providing bags and safety vests and for removing the trash,” Summerhays said.

For those interested in joining future endeavors, information is available at MurrayRotaryUtah.com, and the club holds twice-monthly meetings that are open to the community.

October Murray Theater update

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Untangling the Madness: Why Trimlight is the Ultimate Holiday Hack

The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the timeless tradition of adorning our homes with festive lights. You’re likely familiar with the routine – unearthing boxes of tangled lights, grappling with a ladder that seems determined to defy you, and attempting to transform your residence into a shimmering winter wonderland. It’s all fun and games until you’re knee-deep in a web of extension cords, pondering the choices that brought you here. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a better way – outdoor permanent holiday lights from Trimlight.

they’ve staged a revolt, protesting against your decorating skills. You become a detective, tracking down the rogue bulb that’s sabotaging your holiday dreams. Just when you think you’ve triumphed, a gust of wind turns your carefully placed lights into a chaotic display of brilliance.

And let’s not forget the extension cords. You weave and wind them through your yard like a mad scientist setting up an experiment. And guess what? They have a mind of their own. They tangle, twist, and trip you up in a game of holiday-themed Twister.

The Drama of Hanging Holiday Lights

Picture this: You’re in your front yard, armed with a string of lights that may have been plotting against you in the attic for the past year. You attempt to untangle them, or at least you try. Suddenly, you nd yourself locked in a wrestling match with a stubborn knot that refuses to let go. This is where the adventure begins.

But that’s not all! You embark on a ladder-climbing odyssey, channeling your inner acrobat as you teeter on the edge of catastrophe. The ground seems to disappear into the distance, and you ponder the cosmic signi cance of your holiday decorating decisions. In that moment, the ladder is not just a ladder; it’s a perilous gateway to a realm of festive uncertainty.

Now, the real challenge begins. You plug in your lights, and behold – a quarter of them refuse to illuminate. It’s as if

By now, your ngers are either frozen or numb, and you’re seriously reconsidering the merits of holiday cheer. You might even have a breakdown amidst the holiday lights, swearing to never repeat this ordeal—until next year, of course.

The Brilliant Solution: Trimlight’s Permanent Holiday Lights

Now, imagine this instead: You’re sipping hot cocoa, snug inside your warm home. With the touch of a button or automated schedule, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame. No battles with knots, no precarious ladder ascents, no detective work, and no expeditions in sub-zero temperatures.

Outdoor permanent holiday lights are your comedic relief in this festive chaos. It’s akin to having a team of holiday magic-makers who turn your home into a dazzling masterpiece with a simple press. You can change colors, craft patterns, set schedules, and adjust brightness—all from your cozy couch.

Meanwhile, your neighbors are outside, grappling with their lights and cursing their extension cords. You, on the other hand, get to relax and savor the spectacle. You’ve outwitted the holiday lighting madness, and you’re relishing every moment.

In summary, the holidays should be a time of joy, not a test of your patience and ladder-climbing skills. Trimlight’s outdoor permanent holiday lights are the ultimate holiday hack, sparing you from the chaos and transforming your home into a yearround holiday haven. Embrace the brilliance of permanent holiday lights and leave the comedy to the experts – and maybe even enjoy a chuckle or two as you witness the chaos unfold elsewhere! Happy Almost Holidays!

Trimlight is the industry leader in outdoor permanent holiday & accent lighting and nobody helps more Utah homeowners than Trimlight. To learn more about Trimlight, or to schedule a free estimate visit trimlight.com/saltlake, or call 801-382-8746.

Murray Rotarians and Murray High’s Interact Club painted fences for the National Day of Service. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Summerhays)

While renovating the iconic Murray Theater, workers uncovered a nostalgic find: a vintage sign for Ricci’s Shoe Repairing. Opened by Fiore Ricci in the spring of 1944, the business was a staple in the community. The sign hails from 1954, when Ricci’s moved next door to the Murray Theater at 4959 S. State Street. Originally starting at 4860 S. State Street, the shop later relocated a few times before settling next to the theater in the former Varsity Ice Cream store. The renovated Murray Theater is targeted for reopening in spring 2024.

With the touch of a button, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame.

Historic Murray First Foundation illuminates

Vine Street’s rich past with walking tour

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Vine Street in Murray holds a wealth of history, a facet the Historic Murray First Foundation (HMFF) recently aimed to highlight. Through their organized walking tour, participants had the opportunity to delve into the architectural nuances and historical significance of this unique part of Murray. HMFF Vine Street historic home tour took place Sept. 9 that included four historic homes as well as businesses and churches along the way.

Rachel Morot, vice president of HMFF, shared the objective of the walking tour. “We hoped that participants would come away with an appreciation for Murray’s rich history, especially in places that they could see and touch.” According to Morot, the tour is not merely an exercise in nostalgia; it aims to foster an awareness of the value of historic preservation.

The four homes selected for the tour meet a stringent criterion. “We chose these homes based on two factors. Firstly, that the exteriors of the homes were entirely intact, had been taken care of, and were being used as residences,” Morot said. “Second, we needed the approval of the homes’ occupants, and were lucky enough to find four gracious occupants that allowed access to their

homes.” Consequently, all the homes are listed on the National Historic Register, and Morot pointed out that it opens them up to tax credits for maintenance and preservation.

When asked about the guides leading the tour, Morot highlighted that they are well-versed in both Murray’s history and architecture. “The information provided in the walking tour includes facts gleaned from primary sources, such as census records, cities directories, property records, and Sanborn fire insurance maps,” she said. Many docents also happen to be local residents, adding a personalized depth to the narratives.

But what about hidden nuggets of history that might surprise even longtime residents? Morot assured that the tour is full of them. “Our tour hopes to answer questions that Murray citizens may have about the oldest section of Vine Street. For example, how old is Murray Park and how did the city acquire the land? What is the history behind the unusual Jones Court duplexes and how did they survive the demolition of the Murray First Ward?”

The tour stopped at the Superette grocery store near the entrance of Murray Park and the Vine Street Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel which relocated the

stained-glass windows that originally hung in the demolished Murray First Ward building.

This year’s walking tour also offers a tactile connection to the past. According to Morot, participants have the “ultimate opportunity to interact with the ‘touchable past’ by getting a glimpse inside four historic homes.” Additional stops along the tour feature historic photographs from multiple archives, including the Murray City Museum and Salt Lake County Archives.

However, for those unable to participate, there aren’t currently any plans to video-record the tour. “This tour won’t be video recorded, but that is an option we will consider for future tours,” Morot said. Nonetheless, they may compile the historical information into a document available online.

Feedback is welcomed by the Foundation. After the tour, participants are invited to take a survey, the results of which will help shape future walking tours. And there will be future tours. “The Historic Murray First Foundation plans to do an annual walking tour every fall,” Morot said and added that they have a list of historic Murray neighborhoods to explore in depth, alternating between west side and east side locations.

The HMFF is actively engaged in initia-

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tives aimed at highlighting significant historical sites in Murray, as evidenced by their recent walking tour of Vine Street. Morot said, “We wanted to counter the culture of ‘out with the old and in with the new’ by showing how some people have beautifully restored their homes.” l

A tour group listens to a docent describe the historic stained-glass windows preserved in the Vine Street Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel. (Photo courtesy of HMFF)

Joint council meeting lays groundwork for future of Murray North Station area

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

In a concerted effort to shape the future of one of their most dynamic urban areas, Murray City and Millcreek City officials recently convened a joint council meeting to discuss long-term plans for the area surrounding Murray North Station. Known as the Fireclay area (4400 S. Main Street), the area has experienced tremendous growth as old industrial areas have been replaced with new multiuse housing.

