one-man band
2
lego winning twins
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Mayor Ted Eyre talked about a new irrigation system at the Murray Golf Course in his State of the City address.
I
Mayor Calls Murray a ‘City Without Equal’
By Peri Kinder
n his State of the City address, presented on Jan. 20 during a city council meeting, Mayor Ted Eyre described 2014 as, “One of the most rewarding and memorable years of my life.” During Eyre’s first year as mayor, the city continued to grow, with new hotels, development at Fashion Place Mall and more than 500 new business licenses issued. The Fireclay Transit-Oriented Development also attracted new tenants as the townhomes and apartments in this commercial/residential area were in high demand. “Because of our central location in the valley, and with easy access to alternate transportation, this innovative concept combines to attract new residents and allows many of those who grew up in
Murray the opportunity to remain here and establish their individual roots in a city they love,” Eyre said. The mayor mentioned the city’s AAA bond rating; Murray is one of only six entities in the state that can boast the high rating. Murray joins the State of Utah, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and Davis and Weber Counties as AAA-rated government agencies. Eyre has instituted regular meetings with the city’s police and fire chiefs in order to stay on top of areas of concern or commendation. Murray’s criminal division handled more than 13,000 criminal cases
The Murray City Fire Department EMS team was part of a congratulatory ceremony held at Intermountain Medical Center, recognizing the team’s prompt response during cardiac emergencies.
Fire Department Honored for Fast Response Time
City Without Equal continued on page 4
pirates on stage
14
chs basketball
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By Peri Kinder
I
t takes a team to save a life. For the last three years, every person treated at Intermountain Medical Center for an emergency heart condition has received life-saving procedures within the national standard of 90 minutes. In fact, the average time at Intermountain is just under one hour. Time is critical for a heart attack victim to get balloon therapy in order to clear blockages leading to the heart. As blood stops flowing, heart tissue begins to die, and the patient won’t have a chance at recovery. Patients who receive balloon therapy quickly have a much higher rate of survival.
Fire Department continued on page 4
q u o ta b l e c o m m u n i t y :
“I feel that some of the basic core education principles—reading, writing and arithmetic—are being lost because of the life we now live.”
page 5
Local Postal Customer ECRWSS
Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44
Page 2 | February 2015
Murray City Journal
NEWS
Is Murray Fiber The Answer To UTOPIA? By Peri Kinder
Peter Pan auditions will be held on Tuesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 12 at Liberty Elementary, 140 West 6100 South, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Callbacks will be held on Saturday, March 14 at Horizon Elementary, 5180 South Glendon Street (700 West), from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. by invitation only. Auditions are open to those ages 8 and older. Please be prepared to sing 16 - 32 bars from a Broadway show. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music. No recorded music or a cappella, please. If auditioning for a speaking role, please also prepare a one-minute monologue. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for a short choreography audition. Please call Bridgette at 801-633-0391 with questions. Produced by Sandbox Theatre, in conjunction with Murray Arts in the Park, the show will run from June 17 - 25 in the Murray Park Amphitheater.
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ayor Ted Eyre had hoped that by the end of his first year as mayor, he would have been instrumental in finding a solution to the beleaguered and divisive fiber-optic network, UTOPIA. He’s hoping he only missed that deadline by a few weeks. Early last year, Australian banking company Macquarie Capital Group offered to take over the struggling Utah Telecommunications Open Infrastructure Agency, and each of the 11 cities participating in UTOPIA had to decide if they would sign on with Macquarie. After many public meetings and discussions, Murray officials decided against the proposal. “We are not discouraged, just delayed,” Eyre said. “The time devoted to study the proposal from [Macquarie] for takeover of UTOPIA was unexpected and time-consuming, yet the right decision was made, and the proposal was rejected.” By working with the city council, the finance director, department heads and senior staff, the mayor rolled out a program that he anticipates will rebrand the UTOPIA network and become known as Murray Fiber. During the highest enrollment for UTOPIA, more than 3,000 Murray residents had signed on with the network, but membership has dropped to around 2,200. With that in mind, hundreds of homes in the city that were already connected to the network were selected to be part of a pilot group to discuss Murray Fiber. On Jan. 23, city leaders held a forum that included invitations to 90 previous UTOPIA subscribers, presenting an option for them to return to the network. Eyre wrote a personal letter to each of the 90 homes and called each person requesting their attendance at the meeting. Because the UTOPIA infrastructure is already available to many city residents, Eyre worked with officials from the fiber-optic network to create an affordable incentive to
Try Out For “Peter Pan”
reconnect to the UTOPIA system at a much more affordable cost. “If we were going to encourage citizens to rejoin the system, we looked for ways we could reach out and inform the citizens,” he said. “Everybody believes it costs $3,000 and UTOPIA will put a lien on your home. And in some cases, that’s the truth. Some people chose to pay the $3,000 up front. They could also finance it at $20 per month, whether you stay in your home or not. That’s the most horrible marketing plan we’d ever heard of.” Instead, Murray leaders have proposed a two-year contract that would allow residents to connect to the UTOPIA network system for $30 per month. Additionally, instead of the 100 Mbps currently available at a monthly cost of $65, UTOPIA has agreed to offer a product consisting of only 10 Mbps for $40 per month, making it more affordable for lower-income families and senior citizens. During the forum, each attendee was given a fact sheet about the system and watched a 50-minute PowerPoint presentation, followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer session. Surveys were given to participants, and Eyre said residents seemed favorably impressed and willing to consider the program. “If they choose to go back to UTOPIA, this is a really good option,” Eyre said. “When I came into office, one of my major objectives was to find a Murray solution to UTOPIA. This objective has consumed a considerable amount of time and effort by so many.” l
Internationally Renowned One-Man Band Coming to Murray By Peri Kinder
I
n Todd Green’s original poem “Cultural Rebirth,” he writes, “Look beyond our shores/To the music of this earth/ It’ll broaden our horizons/For a cultural rebirth.” As a multi-instrumental solo artist, Green has traveled the world studying music with master instructors. His goal is to motivate his audiences to get out of their musical comfort zones by listening to new rhythms, learning a new instrument or embracing different cultures. He will do so Feb. 28 at Murray High School. “Most people have some experience with a musical instrument,” Green said. “It’s exciting to be a hit with something out of the ordinary. It’s like a mini cultural tidal wave to set you in new directions to explore.” And Green should know about something out of the ordinary. During his performances, he utilizes more than 30 acoustic string, percussion and flute instruments from many different
One-Man Band continued on page 5 Todd Green’s multi-instrumental performance is designed to help bring down barriers that keep people from experiencing musical cultures from different countries. He enjoys taking his audiences on a musical armchair tour of the world. m i ss i o n s tate m e n t
THE MURRAY TEAM
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February 2015 | Page 3
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Sign up to play Murray Liberty League baseball
SEASON BEGINS APRIL 6 Sign-up in person:
Saturday, February 21
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• Walk Ins Welcome • Ask our Receptionist about our Student & Senior Citizen Discounts. (Available for Specific Stylist) • Men’s and Women’s Services
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Murray Park Center 202 East Murray Park Avenue (in Murray Park)
Sign-up online:
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Open Mon-Fri 10am- 8pm
• $95 per player – Includes 16 games, shirt, socks and cap. • Games played at Grant Park, 6150 S. Main Street, Murray • Open to boys and girls ages 6-12 in Murray, Midvale and South Salt Lake – check our website for boundaries and the list of schools.
Sat 10am-4pm
If you are interested in volunteering/coaching, contact us at info@murraylibertyleague.org
(evening by appointment)
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Free Breakfast valid only at the murray chick-fil-a restaurant location
February 18, 2015 FREE Yogurt Parfait
February 25, 2015
FREE 3 Count Chick-n-Minis
March 4, 2015
FREE Hash Browns
March 11, 2015
FREE Original Chicken Biscuit
5171 S. State Street • Murray, UT 84107
801-262-0681
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Every Wednesday in February,
visit the 5171 S. State Street Murray Chick-fil-A® Restaurant to receive a different breakfast item between 6:30-10:30a.m. ©2014 CFA Properties, Inc. Valid only at participating Utah Area Chick-fil-A® Restaurants during the specified days in January 2015. One offer per customer. Must be present to redeem offer. Not valid with any other offer. Offer valid while supplies last. Valid during breakfast hours only. Breakfast not available at all locations. Closed Sundays. Ask Restaurant for details. Chick-fil-A®, Chick-fil-A Stylized®, and Chick-n-Minis™ are trademarks of CFA Properties Inc.
