Murray Journal | April 2022 by The City Journals

April 2022 | Vol. 32 Iss. 04

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UKRAINE CONFLICT STRIKES CLOSE TO MURRAY By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

ven though it is a hemisphere away, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has rattled Murray’s considerable ties to the country. For example, Murray is home to European Tastees (4700 S. 900 East), a grocery store that sells Russian and Ukrainian foods. Most recently, the Murray City Council (including City Councilor Garry Hrechkosy, who is of Ukrainian descent) passed a resolution supporting the Ukrainian people. Murray is also home to a sizable population of young Ukrainian immigrants adopted from orphanages there. Kris and Kecia Cox adopted two children, one in Kyiv in 2016 and one in Donetsk in 2011. The Coxes had to live in Ukraine for over a month to adopt. While there, they worked with Serge Zevlever, the head of a facilitation team for adoptions in Ukraine. He helped the Coxes adopt a Noah, a boy with Down syndrome. Zevlever was killed by a sniper in the war while trying to help others to safety. Days before he died, he was getting newly adopted orphans and their families safely out of Ukraine. He personally helped over 4,000 orphans find homes. “Serge worked tirelessly for the orphans with special needs. He gave them a voice when they had none. He was larger than life. He loved Ukraine, and he loved the children he fought for until the end,” Kecia Cox said. Noah was adopted through the nonprofit Racing for Orphans with Continued page 4 Serge Zevlever, the head of a facilitation team for adoptions in Ukraine, who helped Chris and Kecia Cox adopt a daughter, was killed in the Ukrainian conflict. (Photo courtesy of Kecia Cox)

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Murray is home to European Tastees, a market that caters to Russian and Ukrainian food tastes. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals) Elizabeth, Andrew and Emily Garrett are three adopted Ukrainian children by the Garrett family. (Photo courtesy of Vern Garrett)

Continued from front page Down Syndrome (RODS Heroes), which was working with Zevlever. The Coxes keep in touch with Noah’s Ukrainian birth mother. She finally decided it was time to flee and took her 17-year-old son and left everything behind, including her husband, and escaped to Poland. Murray is also headquarters for the Save a Child foundation, which helped facilitate the adoption of Ukrainian orphans. Founded by Vern and Nanette Garrett in 2005, their program brought groups of approximately 30-45 children to Utah and boarded them with families interested in possibly adopting the children. According to the Garretts, in 2005, there were approximately 120 orphanages in Ukraine alone. The population of the orphanage schools would range from 70-80 children to as high as 300-400 children. The majority were boarding orphanages where children permanently lived and attended school. Children entered such schools at varying ages. “We started our nonprofit and worked specifically with the orphaned children in Ukraine because of these two adoptions,” Vern Garrett said. “Our nonprofit organized flights, paperwork, finding interested families, and creating orga-

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nized group activities during the two- to three-week timeframe the children spent here.” Following their stay, they were all legally obligated to return to Ukraine, and then individual families pursued the adoption process if they chose to do so. However, that process could take from six months to two years, depending on the child or children being adopted, and circumstances were often beyond the adopting family’s control. The Garretts themselves adopted three Ukrainian orphans—Emily, Elizabeth and Andrew. “All three have been affected differently because of the current conflict in Ukraine,” Vern Garrett said. “All three have expressed their gratitude lately for our efforts to bring them to America, knowing what they would be experiencing currently. Elizabeth has had deep feelings of sadness for her relatives, currently living in a Russian-occupied area north of Sumy. They had very little materially, to begin with, and have had a lot of fear and anxiety because of their current environment. They have a potato cellar, which they have spent a fair amount of time hiding in. A family from their village attempted to travel outside the village and lost their lives.” There were 130 children adopted to American families through Save a Child. Some of the families that adopted children have acted and been successful in helping certain extended family members in Ukraine get over the border to Poland.

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Not making Garrett’s three Ukrainian adopted children’s lives any less complex is that Vern and Nanette have a Russian daughter-in-law. However, according to Vern Garrett, they are all very empathic toward each other and the current circumstances. “Christina (their daughter-in-law) has overwhelming sadness with her mom and dad that currently live in Russia. They have always been very close, and when she has spoken to them lately, they are convinced that Europe and the USA are the aggressors, and Putin is protecting Ukraine from the NATO allies. This has been a lot of the propaganda being spread by government-controlled media in Russia, and when Christina tries to share her view of what’s happening, it has caused a lot of contention, and that has been very perplexing for her,” Vern Garrett said. Seeing the destruction occurring in that country is especially heartbreaking to the Garretts. Each year, they would travel to Ukraine and visit different orphanages to arrange for the program’s children to travel. “We have spent a fair amount of time on those streets and seen many of the buildings being destroyed. These people are wonderful, just like ourselves, and are being subjected to horrific circumstances,” Vern Garrett said. “We’ve never had a war affect us this way, mostly because of our relationship with the people in that area.” l

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Athleticism, friendship, commitment winning combination for Murray cheerleaders By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

hen Murray High cheerleaders Kate Brown, Sky Jorgensen and other seniors try out for college teams this month, they can show an impressive resume. After coming off last year’s virtual West Coast Spirit Championship win, this year’s cheer squad won the 5A coed regionals and state in the Utah High School Activities Association cheer competitions and in Varsity competition, won the intermediate coed division in a regional and took second in nationals in Anaheim, California. Brown began cheerleading after doing gymnastics for four years. As a sophomore, she was named JV captain. As a junior, she was the comp team captain and now as a senior, she is a varsity captain. “I love cheer,” she said. “It’s been an awesome experience and I get to be there cheering on the teams alongside my best friends. It’s been so rewarding.” Jorgensen joined cheer as a high school junior. She played soccer so she didn’t have a gymnastics or tumbling background. “I wasn’t flexible whatsoever, so I looked up videos and stretched my splits every day for about six months” before trying out, said last year’s JV captain and this year’s varsity captain. “I have only cheered for two years, but I have accomplished so much. My favorite part about being on Murray’s cheer team is that we have a special bond of trust. We trust each other to do our part so we all succeed.” That trust is needed with their four-member stunt groups and with the team committing to working hard at every practice to compete. Their routine is two minutes and 30 seconds with a minute of crowd leading and the rest is stunts, pyramids, tumbling, dance and jumps. “It’s a pretty intense minute and half,” Murray High cheer coach Lia Smith said. Their first competition was a Varsity regional held in early December at nearby Cottonwood High. While they qualified for nationals, Smith said it wasn’t their best performance. “We knew that we could do a lot better so that worked to really motivate them,” she said. “Our athletes took constructive criticism and their preparation more seriously. We became a little bit more purposeful in our practices and reps.” At a January Varsity regional, the squad submitted a virtual performance “because our team ended up having a battle with COVID,” Smith said. However, even with that win, Smith said the team still wanted to do better. After each competition, and even during the 10 hours between preliminary and final rounds at nationals, they adjusted their routine and added more difficulty. “State and national score sheets are quite different so between those competitions we made major changes,” she said. “In Varsity competitions, they really like to see variety and creativity. For example, in our cheer, we changed instead of going up to a two-foot extension, where the flyer was standing on both bases, we went up to a lift, which means they stood on one foot and did the same work. It increased the variety in body position and difficulty.” They also would change dance portions to become more engaging and with sharper movements. “After getting feedback from the state regional, we practically changed our entire routine leading up to state finals to make sure we were getting the most difficulty in points we could get. We changed student sequences; we changed part of our cheer to be more crowd engaging,” Smith said. “I wouldn’t be doing my job as coach if I didn’t

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Murray High qualified for nationals at the varsity regional hosted by Cottonwood High. (John Smith/Murray High)

At the USA national preliminaries, Murray High coach Lia Smith said the team had its best performance of the year. (Photo courtesy of Universal Event Photography)

take that feedback and try to make improvements.” Smith said the cheerleaders were on board with revising their routine. “We had their buy-in. They could have said, ‘This is not worth the changes,’ but they trusted us, which was huge. With those changes, we really increased our difficulty and from our base score of state regional to state finals, we increased our base by about 15 points,” she said. The team finished first in UHSAA 5A north regional in mid-January and qualified for state finals. Six days later, the varsity team won state, beating nearby Hillcrest High who finished second at both region and state. In addition, combining with the JV squad, the Spartans got second in fight song and sophomore Zoey Kiser won the 5A jump contest. “It was just pure excitement,” Smith said. “I think winning state was unexpected, so I think they’re just beyond thrilled to say they’re state champions.” Brown said it was her happiest moment of her cheer career. “We went out super excited and more confident. We worked so hard and just nailed our routine. It was exciting and we started hugging each other and crying,” she said. Jorgensen said it was “surreal” to win both region and state. “Being in front of a crowd that is solely focused on you and critiquing your every move is completely different than being on the sidelines of a game,” she said. “I remember feeling so nervous, but excited at the same time. I could feel the adrenaline rush throughout the entire routine.”

Competing without the JV squad and not having parents in the stands, the 19 varsity members made their way to battle in the preliminary round against teams from Idaho, Utah, Arizona and California at nationals in Anaheim. Even after a year of virtual competitions or not allowing spectators, Brown said she wasn’t used to empty stands. “It’s awkward when you don’t have a crowd. We’re out there to make it fun and get people engaged, so it’s a really weird experience when there’s no one watching or cheering with you,” she said. However, that same feeling of excitement after winning state erupted after learning they had made it into finals, Smith said. “They were just screaming and so pumped. It was pure joy. They really believed in themselves and hit their best routine they have done all year,” she said. On finals, Smith said they didn’t perform their best. “We had some uncharacteristic mistakes that happen in finals, but we also were pushing for more difficulty,” she said. “They did a lot of things to be proud of, but while we couldn’t beat the team ahead of us, we held onto our second place. I think there some bittersweetness because the competition season is over and that was the last tune they’d perform together—although they did get a good run of cheering on the sidelines of the state basketball tournament.” While parents couldn’t be in with the athletes, they watched a livestream and cheered when the Spartans exited the competition. It's also hard for Smith to say goodbye to the seniors. It was Brown and others who persuaded Smith to become their coach when their former one quit. Through it all, Smith, a former University of Utah gymnast, had to learn about and navigate the cheer world all while dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on the sport and her athletes. “I’m so proud of these seniors and of what they accomplished through the former coach leaving, through my learning the sport, through virtual competitions and COIVD, of never knowing who’s going to be quarantined and for how long and having limited spectators if any at all, just going through the seasons almost day by day,” she said. “They’re incredible.” In addition to their titles, Jorgensen, Ella Morrell and Kylie Rosengreen were named Varsity All-Americans and Brown, Morrell, Rosengreen and Alysia Shaffer were named 5A All-State cheerleaders. l

April 2022 | Page 5

Cottonwood High’s Kolt Kids Preschool registration opens

egistration now is open for Cottonwood High’s preschool. Class size is limited to 12 preschoolers, who must be potty-trained and three, four and five years old. About 25 high school students, who have taken Child Development and Early Childhood Education classes, work with the young students with preschool aide Earlene Rex. Monthly tuition for Kolt Kids Preschool is $120 for four mornings per week. The preschool year is typically October through April. A $25 non-refundable deposit is needed in the school office to hold a spot. Additional information can be found online: www.schools.graniteschools.org/cottonwoodhigh/kolt-kids-preschool/ The mornings begin just after 9 a.m., typically with students and family and consumer science teacher Terilee Herbon walking with students who are holding onto their “Fruit Loops” rope—a rope with colorful round plastic loops into their dedicated classroom. Once they arrive, the preschoolers will hang up their coats and bags and wash hands. A high school student also will ask a question to every preschooler that will be included in the lessons of the day. “The question will reinforce whatever we’re talking about and gives us a counting aspect,” Rex said. “So yesterday, we asked, ‘Have you ever seen a giraffe?’ for the letter G. Then we count how many have and decide if it’s larger or smaller than those who haven’t.” Herbon said that the class “is constantly doing math.” “Math is so critical in child development,” she said. “They have to understand the concept of counting, which is bigger or more and which is smaller or less. They are learning patterns, which is a very basic skill in kindergarten. We are constantly doing a lot, like maybe 15 math standards, that follow the preschool state curriculum.” A lesson with hands-on activities that are developmentally appropriate is planned by high school students and typically include art, science or sensory, literacy and math. There also is music and movement intermixed into the preschoolers’ days. During their morning circle time on a brightly colored rug, a preschooler may see the day of the month, for example the third, and learn about the number three. Then the preschooler can spin a wheel to see if the class will jump or stomp their feet three times. They also will look at the weather and say and practice writing the letter of the day. The day will follow a theme, perhaps a nursery rhyme or a letter. Recently, the preschoolers learned all about the letter F and reached into a “mystery box” to pull out items that started with the letter, such as felt, a flower, a plastic fire engine and a flag, said junior Myalisa Romero. When they learned about the letter G, they also learned goat starts with the letter and had a visit from a real goat and learned about feeding and taking care of it. A story and an art project usually accompany the lesson. Students also explore science, from examining how magnets work while reinforcing the letter M to studying the letter V while learning how a papier-mâché volcano erupts with vinegar and baking soda. Sophomore Alessandro Torres enrolled in the class for the love of children. “I love how creative they are and how their perspectives are,” Torres said. Senior Rebecca Walker loves thinking outside the box when teaching the preschoolers. “I love working with the kids and learning new ways to teach them,” she said. “We work with each one of the preschool students to learn skills as they all learn differently.”