“The initial concepts for the Fireclay area were presented at a joint council meeting with the city of Millcreek on Aug. 21,” Zachary Smallwood, senior planner with Murray City Planning and Zoning Division said. “We’re not looking at this as a redevelopment plan but rather a station area plan. Our consultants are using the broad ideas discussed at the meeting to work on more specific scenarios.”

In an effort to incorporate community perspectives into the planning process, Murray City has organized a series of open houses designed to gather public feedback on the Fireclay area. According to Smallwood, the aim is to work in collaboration with Millcreek City to improve the area. Smallwood stated that feedback from residents and local businesses is not just welcome but is considered essential for informed decision-making. He indicated that the feedback collected will

be analyzed and incorporated into an implementation plan, which will subsequently be part of the overarching Station Area Plan. Regarding community outreach, Smallwood stated that the city has adopted multiple channels to ensure diverse participation.

“We’ve used signs at the Trax station, mailers to every address within a half-mile radius, and social media to engage the community,”

Smallwood said.

Key stakeholders such as local apartment and business owners, as well as residents, have been included in a Community Advisory Committee. “The committee ensures that the feedback we gather leads us down the correct path,” Smallwood said. He also noted that Murray City is trying to make data-informed decisions by using resources like the census, information from local police departments, and a dedicated website that has been live for at least six months to engage with the public and provide ongoing updates.

The visioning process, as Smallwood emphasized, is long-term. “Planning projects like this span five to 20 years into the future. The community should expect that the adoption process will begin in November, offering yet another opportunity for public input.”

Challenges such as natural boundaries created by arterial roads and Union Pacific Rail Lines also exist. “These are limitations we have to work around,” Smallwood said. However, he emphasized that the Fireclay area already has several low- and moderate-income housing developments, aligning with the state’s requirements.

Despite these challenges, Smallwood was optimistic about fulfilling the state’s requirements for moderate- and low-income housing. “We already have a number of low-

and moderate-income housing developments in the Fireclay area,” he said. “But housing alone can’t fix the affordability issue. We aim to show the state that if people don’t have a place to recreate, obtain necessities, and have a good environment, they won’t have happy experiences and won’t want to reside in the area.”

As Smallwood concluded, “The Station Area Plan will serve as the guiding document that the city uses to inform long-term urban and social goals for this area. These smaller, focused plans allow us to take a more nuanced approach to developing parts of the city. With the public’s help, we aim to shape the Fireclay area into a jewel of the city, enriching the lives of its residents for years to come.”

“Housing isn’t the only factor that contributes to a community’s well-being. We aim to also focus on recreation, safety and accessibility,” Smallwood said.

According to Smallwood, “With the community’s help, we aim to make the Fireclay area a vital part of the city that meets the needs and expectations of its residents.”

For those looking to stay updated or provide feedback, Smallwood encouraged frequent visits to the project’s website, www. murraynorthstationarea.org. l

The Birkhill Development (4300 Main Street) was one of the first modern multiuse housing to go up in Murray. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

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COMPASSIONATE FUNERAL PLANNERS

During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Light Up Navajo

Electricity is something that we, thankfully, can take for granted. But in some parts of Utah, it’s a luxury they didn’t have…until now.

This summer, Murray City Power participated in “Light up Navajo,” a coordinated e ort between the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and American Public Power Association (APPA) to bring power to families within the Navajo Nation. This year, 176 volunteers from 26 utilities in 16 di erent states worked to bring electricity to 159 homes.

Murray City Power rst participated in 2019. It supplies labor and equipment and the NTUA supplies the materials and accommodations. This “cost sharing” makes it possible for more homes to be connected to the grid. Getting electricity to homes can cost the NTUA an average of $40,000 per home. However, through Light Up Navajo, the average cost is under $8,000 per home, making it possible for more homes to enjoy the bene t of electricity.

Public Works Updates

1. 3rd West Bridge Reconstruction - During the reconstruction of bridge girders and the deck, tra c will be managed using a oneway tra c signal. Expected completeion date: Mid-November.

2. Winchester Water Line Project - Whitaker Construction is installing a new 12” water main, hydrants, and services.

3. Winchester Overlay - Black Forest Paving will perform concrete replacement, milling and asphalt overlay. State St to UTA Trax.

4. Paving Projects - City crews will be milling and overlaying the roadways of White Springs, Walden Hills Dr, and Applevale Dr thoughout September and October.

POWER DEPARTMENT

Administrative O ce .......... 801-264-2730

After Hours Emergency 801-264-9669

PUBLIC SERVICES

Administrative O ce 801-270-2440

Building Inspection 801-270-2431

Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440

Planning and Zoning 801-270-2430

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

Prior to getting electricity many homes relied on coolers lled with ice in place of refrigeration. Food preservation isn’t the only inconvenience. Students couldn’t access the internet, and some did homework inside their cars using the dim lighting to see. Traveling to locations with electricity to charge phones is also a common occurrence for those without electricity.

Murray City Power’s work crew consisted of Journey Line Workers and Apprentice Line Workers: Justin Larsen, Brandon Hoover, Jordin Hundley, Britton Farr and Crosby Mortimer. They set poles and transformers and strung conductors and secondary services, including connections.

While gone they worked 14-hour days to bring power to grateful families. Justin Larsen said, “Seeing faces light up as the electricity goes on is an amazing feeling.”

Murray Senior Recreation Center

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

MONTHLY BRUNCH

Date: Monday, Oct. 23

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

SPECIAL EVENTS

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE VENDOR TABLES (13)

Date: Friday, Dec. 1

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $30

We have 13 tables available to vendors. A copy of the application and guidelines are available from the Senior Rec Center. Application and samples must be submitted by Friday, Oct. 13.

VETERANS BRUNCH

Date: Monday, November 6

Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: Cost is $1 for Veterans or $5 for everyone else

Deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 30.

CLASSES

CERAMICS

Date: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies

Message from the Council CITY COUNCIL

While I was born in Salt Lake City I’ve always had a strong connection to the Murray area. Some of my favorite memories are of visiting the Fun Dome on Galleria Drive, spending time with my family at Wheeler Farm, and going shopping for the holidays at Fashion Place Mall. After graduating from Granger High School, I went on to attend Salt Lake Community College before living in the United Kingdom for two years. After coming back to Utah, I attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration. After college, I was eager to come back north to be near family and friends and was thrilled to be able to make Murray my home.

Since moving back to the Wasatch Front, I have had the opportunity to work in local government, starting as an intern for the Provo City Council and going on to do land-use planning for Sandy City and Saratoga Springs. Now my day job is working as a Transportation Planner for Salt Lake County, where I have been able to make connections with elected o cials and sta throughout the county while working on a variety of projects that include roadways, bike paths, and bus and train routes. When I’m not working at my day job or serving on the Murray City Council I enjoy cycling on the Jordan River Trail, traveling around the state, and visiting Murray’s amazing parks and swimming pools.