Page 4 | February 2015
ON THE COVER
City Without Equal continued from page 1 in 2014, while small claims cases jumped from 600 in 2013 to more than 1,200 during the last year. “This put an increasing burden on the staff, but they have worked hard to keep the filing time and deposition time as minimal as possible,” Eyre said. The Public Services Department continued to handle programs including parks and recreation, cultural activities, cemetery maintenance, Heritage Center programs and upkeep at the Murray golf course, which includes funding a new irrigation system. The Park Center had more than 14,000 participants during 2014 taking part in fitness classes, swimming lessons and other events. Eyre commended the staff at the Murray Library for providing more than 650 programs to 24,000 participants. Visitors at the library totaled 400,000 in 2014, checking out more than 600,000 items and utilizing library services. As the Murray Power Department remains the only municipal power company in Salt Lake County, Eyre said he has learned a great deal about the city’s power grid and everything it takes to keep the lights on. “[The power department] works to maintain our existing infrastructure to keep it running at optimal levels,” he said. “You will
often see city arborists trimming trees around the city to keep lines clear. They coordinate Arbor Day each year, and we have received the Tree City, USA distinction for 37 years in a row—longer than any other city in Utah.” The one area Eyre considered a disappointment was not finding a solution to UTOPIA by the end of his first year. He said a proposal put forward by the Macquarie company was unexpected and time-consuming, but he felt the city made the right decision to reject the proposition. Through a collaborative effort with city leaders, department heads and senior staff, Eyre rolled out the Murray Fiber plan as part of the effort to address the issue regarding the fiber-optic network. “I know of no other program that has the long term financial impact on our city than UTOPIA has,” he said. “Because of that, it must be dealt with with continuous, even renewed commitment, and with leadership that is both responsible and accountable.” Calling Murray “A city without equal,” Eyre thanked the residents of Murray, the 372 full-time employees and the nearly 500 seasonal employees. “I would like to express my appreciation to the citizens of Murray,” Eyre said, “for their willingness to volunteer, their desire to serve each other and our community, and their commitment to keeping our city great.” l
Murray City Night with the Utah Grizzlies
March 27 • 7:05 PM Grizzlies vs. Idaho
To purchase tickets, please contact Will Wodka: wwodka@utahgrizz.com or call (801) 988-8003 Mention Murray City Night
Ticket Prices: $28, $15, $10, $8 for more information please visit
www.utahgrizzlies.com
Fire Department continued from page 1 On Jan. 29, hospital employees, along with emergency services personnel including the Murray City Fire Department, were honored for achieving and exceeding this national level of care.
Murray City Journal with a plaque acknowledging its efforts in maintaining a commitment to excellence by providing quick, responsive care. Murray City has provided $250,000 in training and equipment to support this effort, and the Murray EMS team believes the investment is paying off. “I believe the real positive here is the collaboration between all of the local jurisdictions, our communication center and the hospital,” Fire Chief Gil Rodriguez said. “This is a very big accomplishment for our community.”
“ I’m not aware of any
other medical system that has met that standard for three years.”
“We’re part of the medical system in the county, and our EMS team is part of why they are such a success,” MCFD Battalion Chief/ EMS Director Mike Dykman said. “We can identify if the patient needs cardiac care and get them quickly to the hospital.” During a ceremony at the hospital, the Murray Fire Department was presented
Other fire departments honored at Intermountain Medical Center included Sandy, Park City, Salt Lake, Unified Fire Authority, Gold Cross Ambulance and South Salt Lake. “I’m not aware of any other medical system that has met that standard for three years,” Dykman said. “The Murray Fire Department is proud to be part of a healthcare system that makes a difference and saves lives.” l
MurrayJournal .com
NEWS
Journals Again Sponsor County Spelling Bee
One-Man Band continued from page 2
By Linda Petersen
cultures. From the Middle East and North Africa, the Oud is a popular string instrument that Green has mastered. He also plays a longnecked lute called a Saz, a plucked instrument from Turkey called a Tanbur and several types of Asian and South American flutes. Green has been writing and performing professionally since he was 15 and is always on the lookout for new and exciting forms of music. “I truly believe music is the universal
A
fter a two-year break, the City Journals (formerly The Valley Journals) is, along with Overstock.com, sponsoring the Salt Lake County Spelling Bee. “I feel that some of the basic core education principles—reading, writing and arithmetic—are being lost because of the life we now live,” City Journals publisher Bryan Scott said. “We want to take this spelling bee and really build it up to help bring back the emphasis on those core principles.” “Our intention is to take this for not one year, but for many years to come,” he added. “We’re excited.” Preliminary rounds of the Scripps Spelling Bee were held at 58 individual schools in Salt Lake County over the last two months. Since there are fewer schools participating this year, both first-place and second-place winners will advance to the regional bee to be held Saturday, March 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan at 8030 South 1825 West. The winner of the regional competition will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for him/her and an accompanying adult to Washington, D.C. to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 24-29, along
with a $1,000 scholarship. He/she will be recognized in an article in all Journals following the competition. A nationally-renowned program, the Scripps Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company and sponsors in the U.S., American Samoa, Canada, China, Europe, Ghana, Guam, Jamaica, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the U.S. Virgin Islands. l
February 2015 | Page 5
language,” Green said. “A lot of the instruments I play are from countries [the U.S.] is having trouble with. [People] can hear that there are beautiful sounds coming from those countries.” Green uses a custom-built electronic system that allows him to layer different instrument sounds as he performs, turning him into a high-tech, one-man band. Along with his performance at Murray High School on Feb. 28, he will also conduct a workshop for MHS guitar students and hold an assembly for more than 800 Murray students in grades six through nine. l
The Murray City Cultural Arts presents Todd Green, a multi-instrumentalist who will perform on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Murray High School (5440 South State). Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Green will also present an assembly for more than 800 students on Thursday, Feb. 26 at MHS, along with a demo workshop for high school guitar students. This program is funded in part by the Utah Division of Arts and Museums and the National Endowment for the Arts and by the residents of Salt Lake County and Zoo, Arts, and Parks Program.
Page 6 | February 2015
Murray City Journal
Viewmont, Horizon Students Jump Rope For Heart By Julie Slama Things are quacktastic at Viewmont and Horizon elementary schools these days. The two schools plan to participate in the 36th anniversary of Jump Rope for Heart to earn money for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. With contributions donated, the students’ names were entered into a drawing for a rubber duck. “We told students last year that the ducks are lifesavers and represent one person that they have helped save that either has a heart disease or stroke,” American Heart Association Youth Market Director Cassidie Fenton said “This year, we are also teaching them each duck represents one way they can help take care of their own heart.” This year’s ducks, from glow-in-the-dark to a detective or spy duck, remind them to eat all colors of their fruits and vegetables, to stay away from smoking, to drink more water, to get plenty of sleep, to eat less salt and to exercise. Horizon Elementary’s jump rope team, consisting of students in third through sixth grade, demonstrated their talent at assemblies
for students at both schools in late January. The jump-ropers practice twice each week to prepare for jumping during the week of Feb. 2 and also to try to beat school records — longest jumper, fastest jumper, most crisscrosses in a row and most double-unders in a row — all of which are held by Lizzy Braby, who now is a junior in high school. However, Horizon students also plan to raise $10,000 for the cause, surpassing last year’s contributions of $9,800, said Horizon PE specialist Shanna Nava, who has been coordinating the event for 19 years at the school, helping to raise $86,000. “I love teaching the kids how to jump rope,” Nava said. “Starting in kindergarten and watching them get excited when they can do it for the first time. This is my ultimate goal — to have the children learn a lifetime skill and enjoy it. We raise money for those children who do not have the opportunity to jump rope because they are suffering from heart problems. I hope raising money will help the children gain a sense of community and service.”
Viewmont students participate Feb. 26, 2014, in the school’s Jump for Heart that benefitted the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Viewmont students plan to jump on Feb. 25 to reach their goal of $2,500. Last year, in the school’s third year of participating, they donated more than $2,100.