Page 6 | April 2022

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

During Kolt Kids, a high school student helps a preschooler with a puzzle, one of many stations at the preschool. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Each day, preschool students have a healthy snack and play on the playground in the courtyard with high school students. Back inside the preschool, there are several stations for the preschoolers, such as an imagination station or one filled with blocks and manipulatives. There are trucks, puzzles, books, sticker letters and other learning materials. “There’s always somebody there to play with them and they clean up as we sing the clean-up song,” Rex said. “At the end of the day, high school students sanitize everything.” Holidays, birthdays and a few other days bring fun opportunities to the preschoolers. For their birthdays, preschoolers wear a birthday crown and choose a book to keep. A special day may include the chance to listen to Cottonwood High music students introduce their instruments and listen to them play or attend part of the high school musical. For holidays, such as Halloween, the preschoolers who are dressed up in their costumes may trick-or-treat through the school’s offices and then try a witch’s brew. They also may drive golf tees into a pumpkin. For St. Patrick’s Day, preschoolers can bring a leprechaun trap to share with the class, but while they’re out of the room, the leprechauns leave footprints and create havoc in the preschool right down to turning the water green in a child-size toilet. Typically, during the school year, guest speakers such as a firefighter or crossing guard or other community helpers share with students the importance of their jobs. Parents are welcome to observe the lessons through one-way mirrors. Rex also takes photos and videos to share with parents and a preschool yearbook is given to students. At the end of the year, high school students plan a preschool graduation ceremony where the youngsters wear their own cardboard mortarboards. Herbon said high school students are learning many skills in addition to curriculum. “These kids have learned some incredible positive guidance techniques and they can use them in any situation. They

can redirect kids if their having a hard time or to correct behavior and just use a lot of positivity and praise,” she said. Junior Roxie Templin said she and her peer high school students have learned to be positive. “We will point out to everybody like if someone is sitting quietly and correctly on their pockets and say, ‘Thank you for sitting’ or ‘Thank you for quietly listening,’” she said. “Other kids pick up on that and learn from one another.” High school students are translating what they’ve learned from interacting with preschoolers to their own peers, such as having more patience, figuring out different approaches to conflicts, working as a team on projects and being positive role models. They also learned how to problem-solve as in the case when one preschooler didn’t come with a costume, the high school students quickly created one that brought a smile to the little student’s face. Junior Gabby Stephens said she’d use some of the teaching skills she has learned at home. “I’m learning how to be a better sister and how to be a better parent for the future and how to use positive reinforcement,” she said. Sophomore Janel Amaya said she has learned to be more patient, which helps with anxiety. “I’m talking to them and seeing how they do stuff—and it’s just so calming,” Amaya said. Some high school students have plans to become teachers so they enroll for multiple years. Sophomore Aisha Sylvester hopes to return as a senior when her niece and nephew may enroll in Kolt Kids so she can return to be their teacher. For Rex, being a teacher is not a job, but a passion. “I love seeing them grow and develop—both the preschool students and the high school students,” she said. l

Murray City Journal

Viewmont Elementary community supports students’ fundraising goals By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

bby Stewart trained with her mother for Viewmont Elementary’s Leprechaun Leap run. “I’ve run one mile with my mom, but I ran this faster because I wanted to win,” said the first-place female fourth-grade finisher who plays soccer and basketball. “At first it was easy, but at the end I felt like crying because it was so hard. I like running because if you don’t run, like in soccer, you don’t accomplish anything.” After finishing through an archway of green balloons, Abby and other top three male and female finishers in each grade received a medal and a certificate. Kindergartners ran ¼-mile, first- through fourthgrade students completed a ½-mile course and fifth- and sixth-graders raced one mile. Families were involved, not only cheering on runners or volunteering, but also to support the school fundraiser by purchasing “experiences” for the students and teachers. For example, an option was to participate in a dodgeball game or an extra recess or contribute for a movie for the entire grade or a Popsicle party. Donations also were given to provide their teacher a drink from Swig, said Joelle Bangerter, who serves as the Leprechaun Leap co-chair.

“We’re hoping to raise money for the school for the spelling bee, Reflections, science fair, daddy-daughter dance and all those kinds of PTA programs,” she said. Students also could bring in donations during the two-week fundraising drive which began in early March. The goal is to raise $10,000 and as of the run, they already had reached $7,500 and earned incentives including a cookie party and an opportunity to catch a ball thrown off the roof by their principal Jennifer King. “It’s so amazing how this community cares and wants to get involved to support students and this school,” King said. “Even before this run, there were donations coming in and Murray Police came to make sure the kids are safe. It’s a very supportive community.” Leprechaun Leap co-chair Kylie Fitts echoed King. “Murray Police just said tell us what you need and what you want, and we’ll be there,” she said. “Everyone was on board and the kids love being able to be outside with their classmates. They’re more than excited.” Fitts said the run returned to the school after a six-year absence.

And they’re off! Viewmont Elementary students take off running in the return of the Leprechaun Leap run. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The Leprechaun Leap was part of the Irish celebrations at the school. On St. Patrick’s Day, students were able to listen to the bagpipers of The Heathen Highlanders

and watch some jigs and reels performed by dancers from the Scariff School of Irish Dance. l

Miss Murray raises funds, awards scholarships to underprivileged youth By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

fter hearing that her best friend in dance class could no longer participate because her family could not afford the fees, Morgan Workman decided to do something about it. Now that she is Miss Murray, she has the opportunity to act on that decision. “It was then I realized that I wanted to create a scholarship program one day, which is now called Gift of Movement. My and Gift of Movement’s goal, from the very beginning, have been to give youth more opportunities to do what they love, regardless of their financial situation,” Workman said. Gift of Movement is a scholarship program for underprivileged youth who cannot afford to participate in extracurricular activities. Workman’s charity raises money through fundraising events, getting donations from local businesses and the community. Workman’s background makes Gift of Movement a natural fit as her platform. She is a University of Utah student majoring in entrepreneurship and minoring in dance. Before winning the title of Miss Murray, she raised $1,000 through a self-defense class taught by Dan Smith, a police officer willing to donate his time. Her first Gift of Movement scholarship winner, Gracie, loves to dance and would do it all of the time if she could. Unfortunately,

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due to her family’s financial situation, she could not afford the cost of dance tuition and fees. However, with the help of Gift of Movement, she was able to afford tuition and fees for several months. “Growing up, I noticed that there was a huge need for underprivileged youth scholarships. According to activekids.com, only 27.5% of youth from low-income families in America are participating in sports. That number is so low. Gift of Movement aims to one day raise that percentage,” Workman said. As a representative of Murray City, she now invites the community to support the Gift of Movement. Workman will be hosting a 5k fundraiser for spring scholarships. The 5k will start at Murray Park Pavilion No. 5 (by the park offices) on April 9 at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $25, with all proceeds going toward Gift of Movement scholarships. “It is a good time to get out and get active for a great cause,” Workman said. Her most recent scholarship winner is an immigrant from Eastern Europe who came to Utah in sixth grade. That youth was interested in joining her high school dance company but was unable to due to tuition and fees. She took the opportunity to apply for the Gift of Movement and used the scholarship to become a

member of her high school dance company. “Dancing is how she has been able to cope with the struggles of being an immigrant,” Workman said. According to Workman, the young woman told her, “The Gift of Movement scholarship allows me to do things my situation does not give me the chance to do.” Researchers at Flinders University in Australia found that children from low-income families who took part in extracurricular activities were more likely to report feeling a sense of belonging at school than those who did not. Their general mental health outcomes were also better. To earn a scholarship, applicants submit a one- to two-page essay about why they want it and why they need it. Workman reviews the applicants and awards scholarships based on their needs and available funds. In 2021, Workman told the Murray Journal, “Growing up I couldn’t afford to do what I love, which was dance. I would search long and hard for scholarships, but unfortunately, there aren’t many out there for youth. Luckily, I received scholarships throughout my dancing career to continue training.” And now, she plans to continue the Gift of Movement scholarships even after her reign as Miss Murray ends.

Miss Murray, Morgan Workman, notifies a lucky scholarship winner. (Photo courtesy of Gift of Movement)

Those interested in donating or applying for a scholarship can submit online to thegiftofmovement.org. l

April 2022 | Page 7

Mittelman takes reins of Murray FD By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

t first look, you would think Murray's new fire chief was a fresh recruit, and even Mayor Brett Hales has had to assure those attending city council meetings that Chief Joseph Mittelman is indeed a long-term member of the Murray Fire Department. Hales announced in February that the former assistant chief would take over the role of chief for Jon Harris, who retired to New Zealand. Being a paramedic is perhaps in Mittelman’s gene pool. While growing up in Payson, Utah, his parents, Kirk and Margaret Mittelman, were volunteer paramedics who had an emergency scanner in their home. "In a way, I've always been around police, EMS, and fire friends. I remember back in the '80s, if a backup call came into Payson Ambulance, I would hop in the car with my mom, and a few times, the secretary couldn't watch me, so I got to ride in the front of the ambulance. I was hooked as a kid and wanted to be a paramedic," Mittelman said. In high school, Mittelman started taking public safety courses. At age 18, he became certified in EMS and started working at Utah Jazz games. By 19, he had completed firefighting training and was on his way

to being a full-fledged paramedic. "Not being 21 yet, (paramedic) was always a fun detail; most people referred to me as their kid," Mittelman said. "I can still remember my first IV and intubation when I was 18. Driving a fire engine at 19 was the coolest, though. A kid's dream come true. How thankful I am for all of those that have helped me in the past learn and grow." Young Mittelman immersed himself in his parents' EMT company, Mt. Nebo Training Courses. Both father and son completed their master's degrees together. In 2006, they helped start the Mount Nebo/ University of Utah paramedic program. His mother is now a professor of EMS at Utah Valley University. Also in 2006, Mittelman was asked to take the role of EMS Training Officer for Murray Fire. "It was my favorite time of work so far. I miss those days. I think I am a paramedic/ firefighter at heart. I continued in that role until 2018. What an amazing experience that was to get to know each of our members through their recertification process, testing, and teaching aspect. I love education and love the advancements that have been made," Mittelman said. Mittelman has risen through the ranks

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at Murray FD, starting as a paramedic firefighter and promoted to fire marshal and assistant chief. As fire marshal, Mittelman visited schools during Fire Prevention Week, stressing the importance of smoke detectors. In 2019, he told the Murray Journal, "We suggest you plan, practice, and know your escape plan. Murray has a wide variety of homes in size, age and design. Each home presents a different challenge for fire alarms and exit strategies. Firefighters don't notice a specific problem within Murray but oftentimes find non-working detectors throughout homes." As fire chief, his first order of business will be replacing key members of the department's administrative staff, due to retirement. "We experienced a record high of over 6,900 calls in 2021. Some of the changes include reassigning our logistics, EMS, and certification responsibilities to our day staff rather than shift battalion chiefs and captains," Mittelman said. Murray FD's roster includes two assistant chiefs, two fire marshals, nine captains, nine engineers, and 32 paramedics/firefighters. In addition, there are several support staff who work within the department. Along with replacing staff, Mittelman will have to grapple with the changing demands placed on the department. "Most likely, our greatest challenge will be our increasing calls, inflation of apparatus costs, and attracting the best candidates for hire over the next 10 years. Murray will likely have a fourth ambulance