As the newest member of the Murray City Council, I am excited to bring my planning expertise to the table as I work with sta , council members, the Mayor, and residents to serve our great community. I am incredibly grateful to both Kat Martinez and Phil Markham for the great work they have done on the council and the example they have been as leaders and representatives for our city. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with being on the council and am enjoying bringing an energy and excitement that I hope will break down barriers and encourage residents to be as involved as possible as our city makes important decisions.

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

GRIEF SUPPORT

Date: Friday, Oct. 6 and 20

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

FUNERALS OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS: ELVIS

Date: Thursday, October 12

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

GETTING TO KNOW MURRAY LIBRARY

Date: Monday, October 16

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

I want to be as accessible as possible to ensure that every member of our community has their voices heard. I have included my personal contact information if you want to get in touch with me for any reason. I look forward to hearing from you!

—David Rodgers

Murray City Council, District

1

Phone: 385-743-9325

Email: drodgers@murray.utah.gov

ADVANCE DIRECTIVE

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 17

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; Register now

VITAL AGING: EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 24

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free; register now

SCIENCE CLASS: The Periodic Table – It’s More Fun Than You Think!

Date: Thursday, Nov. 2

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free; register now

NUTRITION: EATING SEASONALLY

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 7

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.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: $12; advance appointment required

MASSAGE THERAPY

Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $40 per hour; advance appt. required

Murray Arts Beat

RESIDENT ON DISPLAY

Jim Kinne’s artwork will be on display at the new Murray City Hall, September 26 – November 28, 2023. Jim has been a Plein Air painter since retiring from a 32 year career as an art teacher. Most of those years were spent in Iowa, Colorado, and Arizona. Three years ago, Jim started spending the summers in Murray and spent many hours painting around Murray Park. Jim laughingly class himself the Plein Air Artist of Murray Park (PAMP). He has carefully selected the pieces that will be displayed, highlighting spots throughout Murray Park.

Plein Air painting is done on site and out of doors. The process usually requires that the picture be completed within two hours before the lighting, shadows, and sometimes the weather, change. Jim especially enjoys the challenge of creating a painting that meets those constraints.

You can walk through Murray Park through the artwork of Jim Kinne during Murray City’s operating hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (10 Est 4800 South)

MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATER

Missoula Children’s Theater is coming back to Murray to work with students K-12 in their original production of “Beauty Lou & the Country Beast”. Auditions are open to students K-12 who live or attend school within the Murray City boundaries and will be held OCTOBER 16, 2023 at Hillcrest Jr. High (178 E 5300 S). Auditions will start 4:30 pm and run until 6:30 pm. Rehearsals will resume promptly after auditions, 6:45 pm and run until 8:45 pm.

For more information, visit murray.utah.gov/1644/MissoulaChildrens-Theatre or email klindquist@murray.utah.gov

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

Interested in submitting artwork for our 2023 Juried Art Show? Entries are to be submitted October 24th at the Murray City Library, 3:00 – 5:30 pm and eligible for all Murray residents 18 years and older. For more information, email klindquist@murray.utah.gov

HALLOWEEN SECTION

A publication covering local Halloween legends and activities for men, women, and children in the Salt Lake Valley

The scariest way to know what’s most popular this Halloween—with numbers!

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Hit the trifecta this Halloween by giving out M&M’S (or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) to the trickor-treaters while wearing a scary (but unique) costume in between catching glimpses of one of the Halloween franchise movies on your television screen. (“Halloween Ends” is the most recently released movie in the franchise, but “Halloween: Resurrection” (2002) and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers” (1995) (filmed in Utah!) seem to be most adored by fans.)

If you’re wondering what type of candy variety pack to pick up from the store for the Trick-or-Treaters this year, go with the chocolate. Specifically, M&M’S, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats tend to be the most sought-after candy choice.

Some 1,188 participants (based in the United States) were surveyed during an online study conducted in October 2021. Participants were asked which candy they liked better during head-tohead match-ups of 76 different sugary items.

M&M’S topped out by being the favorite of the online voting base with 76.1%. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups came in at 74.4%. Kit Kats received 72.8% of the vote, with Peanut M&M’S not trailing too far behind with a 72.4%. Butterfinger was the last of the 70 with 70.9% of the vote.

The remaining candies to make up the top 10 favorite Halloween treats (scoring between 67.1% and 68.8%) included Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Hershey’s and Reese’s Pieces.

In case you were curious about the top 20: coming in at being the favorite between 57.5% and 65.5% of the online surveyed population were Hershey’s

Kisses, Dove Dark Chocolate Bar, 3 Musketeers, Dove Milk Chocolate Bar, Krackel, Crunch, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth, Starbursts, and Andes Chocolate Mints.

Another study conducted in 2020 broadly backs up the claim to fame for chocolate. Some 13,852 participants were surveyed about their various Halloween preferences in September 2020.

Out of those 13,852 (United States) adults, 88% reported that they would be buying chocolate candy. Forty-two percent reported that they would be buying candy that was either chewy or fruity, with 40% reporting they’d be buying caramel candy, and 37% reporting lollipop purchases. Further, 36% of respondents reported they’d be buying sour gummies, 28% would be looking specifically for candy corn, 25% would by buying taffy, 20% would be buying nut-filled candy and 12% would be buying either gum or mints.

Overall, most (United States) adults purchased candy for their trick-or-treaters (71%). But! Twenty-nine percent of adults still purchased healthy alternatives like carrot snack bags, trail mix, or toothbrushes to throw in amongst the candy. But! You can’t just give out the most desirable candy and be the favorite Halloween house around. You have to dress the part!

A study conducted in 2017 by aytm, a market research company, encourages people to dress as scary imposters. A thousand (American) adults were surveyed during September 2017. Survey results were compared with secondary research of search trends from Pinterest and Lyst as well as predictions from USA Today.

Some 24.4% of Halloween costumes were described as being scary, with 20.3% described as sexy. Other

descriptions of costumers that didn’t score as high were cute, funny, weird/ creative, classy/sophisticated, and other. The most frequent costumers of 2017 including Pennywise the Clown, a witch, Wonder Woman, a “Game of Thrones” character and a zombie.

Echoing the sentiment, a 2021 study surveying 2,312 (United States) adults encourages people to pick classic Halloween costumes like ghosts and witches, as that’s what 20.81% of respondents chose to do.

Even if you’re still unsure what to dress up as this year, absolutely don’t go as an athlete, clown, pumpkin, ghost or cat. Survey results show that we’re all too tired of those costumes.

And be yourself! The 2021 study reported that only 10.57% of people coordinated their costume with another person.

While you’re waiting for trick-ortreaters with your M&M’S and scary costume, you may as well spend you time watching the most preferable scary/Halloween movie.

According to an online survey conducted in October 2022, 56% of 2,210 (United States) adults reported “Halloween” as their favorite horror movie franchise. “Friday the 13th” just about tied with a rounded 56% as well. “Nightmare

on Elm Street” came in closely after those two with 54%.

“Halloween Ends” ranked as the fifth top grossing horror movie in the U.S. and Canada in 2022 at $81 million, according to data collected and published in January 2023.

Plus! Halloween 2023 is anticipated to see the most participation and attendance in the last decade. According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, 73% of (United States) adults will participate in Halloween activities this year. The last time over 70% of the population participated in Halloween actives was in 2017 when 71.7% of adults participated in spooky fun.

