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February 2024| Vol. 34 Iss. 2

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COTTONWOOD STUDENT’S QUICK INSTINCTS HELPED PUT OUT FIRE TO SAVE SCHOOL By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

t was Thursday, Dec. 7, about two weeks before winter break, and 30 minutes before the bell would ring to mark the end of the school day. Cottonwood High senior Elliot Payne and a group of his stage crew classmates were working in the Black Box Theatre on the set for the melodrama, which was to open in mid-January. “It was a normal day like any other,” he said. “I was walking to get a drill from the auditorium and heard someone yell, ‘fire,’ so I ran over. I saw the stage lights had started to burn the curtain. I told someone to lower the stage curtain and raise the lights away from the curtain. Then another dude helped me pull the curtain away. I ran to find my teacher and get the fire extinguisher to put it out. I thought it was weird that it started from the stage lights; we use them all the time, and it never happens.” Payne returned with the fire extinguisher and theater director Adam Wilkins. “Adam slid me a chair. I got on it and pulled the pin on the fire extinguisher, then put the fire out,” said the 5-foot 11-inch student who said the retardant shot about 6 feet onto the curtain. “I’m good in crisis situations. I probably learned that from being in Boy Scouts. I saw the fire, I put it out. It’s a simple duty.” Wilkins alerted the school assistant principals, Ashley Snarr and Jeremy Brooks, the latter who was on the phone with the principal. They came, along with the substitute school resource ofContinued page 11

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Cottonwood High senior Elliot Payne was recently honored at a Granite School District Board of Education for his quick assistance with a fire on the auditorium stage in December. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District.)

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New storefront at Adult Autism Center features gifts and crafts made by clients of the center By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

n late November, Valley Behavioral Health’s Adult Autism Center had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new storefront featuring items made by clients of the center. This little store will provide adults with autism an opportunity to express their creative talents, learn storefront skills, and earn a little money for activities. The storefront is located in the Adult Autism Center of Lifetime Learning in Murray at 6232 S. 900 East in a bright and welcoming building. The storefront, itself, will be open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and once a quarter for larger seasonally themed events. Unique client creations available for purchase include artwork, candles, coasters, note cards, plants, bath bombs, and so on. The center recently had a kiln donated and will soon be adding pottery to their list of gift items. “Look at these adorable coasters,” said Cheryl Smith, a parent of a person attending the Center, former Valley board member, and current board member of the Autism Council of Utah, as she held up an item for purchase. “We call this merchandise with a mission.” Valley Behavioral Health’s Adult Autism Center is the only one of its kind in Utah, focusing on serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and providing all-day care to their clients. The storefront is a testament to the center’s commitment to providing vocational skills to its clients and increasing their independence. “When the items the clients have made are sold, the funds go back to the clients for activities, rec passes, whatever is needed,” Julie Winn, vice president of Children, Youth, Family & Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services at Valley Behavioral Health said. “It also serves a dual purpose to-

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Items for sale in the new storefront at the Adult Autism Center include artwork, candles, coasters, note cards, plants, bath bombs and so on. The center recently had a kiln donated and will soon be adding pottery to their list of gift items. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Cheryl Smith, a parent of a person attending the Center, former Valley board member, and current board member of the Autism Council of Utah, and Julie Winn, vice president of Children, Youth, Family & Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services at Valley Behavioral Health, cut the ribbon on the new storefront at the Adult Autism Center in Murray. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

ward future employment. The storefront will give experience in how to greet and interact with customers and how to check them out.” The Pingree Center, established in Utah in 1977, was the first program of its kind created to serve preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Over the years, it expanded its services to individuals aged 22 and older. However, as these children age into adulthood, many of them still need a high level of support. This is where the Adult Autism Center comes in. According to statistics provided by the Adult Autism Center, there are 10,375 people aged 15 to 61 with autism spectrum disorder

in Utah. The center serves the needs of adults requiring a high level of support, those with lower cognitive and communication skills as well as the most challenging behavioral issues. The center currently has 25 clients and as they hire and train more staff, they will be able to serve more clients. The center has a craft room, garden room, a gym, and a home living space (looking much like a faux-studio apartment). In this living space clients learn how to make a bed, clean a bathroom, fold clothing and cook simple meals. And now the center boasts a storefront. “We try to provide as much time as pos-

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sible out and about with our clients, doing things that everyone gets to do. Each of them has a membership to the Murray Rec Center to swim and play basketball. We have our own buses for transportation to places like the zoo, the Dollar Store, which is a favorite, and the aquarium,” Winn said. “We want them to live life in the community and to empower independence.” Sponsors of the storefront include Doug Smith Subaru and the Autism Council of Utah. “We talk as parents that we need to live just one day longer than our disabled kids, but we know that’s not going to happen,” Smith said. “So our goal is to have a place like this where they can come and people are their friends, where they are safe and they can develop life skills. We are really excited for this storefront and we’re grateful to Doug Smith Subaru for helping to make this happen.” l

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Zions Bank economist pegs 2024 recession chances at 50-50 By Brice Wallace | Salt Lake Business Journal

he economic forecasting season has begun, and Robert Spendlove has thrown out the first pitch. At the recent Zions Bank 2024 economic outlook event, the bank’s senior economist pegged the chances of a national recession this year at 50-50 but added that Utah likely would get through it OK. “I’ll tell you that that has been the thing that has gotten a lot of economists scratching their heads, because we all thought it was going to happen in 2023 and it didn’t happen,” Spendlove said at the event, held at the Zions Technology Center in Midvale. “I still think there’s about a 50% chance. A few months ago, six months ago, it was at closer to 65, 70%, so I do think that probability of recession has gone down, but there still are some of those factors that could tip the U.S. into a recession nationally. I think locally we are part of the national economy so we are exposed to that risk, but I think we’re well-positioned and if we do go into a recession, I think we’re in a good position.” Utah has been in a “good position” for several years now. Spendlove cited some U.S. News & World Report rankings showing Utah as the best state overall, topics in fiscal stability and the economy. Its population continues to grow, fueled by in-migration. It’s second among states with positive job growth since before the COVID pandemic, and its unemployment rate of 2.8% remains low. Utah also has seen its labor participation rate increase. However, housing affordability remains a bugaboo. Utah home prices relative to household income sits at 6.2 but should be about 3, he said. “What this is saying is, housing is too unaffordable in Utah,” Spendlove said. “Housing is very difficult, especially for low-income, especially for young families, people trying to get in. And how do you fix that? You essentially need to dramatically drop house prices, you need to dramatically increase income or you need to start thinking outside the box of what housing looks like. What we’re going to see is more multigenerational households, more multifamily households, and we’re going to have to start talking very seriously about thinking of different ways of what housing looks like in our communities.” Prefacing Spendlove’s presentation, Scott Anderson, Zions Bank’s president and CEO, likewise had an overall positive outlook for Utah’s economy this year. “As we head into 2024, our Utah economy remains strong and resilient,” Anderson said. “We continue to benefit from strong population growth and net in-migration, low unemployment and solid job growth. I’m confident that what we’ll see here in Utah will be a strong economy this year and that we’ll continue to thrive, even though other parts of the world and other parts of the U.S. economy may suffer a bit.” Most of Spendlove’s remarks focused on the national economy, which he said is still being distorted by the effects of the COVID pandemic. That is leading to a lot of economic uncertainty for 2024, just as it affected 2023. Last year, experts expected the economy to slow or contract, with a drop in GDP and employment demand. “We saw a little bit of that, but the economy ended up being very resilient and very strong,” he said. “We saw inflation has been coming down, employment has been improving, but people are still grumpy. That is one of the things that I hear all the time, is people say, ‘Well, you know, yes, things may be a little bit better, but they’re not the way they should be and they’re not the way they were

