SNARR
COVER PHOTO BY BRANDON ORTON
© Best Version Media
EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EXPERT
Jenn Kikel-Lynn, K Real Estate 5411 S. Vine St. #3, Murray, UT 84107 jenn@kikelrealestate.com 801-641-1571 | jennkikellynn.com
EVENT EXPERT
Tom Brazill, Elevate Event Bartending 4547 Peach St. Holladay, UT 84117 801-477-4452
tom@elevateeventbartending.com elevateeventbartending.com
FUNERAL SERVICES EXPERT
Blake Soffe, Owner/Funeral Director Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Homes & Cremation Center | 801-266-0222
4760 S State St. Murray, UT 84107 JSM@Jenkins-Soffe.com | www.Jenkins-Soffe.com
MORTGAGE EXPERTS
Jamie Nielsen
VanDyk Mortgage Corporation
5330 S 900 E Ste 200, Murray, UT 84117 801-694-0822
jnielsen@VanDykMortgage.com
Quinn Richins
5330 S 900 E Ste 200, Murray, UT 84117 801-703-8325
Qrichins@VanDykMortgage.com
HOME & COMMERCIAL FLOORING EXPERT
Goodrich Flooring 836 E. 4500 S. Murray, UT 84107 801-262-4444 www.goodrichfloors.com
INSURANCE EXPERT
Randy Buchmiller, State Farm 5063 S. State St. Murray, UT 84107 randy.buchmiller.b7pg@statefarm.com 801-261-4337
www.randybuchmiller.com
PERSONAL INJURY AND ACCIDENT
LAW EXPERT
Resh Jefferies | Resh Law resh@reshlaw.com | 385.888.RESH (7374) 45 E. Vine St. Murray, UT 84107 www.reshlaw.com
AESTHETICS AND PLASTIC SURGERY EXPERT
Dr. Renato Saltz Saltz Plastic Surgery and Spa Vitoria 1441 Ute Blvd. Suite 140, Park City, UT 84098 435-216-9876 | saltzplasticsurgery.com
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXPERT
Kathy White, President
Murray Chamber of Commerce 141 E. 5600 S. Ste 300, Murray, UT 84107 801-263-2632 | themurraychamber.com president@themurraychamber.com
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING EXPERT
Mountain Medical Health 4516 S. 700 E. Ste 370, Murray, UT 84107 385-449-9990
www.mtnmentalhealth.com
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT EXPERT
Alen Kantarevic, UVO Group 7650 S. Union Park Ave. Midvale, UT 84047 alenkantarevic.myrealtyonegroup.com 801-664-9028
alen@uvorealestate.com
REROOFING
S and S Roofing Emergency Repairs & Free Estimates Utah’s #1 Roofing Company 435-658-4344
PLUMBING EXPERT
Jonathan Cheever
Team Cheever Plumbing & Heating 8430 Gambel Dr. Park City, UT 84098 435-252-7697 teamcheever.net
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FINANCE AND TAX EXPERTS
Danielle M. Meister, CFF®, CDFA® Madrona Financial & CPAs 833-673-7373
daniellem@madronafinancial.com PHONE 801-609-1442
WEBSITE www wellnestfertility com
ADDRESS 1491 East Ridgeline Drive South Ogden, UT 88405 Redhead Marketing & PR Hilary Reiter Azzaretti hilary@redheadmarketingpr.com
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Executive Assistant to the Publisher & Content Coordinator jacquie@bestversionmedia.com
EMILY REZIN Designer
© Best Version Media
Lexie Larson Meet YourTeam!
Hello! Nice to meet ya! Being born and raised in Charleston granted me such an amazing childhood, getting to explore, grow, and get into heaps of trouble when the times called for it. Technically Charleston is Heber, to us its different, same zip code, different flow of life. Climbing bales of hay that were precariously stacked, jumping in cow pastures we had no business being in. How lucky to be surrounded by beauty everywhere you turn, that is Charleston!
Being raised by my Mother and Grandma was a hoot, thank goodness the teenage years pass, like a kidney stone.
When you visit the little white house with the green roof, the weeping willow in the front yard will greet you, the house is always warm, with love full to the brim. That will forever be home.
Since the beginning of time, animals have greatly inspired me. Most of all dogs. Through sculpting, photography, and just plain ol' creating, dogs have always been poetry. Getting to take photos of these little creatures that we hold so near and dear, that's my jam. May my camera lens be smudged with nose marks for the rest of my days.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jared DeMann | jdemann@bestversionmedia.com | (801) 520-3342
Betsy DeMann | bdemann@bestversionmedia.com
Jacquie Symes | jacquie@bestversionmedia.com ADVERTISING CONTENT
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: jdemann@bestversionmedia.com FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
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PHONE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
TAYLOR LARSEN SHAUN DELLISKAVE
MEGAN O'BRIEN
KATIE O'BRIEN
RICHARD ELLIS
AIMEE L. COOK
DANA KLEIN
LEXIE LARSON BRANDON ORTON
DEB DEKOFF
ERIC RAMIREZ
EXCEPTIONAL CARE AND EXPERTISE:
How Jamie and Quinn Turned a Challenging Mortgage Journey Into a Success
I want to take a moment to rave about the incredible work Jamie Nielsen and Quinn Richins of VanDyk Mortgage did for me. These two mortgage professionals truly went above and beyond to help me achieve my financial goals, and I am grateful for their dedication.
They successfully completed two very complex loans for me: a condo refinance that was far from straightforward, and a new home loan I share with my sister, who is a single mom. Both of these loans were complicated and not your typical transactions. Many other lenders might have walked away or refused to take on such challenging scenarios. But Jamie and Quinn didn’t flinch. They tackled every obstacle head-on, jumping through hoops and navigating complex situations with confidence and expertise.
What stood out most was their kindness and patience throughout the entire process. It was clear that they genuinely cared about helping my sister and me achieve our dreams. They provided constant guidance and reassurance, sharing their insights and experience at every step. They weren’t just professional—they also brought a great sense of humor to what could have been a stressful journey, making everything much more manageable and even enjoyable.
They worked tirelessly to secure the best rates possible for us, which ultimately saved us a significant amount of money each month. Their dedication to finding the right financial solution truly made a difference.
Beyond their professional expertise, Jamie and Quinn showed they cared deeply about us as individuals. During the process, we experienced a devastating loss in our family,
and they were there for us — sharing tears and offering genuine support. They even loved on our fur babies when we brought them into the office, demonstrating kindness and compassion far beyond what is typical of a mortgage service.
Their professionalism was outstanding. They handled everything with integrity, attention to detail, and a level of care that made me feel like I was their top priority. Thanks to Jamie and Quinn, we were able to secure our loans when others might have given up, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
If you’re looking for mortgage pros who combine expertise, kindness, and a genuine desire to help, look no further than Jamie Nielsen and Quinn Richins at VanDyk Mortgage. I recommend them wholeheartedly to friends, family, neighbors, and everyone reading this. They made what could have
been a stressful process smooth, manageable, and ultimately successful for me and my family. They are truly the best. Trustworthy, caring, and exceptional at what they do.
TRANSFUSION The
The Transfusion is a classic drink that is experiencing a fresh wave of popularity. Known as a golfer’s drink, this slightly tart but oh-so-refreshing cocktail combines vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, and fresh lime juice. The finished product leaves you with a wonderful thirst quenching drink to get you through the course.
The Transfusion was originally created to drink while teeing-off on the golf course (possibly to fight off a hangover from the festivities the night before). The drink’s refreshing and revitalizing qualities will not only get you started, but easily get you all the way to the “19th hole.”
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy a Transfusion. You can make this simple cocktail at home. The recipe is easy and you end up with an invigorating drink you won’t soon forget.
Prep time: Less than 5 minutes
and weddings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ oz vodka
• 1 oz concord grape juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• Top off with ginger ale or ginger beer for a slightly spicier drink
• Lime wedge and/or frozen grapes for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
Add vodka, grape juice, and lime juice to a high ball glass filled with ice. Fill the rest of the glass with the ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge and/or a few frozen grapes. Sip, swing (or don’t), and smile!
Did you try a Transfusion?
If so, hit me up on Instagram @elevateeventbartending
BY SHAUN DELLISKAVE
Crewing Connection:
The Woman Behind Murray’s Most Uplifting Event
At dawn, Kathy White is already hauling nylon and unraveling ropes, her hands blackened with soot and a grin stretched wide across her face. She’s not just the CEO of the Murray Chamber of Commerce — she’s also part of the crew. Specifically, a hot air balloon crew, responsible for launching these glorious, fire-fed orbs into the sky at the city’s annual balloon festival.