What will we be doing? About 67% of us will be handing out candy (hopefully those chocolate bites!). Fifty-one percent of us will be decorating our homes and yards (this reporter’s decorations have been up for two weeks now). Forty-seven percent of us will dress in costume. Forty-four percent of us will carve a pumpkin (you got this one). Twenty-eight percent of us will throw or attend a Halloween party. And 20% of us will dress up a pet (this reporter’s fur baby rocks her pumpkin costume). l

Responses to the question “What Halloween costume(s) are you sick of seeing every year?” (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Edwards and Katelyn Shaaf/HalloweenCostumes)

Draper families transform their yards into Halloween destinations

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

No other state gets into the spirit of Halloween like Utah. A recent three-year study of Google search terms and homeowner survey by Lombardo Homes revealed that Utahns lead the nation in decorating for Halloween. Across the state, people transform their yards and gardens into supernatural realms filled with animated creepy characters, spooky lighting, fog machines and all manner of things that go bump in the night.

The most elaborate of these homemade “spook alleys” attract visitors from all over and become neighborhood gathering places on Halloween. For years, three families in Draper in particular have shared their passion for the spine-chilling and spooktacular with the community through their immersive yard displays.

Larsen Manor

“We build stuff all year long,” LaDawn Larsen said. “It’s a construction project when it starts. It takes over everything.” LaDawn and her husband, Steve, transform the grounds of their home at 1871 Flat Bear Circle into “Larsen Manor” for the month of October. Visitors to Larsen Manor can walk around the yard where a giant pumpkin-head creature with burning eyes watches over a graveyard and skeletons appear to march out of a mausoleum.

“Steve and I got married 11 years ago. He got drawn into the Halloween craziness and it got bigger,” LaDawn said with a smile.

Halloween is a special holiday for the couple. As a firefighter in Magna, Steve used to dress up as a cyclops and ride the fire truck handing out candy on Halloween. LaDawn has cherished memories of trick or treating in Sandy as a child and enjoyed decorating and throwing Halloween parties as an adult. The pair got engaged at TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis.

“We really like to mix things up,” Steve said. “This year we’ll have armies of the dead. A mad scientist scene will be the feature.” The Larsens also plan to transform their 12-foot skeleton into the mummy of King Tut.

“A little girl who likes to come every year said that we needed more jump scares,” LaDawn said. “So we did. We have a pumpkin that opens up and comes alive. We’re trying to do more of those things.” She added that their display is not gory. “We don’t have our own children that are here so we do this for other peoples’ kids.”

The appreciation they receive from visitors to Larsen Manor is a major inspiration for LaDawn and Steve. They plan to open their yard display on Oct. 6 but will have to close it before Halloween this year on Oct. 28, for work-related reasons.

The Haunted Haven

Tifini Folkersen’s love for Halloween is a longstanding family tradition. Her mother, Jodi Tebbs, decorated her childhood home at a time when Halloween decorations weren’t quite as popular as they are today. Tebbs’ parents loved the holiday as well. “My mom’s dad would dress up like a werewolf, in full theatrical makeup. He’d run around the neighborhood and scare people,” she said.

A trellis over the front walk leading to the Folkersen’s house at 1338 Hana Court is entwined with skulls and grimacing skeletons. “Our decorations are never the same,” Folkersen said. “It changes from year to year as the kids grow.”

Tebbs and Folkersen explained that their décor came out of a desire to make Halloween an interactive experience for the children in the family. The yard display features little vignettes that relate to members of the family. When Folkersen’s son, Kolsyn, went to his senior prom, they put up dancing skeletons in the display. “Last year, Kolsyn went to the U so we had a University of Utah-themed skeleton area,” Tebbs said.

“We make it family friendly,” Folkersen said. “It’s fun and spooky, not too scary.” On Halloween night, she and her husband, Lynn, give out candy and run the technical aspects of things. Tebbs enjoys mingling with the visitors.

This year the family is planning a ghosts in the graveyard theme. “Once I come up with a theme, we figure out what we want to add and build,” Folkersen said. “We’ve been collecting for 30 years and building. There are memories attached to each decoration.”

Building the displays is a labor of love for the family and they enjoy watching visitors react to their handiwork. “It’s cute seeing all the people having fun,” Folkersen said. “People stay and have a good time.” She said that her neighbors having been getting into the Halloween spirit with their own decorations as well.

Folkersen plans to have her display ready for the first weekend in October. It is open to visitors every night from when darkness falls to 10:30 p.m. She said, “We tell people, when they hear the witches cackle, it’s time to go home.”

The Farr family’s “Southfork Sanitarium” is located at 927 E. Southfork Drive in Draper. The decorations are up throughout October. (Photo by Farris Gerard)

A pumpkin-headed monster towers over “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by Steve Larsen)

Southfork Sanitarium

Dan and Stephanie Farr explained that "love for the neighborhood" was the inspiration behind their yard display. "I loved it in our old neighborhood when our neighbor would have a Halloween potluck," Stephanie said. The Farrs started out serving chili and hot dogs to their neighbors on Halloween night and set up a "spook alley" in their yard. The spook alley got more elaborate every year and evolved into "Southfork Sanitarium."

"Dan got started with the life-sized monsters," Stephanie said. He became

hooked on Halloween after a trip to a friend's Halloween store. About 15 years ago he joined the Rocky Mountain Haunters group.

“I geek out on Halloween,” Dan said. "I love entertainment and doing stuff that makes people happy.” That same passion inspired Farr to become the founder and producer of FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention. Soon after the convention ends in late September, the Farrs start putting out the monsters.

The family has built up a collection of props that would fit in at any commercial haunted house. Some have been

created by professional monster makers. Dan has acquired a few creatures, including a giant animated demon, from his friend, Dick Van Dyke. The actor enjoys putting up an elaborate Halloween display for trick or treaters at his home in Malibu, California.

Other supernatural scares are homemade. Dan constructed Stephanie's favorite, a glowing ghost on a pulley that appears to hover in the window over the front door. "I don't like gore, I like spooky fun and jump scares," she said. The Farrs' display has attracted attention beyond their neighborhood.

"There have been years that we've been in the news," Dan said. "A lot of people will come in from other areas."

Stephanie explained that this year's haunt might not be quite as over-thetop. "We used to have our sons and their friends help set everything up, but they're grown up now," she said. "We've had to simplify."

Still, monsters will appear once again at 927 E. Southfork Drive this month. "The neighborhood kids love it!" Stephanie said. Dan added, "We just can't stop!" l

Steve and LaDawn Larsen put personal touches on their Halloween display. “Larsen Manor” will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

When their youngest son went to college, the Folkersen family put up a “U” themed vignette with skeletons as part of their Halloween display. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

The cackling of the witch tells visitors that it’s time to go home at the Folkersen family’s Halloween display in Draper. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

In this photo from 2021, a skeletal procession was on display at “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

Double, double, toil and trouble: Haunted Woods spells fun and funds for families

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

For over 50 years, Murray Haunted Woods has been a tradition in the local community, but it's more than just a seasonal attraction. It serves a dual purpose, both as a family-oriented entertainment venue and as a fundraiser for noble causes, primarily focused on the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

Originally managed by Murray City until 2010, the Haunted Woods faced potential discontinuation due to budget cuts. However, the Murray Exchange Club and Youth Council stepped in to take over the event. "During the economic turn, the city needed to cut back. When they cut this event, the citizens responded with an adamant ‘No, we need to keep this. It’s tradition and family-oriented,'" Sheri Van Bibber of the Murray Exchange Club said.