Joseph Mittelman was sworn in as Assistant Chief in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

needed within a few years," Mittelman said. When he isn't at the firehouse, you can catch Mittelman and his family outdoors or on the family houseboat in Lake Powell. Still, he likes the place where he’s worked for the last 15 years. "Murray is the perfect location and has the most people to be around,” he said. “It's like we have our own little, small town nestled in the middle of a large county." l

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Joseph Mittelman receives the flag from outgoing Murray City Fire Chief Jon Harris. (Photo courtesy of Murray City)

Murray City Journal

Murray teen named 2022 Utah State Youth of the Year By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

nce a youth battling bipolar depression, Murray teen Carissa Vera has been named 2022 Utah State Youth of the Year. Vera, a member of the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Boys & Girls Club, will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and will vie for the title of Pacific Regional Youth of the Year. “I struggle on a daily basis to understand and navigate my life with my mental illness,” Vera said. “However, since my diagnosis, I have been able to have more compassion for myself and use my struggles to better my situation. Thanks to the Boys & Girls Club, I was able to be truthful to myself and others, which in turn led to my diagnosis.” Vera has been coming to the Miller Family Boys & Girls Club for five years. She is part of the student government over publicity at Murray High School. She has led service projects with over 80 youth involved to feed individuals dealing with homelessness. Vera advocates diversity and inclusion and increases mental illness awareness after battling her bipolar diagnosis. In the fall, she will start classes at Utah Tech University in the marketing program. “I am super proud to be an ambassador for the B&GC because I am able to give back to an organization that has given me so much. I am also able to go to college with some financial support which is a huge relief considering that I will be funding 100% of my college expenses on my own. I am excited to open the doors the Youth of the Year (YOY) and the B&GC has built for me,” Vera said. The YOY award is a title given to one teen at every Boys & Girls Club nationwide. The local organization then holds a scholarship competition where one teen will be recognized as the local YOY. After the local round, the teen will then compete against other YOYs from their state for the state YOY title. Next, that teen will move to the regional competition and compete with winners from other states in their area. After the regional competition, the winners will go to the national competition in Washington, D.C.

Murray teen Carissa Vera at the Utah State Capitol. (Photo courtesy of Carissa Vera)

They will meet the president and compete to become the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2022 Youth of the Year. The winners receive scholarship money at every level. In addition to being a student body officer, she was president of the Keystone Club, a B&GC program that fosters leadership development. She also mentors youth and co-facilitates a sex education program called “All for you.” “The most meaningful thing the B&GC has done for me is provide guidance when I was going through a mental health crisis. I was able to talk to mentors and safe adults who helped me get the treatment I needed and checked in on me on a daily basis,” Vera said. When she tries to fit everything into her busy schedule, she is also a shift lead at Murray’s Chick-fil-A. After college, she hopes to land a career in marketing management. According to Vera, her experience with staff at the B&GC has significantly impacted her life, and she encourages the younger members to take advantage of their time there.

Murray teen Carissa Vera (center) received a $5,000 scholarship 2022 Utah State Youth of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Carissa Vera)

“Every staff member at the B&GC has good intentions and is always there for every single kid who walks through the doors,” Vera said. “My advice to younger kids joining the B&GC would be to trust the people

trying to help them in life and build long-lasting memories at the Club. You only get to be a kid once, and you can do that safety at the B&GC.” l

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Murray legislators’ scorecard By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

egislators representing Murray at the Utah State Capitol wrapped up their 2022 session on March 4. However, Murray’s all-Democrat slate of legislators ended up with a mixed bag of results in getting their bills through the Republican-dominated statehouse and onto the governor’s desk. Sen. Jani Iwamoto Sen. Jani Iwamoto was by far the most active of Murray’s legislators this year; 12 of her 13 pieces of legislation passed. After five amendments, Iwamoto’s Driver Speeding Amendment bill delivered, defining how motorists caught driving more than 105 mph will be charged with reckless driving. On a more personal note, Iwamoto’s Day of Remembrance Observing the Incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II bill passed without receiving a single nay vote. The bill recognizes Feb. 19 as a day in which Utah residents and students are encouraged to learn about the history of Japanese Americans incarcerated solely due to their ethnicity. Her other bill, which went through several iterations, was the Correctional Officer Eligibility Amendment. This changed the law to remove the prohibition on 19-year-olds working as correctional officers for the Department of Corrections. Iwamoto also proposed the creation of

the Office of American Indian-Alaska Native Health and Family Services within the Department of Health and Human Services, and it passed. Sen. Gene Davis Of the six bills presented by Sen. Davis, four passed. One bill that Davis succeeded in passing commissions a study on how medical cannabis is governed in Utah. The study will likely result in further amendments on how the program is administered in the state. Sen. Kathleen Riebe After presenting four numbered bills, Sen. Riebe was able to get one through the legislature: the Grow Your Own Teacher and School Counselor Pipeline Program. The bill permits a local education agency to select certain teachers as candidates for a scholarship award from the same-named program. The program allows school districts to help school staff and community members become licensed teachers. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss Rep. Moss, along with Murray Reps. Gay Lynn Bennion, Karen Kwan and Mark Wheatley, helped co-sponsor a bill creating Utah’s newest official holiday, Juneteenth. The bill, whose lead sponsor was Sondra Hollins, designates June 19 as a date commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Juneteenth was recently made a national hol-

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Murray’s Rep. Mark Wheatley addresses the Utah State House of Representatives. (Photo courtesy of Mark Wheatley)

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Spackman Moss sponsored four house bills, one of which passed: a bill transferring the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program Fund from the Department of Workforce Services to the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion The creation of the Watershed Restoration Initiative is one of Rep. Bennion’s two bills that were passed by the legislature. The bill creates new Department of Natural Resources policies and objectives to manage, restore and improve watershed ecosystems throughout the state. Rep. Andrew Stoddard Stoddard sponsored six bills and two resolutions; two passed. His Inheritance Disqualification Amendment updated the law to clarify provisions related to the disinheritance of an individual who committed the homicide of a decedent. It also allows the victim’s estate to petition a court to preserve the assets and property of an individual who committed the

homicide. Rep. Karen Kwan Rep. Kwan sponsored one bill and one resolution, which was the only one that passed. Her resolution calls for the federal government to responsibly fund the protection of archaeologically significant sites on lands managed by the federal government. It also calls for the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement to work with other government agencies to protect archaeological sites on state lands. Rep. Mark Wheatley Of the five bills Rep. Wheatley sponsored, one passed. His Law Enforcement Recording Release Amendment went through three changes before it was ultimately voted on. This bill requires the release of the recording of a law enforcement incident that resulted in death or bodily injury or when an officer fired a weapon in certain situations. The status of all legislators’ bills can be found online at le.utah.gov. l

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Murray City Journal

Q&A with Murray’s new planning chief Jared Hall By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

t’s a hard gig leading the Community & Economic Development department in Murray. With the city going through a momentous transformative period—the tension between developers and residents is fraught. Standing in the middle is the city’s CED Department. Mayor Brett Hales appointed within its ranks Jared Hall to replace outgoing CED Director Melinda Greenwood, who left for Kaysville after two years on the job. A seven-year veteran of the department, Hall served as the Planning Division Manager and has had a prominent role in the city’s hearings regarding significant projects and the future of Murray. With his promotion, he takes on the added tasks of working with the Murray City Redevelopment Agency and economic development. Hall agreed to answer a few questions from the Murray Journal to learn more about the leader responsible for guiding Murray through this changing time. What is the biggest thing you have been involved with program- or project-wise? It’s difficult to pick out a single program or project. I’ve been part of some large mixed-use developments, commercial projects, and some large, planned subdivisions over the years. The thing is, I believe that the “biggest” things that a planner like me is involved with are things that will generate slow, incremental change over time. I’ve been part of the creation and adoption of three general plans, small area plans, and lots of ordinance work to take zoning from exclusionary forms toward more traditional and mixeduse development patterns. I’ve tried to advocate for affordable housing and sustainable development as well, and that’s been very important to me. Projects—even big ones—come no matter what. What informs those projects is what matters most to the community, and that’s what this is all about. The biggest and most important programs and projects are still to come. What new initiatives or programs are you seeking to do while serving as director? I’d like to explore more possibilities with the RDA (redevelopment agency). We need to find ways to increase the community’s access to opportunities, not just for entertainment and employment but for basic services like housing, groceries and child care. The purpose and result of a city’s efforts at economic development should be better, more complete community development. To support the best goals that Murray set in the General Plan, we need to shift focus to more long-range planning; and as a part of that effort, I also hope we can explore public outreach options so that more people in the community

MurrayJournal .com

are involved in community development. Some Murray residents have expressed that it does not seem to be attracting restaurants and stores like Taylorsville, Holladay, and West Jordan have been. What will you do differently than your predecessor to build Murray’s economic base? I have to say that I’m not sure I agree with that, because there are always new, interesting restaurants and shops opening in and around the Fashion Place Mall, for example. We do hear a lot from people in the community that they’d like to see more unique, local businesses in Murray, and I want to explore things that we can do to foster that. I’d like to see us working closely with Murray’s Chamber of Commerce to support local and regional entrepreneurs with interesting ideas. Realistically, in order to maintain and grow Murray’s economic base, we need to embrace the changes in commercial, retail, and office that are happening all the time and are out of our control. In general, commercial is smaller, more targeted, and more experience-based. We need to focus on creating opportunities and reasons for reinvestment in Murray’s commercial properties. There has been controversy regarding mixed-use projects in Murray, which you have been caught in the middle of at times. In planning meetings, people have commented that you are a proponent of high-density projects. What would be your response to them? Mixed-use is a complicated topic, and I think we have to be careful not to simply reduce it to high-density housing. Residential density is important to support the purpose of mixed uses: development that is more compact, more walkable, and less dependent on cars. Because of all that, mixed-use projects will produce less traffic, fewer parking issues, and use less resources overall as well. The result is a more vibrant, sustainable development pattern. It is always important, though, to remember that mixed uses don’t necessarily belong everywhere, and that the scale of that development needs to match the context. I believe that we should support higher-density, mixed-use projects where there is good access to transit but less intense development where that access is more limited. For example, allowing mixed uses may encourage reinvestment in aging, neighborhood-scaled shopping centers by allowing some residential uses on the site but they need to be appropriate in density and integrated with the commercial. Getting that balance right and making sure the scale and scope is sensitive to the context is the

key. I know that not everyone wants to live in a mixed-use development, but plenty of people do, and such a project done correctly could benefit everyone. The owner of the property gets to reinvest, the existing commercial tenants see increased use of the site, new homes are created for people who want to live there, and the community around it benefits because of the improvements to a place where they already shop and spend time. A frequent complaint about the Murray City Center District has been what people have seen as a lack of communication to what people want to see downtown. What are your views on the downtown project? What can Murray residents expect as far as communication goes with your department? I believe that we should open channels of communication wherever possible. It’s unfortunate when people don’t feel like they know what’s happening or that they’re being shut out of the conversation. I believe that redevelopment of the downtown area should be an imperative, and the community’s participation in any project, but especially something like the city’s downtown, needs to be encouraged. I know the people working in this depart-

ment with me always try to be available to

Community and Economic Director Jared Hall motions to the audience at a recent city council meeting. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

talk about issues with the citizens as much as we can. I don’t think everyone has to agree all the time, but it’s important to me that everyone who wants to be part of the conversation has an opportunity to do that. Staff here has been and will always be willing to answer questions and take feedback on things any time. Call, email, drop in—whatever works for you. We have been talking for a while now about ways to better connect with the larger community. We are open to ideas on that subject, and we’re actively looking for ways to boost involvement and conversation. l