“For me, it's the deep connection with our balloon family,” White says. “Crewing a balloon is all about trust and teamwork — you rely on every person around you to keep things safe and to make something truly extraordinary happen.”
Extraordinary is an understatement. At the Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza, wicker baskets, propane tanks, and heaps of colorful fabric come alive at sunrise, becoming airborne ambassadors of community pride. At ground level, thousands gather with coffee cups and pajama-clad toddlers in tow. Overhead, the balloons drift peacefully, suspended by fire, physics, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes hustle.
“There’s this moment where a bundle of fabric, with the help of fire, lifts off the ground and floats into the sky — and it’s pure magic,” White says.
Magic may be the word for it, but what makes this festival soar isn’t just what’s above ground. It’s what’s happening below. From the chaos of set-up to the hush of liftoff, White orchestrates both her balloon crew and her civic mission like a conductor coaxing beauty from brass. “It’s not easy. Sometimes it’s exhausting,” she admits. “But what makes it even more meaningful is that the community gets involved too. If someone walks by and wants to help, we invite them in. They roll up their sleeves, join the crew, and suddenly they’re part of something unforgettable.”
The invitation is open, and the turnout proves just that. Over 6,000 people attended the first festival, far outpacing expectations. “We wondered if maybe only the crew would be there, standing in a big open field,” White says. “But instead, the community showed up in full force. It told us something powerful: the people of Murray want this.”
In fact, wonder is what drives White — both as a balloonist and a civic leader. “When something looks seamless — an event, a ribbon cutting, a successful new partnership — it’s only because someone behind the scenes made
the hard calls, did the planning, and stayed grounded when things got chaotic,” she says. “There’s a real burden that comes with creating beauty — but it’s worth it.”
She sees parallels between hot air ballooning and her work at the Chamber of Commerce. “Just like a hot air balloon, a Chamber of Commerce carries this sense of tradition and history,” she says. “But to truly lift a chamber off the ground — to make it relevant and effective today — it takes a lot more than tradition. You need strategy, technology, data, communication tools… The beauty is in the blend.”
And while the festival may only last a weekend, its impact stretches far beyond the morning fog. “I hope people walk away with a sense of joy — that’s really the heart of it,” White says. “Especially for those experiencing it for the first time, I want them to feel that sense of awe when they see a hot air balloon inflate right in front of them.”
She recalls a morning that still gives her chills: “The sun was barely up, and the field was still quiet. We were inflating one of the balloons, and I looked up to see it fully standing, lit from within by the burners. In that second… it hit me how surreal and beautiful it all was.”
Then, she turned around.
“There were kids on shoulders, families in lawn chairs, people in pajamas with coffee in hand. They were smiling, pointing, just taking it all in. That was the moment I fell in love with it all over again.”
In a divided, screen-soaked age, a balloon festival feels almost defiantly analog. White leans into that. “Even when the world feels divided or overwhelming, at our core, we’re all human. We all want to feel joy. We all want to feel safe. And we all want to connect — to laugh, to stand side by side, to experience something beautiful together.”
For White, crewing balloons has even shaped her leadership philosophy. “Professionally, I’ve always believed that people just want to know they matter. That someone sees them, hears them, and genuinely cares,” she says. “Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about building trust.”
And trust, like a balloon at liftoff, requires
letting go of a little control — and embracing the elements. “You’re working with forces you can’t control — like the weather — and learning to stay calm, adapt, and rely on each other.”
It’s no surprise, then, that when asked to describe Murray from 2,000 feet up, drifting in a basket suspended by fire and fabric, White doesn’t mention real estate trends or commercial corridors.
“From up there, Murray feels peaceful,” she says. “It’s a reminder that this is a community where people live real lives, raise families, and look out for each other. It’s not perfect, but it’s home.”
The annual Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza is floating back into town SEPTEMBER 19-21 at Cottonwood High School. Balloons launch early in the morning, with Saturday also featuring a special evening launch.
WHEN NOT CEO OF THE MURRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, KATHY WHITE CREWS A HOT AIR BALLOON.
THE MAYOR, THE MUSTACHE, AND THE MUSCLE BEHIND MURRAY © Best Version Media
If you blinked while driving down State Street in Murray, Utah, you might have missed him: a man in a battered pickup, mustache billowing like a pair of victory flags, personally spraying weeds in the city medians. That was Dan Snarr—four-term mayor, self-proclaimed cowboy poet, and the kind of public servant who preferred boots to bureaucracy. For sixteen years, Snarr ran his city like a small-town hardware store—hands-on, loud, and with a tool for every job.
At 76, the four-term former mayor of Murray, Utah, is technically retired—but still moving like a city on fast-forward. He speaks with gravel-smooth gusto, gesturing like he’s still giving direction to public works. And while he’s most famous outside of Utah
for his handlebar mustache—a 22-inch marvel once featured on American Idol—locals remember him for something else: doing the job himself when others wouldn’t.
“What I wanted to do was show people if there’s a better way to do things,” Snarr explains. “They used to fine people for not doing weed control. I said, ‘There’s a more efficient way.’ But the way I showed that was by doing it myself.”
This wasn’t a metaphor. Snarr would personally plow streets after snowstorms and show up to trim neglected parks and medians. He once sprayed weeds citywide for six hours using a system he designed after timing city crews. “I just said, ‘There’s a smarter way,’” he shrugs. “But I didn’t tell
them how to do it. I wanted to prove it first.”
His signature blend of blue-collar hustle and bold showmanship earned him both praise and pushback. “Someone said, ‘You’re a showboat,’” Snarr recalls. “I get it. I heard that. But I’ve always just believed in doing what’s right—even if it doesn’t win votes.”
And yes, there was the mustache.
Snarr’s handlebars became Utah-famous after he grew them for Murray’s 2003 centennial. He initially grew it to cover a scar under his nose.
“I grew the one that was 22 inches end-to-end,” he says. “They called me from The Steve Harvey Show, and I went back to Chicago, where they
COVER STORY BY SHAUN DELLISKAVE
PHOTOS BY BRANDON ORTON
© Best Version Media
"THEY CALLED ME A SHOWBOAT. MAYBE I AM. BUT I GET THINGS DONE."
were filming. We made a big deal about it.” He later appeared in media segments across South America and Europe. “It kind of gave me an image throughout the state,” he says. “Ron Bird and Mary Nichols, they made a big deal of it—Channel 2 did a bit where they all wore fake mustaches. I got a kick out of that.”
At times, the mustache even became a referendum. In 2009, he allowed Murray residents to vote—thumbs up or thumbs down—on whether he should shave it. “We had fun with it,” he says. “I dressed up as Uncle Sam, and my wife had a big pair of shears. She was going around begging people to vote it off.”
Behind the spectacle, however, was a mayor who
could wheel and deal with the best of them. Snarr helped broker the removal of the old ASARCO smelter chimneys and redevelop the site into Intermountain Medical Center. “I told the CEO of IHC, ‘You don’t have enough land,’” he recalls. “I said, ‘You ought to buy all of it.’ And they did. That project brought thousands of people into the city every day.”
Another coup? Luring Costco to Murray. “They said, ‘We’ve got a problem. The council passed an ordinance—you can’t build bigger than 50,000 square feet.’ I said, ‘We’ll change that.’” The council agreed to adjust the cap to 150,000. Costco followed. “That store generates more money than any other single store in the city’s history,” Snarr
says. “I did it so I’d be closest to the hot dogs.”
He also championed UTOPIA, Utah’s municipally owned fiber-optic broadband project, long before it gained popularity. “People said I was crazy. We lost money for 15 years. But now? They can’t install it fast enough.”
Snarr’s blunt style drew criticism, particularly from those who felt the city was losing its small-town soul. “Sometimes, yes, I worried,” he admits. “But I said, ‘If you don’t invest in the future, you don’t have one.’ Look at South Salt Lake—it’s struggling because it didn’t.”
His style was appealing enough that over 250 couples asked him to officiate their wedding.
© Best Version Media
Murray’s revitalization wasn’t just zoning and infrastructure. It was also personal. Snarr once landscaped a widow’s yard himself and built a custom-accessible home for his daughter Samantha, who lives with multiple sclerosis (which took his father).