The event has always had a charitable edge. "Our Exchange Clubs across the valley all participate. We contribute funds to different groups, past examples include YWCA, Taylorsville Family Center, Midvale Family Center, Boys & Girls Clubs, Victims’ Advocates of SLC and several more," Van Bibber said.

The Murray Haunted Woods has adapted to the changing times, especially in the era of COVID-19. "We almost shut down, but public input encouraged us to continue," Van Bibber said. "We met all health requirements and have since added double the availability. People can buy tickets online or at the gate." The event also complies with all city and county standards to ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees.

Interactive elements have become an integral part of the event. "We want the wait in line to be just as much fun as the actual tour through the Woods," Van Bibber said. Performances from the West High Drill Team, appearances by the Ghost Busters Team and their iconic car, and multiple interactive activities are designed to keep visitors entertained throughout.

However, creating such an event does not come without challenges. "We spend months preparing, so logistics are always a challenge," Van Bibber said. In addition to dealing with increasing amounts of props that now require rented storage space, the event must adapt to changes in the city's infrastructure. "Last year, the challenge was the pavilion being rebuilt; this year, it was a new addition to the city's warehouse," she said. Despite these hurdles, Van Bibber assured that "everyone has been working together to make it possible."

Being an outdoor event, weather is a significant concern, but the organizers are undeterred. "We have run the woods in wind, rain, snow, hail, 11 degrees; it just adds to the ambiance," Van Bibber said.

She also mentioned the valuable assistance from local police and fire departments in ensuring that the event setup remains secure overnight.

As for the experience itself, the Haunted Woods offers something for every age group. "We start in the daylight with the 'Silly Trails'—the music and characters are fun and entertaining. As the sun goes down, the energy in the woods shifts, and so do the characters," Van Bibber said. A safety feature, a "Safe Code" called “Ghouls Be Gone,” is in place if anyone finds the experience too intense.

Although there have been discussions about extending the traditional three-day schedule, limitations arise. "People have asked us to run all month, at least a week, or even move to the weekend," Van Bibber said. However, due to logistical issues related to volunteer availability, "we have found it best to leave things as they are."

This year's event includes several noted attractions. "The football team playing ball in the woods as scarecrows is always entertaining," Van Bibber said, "and the polo team playing on land along with Madame Leota is new this year."

Regarding the trail designs, Van Bibber said, "We always look at it with fresh eyes every year. There's a 'Light Show' crafted by Jeff Evans and music and design by Andy and Jeleigh Evans from Murray High."

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments in running the event. "One of our first years we had three fog machines, and it was so humid that the whole park filled up with fog. The Fire Department kept getting calls that the park was on fire," Van Bibber said. In another instance, "One year, it was thundering and snowing, and we were all covered with snow. The kids had a riot, and no one wanted to leave."

Volunteers from the Murray Youth Council and the Exchange Clubs are vital. "There’s a lot of leadership involved, and we have amazing kiddos," Van Bibber said. Local businesses like K Real Estate and AAA Restoration play significant roles behind the scenes. "Our Murray businesses are the reason we are still here. We are always open to our business family and look forward to more partnerships in the future.”

The event runs Oct. 23-25 at Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.) on the south side of the outdoor swimming pool in pavilion 5. Visitors can choose the Silly Trail for younger guests from 5:30-7 p.m. or the Scary Trail from 7-9 p.m. for the more adventurous. Tickets are $5. Visit MurrayHauntedWoods.com for tickets and more information. l

Two ghosts dance in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A zombie startles visitors in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A witch greets small visitors on the Silly Trail of the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

Special Olympics TopGolf champions inclusion for all athletes

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

The object: to hit the target the most. The purpose: So much more.

Eighty Special Olympians with intellectual disabilities paired with partner athletes, were warming up for the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship.

“The athletes are practicing their accuracy, but they’re also developing skills and forging friendships,” said Haley Nall, Special Olympics director of special events. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

It’s also part of a national partnership with TopGolf that provides Special Olympic teams access for weekly two-hour practices as well as hosting the tournament. More than 30 locations are holding state championships.

The Special Olympics TopGolf Championship embraces inclusion and access for athletes, Nall said.

The introduction of TopGolf for Special Olympics comes on the heels of the launch of unified golf for middle school students that was held in South Jordan in spring 2022.

At the Midvale championship, teams, age 8 and up, were hitting the ball off the deck aiming for the targets. They were coached by volunteers.

Hillcrest High 2019 graduate Tanner Cluff jumped at the opportunity to try a new sport, despite needing left-handed clubs for his 6-foot-8-inch frame.

“I like that this gives me a challenge,” he said. “I can do different sports for every season.”

Cluff, who won numerous medals in unified sports in high school and at the University of Utah, played for Real Salt Lake’s

unified team. He plays football, soccer and bocci ball with Special Olympics.

“I’m trying to see how many points I can get by hitting the markers. It’s been harder on the top level than the bottom level because the launch in every bay is different and I never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’m making new friends here at the same time.”

Cluff made friends with his partner, Keaton Phillips, who just moved to Utah nine months ago. Previously, Phillips volunteered with Special Olympics in Florida.

“I love the unique energies that everybody has,” he said.

Prior to the TopGolf practices, Phillips played golf once on a traditional course.

“This is challenging. I didn’t think it would be as challenging at TopGolf. We struggled through it for a couple of weeks, but we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “We’re trying to get more distance and accuracy. We have a bit to go, but it’s fun.”

A few bays down the Cox sisters from Murray were ready to compete.

Viewmont Elementary sixth-grader Livvy partnered with her sister, Bree, a junior at Murray High.

“I like to volunteer because it’s fun interacting with kids with special needs,” said the younger Cox sister, who was a partner track athlete as well.

Bree Cox, who has Down syndrome and performs with Murray’s drill team, was game to try golf.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love it because I can do it with my sister.” l

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rate/offer subject to change without notice. Membership required. Minimum balance requirements apply. Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal. Automatically renews unless withdrawn. Restrictions apply. Ask for details. Federally insured by NCUA.

Brighton High’s Mitchell Burt hits the ball during warm-ups of the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Thread of innovation: Cottonwood High’s sewing program shifts to Sports & Outdoor Design

Cottonwood

High’s sewing classes have a new focus.

“My sewing class curriculum changed to Sports & Outdoor Design so we are focusing on outdoor products,” teacher Zahaia Donner said.

With a growing industry in outdoor apparel and product design education, it’s becoming a trend to shift curriculum to that focus along with the desire to sustain secondary schools’ textiles and apparel curriculum.

“The Sports & Outdoor Design curriculum focuses more on product development. A few years ago, we went to USU (Utah State University’s) outdoor product design showcase and saw all the senior students’ final projects, so that may be the route we’re going toward,” she said. “Hopefully, this gets kids more inspired in product design. We’re wanting to take the kids on more field trips so they can see what options they have at the college level and professionally.”

The curriculum change already is attracting new students. Donner said she’s seen an increase in male students.

“I did get a lot of boys that signed up for the class because it was called Sports & Outdoor Design. They were very surprised on the first day of school when I told them it cen-

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

tered around sewing, but I encouraged them to stay. The students definitely were more excited when I told them our new updated projects. I have gotten more buy-in with the class,” she said.

