Murray City Journal | March 2026

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Mayor Hales highlights downtown growth, housing boom in State of the City

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Hale’s speech focuses on development and increased housing.

Atthis year’s State of the City address, Mayor

Brett Hales delivered a wide-ranging message centered on growth, fiscal stewardship and longterm redevelopment, outlining how Murray is positioning itself for a busier, denser and more economically active future.

Held in the Murray Theater on Jan. 27, the State of City speech was done with more theatrical flair than previous speeches, including free snacks and drink cups to those who attended.

While the mayor opened with reflections on community compassion, the heart of his speech focused on development milestones and the financial strength supporting them.

“Murray is growing and being guided with eyes for the future,” Hales said.

Business Growth at Record Levels

Hales highlighted strong economic indicators, beginning with business licensing numbers that point to sustained commercial confidence.

“In 2025, we issued 3,856 business licenses, the highest total in recent years,” he said. “Six hundred and ninety of those were new. Business is showing continued confidence in Murray as a place to invest and grow.”

He added that nearly 93% of surveyed businesses reported that Murray meets or exceeds expectations as a place to do business, with many planning expansions or relocations within city limits over the next two years.

Housing Expansion Accelerates

Residential development is also climbing. Hales reported that 817 housing unit permits were issued in 2025, marking a significant increase over the prior year. In addition, more than 300 new housing units were entitled through the planning process.

“Housing is a top priority,” Hales said. The

new units include “townhomes, condos and multifamily housing,” aimed at providing options for a range of residents.

To help current residents stay in their homes, the city invested $400,000 through NeighborWorks Salt Lake for down payment assistance and home improvement programs.

“That has been a major blessing to our residents,” Hales said.

Downtown Zoning Shift and Land Acquisition

A key planning milestone came with Murray’s adoption of a form-based code for downtown — a zoning approach that emphasizes building design and walkability rather than just land use.

“This allows us to focus on the design and layout of buildings rather than just land use,” Hales said, “helping make sure our future downtown is attractive, walkable and consistent with the community’s vision.”

The city also made what Hales called a “strategic decision” to purchase three properties just east of the theater district along 100 East. The land will first serve as additional parking, with long-term redevelopment potential.

“That will become parking and that’s what we needed for this theater,” he said, noting that the acquisitions were completed cooperatively with existing businesses.

The Murray Armory’s Early Financial Success

Another redevelopment success story is the former National Guard Armory, now a renovated community event center.

“It opened in June of 2025, and it’s already hosted 104 total rentals,” Hales said. “Generating close to $200,000 with pending events.”

The venue, which he described as “a beautiful and affordable community gathering place,” has quickly become a revenue-producing civic asset

Continued on page 4

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Major Infrastructure Investments

Hales emphasized that growth is being matched with infrastructure upgrades.

“The MDX Bus Rapid Transit Project, completed in December of 2025, provides better mass transit options for workers, students and families,” he said.

Construction also began on a new Public Works campus, which he described as a long-term investment in service efficiency and emergency preparedness.

“A long-term investment that will improve efficiency, service delivery and preparedness for our city for decades to come,” Hales said.

Public Works crews also completed “major street and intersection upgrades,” enhanced crosswalk safety and replaced aging water lines to maintain system reliability.

Block 1: A New Mixed-Use Neighborhood

The largest redevelopment effort discussed was Block 1, the multiblock area east of City Hall stretching from 4800 South to 5000 South and from State Street to Hanauer Street.

“This project has roughly 140 new homes and tens of thousands of square feet of shops and restaurants,” Hales said. The design includes underground parking, storefronts and pedestrian-friendly streets.

“Meaning more life on our sidewalks, more customers for our local businesses, and more neighbors crossing paths and sharing moments downtown,” he added.

Hales said Block 1 will create housing choices for “empty nesters, young professionals and families who want to be part of a walkable neighborhood.”

Strong Civic Financial Footing

Beyond development, Hales underscored Murray’s stable municipal finances.

“Our finance [is] sound,” he said earlier in the speech, crediting city employees for maintaining essential services while supporting growth.

The city’s ability to fund projects like the Armory renovation, downtown land acquisition and public works expansion, he said, reflects careful planning and council oversight.

“If they don’t approve this, it doesn’t happen,” Hales said of the council’s role in major financial decisions.

A City Building Momentum

Taken together, the mayor’s address painted a picture of a city leaning into growth while trying to preserve community identity.

“By working together, we are building a people-centered future for Murray,” Hales said near the close of his speech.

From record business activity and rising housing construction to major downtown redevelopment and infrastructure expansion, the State of the City message was clear: Murray is not standing still.

“Murray is growing,” Hales said, “and being guided with eyes for the future.”

With multiple development and infrastructure efforts in progress, Murray is expected to see continued construction activity and planning discussions over the next year. City officials indicated that future phases of these projects will return to the city council for review and approval as timelines progress.

Hales also presented the first ever “Love Murray Citizen Award” to Jim and Jennifer Brass in recognition of the volunteers of the Murray Children’s Pantry. After the State of the City, a concert was held in the theater with local band Flashback Brother, featuring their homage song, “Sweet Home Murray City.” l

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March Is Endometriosis Awareness Month

FUnderstanding Endometriosis: Helping Women Avoid Struggling in Silence

or many women, pelvic pain is dismissed as “normal” or “just part of being a woman.”

But sometimes that pain is a symptom of a chronic condition called endometriosis that affects millions. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, infertility, and a range of other debilitating symptoms.

Endometriosis isn’t just about bad period cramps. It can lead to significant pain during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and is a leading cause of infertility

“The emotional and psychological toll of endometriosis can be immense, especially for women who dismiss their pain and go undiagnosed. This condition han have a profound impact on their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life,” said Lisa Hill, certified nurse midwife at Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley

Endometriosis is surprisingly common. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally. In our local community, this means thousands of women are likely living with endometriosis, many of whom may not even realize they have it. The delay in diagnosis is a critical concern,

with women often waiting an average of 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis. This delay can lead to the progression of the disease and increased severity of symptoms. Raising awareness is crucial to shorten this diagnostic journey for future generations.

“While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches are highly individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, and whether the woman desires to become pregnant,” said Dr. Christopher Hutchison, an OB/ GYN at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Common treatment options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) can help with mild pain, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for severe pain.

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• Conservative Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon can precisely locate and remove endo-

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• Complementary Therapies: Many women find relief through complementary approaches such as acupuncture, physical therapy, dietary changes, and stress management techniques.

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Jeff Martin: From lifeguard to new Parks & Rec director

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

When Jeff Martin talks about Murray, he doesn’t speak as an outsider stepping into a new assignment. He speaks as someone who grew up in the system he now leads.

“Murray has been my home for nearly 30 years — I literally dove into public service as a lifeguard in high school,” Martin said. “I’ve immersed myself in nearly every aspect of parks and recreation operations over 23 years. Leading the entire Parks & Recreation Department feels like all that effort coming full circle.”

Martin was appointed director of Murray City’s Parks & Recreation Department in November 2025, stepping into a role that oversees everything from recreation programs and aquatics to facility maintenance, historic buildings and public spaces. His path to the position traces directly through many of the department’s most visible services.

“I started as a lifeguard at the old Murray High School pool and kept that job through college as one of the first lifeguards at the newly opened Park Center,” he said.

After time working out of state, Martin

That work later expanded to include involvement in the design and construction of Murray’s new City Hall and renovations of several historic properties, including the Murray Armory, the Murray Theater and the Murray Museum housed in the John P. Cahoon Mansion.

With more than two decades of experience — including 15 years full time — Martin said he has seen firsthand how much work goes into services residents may take for granted.

“Most residents only see the end result: beautiful parks, clean facilities and fun programs,” he said. “What they may miss is the enormous amount of work behind the scenes.”

Martin pointed to the technical and logistical efforts required to keep operations running daily.

financial challenges ahead. He noted that Murray’s 0.2% local option sales tax, first implemented in 2016, has supported reinvestment in facilities, parks and staffing, but is scheduled to expire in 2030.

“With Murray’s continued population growth, increased demands will strain our systems while working with less budget,” Martin said. “We’ll need to be innovative on how we operate with limited resources.”

Staffing is another concern. “Reducing budgets makes it tricky to hire and retain staff at competitive wages, especially seasonal part-time employees,” he said.

Balancing visible community programming with long-term maintenance is a constant part of the job, Martin said, but he views those priorities as connected rather than competing.

returned to Murray in 2010 as aquatics manager, supervising both the Park Center and the outdoor pool. In 2014, he transitioned to facility maintenance manager at the Park Center, a role he described as hands-on and operationally focused.

“The turning point came in 2017 when Murray created a new Facilities Division and I became manager,” Martin said. “Starting from scratch, I built a team to help maintain all city buildings.”

“When families swim at our pools, they may not think about the 24/7 circulation systems keeping water safe, the training our lifeguards require,” he said. “They may not notice how often greens need mowing, fields prepped for programs, or the work needed to make our cemetery look beautiful.”

He added that recreation programming also involves extensive preparation. “They don’t realize the effort put into registrations, compiling rosters, ordering T-shirts, scheduling referees,” Martin said. “They don’t see the meal prep for seniors’ lunches or setups between classes and celebrations.”

As he begins his tenure as director, Martin said one of his primary goals is increasing use of recently renovated historic facilities.

“My top priorities are making the Armory, Mansion and Theater utilized and profitable,” he said. “It’s critical we build awareness that these facilities are open and show the community the value we all invested in saving them.”

At the same time, Martin acknowledged

“The key is recognizing these aren’t competing priorities, they’re all interconnected,” he said. “For me, the maintenance and longterm planning are every bit as fun to work on as planning events and programming.”

