Murray City Journal - November 2014 - Vol. 14 Iss. 11 by The City Journals

HOLIDAY

HAPPENINGS

SEE PAGE 13

firefighters remembered 2

high school musicals

Murray’s SWAT Team: Trained To Protect

n his early days with the Murray City Police Department, SWAT team leader Sgt. Erik Lindquist learned a lesson that could have had fatal results. While responding to a suspicious activity call, a man pulled a gun on Lindquist. Instead of shooting, Lindquist hesitated. During that hesitation, the perpetrator pulled the trigger. Luckily, the gun misfired and Lindquist was able to subdue the suspect, but it’s a lesson many officers don’t get a second chance to learn. “I don’t know a single officer who wants to shoot, but it’s our job. We’re trained to shoot if necessary,” Lindquist said. “Being in the SWAT team has made me a better officer. I want to retire

By Peri Kinder

safely from the forceWe’re working together as a team, and I really like that aspect.” The Special Weapons and Tactics team specializes in dangerous operations such as high-risk search warrants, hostage situations or dealing with a suspect who might be armed. Of the 73 Murray police officers, there are only 15 trained specialists who make up the city’s SWAT team. They are carefully selected through an application and try-out process. While their primary roles include regular patrol duties and investigation, the SWAT officers’ secondary responsibilities

SWAT Team continued on page 4

spartans shine

fair game

q u o ta b l e c o m m u n i t y :

“This community is amazing; it is a little hidden secret... There are good people and hope in the world.”

page 6

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44

Page 2 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

NEWS

Monument Dedicated to Past Firefighters By Peri Kinder

hen the Murray Fire Department was organized in the early 1900s, there were no fire hydrants, no motorized fire engines, not even any full-time employees. Over the last century, countless men and women served with the department, many in volunteer positions. Murray Battalion Chief Jon Harris has created a memorial to honor these dedicated firefighters in a lasting monument to their sacrifices. Harris completed a chainsaw carved, 7-foot tall firefighter last fall, and on Oct. 29, a well-attended ceremony (close to 100 people showed up) at MCFD Station #81 paid homage to members of the department who had at least 10 years of service. “I am overwhelmed,” Harris said. “This turnout is a tribute to the fire department and the sense of family that made everyone show up today.” Ray Limberg, 89, started his career with the Murray department when he was 10 years old, working as the

“ I’ve never seen a brotherhood

and a fraternity of men and women like I do in this fire department.” station’s mascot. He joined the department in 1946 as a volunteer and said, “Some of my best memories of these 90 years were from being a part of the fire department.” Surrounding the carved firefighter are paving stones engraved with the names of past firefighters. Harris hopes this memorial becomes a place where families can stop by to remember loved ones who served in the department. Currently, 100 pavers have been inscribed with names, but there are many more so the monument can be a benefit for years to come. “There’s a lot of history and tradition here,” Fire Chief Gil Rodriguez said. “We’ve got a lot of good people,

This monument, located at Murray City Fire Department Station #81 (40 East 4800 South), was carved by Battalion Chief Jon Harris and dedicated to past employees and volunteers. a lot of history and a lot of memories.” Mayor Ted Eyre commended Harris for his devotion to the memorial project, along with the countless hours it took to track down families and find information about former fire employees. “I’ve never seen a brotherhood and a fraternity of men and women like I do in this fire department,” Eyre said. “You have memorialized these people. The passion you have for your job is evident in everything you do.” l

m i ss i o n s tate m e n t

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he Boys & Girls Clubs of South Valley hosted a jump-a-thon on Oct. 15 at its Murray location, celebrating the conclusion of the “Small Steps to Big Futures” healthy lifestyle fundraising campaign. More than 200 club members, ages 3 to 18, shared in the fun that included jump rope relays, double-Dutch competitions, heart rate checks and healthy snacks. Organizers hope the event will bring attention to the number of children who are struggling with obesity-related health concerns. —Peri Kinder

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November 2014 | Page 3

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Boy Scout Paints Map For Viewmont Elementary Students By Julie Slama

Riverview Junior High student decided that for his Boy Scout Eagle project he would give back to Viewmont, his elementary school. After contacting Viewmont Principal Margaret Young and Murray School District Maintenance Supervisor Rod Pace, Caden Seiter, 15, took stencils and paint Oct. 11 to Viewmont’s playground to paint a map of the U. S. He was joined by a 35-member crew of family, friends and fellow Scouts. “I looked at lots of ideas and thought a map of the United States painted on the playground would help kids learn the states,” Caden said. “I like history and remember that I had to know all the states and capitols.” Young said students begin studying the states in fifth grade, and often when she is outside, students quiz her. “Before school the other day, they were quizzing me pretty hard, asking me

“ I looked at lots of ideas and

thought a map of the United States painted on the playground would help kids learn the states.” what state I was standing by,” Young said. Caden said his siblings and their friends have practiced states on the new map. He provided Viewmont teachers with games that were supplied in the kit with the eight-sheet stencil kit. By December, Caden plans to have his Eagle paperwork completed, but he can still work on merit badges. “There are awesome people in Scouting who are doing great things and are willing to work hard to make a difference in a community. Once I earn my Eagle, I can be with others who have completed theirs in the Eagle Nest at a Court of Honor (ceremony), and be able to help others,” he said. l

With the help of family and friends, Caden Seiter, 15, painted a map of the United States on Viewmont’s playground for his Boy Scout Eagle project. Photo courtesy of Amy Seiter

Upcoming Events at Chick-fil-A Murray

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Tuesday, November 18 Craft Night 5-7pm We will be doing a free Thanksgiving-themed craft

Thursday, November 20 First Responder Day

We want to show our thanks to all of our first responders by offering them a free meal, when they come in dressed in their uniform. (Firefighters, police, EMS)

FREE BREAKFAST EVERY TUESDAY 6:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. CHICK-FIL-A MURRAY LOCATION ONLY

Page 4 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

ON THE COVER

SWAT Team continued from page 1 include ongoing tools and tactics training, and educating residents about safety. Unlike what’s depicted in the media, Murray’s SWAT team doesn’t spend its days crashing through windows, rappelling out of helicopters or engaging in regular shoot-outs. But they are always on alert, working to keep residents and officers safe, even while crime and violence seem to be escalating. “We hear media people talking, and they don’t understand what we do. SWAT

officer in Murray wears a body camera, paid for through grant funding. “They are recording everything they do, and it helps protect them,” Burnett said. “Murray is a good city. We don’t have major problems very often. Sometimes we forget—because we feel like a small town—that we’re in the middle of a big city with a million residents.” Learning how to set up a containment site at a potentially dangerous location, approaching the area cautiously and making safe contact with a perpetrator is the goal for each SWAT action. And

best judgment possible in a high-pressure setting. They rehearse over and over to make sure they get it right. In the wake of what Murray Mayor Ted Eyre described as an “explosion” of burglaries in the city, he expressed his faith in the department as they spend their days on the front lines, trying to protect Murray neighborhoods and businesses. “Our police department has my absolute and total confidence in everything they try to do to make the city safe. Their dedication to their job is without question,” he said.

every officer adheres to the priority of life: victims, police officers and suspects—in that order. “I really stress the priority of life; it’s a guiding principle,” Lindquist said. “There is an expectation if you want to be on the SWAT team. You have to be willing to put a citizen’s life ahead of your own.” Team members are taught to use chemical munitions, weapons, breaching tools and other devices. Training simulations for shoot/don’t shoot scenarios are continuous, with officers facing situations where they need to use the

Lindquist has served with the MCPD for 17 years, with 15 of those years being on the SWAT team. He doesn’t know a single officer who goes out on patrol wanting to use deadly force. But he also knows you don’t often get a second chance to save a life—even if it’s your own. As a SWAT team member, he is trained to stop the threat and get people out of harm’s way. “SWAT is a higher level of training,” Burnett said. “A lot of [the officers] like it because it makes them an all-round better officer.” l

DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR: Murray’s SWAT team was activated seven times. One incident was for a barricaded person. The remaining operations were high-risk warrant services. SWAT provided five citizen demonstrations to educate the community. The team conducted regular training courses for the Murray Police Department.