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April 2022 | Page 11

Comcast invests in Tech-Moms, a program that encourages women to move into tech By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

omcast Corporation is investing in women. The global media and technology company is the Title Sponsor for the Tech-Moms technical training program where Comcast will provide $42,000 in cash and support in 2022, in addition to providing $15,000 in support last year. Tech-Moms is a nonprofit organization that helps women move into, or return to, technology careers. Students in the program are given opportunities to build skills and knowledge to transition to a profitable tech position. “I just started my second week of training with a tech company in Springville, [Utah],” said Tech-Moms graduate, Janice Knudsen. “It pays more and has benefits that my old job did not. There are many opportunities for advancement since this company hires first from within.” More than 200 women have gone through the TechMom program, which partners with five higher-ed institutions, and 80 women are currently participating in the program. Additionally, 300+ applications are waiting for a spot to open. Students are introduced to a variety of technical careers and given a strong support network as they move forward. As the women transition into the tech industry, they discover hidden abilities that help them build confidence in this ever-growing field. “After graduating from Tech-Moms, I have had the confidence to apply for new jobs,” said Rosa Griffin. “Next week, I am going back to college, and I applied for a new job that I dared to apply for, even when I didn’t

meet the college requirement. Two days later they offered me the job. The only condition was that I would go back to school and start working towards my degree. My salary has had a great increase too! I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to be part of Tech-Moms.” “The value of the contributions Utah women make is incredible,” said Deneiva Knight, Director of External Affairs at Comcast. “That's one reason we are partnering with Tech-Moms. We want to help provide women the opportunity to build the skills, knowledge, and professional network they need to transition into or re-enter a career in tech.” Comcast has a history of community investment bringing digital equity to communities with programs like the $1 billion initiative Project UP. The project provides safe spaces for students to access free WiFi, it supports 13,000 small business owners of color with tech services, and it works with thousands of partners across the country. With Comcast’s support, Tech-Moms has the opportunity to introduce women to careers that could change their lives. As more jobs open in the tech industry, women are empowered to apply for positions they’d never considered. “I really am loving my new job so much more than I ever could have imagined,” said Tech-Moms participant Sherrie Hall. “Also, I didn't realize that this was what has been missing from my life. It feels so good to work and

Hundreds of women have completed Tech-Moms, a program that helps women move into tech jobs.

has been awesome for my mental health. Wish I would have found Tech-Moms sooner.” With a better income and reliable employment, women are empowered to branch out and when that happens, everyone wins. For more information, visit Tech-Moms. org and Comcast.com. “We have chosen Tech-Moms because it helps close the digital divide of haves and have-nots by strengthening women, which influences families and improves our communities,” Knight said.l

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Murray Senior Rec Center gets new director By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

or Cory Plant, there’s no place like home, or in this case, Murray. Plant, who graduated with Murray High School’s class of 1976, spent 37 years as the Murray City recreation director and accepted the Murray Senior Recreation Center position this past July. As recreation director, he oversaw all the sports and recreation programs in the city. When he started, the city offered roughly 20 activities. During Plant’s tenure, the city eventually came to offer over 90 recreation programs, including T-ball, soccer, Jr. Jazz, youth track, competitive basketball leagues, learn-toplay programs, tennis lessons, 5K races, triathlons, sports camps and even pickleball. For the adults, he created sports leagues in softball, basketball, volleyball, kickball and golf, to name just a few. When he saw an opening for Murray Senior Center director, he applied, interviewed and was offered and accepted the position. “It has been a great transition. I have enjoyed getting to know the patrons that use our facility. Such wonderful people,” Plant said. Plant replaces director Tricia Cooke, who had served in the position for five years before retiring. For Plant, it has been an adjustment from his previous post. “Many people in Murray still do not know we have a senior recreation center,” Plant said. “We are not a care center; we are an activity center where people come to enjoy many of the wonderful programs that we offer. We offer a variety of medical clinics and special services to aid our seniors. There is something for everyone. Perhaps the greatest value is the social aspect of meeting

new people and developing friendships.” The Senior Center is for adults 55 years of age and older. It’s an active center with various services and events designed to enhance quality of life. It costs nothing to join the center. However, there are fees associated with certain activities. It’s open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “One of the unique things we do is have live dances on Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m., with a one-person live band. People love to ballroom dance. It is well attended,” Plant said. And if ballroom dancing isn’t your thing, the center has a seemingly endless list of other activities, such as art and fitness classes, ceramics, and card games like bridge, pinochle and canasta. Seniors can keep active with pickleball, yoga, Zumba and billiards. Plus, they offer daily lunches, day trips, music concerts, bingo, tax preparation, legal consultations and holiday celebrations. “(The) short-term future of the center is to add additional programs that will attract people to our center and increase the interest level of our community,” Plant said. “We would like to add more fitness classes, which is an important element in helping our seniors stay active, healthy and fit. Perhaps the greatest thing we can do for our seniors is to provide a social resource where people can get to know others and establish relationships. That social element is huge to seniors. People like to be heard and be able to express themselves.” If given the budget, Plant envisions the center expanding its hours of operation in the evening and a bigger fitness/exercise room. He also would like to build a large game room dedicated to board games, darts and card tournaments.

Cory Plant (r) referees high school football games with his brother Craig Plant. (Photo courtesy of Cory Plant)

“I enjoy meeting and talking to the patrons that visit the center. They have so many wonderful experiences they love to talk about. They all have a story to tell. I realize how much experience these patrons have gathered throughout their lives. They have lived successful lives facing all sorts of adversity and trials and yet overcoming those situations to become the people they are. They are kind and appreciative and full of gratitude. I have learned that seniors like to tell you about their families. It is good to hear their personal stories,” Plant said. The Murray Senior Recreation Center is located at 10 E. 6150 South. Program information can be found online at murray. utah.gov.l

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Murray Boys & Girls Club gets treated to pizza and magician by Rotary

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

urray City Rotarians continued their traditional pizza party March 16 at the Miller Family Boys & Girls Club. Rotary provided pizzas with help from Sam’s Club. Providing entertainment was Murray’s own Paul Brewer. “The Miller Boys & Girls Club in Murray is a great blessing to Murray,” Murray Rotary Club President Kyle Winther said. “As a lifelong resident of Murray, I have seen firsthand the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has on young kids who likely would never have had such opportunities leading to successful lives.” “Our Boys & Girls Club assures that kids in need can obtain a home-like atmosphere,” Rotarian Jim Charnholm said. “Providing food, physical activities, coaching in being a good citizen, and helping with homework happens here every day.”l

The Murray Rotary Club treated the Miller Boys & Girls Club to Paul Brewer’s magic show that included Murray Mayor Brett Hales getting in on the act. (Photo courtesy of Murray Rotary)

Murray City Hall at the end of March. (Shaun Delliskave/City Journals)

Murray Downtown update—April 2022 By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

n his March 1 state of the city address, Murray Mayor Brett Hales announced that city hall will be completed in March 2023. He also stated that the Murray Mansion renovation would include a new elevator and restrooms. In other downtown news, the Utah State

Legislature decided not to appropriate any funds toward completing the Murray Theatre renovation. As a result, Murray will have to determine how to raise the remaining funds to wrap up the construction that was projected for next year. l

Murray City Journal

APRIL 2022

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney .................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637 City Council ............................. 801-264-2603 Finance Department ............... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 General Information................ 801-264-2525 Senior Recreation Center ......... 801-264-2635 Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656 Library .................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office.......................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280 Museum .................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Park Outdoor Pool ....... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2614 Rain-out Information ......... 801-264-2525 Park Center (indoor pool) ........ 801-284-4200 Passports................................. 801-264-2660 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2673 Animal Control/SL County .. 385-468-7387 Code Enforcement .............. 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office .......... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2420 Solid Waste......................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets.......... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ................ 801-264-2626

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Mayor’s Message

MAYOR’S OFFICE

MURRAY CITY WATER UPDATE

mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107

Water. You don’t realize how important it is until you don’t have it. We hope to never face situations where the water is contaminated or there simply isn’t enough water. Murray Public Works is taking steps to make sure clean water keeps flowing to your faucets, showers and toilets. It’s increasingly a challenge as the drought continues to wreak havoc on our reservoirs,

Brett A. Hales -Mayor

lakes and other water storage places. We applaud efforts, by you, to cut back on the amount of water you use on your landscapes and in your homes. Keep up the good work! The following is a report on some of the most recent Public Works water activities:

Murray City Water Update Murray City Water Department got its start back in 1903 when the McGhie Springs property was acquired. That has been one of the most important water sources since. There have been many changes and upgrades to the water system over the years. Currently, 20 full-time employees watch over and maintain the water system which includes 194 miles of water pipe and 10,192 service connections. There are 19 wells and 8 springs and more than 1,400 McGhie Springs city owned fire hydrants that are exTunnel 1920 ercised yearly. Murray Water has five water reservoirs with a total storage capacity of 12 million gallons. The city averages around 40 mainline water breaks a year which is responded to within 30 minutes to determine whether it requires more attention. Murray has on-call personnel 24/7 to respond to all calls from residents or businesses. After hours calls are dispatched through Murray Power Dispatch after hours number (801)264-9669. Normal business hours are 7:00 to 3:30 M–F for Public Works. Customers can call during these hours at (801)270-2440. Murray does not allow a resident to access the meter box where a shutoff valve is located. If you need your water turned off, please call. This service is provided free of charge at any time.

Murray City Water Upcoming Projects Projects scheduled for 2022–2023 are upgrades to failing water pipe in the Walden Meadow and Hollow Springs area. More than 4,200 feet of new water pipes will be installed beginning sometime in April with a project length of three months. In addition to this, Murray City Water crews will replace water pipe on Commerce Drive from 4600 South to 4800 South in mid-March. This summer, our crews will also be installing new water mains on (1) 6240 South, 300 East to 440 East, (2) 370 East, Winchester Street to 6270 South, and (3) 4th Ave and 5th Ave near the

Water crews working on waterline

new City Hall location. These projects will be around 5,000 feet of pipe which is funded by water sales. All residents or business within these project locations will be notified prior to starting.

Murray City Water Conservation Efforts Murray City Water Department is involved in many Water Conservation Programs ranging from rebate programs to partnership with other agencies. Water conservation in Utah is becoming more important every year and water companies must find ways to encourage all water users to find ways to conserve this precious resource. In 2019, Murray City Water completed the Water Conservation Plan which is required by the State and must be reviewed and updated every five years. Murray City Water has been making efforts for water conservation by creating incentives and a Flip Your Strip rebate program that helps Murray Water users. Any Murray resident who is on the Murray Water system can qualify for up to three rebates for installing new water efficient toilets and shower heads. Another rebate program that Murray City Water offers is “Flip your Strip”. This allows a Murray resident on Murray Water to get up to $350.00 to convert your current grass park strip to a more water wise design; certain criteria must be met to qualify. More information on both these programs can be found on the Murray City website under Water Department and Water Conservation. Another option for a sprinkler controller rebate is to go to the Utah Water Savers website. Here,

WATER QUALITY CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Message from the Council Hello Everyone, What a whirlwind this newly elected council member has been on these past couple of months. I was sworn in on Tuesday January 4th, then had a Committee of the Whole meeting, an RDA (Redevelopment Pam Cotter Agency) meeting and finished off the night District 2 with a City Council meeting. Talk about baptism by fire! I am honored to serve on several committees. I was appointed as Vice Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. We have met with our Finance Director, Brenda Moore, twice so far to get us prepared for budget time. I was also appointed to be on the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) Committee. We will be meeting with department heads to go over their budgets for next year in the near future. Finally, I will be a representative for the City Council to the Murray City Chamber of Commerce. I met with the Chamber of Commerce Youth Government at the State Capitol in January. While we were there, we enjoyed a breakfast and I did some catch up with some of the students I know. While the youth went off to do a scavenger hunt, I met with Sheri Van Bibber (Chamber Member for the Youth) and we discussed things that she was working on for our youth. When that was over we went to a discussion on redesigning our State Flag. While I was listening to the Legislators ask questions of our youth, I was so proud of their

responses. I could see them run for office someday. What bright futures all these amazing students have. I also attended the ULCT (Utah League of Cities and Towns) Elected Officials Essentials training in January. The League’s Executive Director, Cameron Diehl is one of our very own Murray High School graduates. It was great to say, “Hi,” to him and see how he was doing. In the short time I have held office, I have had the opportunity to have a few meetings with Mayor Hales. We have had some wonderful discussions about the things I heard from my constituents during my campaign. Then to “top” off all these events, the City held a “Beam Topping Ceremony” for the new City Hall and Police Building. Everyone that works for Murray City had the opportunity to sign the beam. We heard from Mayor Hales and from Council Chair Kat Martinez, and then the beam was lifted to be the last beam of the new City Hall. We hope to be in by March 2023. This City Hall is for everyone to enjoy, use and to be proud of. In the month of March I will be conducting my first City Council meetings. After March, I hope I will be an old pro at this. (HaHa). I will continue to represent District 2 and all of the residents and businesses that are here now and in the future. Thank you for the support and service you give to your neighbors and your friends. Feel free to contact me by email at pcotter@murray.utah.gov.