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As we head into 2024, our Utah economy remains strong and resilient. We continue to benefit from strong population growth and net in-migration, low unemployment and solid job growth. I’m confident that what we’ll see here in Utah will be a strong economy this year and that we’ll continue to thrive, even though other parts of the world and other parts of the U.S. economy may suffer a bit. Scott Anderson Zions Bank’s president and CEO before.’” GDP in the third quarter actually jumped, with 4.9% growth, but Spendlove told the audience that that is not an accurate reflection of what is happening in the economy. “I don’t think any of you think that the economy dramatically accelerated in the third quarter, but it’s some of those distortions from the pandemic that we have to be really careful about,” he said. “However, it’s very clear that we didn’t contract. In the third quarter, we didn’t contract in 2023, and this is a sign that the economy is much more resilient than we had expected in 2023.” Still, the economy could enter a recession in the second or third quarters this year, but he believes it would be relatively mild “and we’ll move through pretty quickly.” The big question is whether any “black swan” events— huge, upsetting surprises—would shock the system and amplify volatility. Nonetheless, consumer spending, which accounts for two-thirds of the economy, remains strong. Consumers “are all grumpy but you’re still spending,” he said. “That has been another one of the big surprises, is even with consumers being grumpy— you all went out and bought your Black Friday gifts and you all went out and got holiday presents for everyone and it kept the economy going—but you still are grouchy.” Spendlove foresees Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year, inflation continuing to slow but remaining “sticky,” the labor market growing, unemployment increasing, the economy slowing but remaining broadly resilient, and international uncertainty and elections pos-

Zions Bank senior economist Robert Spendlove speaks in West Valley City at a recent ChamberWest event. (John Rogers/Salt Lake Business Journal)

sibly adding to volatility. Anderson likened the past three years to a roller coaster ride but added that the national economy in 2023 transitioned toward pre-pandemic norms. The Fed raised interest rates and tightened monetary policy, but the economy avoided a recession and remained resilient, he said. The Fed now figures to lower rates, with the first reduction as early as the second quarter. “And why would they do this? I believe that they looked at inflation and they saw that it had dropped dramatically from mid-2022 and where it fell from a 40-year high of more than 9% in June of 2022 to about 3% in November of 2023. But with food and energy prices coming down, getting to the Fed’s target of a 2% annual inflation rate could take some time. We’re not there yet.” Higher interest rates and housing inflation colored consumer opinions about the economy in 2023, but recent consumer surveys have found that people are feeling more optimistic about 2024, he said. “And this is important,” Anderson said, “as consumer sentiments can drive behaviors like spending and investments, often acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy.” l

February 2024 | Page 5

Viewmont choir director puts down baton after 18 harmonious years By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

hortly before winter break, Viewmont Elementary students sat on the tile floor intently listening to their choir give its holiday concert. Well, maybe not just listening. Second grader James Parker admitted singing along to “Deck the Hall” because “I knew it and liked it.” His classmate Hadley Tueller knew “Hot Cup of Cocoa” because “I really like hot chocolate, and my fourth grade brother sings in the choir, and I’ve heard him sing it.” Theo Stika, also in the second grade, liked the “Haunted Mansion Holiday Medley” from “Nightmare Before Christmas” with the multimedia show best, and now he wants to join the choir. “I want to bring joy to people,” he said. For the past 18 years, Viewmont’s choir has delighted audiences under volunteer director Heidi Bates. This was her last performance. Principal Jennifer King appreciated Bates’ dedication as well as that of her husband, Dave, who creates the multimedia shows, and her mother, accompanist Karen Kammerath. “The time and dedication and the love of music this family brings to Viewmont kids is unmatched,” she said. “Every year, it’s different songs and a different theme. They volunteer, start in September each year and spend about an hour each Wednesday afternoon for about 10 weeks, introducing music to the children, and create a beautiful choir, which culminates with a concert that now includes a multimedia show, it’s simply amazing and beautiful.” Viewmont’s choir program began in 2006 at the suggestion of then Principal Darren Dean. Parent volunteer Traci Black posted the request for a choir director. Coincidently, Bates met Black soon after at a Taylorsville park. “We realized we both had kids at Viewmont, so started talking about the school,” Bates said. “I mentioned that they were looking to start a choir, and I was thinking I might volunteer, but I was hesitant. She said, ‘I’m the one you’re supposed to talk to you,’ so it felt like it was meant to be. I have a degree in elementary music education from [Brigham Young University], but it had been eight years. She said that we could work together, and that’s how it started.” Excited, Bates went to the music store to look through choir music. “I wanted to do a Hanukkah song and a Christmas song every year,” she said. “I liked finding songs from different cultures. I wanted fun songs that the kids can remember like ‘Hot Cup of Cocoa.’ We did that the first year, too. They love that song.” King is grateful for that. “It’s fun to see the kids have this opportunity and for the Bates family to bring in

Page 6 | February 2024

Viewmont Elementary choir director Heidi Bates conducted her last school concert after 17 years. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

songs with a bunch of different cultures and customs,” she said. “We have some English language learners who are soaking up the language as they’re learning these songs. There are some shy kids, so this is a great way for them to come out of their shells, have fun and get comfortable performing in safe avenue.” That first year, there was an older elementary choir and a younger one. Bates and Black oversaw the younger choir all year. Since then, it evolved to just a fall choir performing a holiday concert. “Most of the years, we did a third through sixth grade choir,” Bates said. “But in 2021, the choir just got too big with all the singers, so we scaled it back to fourth through sixth grade. Eighty-plus in the choir was a lot,” There are about 50 choir members this year. Black served as the choir manager for nine years before moving to volunteer at Riverview Junior High and Murray High. Then, Bates found others to help manage the choir, such as Ellen Kenyon this year, as well as accompanists. “Sometimes it was a teacher, a parent, our alumni, a neighbor,” she said. “One year, it was a sibling from one of the choir kids. When Mr. Dean moved on, other principals have supported us.” Bates’ husband, Dave, got involved about five years ago. “He projected some falling snow for ‘Still, Still, Still,’” she said. “Then, he started adding more each year. During COVID, he had all the parents videotape the songs that my co-director and I taught them on Google Classroom. Then, he edited the concert together. This year’s ‘Haunted Mansion Holiday Medley,’ he did a fun arrangement for the choir and added his projections. The choir loved it.” One of her mother’s favorites is the final song, “My Christmas Tree.”