On the recreation side, Martin said some programs are already seeing strong demand. “Golf is back,” he said, noting that rounds played at the city course have reached a 20year high. He also described observing heavy use at the Park Center. “It’s Friday night, and the building is packed!”

For Martin, the impact of those spaces goes beyond finances. “All of our facilities provide camaraderie, enhance physical and mental health, and build Murray’s strong community spirit,” he said.

Now leading the department he joined as a teenager, Martin said the work remains personal.

“What I love most about working in Murray are the people I serve and work with,” he said. “I genuinely love the people of this community, which makes this work incredibly rewarding.”l

The time Murray tried to deport Austria

After a shocking 1904 crime, Murray’s fear turned into a push to drive out immigrant workers — a local episode with echoes that still feel familiar today.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

If you think modern debates over immigration, jobs and “who belongs” feel heated…Murray would like to remind you it once tried to solve a crime by arguing about an entire empire.

Yes. An empire.

In November 1904, the smelter town nearly talked itself into driving out “the Austrians.” Not a few suspects. Not one neighborhood. Just… Austrians. All of them. Which, at the time, loosely meant immigrants from all over the Austro-Hungarian Empire—today’s Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and more. It was less a specific nationality and more a catchall for “new people with unfamiliar accents.”

The strange part? The crime that started it all was never solved and the perpetrator had no accent.

A Night of Violence

On Nov. 15, 1904, Gustave Schwan was attacked in her Murray home while her husband worked a night shift at the smelter. Her young daughter was beaten trying to protect her mother. Newspapers described a masked attacker who escaped into the dark. In the struggle, Schwan tore a peculiar-looking button from his coat — one of the only physical clues investigators ever had.

A posse was formed to scan the southern part of town, finding a coat with no buttons… and no owner.

The town reacted exactly as you’d expect: fear, anger, outrage. There was real sympathy for the Schwan family and real anxiety about safety.

The attacker was on the loose.

But before that fact had time to settle in, something else took hold.

From Manhunt to “Foreign

Problem”

Within days, newspaper coverage began shifting. The question quietly morphed from “Who did this?” to “What about all these foreigners?”

Attention turned to Murray’s growing population of Austrian and Greek smelter workers. Boarding houses were searched. Buttons on coats were examined. The idea took root that the assault might somehow be tied to the town’s “foreign colony.”

It didn’t matter that early reports noted Schwan believed her attacker did not have a foreign accent. The story was already moving in another direction.

By Nov. 22, public meetings were being held at Murray’s Trocadero dance hall. The stated purpose was community safety. The

subtext was wages. American-born workers complained that Austrian and Greek laborers accepted lower pay. They were accused of sending money back home instead of spending it locally. Some residents argued Murray was being economically “drained” by people who weren’t permanent. Foreign customs and dress caused them stick out.

The then anti-LDS Salt Lake Tribune took a swipe at the Deseret News coverage, saying that it was covering up for the LDS church, which harbored foreigners by paying them wages and was thereby implicated in the plot.

The Schwan assault was the spark, but labor competition was the firewood.

Enter Mayor Stratton

Mayor Joseph H. Stratton stepped into the center of it all. He presided over meetings and urged that any action be taken along “lawful lines,” not mob violence. That’s the responsible part.

The less subtle part was his argument that Murray was “going downhill” because of its foreign population and that something had to change.

Newspapers reported proposals to pressure smelter operators to stop hiring Austrians and Greeks. Some accounts claimed Austrian residents began arming themselves, worried about being attacked. Sheriff Emery publicly warned that no forcible deportations would be allowed.

For a few tense days, Murray wasn’t just a smelter town. It was a place where neighbors eyed each other across language and labor lines, wondering what might happen next. Some newspapers reported that 200 foreign laborers had left town.

A Different Voice

Not everyone joined the chorus.

Leonidas Skliris, a Greek labor contractor, spoke up publicly. He argued that it was unjust to blame an entire group for the crime of an unknown individual. Greek workers, he said, were law-abiding and hardworking.

It was a reminder that even in moments of collective fear, there were residents urging restraint — and pointing out that panic is not a legal standard.

The Part No One Could Fix

Through all the meetings, speeches, and headlines, one thing never changed: the original crime remained unsolved.

No Austrian laborer was convicted. No Greek worker was found guilty. The masked attacker vanished into history, leaving behind a torn button and a town that briefly considered solving a mystery by rearranging its demographics. In fact, the only one questioned about the crime was “Crazy” Chris Larsen, a Danish immigrant.

That’s the irony at the heart of the story. Murray nearly restructured its workforce over a crime that, in the end, had no proven

connection to the people being targeted. By January, the story was all but forgotten by the newspapers.

Politics Has a Memory

Not long after the unrest, Murray voters chose new city leadership. Mayor Stratton was voted out of office. Local elections always involve many issues, but the immigration and labor controversy was part of the political backdrop.

Looking Back From Today

More than a century later, the language

GRIEF HAS NO TIMELINE

of 1904 feels dated — “alien labor,” “foreign colony,” talk of banishment. But the structure of the debate is strikingly modern: a violent crime, a worried public, economic anxiety, and quick conclusions about who belongs.

Other foreign groups replaced the Austrians and Greeks that left during this ordeal, especially Armenians and Italians brought in by the mills to fill their depleted ranks.

The irony is that many of the families once described as “foreign” are now woven into Murray’s history so completely that no one thinks twice about their surnames on storefronts, school rosters or city councils. l

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New Cultural Arts Manager Rowan Coates wants

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

When Rowan Coates talks about arts and culture, she doesn’t start with ticket sales or headliners. She starts with a feeling.

“In Murray, arts and culture should feel like home,” she said. “You should feel comfortable with arts and culture. Arts and culture is meant for everybody. We don’t want to leave anybody out.”

Coates, who stepped into her new role in September, now leads Murray’s Cultural Arts division at a time of major transition and opportunity. With the city’s historic museum, theater and surrounding civic spaces all evolving, she sees her job as both caretaker and builder — preserving what works while thoughtfully expanding who gets to participate.

From museum roots to citywide stage

Coates’ path to leading Murray’s cultural programming began in a quieter corner of the arts world: the museum.

“I’ve been with the city since I was our part-time museum assistant,” she said. She later became full time as museum curator and

Sound — paired naturally with Murray’s deep pride in its past. She spent her early years with the city focused almost entirely on the museum, a grounding she believes still shapes how she approaches cultural work today.

“With my history background and being that the first truly three years that I worked with the city, that’s all I did was the museum,” she said. “I think it’s important to preserve what we can.”

Working inside the historic mansion that houses the museum has reinforced that mission. “This was a gem, the mansion that we were able to preserve,” Coates said. “We were so fortunate that it was kept in pretty decent condition considering how old it is….This gives people a place to come see that history.”

A restructured arts landscape

events coordinator, gradually taking on more cultural programming before applying for the top job when the position opened. “It was a position that I had never seen myself in, but now that I’m here I can’t imagine doing anything super different.”

Her academic background — a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Puget

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This year also marks a structural shift for Murray’s arts programs. The theater and cultural arts are now separate divisions, with Coates serving as cultural arts manager and a close partner to the theater’s leadership.

“We still run the amphitheater,” she explained. “But I work very closely with Katie (Lindquist). So I do a lot of the logistics for the plays at the theater. And she’s helping me book the bands at the amphitheater. So we’re still working really closely together. We’re just separate division heads.”

Under Coates’ umbrella fall arts education programs, city events, Fun Days, the amphitheater and support for local groups such as the symphony and concert band. It’s a wide-ranging portfolio, and after a year that saw multiple buildings open or reopen, she’s focused first on strengthening the foundation.

“With the last year and with the museum opening and the theater opening…some of our programming has fallen a little bit to the wayside because we’ve opened three buildings in a year,” she said. “This year we’re really wanting to make sure that our programming is up to the quality that we want it to be.”

Filling the gaps — especially for teens

One of Coates’ biggest priorities is reaching residents who have not traditionally been the focus of city arts offerings.

“In the past, the arts and cultural world in Murray has really touched on elementary school kids and the older generations,” she said. “But the teens…haven’t had maybe the recognition and that’s a large demographic. And so we really want to make sure that we’re giving opportunities to the teens that live in Murray.”

That includes launching a new drama camp for teenagers this summer to complement existing programs for younger children. It’s part of a broader strategy she describes as “filling a gap.”

“If we’re going to be putting in something new, I’d like it to fill a gap that we’ve

identified,” Coates said. “What are people telling us that they actually want?”

Balancing tradition and new voices

Murray residents are famously vocal about what they like — and don’t like — in arts programming. Coates knows she won’t make everyone happy, but she sees value in listening closely.

“Murray is a very passionate city full of citizens who care very deeply about what the city puts on,” she said. “You’re never going to please everybody…and you just have to do your best.”

At the amphitheater, that balancing act is especially visible, as tribute bands continue to draw large crowds while some residents call for more original or local acts. Coates hopes to gather more feedback directly from audiences and shape future seasons accordingly.

“We love hearing input,” she said. “Probably this September we’ll start kind of getting ideas from people for next September….What do the people who actually come want to see?”

Big ideas: history and handmade art

Asked what she would launch if given a “magic wand,” Coates’ ideas circle back to both history and local creativity.

One dream project is expanding the popular cemetery tours currently offered to schoolchildren into an immersive experience for adults, potentially involving student performers portraying figures from Murray’s past. “I think that would be so fun,” she said.

She also envisions more opportunities for local artists to showcase their work. “Murray’s got so many artists that just want to be seen,” Coates said. “If we could find a way to show off more of Murray’s artists, I think that would be amazing.”