WATER QUALITY CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE they have a rebate program for residents who live in Utah. There are some requirements to qualify but they offer $75.00 to qualifying properties. Since 2015, Murray has partnered with the Utah Rivers Council and offered rain barrels to Murray residents at a discounted price. This program will begin again this year later in March with distribution on May 7th at Millcreek City Hall. There are only 100 rain barrels available to Murray residents so it’s first-come. Residents are allowed two barrels on their property and can collect up to 2,500 gallons of water a year. More information can be found on the Utah Rivers Council website. Murray City Water partners with the National Energy Foundation (NEF). Fourth grade students in Murray elementary schools learn to conserve water by taking shorter showers, watering lawns in shorter cycles and using other water conservation tools. The kids are asked to come up with ways to conserve water and then create a drawing which is entered into a contest. The winners get prizes and get their drawing published in the annual Murray City CCR report. Kids are also given different items each year which are related to water conservation that they can take home and use. Educating the kids is a great way to instill these water conservation ideas at an early age. Murray Water has made other efforts to help with water conservation. In 2018, the Murray City Council adopted a resolution to restrict times that a resident can water their lawn from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Watering within these hours is 2021 Drawing Contest Winner when the greatest waste of water occurs

Pam Cotter District 2

CITY COUNCIL Council District 1 Kat Martinez 385-743-8766

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

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

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

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

ghrechkosy@murray.utah.gov

due to evaporation. This ordinance is in line with Executive Director most other cities or other water agencies within Jennifer Kennedy the state of Utah. Murray has also been involved in “Fix a Leak Week”. In the past, Murray has had Office: 801-264-2622 a booth set up for a week at Lowes in Murray jkennedy@murray.utah.gov during the month of March. Covid restrictions Telephone Agenda Information during the past couple years has prevented us from doing this. At the Murray Fun Days, we have 801-264-2525 a booth set up to promote water conservation and even pass out free water to thirsty Murray Fun Days participants. With the continued drought and growth, it is more important than ever for everyone to find ways that they can contribute to reducing their water use. Murray City Water asks that all residents be conscious of their water use and habits and ask themselves “Is there more I can do to conserve water?” More information and ideas on Water Conservation can be found on the Jordan Valley Water website under Conservation Programs. With the conservation efforts that Murray residents have been doing, we have noticed our water pumped totals have reduced to comparative years. We estimate that Murray residents contributed to saving roughly 286,000,000 million gallons of water in 2021, with delivery of 2,554,187,000 gallons of water in 2021. These water conservation efforts by Murray residents are greatly appreciated. If we all do a little, we can save a lot!

Murray City Water Quality We feel that some very important efforts are being made in regards to our water quality. We understand that this is a very important issue with all water users. Murray Water is doing all it can to assure the best water practices and policies are followed to provide the best possible quality of water for residents. Some of our processes include monthly water sampling at 40 locations within our water system. Any positive test result for bacteria are reported immediately to the Division of Drinking Water. We do immediate follow up testing upstream and downstream of any positive site. Murray has been fortunate and rarely has any positive bacteria

APRIL 2022 samples. E Coli has never been detected in our water. In the event repeat samples come back positive, we would work with Division of Drinking Water and follow their protocol for public notification. Some upcoming things we will be giving attention to related to Water Quality are new Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) that were finalized by the EPA in December 2021. This will require all water companies to inventory all water service line materials within their water system and then submit a report to the EPA by October 16, 2024. For Murray to accomplish this, starting spring of 2022, we will be checking meter locations in our service area to determine the service line materials. Since the early 80’s Murray standardized all service line materials and will not need to be checked. However, we will need to check about 7,000 of our 10,000 service connections currently in our system. This project will most likely take about a year and a half to complete but, we will still be able to make the deadline. Another upcoming requirement by the EPA for all water systems is the Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule or

(UCMR5). This rule requires that every five years a revised list of contaminants set by the EPA is tested for in water systems serving more than 10,000 people. With the UCMR 5 we will be required to test all Murray sources of water for 30 different contaminants to be completed between 2023 to 2025, using only approved sample methods set forth by the EPA as well as using an approved testing lab. Murray Water has 19 wells which will be required to be tested in this period of time with the cost estimated to be around $25,000 dollars. Every year, water companies are required to send out a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all users with their water system, this must be sent out by June 30th every year. We mail this to all Murray Water users in the month of June. The current CCR can be found on our web site and at other locations like the Murray Library, Murray Senior Recreation Center, and Murray City Hall. Murray City Water appreciates the confidence that is placed in its staff to protect this valuable resource.

Water Sampling

Murray Senior Recreation Center 10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107 801-264-2635 seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center mcreg.com Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday Check our website for any changes in programs.

DAILY LUNCH by CHEF OMAR LIMON Date: Tuesday through Friday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $4; prior registration not required

SPECIAL EVENTS SENIOR GOLF LEAGUE GENERAL MEETING Date: Monday, Apr. 4 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cost: No cost for the General Meeting. Initial Golf League Fee is $10 per player plus green fees and prize fees for participation in scheduled golf tournaments. FAMILY CONCERT SERIES Date: Monday, Apr. 11 – Pick’ee Out the Stingers Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Cost: Free; no appointment needed open to all ages and doors open at 6:00 p.m. SPRING BRIDGE TOURNAMENT Date: Monday, Apr. 18 Time: 12:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $5; register now through Friday, Apr. 15 NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY Date: Wednesday, May 25 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CLASSES CERAMICS Date: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies GRIEF SUPPORT Date: Friday, Apr. 1 Friday, Apr. 15 Friday, Apr. 29 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free; Register now NUTRITION: MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE Date: Tuesday, Apr. 5 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free; register now VITAL AGING: TRASH OR TREASURE Date: Tuesday, Apr. 19 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free; register now

ARTS WATERCOLORS WITH JOHN FACKRELL Date: Monday, Apr. 18 through Monday, May 23 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cost: $33; register now

#10 East 6150 South (1 block west of State Street)

BEGINNING WATERCOLORS AND ART APPRECIATION WITH JOHN AND JOAN FACKRELL Date: Monday, Apr. 18 through Monday, May 23 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cost: $33; register now WEDNESDAY PAINTING WITH JEANETTE MORRIS Date: Wednesday, May 4 through Wednesday, Jun. 22 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cost: $40; register now Note: Jeanette is an experienced teacher and paints in both watercolors and oils; she has some experience with pastels and acrylics.

DANCE BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS Date: Monday, Apr. 11 – May 16 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free; register now LINE DANCE: ADVANCED Date: Tuesday Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Cost: $10 for the month of April; register now LINE DANCE: BEGINNING Date: Tuesday Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cost: $10 for the month of April; register now

EXERCISE DAILY EXERCISE CLASSES – check our current newsletter for the schedule UNIVERSITY OF UTAH STUDENTS – Overall Fitness and Personal Training Date: Tuesdays and Fridays (Overall Fitness) Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cost: Free; register now NOTE: Personal Training appointments are available

For information call 801-264-2635

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Senior Center Continued based on student schedules, call the Center for training availability and appointments.

PROGRAMS THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays Date: Thursdays Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Cost: $5 HAND AND FOOT Date: Mondays Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME Date: Thursdays Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free HEALTH SERVICES HAIRCUTS Date: Friday, Apr. 8 Friday, Apr. 22 Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon Cost: $9; advance appointment required BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC BY HARMONY HOME HEALTH Date: Thursday, Apr. 14 Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon Cost: Free; no appointment necessary MASSAGE THERAPY Date: Thursday, Apr. 14 Thursday, Apr. 28 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20 for half-hour or $40 for hour; advance appointment required

Murray Arts Beat

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

RESIDENT ON DISPLAY Original artwork by Murray resident artists are displayed in the central display case at City Hall. Ruth Johnson will be showcasing her artwork April through May. Ruth was raised in Springville, Utah. She studied art and interior design at BYU, as well as art at SLCC and Petersen Art Center. Colored pencil is her preferred medium, but she also works in oils and watercolors. Ruth has won awards for her colored pencil works in Intermountain Society of Artists, the Murray Juried Art Show, and Utah State Fair exhibits. She has lived in Murray for the past 26 years. For those interested in showcasing their talent and becoming a Resident on Display, please contact klindquist@murray.utah.gov

Murray City Cultural Arts presents Sister Act – July 15-16, 18, 21-23 at the Murray Park Amphitheater. The production is being directed by Bruce Craven. Auditions will be April 20th & 21st, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Prepare 16-32 bars of music. Callbacks will be held April 23rd, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Location to be announced at a later time. Updates and information can be found at www.murray.utah.gov/1642/Auditions For more information, please call the Senior Recreation Center at (801) 264-2635, or email klindquist@murray.utah.gov

TRIPS WENDOVER Date: Thursday, May 12 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: $22; register now TUACAHN: DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS AND WONDERLAND

MURRAY FUN DAYS – JULY 4, 2022 Date: Monday, Jun. 6 through Thursday, Jun. 9 Cost is $475 per person based on double occupancy Cost is $575 per person based on single occupancy Register beginning Tuesday, Mar. 22 and a $50 deposit per person is due at time of registration. Payment in full due by Wednesday, May 4

Parade Entry forms are due by June 1, 2022. Forms can be found at the Murray Parks & Rec Office or online at www.murray.utah.gov/412/Parade-Information Chalk Art Contest registration is open! Limited spots – must pre-register before June 13th. $15 Entry Fee. Forms and more details can be found at the Murray Parks & Rec Office or online at www.murray.utah. gov/1635/Chalk-Art-Contest Registration for Chalk Art is also available online at mcreg.com

Murray basketball reaches final four Photos by Roger V. Tuttle

Cremation Services You can count on a variety of options for cremation when you choose Larkin Mortuary.

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You may choose a burial plot, urn garden, scattering gardens, columbarium niche, or memory wall at our cemetaries. Choose traditional funeral services or life celebrations to honor the life of your loved one. Let our team help you choose an urn, vault, and memorials: We can also help with flower arrangements, catering, and grief resources. Tayshaun Tramel was pivotal for Murray’s deep run into the playoffs. It was the Spartans first semifinal appearance since 2011. Murray finished 20-8 on the year.

Bowen Davies goes to block a Woods Cross defender during the semifinals where the Spartans season came to an end falling to the Wildcats 59-47. Davies earned third-team all-state status as one of the leading shot-blockers in the state. Chudi Anosike earned first-team honors as one of the leading scorers in the state.

