February 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 02
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MURRAY WOMAN RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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enisha Hicks, owner of Isha Esthetics and Wellness in Murray, has received a Comcast RISE award. The national award aims to strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19 and opens up eligibility to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned small businesses. “After informing me of my award, they sat with me and created a plan based around growing my business, adhering to my values, and setting up for continued success. My grant was both tech and Comcast service-based, meaning I received equipment, internet, and phone services so my business can continue to function and even expand,” Hicks said. Isha Esthetics and Wellness (4700 S. 900 East) is a post-operative care, skin and wellness spa. Her business qualified for the first phase of Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focused on U.S. Black-owned small businesses, those hit hardest by the pandemic, according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. According to Hicks, the pandemic has presented some challenges to her business. “Keeping up with the ever-changing policies mostly.
I’m grateful for a medical background that allotted me the grace and empathy to understand these shifts and guide my clients and new team through it safely.” Originally from Tooele, Hicks took online courses from Utah State after high school, eventually securing a scholarship at Westminster College, but left to pursue her own business interests. “Walking away from traditional education expectations, I decided to pursue Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy and Esthetics,” Hicks said. “All vocational licenses but more person-to-person careers.” Among her achievements, Hicks won first place as Player of the Year in the Open Category of The Skin Games, a competition where specialists in beauty and wellness compete with others from around the globe to prove their skills in a “challenge.” Before her win, she placed as a finalist for both 2017 and 2018. Comcast RISE award winners receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific Continued page 5
Tenisha Hicks applies a treatment to a client’s face. (Photo courtesy Tenisha Hicks)
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February 2021 | Page 3
Murray tutor offers points for students’ success By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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taying caught up on their classwork, being motivated enough to pass their classes, and managing and sticking to schedules. If this sounds familiar to you and your student, Jamie Cheney of Totally Tutoring says you are not alone. “I would advise parents to help their students maintain a structured school schedule at home,” Cheney said. “Create a schedule that works for your students and help them stick to it. My ACT students who have a structured study time each week, where they can focus on taking ACT practice tests, are continually improving.” When the pandemic hit, Cheney’s business slowed dramatically; Totally Tutoring lost 92% of its business. Before the pandemic, they were tutoring roughly 200 students per week. Her company specializes in ACT preparation. The ACT was canceled in March 2020, and students could not take the ACT for several months. In April 2020, the ACT announced they would start offering testing in June and July. According to Cheney, “There are so many challenges for students during the pandemic. Online learning will never be as personable or effective for many students. Students who have working parents may struggle without the support and structure that school gives them. Most students—mine included—learn better from someone who is not their parent. Learning online takes a lot of self-motivation and determination.” Cheney’s tutors not only engaged in preparing students for the ACT but also tutored in math and physics. Prior to the pandemic, they met in person, conducting oneto two-hour sessions, and they didn’t have any online students. Shifting to online learning meant adapting proven tutoring methodologies.
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Murray High School student Ava studies for the ACT during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy Jamie Cheney)
Murray High students. (Photo courtesy Jamie Cheney)
“I had to gauge if my students were learning and truly understanding the concepts through the computer screen rather than reading their body language. It was also interesting to see how many math concepts they didn’t know or how many math skills they had lost during those first few months of the pandemic,” Cheney said. High school seniors who had planned on taking the ACT for scholarships and college applications could not test for several months in 2020. Testing centers closed with short notice, and test dates have been canceled for consecutive months. The ACT is something that most students need to take multiple times. Many students have only been able to take the ACT once, if they are lucky. Some students and their families have had to travel hours, even going to another
state, to access an open testing site. “Many high school students have expressed how mentally draining and emotional online school is. Students feel especially sad they are missing out on school dances, sports and events,” Cheney said. “Students who have art classes such as ceramics, photography and choir have said how challenging online learning is for these classes. They miss the social opportunities and hands-on learning that school affords.” Specifically, Cheney states that it comes down to one word determining a child’s success in school: “Resiliency. These students can adapt and change. They are well versed in technology. They keep going even when it gets hard,” Cheney said. Parents can do specific things, accord-
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ing to Cheney, that play a role in their student’s success in the era of pandemic learning. “Help your student create a study plan and a study schedule and help them stick to it. Many parents cannot teach their children math or English, as it relates to school standards, but parents can help their children succeed. “By creating a schedule and plan together, parents can ensure their student is completing assignments and gauge where their students may need extra help and support. Finding out what areas (subjects) your student is struggling in early on (and not the last two weeks of the term) will allow you to chat with their teachers or hire a tutor sooner rather than later.” l
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Continued from front page needs. “We created Comcast RISE to partner with small businesses and gave them access to tools to help them survive the pandemic and thrive. As we’ve gone through the selection process, it’s been so powerful to hear these business owners’ stories and see the tangible ways that we can help grow their businesses and impact their communities,” said Teresa Ward-Maupin, senior vice president for Digital and Customer Experience at Comcast Business. “As a Black woman business owner, the challenges I’ve had were mostly overcoming the stereotypes and shallow expectations of what it means to be a Utah-living Black woman, turning them on their heels and building my own standards. Relatable, I’m sure, in ways to any underrepresented business owner traveling towards a dream locally,” Hicks said. As part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative, Comcast RISE launched this past summer. In June, Comcast NBCUniversal announced development of a comprehensive, multiyear plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity,
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Home Tenisha Hicks received a Comcast RISE award for Black-owned businesses. (Photo courtesy Tenisha Hicks)
sexual orientation or ability. “The pandemic has placed a spotlight on systemic racism. This commitment helps lower the barriers and create opportunities for not only business to recover but the potential to grow. It takes a village to raise a village, and we appreciate Comcast’s support and their partnership to our community,” said James Jackson III, president, Utah
Black Chamber. For now, Hicks looks forward to the future and is grateful for her adopted hometown. “We are looking at growing in staff, opening another location, and eventually establishing an education facility in Murray, since it has been a wonderful home for myself and my business.”l
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ne of the newest streets in Murray is the continuation of an old road—Hanauer Street. Murray City opened the street last month, a significant milestone in the Murray City Center District. The road has been proposed to become a one-way street, with neighboring Box Elder Street converting into a one-way street in the opposing direction.
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The city closed the north end of Poplar Street, which will become parking for the City Hall. The south end of Poplar will be open for business access. Also, a cellular tower on the City Hall site has been located west near the railroad lines. l
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February 2021 | Page 5
Murray School District first in nation to connect its students to high-speed LTE network By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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hen it came to schools transitioning to soft closure in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Murray School District was ahead of the curve, being the first in the state to do so. Within two hours of making the decision, employees put 6,500 Chromebooks in the hands of Murray students. Now, almost a year later, Murray School District is ahead of the curve again. The small urban district launched its own LTE broadband internet network on Jan. 14, becoming the first school district in the United States to do so. The high-speed internet access will be provided to all students at no cost. In a ceremonial cable connection, the same cable that is used to connect their radios, Gov. Spencer Cox activated the network with the help of student interns Adam Dansie and Catherine Martinez—but not without a hiccup. The governor, who has a family telecommunications business, didn’t fully twist on the connector so it pulled apart on the first attempt. “I’ve been out for too long,” he joked. Cox addressed the need for a high-speed network for education. “We have equity issues in our state. Too many kids are getting left behind. And the pandemic has magnified those divides in our state. That is unacceptable anywhere,” he said, adding that UTEN (Utah Education and Telehealth Network) has worked to get high-speed internet into schools. “Getting it into the schools is not enough. We’ve done a good job of that, better than about any other state at that. It has to be in the homes.” Cox said that state legislators, educators and others are closely following Murray District’s network. He has proposed another $50 million for educational technology in the budget this year. “This (network) is a model for the rest of the state and a model for the nation. My vision, my dream, is that over the next four years, every student in our state will have access in their home through a device and a high-speed internet. It’s critical for so much of what we do that we need to enhance the conductivity, so all kids have the opportunity to have access to learning,” he said. Utah State Board of Education Superintendent Sydnee Dickson reinforced that commitment. “Thinking forward, and reimagining broadband in our lives, we must think of it as an essential utility and Murray has made a commitment to ensure that every student has an equitable opportunity to have choices for their future by having high-quality broadband in their homes,” she said. In simple terms, Murray District has mounted radios on top of its school buildings, the district office and other locations to reach surrounding homes and apartment buildings.