Murray SWAT team members undergo rigorous training on a regular basis.

teams in the movies don’t depict any degree of reality,” Lindquist said. “But there’s a silent majority that understands the difficult situations where officers have to make quick decisions.” Officer-involved shootings are often in the daily news. Officers know every action they take is being watched carefully, scrutinized by the public, and secondguessed by residents and the media. Police Chief Craig Burnett said his officers know they’re being examined all the time for improper behavior, and that’s okay, because every patrol or motorcycle

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November 2014 | Page 5

NEWS

After-Disaster Inspection Program Empowers Business Owners

County Officials Say Flood Control Will Balance Safety And Beauty

By Peri Kinder

n earthquake hits the Salt Lake Valley. There’s extensive damage, and crews are working hard to create safe shelters, get people back in their homes and keep residents away from dangerous buildings. But, as a business owner, how can you be sure your structure is safe for customers and employees? How long will it take for business to resume? These are situations Murray City’s Chief Building Inspector Gilbert Gonzales hopes to address with the new Building Occupancy Resumption Program. The Murray City Council established this voluntary program in August to help facilitate the reopening of businesses after a natural disaster. “If a disaster happens, our priority is not going to be the businesses. Our concern is about public safety, with our highest concerns being homes and shelters,” Gonzales said. “[If businesses] are participating in the plan, they can [inspect] their own buildings. We want these buildings to be operating as soon as they can after a disaster.” Participants in BORP will be trained to self-inspect qualifying buildings and will be allowed to indicate through signs (or placards) how structurally safe their

place of business is. A red notice means the business is unsafe to enter; a yellow sign notes some damage or partial restriction; and a green placard means the structure is safe to enter. Currently, only five city officials are certified to placard buildings following an emergency, which could mean a backlog of inspections, leaving many businesses closed for days or weeks. Gonzales said as business owners go through the BORP training process, they will be able to resume operations faster after a natural disaster by visually assessing their own buildings. “Murray City modeled this plan after Salt lake City, who modeled their program after San Francisco,” Gonzales said. “This is a great opportunity for businesses, and we’re excited to get it up and running.” Business owners interested in participating in BORP training can call Gonzales at 801-270-2413. He will help companies create an inspection plan and organize a design team. The program usually takes 10 days to complete and is free to business owners. Gonzales is also willing to meet with organizations to answer questions about the program. l

By Peri Kinder

wo conflicting agendas collided in early October as Murray residents in The Willows community, near 5518 South Willow Lane, were up in arms when they learned that Salt Lake County Public Works Flood Control officers were planning to cut down several trees in the area. The trees scheduled for removal were deemed a hazard, with the potential of blocking Little Cottonwood Creek and causing a flooding danger. Dozens of trees in the Willows community have been cut down during the last several years, and residents hoped the removal was complete. They were angry to hear more trees needed to come down. Salt Lake County Public Works Director Russ Wall met with residents and devised a compromise he feels will work for both parties. “We’re working with the community’s arborist. We’ll go through and mark the trees that are hazardous and must be removed immediately,” Wall said. “With other trees, the county will give residents time to look at the ones marked for removal. They can either agree or challenge the ones we’ve marked. But, at the end of the day, our duty is to protect the safety of the owners.” l

L E G A L S

MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPOSE OF UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PROPERTY Pursuant to Title 77, Chapter 24a, Utah Code Annotated (1953, amended) the Murray City Police Department hereby gives notice that the personal property described on the following list has been held for at least three months and the owner(s) cannot be located, or if known, such owner(s) have been notified and have failed to claim such property and that Murray City Police Department will dispose of the personal property according to law. Commencing nine (9) days after the date of this publication and public posting of this notice, if the owner(s) have not claimed the property. Murray City Police Department will dispose of the personal property as outlined by State law, culminating with a public auction or by donating the unclaimed property to charity. The affected personal property is described as follows: SPORTING GOODS AND EQUIPMENT, CELL PHONES AND ACCESSORIES, VEHICLE ACCESSORIES, VEHICLE STEREOS AND ACCESSORIES, TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES, JEWELRY, CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES, COMPACT DISKS, HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT, COMPUTERS AND ACCESSORIES, LAWN AND GARDEN EQUIPMENT, BICYCLES & MORE. A MORE DETAILED LIST WITH SERIAL NUMBERS IS AVAILABLE AT THE MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

MURRAY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

5025 South State Street, Murray, UT 84107 801-264-2652 (EVIDENCE)

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Page 6 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

EDUCATION

Junior High Sewing Classes May Be Cut

Community Rallies Behind Six-Year-Old Cancer Patient

By Julie Slama

or the past four years, Hillcrest Junior High sewing classes have made hundreds of 12-inch cloth dolls with hospital gowns for Primary Children Medical Center patients, as well as denim tote bags for Smiles for Central America. “It’s a way students can use their sewing skills and talents and do something nice for someone else to make a difference,” family and consumer science teacher Sherryl Cowley said. She estimates that 350 students in Family and Consumer Science Exploration and Clothing I classes have helped with these service learning projects as well as others, such as making toys for children out of scraps of material. However, sewing classes came under review in the design of the new Hillcrest Junior High, Murray School District spokeswoman D Wright said.

“ The trend is showing that only a small

number of students are enrolling in sewing, where the best pathway toward career and college readiness is in the direction of computer skills.”