Measuring success beyond numbers

While attendance figures and participation rates matter, Coates is quick to say they don’t tell the whole story.

“We want to make sure people are learning something new,” she said. “We want to make sure that the students that we’re giving a program to are learning confidence and things like that. Soft skills. We’re very softskills focused.”

Those outcomes can be harder to quantify, but to Coates, they are at the heart of what cultural arts should do: give people a place to express themselves, connect and feel like they belong.

Her vision for Murray’s cultural future isn’t built on one blockbuster event or a single headline act. It’s built on something quieter and more enduring.

“Arts and culture is meant for everybody,” she said again. “And in my mind, that is home and comfortability.” l

A night of stories and smiles at Grant Elementary

Students and their families teamed up for activities and discovered reading isn’t just in books, but more of a fun adventure together.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Grant

Elementary first-grader Quinncy

Allums and her dad, Kaderius, bent over a table in a bustling multipurpose room as they tackled a literacy activity together. Around them, families moved from station to station, exploring hands-on challenges that reinforced the joy of reading.

It was Grant Elementary’s PTA-sponsored literacy night which welcomed students and their families for an evening of fun and adventure, featuring local author Tim Brown.

The goal was simple: bring families together around books and creativity, said Holly Hales, PTA president.

“We want to encourage students to read and have fun so we came up with different activities to engage them in literacy,” she said.

Around the multipurpose room, families played literacy games and conquered challenges together.

“All the tables had copies of what they were doing so they could take those home and play again with their families,” Hales said.

Families could also take book lists by grade level as well as for adults, reading tips for students and strategies for making reading aloud more accessible.

Murray Public Library joined the event, offering information on library resources and upcoming activities. Librarians emphasized the importance of connecting school reading with community resources and lifelong learning.

The event’s featured guest was local author Tim Brown, who shared his books and spoke to students about creativity. Brown, who has spent decades in advertising, adapted his usual creativity workshops for the younger audience, focusing on imagination, curiosity and confidence.

His presentation was interactive, encouraging students to imagine flying skateboards and fun “what if” scenarios and bold

ideas without fear of being wrong.

“I raised my seven kids sitting around the table playing the ‘what if’ game. We’d ask, ‘what if’ questions like, ‘What if everyone would walk on their head?’ or ‘What if the rain came from the ground?’ and questions not to figure them out logically, but to expand their minds and spark their imaginations,” he said.

That game resulted in three books — “What if…You Ate a Taco?,” “What if…You Could Travel Anywhere?” and “What if… Every Room Was a Holiday?” — with “at least seven more” Brown wants to write.

His message reinforced creativity isn’t limited to artists or writers, but it is part of everyday problem-solving.

“Being creative is a way to solve problems,” Brown told students. “Some people may think they’re not creative, but everybody has a creative brain. Creativity is thinking in a different way and being OK asking questions or trying something new. When you connect ideas using a certain pattern and maybe the next time you’ll use it for connecting other things together. You’re exploring different options. That’s creativity.”

Hales said the message was appreciated.

“He had a great way of explaining that everybody can be creative and your creativity doesn’t have to look the same as someone else’s creativity,” she said.

Parents and grandparents appreciated the focus on family engagement. Monika Hansen, who attended with her grandchildren, said her hope was simple. She wants them “to continue to realize how important reading is” and supports reading together when they visit.

Allums said his daughter was really excited about getting new books, which all the students would take home that evening.

“I want her to be a better reader, being able to pronounce the words and have an understanding what book she’s reading,” he said. “It’s good the community cares about learning, it cares about reading. Seeing the camaraderie here is the best part.”

Hales said seeing families together was the highlight at literacy night.

“Everyone had a good time,” she said. “It was chaos, but in a good way.”l

Murray hockey fan’s mammoth win bridges science and the ice

A Murray resident scores a VIP Utah Mammoth experience through a statewide museum partnership that connects hockey fans with real Ice Age fossils and hands-on science across Utah.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

AMurray hockey fan is getting a once-ina-lifetime blend of sports and science after winning a statewide sweepstakes tied to the Utah Mammoth’s new identity.

Bradley B., of Murray, was selected as the grand prize winner of the Utah Mammoth Museum Quest, a partnership between the Natural History Museum of Utah and the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth.

Natural History Museum of Utah’s Mark Johnston said, “Since November, we’ve been partnering with the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth NHL team to host their statewide Museum Quest, which is introducing their fans to the science and history of mammoths in Utah.”

The Museum Quest encouraged hockey fans to visit museums across the state and learn about real mammoth fossils discovered in Utah. According to the museum, NHMU “recruited 10 museums and one mammoth

discovery site (National Forest Service) to participate in the Museum Quest, resulting in a checklist that shows fans where they can see real mammoth fossils and learn mammoth facts across Utah.”

The program bundled several incentives in one place: discounted admission at participating stops (supported by a grant through the SEG Foundation), a free Utah Mammoth gift at each location while supplies lasted, and a sweepstakes entry connected to the campaign. NHMU and the team framed it as an “interactive, educational experience” linking sports, science, discovery sites and museum learning across the state.

The campaign also included “free Utah Mammoth pins distributed at participating museums, discounted admission, and a sweepstakes that concluded on Jan. 4, which Bradley won.”

In total, 3,305 people from across Utah entered the sweepstakes. The grand prize winner was chosen through random number generation and notified by email.

Bradley’s prize package centered on the Utah Mammoth’s game against the Seattle Kraken. The museum said the grand prize included “lower bowl tickets to a Utah Mammoth game on Jan.17 with food provided at the game, team merchandise delivered by Tusky the team mascot during the game, two nights hotel stay downtown Salt Lake City, a VIP behind-thescenes tour of NHMU’s collections and paleo

Utah Mammoth Hockey puck. (Photo courtesy of Utah Mammoth)

prep lab, and NHMU merchandise.”

The following day, Bradley and his family visited the museum for a private tour not typically available to the public.

“The tour was led by paleontologist Carrie Levitt-Bussian, NHMU’s paleontology collections manager,” Johnston said. “Bradley and his family enjoyed the tour. The tour included a private, behind-the-scenes look at NHMU’s paleontology collections and paleontology prep lab, where Carrie showed real mammoth fossils found in Utah, including a skull, tusks, teeth and more.”

Museum officials said the partnership

grew out of excitement over the hockey team’s new name and branding.

“Staff at NHMU celebrated when Utah’s NHL team rebranded as the Mammoth,” Johnston said. “As the state’s official museum of natural history, NHMU is home to real mammoth fossils found in Utah, and our scientists are actively involved in research on the megafauna that once roamed this landscape.”

He added, “We knew a partnership could provide strong reciprocal benefits: hockey fans could turn to NHMU to learn more about the inspiration behind their team mascot, and the Utah Mammoth would gain a long-term educational partner in the museum.”

Originally developed by the museum’s marketing team as the “Utah Mammoth Tour,” the idea was later adopted and expanded by the NHL franchise to reach fans statewide.

Beyond the prizes and promotions, museum leaders say the effort is about connecting residents to Utah’s deep past.

“We hope that Utahns learn that towering Columbian mammoths once roamed these very landscapes we now call home and that mammoth make a relevant and powerful mascot for our new NHL team,” Johnston said.

While the sweepstakes and ticket discounts have ended, the museum says the Museum Quest concept will continue encouraging families to explore participating museums and learn more about prehistoric life in Utah. l

Nonprofit helps parents navigate special education

The IEP Student Center offers guidance and resources.

By

Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Managing a child’s education can be daunting. That’s made even more difficult when a child needs special education services. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the volume of red tape to get their child the help they need.

Students with special needs or disabilities are eligible for an Individualized Education Program that outlines support and instructions that a team of parents, professionals and educators follow to help children thrive. The plan sets goals, strategies and performance markers to help ensure students can succeed at school.

But what happens when the IEP blueprint isn’t followed? What if there’s a failure of services or a breakdown in communication? That’s when the IEP Student Center can make a difference.

Mark Adamson is an IEP attorney with a unique perspective. As someone who has autism and ADHD, he can see the situation through the child’s eyes to help find creative solutions.

An Individualized Education Program is intended to support students with special needs or disabilities, but if there’s a failure in service, the IEP Student Center can provide resources to parents. (Adobe Stock)

“I’d say probably as many as 60% of my clientele have autism, ADHD or both,” he said. “It’s fascinating for me to be able to explain to parents what’s going on in their kids’ brains, and I can be a positive role model for them.”

Adamson helped establish the IEP Student Center in South Jordan (1682 W. Reunion Ave., Suite 4B), a nonprofit founded by attorneys, educators and parents to

foster advocacy for children with special needs or disabilities.

The center provides representation, helps with conflict resolution, supports the rights of parents and students, and maintains accountability for schools to abide by IEP plans.

Adamson, a West Jordan resident, earned his law degree at the University of La Verne and worked with the Disability Rights Legal Center in Los Angeles. He said when a child’s education isn’t going the way it should, there are several options to advocate for students.

Most often, he is contacted when a child is expelled or suspended. If the behavior that got the student in trouble is a manifestation of their disability, Adamson starts a conversation with school officials to walk through the child’s IEP to make sure all issues are being addressed correctly. Often, he finds teachers are overworked, schools are underfunded and parents are ashamed.

“If you’re constantly getting called to the school, maybe your kid is hitting other kids, maybe your kid’s the bully, a parent ends up feeling like it’s a judgment on them,” Adamson said. “I try to strip that embarrassment away and not talk about the

situation like it’s a moral judgment.”

