Murray December 2016 by The City Journals

December 2016 | Vol. 16 Iss. 12

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McMillan second-grade students get hands-on experience with Utah geology By Julie Slama / julie@mycityjournals.com

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McMillan second graders learn about rocks during their ďŹ eld trip to Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and G.K. Gilbert Geologic View Park. (Shauna Maughan/McMillan Elementary)

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LOCAL LIFE

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MURRAY JOURNAL

The Service of Veteran Michael Terry The Murray City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Murray. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals.com or call our ofﬁces. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reﬂect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner.

The Murray Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjournals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Steve Hession steve@mycityjournals.com CIRCULATION COORDINATOR: Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Melody Bunker Tina Falk Ty Gorton

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ergeant Michael Terry always relished a good challenge, so at age 20 he joined the Marine Corps. “To me the toughest and best are the Marines so that’s what I set my sights on,” said Terry, who had thought of serving in the military since he was a child. He joined the Marines in 2001. Terry followed in the military boot steps of his grandfather Evan Ray Terry, who served in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded the bronze star medal. “The bronze star is a distinguished award. Grandpa’s service was always Veteran Michael Terry served two something I admired and as a child terms in Iraq. (Michael Terry) I would often ask my dad about it,” Terry said. Paul Terry, father of Michael and son of Evan, is sandwiched between two generations of veterans. “I am proud of the service given by my father and my son in the armed forces because they defended things I hold dear. This includes the obvious things like our freedoms, but it also includes things that make our country great like the rule of law, the sense of justice and fair play, the idea that the big guy should abide by the same rules as the little guy, that people should not be treated differently because of skin color, race, or religious beliefs; the idea that certain things should be held and maintained for the public good, like national parks and public lands, schools and great universities, monuments, museums, and laboratories; and a country where invention, discovery, science, and questioning assumptions in general are actively supported and allowed to flourish,” Paul said. “Finally, I am proud that they defended these things not just for me and those like me, but for downtrodden peoples in faraway places,” he continued. Terry started in a reserve unit close to home but soon deployed and witnessed the downtrodden in faraway places. “It wasn’t long before the rumors were confirmed, we were told we would be going to Iraq. I spent seven months in the triangle of death in the Al Anbar province south of Baghdad. The Iraqi’s country was in shambles, they had no infrastructure to support the country, no jobs for its people and a lot of inter fighting,” Terry said. While in Iraq, Terry served as a team leader, assisted in planning patrols, maintained his teams combat effectiveness and was the squad’s primary assault element during operations. After returning home in 2005, Terry was quickly promoted to sergeant and squad leader and redeployed to Iraq to lead his squad in combat operations, patrols and civil affairs such

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as building schools and water plants. Like many veterans Terry experienced difficulties returning home after completing his service in 2008. “I think the worst part of serving was losing friends and reintegrating into society. Coming to terms with your own mortality isn’t an easy thing to do especially when you are so young. It makes you live in a kind of hardened existence that really has no place outside of combat. When you come home it’s sometimes difficult to let down those walls and break the barriers we erect to protect your own humanity. It took patience from loved ones, understanding and a strong support network for me to heal from some of that,” Terry said. Americans try to be part of that support network as we celebrate Veterans Day, a day that for Terry has special significance. “Veterans Day always comes with lots of emotions for me. It comes three days after the anniversary of losing four friends in an explosion: Lance Corporal Shane Odonnell, Lance Corporal Branden Ramey, Corporal Robert Warns and Staff Sergeant Chad Simon. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the sacrifice of those Marine brothers of mine,” Terry said. So as amusement parks, zoos and aquariums forgo charging entrance fees and restaurants offer free meals as support for servicemen and women on Veterans day, Terry believes honor is better given by personal pledge. “On Veterans Day I think about the countless servicemen and their families that put so much on the line so that we can live peacefully. I think we owe it to those servicemen and women to do just that, live peacefully,” Terry said. 