Principal Margaret Young said students will rotate through different stations so they can hula hoop, run or walk, in addition to jump with long and short jump ropes. 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)
February 2015 | Page 7
MurrayJournal .com
C H A M B E R CO R N E R
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MURRAY STUDENTS ADD “SOUPER” TO FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
urray High students may have been rooting for the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks when it came to the Super Bowl, but while cheering on their favorite team, they were working together to help find a winning way for those dependent upon food from the Utah Food Bank. Those students, with the help of Murray High senior and Miss Murray Megan Zullo, were participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring by raising awareness of child poverty in the city and raising funds for food. The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led national event during the Super Bowl to fight hunger and poverty. This is the first year Murray High has participated in the program, Zullo said. “My platform is to help kids and make sure they receive the love that I got as a child,” she said. “So eating right is a big part of the way we can help kids. I was surprised to learn that one-third of Murray School District students go without food on weekends and holidays. So with this effort, 100 percent [of funds raised] stays in Murray that is raised in Murray or can be directed to a school where the donor chooses.” As of press deadline, $500 had been raised at Murray High by collecting donations at basketball games, with more activities planned to reach the school’s $1,200 goal. Zullo also was reaching out to local businesses to participate and had received a $5,000 pledge from Murdock Honda. “It’s a way everyone can participate because any donation helps,” she said. And although the official campaign has ended, Zullo said they’ll always take monetary donations for the Utah Food Bank. — Julie Slama
First Fridays With Eggs At Corner Bakery We will meet for Eggs & Issues the FIRST Friday of the month at Corner Bakery for open networking. They are located at 6227 South State Street, Fashion Place Mall. We meet from 7:30am – 8:30am. No speakers scheduled the first Friday meetings. No cost unless you order from the menu.
February Eggs & Issues Speaker Schedule: Feb. 6th: Open Networking at Corner Bakery: come meet like-minded community leaders and business owners in Murray. We want to know how to help you! Feb. 13th at Mimi’s: Murray Chief of Police, Craig Burnett will speak on current police issues in the news and how it impacts you. Feb. 20th at Mimi’s: Utah Radon Coalition. What is radon and why you should know about it. Feb. 27 at Mimi’s: Girl Scouts of Utah will inform us on how they have changed over the years and *possibly* have Girl Scout Cookies available for purchase!
2nd Annual Legislative Breakfast: Saturday, Feb. 21st Join us on Saturday, Feb. 21st as we welcome our 2015 State Legislators and Senators for breakfast and conversation. They will discuss the most pressing bills being presented during this Legislative session. We will welcome questions from the audience.
Location: Holiday Inn Express & Suites located at 5429 So. Commerce Drive Time: 9:00 – 10:30am Cost: FREE, open to public Thank you to our sponsors: Intermountain Medical Center, Holiday Inn Express & Suites and the Murray Area Chamber of Commerce
Page 8 | February 2015
Murray City Journal
Double The Fun When Twins Compete in Lego Robotics By Julie Slama
T
wo sets of twins recently teamed up to compete at the state First Lego robotics competition and showed that double the fun could win one of the coveted tournament awards. At the Utah First Lego League state championships Jan. 31, the Lego Benders won the teamwork core value award. This came after winning the Jan. 10 regional competition at Murray High and also being honored with the champions’ award. The Lego Benders team consisted of twins Hannah and Brandt Zollinger of Murray, and their cousins, twins Dallin and Aubrey Andrus of Riverton. The Zollinger twins are seventh-graders at Riverview Junior High and the Riverton fifth-graders attend American Preparatory Academy in Draper. They were coached by their parents, Jason Andrus and Justin and Christy Zollinger. “They were pretty consistent all the way across the competition,” Lego judge adviser Jeff Martin said after the competition Jan. 10. “They performed well in every area.” The First Lego League competition allows students from ages 9 to 14 to compete and receive judges’ comments and scores in core values, a project and robot design and performance. Students solved challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on
a thematic playing surface. Through the competition, the students applied real-world math and science concepts, researched challenges, learned critical thinking, teambuilding and presentation skills and had fun competing in tournaments. Murray Parks and Recreation Director Cory Plant said the city began hosting the competition four years ago as another opportunity to get kids involved in activities. “It’s a great program that gives students who have aspirations in computers and science a chance to pursue it and have fun,” he said. It was such an opportunity for Hannah. “I learned more about programming, and if I decide I want to pursue a career in engineering, I’m learning skills that can help my future,” she said. Her twin, Brandt, had competed on a team two years ago and learned basic programming. “We built this robot more advanced than my other team, so I’ve learned more about programming and have had a chance to work together to do more,” he said. Dallin and Aubrey’s older sister had competed so they wanted a chance to compete. “It’s really great doing it with our cousins because we have all sorts of fun,” Dallin said. Their project was creative, combining the twins’ ideas. They role played how to invest smartly and save their money by comparing it
Life-Transforming TV Show Hosts Local Casting Call By Peri Kinder
“E
xtreme Weight Loss,” the ABC TV show that documents the makeover of obese participants who spend one year learning how to reclaim their lives through healthy choices, is looking for men and women in the Salt Lake Valley. On Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eyeworks USA will hold a casting call at the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Valley, located at 7631 Chapel Street in Midvale.
After the Jan. 10 First Lego League regional competition in Murray, the Lego Bender team and coaches are all smiles. Photo courtesy of Jason Andrus with superheroes cooking bread successfully versus a villain’s recipe turning sour, coach Christy Zollinger said. “Hannah and Aubrey suggested cooking as a project. Then we asked what is hard to learn at school and they said ‘Finances, because it’s boring,’ so they combined those together, and Brandt loves superheroes, so that got added in. It was just a fun idea that they had and suggested creating videos on
YouTube to share it with others,” she said. Although the project and robotic design had to be the team’s own work, it worked well as Jason Andrus is an electrical engineer with IM flash, which sponsored the team. Justin Zollinger works as an accountant, so the fathers could advise their children. “It has just been a lot of fun and learning, and I’m so glad I got to do it with my family,” Hannah said. l
Applicants must be 18 years or older as of April 12 and must have at least 50 percent of their body weight to lose. Described by producers as a “unique, non-competitive show about weight loss,” the TV show employs transformation specialists Chris and Heidi Powell who work with participants throughout the year. Each two-hour episode follows an individual’s trials and challenges as they find a new, healthy way to live.
I
t is suggested that potential contestants bring a non-returnable photograph to the casting call. Interested people can also submit a video audition if they cannot attend in person. To pre-register, visit www.extremeweightlosscasting.com.