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“When the new career and college guidelines were released, and looking at the new junior high plans, it was decided that a lab dedicated to sewing wouldn’t be the most beneficial to the most students,” she said. “The trend is showing that only a small number of students are enrolling in sewing, where the best pathway toward career and college readiness is in the direction of computer skills.” The Utah State Board of Education is currently reviewing the seventh-grade Family and Consumer Science curriculum that offers a segment of sewing. If the same curriculum continues, that will be the only sewing class at both Hillcrest and Riverview junior highs. “Year in and year out, our sewing enrollment has

By Julie Slama

C Sewing kids show off just a few of the dolls and bags they made for their service learning projects. dropped to 80 to 100 students,” Riverview Junior High Principal Jim Bouwman said. “But when we offered a Day of Code it was extremely popular, so we need to adjust to offer computer classes.” Yet Riverview family and consumer science teacher Janet Wayman said she knows many students and parents are disappointed that they didn’t have a chance to express their opinions. “Many of my students don’t own a sewing machine. So this is the only opportunity that they can try a new skill, one that is a life skill, and could be a viable career path in Utah where there is much interest in sewing, quilting and fabric arts,” Wayman said. She said that junior high is a time where students can explore different fields and learn skills, such as how to use correct measurements and sewing techniques, which are invaluable as students become adults. Wayman, who herself learned to sew in an eighthgrade sewing class, said many former students have told her the nine-patch pillows they sewed in her class are still on their beds now as parents. As adults, they continue to enjoy sewing and use their skills to create humanitarian projects for the community. Wright said curriculum regularly changes to meet student needs, and Murray High has only offered sewing one year in the past four years. However, she added, there is an option for high school students to attend a sewing class offered at a high school in a nearby school district. l

Save the date! Murray City will be hosting Christmas for the Animals on Saturday, December 6, 2014.

Help the homeless animals in Murray City enjoy the holidays through your donations. Staff will be on hand to receive donations for the animal shelter. The shelter is always in need of pet food and comfortable blankets and towels for the animals. The shelter also appreciates donations of paper towels, dryer sheets, non-clumping cat litter, and fun stickers to decorate signs to further help the animals during their stay. Light refreshments will be served. The event will be held at the Murray City Animal Shelter located at 5624 S. 300 W. and will be open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call with any questions during normal business hours Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm at 801-264-2671.

arson Ross, 6, recently asked his mother, “Is everyone being nice to me because I have cancer?” When Nikki Ross explained that it was a way for people to show they care, it was a lesson she herself had to learn. “It was hard to let people help,” Ross said. “I didn’t want to burden them by having them do things for us.” It was her neighbor, Sherryl Cowley, who convinced her to allow neighbors to help bring meals or take Carson’s older siblings to sports practices or activities. “It’s something they can do to show how much they care for Carson and his family,” Cowley said. “It’s a way they can express their love and support.” Ross said she has learned many lessons since July 30 when the family learned that Carson had a tumor in his brain after suffering from headaches and double vision for most of the summer. After doctors removed the tumor the next day, Ross and her husband, Steve, learned it was cancerous, and their youngest son had medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor. “I just lost it at that point. There were a lot of tears. His personality changed from being happy and outgoing to becoming shy and not wanting to be in the spotlight,” she said. The surgery to remove the tumor also left Carson with complications — the inability to talk, walk, open his eyes and paralysis on the right side of his face. But each day, the family saw Carson gain strength and, eventually, be able to give the family a thumbs-up. Three days before his first radiation treatment on Aug. 24, Carson was able to talk again and was released from the hospital. “It was a huge blessing for him to come home after three weeks of unexpectedly being away. It all happened so quickly, but especially during that first week, when

Community Rallies continued on page 7

MurrayJournal .com Community Rallies continued from page 6 he couldn’t sit up and didn’t have any fine motor skills, each day seemed so long,” Nikki Ross said. Carson missed the start of school, but Viewmont first-grade teacher Angie Watts came to his home to help him stay up with his classmates. In October, he was able to attend class since he was stronger and had a month off of chemotherapy. “He’s a good little kiddo who is excited to be at school with his friends,” Watts said.

“ This community is amazing; it is a little

hidden secret. I’ve learned that these little acts of kindness mean so much—just the daily gifts of friendship. There are good people and hope in the world.” Carson still struggles, at times, with some speech or writing, but Watts notices it is coming back to him quickly. She also plans to tutor him in November when he will undergo another month of chemo.

eanwhile, the community has supported Carson and his family. When they learned that Carson would have chemotherapy, family and neighbors were

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November 2014 | Page 7

Carson Ross’s siblings, Devin, Cassidy and Kyle, visit him before brain surgery. His oldest brother, Dylan, is away on a church mission. Photo courtesy of Nikki Ross joined by his older brother Devin’s teammates—about 15 Murray High football team players—in shaving their heads in support. The University of Utah Utes provided Carson a football they each signed personally for him. A summer softball team, Utah Flash, sponsored a game in Carson’s honor and invited him to throw out the first pitch. Neighbors tied yellow ribbons around the family’s home and yard, and Hillcrest Junior High sewing students created muslin dolls that doctors used to point out to Carson his next procedures. The help poured out Oct. 11 as friends organized a fun run and silent auction to help the Ross family pay for medical bills. Not only did hundreds of neighbors run and walk in support of Carson, but Viewmont students and teachers, as well as others from area schools, turned out. Murray High had several clubs and teams support him, including his sister Cassidy’s teammates on the volleyball team. Nikki Ross is beyond grateful. “This community is amazing; it is a little hidden secret. I’ve learned that these little acts of kindness mean so much — just the daily gifts of friendship. There are good people and hope in the world,” she said. l

Page 8 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

EDUCATION

Riverview’s Concert To Brighten Christmas For Others

High School Students To Take Stage In November By Julie Slama

By Julie Slama

Old and new family favorites will be performed in November on local high school stages. At Murray High School, students will perform “The Sound of Music” Thursday, Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov. 15 and on Monday, Nov. 17. While, one weekend later, Cottonwood High students will perform “Shrek The Musical.” About 50 cast and crew members will put on “The Sound of Music” each night at 7 p.m. in Murray High’s auditorium, 5440 South State Street. Will Saxton will direct the show, and a live orchestra of 25 high school musicians will perform under the direction of Rob Wilson. Leesa Lloyd is the choreographer. The musical will feature junior Emily Paige as Maria; senior Karson Woodmansee as Captain von Trapp; senior Emily Vorhees as Mother Abbess; senior Treyson Lyon as Max Detweiller; senior Lauren Finlinson as Baroness Elsa Schraeder; senior Rheanoon Longhurst as Liesel and senior Max Adams as Rolf Gruber.

Cottonwood High School will perform “Shrek The Musical” Nov. 21 through 24 at the school’s auditorium. Photo courtesy of Adam Wilkins

WAITING ON PHOTO

Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students when purchased in advance at lunch, or $8 at the door. Cottonwood High students will take the stage at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, Saturday, Nov. 22 and Monday, Nov. 24 and for a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. The shows will be in the high school auditorium, 5717 South 1300 East. Adam Wilkins will direct the 90 students on stage and the 70-member orchestra is under the direction of Amber Tuckness. The vocal director is Cecil Sullivan. About 20 students comprise the technical crew. The musical features senior Geoff Goffe as Shrek; senior Roey Howell as Fiona; and senior Haley Oliphant as the Donkey. Tickets are $8 in advance and may be purchased through the school’s website, or are $9 at the door. l