MurrayJournal .com

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Female golfers will mix business and fun at the Copper Rock Championships in April By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ormer Utah Senator Pat Jones understands not all business discussions happen in the office. Often, valuable deals are made on a golf course. When she realized many women aren’t usually involved in golf tournaments, she understood how often they are left out of important business decisions. As the CEO of the Women’s Leadership Insititute, Jones organized a women’s golf clinic and tournament where they could build relationships, learn the basics of game and golf etiquette, participate in a scramble, and put themselves in a better position for inclusion. “What I’ve learned, and I knew it intuitively, is that golf is the language of business,” Jones said. “That’s just how business has worked for so many years. It’s important for women to learn a sport that can help further their careers.” The program was so successful that the WLI entered into an exclusive three-year charity partnership with the LPGA Epson Tour at the Copper Rock Golf Course near Hurricane, Utah. The event is a week-long immersion for female leaders in Utah with the opportunity to play with top golfers and network with other professionals. This year’s Copper Rock Championship event will run from April 18-23 and feature 220 pro female golfers. Last year’s event was a success, although Jones admitted she was a little intimidated playing with pro golfers. She even took a few lessons. “I felt I had to play in the Pro-Am,” she said. “Since I was encouraging women, I felt I had to walk the talk. I can’t wait to go again this year. The pro golfers were so generous with their time and advice.” The event starts on Monday, with the WLI Pro-Am, fol-

lowed by a Meet the Pros Night on Tuesday. Wednesday is the ElevateHER Challenge Luncheon with keynote speaker Sharlene Wells Hawkes. The luncheon will be a time to recognize companies that have accepted the ElevateHER Challenge. Thursday through Saturday is the Copper Rock Championships where the women can cheer on their Pro-Am teammates as they vie for the title. “ElevateHER is a corporate challenge with six actions companies can take based on best practices that will elevate women in business,” Jones said. The program’s goal is to increase the number of women in leadership positions and the retention rate of female workers. Companies are asked to increase the number of women who serve on community and corporate boards, establish a women’s leadership development program, close wage gaps, and encourage women to run for public office. WLI started in 2015 to elevate female leaders in Utah. With the WLI Career Development Series, companies can sponsor female leaders, investing in their future. “It’s been hugely popular,” Jones said. “Companies who have accepted the challenge can send female leaders, mid to senior level. When women go back and teach their teams, it helps them be seen as the leader they are. It’s really magical.” WLI also offers a Political Development Series that coaches women who want to run for office. The program started seven years ago and more than 300 women have completed the course. Several women currently serving as mayors in Utah went through the program. “I couldn’t be happier with how this is shaping up,” Jones

The 2021 Copper Rock Championship was won by Bailey Tardy, who prevailed by three shots. The 2022 championships and WLI Pro-Am run Apr. 18-23 at Copper Rock Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. (Photos courtesy of Copper Rock Championship)

said. “[Men] are our allies and advocates for women. There are some awesome men in our state. They are part of the solution.”l

BEFORE HE FLASHES THAT MAGICAL SMILE, YOU’LL CHOOSE WHERE HE’LL BE DELIVERED. It’s a big decision. But when you choose an OB/GYN affiliated with Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, you’ll enjoy our advanced labor monitoring for you and your baby; labor Jacuzzi tubs; a customized birthing experience in a private, quiet room; plus a celebratory dinner for two. This is where healthy is delivered daily in all of its amazing beauty. To schedule a free private tour of our Women’s Center, please call 801-350-4078

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Page 20 | April 2022

Murray City Journal

Supporting small businesses is good for the economy By Robert Spendlove | Zions Bank Senior Economist

recently visited Weller Book Works in Salt Lake City. The 93-year-old independent bookstore is among the treasured small businesses in Utah that give our neighborhoods their distinctive flavor and create a feeling of community. Small businesses like Weller Book Works not only have an important place in our hearts, but they also play a vital role in our economy. In Utah, 99% of companies are considered small businesses and they employ 45% of state’s workforce. Nationally, small businesses have accounted for two-thirds of net new job creation since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. They also keep money close to home. If you spend $100 at a local small business, roughly $67 stays in your community. Small businesses have been a key driver of Utah’s economic rebound from the pandemic, though they still face enormous challenges. With inflation now at a 40-year high, one in four small business owners report that inflation is their biggest concern, according

to the March NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Much of this inflation is caused by struggles in the supply chain, and 92% of small businesses say they have been impacted by supply chain disruptions. Small businesses also continue to grapple with labor shortages. Almost half of business owners could not fill job openings, the NFIB survey found. Given these pressures, it’s not surprising that 63% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook on business conditions nationally over the next 12 months, as measured by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute’s Utah Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey found less pessimism toward business conditions in the Beehive State, where only 36% of Utahns have an unfavorable outlook. There may be some relief ahead for small businesses. The Federal Reserve is taking aggressive action to control price increases. The Fed hiked the key short-term interest by a quarter point in March, marking its first rate increase in more than three years. Up to six additional rate hikes are expected this year, which could cause interest rates to increase by as much as two percent. Their hope is to deflate some of the bubbles that have formed because the overheating economy. Another positive sign for small businesses is Utah’s strong job market. All of Utah’s

Murray Rotary Club Monthly Service Update

Join us at one of our monthly service projects or one of our Club of Murray Utah twice a month meetings.

At our fall cleanup of the Greenhouse property we had 39 volunteers. Our spring cleanup is Saturday, April 16, 9 to 11 a.m. If you want to help, please contact Jerry at SummerhaysGS@gmail.com.

10 major private-sector industry groups posted year-over-year job gains, according to Utah’s Department of Workforce Services. Utah’s annual total employment has increased by 4.2 %, adding 66,000 jobs over the past year. However, the Russian war with Ukraine is adding more uncertainty to the economy, just as it is turning the corner on the COVID pandemic. The war has pushed already high oil prices to new multi-year highs. The war is also disrupting the supply of wheat, which

will pressure food prices, and nickel, which is an essential ingredient in stainless steel and a component in lithium-iron batteries. This will add yet another element of uncertainty to the small business recovery. In the meantime, the best way to help ensure the survival of our favorite neighborhood small businesses is to support them as much as possible. Robert Spendlove is senior economist for Zions Bank, a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.Al

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The Murray Greenhouse Foundation helps special needs adults thrive. This spring please buy your flower and vegetable plants from the Murray Greenhouse Foundation, 6366 S. 900 East. Growing and selling plants is how they raise money to pay their expenses.

“I had the pleasure of working with Joan for several years. She is great at solving problems and understanding the ﬁnancial, contract and tax issues.”

Upcoming Murray Rotary Meetings:

April 20 — Murray High School Outstanding Alumnus dinner. In this picture Murray Rotary President Kyle Winther is looking at the previous 40 outstanding alumni pictures on the wall just outside the MHS auditorium.

May 2 — Murray High School Meritorious Teacher and Top Ten Students and Parents luncheon. May 16 – Mayor Brett Hales speaks to Murray Rotary.

July 4 — Pancake Breakfast in Murray Park for Murray Fun Days

Go to MurrayRotaryUtah.com “Fun with a purpose” is our motto. MurrayJournal .com

—Gary Crook, Murray, UT

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Former leader behind Jordan River Parkway and Fashion Place Mall, Jack DeMann, passes away

MurrayJournal .com

1965 but was defeated by Mayor William Dunn. In 1983, DeMann left city politics and was elected to the Utah State House of Representatives. While there, as a Republican legislator, he was elected House majority assistant whip. He served as vice chairman for the Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. In 1988, he stepped down from the legislature to be appointed president of the Utah League of Cities and Towns. But his friend, newly-elected Murray Mayor Pett, asked him to serve as the city’s administrator in 1990. After serving two terms with Pett, they both decided to retire on the same day. They issued a joint statement in the Salt Lake Tribune’s opinion page to make the announcement. “Our service goes back to the time when State Street south of 5300 South was still largely agricultural land, and a few small shops and the city had barely more than 5,000 residents— long before I-15 was built initially, before Fashion Place Mall, automobile ‘row’ (State Street between 4500 South and 5300 South),

Jack DeMann gives a thumbs-up as Mayor Lynn Pett offers remarks at the dedication of Germania Park. (Photo courtesy of the Murray Museum)

the Jordan River Parkway, and so much more. “There are, for us, many fond memories of opportunities to serve, challenging projects to complete, generous community volunteers with who we could work and the many de-

By Matthew Barber

Matthew Barber pens a love story that’s just a little different. A retired schoolteacher lives a quiet life in Texas, and is set in her ways. A smooth-talking handyman passes through town, intent on renovating her house, and perhaps... her life.

MAY 13-MAY 28, 2022

ack DeMann, a civic leader who devoted over 30 years of his life to his Murray community, passed away in March at age 88. DeMann served as a state legislator, city councilor, city administrator, and president of the Utah League of City and Towns. While he served in many capacities, he is perhaps best remembered for his service with former Mayor Lynn Pett. “He was a liberal Democrat who rooted for the U of U, and I was a conservative Republican who rooted for BYU, but we never had a disagreement between us,” DeMann told the Murray Journal in 2017. DeMann recalled one day in January 1974 when Pett, park commissioner for Murray City, came to him with a plan for the undeveloped land by the Jordan River. Concerned about the industrial sprawl they saw communities dealing with along the river, Pett outlined a plan to acquire land (from Winchester Street to 4800 South) and turn it into parks and maintained wetland. This idea became the Jordan River Parkway Trail, which saw record-breaking utilization numbers in 2021: 276,448 people. Mayor Pett later asked DeMann to be his special assistant. Although opposite in most respects, the two made an indomitable team. Pett and DeMann made it a point to solve one of the city’s main problems, which was removing the long-dormant toxic smelters that punctuated Murray’s skyline. As a result, the ASARCO plant was deemed a Superfund site and, under their leadership, transformed to become the eventual home of Intermountain Medical Center and Costco. Even though DeMann graduated from the University of Utah, he was a devoted BYU Cougar fan. As he pursued a degree in journalism, he worked nights at the Deseret News as a crime beat reporter. After graduation, he served as editor of the national Woolgrower’s Magazine and Kennecott Copper’s company employee publications. DeMann would remain in corporate communications, later taking a job with aerospace manufacturer Hercules. According to his family, “The company was anxious to have its people serve in elected positions, encouraged them to run and supported them in doing so. As a result, with the support of his employer and family, Jack was elected the city commissioner in Murray in 1967.” As city commissioner (like the city council), DeMann worked with developers to create the Fashion Place Mall. In 1973, Murray City’s government was changed to the mayor/council form, and DeMann was elected one year as a city councilmember. DeMann attempted a run for mayor in

APR. 1-16, 2022

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

voted and conscientious city employees who worked so hard with us to bring about the good things we now enjoy as ‘Murrayites.’” l

Broadway Star & TV Host

PAIGE DAVIS stars as DOLLY LEVI In the steps of Bette, Carol, Pearl, and Barbra, Broadway star and TV host Paige Davis takes on the iconic role that has made Dolly Levi one of the most revered Broadway characters in history. A romantic and comical musical treat!

801-581-6961 • www.PioneerTheatre.org April 2022 | Page 23

Cottonwood football announces its first college football commitment in several years By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

ecognition has been a long time coming for the Cottonwood Colts football team. But after a dry spell in which no football player at Cottonwood has been offered an athletic scholarship for several years, a student-athlete has received one. Senior Curtis Straup is the first player from Cottonwood High to accept an offer to play college football during the Casey Miller era. Straup will be playing his college football at the College of Wooster, a NCAA Division III school in Ohio. “Thank you to coach Colaprete and coach Kooser for this opportunity to further my academic and athletic career,” said Straup in part when announcing his decision on Feb. 16. “Thank you Mom and Dad and to all my friends and family for all you have done for me.” Straup, who is 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, was a starter at the outside linebacker position for the Colts in 2021. He had 15 tackles and had the third most interceptions on the team with two. Straup was also the Colts’ backup quarterback completing nine of 16 passes for 141 yards and threw one touchdown pass. He also ran for 20 yards on four carries for Cottonwood and caught a pass for 14 yards and one touchdown.