Snarr and his wife, April, have been married 52 years and raised five children. One, Denver, passed away from opioid addiction. “He had surgeries, head injuries… got addicted. What took him out was methadone he got off the street. I wasn’t happy with the overprescribing. But it’s why I spoke up.”
Politics runs in the family. His sister Trisha Beck served in the Utah Legislature. So does his cousin, Carol Spackman Moss. His sister, Sue Curtis, served on the Provo School Board, while her husband, John Curtis, serves in the US Senate. “We’ve got a whole line of public service,” Snarr says. “But I always told people I’m part of the DWR Party—‘Do What’s Right.’ I’ve always been independent.”
If given the mayor’s job again? “Downtown,” he says, without hesitation. “I had everything ready to go. A new performing arts center, restaurants. I brokered the deal for the new City Hall.” But Salt Lake County snatched it from Murray and handed it to Taylorsville.
Snarr is not without regrets. “The job took a toll on my family,” he says. “I was gone a lot. I had to run my own development properties. But you can’t get things done by sitting around.”
Today, he stays active by walking 25 miles per week while working part-time as a grounds crew at the University of Utah. He’ll be hanging that up this year, to take care of April, who was just diagnosed with dementia.
He remains a poet at heart—literally. Before I can say goodbye, he recites nearly all nine stanzas of A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow from memory. “That poem’s been my inspiration my whole life,” he says. “Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate. Still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait.”
That last part might be the only thing Dan Snarr has trouble with. Waiting. He’s spent his life in motion—blazing, trimming, building, and weed spraying. And all of it, he insists, for the right reasons.
“I don’t need material things,” he says. “I just like to get things done. I’m not the mayor anymore, but I’m still the guy people call when the weeds grow tall.”
It’s a dream that, like the man himself, is both practical and poetic.
HIS MUSTACHE MEASURES 16 INCHES IN THIS PICTURE, 6 INCHES SHORT OF HIS MAX OF 22 INCHES.
© Best Version Media
BY RICHARD ELLIS
PHOTOS
COURTESY OF
THE ARCHIVES OF UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Murderer or Martyr Part II
Joe Hill’s Last Song
ON DEATH ROW, LABOR ORGANIZER AND SONGWRITER
JOE HILL PUT ON THE PERFORMANCE THAT MADE HIM A LEGEND—AND AN ONGOING SOURCE OF CONTROVERSY
The mail room of Utah Governor William Spry would have been a chaotic place to work in 1915. Thousands of letters poured into the Governor’s office that year, all having to do with the labor organizer, songwriter, and alleged murderer Joe Hill.
Letters from Hill’s fellow “Wobblies”—members of Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), the infamous labor union—petitioned for the release or retrial of Hill. Oppositely, one Ohio man offered to execute Hill for free if Utah paid his travel expenses.
Today, we pick up where Part I (NOMC July 2025) left off, with Joe Hill arriving in Utah two days after a professional strikebreaker instigated a riot at an IWW rally in Salt Lake City. Hill traveled with a friend and fellow Swedish immigrant, Otto Appelquist, whose actions would cement Hill’s fate as a murderer or martyr.
Upon their arrival in Utah, Hill and Appelquist stayed in Murray City in the home of brothers John and Edward Eselius, fellow Swedes who’d met Hill while working in California. The brothers had a twenty-three-year-old niece, Hilda Erickson, who Hill and Appelquist both fell for. By Christmas Eve, 1913, Appelquist was engaged to Erickson—though not for long.
On the night of January 10, 2014, three men were shot. John G. Morrison and his eldest son, Arling Morrison, were in their family grocery store at 778 S. West Temple closing shop. Two masked men burst in, gunned them down, and stole nothing.
Joe Hill was also shot that night. The question is whether Hill murdered the Morrisons or not—and if not, who shot the Morrisons and who shot Hill?
Writer William M. Adler takes up this question in his book, The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times, and Legacy of Joe Hill, American Labor Icon. The night of the crime, Hill showed up at the Murray home of Dr. Frank M. McHugh with a bullet hole in his chest and said a friend shot him during an argument over a woman. Hill happened to be carrying a pistol and a red banana resembling the one witnesses claimed to have seen the Morrison murderers wearing.
When news broke of the Morrison killings— including testimony that Arlin shot one of the assailants—Dr. McHugh reported Hill to authorities. On Wednesday, January 14, 1914, Marshall Fred Peters of Murray arrested Hill
AND
in the Eselius home, where he was recovering. Police had also arrested alias Frank Z. Wilson, a career criminal with a history of violence. Under pressure to announce a suspect quickly, police released Wilson (likely the killer, argues Adler) and pinned the crime on Hill—a convenient choice given his affiliation with the hated IWW.
During his research, Adler discovered a 1949 letter written by Hilda Erickson to a scholar researching Hill. “I was engaged to marry Otto,” wrote Erickson, and “A week before Joe was wounded, I told Otto that I had changed my mind, that I was not marrying anybody. He got very angry and asked me ‘if I liked Joe better than him.’ I said no. I heard Joe tease Otto once, that he was going to take me away from him.”
While recovering from his gunshot wound, Hill confessed to Erickson that Appelquist shot him “in a fit of anger.” Apologetic, Appelquist carried Hill to Dr. McHugh then fled the state. Hill insisted that Erickson keep all this secret. He seemed to believe that Utah would hold him innocent until proven guilty, and since he didn’t murder the Morrisons, they couldn’t find him guilty. That legal idealism proved fatal. Convicted for the Morrison murders and sentenced to death, Hill appealed to the Utah Board of Pardons, outlining all the problems with his case in a letter. Yet he wouldn’t say anything about Appelquist or Erickson. “Where or why I got that wound is nobody’s business but my own,” he told the Board.
In his final months, Hill began to embrace his fate: to become a casualty of the political and economic order he’d spent his adult life trying to overthrow. “I have lived like an artist and I shall die like an artist,” he wrote to the Salt Lake Telegram. Hill’s death indeed became performance art. After efforts to prevent his execution failed, Hill doubled down on the drama. “Goodbye Bill: I die like a true rebel,” he wrote to “Big Bill” Haywood, an IWW founder. “Don’t waste any time mourning—organize!” Hill also wrote one last poem, "Joe Hill's Last Will," that would be turned into a well-known labor song.
On November 19, Hill insisted that he face the firing squad without the usual blindfold because “I want to look in the eyes of the men who are to commit willful murder,” he stated. While being fastened to a chair outside the Utah State Prison—in what is today Sugar House Park—he said, “Gentlemen, I have a clear conscience. I have
Hill’s last work of writing, later made into a song
(Right) Songs written for I.W.W. meetings and demonstrations. 1916 Joe Hill Memorial Edition.
never done anything wrong in my life. I will die fighting, and not like a coward.”
“Let it go! Fire!” were Joe Hill’s final words, directed at the firing squad.
Hill didn’t die a coward. Whether he did anything wrong in his life remains up for debate.
HELPING HANDS IN THE HEART OF MURRAY
Randy Buchmiller was born in Salt Lake City, raised in Sugarhouse, and attended South High. He went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a business degree and scoffed at the idea of working in insurance. He laughs now at the memory of those early ideas. “When you just graduate from college, you think you know everything.” He said.
For a decade after college, Randy tried out different paths. He worked mostly in sales between northern Nevada and California, even managing a pie restaurant called Bumbleberry. He enjoyed the adventure but felt the pull of home. “This is the best place in the world,” he said of Utah. Back in the valley, a close friend who was a State Farm agent kept nudging him to join in the business. While skeptical of the industry, he knew himself well enough to see the value of giving it a shot. “I do better when I am the boss,” he said. “The idea of hiring all my own people and making the decisions was appealing to me, if I was going to go into insurance, I was going to do it the way I saw as the right way.” The timing was not easy. When he started his agency, he and his wife had six children, ages one to eleven.
The friend was winning company trips, an appealing perk to be sure,
and the very first trip Randy earned took him to Germany, where he had served a mission years before. “It was just awesome. I knew I had made the right decision.”
If you want to understand Randy, you start with family and you end with service. Randy and his wife, “Suzan-with-a-z,” first met as sophomores at South High. Life separated them when her family moved to Murray, a restaurant meet-cute reunited them by chance years later. Suzan and Randy got married, raised six children, and
Randy Buchmiller
© Best Version Media
now enjoy twenty grandchildren who “drop in all the time to say hello.” He grew up in Scouting and still lives by its motto. “Do a good turn daily,” he said. “That is what insurance is. You help people when they do not have any place to turn.” He is the rare agent who puts his home phone number on his business card. “If you cannot sleep at night, you can call me. I will tell you the answer so you can go back to sleep.” He laughs that not many people actually call, but the offer says everything about his philosophy.