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iverview Junior High will hold its first Christmas benefit concert to support the school’s Sub-for-Santa fund. The concert will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 1 in the school auditorium, 751 West Tripp Lane. Tickets for the concert will be $5 per person or $20 for a family. A silent auction, sponsored by the school’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association, will coincide with the concert. Headlining the concert will be the winner of the Murray’s Got Talent contest, Cambria Demke, who teaches English at Riverview. The runner-up, Riverview student Caleb Spjute, will play “Silent Night” on the piano. Riverview students, under the direction of the student body officers and peer leadership team, have been helping with Sub-for-Santa for more than 20 years, said Jennifer Mackay, who has helped organize events with teachers Brandon Harrison and Amy Roberds. The Sub-for-Santa program typically provides hygiene needs, kitchen supplies,

“ We love to see them get into the holiday spirit.” clothes, school supplies, books and toys for four to six Riverview families. Student body officers and members of the peer leadership team purchase the items as well as gift cards so each family can buy groceries as well. “This is the student body officers’ favorite day of the year,” Mackay said. “We love to see them get into the holiday spirit.” In addition to the concert, students will hold a two-week “penny wars” competition between grade levels. When students donate pennies and checks, the class receives positive points. However, all other money is negative points. In addition, the Riverview’s ninthgrade boys’ basketball team members will compete after school Wednesday, Dec. 3 against faculty members in a basketball game. A $2 donation to watch the game goes to the Sub-for-Santa fund. l

November 2014

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Grant Elementary. . . . . . . 801-264-7416 Heritage Center (Senior Programming). . . . . . . . . . 801-264-2635 Hillcrest Jr. High . . . . . . . . 801-264-7442

C ultural A rts Murray Art Beat Upcoming Events:

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

November 13-15, 17

Liberty Elementary. . . . . . 801-264-7424

The Sound of Music Produced by Murray High MHS, 7 p.m., $6 students • $7 adults in advance • $8 door

Longview Elementary. . . 801-264-7428 Ken Price Ball Park . . . . . . 801-262-8282 Miss Murray Pageant (Leesa Lloyd). . . . . . . . . . . 801-446-9233 McMillan Elementary . . . 801-264-7430 Murray Area Chamber of Commerce.. . . . . . . . . . . 801-263-2632

November 20-22, 24 Shrek Produced by Cottonwood High CHS, 7 p.m. • $10 door • $9 advance

Murray Arts Advisory Board (Mary Ann Kirk). . . . . . . . . 801-264-2614 Murray Boys & Girls Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-268-1335

Youth Musicals and Storytelling Residencies

Murray City Cemetery. . . . 801-264-2637 Murray Community Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-264-7414 Murray High School . . . . . 801-264-7460 Murray Museum. . . . . . . . 801-264-2589 Murray Parks and Recreation Office. . . . . . . 801-264-2614 Murray Parkway Golf Course. . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-262-4653 Murray Park Aquatics Pool . . . . . . . . . . 801-266-9321 Mick Riley Golf Course (SL County) . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-266-8185 Parkside Elementary. . . . . 801-264-7434 Riverview Jr. High. . . . . . . 801-264-7446 Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation . . . . . . . . . 801-468-2560 Salt Lake County Ice Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801-270-7280 The Park Center. . . . . . . . . 801-284-4200 Viewmont Elementary. . . 801-264-7438

Murray Library (166 East 5300 South) November 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., November 10 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., November 8 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An awards reception will be held November 24 at 7 p.m. Make sure you vote for your favorite for the People’s Choice Award!

December 6 Murray Symphony, Messiah Sing-Along MHS, 7:30 p.m.,Free Bring your music and winter clothing donations for the Road Home Shelter

Juried Art Show Murray’s Juried Art Show featuring local Murray amateur and professional artists will be on exhibit at the

Youth Musicals and Storytelling Residencies are being scheduled at most elementary schools between November and May. Grant and Twin Peaks will host storytelling workshops after school. Liberty, Viewmont, and Parkside will host residencies in specific classrooms this year. Longview will host a national storyteller assembly and other workshops TBD. To accommodate students who don’t have access to workshops at their school location, storytelling workshops for youth will also be scheduled at the Murray Library TBD. The Library will also host workshops for older teens and adults and the Heritage Center will host workshops for seniors. Finalists will be selected at each residency/workshop to participate in a city-wide festival in May. For after-school youth programs, watch for details coming home through the schools or like our facebook page, murraycityculturalarts, for up-to-date information.

R ecreation Top Flite Competitive Basketball

Winter Coed 6’s Volleyball Tournament

This basketball league is for competition, super league or AAU pre-formed teams that want to test their basketball skills in a competitive environment. The league will offer paid officials, seven games minimum and awards to the 1st place teams as well as leading scorers. Teams must provide their own jerseys. There is limited space so join now. League is for 4 – 8 grade boys teams and runs January 5 through March 6. Deadline is Friday, December 12 or when leagues fill. Games played at local Murray schools and facilities. Call Murray Parks & Recreation for more information at 801-264-2614 or visit our website at www.murray.utah.gov.

Saturday, November 8th 10am-6pm TRX Personal Trainer Certification

Saturday, November 22nd 9am-6pm Spinning Instructor Certification Saturday, January 10th 2015 SpinPOWER Certification Friday, December 26th Blood Drive

Jr. Jazz Basketball

Pickleball League Come and play in Murray’s first ever Pickleball league. This league is open to ages 10

Saturday, December 20 Time: 6:30am Cost: $200 Location: Park Center Deadline: Friday, December 12

Matt Harpring’s Holiday Camp Skills & Drills Day 1 – Dec. 30 (1-4pm) Day 2 – Dec. 31 (9am-12pm) Cost: $45 per day Ages: 7-14 years Location: The Park Center

The Park Center GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH, FITNESS & RECREATION this year! and older and based on your skill level. Teams of two play for eight weeks, 6 weeks of pool play and two weeks of tournament. Games will be Friday nights beginning January 9 at the Park Center. Cost is $60 per team. Call Murray Parks & Recreation for more information: 801-264-2614 or visit www.murray.utah.gov.

UPCOMING Park Center Dates & Events

The Park Center has membership options for everyone. “We hope to see you at the Park Center in 2015 getting lean, fit, healthy & happy.” SCHEDULE YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT OR PARTY AT THE PARK CENTER

Jr. Jazz Basketball is for boys and girls in grades 1st-9th. Learn Sportsmanship, improve your fitness and have lots fun. Play eight games, Bi-weekly practices, a Jazz Player Appearance, and a ticket to a Jazz Game. Games are played in the Murray area at local schools. Boys and Girls play in separate divisions. The program features weekly practices, games. Sign up today to participate in the Jr. Jazz Program. Registrations are now open. Dates: January 10-Feb. 28 (Grades 1-6) Days: Saturdays Locations: Hillcrest Jr. High, Riverview Jr. High, The Park Center and Murray High School Grades: 1st-6th Cost: $50 Residents, $60 Non-residents Deadline: Friday, December 5, 2014 Register: Murray Parks and Recreation Office, the Park Center or www.mcreg.com