Page 6 | February 2021
With a twist of a connector, Gov. Spencer Cox activated the network with the help of Murray High student interns Catherine Martinez and Adam Dansie. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
First-generation radios can reach half a mile, while second-generation radios extend one mile out, at optimal speed, to “put a proverbial blanket over Murray City,” said Missy Hamilton, Murray District’s Elementary Teaching and Learning director. “We noticed in the spring that not all students connected or were engaged in on-learning and asked ourselves, ‘Why?’” she said. “The kids are really wanting access and to be able to connect to their teachers. So, we looked at what we had done, giving out Chromebooks and 300 hot spots. We learned some connections glitched, or were slow, especially when several kids were trying to connect for school and their parents were home working. But we also learned that some weren’t able to connect, and we mapped out where there were issues. We realized we needed to help them have highspeed network. It’s separate from the home network so it won’t get bogged down. Digital learning is not going away with the pandemic, so we needed to make online learning better.” Technology coordinator Jason Eyre said now each family will receive a device that serves as an internet receiver as well as a modem, which when students open their school-issued Chromebooks, they will automatically be connected to the District’s secure network. “We have the best of security on a wireless network that we can have,” he said, adding that this network will be secure for ticket sales for school events and activities and can be arranged to have access on long bus rides when students travel throughout the state. Murray School District Superintendent Jen Covington said that as educators it is their job to fully engage learning, whether in the classroom, at home or in a blended learning
setting. “The Powerplay LTE initiative, which we will turn on today, will now make certain that we have a robust network that will connect all students who live and attend school in our district boundaries,” she said. That is welcome news to parent Kayla Severnak, who has been homeschooling her kindergartner and sixth-grader since March. “The fact that they’re doing this highspeed internet network and helping families like me, I am extremely grateful,” she said. “This fall, I called the school and said, ‘School started, and I don’t have a way to get my kids on.’” That’s because without the district hot spot, the only option she had to get internet into her rental home was to increase her cell phone plan to have her boys connect to their class, see their teacher and get online to access their homework. “I have to block my day out,” Severnak said about making sure both sons could get and do their assignments. “I have to make sure we don’t go over the minutes on my phone plan.” While supplies and production have slowed during the pandemic, Eyre said currently, 44 radios have been mounted, and he is optimistic that by late February, more new radios will arrive. In addition, 20 of about 450 Cradlepoint (receiver) devices, which were purchased with a state school board broadband grant of $270,000, are being assembled by the student interns. The one-time cost of $600,000-$800,000 has been paid through various funds as the school district has used state and federal CARES Act grants, Murray Education Foun-
Prompted by Murray School District being the first to launch a LTE network, Gov. Spencer Cox presented District Superintendent Jen Covington with an official declaration that Jan. 14, 2021 as “education conductivity day in Utah.” (Julie Slama/City Journals)
dation donations, amongst other sources, Hamilton said. Cox said that this is an example of Utahns coming together to succeed. “When we work together, to better our kids’ education, to provide equal access and provide them technology to enhance their learning, we all win. I do believe this is a model for the rest of the state and to the nation. We have to bring those resources to bear and we have to bring those partners to bear,” he said. “There are lessons that we have learned from through this pandemic, but what I admire most are the people who knew these lessons before the pandemic and Murray City School District is one of those groups that understood this lesson. This isn’t something that just happened because of the pandemic. This is something that was being worked on for months, even years ahead of this because they understood and many of us understood how important technology is to enhance the educational opportunities and experiences. Jason, congratulations, this is a really big deal.” Eyre said he is “very humbled” at the acknowledgment, but also said it’s not about him. “(It) isn’t about me. It’s about what we’re doing for our students,” he said. Eyre was raised in the small town of Beaver. “I grew up as one of those kids that we would call economically challenged nowadays and I empathize and I understand the challenges a lot of our kids have,” he said. Eyre later took a job with rural Garfield School District, where he saw a need for the 1,000 students to have devices that could con-
Murray City Journal
Murray legislators start session with 20 bills By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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urray legislators headed back to the Utah State Capitol on Jan. 19 for this year’s legislative session. On opening day, they had 20 numbered bills ready to be presented. They will have until March 5 to include other bills for consideration. Rep. Andrew Stoddard sponsored HB0059, Law Enforcement Investigation Amendments. This bill provides criminal penalties for misuse of evidence by a law enforcement official. Stoddard, a Murray City prosecutor, has been critical of the way University of Utah Police handled evidence in the case of Lauren McCluskey’s murder. Stoddard’s bill institutes criminal penalties for any law enforcement officer or prosecutor who duplicates, shares, copies or displays an intimate image from a case, except in specified circumstances. In conjunction, Stoddard is also sponsoring HB0062, Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification Amendments, which add additional grounds for suspending or revoking a peace officer’s certification for conduct involving dishonesty or deception. He is also promoting HB0088, Diversion Fees Amendments, allowing a court to assess a diversion fee on a criminal defendant, based on the defendant’s ability to pay; and HB0091, Tax Credit for Alternative Fuel Heavy-Duty Vehicles, which reinstates a tax credit related to certain alternative fuel heavy-duty vehicles. Notably, Stoddard’s HB0101, Protected Persons Amendments, will provide a process for surrendering a firearm after an individual becomes a restricted person. After the state purchased a large amount of hydroxychloroquine early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Stoddard wrote HB0114, Emergency Executive Powers Amendments. This would reduce the amount of money the governor may spend on an emergency procurement during an epidemic or pandemic. Lastly, Stoddard sponsored HJR002, Joint Resolution Encouraging Discussion on the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse, to encourage a more significant study and open discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse. Stoddard also submitted a bill to impeach Attorney General Sean Reyes. Stoddard posted on social media, “This is not a move I am taking lightly. And in spite of assumptions that this is a partisan or political move, it is not. As a member of the legislature, our options for investigation of another branch of government are GRAMA requests or impeachment. There is no middle ground. Because of this, impeachment seemed to be the best way to investigate whether our AG's actions are worthy of impeachment. His ties to RAGA (Republican Attorney General’s Association) and their involvement in the domestic terror attack on our nation's Capitol, his work to undermine our election process and results, and his regular failure to represent his client, the State, are what inspired this investigation. While impeachment is not necessarily the goal, based on what the investigation uncovers, it may be a potential outcome.” Rep. Mark Wheatley sponsored HB0064, Factual Innocence Payments Amendments, which would make the state pay an individual who is found factually innocent by a court in nect to the internet. He said that it was too expensive for all families to provide service and there was “very poor wiring, old copper wires that weren’t able to really support internet speeds.” But, Eyre said “you could walk out the front door of everybody’s house and see the high school. So, I said, ‘Why couldn’t we put something on the high school and then serve all these people?’”
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Gaylynn Bennion
Karen Kwan
Carol Spackman Moss
Andrew Stoddard
Mark Wheatley
Gene Davis
Jani Iwamoto
Kathleen Riebe
one lump payment. His HB0074, Municipal Police Oversight Amendments, allows municipalities to create police oversight boards under certain conditions. Extending first responders’ mental health benefits is the intent of Rep. Karen Kwan’s HB0025, Mental Health Protections for First Responders. Looking at the use of future technology, Kwan’s HB0031, Unaccompanied Minors in Autonomous Vehicles, establishes a temporary workgroup to study issues related to unaccompanied minors and autonomous vehicles. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss has sponsored HB0071, Lien Restriction and Recovery Fund Amendments, to add “condominium unit” to the definition of “residence” on lien restrictions. On the Senate side, Sen. Gene Davis sponsored SB0026, Property Tax Relief Amendments, modifying “circuit breaker” tax relief, including changes in the consumer price index used to adjust annual income qualifications. Adjusting Utah’s Alcohol Beverage Control Act, Davis’ SB0059, Consumer Alcoholic Beverage Purchasing, creates the Division of Consumer Purchasing (division) within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. It also requires the establishment of a consumer purchasing system. Expanding crisis outreach teams is the focus of Sen. Kath-
That began his quest to provide highspeed internet, which led Eyre to reach out to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Communication Commission, Utah Education Network, Ruckus Network, Cradlepoint, and others. “In June 2017, I came to Murray, having already been working with UTEN on the LTE,” he said. “We realized that Murray had
leen Riebe’s SB0070, Mobile Crisis Outreach Team Expansion. It requires the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to create and monitor additional mobile crisis outreach teams and requires local mental health authorities to provide matching funds. Sen. Jani Iwamoto sponsored SB0010, Place Name Amendments, to authorize the Division of Indian Affairs to help facilitate the application process for changing location names referring to Native American terms. Additionally, she sponsored SB0013, Law Enforcement Internal Investigation Requirements, mandating that POST be notified when a peace officer separates from their agency while an investigation is in progress. Extending the Air Quality Policy Advisory Board’s lifetime is the emphasis of Iwamoto’s SB0020, Air Quality Policy Advisory Board Sunset Extension. She intends the same for the Utah Commission on Aging and has sponsored SB0030, Utah Commission on Aging Amendments, to do so. With SB0064, Domestic Violence Amendments, Iwamoto wants to modify the circumstances under which the penalty for certain domestic violence offenses may be enhanced. To follow the progress of these bills and to see additional bills as they are introduced, go to le.utah.gov/.
an urban story to tell, versus the rural story that we would tell in Garfield. And it was just as important for students in urban areas as it is for students in rural areas. If you look at the size of the Murray District, and the shape of the Murray District, and the relative location of the schools to each other, this is just the perfect place to use this technology.” The first indoor radios were placed in Murray High commons in April 2019 and two
months later, the first outdoor radio was manufactured and placed outside of the high school. With those, Murray School District had filed a permit and received special permission from the FCC to test them. “Everything we’re doing is so cutting edge as we’re the first to do this,” he said. “People are talking to us and asking us about it.”l
February 2021 | Page 7
Murray City creates diversity and inclusion task force By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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urray City Council approved the creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Ad Hoc Advisory Task Force at the Jan. 19 council meeting. The resolution, sponsored by City Councilor Kat Martinez, created a task force to offer suggestions to the council and mayor regarding improving equitable access and opportunity to city residents, businesses and employees. “All families should have full access to all services and community resources, but if we don’t invite these community members to the conversation and listen to experiences different from our own, we may not even know what challenges they are facing,” Martinez said. According to Martinez, Murray is a diverse city with residents with a wide range of needs and challenges. Twenty percent of Murray residents identify as non-white or Hispanic, 5% as LGBTQ, and one in four adults lives with a disability that impacts major life activities. “This task force will serve to offer individuals who have experienced barriers to access of services and participating in community occasions a formal seat at the table and opportunity to share their experiences and be a part of proposing solutions,” Martinez said.
The city council first discussed creating a diversity and inclusion board in the summer of last year when the race riots were happening nationally, including here in Utah. Mayor Blair Camp proposed creating a Public Safety Advisory Board, which was approved by the city council in July 2020. In general, the board will be expected to become acquainted with public safety departments’ operations and activities (both police and fire). It will review community needs, concerns, ex- Murray City created a Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Ad Hoc Advisory Task Force. (Shaun Delliskave/ City Journals) pectations and responses relative to police and fire services. A few of the board’s goals will be “Every year in January, we honor Martin They often had to drive many miles to get to to promote quality public safety services to all Luther King Jr’s legacy of fighting for social a park with accessible play equipment, safe residents and strengthen equal protection un- and racial justice,” Martinez said. “My family cushioning, and ADA accessible restrooms.” der the law throughout the community. spends the day doing works of service in the The city council will choose who sits on On a broader scale, the Diversity and In- community in Dr. King’s memory, but listen- the task force. Applicants will be recruited by clusion Task Force will focus on eliminating ing to diverse voices and improving the inclu- partnering with local organizations that are aldiscrimination while encouraging social equal- sivity of our community shouldn’t be restricted ready serving marginalized communities. ity and equity through all city functions. to one day.” “I think the primary challenge of any “The task force will serve to ensure the Additionally, Martinez said she has fam- committee centered around bringing new voiccity’s policies and procedures are best serving ily members who would’ve benefited from es to the table is deciding on which issues to all residents. Taskforce members will propose such a board in the communities they live in. tackle first. But I am energized and excited by changes to policies and procedures to the city “I have a nephew, Atticus, who was born a large amount of resident support I have recouncil and mayor,” Martinez said. with a rare chromosome disorder and used a ceived already and am honored to be a part of Her family’s annual service projects on walker,” Martinez said. “This mobility chal- starting conversations that will lead to a more Martin Luther King Day spurred her to pro- lenge made it difficult for him and his siblings inclusive community for all Murray residents,” pose such a committee. to visit many parks in their neighborhood. Martinez said. l
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Murray City Journal
