Murray December 2015 by The City Journals

December 2015 | Vol. 15 Iss. 12

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Murray High School Musicians Honor Teacher

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By Julie Slama

On Nov. 6, current and former Murray High performing arts students and faculty joined choir director Alan Scott on stage in singing “Friends” by Michael W. Smith in honor of their instrumental director and colleague Rob Wilson, who died of cancer. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

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Page 2 | December 2015

Murray Journal

Scrooge and Second Chances By Alisha Soeken

Dan Larrinaga, Ivin Conatser, Lee Daily, Ed Farnsworth, Jennifer Aguirre, and Kerstin Davis. Photo courtesy of Desert Star Playhouse

n the timeless tale of “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge, a callous miser, is given a second chance to live a better life. The Desert Star Playhouse in Murray City was also given a second chance at life when it was purchased and renovated instead of being torn down. Before that purchase the theater saw much of life and many second chances. The Desert Star Playhouse has enjoyed a long life. In it’s infancy it was called the Gem. It saw silent movies accompanied only by a piano, and remembers a world when radios, refrigerators and a woman’s right to vote were only a recent luxury. In the 1930s the Gem had it’s first second chance, as it was rebuilt and expanded into the Iris Theater. With its Art Deco style facelift, it was a building like no other in Murray. It showed blockbusters like “Gone With The Wind” and rare Swedish films for immigrants brought to Murray by the smelters. During the

Great Depression, owner Tony Duvall would let children see movies for free or in exchange for scrap metal. After the Great Depression, the Desert Star continued to see change in its name and ownership. But in 2000 when Murray City recommended demolishing it, Mike and Alyce Todd gave it it’s most crucial second chance, by purchasing and saving it from demolition. The value of a second chance is immeasurable, if seized as Scrooge did to become a better person. Today the Desert Star is a dinner theater known for its parody plays and family -friendly comedy. The proof of its positive roll is observed in the lives of those who work at the theater, both past and present. “The Desert Star has made a positive impact on my life in so many ways. It was my first job and where I had always hoped to perform. After auditioning many times, I was cast in “The Hungry Games,” fulfilling my dream,

almost 10 years after I started working there. I also gained experience in light and sound unmatchable to any theater, made lifelong friends and to this day love seeing the fun shows they put on,” actor Katie Terry said. The Desert Star’s current show is, “Ebenezer Scrooge: His Nightmare Before Christmas.” It’s about Ebenezer’s life after he decides to reform. “I love the idea of a sequel to ‘A Christmas Carol,’ exploring the other side of being generous. The idea that just because you turn into Mr. Nice Guy on one Christmas morning doesn’t necessarily make up for years of being a compete jerk,” cast member Dan Larrinaga,who plays Bob Cratchit, said. The effort that goes into producing a show at the Desert Star is enormous. Cast member Tyrus Williams said, “We start working on all aspects of the show five weeks before we open, and have 15-20 rehearsals,” Larrinaga added,. Because we rehearse while the current show is still in production and the new show opens only four days after the old show closes, as you can imagine that’s not much time, so the work is fast and furious. It’s a challenge but like it or not, it makes you a better performer.” As proven by Williams, cast members are not only great performers. “I wear a lot of hats at the Desert Star. I design scenery and props for the shows, I occasionally run lights, do sound, and manage the stage. I’m also in charge of the general store and all the holiday decorations and lobby displays,” Williams said. Unlike what Williams and Larrinaga will do in their show, Charles Dickens never told

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of the life that Ebenezer Scrooge lived after receiving his second chance. The Desert Star was given that chance more then once, and for more then 85 years has seized it, as Scrooge did, to give of itself remarkably to others. Visit that historic building, watch a show, laugh, and in the words of Larrinaga, “By the end of that show, I hope people will simply have been entertained, feeling better than when they came in, and perhaps finding themselves more in the mood for the holidays. Catching a bit of the Christmas spirit that people felt way back when, and now, as they read Dickens’ ‘A l Christmas Carol’.” Ebenezer Scrooge: HIS NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Plays November 12, 2015 through January 2, 2016 Tickets: Adults: $22.95-$24.95, Children: $12.95 4861 S. State Street, Murray, UT 84107 Call 801.266.2600 for reservations www.DesertStarPlayhouse.com

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony By Alisha Soeken Looking for some community Christmas spirit? Then bundle up and join neighbors on the front lawn of Murray City Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 6:00 p.m. for Murray’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, bring little ones because Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by “Fire Engine Express” to magically light Murray’s newly-planted Christmas tree. After the ceremony, Santa and Mrs. Claus will warm up inside and meet with each child, give them a special treat and listen to their Christmas wish lists. Letters for Santa will also be collected at the event. Come out and celebrate, spend time with friends, watch the lighting of the tree, enjoy music provided by the Hillcrest Jr. High School choir, under the direction of Krystin Elder, and share in some good-old community spirit under the light of a newly-lit Christmas tree.

Murray’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m. (sharp) Murray City Hall (front lawn) 5025 South State St. Parking available at rear of City Hall Sponsored by the Murray Shade Tree and Beautification Commission and Murray City Power

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Page 4 | December 2015

Murray Journal

Trail of Discovery By Alisha Soeken

ne of Utah’s finest luxuries is its access to nature. We have outdoor recreation that rivals most. One of those luxuries is a trail that weaves in and out of urban areas, marshy riversides and parks for almost 50 miles. Early on a Friday morning, Teresa Flores was on that trail, enjoying a bike ride with her two young kids fastened behind her in a bike trailer. “I love not having to ride on the roads, especially with kids. We live close by and it’s

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accessible by bike, so we go a lot. The kids love it,” she said. The Jordan River Parkway is a trail that follows the Jordan River. The river flows north from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake; it has more then 23 trailheads, most of which have access to restrooms, water fountains, picnic areas and playgrounds. The trail is perfect for families, for fun and for discovery. One of those discoveries might be the ex-

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istence of things before the trail came to be, such as Bergertown, a settlement in Murray next to the Jordan River Parkway named after Christian Berger, who came to Utah in 1860 with the John Ross Party. Bergertown’s residents were from Scandinavia and Switzerland. They were poor and lived in dugouts to survive the fist winter in their new home. But, despite its insignificant beginnings, this area later became one of Murray’s most populated areas. Diversity in bird life can also be discovered among the wetlands of the Jordan River. Canada goose, red-tailed hawks, black-capped chickadees and the red-winged blackbird are a few of the over 100 different species that have been identified. Visitors might also spot the rare bald eagle, rufous hummingbird or yellow-rumped warbler. Protection of the Jordan River corridor is essential to those birds. There are also migratory species that use the wetlands as a place for food and rest on their thousand-mile flight from the Arctic to Argentina. Opportunities exist today to preserve the remaining open areas along the Jordan River, to restore its wetlands and ensure its habitats. When pioneers first began to inhabit the Salt Lake Valley, their goal may not have been preservation so much as survival. Yet even then, the area along the Jordan River provided a stark contrast, with its willows and cottonwoods, to the barren, sage-ridden wilderness around them. That beauty is still abundant, and as you walk over its miles of trails and quiet fields next to quacking ducks and colorful wildflowers, you can’t help l but hope for your next adventure in it.

education

M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 5

Murray High Career Day Gives Students Insights Into Occupations

fter veterinarian Jordan Hammer shared stories about caring for large animals as part of his career with the South Valley Large Animal Clinic, Murray High senior Christian Harris approached him to get more information about colleges and internships. “I learned what to expect in this profession, a lot of the fun side of working with animals in situations I wouldn’t expect,” Christian said after listening to Hammar as part of Murray High’s career day. This was one of the career choices Christian and others selected to learn about from about 65 speakers on Nov. 5. Hammer, who has seen tigers, kangaroos and snow leopards as patients, shared a story about a horse falling into a window well and the trials of getting the horse out of the home. Ninety percent of his patients are horses, something he was familiar with growing up on a ranch in Idaho, he said. “I didn’t grow up wanting to be a vet,” Hammer said. “I loved farming, but in today’s economy and without a large amount of money or land, I knew I would need to learn about something else.” After studying veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State, he continued at Purdue University to learn pathophysiology, or “why things go wrong.” “It’s a hard thing when patients can’t talk to us, tell us what’s wrong. It’s even harder to put a horse down. But what’s important is that you’re doing the job, any job, because you love it and are passionate about it,” he said.