He said IEP students are often considered less intelligent than mainstream kids, but his experience has proven that to be false. Adamson points to his own success as an attorney and to Ana Victoria Espino, who, in 2024, became the first person with Down syndrome to graduate with a law degree.

“So guess who’s in college now?” Adamson asked. “A bunch of people that were never going to be in college before because their moms didn’t take no for an answer. They were creative about every single thing that they could come up with, and now we have those kids that are graduating from college, and they’re going to law schools, they’re going to med schools.”

Adamson said the State of Utah is required to assess every student under the age of 20 to determine if they have special needs or a disability, and they’re required to educate them. It’s his job, and the job of the IEP Student Center, to make sure that’s happening.

To further help parents, Adamson is starting a podcast called “Ask an IEP Lawyer Show,” which should be launched this spring. For more information, visit IepStudentCenter.org. l

MAYOR’S OFFICE

Brett A. Hales -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov

801-264-2600

10 East 4800 South, Murray, Utah 84107

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

Grant Elementary 801-264-7416

Heritage Center (Senior Programming) ... 801-264-2635

Hillcrest Jr. High ........ 801-264-7442

Horizon Elementary ..... 801-264-7420

Liberty Elementary 801-264-7424

Longview Elementary 801-264-7428

Ken Price Ball Park 801-262-8282

Miss Murray Competition (Lindsey D. Smith) 801-699-2288

McMillan Elementary 801-264-7430

Murray Area Chamber of Commerce. ........... 801-263-2632

Murray Arts Advisory Board

801-264-2614

Murray Boys & Girls Club 801-268-1335

Murray City Cemetery 801-264-2637

Murray Community Education .............. 801-264-7414

Murray High School ..... 801-264-7460

Murray Museum 801-264-2589

Murray Parks and Recreation Office 801-264-2614

Murray Parkway Golf Course ............. 801-262-4653

Murray Park Aquatics Pool 801 290-4190

Mick Riley Golf Course (SL County) 801-266-8185

Parkside Elementary 801-264-7434

Riverview Jr. High

801-264-7446

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation ......... 801-468-2560

Salt Lake County Ice Center

The Park Center

Viewmont Elementary

801-270-7280

801-284-4200

801-264-7438

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

A Community Built on Safety and Service

One of our highest responsibilities as a city is protecting the safety and security of our community. Public safety is more than a number in a budget. It is how we care for the people who call Murray home.

We are deeply grateful for the men and women of our Police and Fire Departments. Each time someone pins on the badge, there is an understanding of the risk that comes with the calling. The risks include difficult, often chaotic situations requiring split-second decisions. Our public safety teams are not perfect (no one is), but the overwhelming majority serve with integrity, humility, and a sincere desire to protect others. They are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, neighbors with mortgages, hobbies, and responsibilities just like the rest of us. Their commitment ensures that when residents call for help, someone is ready to respond, day or night.

To the members of our Police and Fire Departments, and to their families, thank you. Your dedication protects both our city and the spirit of community that makes Murray such a special place to call home.

Murray City Police Department: Prevention Through Partnership

Public safety is a careful balance between law enforcement and community trust. The Murray City Police Department serves as a full-service agency focused on timely response, careful investigation, and talking with neighbors to solve problems early.

Since Murray became a city in 1903, keeping the community safe has been a top priority. Today, officers serve through Patrol Services, Criminal Investigations, and Community Services, serving neighborhoods they call home.

Modern policing focuses on prevention. Through Community Oriented Policing, officers work with residents to address concerns before they escalate. Programs such as Cup with a Cop, Neighborhood Watch, and School Resource Officers build relationships and trust.

Administrative professionals, victim advocates, and evidence technicians support work behind the scenes, focused on efficient and compassionate service. In 2023, the department moved into a new headquarters at 10 East 4800 South, bringing divisions together under one roof for the first time. This modern facility improves coordination, professionalism, and long-term service to Murray.

Public safety continues to evolve as our city grows. Murray remains committed to meeting the challenges of tomorrow while staying grounded in the values that have guided us for more than a century.

Murray City Fire Department: Honor and Readiness

Since 1906, the Murray City Fire Department has protected life and property by providing fire response, prevention, and emergency medical services. Guided by the values of Honor, Trust, Community, and Service, the department balances rapid response with proactive risk reduction.

In 2025, Murray Fire responded to a record 7,504 calls for service, up from 5,012 in 2010. This increase reflects population growth and the rising complexity of emergency medical care.

Over the years, the department has expanded its capabilities. In 2000, Murray implemented its own paramedic service. In 2009, the city added personnel to establish Murray-operated ambulance transport, funded through billing revenue rather than taxes. Stations were also relocated to improve coverage and efficiency.

Today’s firefighters face modern challenges, including faster-burning materials, solar systems, and lithium-ion batteries. In response, the department has strengthened rapid containment tactics and operational efficiency. Paramedics now provide advanced cardiac care, including field ECG acquisition and early hospital activation, improving patient outcomes.

Through prevention efforts and continued adaptation, Murray Fire remains committed to strong service levels while planning responsibly for the future.

—Brett Hales, Mayor of Murray

Recognizing Women in Public Safety for Women’s History Month

Thank you to the women who serve in the Murray City Police and Fire Departments.

Murray City Police Department

Administration & Support

Alissa Black – Crime Victim Advocate – 22 yrs

Julie Johansen – Crime Victim Advocate – 20 yrs

Kristin Reardon – PIO/Admin Services – 9 yrs (24 prior)

Sydney Maxfield – Crime Analyst – 15 yrs

Debby Esenberg – Records – 18 yrs

Lisa Mecham – Records – 22 yrs

Brandy Gibb – Records – 10 yrs

Nakia Nu’usila – Records – 1 yr (15 prior)

Michelle Harward – Evidence – 2 yrs

Davi Donahue – Records – New (15 prior)

Sworn Officers

Alisha Richmond – Sergeant – 18 yrs

Kaylene Gruendell – Detective – 9 yrs

Jade Thomas – Detective – 5 yrs

Brenda Gutierrez – Officer – 4 yrs

Christina Cardenas – Officer – 9 yrs

Amanda Marriott – Officer – Returning 2026

Aaliyah Fisher – Officer – Police Academy

Murray City Fire Department

Administration & Support

Laura Lloyd – 32 yrs

Murray’s first female firefighters were hired in 1998:

Amy Fisher – 20 yrs (Retired, First Female Engineer)

Glenae Turley – 14 yrs (Passed Away, Paramedic)

Firefighters

Danielle Rogers – 12 yrs

Deena Walker – 8 yrs

Taylor Ward – 6 yrs

Ashley Green – 3 yrs

Allison Holmberg – 2 yrs

Sara Whitley – 1 yr

M URRAY S ENIOR R ECREATION C ENTER

10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107 | 801-264-2635 murray.utah.gov/140/Senior-Recreation-Center seniorrec@murray.utah.gov mcreg.com

Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Closed Saturday and Sunday

Check our website for any changes in programs.

CHEF OMAR LIMON

Daily Lunch

Date: Tuesday through Friday

Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon

Cost: Cost is $6; prior registration not required

CLASSES

Ceramics

Date: Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $2 each class plus cost of supplies

Grief Support

Date: Friday, Mar. 6 and 20

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free

Theater During the Restoration (1660-1688)

Date: Tuesday, Mar. 17

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Medical Matters

Date: Friday, Mar. 20

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free

Vital Aging: Create a Life Worth Living

Date: Friday, Mar. 27

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Science: Dyes and Pigments

Date: Thursday, Apr. 2

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free

Drawing and Cartooning

Date: Wednesday, Apr. 15 through May 20

Time: 10:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $30

DANCE

Beginning Line Dance Instruction

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Cost: $5 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

FITNESS: Daily Fitness Classes – check our current newsletter for the schedule and fees

PROGRAMS

Bingo

Date: Wednesdays and Fridays

Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Cost: Free, donations are appreciated

Bridge Lessons

Date: Mondays

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Chess

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Mahjong Tile Game

Date: Tuesdays

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Mexican Train Dominos Game

Date: Thursdays

Time: 12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Monday Movies and Munchies

Date: Mondays

Time: 2:00 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

CLUBS

Thursday Quilters

Date: 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month

Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

10 East 6150 South (West of State Street) • 801-264-2635

February 2026 Construction Update

Beginning in February, UDOT will begin installation of new sidewalk and curb and gutter along both sides of 5400 South from 700 West to 1300 West. The goal of this project is to improve roadway drainage and provide safer pedestrian and transit user experience along the roadway. Much of the work will be done in the shoulder, however, there will be intermittent lane closures and lane shifts to accommodate work activities. Additional project information can be obtained at udotinput.utah.gov/c28221

Beginning in March, Murray Street Department will be preparing Halcyon, Sunberry and Wildflower Lane for new asphalt. Each roadway will be milled and repaved with a new asphalt surface. Murray Engineering is in the process of designing and bidding asphalt overlay projects for 300 West, Winchester Street, and Fashion Blvd. Work on these projects is anticipated to begin in April. Murray Water Department will begin waterline replacement work on Pontiac Drive from 900 East to Caribbean Way. This work is also anticipated to begin in April. More information on these projects will be provided as construction dates approach.

Lumen is continuing expansion of its Quantum Fiber in Murray City. Their contractor, Fugal, is planning to begin work in the Potomac, River Glen and Greenoaks neighborhoods in April. Fugal will be distributing flyers to affected residents in the days leading up to their work, but Murray City Public Works will also post to our social media in the weeks before the work begins as more information becomes available. While they are coordinating with Murray City for work within the right-of-way, the city does not give permission for their work on private property. Rather, this is allowed through existing easements and through permission of the affected property owner. Any questions or concerns regarding this work should be directed to Fugal at https://fugal.com/neighbor or at 801-796-5046.