New city recorder comes from a long line of public servants By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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erving the public has always been in Brooke Smith’s blood. Her aunt was city recorder of Nampa, Idaho, while her cousin served as its first female prosecuting attorney. Her parents and grandparents served on multiple community boards. And now Brooke Smith is filling the role of Murray City Recorder. “I remember attending several formal city functions and watching my parents and grandparents interact with city and state officials, and it was at those events I fell in love with local government,” Smith said. “I learned then that local government is where the rubber meets the road and knew that serving at the municipal level is where I belonged.” After high school, she attended Brigham Young University and graduated with an Art History and Curatorial Studies degree. “I picked art history because I love looking at the details of complex images and seeing how these small details interconnect to make a big image come alive and history being recorded. Much like art, in serving as the city recorder, I play a small part of a much bigger and more complex picture and know that my service in this role can and will make history,” Smith said. In November 2020, she completed her Master’s of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, emphasizing in Public Administration and General Studies/Leadership through Southern Utah University. After BYU, she worked for an attorney in St. George, Utah. In 2015, she moved and began working for South Jordan City as an executive assistant and business licensing agent in the economic and community development office. After a short stint with Utah Transit Authority (UTA) as a records officer, she had a chance to jump back into local government and work for Murray City in 2018 as a purchasing agent and deputy city recorder. In December 2020, she was recognized as Murray City’s Employee of the Month by the city council. “I can say with confidence that Murray City has amazing
elected officials and administrative staff. People just don’t work for Murray City; they stay at Murray City. The years of combined experience that the people in leadership have working for Murray City is mind-blowing, and I hope that one day my years of service will be considered a staple for the community and my voice and contributions will be a respected part of the community’s history,” Smith said. As city recorder she will be Murray’s chief record keeper. Recorders are not just the gatekeepers of the community’s records, often times they are the first point of contact for the city. Some of the most well-known functions of a recorder are to take the city council minutes, make sure city contracts and agreements are executed correctly, swear in city officials, and supervise the election. Much like her parents’ and grandparents’ examples in serving the community, she currently volunteers with four different organizations: Utah Women and Leadership Program, research associate; Utah Women Leading Government, acting president (website); Utah Chapter of the Institute of Public Procurement (NIGP), vice president; and The Institute of Public Procurement, Pipeline and Placement Committee, vice chair. With NIGP, she was awarded the President’s Award for service this past December. “My advice to young women interested in a career in local government is to stay in school, start volunteering with community organizations, and live life fearlessly. Local government needs more strong, capable young women to have a seat at the table and a voice in the boardroom. I encourage parents to take their young kids to city hall and introduce them to city officials and to set an example by volunteering to serve on boards, attending community-sponsored functions, or running for local office,” Smith said. When she isn’t at the city recorder’s office, she most likely
Brooke Smith administers an oath of office. (Photo courtesy of Brooke Smith)
can be found with her husband in their 2001 TJ Jeep Wrangler. They are members of the Lone Peak 4x4 Jeep club. Still, Smith keeps her life in perspective. “My family taught me to love the community that I live and work in, and the best way to do that is to be an active participant in community-sponsored events, volunteer with community organizations, and stay engaged with current events. I am thankful that my role as city recorder lets me do all three successfully,” Smith said. l
Sports Mall plans to stay open, but changes are in store
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By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
ports Mall owners have clarified that they are still planning to keep their gym open after requesting to rezone their property to be converted to mixed-use development. In a December Murray City Planning Commission meeting, the Sports Mall owners were reported to have told city staffers that they “have seen declines in membership and faced the need for financially difficult and impractical repairs and upgrades to maintain the building and keep the business viable.” Sports Mall Manager Brent Cook told the Murray Journal, “During the COVID year, we were fearful of additional closings and reduced revenue and were thinking about things that we could do to increase revenue in and around the Sports Mall. One of the ideas was to build some housing around the club that would utilize our unique facilities as well as [bring] additional revenue to the Sports Mall.” Sports Mall’s owners did not specify if or what parts of its gymnasium complex would be modified for the rezoning. “The process would allow for more funds for updating and stabilization of revenue for the long term. Hence, the request for mixed-use zoning. As the year advanced, we did not have another closing, and we adjusted expenses and payroll in the shortfall to accommodate for the reduced revenue.” Indeed, the pandemic has been fatal for some gyms. In December, Mayor Blair Camp announced, “Unfortunately, a stone’s throw away, the 24-Hour Fitness facility has perma-
MurrayJournal .com
nently closed.” “As the vaccine becomes available and people are confident, they will return to the gyms in their area,” Cook said. “The industry will rebound as people feel safe. Gyms have adapted to the new requirements with wipes and cleaning materials. We have had no serious COVID issues at the Sports Mall.” Murray City Community and Economic Development Director Melinda Greenwood said, “They have asked to postpone their application, and we don’t have a new date for their public hearing yet.” Sports Mall asserts that current tenants should not expect to be impacted. “At this point, we plan to operate the Sports Mall as we have in the past, keeping all tenants in place and helping them to improve their business models. They are a significant asset to the Sports Mall family,” Cook said. “As for The Point After, our current lease runs through 2029. At that point, we fully expect to sign an extension,” The Point After sports bar Manager Doug Marlowe said. In the December planning commission meeting, the owners said they had to make upgrades and repairs to the 45-year-old building. According to Cook, “Over the past 44 years of operation of the Sports Mall, we have put millions of dollars into the maintenance of the building. Last year, we suffered a break
The Sports Mall applied to rezone its property. (Shaun Delliskave/ City Journals)
in the main water line of the club, and it caused a serious financial setback that was a surprise expense to the operation. Sports Mall was originally built by a company that built LDS temples, and the bones of the building are remarkable. “We have changed and remodeled the building many times over the last 45 years. We will continue to do so as needs and funds present themselves. During the last two years, we have added new boilers, energy-saving devices that make the facility updated and functional. We acknowledge the loyalty of our members and express our appreciation to them for years of support. We have always wanted to be a part of the community and are here because of community support.” l
February 2021 | Page 9
A Kat for Murray cats By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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Katrina Morales poses with one of her community cats. (Photo courtesy of Katrina Morales)
ne might think that a person who has devoted much of her free time to helping homeless felines would fit the bill as a “crazy cat lady.” On the contrary, Katrina Morales, who spends up to two hours every day feeding and trapping (to spay and neuter), is, of all things, allergic to them. “I became aware of community cats over two years ago when I moved from Holladay to Murray by seeing cats living on the streets and in fields,” Morales said. “I learned the best way to support them from Best Friends Animal Society and experienced people, as I was not a ‘cat person.’ I am allergic to them; however, I couldn’t ignore that so many cats were living outside, exposed to the elements and extreme weather temperatures.” Currently, Morales spends two hours every day providing food and clean water for over 140 cats. She makes over 20 stops, refilling every bowl with food or water. She will go through 30 pounds of dry food and around 20 to 40 cans of wet food a day, depending on what she can afford. She created an organization, Murray Community Kats, to get cat food donations from people in the community, who call her to pick up food their pet cat doesn’t like or won’t eat. She also gets food assistance from resources like Nuzzles and Best Friends Animal Society (both pet adoption and rescue agencies). According to Morales, “The cats I care for are neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, and have shelters, providing them a better quality of life. Often, I spend late nights trapping cats, then early mornings transporting cats to clinics, returning later in the afternoon or the following day to pick them up and release them. I volunteer my time and pay for my gas.”
Although I cannot touch most of these cats, they show me so much love and appreciation. Katrina Morales After moving to Murray, she borrowed a humane trap from Best Friends Animal Society to help trap a cat at a friend’s apartment complex that some tenants left behind after moving out of their unit. At that point, she started learning about Best Friends’ resources, like vouchers for spay and neuter that can be used in specific clinics throughout the valley, like Salt Lake Spay and Neuter and Orchard Animal Clinic. Shortly after that, she met Julie Davis, who is very well known in the community cat world, especially for her trap, neuter, and release (TNR) skills. She taught Morales how to humanely trap cats to have them neutered and get them into the clinic and return them the following day to their colony. She further introduced her to a network of others to facilitate scheduling vet appointments. “Although I cannot touch most of these cats, they show me so much love and appreciation. They’re waiting every night, and it is amazing to see them running to the car when I
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Katrina Morales prepares food for several homeless cats. (Photo courtesy of Katrina Morales)
arrive. I have met great people who are home and business owners in the neighborhood; it is priceless to acknowledge and support me. Neighbors who know and trust me have given me keys to their homes, where I store cat supplies, traps and shelters,” Morales said. Morales says that she is careful to make sure that she is only taking care of the cats, not other wildlife like skunks or rats. She said she makes sure that the feeding areas are clean and that just enough food is left for cats. “I would like for Murray Community
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February 2021 | Page 11
AMES earns national distinguished school recognition for outstanding academic achievement By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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AMES recently was named a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School based on their outstanding academic achievement. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
ven though the Academy of Math, Engineering and Science students have been taught virtually since schools were put on soft closure in March 2020 they have something to celebrate. In early winter, AMES was named as a National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished School for 2020. They were selected based on their outstanding academic achievement. “It’s great recognition for our staff and students,” said AMES Principal Brett Wilson. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty” to close the skill gap in reading, writing and mathematics between children from low-income households who may attend urban or rural school systems to those in middle or upper class who attend suburban school systems. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students from low-income homes are “three times as likely to be low achievers if they attend high-poverty schools as compared to low-poverty schools,” hence establishing Title I schools to help compensate for the inequality in education.
With the ESEA awards, states select two schools for the award and the schools are provided with a $15,000 supplemental Title I award for a team to participate in the national ESEA conference. This year, the conference, which will recognize AMES’ achievement, will be held virtually in early February. Wilson said that AMES, which serves students with a great diversity in socio-economic classes, ethnicity and geographically in the Salt Lake Valley, has been previously recognized for its academic achievement. Since 2016, AMES has been acknowledged in the top four high schools by the U.S. News and World Report. Last year, they ranked third—ahead of every public school in the state. The annual lists are released each spring and are highly regarded statistically in education. The scores are based on how well each high school’s students perform on year-end tests in math and reading, how many students’ graduate, and how well they are prepared for college. “We have some stats that are hard to ignore,” Wilson said, adding that as a Title I school, the numbers are even more significant.
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For example, AMES graduation rate is 98%. Last year, they graduated 116 out of 117 seniors in a year that the COVID-19 pandemic plagued the spring term. The year before, all 117 seniors graduated. In the past five years, 61% of the senior class earned scholarships and this past year 85% of the studentbody enrolled in a University of Utah class. In the past five years, 60% have taken an Advanced Placement test. In the past five years, AMES students have averaged a 22.4 score on the ACT pre-college entrance exam, surpassing the state average of 20.3. “We don’t handpick our students. We take kids in a blind lottery across the valley and almost all graduate and take some kind of concurrent class while in high school. That’s the rigor we offer and expect of our students,” he said. However, the school makes clear their priority is to graduate students, then help them achieve college success. They offer a college forum class, where students have 40 minutes every other week, to learn about college, write essays and help them prepare for their post-graduation life. “We want to offer opportunities for students to be prepared for college. With our students taking concurrent enrollment classes typically taught by the U professors, and some enrolling in Salt Lake Community College courses, we are providing better insight of a real college-level class and they’re better pre-
pared than many of their peers when they’re at the university,” Wilson said. It’s also a cost-savings, he added. For example, if a senior graduates AMES with 12 hours of U of U credit and is only paying $10 per credit hour as a high school student, it will only cost the student $120 as opposed to $4,000 once enrolled at the U. “Those credits are transferrable to any university or college,” he said. “That’s big for any family, but we usually have some refugee kids in our school, and some, who will be the first in their families who attend college, and that really helps them financially.” Last year, of those who graduated, 49% were first in the family to attend college, 31% identified themselves as economically disadvantaged and 33% said they were an ethnic minority, he said. This fall of the 487 AMES students enrolled, 239 were female. Their population included Caucasian, African, Latino, Polynesian or Pacific Islanders, Asian, Hispanic and others who didn’t specify. “This past year, our students earned more than $7 million in scholarship awards, we had a state Sterling Scholar, seven were MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement) scholars and four were National Merit finalists. We have a reputation or a legacy of hard-working students and staff who are giving our students more options,” Wilson said. “We have rigorous classes, but we create a culture of support to lead to our academic success.”l
Public Notice This notice is to inform the public that the Murray Downton Residential Historic District Boundary Increase, nominated by the State Historic Preservation Review Board and the Utah State Historic Preservation Officer, was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service on November 5, 2020. Listing on the National Register is intended to encourage preservation as well as provide recognition of a property’s significance. Listing in the National Register does not place any federal or state government limitations on the property. A major benefit of listing in the National Register is the availability of tax credits for qualified restoration work. The Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) would be pleased to assist you with the tax credit application process should you wish to apply.