Veterans Lance Cpl. Adam Wuestoff, Sgt. Michael Terry and Lance Cpl. Randy Gordon. (Michael Terry)

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DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 3

LOCAL LIFE

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MURRAY JOURNAL

Non-proﬁt awarded grant for animal-assisted therapy efforts By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

anelle Nimer and Janet Wilson of the Animal-Assisted Healing Center (AAHC) were selected by Zions Bank to receive a 2016 Smart Women Grant of $3,000. Nimer said they were surprised and ecstatic to receive the grant. “It was the first grant we’ve ever received, so it’s been really exciting,” Nimer said. AAHC is a non-profit organization based out of Murray which aims to provide animal-assisted therapy to all age groups for physical and mental balance. Programs such as canineassisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding using horses are utilized where clients can groom and care for the animals. “We love providing people another option to mental health care through animal-assisted therapy, and we are looking forward to helping more individuals and families access this type of therapy as it’s proving to very successful for patients,” Nimer wrote in a press release. Chantel Chase is the co-chair of the women’s financial advisory board at Zions Bank that chose AAHC as one of its grant recipients. Chase said they look for people who influence the community in a positive way. “What she was doing with her grant could really have a significant impact on the well-being for women and children so I think that was what was most impressive,” Chase said. AAHC intends to use the grant money to improve its capacity to assist more individuals and families. The $3,000 will go towards animal care, facility rentals, and therapeutic equipment. Nimer said she hopes to one day have a facility where they can keep everything in one place. Currently, horses are kept at the South Jordan Equestrian Center. This journey for Nimer goes back 12 years to her time at the University of Utah. While working towards her masters degree, Nimer trained and volunteered with her first therapy dog and “just loved it so much.” She started her post-graduate education with the desire to work in animal-assisted therapy. Now, Nimer has three dogs assisting in her therapy vocation. It’s a work designed to enhance the connection between animals and humans. Nimer said research shows animals will mirror whatever feelings clients are feeling. If people feel happy

and calm, the animals also feel that way. “[The animals] are helping us see that center, that mindfulness, that love,” Nimer said. Nimer said she’s seen decreased levels of depression and anxiety with work done by AAHC. “I’ve also seen improvement in individuals who have a history of trauma, they come to that realization of the pattern they repeat,” Nimer said. She specializes in trauma and children helping to debrief the trauma and the animals play a major role. As part of the psychotherapy, dogs go through obstacle courses to help clients gain perspective. “Animals help us see something we might be blind to so when [dogs] have a difficult time getting over an obstacle, it lets our clients see what that obstacle is like for them in their lives,” Nimer said. “If they’re having difficulty with communication or emotional expression or anything like that. They can actually see it in front of them.” Zions Bank received 56 applications this year awarding six of them to people throughout Utah and Idaho. Zions Bank stated in a press release that the grants are “awarded to those who promote the empowerment of women or directly benefit women of low-income and underserved populations.” It is part of an “ongoing process to support women in achieving financial independence.” Chase said she hopes these grants serve as stepping stones going forward for the recipients. “Not only will it help them make a difference and give them a boost financially to be able to do what they see needs to be done in their community,” Chase said. “But also that they’ll inspire other women to do more as well.” The grant demonstrates the importance of what AAHC is doing, Nimer said, especially regarding its benefit towards mental health care. She points out they are striving to provide free or discounted mental health services. “We have patients who can’t afford therapy so we want to make sure that’s available for them,” Nimer said. She added that means in whatever way is best for them. Not everyone likes dogs, Nimer said, so AAHC will partner with other organizations to bring in different animals such as cats or small horses. 

Children ride and groom horses as a manner of therapy by the AnimalAssisted Healing Center. (Rod Hansen)

Animal-Assisted Healing Center was awarded a $3,000 Smart Women Grant for its efforts to help people via animal-assisted therapy. (Zions Bank)

Horses are utilized at the Animal-Assisted Healing Center to help their clients. (Rod Hansen)

“We have patients who can’t afford therapy so we want to make sure that’s available for them.”

Dogs are utilized at the Animal-Assisted Healing Center to help their clients. (Janelle Nimer/Animal-Assisted Healing Center)

LOCAL LIFE

M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 5

Premium fundraiser raises money for hungry kids By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

ine and cheese were paired together at a fundraising event hosted by KidsEat! at the Gallivan Hall on Saturday, Nov. 12. The event was held to raise money for hungry children during the holiday season. “People understand this is [for] children, ages three up to 18 that are out there that are hungry,” said Lynda Brown, founder of KidsEat!. She added that one in five children are at-risk of having no food on the weekend. The KidsEat! foundation is a charity that provides backpacks containing seven meals for children to take home on the weekend. Brown said they currently send out about 900 meals per week to the Children’s Pantry to Murray schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Neighborhood House. While kids may get lunch at school, they may not eat the same way at home, Brown said. Almost 55,000 kids in the five major school districts of the Salt Lake Valley qualify for free lunches. “I find that shocking…we’re trying to help [the kids],” Brown said. Spearheaded by event planner, Geoff Partain, the party was designed as a premium event. The fundraiser included pairing wines and cheeses, red carpet photos upon entry and a silent auction. All auctioned items were donated by the event’s sponsors or personal contributions.