His Murray roots run deep. Early on, he rented a tiny office in a small strip mall, but as his business grew, the demand for more space grew with it. Two decades in, he bought his own building in the heart of Murray and watched the city change around him. The stories he tells are homespun and vivid. A notable one is about a neighbor whose house caught fire. “They smelled of smoke,” he said. “I put them in a hotel, wrote them a check so they could buy food, and thought, what a great job I have.” He also keeps a trusted network of local contractors ready when clients need help. “Oh yes,” he said. “Plumbers, electricians, roofers. People I trust.”
Randy’s joy spills over when he talks about Rotary. He joined the Murray Rotary Club years ago, unsure of what to expect, and found a second home. “I felt like I needed to give back,” he said. The club cleans parks, plants trees, and joins international service projects. He proudly shared the memory of getting a dictionary into the hands of every third grader in the Murray City School District.
Today, more than forty-four years after he started from zero, he still lights up when he talks about work. He grins about staff he calls “fabulous,” and about kids and grandkids who have filed and answered phones after school. He speaks with gratitude about clients who have become friends and about a community that feels like an extended family. “Every year it is a little better,” he said. “It has never gone down.”
Ask him what matters most and he returns to service and family, often in the same breath. While he and his family live in Sandy now, he loves doing business in Murray because it, too, feels like home. He loves that it’s central, that anything is fifteen minutes away, and that grandkids still wander downstairs to watch old movies. “I have loved it,” he said. “And I still do.”
"I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Randy to learn more about his life, his business, and what fuels his passion for insurance. Hearing his story reminded me why I love working with our magazine, you truly get to know your neighbors. Everyone has a little magic to share, and we get to carry pieces of their story with us.
Insurance, I learned, is far more personal than policies and paperwork. It’s a trust-based business, rooted in understanding and protecting what matters most. During my visit, I shared my current insurance situation. Cassie Bowers graciously ran three reports: one mirroring my current coverage at State Farm’s rates, one based on Randy’s agency’s recommendations, and another factoring in umbrella coverage and homeowners insurance with earthquake protection.
Once Cassie worked her magic, Randy joined us to review every detail. He explained each line in plain language, never pushing, never upselling…just genuinely excited to help. I lost count of how many times he said, “Isn’t this exciting?!” His joy in saving people money and ensuring they’re protected is infectious. I’m switching to State Farm and not only am I saving money, but I’m finally properly insured. That peace of mind is priceless.
-Jacquie Symes
MURRAY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
SEP
2025
FOOTBALL
DATE VS./@
Sept. 5th @ Jordan 7:00 PM Sept. 12th HOME vs Cottonwood 7:00 PM Sept. 19th @ East 7:00 PM Sept. 26th HOME vs Highland
GIRLS SOCCER
DATE VS./@
Sept. 9th HOME vs Jordan 3:30 PM
Sept. 11th @ East 3:30 PM
Sept. 16th HOME vs Cottonwood 3:30 PM
Sept. 19th HOME vs Juan Diego 3:30 PM
Sept. 23rd @ Highland 3:30 PM
Sept. 26th @ Park City 7:00 PM Sept. 30th HOME vs Judge Memorial 7:00 PM Oct. 3rd @ Jordan 7:00
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
DATE VS./@
Sept. 9th @ Juan Diego
Sept. 11th HOME vs Highland 6:30
Sept. 16th HOME vs Park City 6:30 PM
Sept. 18th @ Judge Memorial 6:30 PM
Sept. 23rd HOME vs Jordan 6:30 PM
Sept. 25h @ East 6:30 PM
Sept. 30th HOME vs Cottonwood 6:30 PM Oct. 2nd HOME vs Juan Diego 6:30 PM
GIRLS TENNIS
DATE VS./@
Sept. 2nd HOME vs Highland 3:30 PM Sept. 4th HOME vs Park City 3:30 PM
Sept. 9th @ Liberty Park vs Judge 3:30 PM
Sept. 10 @ Riverton 3:00 PM
Sept. 11th HOME vs Jordan 3:30 PM
Sept. 18-19th Varsity Region Tournament @ Highland
Oct. 2nd State Play-In @ Brighton
Oct. 3rd-4th State Tournament @ Liberty Park
Braxton Jones
BIG PRESENCE, BIG IMPACT
Towering above a sea of youth football players during a mid-July summer football camp—often by well over a foot—stands Braxton Jones.
At 6-foot-five and 240 pounds, Braxton has a big smile and bigger presence on the field of his alma mater, even if he isn’t ready to go toeto-toe with NFL defensive linemen just yet.
“I’m definitely trimmed down,” he smiles as he speaks about getting his body back in football shape, and soon. Training camp is just weeks away from the time we speak, and he’s feeling confident for a new season. In the meantime, he’s enjoying time spent back home with friends and family, a visit he said he makes often. Murray may not have Chicago’s food scene, he joked, but its mountains and its scenery are first rate—“It beats everybody.”
Amidst the majesty of the mountains,
Braxton and many others helped make the Braxton Jones Football Camp possible. Over 250 participants, boys and girls aged 7-14, came from all over the state to rub shoulders and run non-contact drills with an NFL star. As the camp wound down with push-up competitions and 40-yard races, the young players listened intently to Braxton’s final words before everyone broke for sandwiches, sports drinks, and shade—temperatures are high this July afternoon, and so is the good energy radiating from the camp.
“This has been incredible,” Braxton says a few minutes later the huddle broke. “It’s the experience of a lifetime, and I’m happy and blessed to be in the position that I am.”
Braxton paid for all of it. He never mentions it—others at the camp tell me the fact—he says he didn’t want kids or parents worrying about costs, he just wanted kids to come out and play football.
Behold, Copper! L’Oreal called, they want his hair care routine. Have you ever laid eyes on such a beautiful dog? He was blessed with wavy beach hair, even Jason Momoa would be impressed. Imagine the hairdos, the style, the flair. Copper would pull off a manbun and I know you’d agree with me.
Copper gets to explore this world on three legs, he’s a tripod. After breaking his leg, his previous owners were unable to move forward with the surgery he needed. That’s where Fetch Cares stepped in! They were able to have his medical needs taken care of and he has healed wonderfully. Being so young at two years old, he will be able to navigate the rest of his three legged life with confidence. Getting to take photos of adoptable dogs is great for my day dreaming tendencies. Can you imagine a life with this boy? Waking up in the morning with him at your feet. Picture the road trips, when you look in the back seat he is fast asleep dreaming of you. The laughter, the barking, the living! His golden eyes watching with adoration, also watching for when you drop food. Copper will make an amazing best friend, no doubt in my mind. This dog will make a house a home. You just need to reach out!
Please reach out to Tori with Fetch Cares for more
“Use every opportunity to the max.” - Braxton Jones
Jones at Soldier Field in 2023
© Best Version Media
He enlisted the help of a stellar set of Murray volunteers like Michelle and Shane Cross (Ute Conference Football), Winston Jones (Valley 7v7), Murray High football players, Danielle Williams (his mother), and others dedicated to helping youth. With take-home bags full of Chicago Bears and NFL swag, and the chance to play with Murray’s most famous football player, these kids must be living the dream. Braxton is.
“I’m just happy to be back,” he says. “Happy that Coach Dunn is here and allowed me to come back and hold this camp.”
For Danielle, it’s special to see her son lead a camp and dedicate his time to the youth football community.
“It was great. We had a great turnout,” says Danielle. The camp reached full enrollment just days after registration went live a month ago. While attendance is great, there’s a bigger lesson out there that Braxton continues teaching without saying a word to these young athletes.
Braxton and mother, Danielle.
“It’s important for kids in our community to see that you can make it,” Danielle says. “It doesn’t matter what it is. It could be the NFL, it could be as a pianist, it could be as a violinist—you can make it.”
Having him home brings her another joy as well.
“The best thing about it is all these kids,” she points to Braxton and the other camp leaders chatting nearby. “They’re all adults, but they’re still the same kids living the dream and having a blast. It’s really fun to see him do that.”
Junior year at MHS in 2015
Will Braxton and his team be back next year for another Murray football camp?
“Definitely,” he says. “We’d love to do this again. We had kids from all over the state here.”