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February 2021 | Page 13
Jars fill with Murray High students’ spare change, improving lives at local YWCA shelter By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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or a few weeks leading up to winter break, Murray High’s Peer Leadership Team counted donations of spare change made by their classmates, staff and faculty at the school. The “Pennies for People” campaign not only provided fun incentives such as getting a pie in the face or being slimed, it educated their peers about the plight of others and made an effort to help improve their lives, said Aspen Gardner, a Murray High senior and Peer Leadership Team president. “We just set out jars at lunch and took online donations to keep Murray High’s Peer Leadership Team’s “Pennies for Peoit simple,” she said. “It all counts ple” campaign helped women in the YWCA shelter get the items they needed such as coats, food and personal hygiene toward helping people.” Gardner said the 15-member items. (Photo courtesy jweston from FreeImages) club decided after brainstorming to help the YWCA get items they need, such as coats, food, and hygiene items. “This is a time and a year where it seems more people are in need so I’m glad we’re able to have it happen; it feels good that we’re getting people involved in whatever way they can,” she said. According to their website, YWCA Utah is the first and most comprehensive domestic violence services provider in the state, and it offers trauma-informed critical life-saving services to community members in need. As part of their services, since 1998, the YWCA Utah also has included transitional housing programming as a step from emergency shelter towards security, safety, and self-sufficiency in permanent housing. PLT adviser Danielle Humphreys is aware of students who have stayed or are staying at the YWCA’s housing, which brings the fundraiser back home to the Murray High community. “We know there’s a need within our community so our students stepped up to find a way to help,” she said. Gardner and other student leaders found ways to spread the word including posters and Spartan Vision (school newscast) and lunch activities to educate and spread awareness about others’ needs and to donate to their campaign. “Our goal was to get as many kids as possible involved. Sometimes people don’t see or understand the need, and it could be someone next to them in class or in a club we’re in. It’s an eye-opener, and I’ve become more grateful for what I do have and my situation,” she said. Gardner said for seven years, she has volunteered at Primary Children’s Hospital talking to children diagnosed with cancer. As a brain cancer survivor herself, she knows being in bed all day can be hard. “You get down on yourself. I feel for the kids there. I’ve been there myself,” she said, adding that because of her experience, she wants to pursue a medical field career. “I want to reach out and help others have a brighter day.” Gardner works alongside club leadership to designate a theme for each month and finding a way to address issues through education and service. After December’s focus centered on charity, January’s theme addressed emotional health and plans were to talk about dealing with stress, learn how to take an emotional break or time out to rejuvenate through music or yoga or other methods as well as how to reach out to others trying to cope. “I love helping people and lifting their spirits,” she said. “PLT really helps to teach others. I like being part of a team and I’m getting wonderful leadership skills. We’re getting things done, although it’s different during COVID-19 than in years past, we’re still reaching out, getting kids involved and making a difference—and that’s what counts.”l
Murray City Journal
FEBRUARY 2021
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS
Mayor’s Message
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
Growth: No Easy Answers
General Information................ 801-264-2525 Heritage Center (Sr. 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 ................... 801-264-2671 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
murray.utah.gov
The changes we are experiencing in our city, county, and state due to explosive growth are resulting in many challenges to Murray and surrounding cities. One of the most divisive and often controversial issues that we deal with as a city is the development of new multifamily housing communities. This challenge is driven by a housing shortage as more individuals and families move into the area. Murray is a very desirable location for many reasons, not the least is the convenient location to freeways, light rail, shopping, and world-class health care. In recent years, many of our commercial areas have been rezoned to a “mixed use” zone designation, which allows for housing units to be built in former commercial zones as long as new development includes a combination (or “mix”) of residential and commercial. This is not unique to Murray. All cities along the Wasatch front are facing similar challenges, particularly those along the TRAX and FrontRunner lines. According to the Murray City General Plan, which was most recently adopted in 2017, the Mixed-Use (MU) zone “is intended for city center and transit station areas where a mixed-use neighborhood is desired and urban public services, including access to high-capacity transit, very frequent bus service, or BRT/Streetcar service are available or planned. This designation is intended to allow high-density multi-dwelling structures at an urban scale that include a mix of uses, usually in the same building and/or complex.” Some lament that Murray is not the same as when they were growing up, and they are correct. Open spaces where I rode my bicycle with friends as a kid have been replaced by homes or commercial development. In recent years, high real estate values have enticed many property owners to sell to developers. Home builders are looking for any viable property to develop. In addition, the changing retail environment is causing the owners of big box retail stores to look at other uses for their property. The former K-Mart site at 4700 South 900 East is an example of transforming a big box retail store into a mixed-use development. Construction on that development will begin in the near future. City leaders across the state are also feeling intense pressure from state lawmakers to allow for more high-density housing, and some lawmakers have even sponsored bills that have attempted to take some of the local control away from cities to make development easier. At the same time, we are hearing loud and clear from our constituents that we need to slow the developments and be judicious in where they are allowed. It is a delicate balance that your elected officials and planning commission members are seeking to achieve. The rights of individual property owners must also be considered. There are no easy answers. Murray has historically done a fairly good job of striking a balance of housing stock. We have attractive single-family neighborhoods
MAYOR’S OFFICE
D. Blair Camp -Mayor mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107
with a variety of home and lot sizes. We also have a mix of townhomes, condominiums, medium density housing units, and high-density apartments. Moving into the future, it will be important to carefully plan for additional housing units where appropriate. We will continue to see interest in developing high-density housing in zones near high-capacity transit (as indicated in the General Plan) as more people seek a place to call home. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of planning ahead. As developers make applications for new housing units, it is the current land use and zoning that is applicable. The planning commission must make decisions on approval or disapproval based on the current ordinances in place and the ability of the applicant to meet the conditions. I encourage all residents to become familiar with the Murray City General Plan. It can be found on the Murray City website at https://www.murray.utah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7570/Murray-City-General-Plan-2017-Full?bidId= or by typing “General Plan” in the search bar on the home page. Another resource to help residents become informed as to what is happening in the entire region regarding growth and transportation is the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) website. The WFRC is a Metropolitan Planning Organization that includes Salt Lake, Davis, and western Weber counties. WFRC has been instrumental in obtaining funding for Murray City for transportation projects and small area planning. Their website can be found at wfrc.org. The reality is that we cannot stop the growth occurring in Murray and along the Wasatch Front, but appropriate planning and careful implementation of our plan will help assure that we have quality projects where appropriate. Ronald Reagan once said, “There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers.” In addressing the future of Murray City and the certain growth, I hope we have the wisdom to know the difference.
Message from the Council Just do your best. That’s all anyone can ask of us. Let’s just keep on keepin on and love one another. I promise you there are great days ahead. We can move forward with hope or we can move forward with despair. Either way we will move forward. I am hopeful that 2021 will be a wonderful and prosperous year for everyone. In February, there are some annual events that we can always look forward to... Brett Hales The 2021 Legislative Session begins on January 19, 2021, consumes us all in District 5 February, and runs through March 5, 2021. Some of the issues the Legislature will be discussing during the 45 day session this year include: outdoor advertising, emergency management, local government building regulation, and metro townships. There are already over 70 bill files on public safety, so keep an eye on that important issue. Your legislators want to hear from you. To find out who your representatives are, visit the Utah State Legislatures webpage at www.le.utah.gov. There are two other days in February that are special to me and are definitely more fun than the legislature. This year, they happen to be one right after the other. Valentine’s Day! Yea, sweethearts and candy! We will celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. Valentine’s Day is also known as St. Valentine’s Day. I was doing some research on this “love-filled” holiday when I came across some fascinating Valentine’s Day facts. For instance, did you know there was more than one St. Valentine? There were at least two men named Valentine that could have inspired the holiday. I also learned that the first valentine was sent in 1415 by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife. And what about those conversation hearts? Those were invented by a pharmacist named Oliver Chase who invented a machine to simplify the way medical lozenges were made. He then switched his focus
to making candy and founded the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), and voila, wafer hearts were born. In 1866, his brother, Daniel Chase, started printing sentimental messages on the conversation hearts. The first messages were long phrases such as, “How long shall I have to wait?” Also, would you believe that more than eight billion conversation hearts are manufactured each year? Well, it’s true.
Council District 1 Kat Martinez 801-264-2624
kat.martinez@murray.utah.gov Council District 2 Dale M. Cox 801-264-2624
dale.cox@murray.utah.gov Council District 3 Rosalba Dominguez 801-264-2624
rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov
The other holiday that is celebrated in February is President’s Day. The federal holiday was established in 1885 in recognition of George Washington. In 1968 the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill was passed by Congress. During the debate on that bill, a proposal came forth to change the name of the holiday from Washington’s Birthday to President’s Day so it could honor both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. When the bill went into effect in 1971, the holiday became commonly known and President’s Day and is intended to honor all American presidents. President’s Day is always celebrated on the third Monday in February, which falls on February 15th this year. While there are many views on the current situation at hand, my hope is that you will again, do your best. It’s all any of us can do.
Murray Library FEBRUARY IS LIBRARY LOVER’S MONTH
CITY COUNCIL
If you’re a Murray Library Lover we hope you continue to love your library and consider expressing your library love to those around you. Use #NationalLibraryLoversDay to share on social media. If you don’t have a library card, it’s never too late! Call Murray Library to get one! Libraries provide a place for us to enjoy great novels or to discover amazing adventures and untold history. Yes, they help us ace our research papers and provide a quiet space to study, but they do so much more. For preschoolers, libraries entertain them with theater and hands-on activities exposing them to music, art and their first friendships. Many communities rely on their libraries for meeting space for public forums, socials, fundraisers and classes. Libraries lend not only books but music and movies. Rotating art displays give local artists exposure to the community. Larger libraries provide preservation services, preserving some of the most treasured books, periodicals and documents for future generations.
Brett Hales District 5
Council District 4 Diane Turner 801-264-2624
diane.turner@murray.utah.gov Council District 5 Brett A. Hales 801-264-2624
brett.hales@murray.utah.gov Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622
jkennedy@murray.utah.gov Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525
166 East 5300 South • Murray, UT 84107 DIY VALENTINE CARD KIT
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s time to spread the love! Register starting February 3rd for your DIY Valentine card kits! Have fun making two of your own Valentines with our Take & Make kits. We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity. One kit per child / limit four per family. Supplies are limited. Instructions for picking up your kit(s) will be provided after registering.
MURRAY LIBRARY ESCAPE ROOM
You are at the Library, snapping some photos with everyone’s favorite mascot, Murray the Dragon. Suddenly, the lights go out and everything is pitch black. People are trying to find their way around in the dark, when the lights come back on. You feel relief until you look around and notice that Murray is missing! He was standing right there with you, but now he is gone. In his place, you see a note. Solve the mystery of Missing Murray at: murraylibrary.org/escaperoom
FEBRUARY 2021 Murray Senior Recreation Center Stay informed.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Although the Murray Senior Recreation Center remains closed for the protection of its vulnerable participants, we are looking at and implementing ways to serve the 55+ population in a fun and safe manner. We are trying to get INFORMATION out about our Center via Facebook posts, listing on our webpage, or sending out email blasts. Please be sure to check these at least once a week for more information. If you have questions, please call our main number 801-264-2635 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
murray.utah.gov
MURRAY
murray.utah.gov/140/Murray-Senior-Recreation-Center
LUNCH We are serving box lunches for those 55+ Monday through Friday. Please call us at 801-264-2635 between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. the day prior to order your box lunch. Payment can be made over the phone with your credit/debit card. We need prior notification so the kitchen can adequately prepare your order. The box lunch will be delivered to your car in front of our building (north entrance) between 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Option #1: $4 sandwich (choice of white or wheat bread and a choice of ham or turkey), bag of chips, pickle, fruit cup, and cookie. If you want a hot sandwich, ask for panini style. Option #2: $2 for a cup of soup or $4 for a bowl of soup (includes saltines, roll, and cookie) Option #3: $4 hot main entrée (includes fruit cup, roll, cookie) – choice of chicken pot pie, lasagna, or meatloaf and mashed potatoes
VIRTUAL SENIOR CENTER We have been hard at work planning virtual classes. Please call us between 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to register for a class. You may also register for our virtual classes at mcreg.com. Virtual classes are marked with (ZOOM).