About 30 students in the Sports & Outdoor Design I class are starting with making joggers.

“They’re going to be learning some basics with those, but with a few more skills. Then, we’re going to be making a duffel bag and a pullover sweatshirt,” she said, saying that those projects replace pajama pants, aprons and quillows. “My second-level students will make an outdoors shirt, a more complex sports bag and another project working with specialty fabrics.”

Donner said that the curriculum change is district-wide and that together, the teachers are brainstorming ways to deliver and enhance the curriculum. They’re also creating an advisory board of local companies to help with the direction of the program as well as potentially serve as guest speakers or be able to give students’ tours of facilities and possibly, internships.

Donner said she has an “amazing TA who is helpful assisting students” in senior Sara Sandusky, who may work with one stu-

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

dent altering a pattern while she helps others who are designing their own patterns.

Through this curriculum change, she said students are realizing that the course is more than traditional sewing.

“I want them to realize that sewing isn’t

just something for grandmas,” Donner said. “They create lots of cool projects and skills that they’ll use for their life—and now we’re appealing to students who normally wouldn’t see us on class but are more creative and are interested in product design.” l

Cottonwood High student Carley Stephens practices sewing skills in the Sports & Outdoor Design class. (Zahaia Donner/Cottonwood High)

Murray cross country small in numbers, big on heart

At Murray High School, the participation level for cross country might not be as much as it is with other sports—or as much as other cross country teams have—but that doesn’t mean the athletes aren’t dedicated. Members of the Spartans’ team have worked hard for months to improve their times and techniques.

Head coach Randall Quarez is happy with the efforts his athletes have made.

“This season, our numbers have been low, but the commitment has been high,” he said.

Not only does the team face the challenge of competing against schools who may have more runners, but the Spartans have been dealt with other trials to overcome. The team has suffered a rash of injuries and illnesses that have hampered routines and progress. Still, despite these roadblocks, Quarez said the team has been positive and hard-working.

“These obstacles and challenges have affected how things have gone,” he said. “Overall, I’m well pleased with the effort and commitment that these runners have given. Improving in running is a slow process.”

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Quarez said his No. 1 goal is for each runner to get better and for the team and runners to qualify for state, which takes place Oct. 24.

“We are on the cusp of achieving these goals as long as we can stay healthy and all perform our best together,” Quarez said.

The high school cross country season begins in early August, though the athletes start preparing long before. Summer conditioning and training gets underway for Murray on Memorial Day. Those who commit to the hard work of running miles and miles in the heat see dividends pay off in the fall.

“Runners who ran during the summer began building a solid foundation for the upcoming season,” Quarez said. “Cross country is a short season so running during the summer is critical to ensure success throughout the season.”

Quarez didn’t single out any one runner on his team but instead said that all runners have “stood out to me because of the commitment and dedication they have shown.” Many runners have improved their times throughout the season. One runner was in a car accident where she

was T-boned by an impaired driver but is now back to running 5Ks and half marathons. Another runner on the boys team is from Ukraine, and he has not only improved as a runner but has adapted to the cultural differences between his home country and Murray. Others have made significant strides from having to walk part of the course to now running the entire route.

“They might not ever win a race they might even come in last, but they are improving, and they are not quitting,” Quarez said. “Yet we have others that are on the cusp on breaking into the elite running level.”

Quarez said the team’s strength is its determination and grit. The runners are perseverant and push one another to be their best and accomplish bigger and better things. They are also patient and understand that cross country running is a process.

“Another strength is our team unity,” he said. “Being a smaller team, this year has allowed us to really focus on supporting and encouraging each individual member on the team.”

Nothing has come easy for the Mur-

ray team this season. Aside from having to compete against talented teams, the athletes must be mindful of proper nutrition, including hydration. Avoiding and treating injuries is crucial in cross country, as certain injuries can be common. Quarez pointed out that shin splints, sore muscles and ankle problems can affect any runner.

Despite these pitfalls, Murray runners continue to show up each day, working hard and striving to do their best individually and to help the team get better.

“I will remember that high level of dedication and effort that this team has displayed since the start of the season,” Quarez said. “The grit and resiliency of this team is one that I will never forget. I’m so proud of each runner. Where each started off the season compared to where they are at the end of the season. Their growth has not only been in running but in self-confidence, passion, dedication, and growth in the understanding that they can accomplish and do difficult things. I appreciate the opportunity of getting to know each individual runner, and the individual path of growth that everyone has chosen to develop.” l

JULY 28TH -OCT 28TH

8AM - 1 PM

296 E Murray Park Ave, Murray, UT 84107

MURRAY SOJO

AUGUST 5TH -OCT 14TH

8AM - 1 PM

1600 W Towne Center Dr, South Jordan, UT 84095

Behind a new senior captain, Cottonwood girls soccer rebuilds its program

Cottonwood’s girls soccer team has already accomplished nearly all of the goals it set for itself this past summer, said new coach Bryce Harvest. Mission accomplished on such things as scoring more goals, preventing opponent’s goals, and having more fun.

“We currently have accomplished every goal we have set from the start of the season which is amazing,” Harvest said.

But the way that this particular team went about doing things differed, he said. After the Colts notched their second win over Providence Hall, and everything seemed great, the losses started piling up.

By about the midway point of the season, in a very tough Region 10 in a new and reimagined Class 4A, Cottonwood found itself in a bind.

That’s when senior Mary Neilson offered to step up and lead the team going forward.

“[Mary Neilson] has planted the seeds for future successes and stepped up tremendously as a leader for the program,” said the Cottonwood coach, who pointed to a discipline issue that she helped resolve, setting a “precedent for the future.”

Neilson, who was also named the team captain after several games, has been orga-

Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

nizing Cottonwood’s backline since about the midway point of the Colts’ Region 10 season. And she was the catalyst for setting the team rules, according to the coach.

“It was kind of funny; the coaching staff was worried not giving the full introduction of culture that me and my brother [Colts’ boys head coach BryLee] introduced to the boy’s program, but we had a meeting prior to our second win against Providence where the girls had the opportunity to make rules which was profound,” said the girls coach of his captain Neilson, who has been a part of the program for all four years. “She’s kept me honest, and we’ve been climbing out of the slumps because of that great leadership from her.”

For Cottonwood [0-9 Region 10, 2-11], it’s been a baptism by fire in a brand-new Region 10 that is littered with tough schools, according to Harvest. In addition to Stansbury, Tooele and Hillcrest, the region now includes crosstown rival Murray, Park City and Jordan.

That’s where the new Cottonwood head coach said he’s seen his team captain Nielson step up the most—when it’s needed.

“She’s been stepping up vocally on the field by organizing our backline,” said Harvest, who’s proud of Neilson for taking con-

trol of the team in her final year. “Now off the field Mary has been the driving force in keeping the hope of winning alive, and creating team rules, vocally enforcing the rules, and leading by example.”

At this moment, Cottonwood is barely on the outside looking in at a state playoff spot, according to Harvest. It sits in the 25th spot; the 4A state tournament only takes the top 24 teams.

Regardless of how that shakes out, Harvest said he believes the program, which is

led by a senior in goal and a senior-laden back line, is on much better footing than before when it wasn’t winning any games at all.