The former Spartan spent all four years in Murray playing football before graduating in 2017, echoing his mother’s thoughts about achieving success in whatever lane you choose to follow.
His advice?
“Use every opportunity to the max,” he said. “When I was in college, I did a lot of extra work on and off the field. I had a great diet. I was doing extra training to become a better NFL prospect.”
He has taken every opportunity since, progressing during his final year at Southern Utah to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Later that year, Braxton was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Hard work at camp earned him the starting job as left tackle, where he started every game during his first season. He helped his team lead the NFL in rushing yards that year, with a stellar debut season that earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America's honorary all-rookie team. After fighting through injuries over the last two years, Braxton stands ready for his fourth NFL season. He’s focused on the job at hand and ready to show kids— adults, too—that “making it” is possible. Not just professional success, but also as a pillar of support in the community.
Jenkins-Soffe Utah Funeral Homes of Murray & South Jordan are committed to providing
information & direction to
and
RaeMorrison
Discipline: Artistic Gymnastics Favorite Things: Backpacking, climbing mountains, and throwing flips (indoors or outside)
This month, we are proud to recognize Rae Morrison as our Athlete Leader of the Month for her ability to push herself to be her best and inspire those around her to do the same. Rae has always been known for her strong work ethic, but over the summer she has taken her leadership to the next level— guiding her teammates toward making smart, strategic choices that support their long-term gymnastics goals. She consistently leads by example, demonstrating a willingness to
embrace new techniques, explore new skills, and put in the same steady, focused effort day after day to improve her consistency.
What truly sets Rae apart is her ability to recognize when challenges arise and proactively communicate with her coaches. Rather than pushing through in silence, she seeks collaboration, ensuring that solutions are tailored to help her succeed. This openness, combined with her patience and intentional approach, reflects an impressive level of maturity and self-awareness for an athlete her age.
Coach Taylor Craig describes Rae’s leadership as, “Not about being the loudest voice in the
room—but rather, about modeling the habits, mindset, and resilience that inspire her peers to follow suit. She understands that progress takes time, and she’s willing to trust the process while giving her best every step of the way.”
Rae’s mom Courney added, “It makes us so proud that Rae has been recognized for her dedication in the gym. She has worked hard this year on her communication skills, patience, and keeping an ‘I can-do-it’ attitude. Rae, whether it’s in the gym, in the mountains, at school, or simply baking at home, be patient and keep believing in yourself because you can do incredible things.”
KID-POWERED PLAY!
tumble tumble
© Best Version Media
Utah may be best known for its dramatic red rock formations and mountain trails, but there’s something else making noise in the Beehive State; its music scene. Tucked between the outdoor adventures and scenic vistas is a growing community of musicians who are shaping Utah into a creative hub. One of those artists is Jonni Lightfoot, a standout bass player and songwriter known for his unique sound and magnetic rhythm. Whether he’s spinning tracks on local radio or playing packed shows, Jonni’s passion for music is impossible to miss. With talent, intuition, and an unwavering work ethic, he’s proving that big things can come from small markets.
For Jonni, music isn’t just a hobby; it’s in his DNA. Growing up in a house where instruments were always nearby, his path into music felt more like a calling than a choice. “I started playing bass when I was eight years old. My grandfather played multiple instruments, my father played instruments, and my brother was a guitar player, so it was kind of natural that I would fall into it,” Jonni shared.
Why bass, specifically? That part of the story comes with a twist. “I had gotten into a fight with my mother and ‘ran away’ across the street to my friend’s house. A few of my other friends were talking about how they wanted to start a band,” he recalled. That moment sparked something, and Jonni threw himself into private bass lessons for four years before eventually teaching himself the rest.
As Utah’s music scene began to evolve, so did Jonni. During his early years, he played in everything from rock and roll groups to cover bands, riding the wave of the '90s grunge era that pulsed through downtown. He built his name in
the local circuit, sharing stages with numerous bands, including a notable stint with Park City pianist Rich Wyman, known for his work with Eddie Van Halen.
Eventually, Jonni stepped into the spotlight with The Jonni Lightfoot Band, launching a solo career that allowed him full creative control. As a writer and producer, he released five solo albums, each one a testament to his musical range and drive. (You can explore his whole discography at jonnilightfoot.com.) His steady rise didn’t go unnoticed – Jonni’s work began turning heads beyond his hometown of Murray, Utah.
“During the time I was releasing my solo records, I got a call from Air Supply asking me if I would be interested in joining the band,” he said. “Of course, ‘yes’ is the answer when that comes around.”
That ‘yes’ led to a 16-year run with the legendary group, touring across the country from 2001 to 2016. Along the way, Jonni earned a Grammy, two gold records, and a platinum record, solidifying his place in the world of live performance.
But the road has its costs. Being away from home for long stretches takes a toll, and for Jonni, the decision to step off tour was about more than music. “One of the best decisions I ever made was coming off the road to be with my son. My son is happy and I’m a better dad for it,” he said.
Six months later, a new door opened, this time, closer to home. Utah native and country artist, Charley Jenkins, invited Jonni to join his band as a bass player. “He hired me as his bass player to go out and play live,” Jonni explained. The biggest difference? He now sleeps in his own bed after shows. He’s still performing with Jenkins today, maintaining the rhythm of live music without the
burnout that comes from being away 220 days a year.
If you ask Jonni, it’s never too late to start. “It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start playing music.” Music, he says, has no limits. It grows with you, evolves alongside you, and always meets you where you are.
When asked about his musical influences, Jonni doesn’t hesitate. “Growing up, rock and roll music was always my passion. KISS was my first concert; they have always been one of the biggest influences on me.” He adds, “I just take from everything, whether it’s a country band, a classical piece, rock and roll, or jazz – I find it all inspirational. I absolutely love it!”
Despite his accomplishments, Jonni admits he doesn’t practice in the traditional sense. For him, songwriting is practice. There’s always a guitar nearby, whether he’s at his computer or watching TV. With a few casual strums, a groove will catch his ear and grow into a full track.
When he’s not on stage, Jonni’s still immersed in the music world. He works for DigiTech/DOD, a longtime Murray-based company known for its gear designed “by musicians, for musicians.”
At DigiTech, Jonni handles artist relations and marketing, helping push out effects pedals and other gear to fellow artists.
When the weekend comes, he takes to the airwaves as a radio DJ, curating playlists that reflect his wide-ranging tastes. You can catch him on 93.3 The Bull every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on KBER 101 every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as Sundays from 7 a.m. to noon.
“Everyone will get their shot,” Jonni says. “You just need to be ready when it comes.”
Act Three of the Murray Theater
I’ll just go ahead and say it: Murray’s heart beats neon. Not LED. Not some programmable RGB ribbon stuck to a warehouse wall. Real neon. Flickering red tubes bent in the shape of hope, swirled in cursive over stainless steel doors on State Street.
And this September, that neon heartbeat returns— steady and proud—when the Murray Theater reopens after years of slumber, restoration, and the kind of municipal politicking that would make a city planner break into hives.
You’ve seen theaters like it in movies—Art Moderne façade, Deco-style ticket booth, marquee the size of a cruise ship—but this isn’t a prop. This is the real deal, built in 1938 with ice glass tile and ambition, just as the Great Depression loosened its grip and people craved stories that didn’t end with the word “foreclosure.”
Opening night featured Alexander’s Ragtime Band and a Disney cartoon. Air conditioning was considered magic, and the Murray Theater had it. That made it the place to be. Your date night came with a breeze, a film, and the faint whiff of Brylcreem.
My great-aunt used to say that after a day sweating over tomato fields or a coal-fired stove, there was no finer reward than getting dolled up for a night in downtown Murray. You didn’t just go—you arrived. There were more than a few theaters back then—the Gem, still alive today as the Desert Star Playhouse—but it was the Murray Theater that made jaws drop. “They had air-conditioning,” she whispered once, as if it were wizardry. On a sweltering night in 1939, nothing beat walking into that chilled, humming lobby—movie ticket in hand, sweat evaporating in seconds, and the world suddenly full of possibility. I first stepped into the Murray Theater as a kid sometime after Star Wars exploded into the world. By then, it was doing a second run—back when that still meant something, and before home video existed. I remember the smell—a warm, unholy mix of popcorn oil, soda syrup, and whatever generations of teenagers had spilled on the seats. The floor was sticky in a way that felt borderline sentient. You'd take a step and feel your foot nearly sucked out of your sneaker.