MARCH 2026

Murray City Recreation

April 11-May 7 (Tues/Sat)

Boys Ages 3-4

Girls Ages 5-6, 7-8

Coed Ages 11-13, 14-16

April 11-May 9 (Thurs/Sat)

Girls Ages 3-4, 9-10

Boys Ages 5-6, 7-8, 9-10

T-Ball T-Ball

April 6-May 11 (Mon) Coed Ages 3-4, 5-6

April 8-May 13 (Wed) Coed Ages 6-7, 8-9

Basketball Basketball

Ages 6-7 (Tues)

April 14-May 26

Ages 8-9 (Fri)

April 10-May 22

Ages 10-11 (Sat)

April 11-May 23

Ages 12-14 (Sat)

April 11-May 23

2 & Under = Free

Ages 3-17 = $3

Ages 18-59 = $5

Ages 60+ = $4

Weekly Sessions Tues & Thurs 3:45-6PM 8 Lessons/Session

$40 Residents | $50 Non-Residents

Murray City, Water Conservation, and the Great Salt Lake

Concern about the declining level of the Great Salt Lake is real and warranted. The lake is critical to the Wasatch Front’s air quality, economy, and environmental health. As attention on this issue grows, it’s important for residents to understand how Murray City’s water use fits into the bigger picture and what the City is already doing.

Where Murray’s Water Comes From

Murray City operates primarily as a groundwater-based drinking water system. Most municipal water comes from deep groundwater wells and is not directly diverted from the rivers and surface waters that supply the Great Salt Lake.

The Great Salt Lake is sustained almost entirely by surface water inflows, primarily from the Bear, Weber, and Jordan Rivers. Large upstream surface water diversions have the most direct and measurable effect on lake levels. While all water use matters, Murray’s municipal drinking water use is not a primary driver of the lake’s decline. That distinction does not excuse inaction; it ensures conservation efforts are focused where they are most effective.

What Murray City Is Doing

Murray has an adopted Water Conservation Plan and actively participates in regional conservation planning aligned with state water-efficiency goals. The City is also updating the Water Element of its General Plan to ensure long-term water planning is integrated into growth and infrastructure decisions.

The City is currently installing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) on all water meters. Once complete (anticipated in summer 2026) AMI will provide real-time water-use data, allowing for quicker leak detection and better understanding of consumption patterns.

Following full AMI deployment, Murray has agreed to partner with Central Utah Water Conservancy District and a conservation platform called Yoppify to provide customers with leak alerts and targeted conservation messaging based on actual usage.

Landscaping and Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor irrigation remains the largest opportunity for conservation.

Murray supports water-efficient landscaping (xeriscaping) and reduced turf, particularly in new development and redevelopment. Multiple ordinances were adopted by the City Council last year to support these efforts.

The City does not support blanket zero-scape requirements. Poorly designed zero-scape landscapes can increase urban heat, increase stormwater runoff, and reduce soil health. Murray’s focus is on landscapes that are water-efficient, functional, and sustainable.

Landscape incentive programs are largely administered at the regional and state level, and Murray coordinates with those programs rather than duplicating them locally.

What Residents Can Do

• Residents play an important role by, using water responsibly outdoors, fixing leaks promptly, reporting visible water waste, and reducing turf where it does not serve a functional purpose.

The Bigger Picture

Solving the Great Salt Lake’s decline will require coordinated, watershed-scale action, focused primarily on surface water management, alongside continued urban efficiency improvements.

Murray City will continue to manage its water system conservatively and responsibly doing its part while protecting public health, fire protection, and system reliability.

NEW RESIDENT ON DISPLAY EXHIBIT AT CITY HALL

A new art collection is now on display at Murray City Hall through the Murray Resident on Display program, featuring the work of local artist Steve Stau er.

Steve’s paintings capture the beauty of the outdoors, created on location as he paints directly from the landscape. His work re ects a love of light, color, and the quiet moments found in nature. From glowing sunrises to peaceful scenic views, each piece invites viewers to slow down and take in the scene.

The Resident on Display program, presented by Murray Cultural Arts, highlights Murray artists in a dedicated exhibit space at City Hall. The program o ers the community an opportunity to experience local talent in a welcoming public setting and connect directly with the artist.

The exhibit can be viewed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Murray City Hall, 10 East 4800 South. The building is closed on weekends. Artwork sales are coordinated directly with the artist.

Murray artists who would like to be considered for the Resident on Display series may email clarson@murray.utah.gov for more

Companion animal photo event benefits Humane Society

People with companion animals receive professional-grade portraits for a cause.

By McKinna Baird m.baird@mycityjournals.com

“People ask me what’s your favorite thing to photograph? And I say dogs, because in the 27 years of doing it, I haven’t had a single one complain about the picture,” said Scott Gianchetta, owner of The Photo Box.

Since 2009, Gianchetta and his family have run companion animal portrait events with organizations like the Humane Society of Utah to raise funds for the animals they serve.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds upfront go to [the Humane Society],” Gianchetta said, “and it gives people an opportunity to get a really good shot, outside of having to pay a session fee.”

Most recently, The Photo Box and the Humane Society of Utah hosted the Palentine’s Pet Portrait event at their Murray headquarters. People with companion animals could book a time slot for Feb. 7.

Gianchetta has set up a real studio experience for participating animals, with multiple backdrops and curated lighting. His

daughter, Violet, worked on editing from the sidelines. Participants receive multiple shots and leave with one edited and printed 8x10inch photo to take home.

Slots for the event were fully booked days before it occurred.

People with companion animals were immediately impressed with the shots they received.

One participant, Cindy, came following a recommendation from her mother. Her black lab and German pointer, Cooper and Toby, have made it hard for her to get good pictures in the past.

“My dogs are old, but they’re full of energy, and so getting good photos of them is super hard,” she said. “So, I’m super excited to see what comes up.”

Marie, who had previously attended the Christmas photoshoot fundraiser, came in with her dogs Misa, Gidget and Rip. Marie and a Humane Society volunteer did their best to wrangle the dogs for group shots and solo portraits.

“I just think this photographer is excellent,” she said. “The Christmas shot that we got turned out really good.”

Over the years Gianchetta has perfected tricks to grab the perfect shot, using treats, a duck call and an array of other attention-grabbing antics.

“We always joke, we just need 1/20th of

a second. So that’s it, because the rest of time they’re spinning in circles and it’s chaotic,” Gianchetta said.

It’s not only dogs bringing chaos to the shoot.

“I mean, the different types of animals that come in are amazing to me,” he said. “I mean some of the photographs of skunks, horses… different things like that.”

Despite doing the fundraiser for more

than a decade, Gianchetta has yet to tire of the work. “I always like the reactions I get from the owners, because they can’t believe the pictures that are being produced,” he said.

Since the event has remained a hit over the years, Gianchetta hopes to one day pass the torch on to someone within his company, possibly his daughter Violet. Repeat participants can look forward to more years of quality companion animal portraits, for a cause. l

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Hillcrest choir scores big with Utah Grizzlies

Singing on the ice might be a first, but Hillcrest Junior High choir brought harmony to the hockey arena.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

hen Hillcrest Junior High Concert

Choir members stepped onto the ice Jan. 30, many experienced a new kind of spotlight beyond their usual auditorium stage.

“When the lights shine on the students and we’re in this large arena, it’s an unforgettable moment,” said choir director Krystin Elder about their January performance. “There’s no real way to prepare for it, but it’s such an awesome feeling and fun experience for the kids. It gives my advanced students an opportunity to do something special and shine.”

The choir has a long history of performing for the Utah Grizzlies professional minor league hockey team, but this year has a bittersweet note.

“They work hard to get ready for it and look forward to it, but this will be the last year,” she said since it is the Grizzlies final season here as they are relocating to New Jersey next season. “For some, it’s also their first experience at a professional hockey game.”

players to come through; that was kind of crazy,” she said. “Other years, when they’ve had two choirs perform, we’ve sung other patriotic songs like ‘God Bless America’ and ‘This is My Country’ and we’ve sung on the concourse.”

Performing on the ice requires extra preparation.

“‘The Star Spangled Banner’ goes from very low to very high so we work a lot on vocal technique,” she said. “Out there on the ice in an arena, there’s a lot of dead space and it’s hard to hear acoustically. So, they work on listening to each other.”

The tradition began years ago when the Grizzlies invited the school to apply and Hillcrest has returned almost every year since,

except during the COVID-19 restrictions.

“One year, we tried to take everybody and we made a big tunnel onto the ice for the

DRIVE CLEAN. DRIVE HAPPY.

The Grizzlies, in turn, supports the choir financially. When families purchase tickets for the game, a portion of the sales goes directly to the choir budget, which covers music, performance clothing and other costs.

“We have kids who can’t afford to buy a tie or a white shirt, so we maintain a clothing library and that lets everyone participate,” she said. “We want to give all students access.”

Looking ahead, Elder hopes to find similar opportunities to give students the thrill of singing on the big stage that connects them with the community.

“The kids always love this experience and it’s a great opportunity to bring their families and friends,” she said. “It’s a cool thing to do and a memory they’ll always remember.”l

Get a golden ticket to ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’

Step inside Hillcrest Junior High’s chocolate factory as students present their school musical, April 15-18.

By Julie Slama j.slama@mycityjournals.com

Get ready to enter a world with a chocolate waterfall and river, lickable wallpaper and fizzy-lifting drinks. That pure imagination is what Hillcrest Junior High students are gearing up for with the spring musical, “Willy Wonka Jr.”