By Julie Slama That’s also the message former Spartan Ashleigh Pepper shared with students. Pepper, who is a pilot for JetBlue at the age of 30, said she took to heart the messages basketball coach Lisa White gave her while at Murray High School. “She said that we need to know what we wanted to do, believe in the dream, be motivated to achieve it and give our best every day, and that’s just what I did,” Pepper said, who began flying while in high school, and by age 16 had her private flying license. Not only did Pepper share with students how to prepare to be a pilot and salaries they can make, but she added a few stories about flights and how her routes and “office views” change with every flight. She told students that there can be times her job has high stress, but in exchange, it also comes with about half the month off. “I put what Coach White told me and I have to be at the top of my game every day, every takeoff, every landing, 100 percent of the time. Right now, you may think it’s super chill to be at Friday’s football game, but the years in high school go by so fast and either you realize you have a plan or you don’t, and you’re going in the direction of your dream or you’re not. You need to invest in yourselves and start choosing a career you’ll be happy with,” Pepper said. Being passionate about all aspects of theater is what Hale Center Theatre’s founder Sally Dietlein shared with students.

JetBlue pilot Ashleigh Pepper, who earned her private pilot license while a student in Murray High, told students to start now discovering their passion and to pursue their dream as part of Murray High’s career day. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

“Working in theater is not just what you think it is, and that’s the secret,” Dietlein told students. “We use all our disciplines in theater. It encompasses everything, and it is the granddaddy of them all.” As a challenge, students suggested disciplines that weren’t involved with theater to stump Dietlein, but she incorporated them all — physics in stage movements, chemistry with chemical reactions to create a fire, flight technology to make actors fly across the stage, psychology in actors’ understanding of their characters, history in understanding the past to put into perspective and set the stage for musicals, as well as several more.

“Communication is a big one now. People don’t speak anymore with all the technology. But in theater, we get to express ourselves and we project loudly so everyone can hear us,” she said. Dietlein, who told the students about Hale Center Theatre’s history and its future with two stages currently being built in Sandy, also provided students with tips when auditioning and learning about all aspects of theater. “The joy of theater is that so many disciplines can be applied to theater whether it’s a job or a hobby. Right now, it’s a time to learn about your passions, and to prepare yourself l for that career,” she said.

SPORTS

Page 6 | December 2015

Life’s a Pickle, Play Ball

t’s a salty snack, it’s a brining cucumber. No, it’s pickleball! There is a new racquet sport in town. Part tennis, part badminton and ping-pong, pickleball appeals to all ages and skill levels. New players are coming in droves, learning and loving the game. Pickleball started during the summer of 1965 in the home of Joel Pritchard, a U.S representative for the state of Washington. After returning home from golfing, Pritchard and his two friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, found their families bored one Saturday afternoon. They attempted to set up badminton, but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a wiffle ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed. The humble beginnings of a now beloved game were backyard born. Husband and wife, Sam and Emily Smith, won gold at the Ogden Pickleball Association’s annual tournament. “I like that almost anyone can play and within a short time be competitive,” Sam said. The Smiths did just that after winning gold only three years after being introduced to the game. “I first heard about pickleball in a class at Weber State,” Sam said. “It wasn’t explained very well, so I thought it was kinda silly. Some friends invited us to play; Emily and I were a little hesitant but decided to give it a try. We played it once, and were hooked.” People around the world are also finding themselves hooked. Pickleball has a presence

By Alisha Soeken

in Canada, India, Spain and New Zealand. Here in our community, a ribbon cutting was held at the Heritage Center to celebrate the opening of their new outdoor pickleball court. Murray City mayor Ted Eyre cut the ribbon alongside members of the city council: Blair Camp, Diane Turner, Brett Hale and Jim Brass. Standing with them was Lisa Shadrick, a 57-year-old member at the Heritage Center, and brand new player of pickleball. Shadrick loves pickleball so much she even wrote a poem about it, which was read at the ceremony. “I’ve been playing for a year and I just love it,” she said. “I like the physical part of it, it’s more interactive than a treadmill and gets my endorphins going.” Les Rivin, also in attendance at the ribbon cutting, taught Shadrick to play, and at age 57 she was Rivin’s youngest student at the Heritage Center. “There are 80- and 85-year-olds out there playing,” Shadrick said. “It’s great. We used to have to sit down because so many people wanted to play and we had to take turns, but with this new court, we only sit down because we need rest.” Part of what makes pickleball appealing is it’s unprejudiced to gender, age and skill. “My favorite thing about pickleball is that you can be pretty competitive as a girl, or even if you’re old for the matter. The people that have been the hardest for me to play against were twice my age,” gold medalist Emily Smith said.

Murray Journal

Wayne Oberg, Cory Jenkins, Susan Gregory, Wayne Williams, Mayor Ted Eyre, Katrina Bourne, Blair Camp, Diane Turner, Brett Hale, Jim Brass, Rosemary Martineau, Lisa Shadrick, and Pat and Les Rivkin at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new outdoor pickleball court at the Heritage Center. Photo by Alisha Soeken

The new outdoor pickleball court at the Heritage Center. Photo by Alisha Soeken

M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 7

By Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams

How Salt Lake County Expects to Drastically Reduce Homelessness

hen I’m asked about homelessness in the county, the question can be either, “Isn’t the situation better than it’s ever been?” or “Isn’t it worse than it’s ever been?” Both questions reflect truth. Over the past 10 years, Utah has nearly solved the problem of chronic homelessness—defined as people who have experienced homelessness longer than one year and also have a disabling condition. The

number of chronically homeless in Utah has dropped 91 percent, to fewer than 200 people. But the faces of homelessness are varied and are always changing. From the woman and her children who become homeless due to domestic violence, to the teenagers who “age out” of foster care, to the veterans who struggle with complex health needs, the causes differ. When you figure that out, it leads to a different conversation about what should be done about it. A year ago, that conversation began. It was started among two groups led by Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. The city’s group was chaired by former Salt Lake City Mayor Palmer DePaulis and community leader and philanthropist Gail Miller. They focused on the grow-

ing demand facing the Road Home shelter facility near Pioneer Park. I co-chaired a county effort which brought all the many excellent providers of homeless services together as one problem-solving group. In October, that group, which includes the YWCA, the Crossroads Urban Center, the Housing Authority, Volunteers of America, the 4th Street Health Clinic, Catholic Community Services, the LDS church, the United Way, and the Pioneer Park Coalition (31 partners in all), unanimously agreed on 14 shared outcomes to guide our work moving forward. It begins with our commitment to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe place to live. Today we recognize that even though we spend collectively $52 million a year on homelessness, we aren’t achieving these 14 outcomes. Everyone is trying hard. Everyone is doing good work. But until we agreed to come together and all pull in the same direction as a team, we can’t harness all that good work for the best results. We all want a system that makes sure people are safe, receive efficient service delivery and are able to focus on self-sufficiency so that they can live stable and rewarding lives. The week of Thanksgiving, both groups came together to make an important announce-

ment. Any facilities that serve the homeless populations going forward must be built and located where services needed can also be delivered. We start with the outcomes we want to achieve, select indicators that honestly measure how we’re doing and then put the money and the programs in place to accomplish those outcomes, such as diverting individuals and families from emergency shelters whenever possible and working to prevent homelessness from happening. The consequences of failing to measure the impact of our programs and continually improve the system’s effectiveness go well beyond wasting scarce tax dollars. Every time a homeless person participates in a program that doesn’t work—but could have participated in one that does—that represents a human cost. We’ve pledged to move forward in unison to minimize homelessness in our community. That’s what Utah is known for—a place where we come together to build a safe, healthy and l prosperous community for all.

Page 8 | December 2015

on the cover Murray High School Musicians Honor Teacher

Murray Journal

By Julie Slama

Members of the Murray High orchestra perform Nov. 6 at their instrumental teacher’s memorial service. Rob Wilson’s podium and baton were untouched during the tribute, where each instrumental group he taught for 21 years paid tribute to him. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

n untouched baton, a music stand missing a score and an empty podium took center stage in honor of Murray High School’s beloved instrumental director, teacher, mentor and friend, Rob Wilson, who lost his life after a six-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia. But that didn’t stop each Murray High School instrumental group that Wilson taught, as well as some alumni groups, that performed at Wilson’s tribute and memorial service Nov.