Before the film started, they ran an old film of the American flag waving, accompanied by a scratchy voice that invited everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. And then bam—Lucas’s opening crawl hit. The speakers gave it their all, but those old systems weren’t built for that kind of cinematic violence. The bass would boom, then sputter, and sometimes cut out. But we didn’t care. It was Star Wars, and it was playing again. In that little single-screen cocoon with flickering aisle lights and battle-damaged acoustics, it was
just as thrilling as it had been anywhere. Then came the multiplex inside Fashion Place Mall. The Murray Theater tried to hold its ground, but it couldn’t compete with stadium seating and slick branding.
That’s when Vandermiede appeared.
If you grew up around Murray in the ’90s, you remember him—the hypnotist with flashy suits, slick hair, and a velvet voice that could lull half a high school football team into clucking like chickens. Vandermiede set up a residency at the Murray Theater, and for a while, he was the main attraction. Weekends were packed with teens, couples, and skeptical grandparents watching their friends bark like dogs or forget the number seven.
And then there was Adele. Yes—that Adele. Long before the Grammy shelves and sold-out stadiums, she played the Murray Theater. The sound system might’ve creaked, but her voice soared. It was the kind of performance people would later claim to have seen, even if they hadn’t. That’s when the Murray began to feel like itself again—not a relic, but a venue with something to say.
It didn’t last. The artists moved on. The crowds thinned. And, developers placed a bulls eye on it. Just when it seemed the curtain might fall for good, the city stepped in. In 2015, Murray City bought the aging structure. It wasn’t an easy fix. Years of wear and creative repurposing had taken a toll. But through public meetings, preservation efforts, and more than a few budget debates, the community rallied to restore the theater—not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing performance space.
And now, at long last, the marquee is lighting up again.
On September 28, the Murray Theater will officially reopen, gleaming like it did in 1938 but wired for the 21st century. Fittingly, the honor of christening the newly restored stage goes to one of Murray’s own. Billboard Hot 100 performer Loren Allred (and Cottonwood High alum)—the powerhouse voice behind “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman—will headline the grand reopening.
When she steps out under that proscenium, it won’t just be a concert—it’ll be a homecoming. And for the theater, a reminder that even after all these years, the floor wax changes, the popcorn gets better, and the soul of the place—that never left. Because places like the Murray Theater don’t survive by accident. They’re held up by memories, ticket stubs, and the stubborn belief that some stories deserve a second act.
And if you’re lucky, a third.
THE NEW MURRAY THEATER MARQUEE WILL HARKEN BACK TO ITS RED NEON OPENING DAYS.
LOCAL PRODUCT LOREN ALLRED WILL CHRISTEN THE NEW MURRAY THEATER STAGE.
MURRAY THEATER SEATS ARE INSTALLED, WAITING FOR PATRONS.
RARELY SEEN VIEW OF THE BACKSIDE OF THE MURRAY THEATER FAÇADE.
© Best Version Media
BY MEGAN O’BRIEN
MURRAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Murray Animal Hospital’s skilled team of veterinarians treat every animal like family, creating a trusted lifeline for local pet owners. The clinic has earned a reputation as more than just a hospital; it’s a place where the bonds between residents and their pets are nurtured and protected. Owner and Surgeon Chris Lehman, who comes from a family of veterinarians, says restoring this space and establishing his own practice was “not only a leap of faith – but ultimately a deep and rewarding one.”
“When my wife and I decided to leave the corporate world, we decided it would be a good idea to take our knowledge and the passion we have for vet med and buy a practice,” Chris recalled.
Growing up in Tennessee, Chris says he was always exposed to veterinarian medicine. With veterinary professionals all around him, it was no surprise when he chose the same career. “When I got into the vet world after vet school, I spent ten years practicing there. When I moved out to Utah, I took a corporate job where I oversaw several hospitals in the area." Running a private practice is a completely different world compared to working in a corporate animal hospital. The goal—quality pet care—remains the same, but private practice is more personal, more flexible, and often more community-focused.
“The biggest challenge for me in the beginning was finding a balance between being a surgeon while also having the responsibilities of a business owner. You have to simultaneously ensure medical quality, along with dealing with all the other things.” Chris shared that you have to really be a ‘jack of all trades’ when it comes to the business
sort of things. “This is where private practices have really struggled in the past. I am lucky to have some operational experience but also operational support.” Chris added.
Murray Animal Hospital employs over thirty fulltime staff members, including six veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and skilled support personnel. With experience in multiple practices, Chris says he makes it a priority to check in with all his employees. “Veterinarians traditionally have a high mental illness rate because of the stressors of the job, the emotional component, and even the financial component.”
Creating a supportive work environment isn't just good for the staff; it’s essential for the animals and their pet owners. When veterinary teams feel supported and valued, that care and energy flow directly into their work.
As veterinary costs continue to rise in Utah, many facilities, especially those with higher overhead, have had to increase their prices. So what sets Murray Animal Hospital apart? “We offer the traditional pet services, but we also have dentistry, basic surgery, and some advanced orthopedic surgery,” Chris shared. Clinics like Murray Animal Hospital prioritize affordability without compromising the standard of care. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about making responsible pet ownership possible for more families.
Murray Animal Hospital is currently upgrading its patient care. “All of our kennels are now glass front with red light therapy with UV cleaning. Our ICU kennels are all heated as well.” It’s a major financial commitment, but Chris says those investments reward the practice, expand its capabilities, and elevate its standard of care.
The hospital is also adding overnight monitoring to its services. “We want to have that in between where maybe we don't have a doctor here overnight, but we have trained professional staff that can monitor and call the veterinarian on call if needed,” Chris added. With this service, it opens them up to later provide medical boarding with the same diligent care at an affordable cost. Contact the hospital at info@mautah.com for more information.
Choosing the right veterinary clinic is about more than convenience. It’s about trust, compassion, and quality care. Chris and his team treat you and their pets as one of their own. With state-of-theart equipment and a commitment to providing affordable, personalized care, Murray Animal Hospital offers a level of service that puts both pets and their owners at ease. Whether it’s a routine checkup or an unexpected emergency, this is the place to go. Visit them at 280 West 4800 South Murray, Utah 84107.
More Information:
Small Animal Hours:
M-F 8am-6pm, Saturdays 8am-2pm Exotic Hours: Mondays 9am-1pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm
MUDDY BOOTS, BRIGHT MINDS: The Power of Nature in Early Education
At a preschool where mud is welcomed and walls are optional, learning takes root beneath the trees. At Wonderbloom Nature Playschool (WNP), children spend their days preparing for kindergarten outdoors, not confined to a desk. Being in nature is incredibly beneficial for early childhood development, both physically and emotionally. “Wonderbloom’s philosophy, based on research, is that humans in general do better after spending time in nature,” says Lesley Gulledge, Wonderbloom’s Outreach Specialist. Nature-based preschools are redefining early childhood education.
Lesley has been with WNP for a little over a year. Having studied environmental studies and behavioral science in college, she developed a deep interest in how communities interact with nature and how those relationships impact overall health. “I was really inspired by an organization
that does something that I am personally passionate about. It’s interesting to see that being implemented on a preschool level.” Lesley added. Having children of her own, she says that was an added bonus to know that programs like WNP exist. With a passion for nature instilled from a young age, Lesley says she feels even more at home working for this organization.
WNP was originally founded in 2017. Sarah Stone, the Executive Director and Owner, operated a licensed preschool out of her own backyard. Because it was at her home, Sarah was only able to enroll eight children into her program. Demand grew quickly. Within the first year, Sarah had a wait list of sixty-four people. Needing to expand, “Wonderbloom” was established in 2019 as a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization, becoming the first state-licensed nature-based preschool in Utah.
MICHELLE WILLIS
Design Approval
© Best Version Media
So, with such high demand, why did Sarah establish a nonprofit instead of a for-profit business? The organization was born from the conviction that access to quality education can transform lives and communities. “Plus, ‘education’ falls within the parameters of establishing a 501(C)3 so it just made sense,” Lesley quoted.It was also important to Sarah to build relationships and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations in the state, a few of which included the Rhode Home, YMCA, and the Utah Parent Center.