The golden tickets are available for the 7 p.m. show Wednesday, April 15 through Saturday, April 18 at $5. It will be held at the school’s auditorium, 178 E. 5300 South in Murray. The show is based on the children’s book written by Roald Dahl.

Several students are featured in the production, but there are more than 80 students involved in the cast and crew.

“The best part of the show is watching students experience the success of a huge, multifaceted project come together as they work as a team,” said musical director Krystin Elder. “It’s unlike anything else; that’s why I keep doing it every year.”

This year, the producing team took freedom as they cast students in roles, such as ninth-grader Lauren Martin plays the magical Willy Wonka and eighth-grader Everett Shrek is Augustus Gloop’s mother, complete with a German accent.

“Our Willy Wonka is a girl. We’re a school that thinks outside the box. We give kids opportunities to act and explore roles, regardless of gender, and to bring magic to the stage. Who earns the part is more important than who fits a stereotype,” she said.

The lead roles aren’t necessarily rewarded to the older students as seventh-grader Riker Salvesen plays Charlie Bucket.

“Every year, we see students shine, some rise to challenges, who didn’t expect they could,” she said.

Community members can grab a golden ticket to watch more than 80 Hillcrest Junior High students put on the musical,

Elder is joined producing the show with director Kali Blimes, assistant director Jennfier Allred, choreographer Amber Foster and auditorium manager James Beebe.

“We make a stronger show because of our collaboration,” she said.

This year’s production promises plenty of visual delights, thanks in part to art teacher Janelle Heck and her after-school prop and scene-building group.

“Willy Wonka has so many props, just think about the candy factory itself,” Elder said. “Janelle and her students are helping create some imaginative elements of the show and those students are learning what’s all involved behind the scenes.”

Auditions were held in December, with rehearsals beginning in January.

“A challenge for many first-year kids is learning to sing, dance and act at the same time,” Elder said. “By the end, they’ve grown a lot and learned something new. They’ve learned confidence and share a sense of achievement, but if I were one of the students, I’d say the best part is the friendships. Working closely together on such a big project makes them family.”l

NM 408693, NV 86990, NY H-19114, H-52229, OR 218294, PA 179643, 069383, RI GC-41354, TN 10981, UT 10783658-5501, VA 2705169445, WA LEAFFNW822JZ, WV WV056912.

Country hitmaker Keith Anderson announces Murray performance

Keith Anderson brings his hit songs and new music to the Murray Theater on March 27.

By Shaun Delliskave s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

Country singer-songwriter Keith Anderson

will bring two decades of charting hits and road-tested stage energy to the Murray Theater on Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m., as part of a tour that revisits the songs that established his national profile while introducing newer material to live audiences.

Anderson, who first gained national attention in the mid-2000s, describes himself primarily as a songwriter whose work is grounded in personal experience and detailed imagery.

“I started out as a songwriter, so I’ve always liked to write songs that have a meaning. Something that takes you back to a time and a place that means something,” Anderson said. “Lyrics that bring back the memories of a moment, a smell, a feeling, a sound, etc. Most of my songs came from a specific experience in my life.”

That approach shaped the song that introduced many listeners to his music. “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” released more than 20 years ago, became his first major hit and remains closely associated with his career.

Reflecting on the song today, Anderson pointed to the moment it marked in his pro-

fessional life.

“Just the excitement of having that first big hit and knowing my life would be different from that moment going forward. And how much fun we had in the studio making that first CD.”

Although the single’s success helped define his early trajectory, Anderson said the decision to release it was deliberate rather than accidental.

“We believed in that song way before I finally signed my first record deal,” he said. “And part of singing with Arista Records was the fact that they believed in it also and agreed to make it my first single.”

Listeners who associate Anderson primarily with ballads may encounter a different emphasis in a live setting. He noted that his concerts lean heavily toward higher-energy material.

“It’s funny because my three biggest hits are power ballads. But I only have four ballads in my whole show. I’m a rocker by nature,” Anderson said. He cited a duet with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and an appearance by Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe in one of his early music videos as examples of that influence.

“We rock it pretty hard and want to have a party on stage every night. The more the audience sings along and parties with us, the better.”

Despite the years that have passed since “Pickin’ Wildflowers” was released, Anderson said his personal connection to its themes has remained consistent.

“Nothing has changed. I still feel like

moment in time, laugh, cry, etc. The same thing I’m feeling when I write a song,” he said. “Luckily, I’ve lived a good life so my voice has remained strong through the last 20 years of constant touring. So, I’m not sure my sound has changed much.”

Country music as a genre has undergone stylistic shifts since the mid-2000s, but Anderson views the changes as part of a longer pattern.

“It really hasn’t changed that much,” he said. “When I started there were people that said I was to rock and roll what Rascal Flatts was to pop and we needed more pure country music on country radio. But there was always a great mix of rockin’ country, pop country and pure country. Same as today.”

He also referenced earlier eras in country music history to illustrate his point.

I’m in my 20s and still believe in crazy, fun, spontaneous love.”

Over the course of his career, Anderson has worked both as a recording artist and as a songwriter for himself and others. Asked whether his sound or writing style has shifted, he described continuity rather than reinvention.

“My songwriting approach hasn’t changed. I’m still trying to write the best songs I can that tell a great story and make people feel something, remember a great

“H---, most people don’t remember that Willie and Waylon and all the ‘Outlaws’ became the Outlaws for a reason. Everyone in Nashville thought they were too edgy and not country enough,” Anderson said, later adding, “The more variety of sounds/styles country music has, the more variety of fans country music attracts.”

As he continues touring and recording, Anderson said he hopes audiences leave his shows with an appreciation for both familiar material and upcoming projects.

“I hope they still love the old songs and still enjoy the live shows. And I hope they are as excited as I am about the new music that’s coming and the new shows.” l

After lengthy interview process, Cottonwood football tabs Mike Ward as new head coach

The former Granger High offensive coordinator guided two different Lancer quarterbacks to record seasons over past two years.

By Brian Shaw

b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

After a surprising resignation from now-former Cottonwood High School head football coach Tui Satuala in late 2025, there was a need to get this one right. With new head coach Mike Ward, there is this feeling that Cottonwood administration hit this one out of the park, so to speak.

“We’re ecstatic for the coach Mike Ward era as the head coach of Cottonwood football,” said James MacIntyre, Cottonwood’s athletic director. “Coach Ward has been preparing to lead a program for years, and we’re grateful he chose Cottonwood.”

Ward steps in, having helped guide two different Granger High School quarterbacks to All-State, All-Region and record-setting years—over the past two seasons.

“Mike will tear it up!” said former Granger head football coach Peter Smolin. “He was a huge part of the continued success at G House. As a player’s coach, he relates well with the kids and is amazing at skill development.”

Before accepting the offensive coordinator job at Granger, Ward spent four years at Cyprus High, leading the Pirates’ running back and defensive line rooms.

Ward played his college football at NCAA Division III Wesley College (Delaware), where he received All-American honors for his efforts as a 6-foot-5-inch,

312-pound defensive tackle.

From there, Ward went undrafted but earned his way onto several Arena Football League rosters, including the Allen (Texas) Wranglers, Utah Blaze and Salt Lake Screaming Eagles.

Ward arrives at The Wood when the football program is in a tumultuous period. One year ago at about the same time, several position coaches and alums resigned from their roles at CHS to accept other roles.

Shortly thereafter, and about a month after the most recent football season had concluded in late 2025, Satuala stepped down, citing family reasons—the same given by Donovan Malmrose, longtime Cottonwood offensive coordinator and alum, when he stepped down after just one season as Colts head coach in early 2023.

Thus, it made perfect sense to Cottonwood’s athletic director—himself new in his role but not to NIL, as that was part of his job description in the University of Utah’s athletic department—that the Colts try to find someone who wants to stay at the school and build something unique here.

Unique is a great way to describe what Ward helped build at Granger; he led two different Lancer quarterbacks to 2,500 yards passing in his two years at the school under coach Peter Smolin. Granger finished third

this past season in Class 5A’s Region 4 behind West Jordan and West High schools in the final standings with a 7-5 record, 5-2 in league play. The Lancers also advanced to the second round of the 5A state playoffs.

The final piece to the puzzle perhaps, is that Cottonwood High has always had a unique student body. As an open enrollment school in the Granite District, replete with several nationally recognized academic programs including AMES, the school draws kids from all parts of the Salt Lake Valley.

The catch? Some of these student-athletes haven’t always played their sports at Cottonwood; this is an area coach Ward could come in and immediately address, given his recent track record at Granger.

The building of Ward’s staff was yet to be determined, but for a program that went 0-19 over the past two years, 3-26 over three, and has been in desperate need of a reinfusion of not only numbers but leadership, the new coach could conceivably bring both areas back to Cottonwood.

“Throughout the interview process, it became clear that Coach is a dynamic leader who has an actionable vision for the Cottonwood football program,” MacIntyre said. “He is ready to hit the ground running, and we have no doubt that he will be a great addition to the Cottonwood community.” l

women’s SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

The small team holding up the hope of change for Utah women

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

The Utah Women and Leadership Project, founded by Susan Madsen, is a research pumping machine with a goal of making Utah a better place by empowering women and removing obstacles.

A lone silhouette is a harsh contrast against the glare of a lit monitor.

Before the sun comes up, Susan Madsen sits at her computer: inbox and task list open for the day. While the house is quiet, her inbox starts to fill up for the day.

“Early morning…it’s been invaluable for me,” she said. “I always was up earlier than anybody, and it would be quiet, and I could make sense of the world.”

She uses the slow time to plan out her day and answer each email, following her team standard that “everyone deserves an answer.”