“Many people will probably remember this team by the games we just lost by a goal or two by some of the best teams in the state,” said Harvest, who has a good point— the Colts lost three of their region contests by one mistake.

“But the coaching staff will remember the successes that I just mentioned that will alter the program.” l

Senior Mary Neilson stepped up as a senior leader being named captain. (Photo courtesy Bryce Harvest)

World’s Best Boss.

How to be a leader that others follow

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

At least those are the words on the mug of Dunder Mifflin’s boss, Michael Scott on the popular television series, “The Office.” However, how might you get to reach such status as a leader, without buying your own mug?

Oct. 16 is National Boss’s Day, and in effort of learning more about how to be a great boss, I sat down with one whose team not only would buy him such a mug, but who sees him as a leader they want to follow. Scott Harding recently retired from Larry H. Miller Honda in Murray as the general manager where he led a staff of roughly 100 employees on a daily basis. He served 26 years for the company (27 in the industry). He also served as the president of the Utah Honda Dealers Association, and he sat on the governor appointed board for the state of Utah that helped steer the Utah motor vehicle review committee.

When asking Harding about how he reached his leadership role he said, “Basically, most of my career in doing this it’s just kind of been evolution. One role led to the next, led to the next, led to the next, which is kind of a good way, because you can stair step your way up as you learn.”

The ongoing process of learning and having a growth mindset seems to be instrumental in being a strong and effective leader. One thing Harding said he has learned in his leadership role is to not expect others to be like you as the leader. “Everybody has their own personality, everybody finds their own way to find their groove or getting a stride. And one thing as a leader that can be very difficult is when you expect everyone to be just like you. That's not really healthy either in an environment of a team, because what makes great teams is multi-dimensional aspects of it and having people on your team that are better at things that maybe you're not as good at.”

So, how can you adapt to the multi-dimensional aspects of your team such as their personalities and talents?

1. Get to know your team. What makes them tick? What motivates them?

2. Connect with your team. Show care for them, invest time and energy in them.

3. Communicate with your team. Avoid assumptions by having direct communication with them. Ask the questions. Listen to what they have to say. Keep your team involved in and knowing what you’re talking about and clearly communicating expectations.

From there, Harding said that it’s key to ensure a concept that Jim Collins shares in his book “Good to Great” —getting the right people on the bus and then getting them in the right seat on the bus. Once we have the right people on the bus and in the right seat, we can become a leader they want to follow through the following ways:

1. Helping your team see your vision. When your team sees your vision, they can embrace it. Create their buy-in by teaching your team how you do something, or how you want them to do something and the benefit of and why behind why you want it done that way.

2. Making the tough decisions. These can be some of the loneliest days as a leader.

Whether that is to promote or not promote a team member, drawing hard lines on integrity issues, challenging people or even dismissing someone from your team.

3. Being honest. Do things in an honest way, train in an honest way, give honest feedback and honest expectations. Do what is right especially when no one is looking.

As Harding said, “We all follow somebody because we want

to make sure that they're going to help us get to the next level, or they're going to help us provide for our family, or they're going to help us learn more about what will help us in life and/or in business.”

So, this Boss’s Day may we step up to the plate in being a leader that not only others want to follow, but that we would want to follow. May we also take the opportunity to thank those bosses who are paving the way for us both personally and professionally. Want to hear more of my interview with Harding, or learn more about being a better boss? Check out Holly’s Highlights podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts and at www.hollycurby. com. l

City Journals wins multiple awards for 2022 Society of Professional Journalists

Here are the winners from Davis:

First place: Front page design –Anna Pro and Roger Tuttle

Honorable mention: Front page design – Anna Pro

Honorable mention: Best single page design – Anna Pro

Honorable mention: Best photographer – Roger Tuttle

Third place: Humor/lifestyle – Peri Kinder

Honorable mention: Humor/lifestyle – Peri Kinder

First place: Best newspaper reporter – Becky Ginos

First place: Medical/Science – Becky Ginos

Third place: General news – Becky Ginos and Roger Tuttle

Third place: Military – Becky Ginos

Third place: Sports – non-deadline reporting – Tom Haraldsen

Honorable mention: Military – Tom Haraldsen

Here are the winners from Salt Lake:

First Place: Writing and Reporting -

Division B - Julie Slama

Second Place - Division B - Carl Fauver

First Place: Writing and Reporting -

Division B Personality Profile - Julie Slama

Second Place: Sarah Morton Taggart

Third Place: Sona Schmidt-Harris

Third Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Religion/Values - Sarah Morton Taggart

Second Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Medical/science - Julie Slama

Third Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Medical/science - Shaun Delliskave

First Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Military - Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Education - Jet Burnham

Third Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Education - Jet Burnham

Honorable Mention Third Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Education - Jet Burnham

Second Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Environment - Deb Hafner

First Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Diversity and Equity - Julie Slama

First Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B COVID-19 - Cassie Goff

First Place: Writing and Reporting -

Division B Continuing coverage - Cassie Goff

Second Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Business/consumer - Sarah Morton Taggart

Third Place: Writing and Reporting -

Division B Government Reporter - Cassie Goff

Second Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Best newspaper reporter

- Carl Fauver

First Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Arts and Entertainment - Julie Slama

First Place: Writing and Reporting -

Division B Sports non-deadline reporting

- Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Sports non-deadline reporting

- Carl Fauver

First Place: Writing and ReportingDivision B Personality profile - Julie Slama

Second Place: Writing and Reporting - Division B Personality profile - Sarah Morton Taggart

Third Place: Writing and Reporting

- Division B Personality profile - Sona Schmidt-Harris l

Part of Scott Harding’s team honoring him at his retirement party. (Photo courtesy of Christy Green)

Mayor Jenny Wilson starts book/media club to engage community around the Great Salt Lake

“Inthis world of division; red, blue, old, young. What can we do to come together as a community? What can I do to create a dialogue? Let’s start a book club.” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

In late August, the stage at the Salt Lake City Public Library held some acclaimed names: Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake.

It was the second meeting of Mayor Jenny Wilson’s Book and Media Club, a community-wide club designed to engage people around a common theme. Up for discussion was a harrowing New York Times article by Williams telling the story of the retreating Great Salt Lake and the repercussions its potential death will have on the valley, the state and the nation, titled, “I Am Haunted By What I’ve Seen At Great Salt Lake.” The link to a PDF of the article can be found at parsintl.com/ eprints/115576.pdf

It was a free event, with ticketing/reservations available through the county website. During the club, Wilson led a 90-minute discussion between Williams and Abbott, leaving time for Q&A between panelists and the audience.

“Our body and the body of Great Salt Lake—there is no separation—we too are salt water.” – Author Terry Tempest Williams

Williams grew up in Salt Lake City and found acclaim as a naturalist and environmental writer with the publication of her 1991 memoir, “Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place.” Since then, she has published many articles and numerous books. She is a writer who draws inspiration from the American West and the arid landscape of Utah.

When the mayor asked Williams about the significance of the lake and her fears about the retreat, Williams indicated it was Abbott’s January 2023 report about the state of the lake that put her (and the world) on notice. “When I read that the lake could disappear in five years, I couldn’t sleep,” she said.

The climate editor at the New York Times also read the report, called Williams and asked for an article of 5,000 words, a length not often granted by the selective publisher. Williams was terrified to write the piece, completing 14 drafts in one month, because she had to tell the hard truth, because, “It had to matter.”