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February 2015
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS Attorney ............................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing ............................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery ........................................... 801-264-2637 City Council ........................................ 801-264-2603 Finance Department .......................... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office ..................... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls .................... 801-840-4000 General Information........................... 801-264-2525 Heritage Center (Sr. Center)................ 801-264-2635 Human Resources............................... 801-264-2656 Library ............................................... 801-264-2580 Mayor’s Office..................................... 801-264-2600 Municipal Court.................................. 801-284-4280 Museum ............................................. 801-264-2589 Murray Park Outdoor Pool .................. 801-266-9321 Murray Parkway Golf Course............... 801-262-4653 PARKS AND RECREATION Administrative Office ..................... 801-264-2614 Rain-out Information .................... 801-264-2525 Park Center (indoor pool) ................... 801-284-4200 Passports............................................ 801-264-2660 POLICE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office ..................... 801-264-2673 Animal Control .............................. 801-264-2671 Code Enforcement ......................... 801-264-2673 Non-Emergency Calls .................... 801-840-4000 POWER DEPARTMENT Administrative Office ..................... 801-264-2730 After Hours Emergency.................. 801-264-9669 PUBLIC SERVICES Administrative Office ..................... 801-270-2440 Building Inspection ....................... 801-270-2431 Green Waste Trailers ...................... 801-270-2440 Planning and Zoning ..................... 801-270-2420 Solid Waste.................................... 801-270-2440 Water, Sewer, Streets..................... 801-270-2440 Zoning Enforcement ...................... 801-270-2426 UTILITIES After Hours Emergency.................. 801-264-9669 Billing Questions ........................... 801-264-2626
WEBSITE:
murray.utah.gov
MAYOR’S OFFICE
Mayor’s Message
In January, I had the opportunity to give my second State of the City address during a City Council meeting. I am now at a point where I am no longer doing many things for the first time. Not only did the year go by quickly, it was one of the most memorable and rewarding years of my life. I will always look back at it, as the year where I learned all the different facets that make this such a great city. In the talk I was able to highlight many of the accomplishments of each of our departments, volunteer boards and commissions, and our City Council. The complete State of the City address can be found on our website at murray.utah.gov. Also contained on the website is our monthly video message from the Mayor’s office. We hope you will take the opportunity to view our much improved website. The Utah State Legislature has convened and will be in session until midMarch. Once again two of the top issues receiving attention are education and transportation. Both of these issues, along with many others that will be considered throughout the session, will have a significant effect on the city of Murray. Education is of vital importance not only to our youth, but to our families,
neighborhoods and entire community. We are keenly aware of the benefits of a good education and support the proposed funding for our schools, teachers and administrations. I would like to focus my attention on the proposed transportation funding before the Legislature this year. I don’t think there is another issue that I have received more emails or phone calls about than the condition of our roads. They are an obvious indicator to our residents as to the importance we put on revitalizing and maintaining our city. Our street department does a terrific job maintaining our roads with the funds made available to them. However, due to many more fuel-efficient cars, the funds we receive from the gas tax has continued to decline. This has required that we make up the difference with an ever increasing amount from our general fund. The last increase in the gas tax, which is specifically used for transportation requirements, was in 1996. Since then we have seen a significant increase in our population and the use of our roads. This trend is projected to continue with a doubling of our state’s population within the next 30 years. It is our responsibility to meet our present needs and make necessary plans for the future. We will be monitoring and supporting those bills within the Legislature that add to our road appropriations funding. The definition of
Ted Eyre, Mayor Jan Wells,
Chief Administrative Officer
801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84157-0520 roads has greatly changed over the past years, it now includes sidewalks, trails and bike paths. We are committed to keeping our city at the forefront in all modes of transportation. I would like to encourage you to become as knowledgeable as possible on the issues that affect our city, and to contact your representatives with support for initiatives that are important to all of us. The citizens of Murray have always taken an active role in determining their future. We are fortunate to have very dedicated individuals representing us in the Utah Legislature, and I know they will take the time to listen if we will take the time to voice our opinions and concerns. I appreciate the citizens of Murray, the pride they have in their community and their willingness to step forward and help make “Murray, a City Without Equal.” Sincerely,
Ted Eyre, Mayor
MURRY CITY GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
our city : our vision Join the conversation and planning effort for our great city! Public Open House Murray Library Wednesday, April 22, 2015 • 6 - 8 p.m. planmurray.com
MURRAY
Message from the Council As a campaign initiative and during my first year in office, environmental responsibility has been a priority of utmost significance. I have been pursuing air quality proposals and feel it is important to educate and inform on what we can do to have a positive effect on reducing air pollutants. In Salt Lake County, air pollutants are at a critical level. We must develop comprehensive plans to reduce concentrations to a safe level. The Clean Air Act identifies common pollutants that can injure health and harm the environment: carbon monoxide, particulate matter, ozone, sulfur oxides, lead and nitrogen dioxide. These substances come from many sources: industrial, vehicle exhaust, wood stoves, household products and natural sources. As a city, we started a program to convert city vehicles to natural gas, a clean alternative fuel. During the current year, three vehicles were converted and we intend to propose continuing this process in future budgets. We will also suggest comparison pricing with alternative fuel vehicles. For those with electric cars, we are researching possible options for providing alternative refueling sites in the city. Idling is linked to increases in asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease and cancer. Our kids are especially vulnerable! Murray City has in place an idling policy for city vehicles, which states, “Vehicles should not be left to idle when drivers are not in them and driving……(sic). It is the intent of this order that vehicles be turned off when they are not moving.” Let’s look at things we as Murray citizens can do to eliminate harmful elements in our air: • Modern, gasoline-powered vehicles don’t need to idle in cold temperatures. Auto experts say you should warm up the car no more than 30 seconds before winter driving. • Reduce idling whenever you must wait more than 10 seconds. With electric ignitions it is no longer the case that it wastes more fuel to turn a car off than to idle. • Eliminating just 10 minutes of idling per day will save one pound of carbon dioxide. Ideas on how to drive less: • Carpool • Use bus, TRAX and FrontRunner stations located in Murray. • Choose to walk or ride a bicycle • Telecommute • Walk to your favorite lunch spot or eat in • If it’s a high pollution day, postpone errands that can wait or combine into one trip. Choose to drive smarter: • Using your newest car has benefits • Plan your route before heading out to avoid traffic tie-ups • Working a flexible schedule helps you commute during non-peak driving hours • Keep your vehicle well-maintained and replace the air filter regularly • Accelerate gradually, travel at lower speeds and use your cruise control to save fuel and avoid excessive exhaust.
MURRAY CITY COUNCIL Council District 1
Dave Nicponski
801-913-3283 dnicponski@msn.com Council District 2
D. Blair Camp
801-214-8547 blair.camp@murray.utah.gov Council District 3
Jim Brass
801-598-7290 jim.brass@murray.utah.gov Council District 4
Diane Turner When buying a new car, look for one that is fuel efficient, uses alternative fuel and is low-polluting. Electric cars have zero pollutants. This issue is something I feel very strongly about. We are beginning a monthly news feature with tips to help improve our environment; watch for: “Make Small Changes for Big Impacts,” in the Murray Journal. Diane Turner District 4
MAKE SMALL CHANGES
801-635-6382 diane.turner@murray.utah.gov Council District 5
Brett A. Hales
801-882-7171 brett.hales@murray.utah.gov Council Administrator
Jan Lopez
801-264-2622 jlopez@murray.utah.gov
FOR BIG IMPACTS
When idling your car, keep these numbers in mind. Do your part to keep our air clean. • 10 seconds of idling wastes more fuel than restarting the engine. • Driving warms up your car 2 times faster than idling on a cold day.
• 2 minutes of idling uses as much fuel as travelling 1 mile. • 40+ hazardous air pollutants are emitted from engine exhaust. • 3 pounds of pollution per month are generated by every vehicle dropping off and picking up kids at one school.
For additional information, please contact Mary Ann Kirk at 801-264-2638
Murray Arts Beat Super Saturday Story Camp for Elementary Students (Grades 1-6), Saturdays, March 14 and March 21, 10 a.m.-noon, Murray Library Enjoy creative dramatic games, storytelling activities and performance skills.
Upcoming Events: WintEr SEriES Feb. 18 – Community Choral Fest with Westminster Chorale and MHS/CHS choirs, 7 p.m., Murray High, Free Feb. 28 – Todd Green, World Multi-Instrumentalist, 7 p.m., Murray High, $5
City Cultural Arts with facility support by local schools, funding assistance from the residents of Salt Lake County and Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts and Museums and the National Endowment of the Arts.
Teen Telling Time March 16 and March 23, 4-6 p.m., Murray Library Sample the fun and engaging power of storytelling with wild and wacky drama games, writing applications and performance skills. Finding and Sharing Family Stories, Adults March 19 and March 26, 7-9 p.m., Murray Library Learn how to turn memory snippets into stories to share with your family.
March 5-7, 9 – “Diary of Anne Frank,” 7 p.m., Murray High, $6 March 14 – Murray Symphony, “Destination Italy,” 7:30 p.m., Murray High, $6, under 10-free March 19-21 – “Hunchback of Notre Dame” Ballet, 7 p.m., Ballet Centre in Murray, $7 March 20, 23-24 – “A Few Good Men,” 7 p.m., Cottonwood High, $8 MUrray StorytElling in thE Spotlight Registration forms for the library workshops/camps are available at the Murray Parks Office or the Murray Library. Spotlight on Stories Concert for Families Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Murray Library Auditorium Come be entertained and inspired with family stories, folk and fairy tales and learn about storytelling workshops for children and adults during March.
MURRAY’S JORDAN RIVER TRAIL REPAIR Murray City’s Mayor and City Council have approved $200,000 in funding from the current budget to replace and repair sections of Murray’s Jordan River Parkway asphalt trail. Murray’s section of the Jordan River trail stretches from 4800 South to 6400 South, along the east side of the Jordan River. This stretch of trail is extremely popular for year-round biking, jogging, roller blading and leisurely walks. City crews are planning to begin the repair work this spring, weather permitting. Work will begin in areas where the asphalt path is uneven and cracking. These areas will be overlaid with a new asphalt trail. Sections of the trail may be inaccessible for a short period of time. Signage will be displayed at least a week in advance along the trail informing users of construction and possible closures. For more information contact the Murray Parks and Recreation Department at 801-264-2614.
yoUth MUSicalS Youth Musicals are in full swing at many local Murray elementary schools. Look for audition forms coming through elementary schools. Programs are sponsored by Murray
Street Department
artS in thE park aUditionS Murray Arts in the Park 2015 will include the musicals of “Peter Pan” (auditions March 10 and 12 at Liberty Elementary, performances June 17-25), “Annie Get Your Gun” (July 30-Aug. 5) and “Camelot” (Aug, 20-22, 24, 27-29). Check Murray City website under cultural arts or our Facebook page at murraycityculturalarts for more details.