Murray Power Department Park Strip Trees Starting Feb. 1 through March 31, 2021, Murray City Power will be selling Park Strip trees to Murray City residents. For $125 per tree, a certified arborist will deliver and plant the tree in your park strip. Maintenance of the tree is also provided. Limited availabilities for the following trees: • Sargent Cherry-Pink Flair • Canadian Chokecherry • Pin Oak • Red Oak • Lacebark Elm To order come into Murray City Power (Monday-Friday 7:00 am -3:30 pm) or call (801) 264-2729. As a reminder, if you do come in, please wear a mask.
Please provide us with a current email address when registering for a class. We will email out the Zoom meeting links a few days prior to the class. Only those registered will be able to access the class. Virtual classes are marked with (ZOOM) To participate, you must have access to the internet, a personal computer, tablet, or mobile device which includes video and audio. If you do not have access to a computer, the Center has purchased 25 iPad’s that you can checkout to use. Call the Center for more information on this program and to register for the ZOOM classes.
For a full listing of available ZOOM classes and to register, please visit us online at: mcreg.com AARP /VITA TAX HELP AARP and VITA Volunteer Tax Preparers are finalizing plans to assist seniors with their tax preparation. They will also be taking reservations for this service. Details will be available in February.
SENIOR GOLF LEAGUE The Murray Senior Golf League, a series of golf tournaments played at different courses on Mondays, will begin in May. Look for more information in future issues.
#10 East 6150 South (one block west of State Street) For information on these and other programs call 801-264-2635
For additional information, contact Murray Power Department at 801-264-2730
RESIDENT ON DISPLAY Original artwork by Murray resident artists are displayed in the central display case at City Hall. Brian Allen will be showcasing his artwork throughout February and March. Brian Allen received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting from Kent State University and a BFA in graphic design from the University of Akron. In 2013, he moved from Cuyahoga Falls, OH to Salt Lake City and currently resides in Murray. Brian is a painter of paradox – he uses art as a conduit to merge conflicting emotions. Feelings of tension and tranquility are evoked, by blurring the line between the chaotic and serene. His works represent the multi-faceted complexities of everyday life. Brian’s interest in the conver“When Serenity Collides” gence of polar opposites began in Brian Allen art school. His inspiration was psychological androgyny and how it’s proven to be cognitively and sociologically beneficial. He found that he could create something entirely new and unexpected by combing dichotomous subjects. Brian’s work has since evolved into pure abstract form. His work still maintains the underlying principal of paradoxical emotions, commonly associated with femininity and masculinity. “The question then remains, how do we embrace contrasting aspects of our own individuality to become more adept in our everyday lives?” For those interested in showcasing their talent and becoming a Resident on Display – please contact murraymuseum@murray.utah.gov
Lori Edmunds: 801-264-2620
Murray City Council Executive Director Jan Lopez retires By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
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urray City Council Executive Director Jan Lopez, who has served the council for over a decade, announced plans to retire at the end of January. City Recorder Jennifer Kennedy will take her place. “Jan has been the backbone of the council and is a very accomplished juggler,” City Councilor Diane Turner said. “She has been able to successfully juggle the schedules and needs of five part-time, independent council members, who often change every two years. She has done this with incredible insight, patience, grace and intelligence for 13 years. Her ability to interface with Murray citizens and troubleshoot their issues with care and compassion is most remarkable.” Most people know Lopez for facilitating Murray City Council meetings, but she has a wide range of other duties: studying and researching issues, preparing council agendas and packets, following legislation, organizing special events, guiding council members, and completing Open and Public Meeting Act requirements to work with residents. “My job duties are extremely varied, which I love,” Lopez said. “I feel my greatest responsibility is to assist council members in exercising their authority, ensuring they are prepared for weighty decisions and helping them to be successful and effective in their positions of representing district constituents and acting in the best interests of the entire city overall.” Originally from Dallas, Texas, and a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, Lopez moved to Utah in 1975. She married Roland Lopez, an accomplished guitar-
Jan Lopez retires after 13 years as Murray City Council Executive Director. (Photo courtesy of Jan Lopez)
ist, and opened a real estate office. “My real estate experience has provided context for the land use issues the city council considers as part of their legislative powers. I spend hours reviewing packets and discussing options with city council members when various land-use requests come before them.” Lopez began working in the Murray City Council office in 2007, when her real estate business began to decline due to the
recession. Her good friend, Shannon Jacobs, needed someone to fill in when her assistant was on medical leave. Looking for a steady income, Lopez was excited to help her in the office. After Jacobs’ retirement, she worked closely with the next council director, becoming accomplished in the office’s responsibilities and gaining the experience to move into the director position when it opened again. According to her, the most challeng-
ing part of the job is having enough time to accomplish all that needs to be done in the council office. “You will often see my lights on past office hours, and I arrive early in the morning,” Lopez said. City Councilor Dale Cox concurs, “I will say she is one of the most professional people I have ever worked with. In this world of 9-to-5, she was available to us 247; she always gave sound advice and has an uncanny grasp of city codes and history.” In late 2019, Lopez undertook a total rewrite of the training handbook for new city council members. It is a comprehensive manual that she hopes will be useful for years into the future. Additionally, with her retirement on the horizon, she put together an extensive binder of information for the new director, former City Recorder Jennifer Kennedy, to guide her as she becomes oriented to the position’s responsibilities. “Her patience is astounding. She will be greatly missed, not only by the council but by the entire city of Murray,” Turner said. Now with more free time in retirement, Lopez has a list of things she wants to do. “So many things have been on hold while a demanding job has taken priority in my life. I want to spend more time outside. I love to travel and am anxious to experience the diverse, beautiful, historic, quaint, and unique parts of our country and international sites in Europe and South America—once COVID-19 is under control and that is possible again,” Lopez said. l
What to wear? Now Murray High students can select clothes from school closet By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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tudents without much in the way of clothes don’t stick out at Murray High—and that’s a good thing. Thanks to the efforts of some folks who don’t want to be in the limelight, Murray High has a free clothing closet filled with not only winter clothing items for teens in need, but everyday clothes they can wear to school, hang out in or put on for a job interview. “We have coats, gloves, scarves, hats, pants, shirts, dresses, socks, suits, shoes, boots that teachers and others have donated,” said Wendy Hildebrand, Murray High support staff/office assistant. “A lot of it is new, but we do have some gently used items. But it’s clothes they’ll wear, not Grandpa’s old shirts. One teacher was shopping at Costco, called to see what was needed and brought in some new coats.” Called Spartan Thrift, the closet has items of all sizes that could fit a high school student. Donations they’ve received in younger student sizes have been shared with Parkside Elementary. The need for Spartan Thrift was defined after School Resource Officer Russ Burnside saw a student wearing his dad’s dirty clothes, Hildebrand said.
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That inspired her and others to clean out old records and holiday decorations in a storage closet in the back of the security room, room 118, and make better use of the space. “Students can come anytime during the day to grab stuff they want and need,” Hildebrand said. “We hope kids will come utilize it. They can come get one of us to open it up and feel comfortable to ‘shop’ on their own to get clothes for themselves and family members.” Hildebrand, who said this is the first time she’s organized a clothing closet, said that as soon as she put out the word there was a need at Murray High, she received donations. “People want to help, they want to make sure these high school students have what they need,” she said. “People just started bringing in bags and bags of clothes.” She said she was able to work on and organize Spartan Thrift while the school building was temporarily closed because of positive COVID-19 cases. She also put out the word that the clothing closet was now open. Murray High also has a Cinderella Closet filled with formal wear students can check out for school dances and events.
Murray High’s support staff/office assistant Wendy Hildebrand and auto shop teacher and student body adviser Jackie Martin display some of the items available at the new Spartan Thrift closet. (Scott Wihongi/Murray High School)
February 2021 | Page 19
Granite’s Academy programs give students taste of business, tourism worlds even during pandemic By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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n a day in November, about 100 students from Cottonwood High and Granite Technical Institute all clicked into a virtual lecture given by Andrew Taylor with Pure Life Adventures and Octagon Mentoring. It was part of their annual fall reception for Cottonwood Academy of Finance and GTI’s Academy of Finance as well as their Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Taylor’s speech, titled “Invest in Yourself,” encouraged students to “step into the arena” and find out what they are passionate about, take steps toward their dream, work hard, and lean into discomfort as change can be a good experience, said Jen Riches, Cottonwood’s instructor of the Academy of Finance of 15 years, who is joined by Ashley Merrill, who has taught in the program for 10 years. “Every year we have a fall reception like businesses may have in the real world to network over cocktails. Ours is centered around a guest speaker that may talk about business, finance or tourism as a career to motivate students,” Riches said. “We couldn’t meet in person, but we thought we could still provide students a good experience to hear Andrew Taylor’s story of starting his own business of
adventure trips for youths, and his message of getting to know themselves and what they want to do.” Granite School District’s 30-year-old Academy of Finance is designed to have juniors and seniors in a cohort and take the same courses as their peers with similar interests. Cottonwood has housed the program the entire time, but as enrollment fluctuated at other high schools, they were merged into GTI, which now has students coming from several high schools. Typically, Academy of Finance students study personal finance, economics, business, marketing and accounting. Some are concurrent enrollment courses so students can gain college credit while in high school. They also enroll in advance computer production and gain the Microsoft suite certification. GTI’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism is designed in the same cohort fashion, for about 25 students, with class offerings including customer service, business communication, event planning, hospitality and tourism and sports marketing. The program was brought to GTI 15 years ago from Skyline and Kearns high schools to ensure all students had
equal access to it. GTI Counselor and Academy of Support Coordinator Julie Bagley said that the goal of these “rigorous” programs is to help students be prepared for the business world when they leave high school. “We want the students to be ready to enter the world of business while they’re in college so they’re having a business job in the business world instead of another part-time job to help them out,” she said. “These programs are explorative and allows students to ask, ‘is this the direction I want to go?’ Students in the two-year program develop a relationship with each other and with their teachers, which
hotels, specialized restaurants and sporting or arts events. Students not only experience these businesses, but they learn how they operate to locals and international travelers. “We want to have our students become familiar with what Utah offers and have learned most haven’t been to these places,” Bagley said. However, during COVID-19 those experiences have been shelved, and Academy instructors are finding other ways to reach students and pique their interests. At Cottonwood, navigating through teaching online as the school has flipped virtually twice this fall has also proven challenging
Academy of Finance students were able to participate in-person at the fall reception in 2019; this school year, it was virtual. (Photo courtesy of the Cottonwood High Academy of Finance)
during COVID, has meant a lot to have that connection.” Typically, students in Academy of Finance have benefited from in-person speakers and for the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, travel throughout the state that may include visiting a national park, a hotel that caters to that park or a ski resort, and downtown
for Riches as some of her 70 students come from Olympus and they, also, have flipflopped three times between in-person and online. “They have come back one day and then, Cottonwood goes on closure, so I actually went to Olympus and taught one day in-person,” she said to keep students’ motivation up. With so many disruptions in students’