“Curtis is a great kid. Smart, hard-working, and does all the right things. I am not sure what major he's chosen, but he will do well at whatever he chooses,” said Cottonwood coach Casey Miller. “All of his hard work has earned him this opportunity.” During the season, Straup was also invited to appear at the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. On Jan. 10, the Cottonwood senior played linebacker on the West team coached by NFL veteran quarterback Seneca Wallace. Before accepting the offer from the College of Wooster, Straup also received athletic scholarship offers from the Rose-Holman Institute of Technology, Culver-Stockton College, Nebraska Wesleyan, University of Puget Sound, Dean College, Knox University, Avila University and Hamline University. l

Cottonwood senior linebacker Curtis Straup at the Blue-Grey All-American Game in Dallas, Texas. (Photo/Blue-Grey All-American Game)

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Murray Youth Football program gives kids direction, goals and support By Ryanne Riet | r.riet@mycityjournals.com

urray has always had a strong sense of community and family within its borders. Murray residents pride themselves on coming together, building up the community, and practicing strong teamwork. The volunteers and coaches at Murray Youth Football know how important it is to establish these values in the younger generations of their community. They work to ensure that the players involved in the program have all the essential skills and equipment they need to be successful on and off the field. Michelle and Shane Cross have been football parents for Murray Youth Football since 2000. Shane has been coaching for the program since 2016, and as of 2020 has been acting president. Michelle was appointed treasurer of the program in 2019, and as of 2020 has been acting vice president/treasurer. “These kids are amazing kids. Team sports give them a sense of direction, brotherhood, family, and working together for one common goal,” Michelle Cross said. “Some aren’t even sure they want to play until it’s over, then they come back the next year because they feel like they belong and aren’t lost anymore.” Thanks to sponsors some kids are able to receive scholarships that allow for all their fees to be paid for that season. Murray Youth Football is a small district within Ute Conference. Ute Conference allots a certain amount each season for scholarships, so not every player that applies for a scholarship will get one. The volunteers, president and vice president of the Murray Youth Football program work most of the year to try and raise money for every player that applies for a scholarship. “Our goal is to make sure every kid in need has an opportunity to play, whatever it takes,” Michelle Cross said. The banner program allows business to become a sponsor of a child and have their business featured on a banner that will hang all season long. The sponsor’s business is also listed on the Murray Youth Football website. “We believe that every child deserves a chance, no matter what their circumstance may be,” Michelle Cross said. “We have fundraising opportunities such as selling candy, barbecues and restaurant fundraisers.” The goal of the organization is to teach the participants teamwork, diversity, tolerance, equality, good sportsmanship and goal setting. There have been many success stories over the years in the program. Some children who participate in the program not only learn the game of football, but they also learn how to navigate a little better in

MurrayJournal .com

The Murray Youth Football team photo in 2021. (Photo courtesy Michelle Cross)

Murray youth football aims to give kids life lessons through its community scholarships. (Photo courtesy Michelle Cross)

their own lives. Volunteers, sponsors and the community help provide this opportunity. “Our football family is truly amazing. Players, parents, coaches, referees, grandparents and patrol officers. It’s truly one family,” Michelle Cross said. “You truly know that you are a part of something bigger, it goes beyond football.” To sponsor a child in the Murray Youth Football program visit uteconferencefootball.org/districts/murray-youth-football/ In addition to the football program,

Ute Conference has started a cheer program for siblings on the sidelines. Sisters who sit and watch the game can now suit up and cheer on their team. “We want our community to know that all of our kids are safe, valued, taken care of and worth every single minute,” Michelle Cross said. “We are working hard to teach them not only football, but what it means to be responsible, accountable, trusted and loved.” l

April 2022 | Page 25

100-year plan envisions greenway networks throughout valley By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

tand in an empty parking lot in Murray, just west of 900 East and north of Van Winkle Expressway. What sounds can you hear? Like many places in the valley, there’s the sound of cars roaring past and the persistent beeping of construction vehicles. But at this particular spot, you can also hear the waters of Big Cottonwood Creek rushing past. Perhaps one day you’ll also be able to hear children playing, native birds chirping and shouts of laughter as kayakers glide past. This dream comes from the Seven Greenways Vision Plan, a community-supported, long-range plan that reimagines the seven creeks that flow from the Wasatch Mountains to the Jordan River and eventually to the Great Salt Lake. Once upon a time, the seven creeks meandered and occasionally flooded their banks, enriching the surrounding soil. The waterways formed corridors for plants and wildlife through the dry valley. Then the first white settlers arrived and immediately begin diverting the water into canals to water crops. Over the next 175 years, the valley became more and more urbanized. The streams are now mostly straightened, stripped of vegetation, lined with concrete or completely buried underground. The Seven Canyons Trust hopes to reverse this damage—one foot at a time—by working with public and private landowners to develop greenways. A greenway is a linear corridor that includes a waterway and adjacent land. Greenways can improve non-motorized transportation, generate economic activity, reduce impacts of flooding, improve water quality

and provide habitat for wildlife. Greenways can also be created when water is “daylighted,” meaning underground pipes are removed. This process helps purify the water, improves conditions for fish and birds, and lets people see the water that sustains life in the valley. Hundred-year plan In 2019, Seven Canyons Trust set out to create a 100-year greenways vision for the Salt Lake Valley. They partnered with Salt Lake County, the Wasatch Front Regional Council, Design Workshop, an urban design firm, and representatives from the eight stream-side municipalities. “We asked those cities to provide a letter of support and financially support the plan,” said Brian Tonetti, executive director of the Trust. “That was really exciting to us, having each of the cities buying into this plan.” “The project started with taking general plans—many city’s plans mentioned creeks—and basically compiling all that into a countywide vision,” Tonetti said. “A lot of the groundwork was laid out by the cities.” The resulting Existing Conditions Report is rich with data that supports the creation of greenways. The information is examined through five lenses: water, nature, community, recreation and urban areas. The next step was to learn what the public thinks. Rather than postponing the community engagement phase in 2020, the Trust pivoted. “The pandemic itself made us realize that we do need spaces and we need spaces close to home,” Tonetti said. “It also made engagement very hard.” Members of the community gave feedback on 26 proposed “opportunity areas”

The Seven Greenways Vision Plan proposes green space replacing an empty parking lot near Big Cottonwood Creek in Murray. (Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

through the Trust’s website and during 15 pop-up workshops that took place in outdoor, public spaces. University students also conducted surveys to capture opinions of people less likely to have internet access. The Seven Greenways Vision Plan describes the 20 highest-ranking opportunity areas and provides tools to implement them, including design concepts, policies and management best practices. The 20 opportunity areas and how they rank Four creeks (City, Red Butte, Emigration and Parleys) flow through Utah’s capi-

tal city. Of the nearly 36 miles of water, just over 14 are currently buried. The nine highest ranking areas are in Salt Lake City, with daylighting City Creek along North Temple and the Fulsom Corridor at the top. Sugar House Daylighting Parleys Creek in this dense neighborhood wouldn’t be easy. But efforts are already underway to “culturally daylight” the waterway through signage and art (No. 7). Millcreek Eight miles of Mill Creek and Big Cot-

The Three Creeks Confluence Park in Salt Lake City, shown before and after completion in 2020, was the first daylighting project completed by the Seven Canyons Trust. (Photo courtesy Seven Canyons Trust)

Page 26 | April 2022

Murray City Journal

Ukrainians living in Utah raise funds for humanitarian shipments to their homeland By Peri Kinder | peri.k@davisjournal.com

hen the Russian army invaded Ukraine at the end of February, the Utah Ukrainian Association was inundated with calls from people wanting to help. Within a few days, the association, in partnership with its sister organization in Idaho, had a plane full of supplies heading to Europe. Utah Ukrainian Association boardmember Yulia Holko was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2001. Ten years ago, she relocated to Utah where she lives in Salt Lake County. “Thankfully, my immediate family is here but I have lots of extended family in Western Ukraine,” Holko said. “Even when they’re not being bombed, there are lots of air raid sirens going off and planes flying overhead, because it’s psychological warfare, too. It’s very hard to process. Members of our community have been under shock and stress.” The Utah Ukrainian Association, and the 1,500 Ukrainians living in Utah, jumped at the chance to help their fellow countrymen and homeland. Members have organized rallies at the Utah State Capitol and are asking people to sign a petition to bring Ukrainian refugees to Utah. Currently, it will take up to three years to get refugees resettled in the United States. The group wants to speed up the process as millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. “People leave their home and leave everything behind,” Holko said. “Often, the only clothes they have is what they’re wearing.” The association is accepting donations for the next shipment. Nonperishable foods, sleeping bags and solar power banks to charge phones are top items, along with clothes for warmer weather like T-shirts, light jackets, jeans and shoes. “The support has been amazing. People have been turning out and speaking out,” she said. “It feels like anything we need, there’s a local business willing to donate funds. We were just a small organization before the war and we had to scale up really quickly.” A benefit concert held at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in late March, brought the community together for prayer, music and solidarity for the Ukrainian people. “Voices for Ukraine” tonwood Creek flow through this city. Nearly a mile of the water is buried. The only suburban project to make it into the top 10 ideas is a plan to develop a trail connecting the neighborhoods along Mill Creek near Scott Avenue Park (No. 10). Murray Both Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood Creeks flow through Murray. Of the seven total miles of waterway, less than half a mile is buried. A trail from State Street to the Jordan River Trail along Big Cottonwood Creek would give more people access to nature in the heart of Murray (No. 18). The underutilized parking lot south of Ivy Place Shopping Village could be transformed into green space, restoring habitat and creating a floodplain as well as constructing a seasonal boat ramp (No. 17). Cottonwood Heights Cottonwood Heights has stretches of both Big and Little Cottonwood Creeks within its boundaries. Of the 6.1 total miles, 0.2 are buried. One opportunity area proposes a trail

MurrayJournal .com

Utah Ukrainians, and their supporters, rallied at the Utah State Capitol in March to show solidarity and support to their family members and friends in Ukraine. (Photo courtesy of Tom Haraldsen)

featured artists from the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera, University of Utah, Ballet West Academy and The Madeleine Choir School. Ukrainian musicians and multicultural vocalist Alex Boyé also added their talents to the event. Although the concert was free, the standing room only event raised more than $16,000 from donations and sales to provide life-saving supplies for Ukrainian refugees, and those still trapped in Ukrainian cities. Kateryna Hansen, a Utah Ukrainian resident, spoke at the “Voices of Ukraine” benefit. She detailed harrowing accounts of friends and family members, escaping into Poland or hiding in bomb shelters and basements. “In less than one month, the country I know has been turned upside down,” Hansen said. “Children are dying. The

connection from Wasatch Boulevard to Crestwood Park along Little Cottonwood Creek (No. 19). This project also crosses into Sandy. Holladay Holladay is home to four miles of Big Cottonwood Creek. Just 1/10th of a mile is buried. One potential project proposes a trail from Holladay Hills to Creekside Park (No. 16). The project would improve pedestrian access, restore the habitat and create opportunities for fishing. South Salt Lake Less than half a mile of the more than 3 miles of Mill Creek flowing through South Salt Lake is buried. But much of the open water is channelized through a straightened, concrete canal. An exception to this is Fitts Park and the Mill Creek Trail, which connects the park to the Jordan River Trail. While the park is a great amenity, Seven Canyons Trust believes it can be improved by restoring habitats and enhancing recreation along the creek (No. 12). The greenways plan also proposes day-

dead have been left in the street for days until they can be buried in mass graves.” Hansen asked benefit attendees to reach out to senators and congressmen, asking for more military and air defense support as the war rages in Ukraine. The Utah Ukrainian Association will continue to send shipments to eastern Europe. The plane filled with donations flies from Idaho to Germany, then trucks carry the items to Poland and then to Ukraine. Information about donation drop-off locations in Draper, Riverton, South Jordan and Taylorsville can be found at UtahUkrainians.org. “In this war, where so many lives and values are at stake,” Holko said, “we’re not allowed to fail.”l

lighting Mill Creek near 3300 South and 700 East during the redevelopment of the nearby shopping center (No. 11), restoring habitat along Mill Creek from 200 East to 200 West (No. 13), and restoring wetlands where Mill Creek flows into the Jordan River to improve water quality (No. 15). Looking further ahead, a 100-year vision proposes a pedestrian crossing over I-15 to improve recreational access for surrounding communities (No. 14). Sandy Just under 2 miles of Little Cottonwood Creek flows through Sandy. Midvale Midvale’s boundaries contain 0.3 miles of Little Cottonwood Creek. This small stretch flows above ground at the eastern edge of the Shops at Fort Union. One idea envisions daylighting Little Cottonwood Creek between Fort Union in Midvale and Wheeler Farm in Murray (No. 20). This would require a trail over I-215, with the goal to improve water quality and connect the two communities. What happens next?