If you have questions, please contact the Murray Public Services Department at 801-270-2440
2015 Spring Road Construction Projects The following road work and construction projects are planned for spring and early summer:
• Vine Street; Cottonwood St. to 900 East – Surface maintenance and bike lane striping.
• 5900 South; State to 900 East – Final asphalt and striping.
• Winchester Street; 1300 West to Cottonwood St. – Bike lane striping.
• 5900 South; State to 700 West – Gas line, water, storm drain and road improvements.
• Sidewalks - Sidewalk trip hazard repairs in neighborhoods west of State Street.
• Jamiah – Storm drain and road improvements.
• Citywide – Asphalt patchwork, crack sealing and general maintenance.
• 5235 South; 1045 East to Wesley – Complete reconstruction. • 1865 East & Zenda Way – Asphalt overlay and concrete repairs.
• Chevy Chase area – Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District (JVWCD) water line replacement work.
• 5935 South, 1320 East & 5985 South – Asphalt overlay and concrete repairs.
• Paradise Park area – JVWCD water line replacement work.
Murray Library
Heritage Center
For information on these and other great Heritage Center programs call 801-264-2635
Exercising and moving are important ways of maintaining health, especially in our senior years. The Heritage Center offers many regular exercise classes and options for those 55 and over: NIA Monday, 9-10 a.m., $10 per month, punch pass, or $3 STRENGTH CONDITIONING Monday & Thursday, 2-3 p.m., $15 per month, punch pass, or $3 STRETCH & TONE Tuesday & Thursday, 9-10 a.m., $15 per month, punch pass, or $3 TAI CHI Tuesday & Thursday 10:30-11:30 a.m., $15 per month, punch pass or $3
Dr. Seuss Day at Murray Library Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Celebrate Dr. Seuss with Murray Library! Listen to stories, make Thing 1/Thing 2 crafts, play Seussical games, get your face painted and more! This event is for all ages.
Murray Library Home
Murray Library Calendar
Murray Library Monday - Thursday 10 - 9 Friday & Saturday 10 - 6
Visit us online at murraylibrary.org
OR CALL US AT 801-264-2580 FOR MORE INFORMATION 166 East 5300 South • Murray, UT 84107
LINE DANCING —$1.50 per class Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m. —Everyone Tuesday, 2-3 p.m. —Beginners CHAIR AEROBICS —Free Wednesday & Friday, 11:15-11:45 a.m. YOGA Wednesday & Friday, 10-11 a.m., $15 per month, punch pass, or $3 ZUMBA Friday, 9-10 a.m., $10 per month, punch pass, or $3
EXERCISE ROOM The exercise room is open for daily use - $5 per month or $1 per visit. For those who have the “Silver Sneaker Program” with their insurance provider, the exercise room is FREE. Equipment includes: treadmill, recumbent bike, hand and leg weights, and weight machine. TOTAL FITNESS PASS Includes unlimited classes and use of the exercise room for $30. U of U EXERCISE & SPORTS VOLUNTEER STUDENTS Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30–2 p.m. A group of students from the University of Utah are on hand to help improve fitness levels, endurance, balance and stretching abilities.
February 2015 | Page 13
MurrayJournal .com
SENIORS Heritage Center #10 East 6150 South • 801- 264-2635 The center is open at 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm Monday through Wednesday, and Friday; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Most activities require you to sign up in advance. Wednesdays, 12:30 to 4 p.m. — AARP Free Tax Assistance. Volunteers from AARP will be providing free tax consultations and preparation for tax payers with middle and low income, with special attention to those ages 60 and over. Appointments are required but cannot be made any earlier than one week in advance of the day you would like to attend. Feb. 17, Noon. — Medicare Counseling. Vickie Nelson will be available at the center for Medicare counseling. As a SHIP counselor, her job is to help clear up the confusion about where to apply for Medicare, help you understand your Medicare choices and help you understand what to do if you have other insurance. Wednesdays, Feb. 18 to March 25, 9 a.m. to Noon; $30. — New Painting Class. Payment is needed in advance. Teri Wood-Elegante is the instructor and will assist with both watercolors and oils. Sign up. Thursdays, Feb. 19, to March 26, 7 p.m.; Free. — Poetry Time. Have you ever wanted to learn how to write poetry, better understand poetry or just have some fun with words? Come learn more from Bob Bader. Sign up. Feb. 21, and March 5, 11 a.m. — Free Blood Pressure and Glucose Check Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $15. — Hardware Ranch. The center bus will travel to Hardware Ranch. Cost will include transportation, sleigh JBR012115-JBR Bunion-foot 10.37x5.55.pdf 1 1/22/15 ride, and lunch.
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15 for AARP members and $20 for everyone else. — Smart Driving Class. Bring your AARP membership card and valid driver’s license. Feb. 23, Noon; Free. — Senior Learning Network: Baseball & Black History. A special video conference through the Senior Learning Network. Bring your lunch if you’d like. Join museum curator Raymond Doswell in this interactive presentation as he introduces African American history through the lens of “America’s Pastime: Baseball,” from the end of the Civil War through the beginning of the civil rights movement. Viewers will enjoy short film clips, photographs, artwork, and brief scenes from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. in Kansas City, MO. Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.; Free. — Vital Aging A Salt Lake County Aging Services and Valley Mental Health Initiative representative will be at the center to present “Improving Your Sleep.” Sign up. Feb. 26, 10 a.m.; $5. — Serving Time Café/Bingo. Come have lunch at the appropriately named Serving Time/Hard Time Café in Draper overlooking the Utah State Prison. Fridays, Feb. 27, to April 3, 10 a.m. to Noon; $25. — New Spanish Class. A six-week conversational Spanish class for anyone wanting to improve their Spanish skills. You will need a course book, which you can purchase at the front desk for $12 when you register. Intermediate and advanced students are welcome (this is not a class for beginners). Mercedes Perez is an experienced instructor who will help you build and improve your skills. Sign up March 2, 11 a.m.; free. — Diabetic Class. Elizabeth Sebranek Evans, PharmD, BCPS, CGP for IHC and her students will be at the center to help you navigate your way through the many avenues about diabetes, why it is important to manage diabetes, and what lifestyle changes you need 1:00 PM to make to manage your diabetes. Sign up.
March 2, 9, 16, 30, April 6, 1 p.m.; free. — Dance Lessons: American Rhythm and Smooth. You will learn a variety of new dances: Single Step Swing, Cha-Cha, Waltz and Rumba. Classes are for beginning level dancers—no prior experience required. Dance lessons will be taught by Kyle and Jackie Kidd from Bountiful. Sign up is required for these classes. You must have a dance partner to participate. March 4 — Birthday Wednesday. First Wednesday of each month. Celebrate your birthday and you could win a free lunch. The lunch is on the center if you’re turning 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 this month. Tell them if you have reached a new decade. March 5, and March 19, 12:45 p.m. — Happy Hatters. Red Hat Society chapter meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month. Bunco and Mexican Train on the first Thursday; Hand & Foot on the third Thursday. March 12, 3:30 p.m. — Want to Jam? Bring your instrument and jam. Past gatherings have included drums, guitar, violin and piano with all types of music played from jazz to country. Informal and all types of instruments are welcome. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; $17 — Wendover Trip. Travel to Wendover and enjoy a day at the Rainbow Casino. A chartered bus has been scheduled for the trip, and the cost is $17 per person. Sign up. March 13, 11:15 a.m.; $6. — St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Rinceoiri Don Spraoi Irish Step Dancers will be performing at the center. Lunch will be served at noon. The menu will be traditional corned beef and cabbage. The Rinceoiri Don Spraoi, pronounced “rin-cory don spree” in Gaelic, means: “dancing for fun.” This Salt Lake Valley- based school provides Irish dance education solely for the love of Irish culture and dance. l
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Page 14 | February 2015
Murray City Journal
Murray Junior High, High School Students Share Talents On Stage By Julie Slama
M
urray junior high and high school students will be on stage with musicals and plays this spring. The regional premiere of “Kokonut Island” will be put on by about 55 students Tuesday, March 3 through Thursday, March 5 on Riverview Junior High’s stage, 751 West Tripp Lane. The show is directed by Wendy Dahl Smedshammer, with choreography by Larissa Villars Ferre. Tickets are $5. “Kokonut Island” tells the story about how, after a hurricane destroys a tropical island, students are encouraged to pay tuition and enroll at the high school to try to raise money to save the island from being taken away by insurance representatives, Riverview Parent-Teacher Association coordinator Traci Black said. “There’s lots of vibrant, fun characters, such as a ghost pirate, an eccentric want-to-be pirate, honeymooners, wealthy high school students and others who need to come together,” she said. “Even our own students are coming together, working with others and making friends with those they may never even have said hello to before this show. It’s really neat to see.” More than 50 Hillcrest Junior High students will put on “Into the Woods, Jr.” Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 20 on the school stage, 126 East 5300 South. Tickets, which are available from cast members or in the office in March, are $5 each or six for $25. VIP tickets, which include
reserved seating, a water bottle and candy voucher, are $10. “Basically, it’s the first act of the show, which is fun for kids this age,” director Jewell Loveless said. “I love that it’s about fairytales and how the ensemble, at times, is the set and the chorus tells the story.” The music director is Kristen Elder. The sets are coordinated by Mark Tobler and Nicole Shannon and the 15-member art club has helped in painting the set pieces. About 30 Murray High School students will put on “The Diary of Anne Frank” at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7, and again, Monday, March 9 in the school’s Little Theater. Tickets are $5 for students, $6 for non-students and $7 at the door. “I chose this show because our theme this year is ‘Theatre Equals Family,’ and I think this show gives our students and our audiences a beautiful insight into how families face adversity together and become stronger, better families as they struggle with their adversities,” director Will Saxton said. Murray High will also put on “Romeo and Juliet” at 7 p.m., Monday, May 4 through Wednesday, May 6. Student-directed one-act plays will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 21 through Saturday, May 23. Tickets will be $3 for both shows, which will be held in the school’s Little Theatre, 5440 South State St.