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Murray City Journal
GTI’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism students toured Deer Valley in 2019 as an opportunity to learn about the field. (Photo courtesy of GTI’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism)
learning and the inability to do some of the activities that enhance their learning, the Academy of Finance Board members have stepped up and provided speakers that will deliver inspiring talks to students. “We’ve had so much positive feedback,” Riches said. “Hearing messages from professionals in the field really benefits the students.” Bagley said that their board has arranged speakers from the marketing director for the new airport to an individual who works in the cruise industry who can speak about the COVID-19 impact and how they plan to rebound. “They’ve had some great conversations
and are getting authentic answers. It’s really been a candid look into the industry,” she said. GTI Academy instructor Erin Paulsen said that several individuals have stepped up to speak to students, including the Utah Jazz president. “We’ve been trying to connect to industry as much as we can,” she said, adding that she has recorded these conversations so she can use them with future students. Since last year’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism classes had many of their tours canceled because of the pandemic, Paulsen said, “The advisory board offered to say, ‘hey, we have all of these speakers, what would you
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like?’ (They said) ‘if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.’” She offers these speakers as an optional experience and said typically has 45 kids that tune in. “Kids really, really wanted to connect to the industry; they want to explore and want to hear about it.” Paulsen said that she asks students to provide a short paragraph reflection about their connection to speakers, but with one presenter, a student turned in a three-page reflection. “They are like sponges, because they just really are trying to explore and figure out what they want to do,” she said. “It’s almost not a class, (but) ‘this is my chance to see what there is out there as far as jobs.’ For me, I want them to explore, to see ‘where do I fit in the big picture of life.’” Through learning students are inspired and that has led their board to go ahead and plan their annual spring event that helps Cottonwood and GTI students, dressed in professional dress, prep themselves for success with learning how to create resumes to presenting themselves at mock job interviews. “They learn how to prepare for a job interview, from communicating to conducting themselves at mock interviews. It’s really invaluable. If they can’t have it in-person, then it will be virtual,” said Riches, who was a student in the program (then at Kearns High) herself. “This program really prepares students for college with their study skills, time manage-
ment and organization skills and being able to communicate and advocate for themselves.” Paulsen said that even if students opt to pursue other interests, these skills—resume writing, communication, presentation and interviewing—will “help them no matter what they do.” Bagley said that networking with speakers and board members can end up leading students to internships in their field and parttime jobs so once they’ve graduated college, they’ve already worked their way up in the business. “Knowing how to make connections whether it’s your college professor or someone in the business world is really powerful,” she said. Paulsen added, “The thing I try to tell these kids is you have a skill now, you’re in the Academy of Finance. There is no need for you to be working at a movie theater making minimum wage. You can go out and you can actually compete with people for careers.” In addition to providing this experience, the board also awards students scholarships to pursue their interests in college. Last school year, eight $1,500 scholarships were awarded to students in both Academy of Finance programs; half were based on need and half on their application which reviewed academics, awards and essays. “The program is open for anyone in the district,” Riches said. “It really is a hidden gem.” l
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February 2021 | Page 21
Generous students, community members help fund and fill Cottonwood school pantry By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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very year, Cottonwood High students, like many other high schools, hold a winter fundraising drive to donate funds or supplies for a charitable organization. In recent years, they raised thousands of dollars to help children’s wishes be granted through Make-A-Wish Foundation. This winter, as they were looking at a variety of options, they realized there was an obvious need right within their own community. “We were looking at a variety of options, when we realize that we could hold the month-long fundraiser to help our own community, to help stock our school pantry,” studentbody president Faith Godina said. “We have a need right here.” During the three weeks leading up to the winter break, student leaders came up with ways to raise funds in a COVID-19 fearful time. “We were able to seek donations online, hold a silent auction online with baskets and our usual tree festival instead of having crowds of people in-person, and we even held grilled cheese nights and had student government and other volunteers waving signs out on 13th East about it,” she said. The gift baskets featured donated items, such as a TV, air pods, $100 gift cards and other items, as well as the club-decorated trees, brought in several thousand dollars. Cottonwood High Principal Terri Roylance shows a full pantry, thanks in part to students who raised funds to help stock the shelves for their peers who are in need. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
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Coupled with cookie or candygrams purchased by students and delivered weekly in December and restaurant nights, where local businesses, such as Swig, would donate a percentage of profits for the night, helped to fill the pantry’s shelves. It wasn’t just an effort to raise funds, but to unite the school. They held a spirit week which included a simple unifying action—when students who were randomly called answered their cell or home phones with “Colts are Great,” they would win a donated prize and a chance to be in schoolwide assembly as a way to build school unity. “I was surprised at all the ways we could raise money during COVID; it felt great,” Godina said. “We want to help everyone at our school and be a positive community.” Cottonwood High’s pantry is almost the size of a classroom, with rows of shelves organized and stocked with nonperishable items, such as macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, cereal, rice, graham crackers, soup, and even Girl Scout cookies. On other shelves, there were school supplies, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. SBO adviser Tara Battista said that hundreds of students rely on the pantry weekly for food and Principal Terri Roylance said the shelves need to be restocked every few days. “We let kids come and get what they
It has been amazing that our studentbody wants to help other students here within the school. Terri Roylance need. It may be a day where they didn’t bring a lunch and they’re hungry or they may need to stock up for the weekend,” Roylance said. Students also are able to come before the school dismissal bell rings on Tuesdays and Thursdays to gather what they need. “It has been amazing that our studentbody wants to help other students here within the school,” Roylance said. “They raised $1,000 alone when they auctioned off Christmas trees that clubs and groups donated. One anonymous donor purchased a tree and said, ‘I want this to go to a home in need.’ Our community is reaching out to our students, calling to ask if they can donate canned fruit, soup or ask what is on our list of needs.” Behind the scenes of the pantry are a handful of dedicated volunteers who weekly organize donations, headed by Robyn Ivins, who recently was honored by Holladay Mayor Rob Dahle and the city council for her volunteerism. Ivins declined to be interviewed, not
wanting to be in the spotlight, but in 2018 said that she worked in the pantry to provide food and items to reduce some of the 1,700 Cottonwood students’ anxiety issues. “In high school, there are all sorts of pressures from sleeping with a boyfriend or getting asked to a dance and wearing the cutest clothes to where their next meal will come from and how their family will cope with pressures,” she said then. Cottonwood serves a great number of refugee families and more than 40 languages are spoken in the school’s hallways, Battista said. That diversity will be celebrated when the student leaders hold a cultural week in February. In addition to raising funds for the pantry, student leaders also volunteered to help Ivins and others with the Cottonwood Extravaganza in December. “We allow our kids to ‘shop’ for themselves and their families,” Roylance said. “There were sports balls, candy, games, hot chocolate, jackets, school supplies, perfume and cologne, personal hygiene items,
Unsung Heroes In Our Community Our Path in Life
SelectHealth to Grant Nonprofits Supporting Healthy Communities Submission window opens to submit for an award for community health improvement worth over $20,000. SALT LAKE CITY—Are you working to improve health in the community or build a strong community? If so, SelectHealth wants to help by recognizing twenty organizations with $3,000 and a marketing package worth $20,000 to further their cause. SelectHealth asks anyone who may qualify to apply. Submissions for the award are being accepted February 2, 2021 through February 28, 2021 or until 500 submissions is reached at selecthealthawards.org. A wide range of organizations have received the SelectHealth Awards since it was first introduced in 2008. Last year’s recipients represented a wide variety of causes including physical activity programs, crisis centers, recovery centers, and free medical services. “It is an honor to work with so many positive nonprofits throughout the state,” said SelectHealth Community Relations Manager Greg Reid. “Each year, we are inspired by the recipients and all they do to make our communities a better place to live.” In addition to offering a cash award, SelectHealth will develop marketing materials for each awardee including a promotional video to help promote their organization and cause. For more information and to apply, visit selecthealthawards.org.
About SelectHealth SelectHealth® is a not-for-profit health plan serving more than 930,000 members in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. From commercial to government plans for individuals, families, employers, and more, we serve all segments of the community. We share a mission with Intermountain Healthcare® of Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible®.
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“You never know what your path in life is going to be,” said Lynn Long. She is the Community Liaison/ Case Manager at Danville Support Services, which offers in-home services to fit every individual’s need. She began working in real estate, but that changed to caregiving when she began simultaneously caring for her father-in-law who had Alzheimer’s and her 90-year-old mother. Soon, she began working at Danville as a caregiver. “It was a really good fit, because I got to help people and it made me feel good and I really enjoyed it,” Lynn says, now 10 years later. Danville administrator, Stephanie Strohl, said, “One thing we all say about Lynn is that she is happy and compassionateshe brightens up our day. She truly cares about the clients and the staff and she is great at looking at hard situations and figuring out how to make it work.” For more information about Danville, call 801-363-1521. Sponsored by:
gift cards, Cottonwood sweatshirts bought from donated funds—about anything kids want and need.” Godina said that they donated some of the funds they raised for toys and other items students usually “shop” for siblings at Christmas. Battista said they spent up to $499 on those items, with the rest of the funds raised earmarked for the pantry. Roylance said that the annual one-day was “crazy,” with boxes and pallets of items for any Cottonwood student to “shop” for, but also “so rewarding” as hundreds of students took part in the free shopping spree. “The items were all donated or purchased with donations. Robyn started it four years ago and she heads it up and reaches out to neighborhoods, churches, Scouts and anyone in our community. This is on top of her overseeing the pantry,” Roylance said. “Robyn knows so many people and is so much a part of our community. She gets others to help out. It makes such a powerful positive impact on our school and students.” Student leaders have learned that spirit of generosity, giving back to their school. “It’s been such a hard year so this is a way we can show we care for one another and build school unity,” Godina said. “It’s heartwarming to put in all the work and see people smile and happy and make them feel good.” l
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February 2021 | Page 23
Cottonwood boys basketball is rising from the ground up By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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laying in one of the toughest regions in the state of Utah has not intimidated the Cottonwood boys basketball team one bit. All the hard work this program has put in, according to Cottonwood athletic director Greg Southwick, is beginning to show. “We’re competing, that’s the ultimate goal,” Southwick said. Two months after starting the season losing their first two games, the Colts are now a respectable 6-7 at press time, and nothing—not even one of the most difficult regions in the state—is stopping them from playing to win. It’s the best start in more than five years for Cottonwood, who are already thinking this is the team that will go to state for the first time in years. “We’ve got some coaches that are really working hard, developing the Bantam program from the ground up,” explained Southwick. The build has been slow but steady. The last head coach, Lance Gummersall, started the process, culling his varsity and JV teams from the Bantams as he led the Colts to, given the stiff competition in region play, a decent 16-31 record over two seasons and one appearance at a state tournament play-in game.