6 in the high school auditorium. Wilson was 42-years-old and had taught at Murray High for half of those years. In speaking of lessons choir director Alan Scott had learned from his former colleague, Scott said, “Students honor the work of their teacher when they show they can perform music in his absence.” Wilson’s battle was with AML, a cancer that starts inside bone marrow that helps form

blood cells. AML cancer grows from cells that would normally turn into white blood cells. In August 2009, he was diagnosed and decided to take a leave of absence to take care of his illness. After rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, in December 2009 Wilson had a bone marrow transplant, donated from his younger brother. That was just the beginning of a six-year battle where students and faculty rallied behind him, with personal notes, get-well wishes, memory books of photos and even making 1,000 cranes for good wishes for healing, which still hang in his empty classroom today. “Rob expressed his greatest wish is to get well and come back,” former assistant principal Deb Sorensen said in 2009. “He has so many tender feelings about his students. He longs for the day to come back and teach.” Wilson did rejoin students. Through his career, Wilson was honored with the Pinnacle Award, and this past spring he was named Murray School District Teacher of the Year, and is currently being considered for state title. However, he continued the treatments and struggle with AML. Last spring, he said after two transplants and a “mini-transplant,” he decided to try living a trial course, learning to live with constant pain. “It’s hard to walk, hurts to lift the baton to direct, but I want to be here at school,” he said last May. “I live about five minutes from Park City High School and was offered a posi-

tion there in the past which I’ve turned down. Murray is a great community and the school is great to work at, and I’ve appreciated the students’ and parents’ support in letting me know what is going on when I’ve missed class in the past. I’ve taught through five principals who have been supportive of the fine arts, and all I want to keep doing is what I love doing.” On June 1, he told his students to practice over the summer and find groups to play with, but most of all, keep playing: “(Music is) something that should bring joy to your life and to those around you.” Wilson’s last day teaching students was Oct. 1. Joining the instrumental groups were other Murray High performing arts groups and teachers, former students and Principal John Goldhardt, who thanked Wilson’s wife and daughters for lending him to the school. Goldhardt also recalled good times, such as how during the school musical performance of “Guys and Dolls” in 1998, he couldn’t get his part to blow a whistle on time, so Wilson finally just pointed his baton directly at him at the right time. However, the mood was more sobering on Oct. 27. “When I walked into the band classroom to tell them students that Mr. Wilson had passed, I told them they needed to support and care for each other to get through it,” Goldhardt said. “I asked the important question, ‘WWWD — What would Wilson do?’ He’d

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on the cover

“He was completely bald,” Saxton said. “His famous ponytail was gone, but he was here. He said, ‘Hey Will,’ and I answered, ‘It’s good to see you.’ And it was.” Saxton, who was hired after Wilson, was Wilson’s teaching mentoree. “When I started here, he reminded me of people I grew up with, the rock ‘n’ roll kids of the 1980s,” Saxton said. “He had a great laugh and was always motivating students. He knew how to make people feel special and how to be inspired. I remember during the musicals when he was down in the orchestra pit, we must have driven him crazy, treating him like a CD. I’d ask him Murray High instrumental director Rob Wilson conducts to have them play faster, slower, sound like concert band in a June 1 rehearsal, preparing to play for the this. He took it all in stride.” 2015 commencement exercises. The band performed again The service included the singing of MiNov. 6, in tribute to Wilson after he lost his life to cancer. chael W. Smith’s “Friends” with current and Photo courtesy of Julie Slama former music students, a video tribute and other reminiscences of how many times he would flip his ponytail during a band concert want them to move forward with their music (students say 56 times); of how he was dumband pursue excellence.” Pursuing excellence is one of the messag- founded when a musical theater student said, es many students remembered Wilson telling “I can see you, I can see your wand,” instead them and showing them by example as he of his baton, in the orchestra pit; of how he appreciated the little things in life, like getting a played in his own rock band. Band member Harrison Hays remem- new printer at the school; of how he asked for bered trying to play the guitar, only to struggle perfection in practice so it would translate to it with it. One time, he said, while practicing in on stage; of working out athletic and extra-curthe band room, “Mr. Wilson came out of his ricular schedules with band rehearsals; and of office and said, ‘Harrison, I can’t stand it any how he’d be humble, directing the pep band more. Give me the guitar.’” After handing him instead of accepting an award. Saxton said students and colleagues alike the guitar, Harrison recalled Wilson taking the time to show him how to play it and helping were inspired by Wilson. “I learned to play the guitar a few years him understand the rhythm, even though Wilson had other things he was supposed to be ago,” he said about his friend’s passion for playing the instrument. “I would have been doing. Similar stories of how Wilson took the better if I asked him to teach me, and he would time to help his students and colleagues were have, but I didn’t want to bother him. But I was recounted, even though they all knew he was always seeking his approval so I’d go show in obvious pain from the disease and chemo- him I learned how to play B minor and he humored me and pretended to care. I’d show him therapy treatments. “I remember when Mr. (Richard) Tranter, the calluses on my fingers that I was so proud who was then our principal (later superinten- of, and he’d say, ‘That’s so neat.’” Saxton recalled being nervous when he dent), introduced me to Rob Wilson,” dance teacher Leesa Lloyd said. “He was cool, hip decided to play a song once in front of his and had this ponytail. I couldn’t believe Mr. peers because Wilson was in the audience. AfTranter hired someone with a ponytail. I hoped terward, he remembers Wilson coming up to he was ready to dive into a teaching career be- him and saying, “Rob, great job.” “He inspired teachers, teaching us it is nevcause it’s an enormous task, and for the last 21 years he was more than up to the task. Rob, er too late to try new things,” Saxton said before himself, was a fine musician and he built up the he played Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Orchestra student Hannah Sparks realized music department. Year after year, he would demand excellence. But it wasn’t until these how many people he influenced. “He won’t ever know the number of peopast six years where he has been sick that I truly understood his professionalism, his work ple’s lives he touched, not just those here in ethnic, his passion and dedication he shared the halls or who have been here before us, but with students. There were so many days he the ones we’ll influence and play for, and those shouldn’t have been here. He was in such pain, who will be inspired by us,” she said. Alumnus Richard Marsh remembered just lifting his baton. Yet he remained positive and we’d see him lead pep band in the evening Wilson helping him play guitar learning and be here early the next morning preparing “Johnny B. Goode” for the talent show, talking for homecoming. He just wanted to teach and to him during pep band making him feel like “my best friend,” and being inspired when he share his passion of music — and he did.” Early in the onset of his disease, when heard Wilson play with his own rock ‘n’ roll Wilson took almost a year away from his band, Tenth Mountain. “Even though his body was weak from students, he would Skype them and received videos from parents of their performances. chemotherapy treatments, he still knew how to Theatre teacher Will Saxton recalled hearing knock it out of the park,” Marsh said. “At MurWilson’s voice in the band classroom and ray, it was cool to be in the band and to have a l rock star as a teacher.” walked in to see his face on the monitor.

December 2015 | Page 9

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education

Page 10 | December 2015

Local Elementaries Pay Tribute to Veterans

At Viewmont Elementary, a veteran places a star to show where he was during his time in service. Photo courtesy of Eliza Hintze

econd grader Ireland Romney and her firstgrade sister, Leighton, held a photograph of their father in front of Viewmont Elementary’s student body and invited guests Nov. 11 as part of the school’s 5th annual Veterans Day program. Their dad is in the Army, currently in training, but in January 2016 he will be deployed to Iraq. Viewmont was one of several Murray schools that invited veterans to a Veterans Day program, dotting the program with songs, poems and words of thanks. Ireland read a poem that she wrote, outlining that veterans are respectful and tender-hearted, and everyone should thank and honor them and never forget their service. “My dad will be back in 10 days, and then we can play our favorite game where he wraps me in a blanket and swings me,” she said on Nov. 12. Each Viewmont student wrote a poem, and sixth grader Luke Johnson also shared his with the audience. The poems were then presented to about 20 attending veterans, and the rest were to be delivered to the Veterans Administration Hospital. All of them were signed by several students.