Viewmont Elementary choir sang favorite holiday songs of their choir director, Heidi Bates, as she retired after their last performance. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

“It’s sung every year, and every year David gets a picture of each child and shows the picture in a video as I play and the kids sing; it’s always really touching,” Kammerath said. Bates remembered how that song was added into each year’s concert. “My family and my husband’s family are both very musical, so we would go caroling with his family every year,” she said. “One of the songs we’d sing is ‘My Christmas Tree;’ I really liked that song, so we decided to have the choir perform it acapella. But it wasn’t in print anywhere. I tracked down the publishers and wrote a letter for permission to sing it. This year, we asked alumni to come back and sing it with the choir and my oldest daughter joined in.” She added that all five of her kids have been a part of the choir program. Bates grew up singing and playing violin alongside her two sisters at the mall at Christmastime. “It’s one of my favorite memories growing up. We’d play the harmonies together and it was just beautiful. There’s something magical about Christmas music. That inspired me to hold the concerts during the holidays. I wanted to pass that experience on to my children and other children,” she said. “It’s also neat personally because Mom was the accompanist then, and she was the one to take us to all our music lessons. So, it’s full circle and it’s fun to end this with her since she gave me the gift of music in my life.” Bates got to share her talent on violin one year as she played alongside the choir when the school music teacher directed “A Candle for Peace.” The last concert featured some of her

favorite songs through the years, such as the Jewish folk song “Haida” and “Deck the Hall,” which is “a great partner song where they know one part and they learn the new part to sing it together so they can hear the harmonies,” she said, adding that skill will help bridge students’ music knowledge when it comes to perform with the junior high choir. Fourth graders Amelia King and Annie Vannyhuis were excited to sing one last time together at the assembly. “Our director is really nice and really fun, but I’m sad I only got to sing with her one year,” Amelia said. Annie agreed: “I going to miss our director because she’s leaving us after teaching here years and years. She’s given a lot to the school, but I’m going to remember this year.” During her tenure, Bates has directed 17 concerts—15 holiday concerts and two spring concerts—as well as a performance at the library and at a school district festival. While she wanted to thank everyone from her own music teachers to those who helped with the choir T-shirts and refreshments, going into the last performance, Bates remembers “wanting to savor it.” Her mother admits to crying during the previous evening’s performance. Their favorite part of the choir is the same. “When the children sing, and sometimes that happens in practice and sometimes in concert, there’s a moment where it’ll be pure, beautiful and I rejoice, getting to be there in front and listen to them,” Bates said. “It’s very emotional, and I realize how lucky I am that I get to do this.” l

Murray City Journal

Could you be the next Miss Murray? Why the new pageant director thinks you should try By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

he Miss Murray Pageant has changed a bit in the past couple of years. First, after the unexpected 2022 passing of Leesa Lloyd, the long-term supporter and coordinator of the pageant, the baton for the pageant has been passed to Lindsey D. Smith, Miss Murray of 2006, and the new Miss Murray Director. Smith is dedicated to continuing the tradition. However, unlike Lloyd, who worked at Murray High as a teacher and head of the Dance Company, Smith is not at the high school daily and can’t personally encourage young women to enter the pageant. But she urgently wants to. “Miss Lloyd left such a wonderful legacy in Murray, but unfortunately she didn’t leave a manual for this,” Smith said. The Miss America Pageant has also changed somewhat. Consequently, so has the Miss Murray Pageant. There has been a change in age eligibility, increasing by two years, allowing more women to compete. To be eligible, a young woman must be unmarried and between 18 and 28 years old. The intent is to serve young women with scholarship money up to a doctorate degree. In another change starting this year, Miss America has introduced “Herstory” as an option in the talent category. A Herstory is a 90-second story to inspire, captivate and entertain on the stage. This talent doesn’t have to be dance, an instrument or baton throwing. “For instance, Madi Marsh from Colorado just became the first active duty Air Force officer to be crowned Miss America, and she shared a story of her first solo flight at age 16 as her Herstory talent,” Smith said “I don’t want a young woman to hear about the Miss Murray Pageant and think, That could never be me,’ because if she participates, it really could be.”

Who can run and what are the benefits?

Along with the age requirements and non-married status, participants in the Miss Murray pageant must live in Murray or have graduated from Murray or Cottonwood high schools. She may also be employed in Murray. There is no entry fee. Contestants can run more than once, and they are encouraged to do so. The winner receives $3,000 for educational purposes, paid directly to a university or for student loans. First and second attendants and the talent winner also receive scholarship money. As a young woman progresses and wins more contests (such as Miss Utah or Miss America), the award money increases. The Murray scholarship money is donated to the pageant by city officials from city funds. Contestants must buy their own gown and provide photos (but in past years there have been donations to help fund these expenses). The contest is hosted by volunteers, and all funding received by the pageant goes back into the program.

MurrayJournal .com

Miss Murray spends time at Murray elementary schools on her Community Service Initiative, The Kindness Project, giving school children and the community a deeper understanding of kindness and its impact. (photo/Lindsay D. Smith)

Throughout the year, Miss Murray will participate in many community events, from the Christmas-tree lighting, to events at the Park Center, to Murray Fun Days events, to riding on the Fourth of July parade float, to local business openings. “The skills acquired from participation, like public speaking, interview prep, resume writing and community service are tools that these women will take with them as they build careers outside of the program,” Smith said. “And the titleholder has the opportunity to spend the year serving Murray City and representing a Community Service Initiative that is near and dear to her heart.”

A little pageant “Herstory”

Like Murray City, many Utah cities send winning contestants to compete in the Miss Utah Pageant, and Miss Utah is crowned in the early summer. Last year, the Miss Utah Organization had 47 contestants from across the state and offered $70,000 in scholarships to the young women participating. The state winners then compete in the Miss America Pageant, which happens at the end of January. The origins of the Miss America Pageant started as an event called The Fall Frolic held in September of 1921, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This event was designed to bring business to the boardwalk. The event was so successful that local businesses planned to repeat it the following year as a beauty pageant or a “bather’s revue,” and it was scheduled to take place the weekend following Labor Day to encourage summer visitors to stay in Atlantic City. To find contestants, newspapers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C., were asked to sponsor local beauty contests. By 1940, contestants from all states com-

peted and the pageant officially became The Miss America Pageant. In 1944, compensation for Miss America switched from “furs and movie contracts” to college scholarships, an idea that endures to this day. Television viewership peaked during the early 1960s, when the pageant was the highest-rated program on American television. Miss America 2005 was the last live-televised pageant, due to changing television audiences. Currently, the Miss America Pageant is streamed online. In 2018, the pageant adopted a new format where competitors were no longer judged on their physical appearance, resulting in the announcement that the event would no longer include a swimsuit competition. “Traditionally, I think people associate Miss America with the bathing suit competition, but that was eliminated from competition several years ago,” Smith said. “Now, through a partnership with the American Heart Association, the competition has introduced a new Health & Fitness category to focus on the physical and mental health of the contestants.”

Reigning Miss Murray, Dakota King and Murray’s Little Miss ride atop a parade at the Fourth of July Parade. (photo/Lindsay D. Smith)

Current Miss Murray, Dakota King, Murray City Mayor Brett Hales and Murray’s Little Miss attend the first lighting of the new 70-foot Murray Christmas Tree at the new Murray City Hall. (photo/ Lindsay D. Smith)

How to become a contestant

Orientation for the upcoming Miss Murray Pageant will be held on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Park Center at 202 E Murray Park Ave. The pageant includes the talent contest and Herstory, a private interview, an onstage question that has to do with the contestant’s community service initiative, the health and fitness event and evening wear. Come to the orientation, or reach out to MissMurrayDirector@gmail.com with any questions, or follow on Instagram @MissMurrayOrg. l

Reigning Miss Murray, Dakota King, addresses the Murray City Council at the new Murray City Hall. (photo/Lindsay D. Smith)

February 2024 | Page 7

A nod to the past: Townhouse complex, Mercantile Towns, to be built on old RC Willey property By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

he RC Willey furniture store stood on the corner of 900 East and Winchester Street (6600 South) for over 50 years. It opened in 1969 and was the second location for the growing furniture retailer, serving the growing suburb communities at the south end of the valley. The location closed in January 2021, as the building needed upgrades that were not financially feasible. Old RC Willey holds nostalgia for many Murray residents for one particular reason: hotdogs. In the early 1980s, RC Willey began giving out free hotdogs to increase traffic. It worked. During the hotdog heyday, RC Willey gave away up to 600,000 dogs and buns per year. “If we were spending Saturday with Grandma, you could count on a trip through the bank drive-thru in her old sky-blue Plymouth and a hot dog lunch at RC Willey,” Draper resident Amy Marty said about her grandma and former Murray resident, Helen Reese. “We loved it!” But something fresh is happening on the 9.1-acre site, and it’s not hot dogs. The old building is demolished and site work is underway for a development of 109 townhomes called Mercantile Towns, a nod to the site’s former occupant. Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024 and will be completed in a phased rollout. The developer is the Boyer Company, one of the largest development firms in the Western United States with projects ranging from The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake, to The District in South Jordan, to Redstone in Park City. The townhomes will be offered for individual purchase,