But head coach Marc Miller, who took over after Gummersall left for Herriman two years ago this summer has taken the Colts from a 3-21 record last year and in 2020-21 has already doubled his previous win total in just 11 games. Cottonwood was overall 2-4 in Region 6 at press time, having defeated East 67-43 in a blowout victory and a talented Skyline bunch in a game that went down to the final play of overtime by a 50-48 score line. Even when a gym’s seating capacity “can only be at 25%” during this pandemic according to the athletic director Southwick, that hasn’t rattled the Colts, who have only lost once at home in region play at the time this article was printed and even that one went down to the wire in overtime as Highland prevailed, 49-47. Cottonwood sat in a favorable spot in late January in the RPI rankings at No. 16 according to the UHSAA, which seeds all 29 Class 5A teams for state tournament play. l Junior Noah Widerburg hits a clutch free throw against the Rams to send the game to overtime. Widerburg led the team in scoring through 11 games at 18 points per game. (Travis Barton/City Journals)
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Rob Beck of Wealth Management CPAs in Murray has a simple but effective approach to help people plan for the future – he gets the experts in the same room. “I am a CPA who loves helping people build their wealth,” said Beck, who loves numbers, math and watching the economy. But he does not like watching his friends delay their retirement. And he does not love it when the government gets a portion of someone’s legacy that could have gone to loved ones or a favorite charity. “In 2008 the markets took a hit. I watched one of my mentors – an accomplished CPA – delay his retirement. I also watched my tax clients’ investments go down as their taxes went up. “I wondered what on earth was going on. How can you lose money and have to pay more in taxes?” Beck said. So he did something very simple – he asked his friends, who were financial planners and estate planning attorneys, what advice they were giving. “I realized each professional was independently giving good advice, but without all of the pieces of the puzzle, it was incomplete. We were focused on different things. I saw that many people often need all-encompassing financial advice, that includes
Page 24 | February 2021
not only financial planning, but a comprehensive tax strategy as well. So, I started Wealth Management CPAs, to bridge that gap” Beck said. Beck has a business motto: Be kind, be competent. The motto works. People who schedule a complimentary consultation with him at www. WealthCPAs.com often become loyal clients. “Call us at (801) CPA-HELP (801.272.4357) or email us at info@ WealthCPAs.com and we’ll look over your retirement plan for gaps,” Beck said. Beck enjoys talking to clients without watching the clock run. “We always offer two complimentary consultations to answer
questions. In these consultations, we’ve been able to help many people with their financial, tax, and estate plans. We take pride in our work.” A powerful video on Beck’s website www.WealthCPAs.com demonstrates how they helped a woman dramatically improve her plan. It is under the “Why Choose Us” tab and well worth four minutes of your time. “A woman came to us after her husband passed away. She had an IRA, money in the bank and a life insurance policy. “Her attorney created a family trust and told her to move the three assets into it. But her financial advisor told her to just name her family as beneficiaries. She was confused,” Beck said. Beck knew both experts were only looking at their pieces of the puzzle. The woman needed someone who would look at the whole picture. “With her original plan, we noticed as CPAs, that upon her death the IRS would receive $450,000! Yikes.” “We rearranged her exact same assets so that her family received $1.5 million. And the IRS? Well…they got ‘disinherited’,” Beck said. As a fiduciary, Beck is obligated to
make sure he gives his clients unbiased advice. His industry is heavily regulated, and he wants people to know when they call him at (801) CPA-HELP (801.272.4357), they will find a partner who cares about them, with the necessary skills to help set up a comprehensive plan for them. “I’ve learned that genuinely listening to people and helping them on their journey in life comes back to me in spades. When you have professionals working together as a team to build a coordinated comprehensive strategy, you will find the gaps and missing pieces in your plan. Let us help you do that,” Beck said. Advisory services are offered through Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of Utah. Tax services offered through Wealth Management Tax Solutions, an affiliated company. Insurance products and services offered through Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC, an affiliated company. Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, Wealth Management Tax Solutions and Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.
Murray City Journal
The UHSAA aligned its schools for possibly the last time he Utah High School Activities Association made its biannual changes to school region alignments. The adopted proposals have been applauded and scrutinized. “Looks like Region 7 was picked by throwing darts on a map,” Derek Erickson, a concerned fan, commented after the alignment was announced. According to the Utah High School Activities Association’s constitution, the Board of Trustees has the responsibility and authority to classify its member schools and assign them to regions within the classification. This year may be the last year of regions as we know it. Considerations for alignment include fair competition, school enrollment, travel costs, and natural rivalries. Region 7 has a 348-mile spread. Uintah High School in Vernal was placed in the 5A region with Cedar Valley, Cottonwood, Hillcrest, Payson, Stansbury, and Tooele high schools. Making it one of the most scrutinized region placement divisions. “We can’t just look at the numbers of the school and say, ‘Hey, because you have 2,000 students you should play against other schools that have 2,000 students. We need to look at the balance,” Juab School District board president Dale Whitlock said. Hillcrest has over 2,100 students; Cottonwood and Uintah both have over 1,600 enrolled.
By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com
T
The UHSAA realignment is set for next season. Where is your favorite school? (Photo courtesy of dsandersonpics.com)
“We are absolutely excited for realignment,” Hillcrest Athletic Director Scott Carrell said. “We have regions and the RPI (rating performance index used to seed teams at state tournaments), they don’t work together very well. When they started to put together the changes we were put in a very competitive region in Utah County. We sat down with our coaches and asked for that to be changed. We knew that in order for us to build our programs we needed to be put with similar schools. They told us we would have to travel more, but we were OK with that.” The teams at Hillcrest realize there will be challenges. “We know that not everyone will be on
board, but we are excited to be able to build our programs back up,” Carrell said. “We are looking at ways to have hotspots on buses to help with homework and more opportunities for distance learning.” Many other schools were also enthusiastic about their new placement. “We are excited about our new region,” Copper Hills Athletic Director Ben Morley said. “Mainly because of the proximity of the member schools and having West Jordan back in Region 3.” West Jordan and Copper Hills have a natural rivalry again in Region 3 and are located just four miles from each other. They have played 25 football games against each other and Copper Hills has only won once, in 2013. It is not the only rival to be preserved in the current alignment; Hunter and Granger, Kearns and Taylorsville in Region 2; Herriman, Riverton, and Mountain Ridge now all reside in Region 3; Bountiful, Viewmont, and Woods Cross in Region 5; Olympus and Skyline in Region 6; and Alta and Jordan in Region 8. Roy administrators asked to be moved from Region 1, in northern Utah, to Region 2. They stated competitive balance as their reasoning. Roy last won a state championship in 2012 in softball. West High School won Region 2’s most recent title in 2019 in softball, but Granger has not been a state champion since 1979 in boys
baseball. In the upcoming season, Region 2 will consist of Cyprus, Granger, Hunter, Kearns, Taylorsville, West and Roy. “I like our region,” new Taylorsville head football coach Chris Rosales said. “I just wish that winning a region championship meant more. With the new RPI, it has all changed.” The UHSAA Region 3 will consist of Bingham, Copper Hills, Herriman, Mountain Ridge, Riverton and West Jordan. Because of an increase in enrollment Mountain Ridge was moved from 5A to 6A in all sports. Region 5 includes Bountiful, Woods Cross, Bonneville, Box Elder, Northridge, and Viewmont. Region 6 contains Brighton, East, Highland, Murray, Olympus, Skyline and Park City. Region 8 is comprised of two other Salt Lake County schools including Jordan and Alta. “I think no regions in our alignment will be beneficial for every school in the state of Utah,” Carrell said. “Then games could be scheduled against teams of like opponents, more participation is the ultimate goal. It would not work for every sport, but we need to make goals to improve.” UHSAA is exploring options for its realignment in two years. Some of those ideas could include the adoptions of no regions allowing teams to make schedules of their choosing. l
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Solid preseason gives way to tough region for Lady Spartans
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he Murray High girls basketball team started the year well, going 5-2 in preseason. The Spartans defeated Woods Cross, Taylorsville, Granger, Spanish Fork and Cyprus while falling to Syracuse and Alta. Region hasn’t been easy, as the Spartans (at press time) had only beaten Hillcrest through its first round of region games. Senior Ileah Beh (30) leads the team in assists and steals while also chipping in almost 10 points per game. l
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Cottonwood to realign in all sports except football By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
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ew year, big news. The Utah High School Activities Association announced that Cottonwood High School will stay in Class 5A but move to a new region in all sports except football. “We had a little input on the decision, but ultimately [UHSAA] runs the show,” explained Cottonwood athletic director Greg Southwick. Effective beginning the fall sports season and continuing through the 202223 school year, the new move will keep crosstown rival Hillcrest in Cottonwood’s league but add Cedar Valley and Payson in Utah County, Stansbury and Tooele out of Tooele County and Uintah, which is located in Vernal. Region 7, as it will be known, will now send the Colts from Cottonwood Heights to the extreme eastern portion of Utah, down to the southern tip of Utah County and out toward the west desert in what will be the most geographically diverse league Cottonwood has ever experienced. Southwick added that his athletic program is looking forward to the drastic change from the citywide league the Colts participated in. “If you keep doing the same thing you’ll get the same results,” Southwick said. “From top to bottom we’ll be more competitive.” Not everyone is as excited as Southwick about the new region, he added. Some of the Cottonwood parents and constituents are unhappy about the length of travel. Coaches opinions on competing in the new region are primarily positive, according to Southwick. He did say they expressed concern that the road trips to Utah County, Tooele County and to Vernal will take more time away from their families. All told, reaching these destinations in the new region will add 600 miles to their bus rides, a fact to which Southwick, himself a former coach, is sympathetic. “My thoughts are, let’s try it for two years and see what it does,” Southwick said. “If it doesn’t work we’ll try to get back into the region we’ve been in for years.” As for the Cottonwood teams entering this new Region 7, Southwick said he likes where the programs sit. “In baseball, we have a top-notch program and we’re really excited because Chris [Shelton, the new head coach replacing Jason Crawford, now an assistant coach at SLCC] has been an assistant for many years.” Craw-
MurrayJournal .com
Football is the only sport not moving to the new Region 7 next year with Hillcrest, Payson, Cedar Valley, Uintah, Tooele and Stansbury. (File photo Travis Barton/City Journals)
ford will obviously be missed, Southwick added, but moving Shelton into the top job “was really a no-brainer.” Southwick acknowledged that the softball team will be going into a tough region with perennial powers like Tooele and Stansbury waiting, but he is “happy with the growth in that program too.” And he added that coach Ron Lockwood from Cottonwood’s powerhouse swimming team told him: “I don’t care where we go; I just want to swim.” In other news, the UHSAA also ruled that Cottonwood will stay independent in football for at least two more years. “There’s pros and cons with it,” Southwick said. “We’re trying to rebuild the program and we’ve got to let the coach make those decisions.” While some may look at Cottonwood’s realignment in all sports but football as one that’s risky, Southwick said there was one determinant factor behind this move. “Every decision we make is in the best interest of the kids,” he said. l
Dylan Reiser pitches in the state tournament in 2018. Baseball, along with every sport except football, will join a new region next year. (File photo Travis Barton/City Journals)
February 2021 | Page 27
Psych 101: What is gaslighting? By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
I
f you’ve tuned into the federal news at any point during the past four years, you’ve probably heard a phrase or two about President Donald Trump gaslighting America. Even though the term has been thrown about rather loosely at times, it seems to be becoming part of our common collective discourse. Personally, I wanted to make sure I really understood this term, and the research behind it, before evaluating the claims made about our current political climate. I’d like to take a moment to define and clarify gaslighting, discuss its prevalence, and illuminate potential harmful impacts. The term “gaslighting” has been used to describe abuse involving emotional and intellectual manipulation, most often recognizable through mind-manipulation strategies. Gaslighting often leads to a person questioning their sanity, perceptions of reality, and/or memories. Even though the term was recently popularized in politics, gaslighting has been well recognized within psychology research for decades. One of the first mentions of gaslighting was on June 21, 1969. Russell Barton and J.A. Whitehead published an article in “The Lancet” where they outlined two cases in which “there were definite plots to remove an unwanted and restricting relative by securing
admissions to a mental hospital.” They compared this to the storyline of a play titled “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton where a husband tries to get rid of his wife by driving her into a lunatic asylum. Dr. Paige Sweet attributes the common usage of the term to a story as well. In the 1944 film by George Cukor, “Gaslight,” a husband attempts to isolate his wife by making her believe she is insane. “His eponymous tactic is to dim and brighten the gaslights and then insist she is imagining it. (He) aims to undermine (her) sense of self and everyday life, to confuse and distort her reality such that she must accept his imposed reality in place of her own.” The term appeared minimally throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but eventually it began to recur in research as the focus on interpersonal relationships intensified. In 2007, Dr. Robin Stern published “The Gaslight Effect” focusing on how to identify manipulation in relationships. As might be apparent from the contextual history of the term, gaslighting is of importance in domestic violence research and intimate partner violence (IPV) literature. “Gaslighting is a conscious or unconscious form of psychological abuse that occurs when a perpetrator distorts information to confuse
a victim, triggering the victim to doubt their memory and sanity,” defines Dr. Madeline Tormoen. In the popular conversation, confusion, distortion and anxiety are all recognizable as consequences of gaslighting. However, the potential impacts of gaslighting can quickly become more harmful and severe. Those being gaslit may start to question their own perceptions and lose trust in their own experience of reality. Tormoen described how gaslighting may often affect memory, contribute to emotional abuse and interpersonal abuse, lead to a victim undermining their sanity, and betrayal. “Gaslighting can also prevent domestic violence victims from accessing institutional resources that would help them escape the abuse. The very institutions set up to help victims can become part of the gaslighting process,” she described. In addition, gaslighting may contribute to double-binding and depersonalization, resulting in losing a sense of self, multiple perceptions of reality, and varied internal versions of reality. Gaslighting creates hostile social environments. Sweet and others have argued that gaslighting is not just a psychological tactic, but a sociological phenomenon as well.