“We wanted the children in this generation to know who veterans are and the sacrifices they made to protect their freedoms, safety and rights,” librarian Monic Nevenner, who coordinated the program, said. “We want the students to thank them for their service and not take their freedom for granted.” The program also featured a local Boy Scout troop presenting the flag, inviting veterans up on stage as their military branch was announced, the singing of “Thank You Soldiers” by the student body, former Viewmont student and Boy Scout Gabe Velerde playing “Taps” on the trumpet, and a moment of silence. Veterans could also mark on a map where they served and see a display of Viewmont students’ family photos of those who have served or are currently serving. At Woodstock Elementary’s Veterans Day program on Nov. 10, a small table stood in the front of the school’s multi-purpose room to honor veterans missing in action or taken as prisoners of war. Students recited the symbolic meanings behind each item they placed on the table: a white tablecloth to honor soldiers’ hearts, a black napkin for the sorrow of captivity, a glass turned over for a meal that they

Murray Journal By Julie Slama

wouldn’t eat, salt as families’ tears wait for loved ones to return, a candle to light their way and a rose in hopes that the missing will return. Murray resident Betty Hawkes was at the program with her friend Auston Johnson to see her great-grandson, Braxton Hawkes, and his sixth-grade classmates sing songs such as “Freedom Isn’t Free,” “Thank You Military” and “This is America.” Ten girls also sang “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” and sixth grader Daelee Peterson played “Over There” on piano. Braxton’s great-grandfather was a prisoner of war for three years in Japan and was part of the Bataan Death March, which forced prisoners on a three-month march, where they were often beaten and mistreated and given little food or water, in the Philllippines during World War II. “We had 54 years of marriage,” Hawkes said, adding that her husband would have been proud of Braxton. Her friend, Johnson, began his service the Monday after he graduated from Murray High on a Friday in 1943. He served in navigation on an aircraft carrier for three years during World War II. Throughout the program, students shared their stories about relatives who had served or are currently serving. Terron Hancock shared about Uncle Steve, who as a Marine sergeant served a 10-month tour in Iraq and had told him, “We are all leaders in our own way, brothers in arms: united we stand, divided we fall.” Samantha Miller shared about her grandfather who never was thanked while serving as an Army sergeant in Vietnam, an unpopular war in America. When solders returned, many didn’t honor their service and sacrifices. Nathan Kasteler told the story that U.S. senator and astronaut Jake Garn served as a co-pilot along with his grandfather in the Air Force, and that his grandfather, who was born on July 4, was nicknamed by his parents and their siblings as their “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” Kayley Olson’s grandfather had a lot to be thankful for when he missed a flight with his company to be deployed to battle. The aircraft carrier crashed, and if he wouldn’t have overslept, he would have been killed as well, she said. Sixth-grade teacher Lee Ann Crockett,

who along with Diane Spransy coordinated the 13th annual program, said they spend time talking, reading and writing about veterans and wars, the reasons for them, as well as the outcomes and the causes. “These students are fascinated by all of these things, I think because they haven’t studied them before,” she said. “As much as I love the music and the program, my favorite part of this whole project is when the kids interview their veterans and write an essay. Each child does this, and they are always surprised at the information they find. They talk about getting to know their relatives better, and they get a glimpse into the past of someone they thought they knew and find surprising things.” McMillan Elementary fourth grader Erika Eubanks shared her essay about how her father is her hero, and the way her family has moved and sacrificed for his service to the country. Her dad, dressed in his full Army uniform, listened along with others who made up the school’s audience at its Veterans Day program on Nov. 11. Five other students — Joshua Bennaly, Sebastian Mendez, Hailey Peterson, Esteban Soria and Tanya Yu — also shared their winning essays from a Parent-Teacher Association contest on “America’s Heroes.” Veterans also could see the display of serviceman Devon Simper’s state flag collection. During the program, directed by PTA president Becca Westenskow, sixth grader Kanoa Deollos began singing “The Star Spangled Banner” and was slowly joined by veterans, and then the entire audience. Each grade sang patriotic tunes, taught by school music director Emily Jacobs and accompanied by pianist Emily McKellar, and included songs such as “This Land is Your Land,” “America,” “America the Beautiful,” and songs from each branch of the military service, where veterans stood and waved when their branch’s song was sung. “It was very heart-warming to hear the veterans join in with the singing of each military song,” fifth-grade teacher Julianne Curtis said. The program ended with the school choir, under the direction of Cathy Price, singing “God Bless the USA” and “Thank You Milil tary.”

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December 2015

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS

Mayor’s Message

Attorney ............................................. 801-264-2640 Business Licensing ............................. 801-270-2432 Cemetery ........................................... 801-264-2637 City Council ........................................ 801-264-2603 Finance Department .......................... 801-264-2513 FIRE DEPARTMENT Administrative Office ..................... 801-264-2781 Non-Emergency Calls .................... 801-840-4000 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

History is one of my favorite subjects to study. In our weekly Department Head Meetings, I like to start with some little fact of history I’ve recently read about. I think we all learn lessons from history. With the holiday season quickly approaching us, I wanted to look at some of the past Christmas messages shared by our U.S. presidents. I find their messages just as appropriate today as they were many years ago. The problems people struggled with then repeat themselves over and over. In President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address on December 24, 1944, he said: “Here, at home, we will celebrate this Christmas Day in our traditional American way- because of its deep spiritual meaning to us; because the teachings of Christ are fundamental in our lives; and because we want our youngest generation to grow up knowing the significance of this tradition and the story of the coming of the immortal Prince of Peace and Good Will. But, in perhaps every home in the United States, sad and anxious thoughts will be continually with the millions of our loved ones who are suffering hardships and misery, and who are risking their very lives to preserve for us and for all mankind the fruits of His teachings and the foundations of civilization itself.”

From President John F. Kennedy’s Christmas message in 1962 - “It is the day when we remind ourselves that man can and must live in peace with his neighbors and that it is the peacemakers who are truly blessed. In this year of 1962 we greet each other at Christmas with some special sense of the blessings of peace. This has been a year of peril when the peace has been sorely threatened. But it has been a year when peril was faced and when reason ruled. As a result, we may talk, at this Christmas, just a little bit more confidently of peace on earth, good will to men. As a result, the hopes of the American people are perhaps a little higher. We have much yet to do. We still need to ask that God bless everyone.” President Gerald R. Ford shared this in his December 24, 1975, Christmas Message: “The spirit of Christmas is ageless, irresistible and knows no barriers. It reaches out to add a glow to the humblest of homes and the stateliest of mansions. It catches up saint and sinner alike in its warm embrace. It is the season to be jolly — but to be silent and prayerful as well.” The 1981 Christmas Message of Ronald Reagan had this statement: “On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ with prayer, feasting, and great merriment. But, most of

MAYOR’S OFFICE Ted Eyre, Mayor Jan Wells,

Chief Administrative Officer

801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107 all, we experience it in our hearts. For, more than just a day, Christmas is a state of mind. It is found throughout the year whenever faith overcomes doubt, hope conquers despair, and love triumphs over hate. It is

present when men of any creed bring love and understanding to the hearts of their fellow man. The feeling is seen in the wondrous faces of children and in the hopeful eyes of the aged. It overflows the hearts of cheerful givers and the souls.” As mayor of Murray City, I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season. I hope you will take time to reflect on those things you cherish the most, the things that bring you the most joy and share those thoughts of love and appreciation with the ones that matter to you most for you too are making your mark in history with the actions you take towards others. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Sincerely,

Ted Eyre, Mayor

Message from the Council Holiday season has once again arrived! I hope that you will have abundant opportunities to gather with family and friends to celebrate the season in whatever fashion is traditional for you. This is also a time when we customarily reflect on the past and look forward to New Year’s resolutions to enhance our lifestyle for the future. During this time I would like you to consider a new resolution to create new habits which would positively affect our environment. This is the time of year when we are impacted by the inversion in our valley making it an urgent matter. I recently had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Dr. Robert Gillies, Professor of Plants, Soils and Climate at Utah State University and a State Climatologist for the Utah Climate Center. He addressed the serious issue of global warming and presented scientific evidence showing that mean and minimum temperatures in our part of the West have increased by 5 – 7 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 30 years. If this climate cycle continues we will experience more catastrophic events in greater intensity worldwide. Dr. Gillies also brings precipitation and the jet stream into the equation and provided evidence of a past dry phase moving into a wet phase in 2015, advising that there is also variability within the wet phase. His records show that we are getting more precipitation in Utah, although less is falling as snow and more as rain increasing flooding and mud slides. Building upon Dr. Gillies findings, one of the main causes of global warming is the “Greenhouse Effect”, the process in which the atmosphere traps some of the heat coming from the sun. Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are gases which help keep the earth warm. However, when the concentration of these gases are combined with harmful gases emitted from vehicles,

buildings, wood burning stoves, and factories, the concentration of heat increases to abnormal levels. Our air pollution then escalates to unsafe and dangerous points. When rising temperatures occur the protective ozone layer is depleted, as well. 1 Studies have proven that air pollution is a direct cause of asthma in adults and children, other respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and additional pulmonary distress, etc. We in Murray love and value our children and grandchildren and are troubled when they must be held in from recess due to the quality of our air, which has become a more frequent winter occurrence. I know all this sounds alarming, and it should! There are, however, actions we can take as citizens, parents, and teachers to help mitigate these environmental concerns. • As citizens we can reduce our idling to less than 3 minutes, especially around areas where children congregate (churches, schools, libraries). • We can lobby your municipal, community and state leaders to enact policies and ordinances which support a healthy, clean, community environment. • Become involved, there are several agencies in the state that provide further education and information regarding the impact of air pollution and global warming, i.e. Utah Clean Cities, Utah Clean Energy, and UCAIR.org. • Teachers and parents can begin by educating their children about healthy environmental choices and by being good examples. I have tried to live by the motto “think global, act local”. We in Murray can have a very big impact on our quality of life by beginning with a New Year’s resolution which can exponentially grow and change the world, or at least our community. It wouldn’t be the first time. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Diane Turner District 1