Though the community visioning phase is over, individuals can still review and comment on the planning document, which can be found at sevengreenwaysvisionplan.org. For Tonetti, the work is just beginning. Next, he’ll begin meeting with planners and officials from each of the municipalities to discuss next steps toward implementation. “The cities will let us know which areas really resonate with them and what they’re really excited about,” Tonetti said. One way to imagine how the opportunity areas could look is to visit the Three Creeks Confluence Park near 1300 South and 900 West in Salt Lake City. Completed in 2020, the Trusts’s first project daylighted 200 feet of waterway where Red Butte, Emigration and Parleys Creeks meet the Jordan River. “All of the opportunity areas are relatively low-hanging fruit, as long as we have the support for them,” Tonetti said. “There will be tons of opportunities to get engaged, so be on the lookout and be in touch with elected officials about your support.” l

April 2022 | Page 27

Salt Lake County Council approves funding for new trails

f you’re like me, having a peaceful place to walk with your family, your dog, or even by yourself is a high priority. More trails for walking, running, and biking is something we hear over and over from county residents, so in February the Salt Lake County Council approved $10 million for the design and implementation of new trails throughout the valley! In addition to the funds to build more trails, we also allocated $1 million for trail maintenance. Funds for these projects came from a designated fourth quarter choice transportation fund and were generated in 2019 through sales tax dollars specifically allocated for projects like this. Previous trail funding has come from a variety of sources including grants, UDOT, and collaboration with cities. Salt Lake County already boasts some great trail options. The Jordan River Parkway is a north-south system of trails that parallel the Jordan River, connecting 45 miles through Salt Lake County. The trail further connects to neighboring counties, allowing for travel to Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake. Parley’s Trail is the first east-west trail linking the Bonneville Shoreline trail on the east to the Jordan River Parkway to the west. The trail connects a variety of neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, South

Aimee Winder Newton

Salt Lake County Council | District 3

Salt Lake and West Valley City. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is also continuing on the south end of the valley. An option for those in the middle of the valley is using existing canal networks. The County has been able to obtain an executed trail agreement with some of the canal owners. This trail agreement allows Salt Lake County to use the canal maintenance road as public space for a trail. The canal company benefits from having their dirt maintenance road paved and the County provides a trail system that is separated from vehicle traffic. If the canal owner is not interested in entering into a trail agreement the County is unable to use the space as a trail, but we don’t give up easily! Future trail development is dictated by the countywide regional trails master plan. The first master plan was completed in 1993. An updated countywide regional trail master

plan is planned for 2023 and from that point forward the plan will be updated every 10 years. Having a robust trail system throughout the Salt Lake Valley benefits everyone. More open space will expand access and raise the quality of life for all of us. The past two years have taught us the importance of pri-

High school teens meet to implement ways to unite communities

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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

igh school students from across the state will gather April 8 as part of the Special Olympics state youth activation committee. About 40 high school students who participate in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, which brings youth with and without intellectual disabilities together, will meet to learn how to make a positive impact in their school communities, said Unified Champion School’s college-growth coordinator Boston Iacobazzi, who coordinates Utah’s YAC. At the conference, the Special Olympic athletes and their peers will learn teambuilding, learn how to work together and how to share their stories as inclusive student-leaders. In addition, there will be a teacher training offered to learn how best to support the program in schools. “A lot of states are growing the YAC program and learning of its importance,” Iacobazzi said. “I’m super excited where ours is at.” Utah introduced its youth activation committee this year and currently has 16 on its board. The group works together throughout the year to educate, motivate

and activate youth to become agents of change in their communities and advocate for respect, inclusion and acceptance of all people, regardless of abilities. Iacobazzi said that these youth are leaders by implementing programs that unify schools. “The youth are driving every event, getting grants and planning what we’re doing,” Iacobazzi said. Already the group has promoted a statewide spirit week, participated in unified soccer and basketball programs, held a Disney Day at Westlake High and is planning a unified dance sponsored by Hillcrest High. First Lady Abby Cox has been invited to speak at the conference and Colorado YAC is planning on attending and participating in break-out sessions.l

Murray City Journal

MurrayJournal .com

April 2022 | Page 29

Health department seeks films sharing stories of resilience By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

spiring filmmakers who have a story to tell of resilience can showcase their short original film in Salt Lake County Health Department’s fourth annual film festival. The contest is open to seventh- through 12th-grade students who live in Salt Lake County. The 30- to 60-second films are to show or discuss how they, or those around them, have demonstrated resilience in mental health, physical health and/or social health. This year’s theme, “Stories of Resilience” was determined by the Salt Lake County Healthy Teens Coalition. “The youth expressed sincerely the need to expand on our theme from previous years,” said Julia Glade, Salt Lake County Health Department healthy communities coordinator. “We value the youth voice, especially when it comes to learning how public health topics have an impact on them and their community. The film festival is a terrific opportunity to motivate teens to continue engaging in these important conversations about to their physical, mental and social health, especially after the last two years they’ve endured during the pandemic.” Film submissions will close Thursday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m. mountain time. Film submissions will be ranked in originality,

relevance to the theme and technical expertise. To learn more about the festival rules, submission information and resources, visit SaltLakeHealth.org. The contest first began as the Kick Ash Film Festival in 2019, with previous festivals asking students to target their films to other youth about the dangers of youth e-cigarette use. Post-festival evaluation efforts found that 78% of teens who participated had a changed (more negative) perception of e-cigarettes, Glade said. The community also supported the expanded vision of the film festival. “It’s a fun event and the community sponsors value the youth’s vision and values on health topics and the impact these have on them and their families. It’s motivating to hear teens talk to their peers and their families about mental, physical and social health issues and hear their stories about resiliency through film,” she said. Sponsors, including Get Healthy Utah, HealthChoice Utah, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and Unite Us, have donated prizes and cash to the top three winners in grades seven through nine, and also in grades 10-12. Winners will be determined by a panel of judges from Salt Lake County

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Draper Park Middle School winners of the film festival school award pose in 2019 at Salt Lake County’s inaugural film festival. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Health Department and the festival’s sponsors. There are audience choice top three prizes, with online voting available April

15-22. The festival will show winning films at a virtual screening event April 28. l

Diamond Tree Experts

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tree isn’t just a tree. For many homeowners, a tree is almost part of the family. That’s why you shouldn’t trust your tree care to anyone but the best. Diamond Tree Experts has decades of experience in tree trimming, pruning, stump removal, and a recent acquisition of Hidden Oak Tree Care expands that experience into plant health care. “I grew up in this business, and have been doing it my whole life,” says Diamond Tree Experts’ President Trent VanDam. “My dad was the original owner. The company has been around for 54 years, and I’ve been here for 28 of those years.” Spring is a time to take inventory of the trees in your yard to see if they need trimming for the upcoming season. Fast-growing trees, like Chinese elms or willows, should be trimmed every three years, while slower-growing trees, like maples and oaks, just need an evaluation every 15 years. “The more you can leave them natural, the better they’ll be,” Trent says. Some homeowners like to plant trees in the spring, and that’s fine as long as the temperatures are cool, but for best results and tree health, waiting until fall will usually produce the best chance for a tree to establish its roots. As trees start to bud and bloom, healthy color in the bark and bud is a good indication the tree is healthy. Ensuring trees are proportionate, well-maintained and have room to grow will keep them in your yard for many years. One mistake that’s common in Utah is overwatering trees. People see curled or yellow leaves and panic, thinking they need to water more but it actually drowns the tree. “I tell them to dig down into the soil four inches.

Page 30 | April 2022

If it’s moist, the tree is getting enough water,” Trent says. One way to help your trees stay moist is with mulch, and spring is a perfect time to add mulch to your yard. Mulch improves soil moisture and prevents soil from drying out too quickly. Customers might not know that Diamond Tree has a vibrant green waste-to-mulch program. All tree branches, stumps and trunks are converted into mulch; they have colored mulch in red, dark brown, chocolate brown, black to just a natural color for

decorating your yard. They also have a fine mulch product that’s good for gardens to break up the soil. They will have an organic mulch or soil product to fit any of your needs. Diamond Tree also excels in tree trimming and removal, so if you have a dead or damaged tree, they can grind the stump and roots so another tree can be planted in the same location. If you have damaged branches, they can come and remove those for you and trim your tree for optimal growth and health. Damage to trees and shrubbery can come from pests, diseases, or pollution, but the experts at Diamond Tree can identify the problem and create solutions for long-term health. The company provides soil testing, tree spraying and deep-root injections to promote viability. “We’ll come out and take a look at it and let you know what’s going on with your tree,” says Diamond Tree CFO Elvin Serrano. “If anyone ever calls for tree work, we always send an estimator to provide a free expert evaluation of the tree and estimate for any work needed.” That personal service is one reason Diamond Tree Experts is a leader in the industry. Building long lasting relationships is a big factor in the success of the company. Hiring professionals who are hardworking and trustworthy is a must for Diamond Tree and has helped establish its legacy of excellent customer service. “When I’m taking care of customers, I’m making sure I’m treating everybody’s yard like it’s my own backyard,” Trent says. For more information or to have an expert check out your trees, call 801-938-4345 or visit DiamondTreeExperts.com.

Murray City Journal

Taken to the cleaners

ppliances are like Christmas lights. When one goes out, they all go out. We’ve spent the last couple of years replacing appliances, and not easy things like toasters or the electric carving knife. We’re talking a dishwasher, a dryer, a refrigerator, and now our washing machine. I hated to tell my husband the bad news, not because of the expense but because I had to brace myself for the laundry puns. He has loads of them. But I threw in the towel and waited for his list to unfold. “Well, sheet,” he started. “I spilled laundry soap and now my hands are Tide. I’d better come clean ‘cause I’m in a lot of hot water. I’m all washed up. Oh, the irony!” Once that was done, I had to decide the best way to clean our clothes until the new washer was delivered. Options were 1) go to a laundromat, 2) drive to Utah Lake where I could wash my clothes against a rock until developers make Utah Fantasy Island, or 3) say, “Alexa, do the laundry.” The laundromat won. It’s been years since I’ve visited a laundromat. I bought a chai tea latte to sip, packed a book to read whilst waiting for clothes to dry, and a notebook to write pithy thoughts. My first impression of the laundromat was the warmth from the dryers and the smell of fabric softener was so cozy. This will be joyous, I thought. Maybe I’ve found

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

my new community. Things went downhill quickly. While inserting 19 quarters (!!) into the machine, I shoved clothes into the washer and noticed my tea had spilled all over the laundry basket. I grabbed my tea, closed the washer door, and sliced my finger open, leaving bloody fingerprints on the handle. Trying not to think about what types of bacteria live on the handle of a laundromat washing machine, I considered leaving the blood there so the next person would wonder if a serial killer had washed his T-shirts. But I used a damp, tea-soaked towel to wipe it up and looked for a place to sit. Making my way to a row of stiff, plastic chairs, I sat down to enjoy the lukewarm remains of my tea. I opened my book and looked around the room where people sat staring at cell phones. No one made eye contact.

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I leaned toward the young man next to me. “Do you come here often?” I whispered, like a crazy lady. It sounded like a bad pickup line at a laundry-themed bar. He shifted his body away from me and continued Tik Toking. My finger dripped blood on the floor. My brain conjured a Broadway musical set in a laundromat. It could have country-western songs, cowboy boots, and line dancing on the machines. It would be called “Bleach, please.” I googled “Broadway laundromat” on my phone. There it was: “Honky Tonk Laundry.” Well, I tried. I moved clothes from the washer to the

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dryer (another eight quarters!) and sat mesmerized as my clothes flailed through the hot air, like a wacky inflatable man at a car dealership. Then, time was up. I took my stilldamp clothes and waved farewell to my new friends, eyes locked on their screens. I returned home to find my husband pacing and muttering. “I’m so agitated. You just wring me out. Am I bleaching to the choir? Can we have soap-a-pillas for dinner?” Now that our new washer is connected, we’re as happy as two peas in a Tide pod. I’ll let myself out.

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