R ecreation High School and Jr. High Jazz Basketball Join now to participate Jr. Jazz basketball for boys in 10-12 grades, boys 7th grade, boys 8-9 grades and girls 7-9 grades Team will be put together to play 8 games and also participate in a single elimination tournament at the end of the season. Improve your skills, stay in shape and have lots of fun. Dates: Dec. 6 to February 28 Days: Wednesday Nights and Saturday Afternoons Place: Riverview Jr. High and Murray High School Cost: $50 residents of Murray, $60 non residents Grades: Boys 7 grade, Boys 8-9 Grades, Girls 7-9 grade and Boys 10-12 grade, Deadline: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 Register: The Murray Parks and Recreation Office, the Park Center or www.mcreg.com

Hoops 101 This is an introductory class to basketball as part of the Learn to Play sports program. The program features instruction emphasizing skill development set to the sport. Each week the program will feature 20 minutes of instruction emphasizing skill development set to drills using fun games to stress fundamentals and 40 minutes of actual game time. Teams will be formed each week during each session. A parent is required to attend and participate to assist with learning and positive reinforcement. This is a six week program. Register at the Recreation Office or online. Space is limited to the first 20 participants in each session. Dates: January 10 to February 14 Cost: $30 Residents, $40 non residents Days: Saturdays Times: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Register: Murray Parks and Recreation office, The Park Center or online at www.mcreg.com Ages: 4 & 5 (Boys and Girls) Deadline: Friday, January 2, 2015

T he H eritage S enior C enter Upcoming events at the Heritage Center The Heritage Center is a 55+ recreation center for people who like to stay active, learn, get services, go places, stay healthy, play, volunteer, meet people, enjoy life, and more. Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday anytime between 11:30 - 12:30 and you pay for your meal after you pick up your food. No reservations are needed - except for special events. Options include the regular menu item, salad, Panini, soup and sandwiches. The cost ranges from $2 $4 for people 55+. The Heritage Center will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day, on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving. Exercise: Monday NIA 9:00-10:00 Monday & Thursday Strength Conditioning 2:00-3:00 Tuesday & Thursday Stretch & Tone 9:00-10:00 Tuesday & Thursday Tai Chi 10:30-11:30 Tuesday & Thursday Uof U Exercise Students 12:00-1:30 ($1/time or $5/month) Wednesday & Friday Yoga 10:00-11:00 Wednesday & Friday Chair A’Robics 11:15-11:45 (FREE) Friday Zumba 9:00-10:00

Fees: Class fee is $3 a day or monthly fee which ranges from $10-15 depending on the class. Punch passes are also available for purchase. Monthly Total Fitness Pass: Pay $30 the first week of each month and then attend as many exercise classes plus utilize the exercise room as much as you would like. Silver Sneakers: If your Medicare supplement insurance offers the Silver Sneakers program, bring your Silver Sneakers card into the Center and speak with the Front Desk staff. You will be entitled to use our exercise room and benefit from the University of Utah students on Tuesday and Thursday 12:00- 1:30. Exercise classes are not included.

Select Health: Did you know if you have the Select Health Advantage plan that your wellness reimbursement will pay for exercises classes at the Center? Just sign up and pay, keep your receipt and submit it to Select Health for reimbursement. They reimburse up to $20 per month or $240 per year for your health and wellness needs. So the Heritage Fitness pass would only cost $10 per month after reimbursement. That’s $10 for any exercise class & the fitness room!

Heritage Center Recreation Billiards and Ping Pong – During the Center’s hours of operation. Monday Movies – Be in your seat at 1:00 to enjoy our free Monday movie and popcorn. Pickleball – On Thursdays from 9:00-11:00 you can learn to play Pickleball at the Center for free. Pickleball is played with wood or plastic paddles on a badminton size court using a whiffle ball. It is great exercise and good developing your hand-eye coordination. Pinochle – Wednesdays at 9:15. Players must check in no later than 9:00. The cost is $2 and is paid tournament day. Bridge – Mondays from 11:00-2:00 is a teaching class taught by Carol Meyers. Come and learn or refresh old skills. Wednesdays & Fridays 1:00-4:00 free informal Bridge play (Chicago/Party). Canasta – Tuesdays from 11:00-2:30. Everyone is welcome (including beginners), all games are free and anyone can join in on the fun. Birthday Wednesday – First Wednesday of each month. Celebrate your birthday and you could win a free lunch. The lunch is on us if you’re turning 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 this month. Tell us if you have reached a new decade. Bingo – Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:45. Donations are appreciated and used to purchase the certificates and prizes for bingo day. Happy Hatters – 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 12:45. Red Hat Society chapter meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of every month to play BUNCO and Mexican Train, and on the 3rd Thursday to play Hand & Foot. Game Day – Make a new friend and learn a new game every Thursday at 12:30 in the card room. Mexican Train, Dominoes 15, Rummikub, Skip-Bo and more. Want to Jam – Bring your instrument and jam on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 3:30 and Thursday, December 11 at 3:30. Past gatherings have included drums, guitar, violin, piano with all types of music played from jazz to country. Informal and all types of instruments are welcome. Social Dance – Every Thursday evening from 7:00-10:00. Cost $4. Dance to the musical genius of Tony Summerhays. Refreshments will be served during the break and door prizes will be given each week. Line Dancing – Enjoy some great exercise, stimulate your brain, and meet friends; Tuesdays at 9:30 for all dancers and Tuesday afternoons at 2:00 for beginners. Cost is $1.50 and is paid the day of class and placed in the box on or near the stage. Shirlene Lundskog is our instructor and dances with the Sandy Line Dance performing group.

The Heritage Senior Center • 10 East 6150 South (West of State Street) • 801-264-2635

November 2014 | Page 13

MurrayJournal .com

Murray Filled With Holiday Happenings

here’s a ton of great family fun planned around the city. The Murray Journal has tried to round up information on as many as we can below. Tear this page out and put it on your fridge so you don’t miss out on all the fun events.

FUN AT THE LIBRARY Continued... Deck the Halls Palooza, Saturday, Dec. 6. Time to be determined. Kids of all ages can meet Santa and listen to holiday stories.

THANKSGIVING A Thanksgiving Celebration will be held at the L. Clark Cushing Heritage Center, 10 East 6150 South, on Wednesday, Nov. 19 with entertainment beginning at 11a.m. with the New Fiddlers, and a holiday meal at noon. Tickets are $6 and must be paid for in advance.

Holly Jolly Christmas Music Festival. Local musicians perform at the library throughout the month of December.