“I have a process of looking at my day, looking at my workload, figuring things out,” she said. “I reprioritize every single day.”

She might even reprioritize multiple times in a day. She’s constantly moving and pushing forward despite the odds and a small team.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship at Utah State University, is the founder of the Utah Women and Leadership Project, which has published 21 research-based white paper reports, 65 research snapshots and infographics, 68 research and policy briefs and hosted 45 “Think Tank” gatherings in Utah since 2010.

Madsen and four full-time employees — associate director Brie Sparks, local outreach and curriculum manager Deborah Lin, marketing and communications coordinator Emmalee Chastain, program assistant Kylie Hollingsworth — have made a

big push to raise awareness of the existing gaps in Utah for girls and women.

“Our work is having an impact across the state, and that is what motivates me,” Lin said. “In my role, I have visited 20 of our 29 Utah counties to get to know residents and build relationships to help with grassroots efforts to raise awareness and impact change around issues facing girls, women and families.”

“Everywhere I have been, men and women recognize the need for change.”

The “change” she is referring to encompasses topics like making more leadership opportunities available for more women, daycare options in the state, and homelessness resources for women.

Currently, the project involves close to 7,000 people statewide, with 500 partners and 300 leaders in different counties and cities, Madsen said.

Four counties and seven cities/towns have passed official resolutions to support the project’s initiative they call “A Bolder Way Forward.”

“Our efforts to equip Utah communities with the data and resources needed to help more girls, women and families thrive are just one piece of the way forward,” Sparks said. “Creating lasting change for future generations of girls and women requires a systems-based approach, and I’m honored to help build the strategic connections that make that possible.”

Madsen admits that it hasn’t been

easy for any of them, but she continues in her efforts because she feels called to help women through the best way she knows how: research.

“What has driven me for decades is research,” she said, “and getting it into the hands of people that are making decisions.”

And in the hands of decision makers it is.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship and affiliation with USU, considers herself an activist and encourages others to be too. She is frequently on Capitol Hill

advocating for change with her research and “works alongside legislators.”

“We should all be advocates and into the work of social justice,” she said. “If we care about other people, if we care about our communities, if we care about our state, if we care about our extended family, if we care about any of that, we should be in whatever topic connects with us.”

For the research and recommendations on how to get involved in UWLP for Salt Lake County or any other country in the state, visit www.usu.edu/uwlp/research/what-can-i-do.

Utah Women’s Day in Sports empowers next generation of female athletes

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 400 high school student-athletes from across the state gathered for a morning focused on teamwork, leadership, mental health and empowerment in girls’ sports.

It began as a simple game of rock, paper, scissors, but quickly became a lesson in teamwork. Everyone played at first, then losers backed their opponents until only two players remained. Silence fell as they competed, then cheers erupted when the round ended in a tie. After four rounds, one girl finally emerged victorious.

The exercise wasn’t about winning, but about being a good teammate.

“How does it feel to be celebrated by your peers?” asked Poudre School District (Fort Collins, Colorado) health and physical education coordinator Jo Dixon, who emphasized that every player has a role — scorer, defender, supporter, teammate. “Being a part of someone else’s fan club is just as important and powerful as being in the spotlight, because lifting others up feels awesome.”

The interactive activity was part of a breakout session at the third annual Utah Women’s Day in Sports conference held Feb. 4 at the Delta Center, the day before National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

Dixon continued the partner activities designed to build unity. Student-athletes stood toe-to-toe and told each other: “Everyone is battling something in life, and I’m glad you’re battling with me.” Then, they stood back-to-back and said, “I’m so glad someone has my back — and I have yours.” The activity ended with a pinky promise and the words: “I pinky promise to help you unlock your greatness so the world can see it like I do.”

“We want you to be a good teammate from the inside out,” Dixon said.

The event’s origin began with Andee Bouwhuis, past president of Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Deseret Peak High School athletic director, along with Utah High School Activities Association Assistant Director Jan Whittaker and UIAAA communications coordinator and Cedar Valley High School Athletic Director Sharon Mardesich.

“Our goal is female empowerment; support our female athletes; grow leaders,” Bouwhuis said. “We’re letting these female athletes know that we hear them and we see them. We want them to be successful.”

More than 400 student-athletes statewide attended, supported by about 100 coaches and athletic directors. Participation from each school was limited to ensure broader representation.

“The athletes are charged to take back what they learned and teach it to their teammates,” she said.

Another breakout session focused on nutrition, led by Intermountain Health’s Josseline Kelley, who emphasized fueling, hydration and sleep.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re eating something every three to four hours as athletes,” she said as she gave the student-athletes specific suggestions. “The worst thing you can do is go into a competition or training session without fueling. Under fueling can be very common in teens.”

University of Utah Assistant Director of Olympic Sport Performance Carly Fehler addressed competing in college athletics.

“Your whole life is going to change

overnight,” Fehler said. “Your city, your bed, your routine, your team and coach. Literally, everything changes. And are you prepared for that? Only nine percent of high school girls will go on to play in college. Two percent of all high school athletes will play Division I.”

While some student-athletes attended workshops, adults participated in a “Coach Beyond” session focused on supporting athlete mental health.

“I’ve been an athlete for my whole life, and I’ve seen the way mental health affects the performances of athletes,” said college athlete and presenter Makayla Pitcher. “Coaches are the front line, so it’s important for them to understand and help.”

Cottonwood High Principal and presenter Justin Pitcher emphasized the need for better training and resources for coaches.

“We need to do better by our athletes here in Utah, he said. “Our data shows over half of every female team has experienced significant sadness or depression. We look at our coaches and their training. Many of them were former athletes so they understand the game well, but they don’t always know how best to handle these tough situations that we’ve been put in.”

Speaker Amy Donaldson highlighted the origins of Title IX and opportunities it presented.

“They drafted a piece of legislation that was unlike today, with 37 words,” she said. “Even though everyone thought it was this little administrative adjustment… they had no idea of (the impact of) that law.”

Donaldson encouraged student-athletes to examine their journey, to be optimistic, to wire their brains for gratitude and forgiveness, to know “no accomplishment is an individual accomplishment.”

Karissa Niehoff, National Federation of State High School Association’s executive director and CEO, challenged the next generation to continue advancing opportunities for women.

“Look at the women who came before us, and look at where we are now, and look at the future of growth in women’s and girls’ sports,” she said. “We’ve come a long way. As a woman CEO in a sports world, I feel blessed, but I challenge you as a younger generation…to carry this forward. We have to be committed to working forward so we continue the growth we need in girls who play sports in Utah.”

UHSAA Assistant Director Jeff Cluff said the progress in girls sports, including expanded championships and the addition of girls wrestling, has helped to equalize opportunities.

“We’re trying to create equal opportunities for the girls that boys have been getting for years,” he said. “We have still more to do and more to change.”

Copper Hills High seniors Brynlee Morton and Kaysha Millet said the conference left a lasting impression.

“I love how inclusive it is,” Morton said. “Everyone has valuable knowledge, and they’re sharing their expertise with us.”

Millet added: “They’re spreading awareness and information; it’s empowering to us as women athletes.”

Holladay’s city manager provides a steady hand of leadership

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Gina Chamness guides the city’s course with deliberate planning.

Most residents don’t think about how cities are run. As long as roads are safe, water is clean and parks are open, city administration rarely crosses their minds.

But behind the scenes, it takes a functional team and deliberate planning to make city services seem effortless. In Holladay, the person coordinating that teamwork is City Manager Gina Chamness, who’s been with the city for 10 years.

Chamness is a rarity in Utah. According to a December 2024 policy brief put out by the Utah Women and Leadership Project, of the 250-plus cities in the state, only 13 of them had women serving as city managers or administrators.

“I think that’s starting to change,” Chamness said. “It feels like there are more women in assistant city manager roles, more women as department heads, but as far as my generation, there haven’t been many of us. I’ve been really lucky.”

Chamness never imagined she’d serve in municipal government. She started her career at the federal level, working for a congressional agency, but political dysfunction persuaded her to look for other opportunities.

With a political science degree and a master’s in public administration from the University of Utah, Chamness landed a job with Salt Lake City, working her way up to become the city’s finance director in 2014.

When the Holladay city manager position opened, she felt it was the next best move for her career and family, since she and her husband, attorney Ralph Chamness, have lived in Holladay since 2003.

“I saw this position posted and it felt perfect,” she said. “I was excited to apply. The opportunity to serve a community where you live felt like something I could be really excited about.”

Chamness acts as the CEO of the city, managing administrative functions, working with elected officials and ensuring ordinances, policies and rules are observed. When she first started with Holladay, the city was struggling. Aging infrastructure, stunted growth and a lack of direction left Holladay stagnant.

Working with the mayor at the time, Rob Dahle, Chamness held discussions with city residents, elected officials and city staff to prioritize areas of focus.

“Ten years ago, we didn’t have much of a commercial base,” she said. “We were banking on redevelopment of the [Cottonwood] mall and then the great recession set

Holladay City Manager Gina Chamness has led the city through 10 years of growth and change. (Photo courtesy of Holladay)

redevelopment back. The question was, how could we build a city that was going to be financially sustainable? That was a big challenge for several years.”

Investing in infrastructure was another concern. With some parts of the community more than 100 years old, Chamness knew a concerted effort and lots of money had to be allocated to improve infrastructure.

Restructuring the city took patience. Much like turning an ocean liner, it needed a coordinated shift to move something so large and complex.

“Everyone wants to do things quickly. Sometimes people complain about how long the government takes to do things,” Chamness said. “Making sure you have adequate time to listen to residents and making sure elected officials build that conversation into their own planning and into

the process is critical. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that. I wish the residents understood how critical the services we provide are to their day-to-day lives.”