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“When perpetrators mobilize gender-based stereotypes, structural inequalities, and institutional vulnerabilities against victims with whom they are in an intimate relationship, gaslighting becomes not only effective, but devastating.” For domestic violence resources here in Utah, visit: the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition at www.udvc.org/; the statewide domestic violence info-line Linkline at 1-800-897-5465 (LINK); the Utah Department of Human Services at www.dcfs.utah. gov; the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault at www.ucasa.org or 1-888-421-1100; or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). l
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A health plan membership that doesn’t break the bank Medallus Medical is changing the world of healthcare by serving as an intermediary care option to save consumers money whose insurance plan requires meeting a high deductible and/or expensive copays to access everyday medical care. Alternatively, Medallus provides the public access to medical professionals at a price they can afford. “The government isn’t helping and only makes it worse so it’s time we take the matter into our own hands and fix this crisis together with our doctors,” Medallus shares in an informational video. Saving insurance coverage for medical emergencies, Medallus uses a monthly membership model rather than deductibles, co-insurance or variable copays. Individuals pay $50 a month while family plans go for $100120 monthly, and $10 per visit no matter the procedure or test there are no added costs. “Where else can you get two hours of excellent care, two bags of IV fluids, Zofran and Torodol and discounted blood labs for $10?” said Medallus Medical member Teresa Prater. Though not an insurance plan replacement, Medallus does save patient’s money for the majority of their medical needs. Medallus’
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goal is to get rid of the financial obstacle to medical care. “I can’t say enough about what a blessing to our family it is, to have found Medallus. We are self-employed and pay about $1,600 [every month] for a $5,000 deductible health insurance policy. We have a family membership with Medallus and use them for literally everything. In the last few months, we’ve been seen for a sprained ankle, sinus infection, accidental essential oil spill in the eyes, and the stomach flu…,” Prater said. After an initial $20 registration fee and a 12-month contract, Utahns are ready to know exactly what their appointment will cost before they even walk into their doctor’s office. But affordability isn’t the only thing bringing people into Medallus’ nine urgent and primary care clinics, quality of care also recommends Medallus. “We just wanted to say thank you so much for going the extra mile the other day when we stopped in. I know you probably didn’t think much of it but for me, as a mom, it meant a ton that you called your other location and connected us with another amazing doctor. It saved me the worry and hassle of trying to do it all on my own with an upset little boy, so thank you!” one patient wrote of Medallus.
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Murray City Journal
MISSION STATEMENT The Murray Chamber creates synergy among professionals. We facilitate the creation of long lasting business relationships between members that are based on trust, value, and cooperation. We provide tools to connect education, service opportunities and interaction between members.
The Murray Area Chamber of Commerce would be nothing why it’s always hard to say goodbye to those who have giv serving us. Recently, three of our board members stepped The Murray Area Chamber would be nothing without wish of to Commerce express our sincerest gratitude for its all they have d board members, which is why it’s always hard to say goodbye to grateful for their dedication to the Murraythose business comm who have given their time, energy, and talents to serving us. Recently, their future endeavors. three of our board members stepped down from their positions, and we wish to express our sincerest gratitude for all they have done over the years. Truly we are grateful for their dedication to the Murray business community. We wish them the best in all their future endeavors.
Thank You For Your Service
Head coach Tess Soracco is in her first year as head coach having been the junior varsity coach last year. The Murray (Travis Barton/City Journals)
Area Chamber of Commerce would be nothing without its board members, w why it’s always hard to say goodbye to those who have given their time, energy, and tale serving us. Recently, three of our board members stepped down from their positions, an wish to express our sincerest gratitude for all they have done over the years. Truly we grateful for their dedication to the Murray business community. We wish them the best i their future endeavors.
Cottonwood girls basketball is riding two senior leaders to a potential state berth By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
I
Pat Thorne-Treasurer Jim Brass- City Council Liaison n her first year at Cottonwood as girls basketball head coach, Tess Soracco has led 20+ years of service 10+years of service the Colts to a 3-5 record, a good mark in a difficult league like Region 6. But Soracco isn’t new to CottonwoodThe Murray Area Chamber of Commerce would be nothing without its board members, which is nor to the girls basketball program. Before why it’s always hard to say goodbye to those who have given their time, energy, and talents to she was named the Colts girls basketball serving us. Recently, three of our board members stepped down from their positions, and we head coach this past summer, she was the top If you are a business owner and need information about COV wish to express our sincerest gratitude for all they have done over the years. Truly we are assistant to the last two head coaches. Reimbursement, etc, you can reach out to us by callin Led by players like Ali Tripp who were grateful for their dedication to the Murray business community. We wish them the best in all president@murraychamber.net, or subscribing to ready to improve on a 1-20 record from last their future endeavors. https://murraychamber.org/subscribe-to-w year, the Colts worked during the summer in small groups as Soracco—who was the junior varsity head coach last year—blendPat Thorne-Treasurer Jim Brass- City Council Liaison Elisa Salazar-Past Chair 201 ed that JV squad with returning starters and 20+ years of service 10+years of service 3 years of service girls who came up from the Cottonwood Bantam’s program, one that is already seeing tremendous progress on the boys side of the basketball program. “Our basketball programs are taking a huge step forward,” said Cottonwood athletIf you are a business owner and need information about COVID relief funds such as PPP, Ren ic director Greg Southwick. Reimbursement, etc, you can reach out to us by calling (801) 266-2662, emailing The Colts girls got out of the gates fast, president@murraychamber.net, or subscribing to our newsletter by visiting winning three of their five games in preseason. Tripp has been a big part, averaging 13 Ashton Budge has been a prominent member of the https://murraychamber.org/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter/ points per game, best on the team and better Colts team early in the season. (Travis Barton/City than the 10 points per game she averaged last Journals) Pat Thorne-Treasurer Jim Brass- City Council Liaison Elisa Salazar-Past Chair 2019 year. years of service 10+years of service 3 years of service column in league play. Also back for Cottonwood is Meghan win 20+ Three games into the Region 6 schedNelson, who is scoring about nine points per If you are a business owner and need information about COVID ule, the Colts have 10 left to play and sit in outing for the Colts. relief funds such as PPP, Rental Reimbursement, etc, you can Ashton Budge wasn’t in the varsity the No. 25 spot in the Class 5A RPI rankings reach out to us by calling (801) 266-2662, emailing president@ out of 29 teams. lineup last year, but this year she’s the team’s A spot like that would be good enough murraychamber.net, or subscribing to our newsletter by visiting: leading three-point shooter and third-best you are a business owner andwhich need information about COVID relief funds such as PPP, Rental it into the state tournament, scorer, averaging about eight points per toIfmake murraychamber.org/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter/ Reimbursement, etc,girls youhave can reach out to us by calling (801) 266-2662, emailing would mark the first time the Colts game. dance since the 2013-14 seaThis scoring balance is keeping Cotton- been to the bigpresident@murraychamber.net, or subscribing to our newsletter by visiting wood in most of its Region 6 games, but so son. l https://murraychamber.org/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter/ far the Colts haven’t been able to crack the
www.murraychamber.org
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foods found only in caves along the Ganges River!” “Learn the secret of Cleopatra’s radiant skin, Helen of Troy’s weight loss supplement and Queen Elizabeth’s longevity.” (Spoiler alert: it’s never having to clean your own toilet.) Companies tell us fans are “raving” about their green juice. False news. No one raves about green juice. The recipes have unknown ingredients like chlorella (a dried sea vegetable) and rhodiola, a cold-climate plant used by Vikings. Mmmmm. Yummy. (Sidenote: Vikings are dead. Did rhodiola kill them?) Mushrooms are the new meat. The reishi mushroom is called the Queen of the Mushrooms because…um…it has a crown? I guess psilocybin mushrooms would be King of the Mushrooms, or at least the laidback, hippie brother-in-law of the mushrooms. Pretend meat is also the new meat. Im-
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possible Meat might be better for the planet, but with its soy, wheat and vegetable ingredients shaped and colored to look like chicken nuggets, it’s definitely not health food. And don’t think it’s safe to drink water. No, sir! You can’t drink tap water, bottled water, well water, river water, toilet water or any other water unless it’s gone through an expensive, artesian reverse osmosis process. I used to drink water out of the hose in my front yard. I’m sure I’ll die full of mercury, lead and chlorine. Spinach and romaine lettuce routinely try to kill us, and don’t get me started on GMO conspiracy theories. I don’t have that kind of time. Are apples still good for us? Can we eat corn without worrying about growing a third arm? Does everything have to be organic, farm-fresh and certified because according to Facebook, we’re all doomed! I know Americans don’t have the best diets but throw me a grass-fed bone. We’re assaulted on all sides and just trying not to dive headfirst into a bucket of chicken for a morning snack. Let’s drop the fear, food industry, and go back to promoting wellness as we wait to hear if Baby Yoda will be on the next season of “The Mandalorian.” Some things are more important than organic bananas.
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February 2021 | Page 31
RETIREMENT SEMINAR Given the current political & economic climate, many people are worried about planning their future
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February 2021 | Vol. 31 Iss. 02
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MURRAY WOMAN RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
T
enisha Hicks, owner of Isha Esthetics and Wellness in Murray, has received a Comcast RISE award. The national award aims to strengthen small businesses hard hit by COVID-19 and opens up eligibility to include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned small businesses. “After informing me of my award, they sat with me and created a plan based around growing my business, adhering to my values, and setting up for continued success. My grant was both tech and Comcast service-based, meaning I received equipment, internet, and phone services so my business can continue to function and even expand,” Hicks said. Isha Esthetics and Wellness (4700 S. 900 East) is a post-operative care, skin and wellness spa. Her business qualified for the first phase of Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focused on U.S. Black-owned small businesses, those hit hardest by the pandemic, according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. According to Hicks, the pandemic has presented some challenges to her business. “Keeping up with the ever-changing policies mostly.
I’m grateful for a medical background that allotted me the grace and empathy to understand these shifts and guide my clients and new team through it safely.” Originally from Tooele, Hicks took online courses from Utah State after high school, eventually securing a scholarship at Westminster College, but left to pursue her own business interests. “Walking away from traditional education expectations, I decided to pursue Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy and Esthetics,” Hicks said. “All vocational licenses but more person-to-person careers.” Among her achievements, Hicks won first place as Player of the Year in the Open Category of The Skin Games, a competition where specialists in beauty and wellness compete with others from around the globe to prove their skills in a “challenge.” Before her win, she placed as a finalist for both 2017 and 2018. Comcast RISE award winners receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on their specific Continued page 5
Tenisha Hicks applies a treatment to a client’s face. (Photo courtesy Tenisha Hicks)
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