SANTA CLAUS Santa’s arrival at Fashion Place Mall is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. in the food court. Pet photos with Santa will be on Monday, Nov. 17 and 24, Dec. 1, 8 and 15. CONCERTS The Murray Symphony Sing-A-Along will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Murray High School (5440 South State Street). Attendees are encouraged to bring a vocal score of the Messiah. Admission is free, but food and clothing donations to give to The Road Home are suggested. “The Forgotten Carols” will be performed at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 20 in the Cottonwood High School auditorium, 5715 South 1300 East. Written 23 years ago by Utah resident Michael McLean, the performance tells the nativity story, starring Broadway actress Katie Thompson as Connie Lou, a nurse who is too busy to celebrate Christmas. The holiday show will be performed with Murray high school choirs. Horizon Elementary School’s annual bell choir concert will be held at the school auditorium, 5180 South 700 West on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 9 a.m. and again at the Murray Library, 166 East 5300 South at 10 a.m. the same day. Cottonwood High will hold its holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9 in the auditorium at 5715 South 1300 East FUN AT THE LIBRARY Murray Library: 801-264-2580 Family Movie Night: Dec. 1 and Dec. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (movies TBA) Enjoy a family film at the library (166 East 5300 South) with free popcorn.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Murray City’s annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at Murray City Hall, 5025 South State Street Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 5, the Heritage Center, 10 East 6150 South, hosts its holiday meal and boutique from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than a dozen artists will sell homemade crafts at this annual event, and the public is invited to attend. The holiday meal and entertainment is $7 for those 55 and over. Sign up early as seating is limited. CLOTHING DRIVES The Murray Youth Community Council is collecting backpacks and items for the Salt Lake County Youth Shelter. Donations can be dropped off at any Zions Bank, 5595 South State Street, Murray City Hall and the Murray Park Center, 202 East Murray Park Avenue, through Friday, Dec. 19. The Heritage Center, 10 East 6150 South, is hosting a drive for used or new winter clothing. Murray residents are asked to bring coats, hats, blankets, sweaters, gloves, etc. to the center that will be donated to the overflow homeless shelter in Midvale. The facility has also partnered with high school students to fill backpacks for homeless youths. SPORTS On Saturday, Dec. 20, the Park Center, 202 East Murray Park Avenue, will host a Winter Coed 6s Volleyball Tournament. Call 801-284-4200 for more information. Matt Harpring’s Holiday Basketball Camp Skills & Drills will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Park Center. This camp is for youth ages 7-14. Cost is $45 per day. HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

Page 14 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

SPORTS

Colts Conquering Obstacles By Michelle Bodkin

or the Cottonwood High girls basketball team, nothing comes easy, and every win is a cherished accomplishment. That’s because, even though they’re part of a 5A school, they don’t always have a large number of girls showing up to try-outs. The ones who do show up, while very athletically-gifted, haven’t always been lucky enough to grow up playing in club or recreational teams to learn all of the necessary skills to be competitive. Despite many of the deficits the Colts face, they still manage to find ways to win, being masters of defense and playing with a chip on their shoulder. This is a fact that makes head coach Janae Hirschi proud of her players and everything they accomplish on and off the court. “The fact that we have all of these odds against us in numbers and demographics, it’s really rough, but the kids rock it,” Hirschi said. “They come in and work hard, and we mold them and

shape them super quick before they are juniors and seniors. Then we rock’n’roll.” Last year the Lady Colts finished strong as co-region champs, making an appearance in the state play-offs. “Last year’s season was awesome. We lost in the first round [of state], but I thought the girls played really hard,” Hirschi said. While the team may not always be deep or as fundamentally sound as some others, the one thing Hirschi feels they have that sets them apart and gives them a fighting chance every year is natural talent and athletic ability. “That is the one thing that has enabled us to be successful because we do get kids that aren’t fundamentally sound and maybe don’t have basketball skills, but we develop those skills as quickly as possible,” she said. Hirschi explained that the girls she gets are quick and fast. So she teaches them defense first which, she says, has been the key to their success. Once her

Cottonwood High girls basketball team members hope to keep their hard-fought winning tradition alive in 2014 when their season tips off Nov. 19. Photo courtesy of Janae Hirschi players are sound defensively, she takes the time to teach them the ins and outs of offense, which takes a little longer to get down. “Every year one of our top goals is to be defensively sound,” Hirschi said. “We’ve been one of the top 10 defensive teams in the state, and that includes 5A through 1A which is points allowed. We

and we had some girls move. I honestly have three or four girls that were on the sophomore team last year that will be playing varsity.” While nothing comes easy for the Colts, Hirschi says their attitude and the way they take care of business couldn’t be better. “I am blunt with them and tell them the

“ The fact that we have all of these odds against

us in numbers and demographics, it’s really rough, but the kids rock it. They come in and work hard, and we mold them and shape them super quick before they are juniors and seniors.” just don’t allow our opponents to score on us, and so that is a goal we’ve had every year. We don’t want teams to score on us and we want to be the top team defensively.” The Colts are fortunate this year because they have two of their best players in senior forward Annie Brady and Nicole Christensen returning. “This year is kind of unique because I have two of probably my top 10 best players ever coming back as seniors,” Hirschi said. “The rest of the kids were on the sophomore team and will skip junior varsity because we had a few girls quit,

odds are against them every single year,” she said. “We have a lot of kids that have a lot of heart, and they want to be there, but their parents, some of them couldn’t afford [club basketball] or they didn’t have time because they were helping their families. They are awesome kids because, once we get them, they do what we ask them to. They go hard, trying to catch up because they know the odds are against them. So far, since I have been there, the kids have bought into it. They are really dedicated and work hard. I’ve seen them grow, and we’ve had winning seasons every year I’ve been here except for one.” l

November 2014 | Page 15

MurrayJournal .com

Spartans Tennis Takes Off By Michelle Bodkin

urray High freshman Sidnee Lavati and junior Savannah Frank are the product of hard work and natural talent. Both girls have logged numerous hours at the Sports Mall working on their craft, and it is paying off for Murray tennis. According to head coach Crystal Speckman, she hasn’t had two girls on her tennis team with that kind of work ethic since Murray won state in 2005. Lavati had the opportunity to play tennis anywhere in the state she wanted, but chose to stick close to home and play for Murray. “Sid is an unbelievable addition to our team,” Speckman said. “She has absolutely raised the level and put us into contention. There is no other way to explain it. It’s just unbelievable, and she’s a freshman, so this is the beginning of four years.” Between Lavati and Frank’s talent, Murray was able to take third in state this year as a team and looks poised to have another standout season next year with

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figures it out, and she changes within the time frame of a match. It’s a really important skill, not just in tennis, but in life. She’s meticulous about her school work, her shots, everything.” Speckman says that Lavati and Frank find success on the court because of their willingness to practice and learn from their mistakes. “Practice makes perfect,” she said. “Both of these girls started when they were 8 or so. If you go to the Sports Mall every day for two to three hours, you’re going to get better. Plus, they know how to compete. They practice competing, and they learn from their losses.” Both girls made it through Murray’s region undefeated, which Speckman said is amazing because of the level of talent and competition they face every week. “Olympus won state, and they are in our region,” she said. “All of the schools who won titles are in our region, so that tells you the level.” Speckman hopes a bumper crop of freshmen led by Lavati and a strong finish to the 2014 season will give Murray the bounce they need to be even better next year. “My vision is that they repeat their success from this year and they win at one and two [in singles] not just at region, but at state too,” she said. For Lavati and Frank specifically, Speckman would love to see both girls earn college scholarships to any school they would want to go to. “I can see that occurring, Freshman Sidnee Lavati and junior Savannah Frank led Murray High girls tennis team to a third-place finish in state on Oct. 9. Photo but, of course, that is up to them, and it is a huge commitment,” courtesy of Crystal Speckman she said. “…because Savannah both girls returning. is going to be a senior next year, I would “Savannah is a junior so I only like her to win academic all -state.” have her for one more year, but Sid and As for the team as a whole, Speckman Savannah are the anchor of our team: would like to see more girls step up and the talent anchor, and it’s a very talented help contribute to what Lavati and Frank anchor,” Speckman said. are doing. Frank’s biggest strength and contri“They have to improve, and they have bution to the team is her ability to ad- to move and support these other players,” just to whatever situation her opponent Speckman said. “They aren’t there yet, is giving her. but they need to get to that level. They “Savannah is the smartest player I need to copy the work habits and work have ever seen,” Speckman said. “She hard throughout the year.” l