Over the last decade, Holladay has improved road quality, invested in development, attracted businesses that fit the community, expanded the sidewalk system and recently acquired the Spring Lane Elementary property to develop a new park.

Chamness builds bridges between elected officials, residents and city staff, while working with other government agencies, organizations and committees to create a city that residents are proud of.

“I think the best attribute for describing Gina’s success would be ‘trust,’” said Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham. “My colleagues on the council have always felt a keen sense of trust for Gina; trust in her judgment, trust in the depth and breadth of her expertise from budgetary and legal issues to citizen engagement and public policy.”

Chamness admits the job as city manager is stressful, but she’s comfortable with conflict, especially when it leads to a better outcome for Holladay. She encourages women to pursue leadership roles, whether in government or business.

“I tell women, you could absolutely do this,” she said. “I really do feel like I have the best job in the valley.”

The Boob Bus makes mammograms accessible for all women

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

“Let’s get all the girls together to go get dinner and mammograms!” is the vibe Rena Vanzo is going for with mammogram screenings on The Boob Bus.

One in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. For every Utah woman, that translates to about a 12.5% chance of developing cancer.

“Every family, every community, every church group, every book club—all of them will be impacted. Prevention is the best medicine,” said CEO and co-founder of The Boob Bus Rena Vanzo.

The Boob Bus is a mobile unit that offers mammograms, health care screening, breast cancer assessment and other healthcare services to women locally. The main goal of The Boob Bus is to make mammograms more accessible and comfortable.

“Utah women are just not doing their mammograms. We’re way below the national average,” said Vanzo. In 2022, Utah was ranked 48th out of the 50 states in the nation for mammogram screening.

Vanzo and her team have been working to change that statistic by transforming typical health care screenings into modern experiences. The Boob Bus was fully customized as a health care space with neon

pink lights and vaulted ceilings.

“On The Boob Bus, you can expect to feel like an individual,” said driver and Patient Care Coordinator Kayla Pacheco. “Your history, your experiences and your fears are heard.”

An average visit to The Boob Bus begins by checking in to answer medical history questions. The data collected related to menstrual changes, hormones, breast density and personal medical history is used to calculate individual cancer risk.

“Breast density is really becoming more of a topic of conversation,” Vanzo said. “And it should be. Women with dense breasts do have a higher risk of breast cancer.”

Patients are offered heated pink robes instead of hospital gowns during their appointment. Individual women will meet with a licensed certified technologist privately in the mammogram suite for a screening.

Results are within one week. (Vanzo emphasizes that patients may be referred to a hospital for diagnostic screening depending on risk.) Patients leave The Boob Bus with branded lip balm, nail files and educational cards.

The entirely female Boob Bus team emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing women’s health with less shame and embar-

rassment through more conversation.

“I want to live in a world where even the men are saying to their partners ‘Hey, did you get your mammogram yet?’” Vanzo said.

Vanzo and her cofounders started The Boob Bus in 2022 after being personally impacted by individual family members battling cancer diagnoses. It took her two years to get The Boob Bus fully operational.

“I had to learn all of these extra things that are very useful in your life but you wouldn’t think they’d intersect in business,” Vanzo said.

Vanzo needed to get a CDL so she could drive the oversized custom bus. In preparation, she worked for UTA for six months to get trained as a driver in a structured environment.

“Rena is a superstar. I have never met anyone so driven to help others,” said Office and Billing Manager Jen Bartunek.

The Boob Bus primarily meets women for their mammograms all across Salt Lake, Utah and Davis Counties. Through their partnership with the Central Utah Health Department, The Boob Bus also travels to Central Utah.

The Boob Bus works with the Utah Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (UCCP) so uninsured women can still access their mammogram screenings through a voucher program.

The Boob Bus provides heated robes for mammogram appointments so it “feels more like a spa experience,” The Boob Bus founder Rena Vanzo said. (Photo courtesy of Rena Vanzo, The Boob Bus CEO and co-founder.)

El Programa de Detección del Cáncer de Mama y de Cuello Uterino es facilitado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Utah y está financiado con fondos estatales y federales. El formulario de solicitud está disponible en español a través de lo siguiente: www. cancer.utah.gov

Individual women can book appointments online (even same day) through The Boob Bus website: www.theboobbus.com. Organizations, businesses or school districts can email or call The Boob Bus team (866-747-BOOB) to set up a day for group appointments.

Four Simple Ways to Build a Happier Life

As a county councilmember, I spend a lot of time listening to concerns from constituents. I hear from parents who are stretched thin, seniors who feel lonely, young people who are anxious about the future, and workers who feel burned out even when they’re doing everything “right.” One thing is clear: many people are searching for happiness, but they aren’t sure where to find it.

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilmember District 3

Research from social scientists points to a clear answer. Happiness does not come from money alone, social media attention, or having an easier life. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor, social scientist and bestselling author teaches the science of happiness. He says that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friendship and meaningful work.

The first is faith. People are happier when they believe their lives matter and are part of something bigger than themselves. For some, this comes from faith or spiritual beliefs. For others, it comes from serving their community, caring for others or living by strong values. Faith gives people

able sources of long-term happiness. This doesn’t mean family life is easy. It takes patience, forgiveness and time. But people who invest in their families tend to feel more supported and less alone. Family can mean parents and children, grandparents, chosen family or relatives who show up when it counts. Simple actions—shared meals, regular check-ins or family traditions—can make a big difference.

The third is friendship. Healthy friendships protect people from loneliness and stress. They give us someone to laugh with, talk to and lean on when life gets hard. Yet friendships often get pushed aside by busy schedules and screens. Reaching out, making time for face-toface connection, and being present for others helps build trust and belonging. Often you will have to be the one to reach out and make this happen. Communities are stronger when neighbors know each other, not just online, but in real life. Do you know the people who live three houses on either side of you and across the street? If

part of their job. But people are happier when they feel useful and see how their work helps someone else. Whether paid or unpaid, work gives people dignity and purpose. Parents raising children, volunteers, caregivers, students and workers all contribute value. When people feel needed, their confidence and happiness grow.

One important idea connects all four of these areas: happiness is not about chasing pleasure. Pleasure fades quickly. Real happiness builds slowly through effort, relationships and responsibility. It grows when we use things but care for people— not the other way around. Being “happy” doesn’t mean you will never have sadness, anger, frustration or problems. Everyone has hard times. But by focusing on the things that really matter, you increase your opportunities for better overall happiness.

As a community, we should make it easier for people to build these four foundations. That means supporting families, creating spaces for connection, valuing service and helping people find meaning in their lives. Happiness is not something government can give—but it is something we can support by strengthening the places where people live, work and belong. Make a goal this year to find ways you can help increase your own happiness.

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Remember when you thought Mr. Monopoly wore a monocle, or you were convinced Curious George had a tail? Memory is a funny thing.

Or how about when NBC anchor Brian Williams “misremembered” being in a helicopter hit by anti-tank weapons in Iraq? His faulty memory got him suspended.

We all misremember things, but when an entire group does it, it’s called the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon that occurs when millions of people are confidently wrong. Like, remember when we all believed Vladimir Putin was a war criminal? LOL. Good times.

If you’re a Gen Xer, you might remember when the VHS tape got eaten by the VCR and you had to use brain surgeon-style techniques to carefully respool the video. But then the tape always had a wrinkled section where the movie would go wonky for a few seconds. That’s what my memory feels like most days: warped and staticky.

My husband is basically a human computer. He remembers everything. When we meet new people, he lights up like an exploding star. He’s curious about their background, hometown and their connection to any celebrity-type person.

Months later, he’ll say, “Remember at the Yankees game when we met that guy who was married to the cousin of a friend who knows Ryan Reynolds? I think his name was George.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“No.”

“Yeah, you do. He owned a horse farm outside of Albany and loves the color orange.”

“What are you talking about?”

His memory recall is slightly unsettling. He’ll drop info like, “I remember the 1968 World Series when the Detroit Tigers came from behind to beat the Cardinals. They hadn’t won since 1945 and Mickey Lolich was the MVP.”

And then there’s me, having to watch a recap for a TV show I watched the night before. But then I remember random things, like when Sen. Mike Lee advocated for term limits. Hahahaha. The good ol’ days.

I was playing a “Frozen” matching game with my 9 year old granddaughter, trying to remember where the pair of Olafs were hiding. I kept turning over the same two cards, a Sven and an Elsa, convinced I’d finally cracked the code.

My granddaughter found it hilarious watching her doddering old granny lose a game. But there was a time I was the matching

game champ. At least that’s my recollection.

I can still sing Abba’s entire “Arrival” album from 1976 but I’m not quite sure I actually attended a single day of high school. I used to know dozens of phone numbers, but now I couldn’t call my daughters if the world were ending and I had to use a rotary phone.

When it comes to remembering the names of dogs I met at the dog park, I’ve got it down. But their owners’ names? No clue. I can make my mom’s mac and cheese by heart, but need to read the directions on a cake mix four times before I get it right.

It makes me second-guess my memory, like, do you recall when Gov. Spencer Cox took the side of trans kids? Or was that also the

Mandela Effect?

If you’ve ever had a sibling contradict your side of a story, or you can’t remember your eighth-grade science teacher, you’re not alone. Or maybe you had an existential crisis when you realized C-3PO’s lower right leg was silver, not gold.

Memory isn’t just fleeting, it’s fluid. When time blurs the moments we fell flat on our faces, it’s a reminder that our flashbacks are edited highlight reels, usually with a laugh track.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com