Heritage Center There will be two Special Events coming in the month of December at the Heritage Center: On Friday, Dec. 4, the Heritage Center will host our annual Holiday Boutique, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year there will be 13 artists selling handmade crafts. The public is welcome to shop for unique holiday or birthday gifts. Invite your family and friends to stop by and shop. Proceeds from the Heritage Center Boutique table sales and silent auction will go to the new room expansion project at the Center. In addition to the boutique, tickets (55 and older) can be purchased for the buffet meal. Tickets are limited, so choose your table early and come enjoy the music of the New Fiddlers at 11 a.m. Ring in the New Year on Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Heritage Center. The Center will open at 6 p.m. for the special celebration. Enjoy a prime rib dinner, dancing to the sounds of Tony Summerhays and casino games. We will toast the 2016 New Year at 10 p.m. (East Coast New Year!). The celebration is sponsored by Jenkins-Soffe. The cost of the New Year’s Celebration is $22.

For information on these and other great Heritage Center programs call 801-264-2635

MAKE SMALL CHANGES

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

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

Don’t forget the bathroom! Only 60 percent of people recycle items found in the bathroom, even though that little room is full of recyclables! Remember, any plastic container is recyclable—just

make sure it’s empty. Toss those cardboard toilet paper tubes and empty aerosol cans in your recycling bin as well! For more recycling information, visit slco.org/recycle or email us at recycle@slco.org

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO MURRAY

For additional information, please contact Mary Ann Kirk at 801-264-2638

Murray Arts Beat

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 • 6 p.m. (Sharp!)

Upcoming Events: • Dec. 12, Sounds of the Season, Murray Symphony, HJH, 7:30 p.m., Free • Jan. 13-15, Broadway Review, MHS, 7 p.m., $3

Murray City Hall, Front Lawn 5025 S. State Street (parking in rear parking lot) Everyone is invited to participate in the tradition and share the excitement of Murray’s annual outdoor Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by “Fire Engine Express” to magically light Murray’s Christmas tree. Afterwards, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children indoors and hand out special treats. Music will be provided by the Hillcrest Jr. High School Choir, under the direction of Krystin Elder. Parents – Please make sure your children are dressed warmly and remind them to bring a letter for Santa.

Murray Library Holly Jolly Music Festival at Murray Library Thursday, Dec. 3

7 p.m.

Murray High School Madrigals

Tuesday, Dec. 8

7 p.m.

McMillan Elementary School Choir

Wednesday, Dec. 9

10 a.m.

Horizon Elementary School Bell Choir

Tuesday, Dec. 15

11 a.m.

Hillcrest Junior High School Jazz Band

Tuesday, Dec. 15

1:05 p.m.

Hillcrest Junior High School Orchestra

Wednesday, Dec. 16

11 a.m.

AISU Instrumental Ensembles

Thursday, Dec. 17

11:30 a.m.

The AISU Chamber Choir

Saturday, Dec. 19

4 p.m.

The Spjute Family

Monday, Dec. 21

6 p.m.

Caleb Spjute

Tuesday, Dec. 22

7 p.m.

The Richardson Family

Visit us online at murraylibrary.org Murray Library Home

166 E. 5300 South, Murray, UT 84107

Murray History Products are on sale for the holidays. During December, a buy one, get one free (of equal or lesser value) discount will be offered. Located at the Murray Museum or the Murray Parks office, products include a Murray High afghan ($24), Centennial Album ($12), Faces of Murray ($12), Children History Workbook ($10) and Smelter and Firemen videos ($5).

Holiday History Activities for Kids Keep your children busy with some fun educational activities during the holiday school break between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Murray City Hall (5025 South State), features artifact “hunts” in the museum and an Art Collection for Kids workbook utilizing original artwork hanging along the hallways. After completing the activities, children can collect colorful “tags” that can be attached to a lanyard, showing off their achievement.

Street Department

If you have questions, please contact the Murray Public Services Department at 801-270-2440

Snow Removal Parking Violation 10.08.040 Snow Emergency Routes Parking Prohibited 1.1. A. It is unlawful to park, leave or abandon a motor vehicle on any streets after one hour from the commencement of snowfall until the completion of snow removal operations on the street. B. A violation of this section is an infraction. A vehicle on violation of this section may be impounded.

Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

or call us at 801-264-2580 for more information

• Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Concert, MHS, 7 p.m., Free

Murray Library Calendar

12.04.110 Obstructing right-of-way with snow. 1.A. It is unlawful to place snow removed from private property, sidewalks, drive approaches or other public places in a street or any other public way. B. A violation of this section is a class B misdemeanor.

For INForMATIoN Please contact The Park Center: 801-284-4200 • 202 East Murray Park Avenue

The Park Center Activities Winter Coed 6’s Volleyball Tournament Date: Cost: Ages: Deadline:

Saturday, Dec.19 $200 per team Adults Friday, Dec. 11

Matt Harpring’s Holiday Basketball Camp Dates: Cost: Ages:

Dec. 28 (1-4 p.m.) and Dec. 29 (9 a.m.-noon) $45 per day or $80 both days 7-14 years old

Volleyball Academy Dates: Cost: Ages: Times: Advanced: Instructor:

Monday/Tuesday, Dec. 21 & 22 $30 7 & Up—Beginner • 10 & up—Advanced Beginner: 9-10 a.m. 10-11:30 a.m. (Min. one-year club for advanced) Bree Anderson & SLVB Staff

New Year’s Coed 4’s Volleyball Tournament Date: Cost: Ages: Deadline:

Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 $125 per team Adults Dec. 23, 2015

education

M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 15

Viewmont Students Hope to Reach Goals for Fitness, Computer Fundraising By Julie Slama

bout 35 students began weeks ago, learning proper running techniques and switching to healthy eating habits not only for the love of running, but also to prepare for the school’s fundraising run on Nov. 12, where they hoped to earn $15,000 to help purchase laptop computers for the school. As of the race date, with money still needing to be counted, they were about halfway to their goal, which is not only earmarked for computers, but also Parent-Teacher Association activities and supplies, PTA president Becky Hut said. However, all the Viewmont students were charged up for the run, which took place on a course on the school grounds. Second grader Alex Beckstead was waiting for his turn. “I want to run 20 laps, at least,” he said, adding that he brought in money to help with the school fundraising. His teacher, Geri Smith, said that they use computers for math and reading programs on iReady, as well as for online testing and Hour of Code, which will take place during the national week of coding on Dec. 7. Physical education specialist Sunshine Szedeli began the school’s running club in mid-October, in part to help prepare students for the fun run. “Our running group is this fantastic group of students of all ages and athletic ability,” she said. “Running is one of my passions. It’s something you can do as a team, or on your own. As long as you’ve got the right shoes and a little sun in the sky, you’ve got a recipe for success.” Szedeli said the club offers students drills, games, stretches and opportunities to learn about running and being healthy.

130 Years

OF TRUST Taking Care of

YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.

As part of the Viewmont afterschool running club, students learn warm-up and running techniques. Photo courtesy of Sunshine Szedeli

She also has students reinforce what they learn in class. “They are enthusiastic and want to run, no matter what the weather is. It’s also a chance for me to instill healthy habits for our students. As adults, we are role models for our kids and we can model the behavior we want our children to follow and how we want them to be. This is just an opportunity for them to establish good habits and find what they love to do,” she said. Along with Szedeli, Miss Murray Nicole Montgomery comes to help the students with the running club, offering students another positive role model, and through her volunteerism teaches them about leadership.

Szedeli hopes to continue offering fitness and healthy lifestyle activities after school as the weather turns cold this winter. She’s not sure if it will be nutritional cooking, yoga, dance or other forms of activities. When the weather warms back up, Szedeli plans to resume the running club. “I just want to help these kids to explore different activities, find their passion and have them be able to do it, to keep their bodies moving, get their heart rates up, breath fresh air — whether it’s soccer, jump roping, yoga, biking, basketball, dance or running. For me, I found running at age 14 and I’ve never stopped. I get so much out of it,” she l said.