MCJ & SVCJ

Page 16 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

CROCK-POTS: THEY AREN’T JUST FOR DINNER ANYMORE By Joani Taylor

ne of the unspoken niceties about fall is the financial relief of turning off the A/C. Isn’t it lovely to have the reprieve where we neither have to heat nor cool our home? As we begin to turn off the grill outside and tuck ourselves in for the winter, I look forward to hunkering in with my favorite comfort foods. Have you broken out the slow-cooker yet? Rocky Mountain Power reports that small appliances like electric woks, electric griddles and slow-cookers, are a great way to save on the high cost of heating the oven or range top. Coming in at around $30, these small and handy appliances of the 1970’s that are making a comeback are not only frugal to use but to purchase too. Today’s chefs use them for roasting squash, baking pies and stewing up breakfast. You can find a plethora of Crock-Pot recipes on various websites devoted to honoring the magic of slow cooking. Check out CrockPotLadies.com, GetCrocked.com and 365DaysOfCrockpot.com for some inspiration. Here’s one of our family favorite go to recipes I learned years ago at a cooking demonstrations at a Tupperware party. It has some surprising ingredients that I bet most of you have in your kitchen right now. No bellbottoms or avocado green containers are required.

CROCK-POT RECIPE 2lbs Beef or Pork - You can use pretty much any cut of meat. Short ribs or pork loin are good choices. 1/2 c. flour 3/4 c. Ketchup 3/4 c. Cola 1/2 Onion (thinly sliced) 3-4 Baking Potatoes (I like to use 3 very large ones and then cut them in half when serving) Olive Oil Salt & Pepper DIRECTIONS: Dredge 2lbs of the meat of your choice in a mixture of salt and pepper seasoned flour. Preheat a skillet to a nice hot temperature and brown all sides of your meat in olive oil (about 2 tablespoons). It’s tempting to skip this step (and I do on occasion) but the added flavor this adds to the meat, coupled with the pan juices and thicker sauce the flour creates is worth the additional dirty pan. Place

the meat in your slow-cooker and top with the onions. Combine the Ketchup and Cola in the skillet you browned the meat in and scrape up all those bits of yumminess on the bottom. Pour the sauce mixture over the meat. The two ingredients paired together make a nice BBQ flavor plus, the cola actually acts as a tenderizer for the meat. Poke the potatoes with a fork, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap the potatoes in heavy duty foil or two layers of regular foil. Place the potatoes on top of the meat with the fold of the foil on top. Cover and cook on low for 7 or 8 hours until the meat is falling apart and the potatoes are fork tender. Serve with a salad or your favorite veggies and enjoy. l

MurrayJournal .com

Eggs & Issues Meetings Friday mornings 7:30-8:30 a.m. Mimi’s Restaurant (5300 South State) October is a GREAT month to join us at Eggs & Issues. No cost to attend unless you order from the menu. Open to everyone. No chamber membership required!

THANK YOU to the following businesses for investing in the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce! WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!! Equity Realty – Jodie Osofsky Marco’s Pizza – Jacob Webb Scalley, Reading, Bates, Hansen & Rasmussen – Alisha Giles Papa Murphy’s – Christa Hutchison

INWEST Title Services – Brian Haglund

LHM Chevrolet – Kasey Webster

Lewis Adams & Associates – Lewis Adams, Attorney

Clinical Innovations – Mack Fullmer

Plan Your Results – Susan Bond Ross

Boys & Girls Club of South Valley – Bob Dunn

Mimi’s Restaurant – Matt Sheperd

Red Lee / SCS – John Bond

Security Guru – Mike Wright

Blue Diamond Cleaning – Tressa Ririe

University of Phoenix – Holly Heffron

MacTraders – Matt Thorton

Washington Federal – Kimberly Ware

Serv Pro – Chris Mitchell

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

November Events Nov. 7: Open Networking Nov. 14: Diabetes – We will hear from a doctor that specializes in diabetes. Do NOT miss this meeting! Nov. 21: STEM Cell Recipient: Shawn Craig Wickerd. Shawn will tell us about his STEM cell journey and how being a recipient has helped him. Nov. 28: No meeting (Thanksgiving holiday)

Murray High Student Earns Perfect ACT Score By Julie Slama

ax Adams, a Murray High School senior, recently earned a perfect score of 36 on the ACT college entrance examination. On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the students nationally who take the ACT earn the top score.

“ I was in the theater during ‘Sound of Music’ rehearsal when I learned about my score, and I flipped out.”

“I was in the theater during ‘Sound of Music’ rehearsal when I learned about my score, and I flipped out,” Max said. In addition to his electronic notification of his achievement, Max received a letter from the ACT chief executive officer congratulating him on his perfect score on the September exam. Max has a 4.0 grade-point average and has taken

November 2014 | Page 17

CHAMBER CORNER

three advanced placement classes in U.S. history, biology and calculus, in addition to honors classes and concurrent enrollment courses. He plans to complete three more AP classes before graduation. He started preparing for the ACT as a sophomore by taking ACT preparation classes and practice tests, using study guides and most recently, by studying for the SAT. Max has been a four-year member of the cross country team, plays cello and piano, sings with the Madrigals, is book club president, vice president of National Honor Society and vice president of the school’s chapters of Health Occupations Students of America and Future Business Leaders of America. He currently is playing the character Rolf in the school’s “Sound of Music” production. Max plans to study finance in college and pursue advanced degrees in business administration. l

Murray High School senior Max Adams earned a perfect score of 36 on the September ACT college entrance examination. He plans to study business in college. Photo courtesy of Max Adams

Page 18 | November 2014

Murray City Journal

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E

he upcoming holiday season may give many of us time to reflect on the importance of our families. Time to make new memories with those surrounding us, but possibly time to think of those who are missed because of various other reasons. For many, an empty chair at a holiday celebration may represent an empty spot for someone who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and luxuries we sometimes take for granted. Recently we had the opportunity to celebrate Veterans Day, to pause as a nation to honor our military heroes who have sacrificed their lives for us in the defense

of our freedoms. Possibly you take moments to thank those you see in military uniform for the sacrifices and services they provide when going about your day-today travels as well. Everyone has choices in their lives, our military personnel have chosen the ultimate – to protect our freedoms. As the techniques and tactics of those trying to destroy America and our freedoms become more strategic and methodical, my gratitude grows deeper, and I think our country becomes more united and patriotic. Mere words are never enough to thank those who have sacrificed, but by becoming better people and committing to valuing the things they have fought for can display our sincere appreciation. How can we truly show appreciation other than showing genuine respect? Every day I receive compliments from Murray City citizens about the employees we have and the great services they provide. Many of these employees represent our City by wearing uniforms too, different than those who protect our freedoms, but many are the first responders to the emergencies and dangers in our city. Sometimes it might be a minor incident, but many are life-threatening situations for our citizens. These employees have also made decisions to face peril as they put themselves at the forefront to protect our safety. I try to pass on the praises I receive, but I know