“Kokonut Island” at Riverview Junior High includes Captain Kid, played by Matthew Watson, and Swampy, performed by Caleb Black. Photo courtesy of Traci Black Cottonwood High students will perform “A Few Good Men,” Friday, March 20 through Tuesday, March 24; “Cabaret Night,” April 17; “The Addams Family,” Tuesday, May 12 through Friday, May 15; and a one-act festival Wednesday, May 20 through Friday, May 22. All the shows will begin at 7 p.m. in Cottonwood’s Joan Hahn black box theatre, 5715 South 1300 East, said Cottonwood theater director Adam Wilkins. l
Murray School Kids To Shine In Upcoming Shows
M
urray elementary school children will have a chance to perform in upcoming musicals this spring. Each Murray public elementary school and the American International School of Utah charter school will host youth musicals produced by Murray City Cultural Arts, with $2,000 for each school funded through assistance from Zoo, Arts, and Parks, Utah Division of Arts and Museums and the National Endowment for the Arts. These musicals have been produced every three years since the 19992000 school year at no admission charge. “Each director hired by the cultural arts coordinates all aspects of the musical, including production, personnel, supplies, title, auditions, rehearsals and performance,” Murray City
Cultural Arts Director MaryAnn Kirk said. Parkside Elementary kicked off the performances in December with “Down in the Dumps,” directed by Wendy Dahl Smedshammer, who returned to direct the show that she first directed in 1999-2000. She will oversee the same show on Thursday, April 30 at Woodstock Elementary, 6015 South 1300 East, and on Thursday, May 7 at McMillan Elementary, 315 East 5900 South. “Down in the Dumps” is a story of a man’s front yard that is full of junk. Although neighbors dislike the eyesore, the neighborhood children find it fun, much to the man’s dismay. When the kids learn that their neighbor has been served an eviction notice, they decide to help out, much to his surprise, Kirk said.
Love is in the air with Mia. Mia is a very affectionate Chihuahua hoping to find her one true love in time for Valentine’s Day. Mia is ready to settle down with a family of her own now that her five puppies have been adopted to to their new forever homes. If you think this is a match made in heaven, you can visit Mia at the shelter during normal business hours.
MURRAY ANIMAL
s h e lt e r
MURRAY
POLICE DEPARTMENT
5624 South 300 West • 801.264.2671 Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm
“Seussical Jr.” will be performed on the Viewmont Elementary stage, 745 West 5720 South, at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Wednesday, Feb. 25, and again Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 at AISU, 4998 South 360 West. Director and choreographer Jessa Block said she picked the musical for several reasons, including the fact that it could fit a large cast. “It’s a really fun show and a great first musical for kids to be in,” she said. “The music is whimsical and easy to remember, and the characters and situations are familiar from the Dr. Seuss books and movies that most kids grow up with,” she said. Block added that the show has an important lesson: “A person’s a person no
By Julie Slama matter how small.” “Kids, and people in general, really, get so much negativity thrown at them that it’s easy to forget how important and wonderful they all are. This show reminds them that who they are as a person and their individual ‘quirks’ are things to celebrate, rather than suppress or change,” she said. At Viewmont, Block is joined by Wilson Hicken as the music director and Keaton Wren as stage manager and set and costume designer. “Big Top Blues,” written and directed by Tara Lynn Horton, will be performed Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 on Liberty Elementary’s stage, 140 West 6100 South.
Upcoming Shows continued on page 15
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MurrayJournal .com
Murray High Sophomores Excel In State Stock Market Game By Julie Slama
A
team of three Murray High sophomores finished third in the state Stock Market Game this winter. “These Introduction to Business Management students did real well, and it was a fun experience for them,” personal finance and business management teacher Keeko Georgelas said. The Stock Market Game is a 10-week interactive and interdisciplinary educational program that stimulates learning about economics and finance. The game allows students to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in stocks of their choice. Georgelas said that students learned how to invest, when to invest, how to perform calculations, how to understand the market, what pressures managers face, ethical concerns, how to research to learn more about the stocks and companies they wanted to invest in, as well as learning about dividends and profits in corporate America. The top teams from the state were honored at a Jan. 16 banquet where students shared what they learned from doing the exercise. The event was sponsored by the Utah Division of Securities, Utah Council of Economic Education, Utah State Office of Education, and Utah Education Savings Plan. Murray High sophomores Brayden Anderson, Wyatt Hoskings and Chris Keochaleune each received a plaque and a $50 savings bond for claiming third place. “We haven’t done it before because the investment principals are different in a shortterm game than in real life, but it did give them the learning experience about the stock market,” Georgelas said about the 120 Murray
Upcoming Shows continued from page 14 “It’s about a circus and how they turn frowns upside down,” Kirk said. “It’s really a fun story.” “A Happy Man” will be performed Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12 at Longview Elementary, 6240 South Longview Dr., and Grant Elementary, 662 West Bulldog Circle, in May (dates TBA). It’s an original musical written by new director Maureen Miles. “It’s a fairytale about a king whose wife died, and he’s in despair as he’s raising his three daughters,” Miles said. “They learn from the fairy godteacher that the only way to cheer him up is to wear the shirt of a happy man and as they search, they find those they encounter saying they’d be happy if they only had one
PHOTO COMING FROM D WRIGHT
High students who participated. The third-place team picked the areas where they wanted to invest. With the holiday season approaching at the beginning of their 10 weeks, they selected retail, travel and technology and added in health care as their fourth option because of the Affordable Care Act, Georgelas said. “There was a lot of buying with airlines, Walmart and Apple that helped them out. Up until the last week when they made some trades, they were sitting in first place,” he said. Georgelas said he wanted students to use critical thinking to learn how to read stocks and beta scores, find out current market strategy and understand the market so as they have careers they could understand and invest in the market, if they choose, as a way to help save for retirement. l more thing.” Miles said she wrote the happy ending musical while she was on sabbatical from her music teaching position in a Detroit school. More than 75 students are involved in the show at Longview, and she is assisted by music teacher Heather Butterfield, who plays the fairy godteacher. On Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 at Twin Peaks Elementary, 5325 South 1045 East, there will be a revue of “Annie” with scenes and music from the Broadway musical, Kirk said. It is directed by Deborah Daines. Horizon will host “Disney’s The Lion King Kids” with performances scheduled for Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15 on the school stage, 5180 Glendon Street. The director is Jai-Dee Riches. l
MurrayJournal.com
Page 16 | February 2015
SPORTS
Murray City Journal
Cottonwood Girls Basketball Team Progressing By Catherine Garrett
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he Cottonwood High girls basketball team graduated six seniors from last year’s 13-8 squad and returned just two varsity players for the 2014-15 season. This year, the Colts have a 9-11 record and are in fourth place in the Region 2 standings. “We’re doing pretty good,” said head coach Janae Hirschi, who is in her seventh year. “I’m proud of our kids and pretty happy with where we’re at.” Hirschi has led Cottonwood to a winning record the past six seasons, and her squads have gone to state every year except 2012, including a state quarterfinal appearance in 2011 in which they lost to eventual state runnerup Syracuse 40-31. Last year’s team won the region title, which Hirschi said was “huge” for her program. “We don’t have the numbers and money, so the odds really are all against us where progress is success for us,” she said. “But the kids we have are great kids, and it’s amazing