Being that WNP is primarily an outdoor learning program, Lesley emphasized that the program monitors the weather very closely every single day. “Weekly, we are checking what the predicted weather will be like as well as daily and hourly.” Lesley added, "If it's getting to our peak temperature, especially in the summer or our lowest temperature in the winter, we are abiding closely to the laws to ensure the safety of the children.” Because programs run throughout the academic year, all children must come prepared with suitable clothing. This includes a waterproof jacket and pants, as well as warm and cool layers, a hat, gloves, and insulated boots for those colder months. Proper dress ensures your child can participate comfortably and safely in all activities. “Being nature-based, there is that excitement of being outside, but we are making sure that we are very rigid about the safety of the children.” Parents, you can feel confident that your kids are being looked after and protected while they are in WNP care. Wonderbloom offers a variety of programs, allowing flexibility to suit your and your child's needs. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Fridays, 8:30 am-12:30 p.m. “Not all children are enrolled for that duration. We have part-time, morning or afternoon, so there is a variety in scheduling.” For more information on enrollment, or to put your child on the waitlist, visit the ‘Enroll’ tab at wonderbloom.org. All staff members—full and part-time—undergo comprehensive background checks. Open enrollment begins in early February every year, with children on the waitlist enrolled as space becomes available.
Although WNP operates as a nonprofit-run organization, tuition is required to sustain the quality of its programs. Funding comes from
75% of the tuition costs, and 25% comes from grants and fundraising efforts. The Utah State Legislature, unfortunately, did not renew WNP’s funding for childcare that they were receiving during the COVID-19 crisis. So the organization relies heavily on grants, donations, and fundraising events. “This is where I was hired from our Equitable Access Initiative. A grant made it possible for us to offer sliding scale scholarships.” WNP wanted families with particular obstacles to still have a viable childcare option. Lesley added, “We want to be able to help as many families as possible.” WNP partners with the Department of Workforce Services, so families that need childcare in order to work can qualify for subsidies or tuition reimbursement. Even if you’re not sure you would qualify, apply. For further details, please visit their website.
WNP always welcomes interns and volunteers to help with the day-to-day. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities, as well as a huge need for them. “Part of our enrollment agreement is that parents volunteer a few hours a month,” Lesley says. WNP is always seeking help and support through fundraising events, maintaining plants, and minor outdoor repairs, or tending to the chickens. If you would like to get involved, please visit the ‘get involved’ tab on their website.
Wonderbloom will be hosting its 6th annual fundraiser early this month. A "Wonderwalk will be taking place on September 6th at 8:30am at Bell Canyon Preservation Trailhead. Come join Wonderbloom and other families for a day of nature exploration. There will be a group hike, scavenger hunt, bird watching, and more outdoor activities. In every child, a wild world awaits. Explore more, and wonder often.
The Madrona Difference Advisors + CPAs
It takes a team of professionals to manage both wealth and taxes properly. Consider a highly specialized team that works in harmony as they plan and manage your wealth, so that you can enjoy the quality of life you’ve always wanted.
Danielle M. Meister, CFF®, CDFA®
Phone: 833-673-7373
daniellem@madronafinancial.com
Listen to the “Growing Your Wealth” radio show on-demand wherever you get your Podcasts (Spotify or Apple Podcasts). Brian Evans has been on air for 12 years and Danielle is a monthly guest on the show!
FINANCE CORNER
BY DANIELLE M. MEISTER, EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
BACK TO… SCHOOL, SNIFFLES, AND SPORTS INJURIES
Funding education plans & health savings accounts
As summer ends and students head back to school, parents face a dual challenge: the looming mountain of education costs and a wave of fall illnesses and sports injuries. Fortunately, back-to-school season is a great time to plan ahead with two tax-advantaged tools: 529 college savings plans for education and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for healthcare. Both offer significant tax benefits to help your family scale those peaks and ride out those rough waters.
529 EDUCATION PLANS – BENEFITS EXPANDED
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account designed for education expenses. Money invested in a 529 grows tax-free, and withdrawals + growth are federally tax-free for qualified education costs. Qualified expenses include college tuition, fees, books, room and board. In 2025, you can contribute up to $19,000 per beneficiary ($38,000 for married couples) without gift tax, or use the five-year “superfunding” rule to frontload up to $95,000 ($190,000 for couples), understanding that any additional gifts to that beneficiary during the five years will tap into your lifetime exemption.
Increasing in 2026: the One Big Beautiful
Bill Act (OBBBA) will allow 529s to fund K–12 tuition, up to $20,000 per year (up from the current $10,000 annually).
Additionally, the range of qualified K–12 expenses has expanded beyond just tuition to encompass curriculum materials, standardized test fees, online learning tools, tutoring costs, dual-enrollment fees, and educational therapies for students with disabilities. That’s a big win for families!
If you’re worried about over-funding a 529, several new options are available for remaining funds. The OBBBA expands tax-free 529 withdrawals to cover workforce and continuing education programs listed under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or by the Department of Veterans Affairs (WEAMS), and programs that prepare students for industry-recognized licensing exams – think CPA, bar, real estate licensing – and continuing education required to keep credentials active!
Even more, a 2024 update allows parents to rollover unused 529 money (up to $35,000) into that child’s Roth IRA, tax-and penaltyfree. However, there are conditions: the 529 account must be open at least 15 years, funds contributed within the last five years
© Best Version Media
are not yet eligible, and the child must have earned income in that year. For most 529 account holders, this means leftover college savings can help jump-start a child’s retirement fund!
Thanks to these provisions, your education savings won’t go to waste even if your child’s plans change.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS – TRIPLE TAX BENEFITS
Back-to-school often also means the return of sniffles, sickness, and sports injuries. For families with an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan, a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a great way to prepare for medical expenses. In 2025, you can contribute up to $4,300 with single HDHP coverage or $8,550 for family coverage (plus $1,000 catch-up at 55+), and these contributions are pre-tax, reducing your current taxable income. HSAs offer a triple tax advantage: the money goes in tax-free, grows tax-free, and comes out tax-free for qualified medical expenses.
Your HSA can cover far more than doctor visits and prescriptions. In addition to obvious expenses, funds can be used tax-free for dental care, vision correction, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, certain weight-loss programs, over-the-counter medications, sunscreen, and even travel or lodging for medical treatment (so long as they’re medically necessary).
You can use HSA funds now for medical bills without paying any tax, or let your balance grow for future needs – unused HSA dollars roll over each year and can be invested (don’t forget that important step!). After age 65, the 20% penalty on non-medical withdrawals disappears,
so remaining HSA money can be used for any purpose (non-medical withdrawals after 65 are simply taxed like a traditional IRA). In short, an HSA is a tax-friendly health fund now and a handy nest egg in retirement.
Bottom line: Back-to-school season is an ideal time to double-check that you’re taking full advantage of these highly tax-efficient accounts. Contributing to a 529 plan and an HSA now can help secure a healthier financial future for your family.
Growing Your Wealth with Danielle Meister. For over 30 years, Madrona Financial & CPAs has been helping individuals and families improve their financial well-being. Madrona is headquartered in Washington State, while Danielle and her staff have offices in Park City and Cottonwood Heights, Utah – with clients across the United States. Call us for a consultation 833-673-7373.
The information, suggestions, and recommendations included in this material is for informational purposes only and cannot be relied upon for any financial, legal or insurance purposes. Madrona Financial Services will not be held responsible for any detrimental reliance you place on this information. It is agreed that use of this information shall be on an “as is” basis and entirely at your own risk. Additionally, Madrona Financial Services cannot and does not guarantee the performance of any investment or insurance product. Insurance products are offered through Madrona Insurance Services, LLC, a licensed insurance agency and affiliate of Madrona Financial Services. Madrona Insurance Services and individual advisors affiliated with Madrona Insurance Services and Madrona Financial Services receives commissions on the sale of insurance products. Clients are not required to purchase insurance products recommended or to otherwise implement financial advice through Madrona affiliates. When we refer to preparation and filing of tax returns, tax returns are prepared and filed by our wholly-owned sister company Bauer Evans, Inc. P.S., a licensed certified public accounting firm. Madrona Financial Services, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Our registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Madrona Financial & CPAs is a registered trade name used singly and collectively for the affiliated entities Madrona Financial Services, LLC (“Madrona”) and Bauer Evans, Inc., P.C. (“Bauer Evans”). Investment advisory services are provided through Madrona. CPA services are provided through Bauer Evans. While it's essential to optimize your tax situation, it's equally important to comply with tax laws and regulations. Always ensure that your tax-saving strategies are legal and appropriate for your financial situation.