I don’t do it as often as I would like to. Since November is known as the month of Thanksgiving and expressing gratitude, a big thank you to all our military personnel and to our Murray City employees. I’ve almost been in office for a year, and I know our City has some of the finest employees in our State. When I attend meetings, I can feel the respect that other Mayors have for our City. When I have the opportunity to represent our City at public meetings or gatherings, I am honored to represent employees who take their jobs seriously and work hard to improve the quality of life for Murray City citizens. I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you will take a few moments to thank those who provide our freedom and security. We can be grateful for living here and enjoying all our City has to offer. I am certainly thankful for you as a Murray City citizen. Sincerely,

Ted Eyre, Mayor

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Murray City School District 147 East 5065 South • Murray, UT 84107 Phone 801-264-7400 • Fax 801-264-7456 The Your Murray Schools section is a Murray City School District publication, under the direction of D. Wright, MCSD communications & public information.

NOvember 2014

MURRAY DISTRICT WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA Website: www.murrayschools.org Facebook: Murray School District UT Twitter: MurraySchoolsUt Instagram: SUPTHIRASE (username Steven Hirase) Alumni email: alumni@murrayschools.org General email: info@murrayschools.org

Spotlight On: GRANT ELEMENTARY HIGH SCHOOL

s a growing school population demanded more educational resources, Murray School Disctrict was challenged to keep up during the decades following WWII. In 1959, a $450,000 bond was approved, and the Murray Board of Education made plans to construct a new elementary school at 662 West Bulldog Circle on the west side of Murray City. Grant Elementary School was completed in time for the 1959-1960 school year. The Board anticipated that by juggling some Hula Hoop Day for the entire school. of the school boundaries, over-enrollment issues at Liberty, Bonnyview and Hillcrest elementary schools would at least be temporarily eased. Those boundaries have shifted around many times with continued expansion in the district, and Grant Elementary has continued to provide a stable learning environment for those attending the school. One of the smaller schools in the Murray District, the student body and Grant Elementary School is located at 662 West patrons of Grant have huge loyalty and Bulldog Circle (6140 South) Murray, UT 84123. spirit for their little school. This year’s

annual Fun Run activities netted over $11,000 with students and families participating for four weeks to raise money for the school. In January, “Career and College Readiness” week provides lots of interesting and creative activities to encourage students to think about college and future careers. Always enthusiastically committed to whatever they undertake, Grant staff, students and patrons show their Bulldog Spirit in all that they do! Principal Nelson (aka Ninja Turtle) leads the traditional School Halloween Parade.

At A Glance... Principal: Matt Nelson (pictured below)

Secretary: Jamie Bailey School schedule: 8:50 AM to 3:15 PM; no Preparation Day Enrollment: 402 students Kindergarten: half-day program only School secondary promotion: Riverview Junior High, Murray High School Mascot: Grant Bulldog School Colors: Blue & White Year school built: 1959 Grant Elementary School website: www.grantbulldogs.info

Fair Game By Peri Kinder

here’s a small, football-shaped gland in the center of the brain that makes people go temporarily insane. It kicks into high gear during fall and winter. Each weekend, this gland swells to the size of an actual football, blocking rational thought and flooding the body with the hormone fanaticsol. This hormone produces the ability to recall facts about any sports player, in any game, in any era, at any time. Plus it encourages a person to drink copious amounts of beer while watching millionaires put on funny clothes and throw things at each other. Too much fanaticsol can result in stupid bar fights, irrational lifelong feuds, the spousal silent treatment and, in extreme cases, the need to contact an attorney. It also stimulates the desire to wear a favorite player’s team jersey, even though it’s stained with guacamole— because those are “Lucky guacamole stains, and you can’t wash them off!” If this sounds familiar, you or a loved one could be suffering from Sports-induced Addictive Pastime Syndrome (SAPS). While there is no cure, there is hope that the afflicted person in your life will stop watching back-to-back NFL or NBA games, as well as hockey, baseball, NASCAR, golf, swim meets, college sports, and if nothing else is on, bowling championships.

An entirely fabricated study shows more than 80 percent of SAPS victims are male. Once fanaticsol hits their system, they can understand complicated playoff brackets in complete detail. They are able to change

any variable and know the outcome. It’s like a version of Mad Libs. Example: “If the (insert sports team) win, that means the (insert another sports team) will play (insert another sports team) in (insert location) on (insert date and time) where it’s supposed to (insert weather condition).” And that information is in their brains! They don’t even have to Google it! I watched my husband (a SAPS sufferer) strike up a conversation with a total stranger that went like this: “Where are you from? I see you’re wearing a (insert sports team) hat.” “I’m from (insert city’s name),” the fellow SAPS casualty says. “Are you a (insert sports team) fan!? I grew up watching so-and-so play in the Whatchamacallit Dome.” “Did you see the game in 1972 where (insert athlete’s name) threw a (insert sports terminology) and they won the game (insert final score)?” “Yeah, that was crazy! But not as wild as when

(insert athlete’s name) broke (insert another athlete’s name) record for (insert sport terminology.)” But if you ask those same men what grade their daughter is in, the answer will be, “Um. Algebra?” And the stats! Somewhere in the Midwest, there’s a sports bartype office where employees create irrelevant facts so sports announcers can demonstrate their unparalleled knowledge of the game. The broadcaster might say,“If Mr. Football completes this pass, he’ll be the first left-handed quarterback in the history of the universe to throw 100 yards in the snow while recovering from tonsillitis at this venue.” How do you respond to that? While the majority of men choose their favorite teams based on who they watched growing up, women base their favorite teams on who their first boyfriend followed, or the color of the uniforms. Most women will stick around for world championship games, galactic title bouts and half-time shows, but that’s about it. I just heard the TV turn on. My husband is watching some type of sporting event. That means I have a few hours to shop at (insert department store), and he won’t even know I’m gone. l

Who You Gonna Call? There is a myth that says only tax attorneys are fully qualified to represent a taxpayer before the IRS. Nothing could be further from the truth. The IRS recognizes three different professions as fully qualified to represent taxpayers. Those are attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs). So what’s the difference? The short answer is … not much. Each has the right to represent a taxpayer and a right to client confidentiality. In those very rare situations where a case goes to tax court, then an attorney is needed to meet court requirements. And in those even more rare instances where a tax case has gone criminal then you’re best advised to retain a criminal attorney! Rich Tomlinson A more prudent question to ask is who is skilled to represent a taxpayer? Within all three professions there are only a select few that really understand the world of IRS representation. Virtually no college or university provides any training in this specialized field. So look for a professional that has completed specialized training such as through the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (www.astps.org), that has a successful track record, and who actively works in this very specialized field. In this arena attorneys, CPAs and EAs are peers.

To learn more visit www.tomlinsoncpa.com or call us at (801) 747-1040