Site development is underway in late December on the old RC Willey site on the northwest corner of 900 East and 6600 South. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

as Murray City and residents of Murray have encouraged developments with an opportunity for home ownership. They are not yet available for sale, but plans indicate the units will be attached, not-stacked; two-story dwellings with a basement, two to three bedrooms, and each will include a two-car garage. The site will include a pool and clubhouse for residents. Dwellings will likely be offered in the $600,000 range, depending on the market, per Susan Nixon, Senior Planner for

Murray City Community Development. A little RC Willey history (per their website)… Back in 1932, Rufus Call Willey began selling appliances door-to-door out of the back of his red pickup truck. To guarantee customer satisfaction, RC (as he was known to friends) would lend out a refrigerator (or another appliance) for a week and promise to take it back free of charge if they didn’t want it. He also established a financing system for local farmers, offering to accept 1/3 payment at the end of each of the next three harvests. In 1950, due to increased demand, RC built a 20’ x 30’ cinder block building next to his home in Syracuse, Utah. Two years later, Willey’s son-in-law Bill Child began working at the store part time. On the day his son-in-law graduated from college (with a teaching contract in hand), Willey asked him to take care of the store while he headed to California, “to rest and get rid of some ulcers.” Willey’s illness turned out to be cancer. He died in September 1954 without ever returning to the store. After Child took over, he decided to add furniture to the RC Willey appliance offerings, and soon the little building was overstuffed. Eventually, RC Willey eventually opened six locations, all across Utah. In 1995, RC Willey Home Furnishings was sold to Berkshire Hathaway in a deal with Warren Buffett. Currently, RC Willey has four locations in Utah and also operates in Nevada, Idaho and California. l

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Murray City Journal

A Riverview Junior High teacher and a payroll manager by day… are indie-rockers by night By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

wo Murrayites, Bri McCall and Danny Patiño, have combined their musical skills into a band they call The Alpines. Blending influences of Americana, psychedelic, dance, folk, synth and indie, the band’s first album, "Heading North" tells the story of four weary travelers finding a new home in a post-apocalyptic backdrop. One of their fans describes them as sounding like “a mix between Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd,” with unique guitar work, clear vocals and a haunting (yet easy to listen to) vibe. McCall is the lead singer, but she is also a Special Education teacher at Riverview Junior High. She loves living in Murray because of the small town feel of the community and the supportive environment of the Murray School District. “On nice days I love being able to bike everywhere, including to work, but I also feel like I’m close to downtown,” she said. A bit of an adventurer, McCall grew up in Moscow, Idaho then went to college at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Summers she spent traveling, one in Michigan one in Nashville, and then a year in Nice, France. Before returning to the Midwest, she hiked the Appalachian Trail, an experience that influenced the narrative of their “Heading North” album. While she walked she listened to a post-apocalyptic book called “One Second After.” It was powerful because she was a lone backpacker with “only three days of food on my back and nothing better to do than think about the audiobook in my ears.” The journey through troubled times is apparent in the

concept of the album, and McCall loves the storytelling aspect. “Lyrics have always been the most important part of my songwriting. I like to make story narratives and almost create a book inside my head when I write,” she said. Speaking of stories of an apocalyptic journey, bandmate Patiño is currently reading “The Stand” by Stephen King. But his contribution to the feel of the album may come from his love of films. “I watch every Tarantino movie once a year and I literally cannot watch a Kubrick film with anyone who is not also actively watching the movie.” Patiño’s musical start included Flamenco guitar, a style that differentiates him from his peers as it developed his dexterity with his right hand. Despite the exotic musical start, he’s a “bonafide local,” growing up in Layton and attending Weber State University. So, for something cool to do on a cold night, support your local artists. The Alpines will be at The Pearl on Main (7711 S. Main St. in Midvale) on Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. It’s an all-age venue www.thepearlonmain.com. Their full concert schedule and links to the album can be found at their website www.thealpinesmusic.wixsite.com/the-alpines. l

Two Murrayites, Bri McCall and Danny Patiño, have combined their musical skills into a band they call The Alpines. They’ll perform locally in Midvale on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. (Photo courtesy The Alpines)

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February 2024 | Page 9

CELEBRATING 10 Years in Riverton!

At the Winter Extravaganza, Cottonwood High students fill their bags with needed items and gifts for the family. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Winter Extravaganza provides Cottonwood students with needed items, gifts By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

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t was mid-December when Cottonwood High junior Tabarak Aalibrahim was looking through lunchroom tables filled with books, coats, games, quilts, candles, hats, sports balls, puzzles, holiday decorations, crafts and toys— hoping to find Barbies for her 4-year-old sister. She already had gotten some hair accessories for her 9-year-old sister. “I’ve been looking forward to this; I want to get them some presents,” said the student, who was born in Iraq. Student Rose Babala also was looking for her younger sisters, ages 1, 2 and 3. She had picked up socks and shoes as well as some books and toys. “All this reminds me of being together with my family; there are six of us and my mom,” said the high school junior who moved from Congo five years ago. They were just two of the hundreds of Cottonwood students who stood in line to for the items that were donated by neighbors, local church congregations and others. It was the third year of the extravaganza that has provided items for Cottonwood students and often for their families, said Robyn Ivins, who founded the food pantry seven years ago and continues to organize it with other volunteers. She also has been instrumental in establishing Cottonwood’s teen center, which opened this fall to provide resources to students. “It came about when a few people in the community who donated to our food pantry reached out to us and asked if these kids had enough for Christmas,” Ivins said. “So, we started collecting and giving a few items to kids through the pantry.” That distribution grew in 2021, the 20th anniversary of 9-11, when students performed a day of service. “We did a big day of service with some surrounding congregations and community

members and a big interfaith project to collect items. It just caught on and somebody started calling it the Christmas Extravaganza—and it has just grown from there,” she said, saying it’s now known as the Winter Extravaganza. Donors come days before the extravaganza to drop off items for the students’ free “shopping spree.” “We had 18,000 fliers that went out to the community this year, and hundreds of people dropped off items,” Ivins said. “Then, we had people donate their time to help organize and set out all the donations.” In 2022, 755 Cottonwood High students, about half the student body, took advantage of the extravaganza. This year, Ivins purchased oversized IKEA shopping bags for 1,000 students. Some of the popular items, such as balls and games, are limited to one per student to stretch them out to as many students as possible. Ivins has seen some students “shopping” who take advantage of the food pantry every week. “We basically serve 300 kids per week,” she said. “Very few of these students take much for themselves. We do give students a Cottonwood-branded sweatshirt so that’s usually the one thing they get for themselves. The toys are usually the first thing that goes because they’re choosing things for their siblings. So far this year, we’re doing OK on the hats and candy, and some books; we had a lady donated 300 copies.” Ivins was answering questions between ensuring the tables were stocked on what she calls, “the funnest day of the year.” “It’s great to see kids happy for the holidays,” she said. “My main motivation is to get even more donations and more people to help so we can provide Christmas for even more students’ families that otherwise wouldn’t have much.” l