how hard they work on the fundamentals and defense. That’s the only way we can ever compete.” Cottonwood is led in scoring by senior forward Andrea Brady with 17 points a game, while senior guard Nicole Khristensen averages 12 points a contest. Khristensen is also the team’s leading three-point scorer with 28 made on the year. Senior guard Noa Sofele (five points) and junior guard Jessica Debry (four points) also contribute offensively for the Colts. This season, Cottonwood defeated Provo (47-33) Nov. 19, Payson (49-32) Nov. 25, Highland (56-55) Dec. 2, Corner Canyon (39-26) Dec. 10, East (38-30) Dec. 17, West (46-42) Jan. 6, Hillcrest (45-36) Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 (48-44) and Taylorsville (56-45) Jan. 13, while losing to Clearfield (56-43) Nov. 21, Olympus (45-38) Dec. 5, Layton (60-22) Dec. 12, Herriman (47-42) Dec. 16, Jordan (51-27) Jan. 2, Granger (34-32) Jan. 16, Hunter
Cottonwood High Boys Program Led By New Coach By Catherine Garrett
I
t’s been four years since the Cottonwood High boys basketball team has been to the state tournament, but the new coach in town is trying to change that. Bernie Graziano brings years of experience to the Colts program, having been in the coaching ranks for more than 28 years. During that span, he has led three squads to state championships in Arizona and Utah – at Alta in 1992 and Fremont in 2005 – as well as teams to numerous district and region titles. “I’m excited to be here and feel really good about our opportunities here,” Graziano
said. “I love basketball and my association with the kids I coach. I want the kids to be able to look back and say they had a good, positive experience.” Graziano has been preaching fundamentals—team chemistry, commitment and good
New Coach continued on page 18 The Cottonwood High boys basketball team has a new coach this season who has been leading successful programs around the state and Arizona for nearly 30 years. Photo courtesy of Future Images
The Cottonwood High girls basketball team hopes to return to the 5A state tournament for the sixth time in seven years. (38-30) Jan. 20, West (49-46) Jan. 27, Granger (41-38) Jan. 30, Taylorsville (53-38) Feb. 3 and Hunter (47-36) Feb. 6. The 5A state tournament is scheduled for Feb. 16-21 at Salt Lake Community College.Also on the team this year are seniors Elizabeth Ibanez, Megan Shields and Noa Sofele; juniors Bailey Bartholomew, Jeanne D’arc Hosea, Jessica Debry, Malone Everett,
Serena Hardy, Tiana Matua-Sekona and AJ Tapaatoutai; sophomores Isamar Guzman, Brooke Hintze, Natalie Lovelady, Aimee Preece, Veronika Rimer and Christine Ruoti; and freshman Jasmine Fleming. Hirschi is assisted on the coaching staff by Shalee Speredon, Jessie Smith, Nicole Lynch, Melissa Ingram, Jennifer Buskus and Angie Schwartz. l
February 2015 | Page 17
MurrayJournal .com
Cottonwood High Wrestlers Fielding Small But Strong Team By Catherine Garrett
T
he Cottonwood High wrestling team began the year with more than 20 wrestlers, but that number is now just nine in its first year under new head coach Trent Weibel. “It’s very, very tough to have such a small team,” assistant coach Tom Ollis said. “It’s typical to start with a lot of wrestlers initially, but as they see the commitment and work that is required for this sport, many drop off. There is simply no halfway in wrestling.” Despite the numbers, the Colts have been led this season by team captains Jacob Knapp and Thomas Ollis. Knapp, a senior, has won three titles at meets this year in the 126-pound weight division with two other top-five finishes
Tournament that weekend. Ollis pinned his opponents to win at Taylorsville Jan. 8 and then at Granger Jan. 15. At the Uintah Tournament of Champions Jan. 9-10, Ollis reached the semifinals while Knapp got through to the quarterfinals. Weibel joined the program after volunteering and assisting on the coaching staff for the past 11 years at Taylorsville High. He was a three-sport athlete at Juan Diego Catholic High School from 1999-2002 and began wrestling when he was cut from the school’s basketball team his junior year. “I believe wrestling is the best sport out there,” he said. “It’s you versus one other
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The nine-member Cottonwood High wrestling squad includes Jacob Knapp, TJ Wilson, Krew Williams, Thomas Ollis, Jackson Bruce, Styles Smith, Alex Rodriguez, Bayrum Alimov and Tolic Boardman. New head coach Trent Weibel is also pictured. while Ollis, who is a junior, has two wins by pin while placing in the top three at three other
person; man versus man.” Weibel is thrilled to be at Cottonwood, saying he was “meant to be here.” Also on the Colts squad this I believe wrestling is the best season are TJ Wilson (113 pounds), who won a match at the state toursport out there. It’s you versus one nament last year, along with Tolic other person; man versus man. Boardman (106 pounds), Krew Williams (113 pounds), Bayrom meets in the 132-pound weight class. Alimov (120 pounds), Alex Rodriguez (126 Knapp won the Granite District Tour- pounds), Jackson Bruce (138 pounds) and nament Nov. 26 to begin the year, with Ollis Styles Smith (170 pounds). placing third. At the Layton Tournament Dec. Weibel is assisted by Ryan Moore and 5-6, Knapp came in fifth. Knapp claimed the Tom Ollis on the coaching staff. title at the Glen Kawa Tournament Dec. 13 Cottonwood will compete in the Diviwith Ollis coming in third. sional Tournament at Alta Feb. 5-6. The 5A Knapp won by decision at West Dec. state tournament is scheduled for Feb. 13-14 16 and then placed third at the Viewmont at the Maverick Center. l
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Page 18 | February 2015
Murray City Journal
Sons of the Utah Pioneers SCHEDULE OF OUR MEETINGS By Bob Lifferth
T
he Murray chapter of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Golden Corral, 665 Fort Union Blvd. We enjoy the great variety of food offered at the restaurant, and then we hear presentations from selected individuals. We
invite you to join us. Our line-up of speakers for the next two months includes: February 25: Lynn Cleland, a resident of Murray, will tell of his solitary experience pulling a handcart to Utah. He wanted to experience what the Mormon Pioneers did
on his own, and now he has a story to tell. March 25: Art Bishop, also a resident of Murray, will tell the history of Murray and the story of his family coming to Murray. Each of these speakers will have interesting and enlightening stories and experiences
to share. You will find your time well spent as together we move back in time and learn the history of valiant Pioneers that came before us. If you would like more information, please call our chapter president, Joe Nelson, at 801-942-1889. l
New Coach continued from page 16 work ethic—since he arrived this fall, hoping his squad can bounce back from a 4-19 season a year ago. Cottonwood began the year with a 60-57 win over Cyprus Dec. 2, but has only won two games since – a double overtime 89-74 win over Stansbury Dec. 9 and a 64-52 victory against Granger Jan. 30. Four of its losses have been by five points or less. The Colts have lost to Tooele (64-53) Dec. 3, Murray (68-63) Dec. 5, Juan Diego (73-64) Dec. 12, Kearns (63-50) Dec. 16, West Jordan (59-48) Dec. 19, Ben Lomond (59-52) Dec. 30, Northridge (71-68) Jan. 2, Jordan (82-73) Jan. 7, Taylorsville (95-87) Jan. 13, Granger (67-53) Jan. 16, Hunter (84-73) Jan. 20, Hillcrest (53-50) Jan. 23, West (61-57) Jan. 27 and Taylorsville (68-54) Feb. 3. “We need to get some wins, for sure, to help our confidence, but there are reasons why we’re losing,” Graziano. “There’s a real sense of urgency, and every night is proving to be a battle. We just need to focus in on each opponent we’re playing that night so we can eventually realize the long-term goal
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lso in the Cottonwood program for the 2014-15 year are senior Chris Marino; juniors Jacoby Cosby, Jarod Ivins, Omari Mberwa, Noah Mattson, Cameron Kennedy and Patrick Howell; sophomores Malik Johnson, Abdullahi Ado, Mberwa Adikidaridi, Braeden Madsen, Andrew Lujan, Arnold Gatoro, Haydon Thorum and Naaman Sadiq; and freshmen Spence McDonald, Andrew Williams, Kobe Rosales and Riley Sager. l
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of making the state tournament.” The Colts are led by three players who average double digits in scoring. Junior Jaron Anderson scores more than 17 points a game while pulling in four rebounds. Junior Noah Montana, who averages 16 points a game, broke a state record with 12 three-pointers in a 41-point effort during a loss to Taylorsville Jan. 13. Senior McKay Hatch rounds out the bulk of the offense with 11 points a game as well as 10 rebounds. Sophomore Kalin Facemyer (6 points), junior Tanner Call (6 points) and junior Alex Debry (5 points) round out much of the scoring. The team playsHunter, Hillcrest and West to close out its season.