“As the lake goes, so goes our community.” – Professor Ben Abbott Abbott’s BYU study sounded the alarm about the state of the lake, but his message during the book club was one of action rather than despair or complacency, indicating there

By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

should be no divisions between urban and rural, left and right in coming to a solution. The condition of the lake affects everyone. The solution relies on legislation and conservation, and must be enacted now. For a link to the study, pws.byu.edu/GSL%20report%202023.

“The health of all of us depends on this lake,” he said. “I’m talking about our air pollution, our water pollution, our economy, because the Great Salt Lake is not an outlier. We know what will happen.” He was speaking of Owens Lake.

Owens Lake, a saline lake in California, a lake the fraction of the size of the Great Salt Lake and much farther from a community center, dried up due to water diverted to the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Before the diversion of the Owens River, Owens Lake covered an area of up to 108 square miles. When the lake dried, it became the single largest source of particulate contamination in the United States. To date, the state of California has spent over $2.5 billion to control the dust, but according to Abbott, “If you look at a map of air quality index, there is still a dark red ring, even today, around that dried lake.”

Compare that to the Great Salt Lake. After years of drought and increased water diversion upstream, the lake fell to its lowest level: 950 square miles. One takeaway? The Great Salt Lake at its lowest level is still 10 times larger than Owens Lake at its highest, with the potential of a much greater impact on our local and regional environment.

“Did the big snow year solve the problem?” – Mayor Jenny Wilson

Because of his faith, Abbott said he does see [the big snow year] as divine intervention. “It gives us a chance to do something, but it has only rewound the clock by one to two years. A solution it is not.”

Water levels at the Great Salt Lake have peaked for 2023. They rose about 5 ½ feet

from the record lows of last year. Even with improved water levels, about 50% of the lakebed is still exposed.

Researchers at the University of Utah found that in 2022, the exposed lakebed was responsible for about one-quarter of dust pollution along the Wasatch Front. Additionally, the dust that collected on the snow caused the snowpack to melt more than two weeks earlier than it should have, according to an investigative report on KSL.

“The only way to solve it is to live within our means.” – Professor Ben Abbott

The January report co-authored by Abbott indicates agriculture dominates water use in the Great Salt Lake watershed. Irrigation of alfalfa and other crops directly accounts for around 75% of total consumptive water, plus 5%-10% indirectly through storage and transport losses such as reservoir evaporation. Mineral extraction from the lake itself represents another 9% of water use. Cities and industry account for the final 9% of consumptive water use, of which 90% is outdoor water use (irrigation for lawns and other decorative plants).

Basically, many parties are financially tied to the lake, and the entire Wasatch Front population is reliant on the health of the lake for their own health and the health of their families. Because the stakes are extremely high, participants from all communities need to come together to make changes through conservation efforts and education. Additionally, “We are in a much better place than we were five years ago, as far as legal opportunities go, to take next steps,” Abbott said.

Collaboration and cooperation are needed. “We need to have the grace to believe all

sides have the best interest of others in mind,” said Abbott.

There are several organizations attempting to pull the many communities together, to invite people into the conversation, to forge new ideas. Grow the Flow at growtheflowutah. org and Friends of the Great Salt Lake at fogsl. org, are two.

Up Next for The Mayor’s Book and Media Club

While called the Mayor’s Book and Media Club, future events will include discussion about film, story and video, with the intent of creating open and engaging public dialogue. The hope is to hold an event every two to three months.

The next Book and Media Club discussion will be about the documentary film, “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed.” In celebration of the upcoming eclipse, the mayor’s office is providing 200 free tickets to the documentary at the Clark Planetarium. The ticket can be redeemed to any scheduled showing and will include a pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

Then on Oct. 14, the community is invited back to the Gateway Fountain for a live community viewing of the eclipse. Viewers should plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m., as the eclipse happens just after 10 a.m. Afterward, the Clark Planetarium education staff will facilitate a short presentation and discussion. Everyone is invited to the fountain for the eclipse viewing, but tickets for the film and glasses are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

For future events keep updated at slco. org/mayor/bookclub. l

Utah author and writer-in-residence at Harvard’s Divinity School, Terry Tempest Williams, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and Ben Abbott, a BYU professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences and the researcher who sounded the alarm about the dire state of the Great Salt Lake attend an event at the downtown library in August. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson facilitates a conversation between author Terry Tempest Williams and BYU Professor Ben Abbott. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

The Truth is Out There

Depending on who you ask, aliens have either 1) frequently visited our planet, 2) never visited our planet, or 3) are currently running our planet.

It’s been quite a year for Unidentified Flying Objects, which are now called Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. (Tomayto, tomahto.) These “extraterrestrial” vessels made the news, created a TikTok channel and had their own congressional hearing.

In early 2023, the Air Force started blasting weather balloons out of the sky. Although weather balloons have been used since 1896, it’s only in the last year the balloons became malicious enough to be shot down. It’s definitely American to shoot first and never ask questions.

It reminds me of the 1978 video game Space Invaders, where the goal was to blast UFOs out of the atmosphere before they reached Earth. Whether the current UAPs were peace emissaries from Alpha Centauri or galactic multi-level-marketing sales-aliens, we’ll never know.

Look at it this way. If you launched a celebratory lightspeed rocket on the day Jesus was born, it would still be in the Milky Way Galaxy, even traveling for 2,000 years at the speed of light. So if a flying saucer made its way across its galaxy and our galaxy, it would take hundreds of thousands of light years to reach us, only to be casually shot down by an F-22.

Maybe they were on their way to teach

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

us how to travel at lightspeed, how to create a functional Congress or how to evolve so our skin glows in the dark. We’ll never know.

UFO sightings occur all over the world, but the U.S. has the most interaction with aliens. The Roswell crash in 1947 was the first “flying saucer” wreckage that authorities said was a UFO, then it was a weather balloon, then it was Carl’s tractor from down the road and then it was the remnants of an atomic test, which didn’t make anyone feel better.

Air Force pilots share stories of strange objects in the sky, security cameras capture “meteors” and eerie lights, and there was a congressional hearing to talk about what the government isn’t telling us. Spoiler alert: the government keeps a lot of secrets.

Many people are convinced the pyramids were built with alien technology. Some people think UFOs travel the world making intricate designs in crops, kind of like alien graffiti. Others point out the first microchip was created just 10 years after the Roswell crash. Coincidence?

Hmmmm.

Records from Rome (AD 65) and Ireland (AD 740) document chariots flying through the clouds or ships floating in the air, filled with people. Too bad there wasn’t an F-22 to shoot them down.

“War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells was written in the late 1890s. It was one of the first novels that detailed an alien invasion on Earth. People lost their minds when Orson Welles dramatized it on a 1938 radio show.

I’m not saying UFOs are real. I’m not saying they’re not. But sightings have increased, usually in the form of an orb, a disc, a triangle,

a cylinder, an egg, a toaster, a VW Bug or other random shapes.

I’ve been saying for years that Earth is a hit reality show in the universe and little green men (or blue or white or gray) watch the hilarious antics on our dumpster fire of a planet while eating alien popcorn.

It’s pretty egocentric of us to think we’re the only planet with intelligent life. And I use the word “intelligent” lightly. I hope somewhere in the universe there’s a planet where the inhabitants live in peace and work together to create new ideas. I just hope they don’t come here. We’ll shoot them out of the sky.l

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