Murray City Journal

Continued from front page ficer, who called the fire department. Payne and Wilkins returned to the Black Box, but minutes later, they were later evacuated along with the student body. That’s because Snarr saw the curtain back on fire in the smoky auditorium. “It was circling smoke, and that’s when I noticed it was smoldering, and then, the curtain was on fire again,” she said. “So, the substitute officer quickly grabbed a ladder and put it out. About 30 seconds later, the fire department arrived along with our district maintenance crew. The stage lights are very strong, very hot. The damage was just to the curtain and a little bit of the metal rod. Our auditorium was not damaged at all, not even smoke damage.” Outside, students thought at first it might have been a fire drill, but once the fire truck arrived, reality set in, Snarr said. Payne realized he still had the drill in his hand yet and tried to lighten the mood. “I was saying puns like, ‘This isn’t a drill,’” said the recent Eagle Scout, who not only was the stage crew shop foreman for “The Little Mermaid” production but also is on the football and track teams and sings in the choir. Within minutes, the student body returned to their classrooms. Students in classes near the auditorium were moved to the opposite side of the school to prevent any smoke inhalation, Snarr said.

That night, the Granite (School District) Youth Symphony was set to perform on stage, but the concert was rescheduled. It was the only postponement on the auditorium schedule, she said. “It was under control quickly,” Snarr said. “We have wonderful teachers and staff, and our drills have prepared us for these situations, but Elliot deserves a lot of credit. He was very calm. He saved our school.” Payne recently was honored at the Granite Board of Education with a plaque from the school board and a pendant from the fire department. “I was told by the [Murray City] fire marshal that if we didn’t stop the fire, then it would have been millions in property damage, and the whole school would have been gone because it would have reached another higher curtain, and it would have kept burning since our auditorium is so high,” he said. “I gave a shout out to my family who was there and my Scout leaders who trained me for emergency preparedness.” Payne, who is looking to pursue musical theater and emergency management in-state next fall, wants to both perform on stage and go into fire safety. “My first words as a kid were ‘firefighters help people,’” said the Holladay teenager. “Now, I have a cool story about saving the school.” l

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February 2024 | Page 11

Community Education Night held to discuss ‘heartbreaking reality’ By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

A community education night at Hillcrest Junior High discussed ways teachers and parents can help prevent child sexual abuse. (Photo courtesy of The Policy Project.)

coalition of nonprofit organizations seeking to educate the public on child sexual abuse prevention held a Parent and Community Education Night on Jan. 17 at Hillcrest Junior High. It is one of five community events put on by The Policy Project, which promotes solution-based policies to remove barriers for women, children and those experiencing intergenerational poverty. “We’re working to expand a bill passed by the Utah State Legislature in 2014 to further fund support for child sexual abuse education in K–6 schools,” said Jayden Davis, program and office manager for The Policy Project. “We’re seeking to strengthen the existing Utah code and secure more funding through a public–private partnership for schools. Currently, only 11% of Utah students receive this education.” Davis said her organization, along with two others—Saprea and Prevent Child Abuse Utah—has a three-prong approach to addressing the problem: commit, legislate and work with the private sector. The statewide events, including in St. George, Davis County, Utah County and Cache County, seek to not just educate parents and community leaders about child sexual abuse prevention but also to create a curriculum where teachers and others have the tools to keep kids safe at school and at home. “The heartbreaking reality is that child sexual abuse is widespread,” said Emily Bell McCormick, founder and president of The Policy Project. “Utah’s rates of child sexual abuse are higher than the national average, and we are not willing to look away.” She said Utah needs to “acknowledge the urgency, break the silence and work together for a

Page 12 | February 2024

future where our children are free from the shadows of sexual abuse.” Davis said the legislation to be introduced to state lawmakers this session is sponsored by Rep. Karianne Lisonbee and Sen. Kirk Cullimore. It has yet to be assigned a bill number as of the date of this writing, but she expects it to be shortly. At each of the training sessions, the adult target audience learns of age-appropriate content for teens and young children. Davis said it’s important that children have conversations about this subject with trusted adults. Child sexual abuse is something that one in seven Utah children experience before the age of 18, with those ages 7 to 13 being the most vulnerable. Of those instances, 91% involve perpetrators known or previously trusted by the child, and more than half are committed by minors. The goal of The Policy Project is to shed light on the problem and the need for preventative measures. Child sexual abuse is the root cause of many problems such as suicide, incarceration, high school dropouts, and both physical and mental health challenges. This is the third undertaking of The Policy Project, which has been in operation for the past three years. Previous efforts have included The Utah Period Project, which led to a state law mandating free period products in all K–12 schools in Utah as well as state-owned buildings; and The Teen Center Project, where centers have opened or are planned for many high schools and some junior high schools in Utah offering food, laundry facilities and places for rest for students. l

Murray City Journal

Students learn impact Ruby Bridges had on schools as event promotes kindness By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

t McMillan, Horizon and Liberty elementaries, there was a day when students reflected a bit more on their walk to school. School children at the three Murray schools took part in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a nationwide annual walk held on the anniversary that 6-year-old Bridges became the first African American student to attend the all-white public elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana, Nov. 14, 1960. Bridges walked to school each day as she was denied a seat on the school bus because of the color of her skin. When Bridges went to school that first day, she was escorted by four federal marshals and may not have fully understood why she faced hatred and protests, said Liberty Elementary teacher Aimee Ballard, who led a classroom discussion about her. “I asked my kids, ‘Who is Ruby Bridges?’ and ‘Why is she an important figure in our history?’” Ballard said. “I asked them what impact Ruby Bridges had on our schools and if they felt like they could walk into school at that time. Many of them said they needed courage and resilience.” She said most of her students said they’d fear the uncertainty. “One of my students said they’d feel frustrated because they wouldn’t understand why people were being so mean to them when they’re just a kid, trying to go to school,” Ballard said. “It was hard for some students to picture and comprehend why adults would treat Ruby that way when in the pictures, she’s a cute little girl who just wanted to go to school. That brought us to talk about courage and whether they’d keep going even if their stomachs got knotted up and adults were yelling at them as students like they were to her. I think for my third graders, they learned we all need courage, whether we’re coming into the school and we’re nervous for a test, or maybe we had a hard day with our friends or maybe the morning wasn’t so great at home. They learned things can be scary and they’ll need to have courage to get through it even though they may want to turn around from what they fear.” All three schools focused on kindness, supporting each other and making a positive impact in their community. Using resources available from the AAA auto club and the Ruby Bridges Foundation, McMillan PTA President Bethany Matsumori wanted their first time participating in the event to be uplifting. “We had the kids wear purple, her favorite color, and had a call for posters so our families could put inspiring quotes or messages about being kind or making a difference on those,” she said, adding that they were posted on the fence as the students approached the school. “As kids walked in,

MurrayJournal .com

Students are greeted as they arrive at Horizon Elementary on Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. (Photo courtesy of Adah Shumway.)