Viewmont fifth graders run laps at their Nov. 12 fun run to earn monetary donations that are earmarked to help raise $15,000 for school laptops. Photo courtesy of Juile Slama

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Page 16 | December 2015

education

Grant Run Raises Funds for School PTA Activities

Joseph E. Anderson

By Julie Slama

bout $9,000 was raised as 400 Grant Elementary students ran Oct. 23 in the school’s annual fun run fundraiser. The funds are earmarked for school Parent-Teacher Association activities, such as Reflections, classroom supplies, field trip transportation, teacher appreciation, Meet the Masters art program and other events, Grant PTA president Diana Stewart said. “One hundred percent of the money goes to the school, so we’ve found this type of fundraiser very successful,” Stewart said. During the run, which was to the theme of “Everyday Superheroes,” kindergartners ran about one-half of one mile around the school track, while first through third graders ran one

Murray Journal

mile on the school grounds. Older students ran 1.5 miles through the neighborhood, escorted by Murray City Police and cheered by parent volunteers, who staffed water stations. The top 12 finishers in each grade, both boys and girls, received ribbons and superhero shirts and socks in a bag presented by Miss Murray Nicole Montgomery. The top class raising the most money was Carmen Fiori’s fourth-grade class. As a reward for being the class not only with the most funds, but also exceeding $1,000, they will have a swim party and game party. Two other top classes received a no-homework day, eight classes were awarded with superhero bingo games and l everyone received popsicles.

Grant Elementary students take off during their fun run. School officials said about $9,000 was raised during their annual fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Jamie Rowbery

Born: January 26, 1941; Richfield, Utah. Parents: Elmer J. and Erma P. Anderson. School: Murray High School graduated 1959; Dixie Jr. College graduated 1961; Northern Arizona University graduated 1964. U.S. Navy 1964 to 1968. Worked for Agricultural Division at Shell Chemical Company & DuPont 1968-1993. Retired 1993. Married Evelyn L. Hart 1967, Divorced 1988. Children Shannon H. Williams and Tresha D. Williams. Brothers Alfred G. Anderson (deceased) of Beaufort, SC; Vernon R. Anderson of Overland Park, KS and sister Carol D. Mann (deceased) of Murray, Utah.

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M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 17

Unsung Heroes

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S C (Klair) Gallagher is being honored as this month’s Jenkins-Soffe Hero, for his service at the Murray Heritage Center. Klair passed away at the age of 82 surrounded by loved ones on November 1, 2015. Klair served as a volunteer on the Heritage Golf Committee for four years, and really enjoyed the Heritage Golf Tournaments and getting to know the other golfers.

Klair was born is Salt Lake City on November 4, 1932 and has been a resident of Salt Lake City his entire life. He attended West High, Salt Lake Technical College and the University of Utah. After completing his tour of duty as a paratrooper during the Korean War from 1951 to 1955, Klair received an honorable discharge and married his sweetheart, Helen, in 1957. Klair worked as a Mechanical Engineer in the structural steel fabrication industry and retired when he was 80 years old. He often made comments that he wasn’t good enough at golf and no one wants to go fishing, “so I might as well keep working.” Klair spent a number of years coaching Little League Baseball and Football, numerous days building stage props for his granddaughter’s dance company, and a never-ending amount of time supporting and chauffeuring his kids and grandkids to all their activities. Klair has 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, all of which he adores. His hobbies over the years have included rebuilding and racing cars, golf, and fishing with his kids, brothers and nephews. Klair enjoyed a great friendship with his “sister” Maureen (Moe) Gallagher at the Heritage Center. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for your service, Klair!

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Irish dancers from Acadamh Rince performed team dances with two, three, four and eight members and nearly swept all the competition at the Utah State Championships on Oct. 23. The dancers also were slated to compete Nov. 19 through Nov. 22 at the Western Regional Championships at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Acadamh Rince, which won the 2015 Hibernian Society award for the best certified Irish dance school in Utah, offers recreational and competitive dance classes from age three through adult and has had several dancers compete in the western regionals, nationals and even at world championships. The Irish dance school is based in Murray. Photo courtesy of Scott Catron

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Hillcrest Junior High principal Jen Covington, photographed here, along with assistant principal Buck Courser, show students how to “get down” during the school’s “Dance Off Drugs” during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 12-14. “The dance is something different than we’ve had before and it’s something where all the students can get involved in,” Covington said. “They love music, to be able to cut loose and have fun.” Parent-Teacher Association president Shauna Sandberg said there was great participation. “They’re having fun and I haven’t seen this much energy for a while.” In addition to the lunchtime dances, Red Ribbon Week chair Chanel Tuiaana said there was a banner to pledge to be drug-free, the distribution of “believe, achieve and succeed” wristbands, and one day when they wore red clothing, they got a fresh slushie. Video clips were cycled throughout the school’s television monitors as well. “It’s OK to be drug free,” Tuiaana said. “You can have fun, be safe, be aware and be a good role model.” Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

Page 18 | December 2015

EDUCATION

Murray Journal

Greeks, Romans Come Alive at Liberty Elementary’s Museum

Sixth graders Mitch Buist and Ian Harding explain their project about Romulua and Remus to other Liberty students during the school’s Oct. 29 Greek and Roman museum. Photo courtesy of Julie Slama

iberty sixth grader Rylee Smith had never heard of Aristotle before she was assigned to learn about him as part of the sixth grade in early October.

Rylee teamed up with classmates Esperanza Ceja and Alysia Shaffer and researched Aristotle, wrote a poem and created artifacts to present at the Oct. 29 Greek and Roman museum.

“I learned he is a guy who is really dedicated to the scientific method,” Rylee said. Esperanza said that he also is a philosopher. “When things happened, he explained why they had happened,” she said. Alysia said that through studying Aristotle and other famous Greeks and Romans, she learned how they helped develop today’s thinking. “Leaning what they did and how they did it, really changed the world,” she said. “If Aristotle didn’t create the scientific method as we know it, we wouldn’t be practicing it. If others didn’t create roads, the alphabet and theaters, we wouldn’t know them or use them as we do.” Teacher Judy Mahoskey said that through this unit, they are learning about the religion, geography, history, culture and power that all impacted society. They also are practicing written and oral communication skills and making connections between all the disciplines. “Even though it all happened a long time ago, it impacts us today,” she said. “In ancient Rome, the architecture was well developed — the roads, aqueducts, arches. Astronomy, surgical tools, kites, highways, the alphabet, the calendar: all were influenced by ancient Greeks and Romans. Even the train of thought, such as Aristotle realizing that disease isn’t

By Julie Slama

a punishment from God, but rather it comes from our environment made breakthroughs on lives then as well as now.” The culminating project allows students, dressed in sheets to represent togas, to present their findings, a poem and a homemade artifact to other schoolmates and teachers at their museum. Fourth grader Luisa Valladolid attended the museum with her class. “I really like how the students put it together,” she said. “You can tell they studied their material a long time and had to prepare so much. I’ve learned so much about the Greeks and Romans.” Mahoskey, who said it’s the unit she teaches them with the most facts, said it’s one the students enjoy. “The kids know all the facts and they need to be able to fully understand their person to write a poem. But the highlight for many of them is when they challenge parents — and usually beat them — to a Jeopardy game of Roman and Greek history,” Mahoskey said. Sixth grader Abby Curtis shared with other students that Julius Caesar was a philosopher, served in the military, married Cleopatra and took over the whole country as dictator. “When you serve in the military, they were given an honor of laurel leaves,” Abby said, sporting her own leafed crown. “He wore them as a sign of being in charge and wanting to be respected.” Abby made the crown as well as a staff, which was a long, spray-painted pole with a Styrofoam ball with foam pieces attached. The final touch was to wrap leather around the handle with hot glue. “It was really fun to make the staff and crown,” she said. Sixth grader Mitch Buist spent hours making a wolf out of boxes and cartons, duct taped it together, then painted the project. He teamed up with Ian Harding to explain how the wolf rescued Romulus and Remus when they were abandoned by their family. “Romulus eventually killed his brother and took over Rome as the king, though,” Ian said. Fourth-grade teacher Toni Wilkins said that she enjoys seeing the artifacts students make. “It’s really fun to see how creative they can be with common, everyday items,” she said. “It’s also a great opportunity for fourth graders to get a feel of what’s coming up for them in sixth grade and get excited about learning the Greeks and Romans.” At the museum, students Madison Lundquist and Safiya Ashworth shared a message of author Tertullian: “The first reaction to truth is hatred.” “I learned so much about how the Greeks and Romans lived, died, what their story is, their impacts of society and culture from history to architecture and how it affects us,” Safiya said. “It’s really been fun learning about l them.”