- Susan
W.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER KEY EVENT
Utah Hot Air Balloon Palooza
Brought to you by the Murray Chamber of Commerce @ Cottonwood High School5715 S 1300 E
Food Trucks, Vendors, DJ Entertainment, Live Music, Dance Acts, Balloon Rides, and much more!
Friday: 6:30 am - 10:00 am
Saturday Morning: 6:30 am - 10:00 am
Saturday Evening: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Live Performances by:
• Murray Symphony Orchestra
• The Alt Stars
• Elevated Breakers
• Grand Theft Audio
Sunday: 6:30 am - 10:00 am
The Jersey Tenors @ Murray Amphitheater
The newest Opera/Rock Mash-up sensation, The Jersey Tenors, with an explosive blend of iconic Opera classics alongside Rock 'N Roll greats like Queen, Elton John, and Bon Jovi - to name but a few.
Time: 7 pm • Cost: $33
Website: showpass.com/the-jerseytenors-4/
One Voice Children’s Choir @ Murray Amphitheater
Murray City presents One Voice Children's Choir at the Murray Park Amphitheater. One Voice Children is a nonprofit organization based in Utah with a mission to inspire the world through the power of children's voices.
Time: 7 PM • Cost: Adults $19 - Children $15 • Website: showpass.com/one-voicechildrens-choir-2/
Bohemian Queen @ Murray Amphitheater
Murray City Presents BOHEMIAN QUEEN at the Murray Park Amphitheater. Step into the electrifying world of Bohemian Queen, the ultimate tribute band celebrating the legendary music of Queen. Delivering powerful performances filled with timeless hits and iconic anthems, Bohemian Queen captures the spirit and energy of one of rock’s greatest bands.
Time: 7 PM • Cost: $38 Website: showpass.com/bohemian-queen/
2025 Youth Flag Football
Ken Price Baseball Field - 202 E Vine St Coed Youth Flag Football for 3 age groups (6-7, 8-9, 10-12) age based on 10/4/25. This league will play on Tuesday evenings
and Saturday morning/early afternoon. Games will be played at the Ken Price Baseball Field in the outfield grass. League will include 7 games and a jersey.
Time: Tuesday Evenings & Saturday Mornings • Cost: $50-$60
Website: Register @ mcreg.com
Dine and Dance: Vintage Night
Murray City Hall - 10 E 4800 S
Get ready to swing, twirl, and boogie with Murray City at the Dine and Dance Vintage Night! Let loose and enjoy music by the Ken Foster Trio. Come hungry for some food truck food and dance the night away.
Time: 6-8 PM • Cost: FREE Website: murray.utah.gov/Calendar
Loren Allred @ The Murray Theater
Murray Theater - 4961 S State St. The voice behind "Never Enough" from THE GREATEST SHOWMAN and the sing/songwriter whose vocal prowess captivated the nation on NBC's AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, Loren Allred will be first to take the stage at the newly reopened Murray Theater!
Time: 7 PM • Cost: $59-$159
Website: showpass.com/loren-allred/
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SUMMIT & WASATCH COUNTIES
Founded in 1995 as a 501c (3) nonprofit organization, Habitat for Humanity of Summit & Wasatch Counties, Utah (“Habitat”) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization.
Habitat is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions – ultimately creating pathways to economic stability.
Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Habitat is the only provider of a unique and needed combination of program services in the rural-agricultural and tourism-based communities along the eastern slopes of the Wasatch Mountains.
ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL
Founded in Americus, Georgia, USA, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity today operates around the globe and has helped more than 9.8 million people obtain a safer place to sleep along with the strength, stability and independence to build better lives.
EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR • BY
DR. RENATO SALTZ, MD FACS, FOUNDER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR • PHOTO BY DEB DEKOFF
THE BENEFITS OF A MEDSPA LED BY A PLASTIC SURGEON
H i, I’m Dr. Renato Saltz. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who genuinely cares about helping you look and feel your best, I believe a medspa, overseen by a qualified doctor, offers unmatched advantages. When you visit us, you're not just getting treatments— you’re receiving personalized, safe care from someone who understands both the art and science of aesthetics.
WHY CHOOSE A MEDSPA RUN BY A PLASTIC SURGEON?
Having a plastic surgeon like me involved means everything is done with the highest safety standards and attention to detail. With decades of experience in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast surgery, I bring that same level of precision to non-invasive treatments. You can trust that every procedure is performed with care and expertise.
FULL-SPECTRUM, PERSONALIZED CARE
Our medspa offers a full range of treatments tailored to your specific goals. Our team listens carefully to your needs and crafts customized solutions that look natural. Whether it’s gentle skin rejuvenation or more advanced procedures, you’ll receive caring, expert guidance.
OUR CARING TEAM
Our highly trained, licensed, and certified staff work under my supervision to ensure every treatment is safe and effective. We’ve created a calm, elegant environment where you can feel comfortable and confident. Our goal is for every visit to be positive, convenient, and welcoming.
STAYING AHEAD WITH INNOVATION
As a pioneer in endoscopic surgery, I continually seek the latest advancements in aesthetic medicine. This means our patients benefit from advanced treatments that deliver beautiful, safe natural results. It’s all about helping you look refreshed while maintaining your natural beauty.
YOUR TRANSFORMATION STARTS HERE
Choosing a medspa supervised by a plastic surgeon means safety and results you can trust. My team and I are here to guide you, whether through surgery, injectables, or skincare. Our focus is on helping you look and feel your best.
If you’re in Salt Lake City or Park City, experience the difference personalized, expert care can make. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting you.
Staff Spotlight:
TARA THOMPSON, RN
Cosmetic Injector
Follow her on Instagram: @injectortararn
Meet Tara Thompson, our experienced Cosmetic Nurse Injector with 18 years at Saltz Plastic Surgery. She specializes in naturallooking results with Botox, Dysport, fillers, and bio-stimulators. Tara truly listens to her patients, creating customized treatments that enhance your natural beauty. A proud member of ASPSN, she treats everyone like a friend. Outside the office, Tara loves spending time with her family and connecting with those around her.
WHERE BEAUTY
Neograft Hair Transplant
Body & Breast Surgeries
Dysport/Botox
Microneedling RF
Sofwave Skin Tightening
BBL Laser Resurfacing
Body Contouring with Sculpt & Coolsculpt
Medical Weight Loss and so much more...
EXPLORE SALTZ PLASTIC SURGERY & SPA VITORIA
Face, Neck, And Brow Lifts
THE POWER OF THE PIVOT WHEN CHANGING THINGS UP IS THE BEST MOVE
Business isn’t always a straight path. For many women business owners, the road to success often curves, detours, and sometimes even requires a complete U-turn. But those pivots, as challenging as they may seem, often lead to surprising opportunities and newfound success.
KNOWING WHEN TO PIVOT
The first step in any pivot is recognizing when it’s time to make a move. Sometimes, the signs are loud and clear—declining sales, market shifts, or a service offering that isn’t resonating with your audience. Other times, it’s a gut feeling after months of stagnation.
“Change isn’t failure—it’s strategy,” said state director of the Women’s Business Center of Utah Ann Marie Wallace. “The most successful business owners don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ moment to pivot; they recognize when something isn’t working and make a bold move. If your gut is telling you it’s time to shift, listen.”
STRATEGIES FOR A SMART SHIFT
Not every pivot has to be monumental. Sometimes, small tweaks can make a big impact. Here are some strategies to consider when rethinking your approach:
1. Listen to Your Customers
Are you getting feedback that something’s not working or that customers are asking for something you’re not currently offering? That’s your cue. Consider surveying customers or monitoring their comments on social media to understand their needs better.
2. Leverage Your Strengths
When pivoting, focus on what you and your team already do well. This will allow you to step into a new space with confidence. Is there a service you excel at or a skill that could be repackaged for a new audience?
3. Conduct Market Research
Before making a pivot, do your homework. Are there changes in your industry or new trends you can capitalize on? Research your competitors and evaluate whether there’s a gap you’re uniquely positioned to fill.
By Aimee L. Cook
4. Test the Waters
Not every pivot requires an all-in commitment upfront. Start small by piloting your new idea with a limited audience or offering it as an additional service. This way, you can gather feedback and refine your approach before fully integrating it.
One common thread among women entrepreneurs who successfully pivot is the power of community. Whether it’s leaning on mentors, joining local business organizations, or networking, there’s undeniable strength in numbers. The Women’s Business Center of Utah is a great resource for support and inspiration.
- Cory C. “
- Ellen A.