the messages were to be very kind and encouraging to one another.” Matsumori said that was important because Bridges wasn’t met with kindness on the day that she went into the school. “She changed many things,” she said. “That is a message elementary kids can connect with, that even though they’re young, they can make a big impact and the best way to do that is through being positive and working with people.” It’s the second year Horizon was participated in the walk, said Adah Shumway, region PTA diversity and inclusion committee chair and Horizon Black History Month committee chair. “Last year, we held signs to welcome the kids into school,” she said “But this year, besides the signs, we wanted to have more of a dialogue about what are the things that our community wants to see change or

improve and how can we improve those things? We want kids to realize they can improve their community and make a difference.” Shumway had lesson plan material for teachers based on a book about Bridges’ experience, and they talked about what happened and how it was memorable in the history of the country. “It’s important that kids learn they can make a difference in their community, and they can make change happen,” she said. “It may not be as drastic or dramatic, but they can see something that can be improved and take that situation and make it better. I want kids to learn about opportunities in their communities to change things, whether it’s getting more recycling in the school or working to be kind and to prevent bullying.” Ballard showed her Liberty students a

video about Bridges, held her conversation and then took her students outside to walk on the school grounds. “As we walked, we thought about what it would feel like to be worried about coming to school and how it may feel to be so scared your first day for us and tried to imagine Ruby’s first day where she wasn’t welcome,” Ballard said. “Many of them had empathy for her because she didn’t feel safe at school, and others said she had great courage and when faced with adversity or a challenge, they, too, want to be strong like she was. They want to make a difference, to be a bit kinder, and that’s just from that bit of discussion and experience. Going forward, I’d like to see more discussion or home discussions about it going forward and see where it can branch out to. I think this is something important we can always circle back to in our learning.” l

February 2024 | Page 13

With star player Chris Cox back, the Cottonwood boys are also a year older, wiser By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

hris Cox is back. Those four words are all you need to know about Cottonwood boys basketball team and their chances at what should be a wide open 4A tournament. “Things are good,” reported Cottonwood head coach Marc Miller of his team that hasn’t lost a game since Cox’s return to the lineup Jan. 4. Cox, a Utah State University basketball verbal commit, transferred to AZ Compass in Arizona for six months and then had a change of heart, returning to Cottonwood for his final few months as a senior. As one of the best players in the state, Cox makes an already dangerous Colts team even more potent. Cottonwood [13-5, Region 10 7-0] opened Region 10 play rather early, and without the services of Cox traveled to Jordan on Dec. 19, 2023 winning by the final score of 6057. John Rosevear leads the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game and so the junior continued to have a hot hand since coming over from Brighton in the summer. Rosevear had 17 points, right at his average; Tengis Bayasgalan chipped in 12 points. Mason Tolley, Bo Smith and Luka Cecez each had six. Since Cox’s official return to the lineup though, Cottonwood has kept an unblemished

mark in league action (at press time). Cox posted 17 points and five rebounds to lead Colts’ scorers in a gritty 65-62 home win over Murray in his season debut, while Rosevear chipped in 16. Peter Oguama had 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. On Jan. 9, the Colts hosted Tooele and blew open a close game in the third quarter to win 84-76. Cox continued to find his footing for Cottonwood, as he had 20 points to go with seven rebounds, while Oguama scored 18 points and had a team-high nine rebounds. Rosevear pitched in 11 points for the Colts, while Brighton transfer Luke Park had 11 points, 12 assists and eight steals. With Park [seven assists per game] at the helm and leading scorer Rosevear on one wing, it seems like the Colts—with Cox at the other wing—are slowly getting back to the lightning-quick guard play that made them such a tough out last season. They certainly flexed their muscles at Hillcrest on Jan. 11, riding out to a 37-15 halftime advantage before kicking it back into cruise control in the second half for an easy 68-51 win. Oguama led Cottonwood with 16 points and seven rebounds, and Ryan Nielson scored a season-high 14 points on three threes to go

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Chris Cox returned over the holidays bringing a talented boost to a Colts team about to hit the stretch run of the season. (File photo City Journals)

with four rebounds and three assists. Rosevear and Park each added 10 points in their first showdown against the Colts’ crosstown rival. With Cox who’s already averaging 14.8 points per game at the other wing barely needing to break a sweat [6 points] in this all-important rivalry game at Hillcrest, it presented head coach Marc Miller with an opportunity to give some of his other players [13 in all] some more minutes. If you’re Cottonwood, you like the depth that Nielson, Tolley, Smith and Cecez are providing, along with Bayasgalan and Tommy Yates. None of the players mentioned in this paragraph scored fewer than five points in that pivotal win at Hillcrest. Of all the Colts players mentioned in this article, not even one is averaging fewer than three points per game and five have been averaging the same number of assists to steals. That ability to go 13 players deep is certainly something that last year’s Cottonwood team did not have the luxury of at the

5A tournament when their 23-2 team ran up against the depth and length of Timpview. While looking ahead to the 4A tournament in March is probably something that coach Miller and his staff will not be doing, you can’t help but witness juggernaut Layton Christian in Region 8 or Dixie or any of the other Southern Utah-based schools in Region 9, or any of the Cache County/Box Elder County powers in Region 11. The kicker to these wins in region play is that it’s still early in region play, and the teams the Colts defeated are all talented. But if you’re a Cottonwood alum though, you’re excited about what’s to come; you can see the potential of this team coming to fruition. By the time this goes to press, Cottonwood will be a handful of games from the finish. And though you’ve seen and heard that song and dance before about being a favorite at state and falling short, you get the sense that this year will indeed be different now that the Colts are a year older and a year wiser. l

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Murray City Journal

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FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney .................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing .................. 801-270-2425 Cemetery ................................ 801-264-2637 City Council ............................. 801-264-2603 Finance Department ............... 801-264-2513 Passports................................. 801-264-2660 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 General Information................ 801-264-2525 Human Resources.................... 801-264-2656 Library .................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office.......................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court....................... 801-284-4280 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office .......... 801-284-4200 Recreation Division ................. 801-284-4200 Museum .................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Outdoor Pool ............... 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course.... 801-262-4653 The Park Center ....................... 801-284-4200 Senior Recreation Center ......... 801-264-2635 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2673 Animal Control/SL County .. 385-468-7387 Code Enforcement .............. 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls ......... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office .......... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office .......... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ............ 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ........... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning .......... 801-270-2430 Solid Waste......................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets.......... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ........... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency....... 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ................ 801-264-2626

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MAYOR’S OFFICE

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Facts and Figures The Utah State Legislature has made affordable housing the number one priority for the 2024 legislative session. Murray has been consistently proactive in planning for and providing affordable housing in Salt Lake County. Families with an income of 80% or less of Salt Lake County’s median income level can qualify for subsidized programs. Currently, the median annual income for a family of four in Salt Lake County is $106,000.00. To address the affordable housing shortage, the legislature has selected 26 areas from which cities can choose from to implement their plans. Murray City has selected the following five areas: 1. Investment in the rehabilitation of infrastructure to support moderate-income housing. 2. Reducing regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). 3. Establishing higher density limits in areas near transit corridors. 4. Creating mortgage assistance programs. 5. Revise transit station area plans (Murray has 3 transit stations).

Brett A. Hales -Mayor

mayor@murray.utah.gov 801-264-2600 10 East 4800 South Murray, Utah 84107

Future areas of focus could include: 1. Redevelopment of underperforming commercial property. 2. Code rewrites to incentivize “starter home” developments. 3. Reducing residential parking requirements. 4. Reducing minimum lot sizes in more zones (5000/4000 sqft). 5. Creative housing approaches (cottage style and townhome). We are pleased to report that presently, Murray City ranks 7th best in Salt Lake County for housing compliance. In fact, considering the size of Murray (12 square miles), we are ranked #1 in all of Salt Lake County. The Utah State Legislature will be in session from January 16 to March 1, 2024. I will be following the legislative updates throughout the session and encourage everyone to reach out to your state representatives whenever you have questions or feedback about policy that affects our city and state.

If the city fails to implement these options, we could lose the ability to apply for certain transportation funding. Murray City is committed to remain in compliance with state requirements avoiding any penalties.