M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 19

SPOTLIGHT ON:

he Christmas season is fast approaching. For most of us, it is a bustle of shopping, cooking, wrapping, decorating, and excitement. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our to-do lists that we forget the main reason the Christmas season brings us so much joy. Family. The Dignity Memorial network has created an event that will help us to remember and celebrate the joy of family. They will be sponsoring an annual Christmas Luminary event that will take place on Saturday, December 19th, from 5 to 7 p.m. Dignity Memorial has been doing this holiday tradition for over 10 years, and it has come to be known as an annual tradition for many families. Guests are invited to drive through any of the three different memorial parks and look at the luminary displays, while thinking of their loved ones who have passed away, or listening to Christmas music playing on the radio. A total of over 15,000 candles will

SPOTLIGHT ON:

be on display—10,000 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in Milcreek; 5,000 at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home in West Valley City; and 500 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley in Riverton. Various activities will also be taking place inside the establishments during that time. At all locations, there will be festive refreshments for the guests and a Christmas Memory Tree on display. Guests are invited to either place an ornament on the tree in memory of a loved one, or make one from the supplies that will be provided. At Wasatch Lawn and Mortuary, there will be performances by William Penn and Rosecrest Elementary Schools. At Valley View Funeral Home, they will have performances from the St. Andrews Choir and Orchestra. Dignity Memorial has also partnered with The Christmas Box House to help local children to have a magical Christmas. A giving tree will be set up in the lobbies at both

Dignity Memorial

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary and Valley View Funeral Home, where patrons can take an ornament off of the tree. The ornament coordinates to a gift that a child would want, being anything from toys to clothes. The patrons can then shop for the items, and bring the gift back to either location. They leave knowing that they helped make Christmas a little more magical for that child. “We believe creating meaningful ways to pay tribute to a loved one begins with compassion and is shaped by the understanding that each life is truly unique,” says Addison Sharp, community relations representative for all of the Salt Lake City Market of Dignity Memorial. Before the bustle begins, make sure to remember those who are in your life, who you would like to remember or pay tribute to. Mark your calendar for the annual Christmas Luminary, a meaningful way to pay tribute that will be taking place at three Dignity Memorial Net-

work locations. Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary is located at 3401 South Highland Drive in Millcreek, Utah. Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home is located at 4335 West 4100 South in West Valley City, Utah. Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park South Valley is located at 13001 South 3600 West in l Riverton, Utah.

ucts, from Apple accessories to Beats Audio products, are also available at amazing prices. This allows everyone, no matter their needs, to spread their budget further, getting more Apple for their money. “Apple is one of the most innovative, high quality, and popular computer and consumer electronics products companies in history,” explains Brett. “Our goal at Mac Warehouse is for everyone to be able to afford the Apple technology they want.” There are many reasons Mac Warehouse was recently ranked as the 55th Fastest Growing Company in the US, and the 4th Fastest Growing Company in Utah by Inc. Magazine. Obviously, a superior product is one reason. Another is their customer service. All products at Mac Warehouse come with a 90-day warranty, with extended warranties available. The store also has an Apple Certified Technician on duty at most times, offering upgrade and repair services on all Apple computer products. If you are in the market for a new,

high-quality Apple product, check out Mac Warehouse’s new retail location at 9235 S Village Shop Drive in Sandy, in front of Lowes and Walmart in the Quarry Bend Shopping Center, but leave your guilty conscience at home. This is something to get excited about. l

Mac Warehouse

ave you ever wanted something very much, but knew you couldn’t have it because of the price? Sometimes we don’t even have enough cash to spare. Other times, we have the money, but can’t justify spending so much on a single item. All of us have experienced that feeling at one time or another. Apple products come immediately to mind, when presented with this scenario. They are definitely worth the money they cost, but sometimes we just don’t have it. Mac Warehouse is a new store that is an answer to our budget-conscience, Apple-loving minds. Mac Warehouse is an Apple products re-furbisher and re-certifier. They bring in high quality, pre-owned Apple products into their facility in Sandy from all over the world. A highly-experienced team of Apple-Certified technicians then puts each product through a meticulous recertification process to make sure they perform and function as intended. Once the products have passed this careful recertification, and are updated with the latest oper-

ating software from Apple, they go through a cosmetic restoration process to restore it to a condition that is as like-new as possible. Mac Warehouse calls the finished products Certified Preloved ®. “There are not many companies that do what we do, and I don’t believe anyone does it as well,” says Brett Kitson, CEO and President of Mac Warehouse. “We are constantly refining our processes to give our customers the Apple product experience that they deserve at price they can afford.” For years, Mac Warehouse has only sold this product to Apple resellers and other retailers all over the nation. Now, with a new retail store in Sandy, they are offering these products directly to consumers, at a huge savings—as much as 50% off normal Apple retail prices. Small businesses, schools, and other organizations can benefit greatly, being able to update their office equipment or computer labs a couple of computers at a time, or even all at once, without breaking the bank. Other related prod-

Page 20 | December 2015

Murray Journal

Thank you, members! Joe Reardon – Century 21 Everest ONE Systems, Inc. – David Kinder Sports-AM – Wendy Kelly America First Credit Union – Debbie Hardcastle TurnKey Automotive – Tom or Bobbi Henry The Adoption Exchange – Lindsay Kaeding Congratulations to Advanced Hearing Center (310 E. 4500 South, #110) for opening their doors in Murray! We celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Nov. 10. Contact Enoch to learn what great services they offer and how they can help you with any hearing needs/services.

Congratulations to the University of Phoenix on their second floor remodel! We cut their ribbon on Nov. 16. Stop by and take a tour with Holly Heffron!

Canada Chiropractic – Dr. Angie Canada Columbia College – Jewly Harris

Eggs & Issues: Join us each Friday from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. for Eggs & Issues. This meeting is open to everyone. Chamber membership not required. No cost unless you order from the menu. First Fridays at Eggs & Issues: Friday, Dec. 3. Corner Bakery (6227 So. State Street, Fashion Place Mall) for open networking Friday, Dec. 10: Mimi’s Café (5223 So. State Street) Speaker: to be determined. Check our website at www.murraychamber.org for more details. Friday, Dec. 18: Mimi’s Café (5223 So. State Street) Speaker: Saundra Stroope with Children Services. Friday, Dec. 25: No Eggs & Issues! Enjoy your Christmas Holiday! Thank you to our fantastic Murray Chamber businesses for supporting the chamber every year! We could not be successful without your dedication to make Murray the best city!

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sports

M urrayJournal.com

Addict to Athlete: A New Method of Addiction Recovery

December 2015 | Page 21 By Sarah Almond

n March 2010, Blu Robinson was preparing to lead an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Provo, Utah, when he found many of his clients forging their 12-step papers and putting down false information. This disappointed Robinson because he realized that his clients, who were seeking recovery from an addiction, weren’t getting what they needed out of the 12step program. Instead of forcing his clients to continue with the program, or getting discouraged with the setback, Robinson and his wife Marissa started brainstorming ways to change addiction recovery for the better. “That night I sat down and started thinking about what worked for me and what helped me with my recovery – and it was sports, it was athletics and it was a sense of community,” Robinson said. “So a couple days later I went to my bosses with this plan: I wanted to train five people in Group to run a 5K in Provo at the end of April.” Robinson, a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC) and a substance use disorder counselor (SUDC) at the County Health Department, had to first convince his bosses that his group members were in good enough health to train for a race. He then had the task of motivating five recovering addicts to consent to train with him. Four men and one woman raised their hand, agreeing to join Robinson in his quest for a new form of addiction recovery.

Members of Addict to Athlete pose for a group photo after a running race.