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Murray City School District
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
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.
FEbruary 2015
Spotlight On: LONGVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
W
ith the passing of a bond in 1959, the Murray City School District moved forward to build Longview Elementary in the midst of several new subdivisions in the city’s southeast corner. The estimated $400,000 cost was paid from local funds, and the ten-room school building was completed in 1961 to serve the new communities and help alleviate over-crowding in other schools. By the 1980s, the school-age population of Murray had shifted mostly to the west, while eastside elementary schools, such as Longview, had room to spare. Longview was one of the first two Murray schools to be awarded Centennial School status in 1996. The school has had a very high participation of staff and volunteer alumni, including
“The Happy Man” Youth Musical rehearsal. Richard Tranter (pictured at bottom, far right), a Longview teacher and K-6 alumni who served as district superintendent from 1998 through 2011. Others in photo below: (front) Kathy Fairbourn, Librarian; Aimee Ballard,
Specialist; Jennifer Madsen, PTA; (back) Amy Hadley, PTA; Angie Thompson, GT; Alisha Richardson, Reading; Dana Gritton, Media; (not pictured, LeAuna Brown, ESL and the current Miss Murray Megan Zullo). Longview is a school of traditions, including the popular Shakespeare Festival for sixth graders on February 26 and 27, 2015. “The Happy Man,” this year’s Youth Musical will be presented March 11 and March 12. The school has a new principal this year, and Mr. Sanders has started a 6th grade student council. Past and future patrons of Longview Elementary School find a welcoming environment with strong community ties and unmistakable optimism for a bright future!
Longview Elementary School 6240 So. Longview Drive (560 East), Murray, UT 84107
At A Glance... Principal: Chad Sanders (pictured below)
LONGVIEW LYNX
Secretary: Sharon Gillen School schedule: 8:50 AM to 3:20 PM No Preparation Day Enrollment: 430 Kindergarten: (Half-day only) through 6th grade School promotion: Hillcrest or Riverview JH (depending on address), Murray High Mascot: Longview Lynx School Colors: Black & Yellow Year school built: 1962 School Website: www.murrayschools.org/longview
LEARNING THE VALUE OF TRASH TO TREASURE By Joani Taylor
P
et rocks, handmade leather headbands, patchwork bell bottoms and lava lights: do those memories stir fondness in you? Musical playlists made by setting a cassette recorder as close to the radio as possible in hopes of catching your favorite songs, that included Donny Osmond, Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy. Riding your super cool banana seat bike everywhere, congregating at Murray Pool and roller skating to Tony Orlando’s “Knock 3 Times”. It’s 1975. There are no video games, we have to use a neighbor’s phone to call home, and during our girly girl backyard sleepovers we are known to sneak away, wandering the neighborhood at night, toilet papering our ‘boyfriends’ houses, and our only fear is of being caught. While I would not say we were poor, like most families, my parents saved and scrimped pennies out of necessity. Cheap was good, free was better and expensive was out of the question. Coupons did not have bar codes, and you could save up milk bottle caps for the entire year and use them to ride the rides at Lagoon for free. Dumpster diving was our weekend activity. I’m not really sure if
it was legal or not to harvest their treasures, but they were out in the open, ready to give whatever one might be on the hunt for. Unsellable items from craft, auto and home improvement stores beckoned anyone willing to take the plunge. The treasure chest we sought lay tucked behind the old Shag-Rug-La carpet store in West Valley. It seemed the short 10-minute drive took hours as a kid. My job was to pick up the scraps as they were tossed over the edge, and, if I was lucky, we got to go to Baskin-Robbins for ice cream afterwards. Kicking the gravel up with my toe as I waited, I was slightly embarrassed as Mom’s head peeked out from inside the dumpster, eyes delighted, shouting joyously that she had found a big piece that
was just the right color. Now, Dad is a bit of an artist. In fact, some of his paintings are adorning the walls of my home today. Looking back on it, I imagine that the floor of our basement was, to him, a giant blank canvas. Dad would crawl around on the floor, painstakingly piecing together our ill-gotten scraps in blocks of color and depth. Like colors on the color wheel, blending texture and color from one to the next. Finally, after months of work he stretched out his wall-to-wall masterpiece and tacked it down, with a borrowed knee kicker, as secure and neat as any professional carpet layer would have. This crazy, pieced together concoction taught me so many lessons about money, art, creativity and love. In my mind, it’s still the most beautiful carpet I have ever seen in a home. I remember hours of play on that carpet and using the sections as a divider for various rooms for Barbie. In my adult life, I do not carry this dumpster diving fetish with me, not even for a coupon. The thought, however, makes me crave a pralines n’ cream waffle cone.
Multitasking Myth By Peri Kinder
I
’m terribly efficient. That doesn’t mean I’m efficient. It means I’m terrible at being efficient. I always imagined myself to be a high-functioning multitasker but only recently learned that’s not possible. For instance, I’ll start writing a brilliant column, only to remember I didn’t make my online credit card payment. So I’ll jump to that site to pay down some Christmas bills when I realize I never tossed the laundry into the dryer. I’ll head downstairs to take the slightly sour-smelling towels out of the washer and remember I was supposed to order pizza for dinner. So I grab my phone to order a half-veggie/half-heart disease pizza when it hits me that I never took my multivitamin (for two weeks straight). As I run back up the stairs to swallow a pill the size of a mango, I remember that my column is due in two hours, so I head back to my computer. That’s not multitasking. It’s having an attention-deficitdisorder seizure. Instead of actually completing one task, I have a multitude of jobs half-done at all times. People brag they can do several things at once. I can also do several things at once; I just do it really poorly. In order to save time, I’ll brush my teeth while putting on deodorant. I clench the toothbrush between my teeth, trying to open the antiperspirant with one hand. Then my electric toothbrush shakes out of my mouth, hits the floor and sprays toothpaste and spit all over the bathroom rug. Instead of saving time, I’ve added 10 minutes to my routine.
Or I’ll decide to make a salad and try to make only one trip from the fridge to the counter. I’m carrying olives clasped under my chin, spinach squeezed between my knees, peppers balanced on my elbow and mushrooms perched on my head. My husband walks in and asks, “What are you doing?” “Making a salad,” I hiss, because I have a bag of walnuts
clamped between my teeth. He watches as I walk pigeon-toed across the kitchen and try to place everything on the counter. If I was in a sitcom, there would be a laugh track as I juggle all those items before I hit the floor and everything lands on my head. As he leaves the room, he says, “Enjoy your salad. And you left the fridge open.” (I sense a poisoning in his future.) Dr. Glenn Wilson, a real-life psychology professor at Gresham College, says these situations can actually lower your effective IQ by 10 points. Many studies prove the human brain isn’t designed to do several things at once. My dog (who doesn’t have a human brain) already knows this. Ringo the Dog does the opposite of multitasking. He spends all his attention sniffing one pile of leaves thoroughly before moving on to the next urine-soaked shrubbery. But I can make cookies, scrub bird droppings off the back window and change my grandson’s diaper all at the same time. Of course I’ve burned the cookies, smeared the bird poop and put the diaper on backwards. Ringo does everything right the first time. So now that I’ve wasted time debunking the benefits of multitasking, I really need to get dinner started. But a catchy tune dances across my mind. I bring up iTunes and spend 30 minutes downloading songs. Then I remember I need to sub a cardio class this week, so it’s over to YouTube to get new ideas for the BOSU ball . . . l