Murray Senior Recreation Center 10 E 6150 S, Murray, Utah 84107 801-264-2635 mcreg.com • seniorrec@murray.utah.gov murray.utah.gov/140Senior-Recreation-Center Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thurs 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. • Closed Sat and Sun Check our website for updated information. CHEF OMAR LIMON DAILY LUNCH Date: Tuesday through Friday Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

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GRIEF SUPPORT Date: Friday, Feb. 9 and 23 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free; Register now FLY TYING WORKSHOP for Beginners Date: Tuesday, Feb. 20, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, and Apr. 2 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: $5 includes supplies; register now VITAL AGING: DEVELOP STRONG SELF-CONFIDENCE Date: Tuesday, Feb. 27 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free; register now

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Message from the Council When We Focus On Community, Anything Is Possible. I have worked alongside my fellow residents towards shaping our city’s future, addressing issues like taxation, how we shape our downtown development and the history of marginalization. My motivation for joining the council was to prevent a 17-story building from overshadowing my neighborhood. I sought to provide options for Murray residents and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to represent District 3. My vision includes a vibrant downtown area where our community can gather. I’ve actively proposed, advocated for, and implemented policies to support this vision. When we prioritize our community, the possibilities are endless. The start of the new year is a promising time full of fresh beginnings and a sense of renewal. The idea that we can bring about positive changes in our lives, or in the lives of others, is an uplifting feeling that we should embrace throughout the year. I encourage Murray residents to take the time to engage in community service to foster meaningful connections and build a stronger, more compassionate Murray. Here are a list of nonprofits and organizations within our city where you can donate your time: • Alliance Community Services: (801) 265-1111 • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake: (801) 261-6180 • Kids Read (contact Linda Brown): (801) 803-2505 • Make-A-Wish Utah: (801) 262-9474 • Murray City Chamber: (801) 680-5877

• Murray Exchange Club (contact Mark Looslie): (435) 627-2368 • Murray Greenhouse Foundation: (801) 266-0669 • Murray Pantry & Murray Closet: (385) 743-8808 • Murray Partners for Prevention Coalition: (801) 808-0830 • Murray Rotary Club (contact Jerry Summerhays): (801) 557-1904 • Murray Youth Community Council: (801) 808-0830 • Wasatch Adaptive Sports: (801) 834-0476 I also encourage residents to stay involved in all things going on here at Murray City. Stay connected by signing up for my newsletter, attend City Council and Planning Commission meetings (either in person or online), join a city board or commission, get involved with your child’s PTA or lead a local youth group. In the spirit of fostering community I urge everyone to reach out to your neighbors. Take the time to introduce yourself and extend a friendly hand. Let’s not confine our sense of community to our immediate circles; instead, let’s work to include everyone. By actively participating in the community, you contribute to Murray’s progress towards a city we love to live in. I also want to take a moment to remember someone we lost this year, Spencer Belliston. Spencer was an integral part of our Murray community, and I had the privilege of gardening alongside him over the years. His contributions as a teacher within the Murray School District were significant. Let Spencer’s legacy inspire us to be inclusive and community-minded, even as we admire his individual achievements. —Rosalba Dominguez, District 3

Murray Senior Recreation Center SENIOR CENTER CONTINUED EXERCISE DAILY EXERCISE CLASSES – check our current newsletter for the schedule

BRIDGE LESSONS Date: Mondays Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cost: Free MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME Date: Thursdays Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free

HEALTH SERVICES

PROGRAMS HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME Date: Mondays Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: Free

HAIRCUTS Date: Wednesdays Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost: $12; advance appointment required MASSAGE THERAPY Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Cost: $40 per hour; advance appointment required

CITY COUNCIL City Council District #1 Paul Pickett 801-860-4949

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

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

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

diane.turner@murray.utah.gov City Council District #5 Adam Hock 801-557-1346

ahock@murray.utah.gov

Executive Director Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622

jkennedy@murray.utah.gov Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525

FEBRUARY 2024 CPR can be one of the most important skills you have when a loved one has a cardiac arrest. Many of our past staticstics show that we only save 7-9% of cardiac arrests. With you and 911 Paramedics we have evidence that we can save over 60% of witnessed cardiac arrest victims if hands only CPR is started within minutes of your loved one colapsing. CPR is proven to work when you push hard and fast on the center of the chest. Please remeber to practice CPR once per year. Attend a class at least once every 5 years to learn our newest methods. During a Cardiac arrest Remember to stay calm, push hard and fast untill we arrive! You will make a differnce in someones life!

Murray Fire CPR Course Depending on if you need a Card or just GREAT training A card course is $25 per card, a non card course is Free! Come and learn

Date: Scheduled once per month throughout the year. Call the number in the green area below for our next course.

Murray Fire also teaches • AED (Deﬁbrillator training) • First Aid (Trauma and Medical Emergencies) • Choking • Rescue Breathing • CERT classes

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MURRAY PARK CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Murray Park is set to turn 100 years old this year! Mark your calendars for June 15, 2024 for Murray Park’s special celebration. Join us in commemorating a century of community and memories. We’ll have a day filled with festivities, reflection, and celebration as we honor the history of Murray Park. We look forward to having you join us for this historic occasion! (Photo credit: Dedication of the beginning of the west entrance of Murray Park circa 1924, Murray City Corporation)

Join us for our Family Night Concert Series! Enjoy free performances by local bands. This is open to all ages, so bring family and friends for a night of music! These concerts will take place at 7:00pm at the Murray Senior Recreation Center (10 E 6150 S, Murray) on February 12, March 11, April 8, and May 13. Each date will feature a different band!

Keep up to date with Murray City Cultural Arts by following us on social media.

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Local farmers and artisans at Wheeler Historic Farm’s Sunday Winter Market By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

ust because it’s winter doesn’t mean consumers shouldn’t be able to enjoy shopping for local produce, artisanal goods and homemade treats. The Wheeler Historic Farm’s Sunday Winter Market features a variety of vendors that provide fun items to make the winter months more enjoyable. Held at Wheeler Historic Farm’s Outdoor Education Center (6351 S. 900 East) on the south side of the property, the market offers handcrafted breads and pastries, locally sourced honey, handmade crafts and gifts and fresh produce. The market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 24. “The winter market is a local bounty of flavors, colors and crafts,” said Jane Wylie, winter market coordinator. “From farm-fresh produce to artisanal delights, the market offers something for everyone.” Chad Midgley, owner of Chad’s Produce, has been involved with farmers markets for 25 years, selling citrus fruits and other produce. He has 11 greenhouses, heated only by compost, that allows him to grow fresh food all year. Although he’s participatMay 23rd ed in the Wheeler Farm summer market, this GoldenisCorral, East 7200the winter event. his first665 year doing “We checked it out last year and saw South, Midvale how well it was supported and decided to

come join in,” Midgley said. “It allows us to supplement our income, so we don’t have to drain our income until the summer markets.” It’s also the first time Amanda Francis has been a vendor at the farm’s winter market. As the owner of Shed Antler Dog Chews, Francis gathers dropped antlers from deer and elk across the region to sell to pet owners for their dogs. “The antlers last a long time; they clean [a dog’s] teeth and they have lots of vitamins and minerals in them,” she said. “They’re safe and nutritious, and they don’t leave a mess.” For Saruul, owner of Munchy Macarons, the farmers market is a way to build not only customers but community. She traveled to France to learn the art of baking macarons. After hundreds of trial-and-error recipes, she perfected her cookie. Available in a variety of flavors, including lemon, strawberry, blueberry and pistachio, the gluten-free treat is a hit at the market. She was a vendor at the summer market and couldn’t wait to sign up for the winter option. “We love it. It’s a community,” Saruul said. “In the summer, we were so sad because it was the end of the market. But we’re glad to be here. All the other vendors are so