“It was awesome because we would meet before group, stretch out, go over a few callisthenic things, talk about a few goals, and we’d go outside and start running,” Robinson said. “And what I found was that the more I was out there running with these guys, the more

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open they would be with me. We’re running in public and they started telling me about their addiction and the pain they’ve endured. They never told me that stuff in my office.” Running slowly became a safe space for the athletes, and Robinson found that there were several metaphors he could use during the training process that related heavily to addiction and recovery. “I’d tell them, ‘Run to that stop sign,’ and we’d run to the stop sign. Then I’d say, ‘OK, push yourself a little further to that playground,’ and we’d run to the playground,” Robinson said. “We’d talk about how you’re so much stronger than you think you are, just like in addiction.” The group of six would run hills and stop at the top to discuss how digging deep and pushing past the pain, even when it seems impossible, relates to the often dark and difficult times an addict faces while in recovery. “It was awesome because it was all seeming to happen by chance,” Robinson said. Five weeks after their first day of running, the six athletes met at the starting line of the Chase the Mayor 5K in Provo. To Robinson’s surprise, one of the members had made t-shirts for the group that read, “Addict to Athlete.” “I was like ‘Whoa, are you sure you wanna wear those?’ Because if people will know that these guys had an addiction, that kinda takes away from the anonymity stuff that people preach about,” Robinson said. “And they said ‘Look, we’re not ashamed of what we’re doing. We are proud of this and we are changing.’” Provo Mayor John Curtis had a two-minute head start at the beginning of the race, and when one of the Addict to Athlete (AIIA) runners, Tyson, passed him, Mayor Curtis asked him what his shirt represented. “He told him ‘I’m a recovering heroine addict and I’m using running to help me get

sober,’ and Mayor Curtis thought it was really cool,” Robinson said. The shirt gave Tyson the ability to talk about his addiction and his recovery in a positive light, not in the type of negative light that’s often cast upon addiction. After being contacted by Mayor Curtis, county commissioners called in Robinson to discuss AIIA. “I thought, ‘Oh great, what did they do while they were out there?’ but the commissioners were really impressed in the program and wanted to give me the green light to go ahead and do more,” Robinson said. Over the past four and a half years, the program has grown to nearly 900 athletes, with weekly meetings in Utah, Salt Lake and Davis counties. Aside from participating in races around the state, the program hosts a free, annual Addict to Athlete 5K race every September. This year’s race on Sept. 19 has more than 500 runners registered. “The program really took on a life of it’s own,” Robinson said. “I didn’t want people to erase their original addiction and replace it with exercise addiction. I really wanted there to be a healthy balance.” To prevent athletes from getting addicted to exercise, the program has invoked a lot of service. They run aid stations for different races, they help out Davis County Child Services by raising money for foster children and they donate trees every year at the Festival of Trees for members who have lost their lives to addiction. “We do a ton of community service and that helps them stay balanced. We also do volleyball and basketball and all kinds of stuff to help give people a more rounded experience,” Robinson said. And while changing the recovery process for addicts has been Robinson’s main goal, one of the most rewarding outcomes of AIIA is how the “erase and replace” mentality is changing the public’s perspective on what addiction is. “By giving back to the community and being active in the community, these people have the chance to show others that people with addiction aren’t bad people: sometimes they just make mistakes and they struggle with pain differently,” Robinson said. At the end of September the group is ran a relay race from Lehi in Juab County to Farmington in Davis County, hitting every main street along the way to promote recovery. To increase the services aspect of the race, however, AIIA teamed up with a young boy who is handicapped by severe cerebral palsy to raise money for a new racing wheelchair. “Instead of just going out and doing it for ourselves, we’re doing it for others – we’re doing it for a bigger purpose and we’re excited to show the community we give back,” Robinson said. For more information on Addict to Athlete, visit their website at addicttoathlete.org. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at The Park Center, located at 202 East Murray Park Avenue in Murray. Be sure to pack tennis l shoes.

Page 22 | December 2015

Murray Journal

Are Bargain Hunters too Dang Cheap? By Joani Taylor

hile chatting the other day with a friend of mine who owns a popular downtown Salt Lake restaurant, we got into a conversation about deals and coupons they offered through various advertising mediums. This restaurateur friend of mine has promoted many times through these marketing avenues, and I was picking his brain for insight on what works and what doesn’t. I mentioned that I had been reading on Yelp.com (a popular customer review website) a plethora of negative comments about various restaurants (including his) and how MANY of the negative reviewers start their review with “I had a coupon or deal voucher for this company and decided to give it a try.” Then the reviewer would launch into a rant of negativity bashing the food or service provider. As my friend and I further discussed this, he stated that sometimes bargain hunters are terrible customers and that “it is not uncommon for them to complain, under tip and even attempt to mis-use their certificates or coupons.” I’m finding this trend sad and disturbing!

Most of these businesses are local to our economy. They employ our families, friends and neighbors. They support not only their families

but the employees that count on it, too. When they discount their product, it’s in the hopes of getting new and loyal customers. Then, in

addition to having to pay the advertiser, they watch as we, the consumers, berate them publicly for future customers to see. SAY WHAT?! I’m sad to say that many merchants I’ve spoken with view deal users as classless and cheap. I recently had the marketing director of a popular Utah location tell me they did not want coupon and deal users at their place of business, leaving their, and I quote, “McDonalds bags and dirty diapers all over their lawn.” OUCH! That hurt! After all, I rarely eat fast food and my kids are adults. Of course, one has nothing to do with the other. It was the stigma she attached to the bargain hunter that bothered me. When I use a deal voucher or coupon, I take a much different approach. The first thing I do is to thank the manager or owner (if possible) for providing me with this great chance to try their services or product. Or, I will immediately let the waiter, cashier or other employee know that I have the deal voucher and then ask them to thank their boss on my behalf. I’m happy, kind and courteous and do my best to make the service employee have a better day. This small gesture of kindness will set the tone for your entire dining or shopping experience. It will make the merchant proud and glad they offered YOU this discount. This holiday season, I hope you’ll join me in saying thanks to the merchants from whom you have received special savings. Leave comments on their Facebook pages, tip extra, make a purchase without a coupon even if there is one, or simply smile and show gratitude to our small local Utah businesses for giving us a discount on their products and services that we might not have discovered otherwise. If you do go back to the business, let them know you found them through a coupon or deal, and you are so l glad you did.

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M urrayJournal.com

December 2015 | Page 23

Have Yourself an Eco-friendly Christmas By Peri Kinder

t turns out that some scientists think we’re headed for a mass extinction. Merry Christmas! I guess our greedy attitude about the world’s resources is taking its toll on the oceans, rain forests, various ecosystems and the ability for celebrities to own a different fur coat for every day of the week. In order to reverse this Christmatasrophe, we need to change our wasteful habits. I’ve put together some new holiday rules that might just save the planet. (You can thank me later.) • Due to the inversion, chestnuts can no longer be roasted on an open fire. Chestnuts can instead be microwaved and then sprayed with a chemical-free Roasting Chestnut air freshener. • In accordance with PETA guidelines, reindeer will not be allowed to fly for 24 hours without a bathroom or smoke break. • Naughty children will no longer receive lumps of coal, but will instead be given a stocking full of organic Brussels sprouts. (Much worse than coal.) • Colorful Christmas packages can only be wrapped in old newspaper, making them

neither colorful nor timely. • Thanks to global warming, dreaming of a white Christmas is no longer allowed. • No Christmas trees can be displayed unless they’re made from reclaimed barn wood. • With the rapid rise in STDs, mistletoe can no longer be hung at office parties. (All other unacceptable behavior has been canceled.) • Christmas carolers can only go door-todoor with the proper permits and background checks. • The phrase, “Let your heart be light” only applies if your heart is powered by solar panels. • Because of the increasing number of people with diabetes, cookies for Santa are no longer allowed. • No family can send out Christmas newsletters. (Not to save the planet. I just don’t want to read them.) • Due to the melting of the polar ice caps, Santa’s workshop is being relocated to Canada. While these changes are great, it’s not just

our harmful environmental attitudes that need a holiday makeover. Unregulated capitalism in America has created a society of materialistic little buggers (i.e. teenagers) who are never content. Cutting back on holiday extravagance could remind your family of the importance of the season. As Thoreau once said, “Simplify, simplify.” (Although you’d think he could have said it once.) You can tell your kids you’re trying to save money or you can tell your kids that Putin has “annexed” the North Pole and put a sanction on gifts made in Kris Kringle’s workshop. Whatever works. Decorate your home with nature. Pinecones, dried leaves, artfully arranged twigs and fresh pine boughs (cut from your neighbor’s tree) can add a beautiful touch to a mantel or centerpiece. I went in my backyard to find some nature but only discovered little piles of Christmas spirit left for me by my dog. For Christmas dinner, whip up a delicious batch of grass fed, locally-grown, free range sweet potatoes. Forgo the annual ham or turkey and try a fresh holiday green salad. (Don’t

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