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Vendors at the Wheeler Historic Farm’s Sunday Winter Market offer local produce and handcrafted items. The market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through March 24. (City Journals)

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Students turn Murray High’s woodworking shop into ‘Santa’s workshop’ By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

very December, for 25 years, there has been a buzzing of saws and sanders at Murray High. There are splashes of color and moments of inspiration and creativity as Murray High students, alumni and faculty turn the woodworking lab into “Santa’s workshop.” “This is a different sort of lesson they’re learning,” woodworking teacher Quinn Drury said. “There are three steps in a person’s life. One is they believe in Santa Claus. Two, they don’t believe. And three, they become. This is when they become; it’s kids helping other kids. They’re at the point where they can help others and give back.” Forty-four wooden cars were in the production line on the chop saw, band saw and router. Students were sanding, routing and creatively painting the 7-inch cars. “We’re giving them to kids at the Murray High day care as well as to Primary Children’s Hospital kids,” said junior and Murray High Skills USA vice president of promotions Kristina Jorgensen as she painted a car with a cameo design. “The cars are dropped at the hospital, but here at school, we get to deliver them and see their faces light up.” Drury said they make cars simply because “kids love them.” In the 750 or more cars Murray High students have made through the years, “all the

kids are excited playing with the cars,” he said. About one dozen years ago, following the lead of some Murray students who also were earning their Boy Scout Eagle awards, the woodworking students added cutting out wooden ornaments for Primary Children’s Hospital. About 500 ornaments have gone to young patients to decorate and keep during the holiday season. “Our students are getting some more exposure to band saw work,” Drury said. “They’re learning mass production. This is adding or practicing their woodworking skills, but we’re having fun and giving back at the same time.” Senior Michael Porter, who wants to study computer programming or material science next year in college, got an honorable mention in the recent Utah Talents Wood Show. “I like coming over and doing this for the kids,” he said. “I like having the opportunity to put smiles on kids’ faces. It’s fun.” Seniors Wesley Marsh and Bridger Kissell, who are respectively the president and vice president of activities for the school’s 50-member Skills USA chapter, planned the activity. “We do it every year; nobody misses it,” said Marsh, who plans to study construction and may join the Army National Guard. “It’s a

Murray High students turned their woodworking shop into Santa’s workshop and made wooden cars and ornaments for young children. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

lot of fun for everyone.” Kissell, who plans to study woodworking, added, “I like socializing with friends while doing this good thing. We’re making these cars to brighten up kids’ spirits.” Nos Shabazz, who graduated last spring, returned to help his former classmates. “I just got done with finals [at Utah Valley University in construction management] so I can back,” he said. “I get to see my teachers again and have fun while doing something 50+ Years of Experience

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Murray girls basketball hanging around top of Region 10 By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

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he move to Region 10 from Region 6 hasn’t been without a few bumps in the road for the Murray girls basketball team. Still, the Spartans have enjoyed a successful season facing a cast of new opponents. Murray won four of its first six region games, putting it in third place at the halfway point of the season. Overall, Murray was 9-7 at this point, winning as many games as it had all of last season when it was 9-13. The Spartans are 12th in the RPI rankings in Class 4A. The state tournament starts Feb. 20. Murray’s offense has been solid in region play, averaging 58.3 points an outing. The defense has been outstanding, as Murray has allowed just over 38 points a game. Even in defeat, Murray hasn’t allowed more than 51 points in region games. The Spartans defeated Stansbury 59-37 on Jan. 10, Tooele 61-46 on Jan. 12, Park City 69-25 on Jan. 16 and Hillcrest 74-22 on Jan. 19. Senior guard Mia AuClaire has led the way for Murray. AuClaire is one of 4A’s top scorers, and she paced Murray with 18.9 points an outing. AuClaire hit the 20-point mark in 10 of the team’s first 16 games. Her top game during this span was a 29-point performance Dec.

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12 at home against Farmington. She also had 27 points Jan. 23 at home against Jordan in a loss. AuClaire hit a team-best 42 three-pointers during this stretch and also averaged three rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.6 steals a game. Charlotte Scherbel, a junior guard, has also stepped up to be a major force for the Spartans. After scoring 4.7 points per game a year ago, Scherbel now totals 10.4 points per game, second on the team. She is also second in rebounding with a 3.8 average and paces the team with 2.4 assists per game. She’s also second behind AuClaire in steals. Senior guard Vanessa Anaafi is another player to keep an eye on. She scores 4.6 points and hauls down 2.8 rebounds a game. Senior post player Lexi Davies scores just over four points a game and is the leader for the Spartans in rebounding with more than six a contest. Murray plays each region opponent twice, with the regular season ending at Jordan Feb. 16. The Spartans will aim to do what they couldn’t do a season ago: win a state tournament game. Murray fell to Woods Cross in the 5A first round last season. The last time Murray tasted a postseason victory was in 2021 when it defeated Payson in the first round of the 5A playoffs. l

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Murray City Journal

Coming up for air

or a state run by legislators who sneer at tobacco products, I find it confusing they don’t give a flying cigar about our state’s dangerous air quality. GOP legislators balk at green energy initiatives like a vampire facing the sunrise and a head of garlic. A 2023 American Lung Association report said Salt Lake ranks among the nation’s most polluted cities for ozone and short-term particle pollution. I don’t know what those words mean, but it doesn’t sound good. Lawmakers say Salt Lake has always dealt with inversions, we just have to work around a valley filled with pollution. That’s like saying the kitchen’s always been filled with rotting banana peels, crushed egg shells, open yogurt containers veiled in mold, and a greasy chicken carcass. We just have to work around it. Studies show polluted air is a bigger threat to our health than alcohol or tobacco. Maybe not breathing polluted air should be included in the Word of Wisdom next to wine (the devil’s fancy beverage) and tea (the witch’s drink). Then, perhaps, our lawmakers will pay attention. It’s true the valley’s design creates Utah’s crappy air quality. Temperature inversions trap cold air under a layer of warm air, like putting a lid on a pot of soup. Only this soup is filled with vehicle pollution, smoke from wood burning stoves, industrial emis-

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sions, and glitter from gender reveal parties. Reducing the number of cars using fossil fuels is a good way to cut down on emissions but “leaders” like illustrious Sen. Mike Lee often fight against renewable fuel programs. And don’t talk about closing coalfired power plants. Republican lawmakers embrace coal energy like it was brought down from Mount Sinai. While other states are running away from coal as fast as humanly possible, Utah lawmakers delay closing coal power plants that leave behind tons of coal ash, a lovely bouquet of radioactive waste, arsenic and old lace. Utah has around a dozen coal ash dump sites and you can bet your sooty lungs each site contributes to our bad air quality. Oh, don’t our legislators wish it was still the 1970s, when coal was king, and you could use your wood stove all day (even in the summer) and no one was trying to take your gas-operated vehicle?

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In good news, some electric vehicle owners were given a Utah tax break through 2030 (although it diminishes each year) and there’s a rebate for EV charging stations. But (classic legislature) EV owners have to pay an additional registration fee each year to offset the gas taxes they don’t pay. And a bill passed in 2023 adds a third tax at EV charging stations, on top of sales and franchise taxes. It’s like being caressed with one hand and punched in the nose with the other. Utah has the potential for vast amounts of solar, wind and geothermal energy, so why can’t we address the continued yucki-

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February 2024 | Page 23