Items auctioned included season tickets to men’s and women’s Utah basketball games, three private gymnastics lessons from Olympian Missy Marlowe, Elase facial treatments, onyx earrings from Bennion Jewelers and Jet Blue round-trip tickets and ski lessons with freestyle champion Gordy Peifer. “We’re trying to do things that involve the public to participate in KidsEat! because it’s a community effort,” Brown said. “We’ve had some really kind sponsors who have been generous and stepped forward.” One donor, La Caille restaurant in Sandy, donated a week-long trip to the Mauian Hotel on Napili Bay in Hawaii. Most of the items were over $1,000 in value and individual tickets for entry were $100. All in an effort to raise funds for hungry children around the valley. “The biggest thing is that we bring awareness to the valley that hunger is a major issue,” Brown said. Nathan Monett has been a volunteer with KidsEat! since the beginning. He said participating in a fundraiser like this reminds him to think outside of himself, especially the thousands of kids in Salt Lake that don’t have food on the weekends. “It gets me outside of myself and being able to think about kids that don’t have as much as I

do,” Monett said. “I feel blessed and grateful that I have the capacity and wherewithal to be a part of something like this.” With over 50 people in attendance, Brown said it was a humbling experience to see successful people support children having suffered through similar hunger moments in their own childhood. “It’s very sobering to see so many people step forward,” Brown said. KidsEat! is funded completely by private donations, Brown said. Federal funds would require qualifications on the children and their families so Brown keeps it private in an effort to include everyone. “We don’t want to have to qualify the parents in order for the child to get food. If you’re hungry, we will give you food,” Brown said. In order to fulfill their mission, Brown said KidsEat! needs all the community help it can get so larger donor events are occasionally held such as a wine and cheese paring event. While the wines were provided by La Caille restaurant, certified cheese expert, Andy Fitzgerrell, was on hand to select and explain the cheeses offered at the event. For the attendees, it was the right type of experience to be involved in. For both William and Sandra DePasquale, their respective companies have supported KidsEat! through

Lynda Brown, KidsEat! founder, poses on the red carpet entryway for a photo with Don and Dan McKean. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

donations, activities and sponsorships. DePasquale, who works for Kenworth Sales, said they were looking for someone to donate to and suggested KidsEat! after Williams’ company, Expediters International, had volunteered with the foundation. “It seems like as a society, there’s more that we should be doing. It seems like everyone that can should be involved in [feeding hungry kids] so it’s good there’s places like this that’ll step forward and more people need to support them,” DePasquale said. 

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GOVERNMENT

PAGE 6 | DECEMBER 2016

Amphitheater remodel takes priority

Murray goes idle free

MURRAY JOURNAL

By Tyler Warren | tyler.w@mycityjournals.com

Currently, every school in Murray is an idle-free zone. (Tyler Warren/City Journals)

The construction bid for renovation of the Murray Park Amphitheater was granted to Paulson Construction. Architectural Nexus was responsible for the design. (Architectural Nexus)

s more data comes out about the health effects of air pollution, residents across the Salt Lake valley have expressed frustration with the lack of serious legislation regarding air pollution. For years, Councilwoman Diane Turner saw the air quality in the valley get worse. Many residents took notice as well. “I’ve received several emails and calls from my constituents over the last three years regarding their concerns about the quality of our air,” Turner said. “In talking with other city leaders in Utah and throughout the United States I realized there is something we can do to help our city and its residents.” Two years ago, Turner began looking seriously at what it would take to bring an idle-free ordinance into the city code. She worked closely with Tammie Cooper, northern coordinator for the Utah Clean Cities Coalition. “What we know is 50 percent of pollution in the valley is from transportation,” Cooper said. Around transportation corridors that number can be much higher. She said this puts Murray in a dangerous situation, because although it may have a small population relative to other cities in the area, “air moves.” Cooper said up to a quarter of all air pollution around transportation corridors can be attributed to idling. This is why having legislation in place is important. City Attorney Frank Nakamura drafted an ordinance, and on Oct. 18, the Murray City Council approved it. By passing this legislation, the city joins the ranks of Salt Lake City, Holladay, Logan and others who have made a commitment to addressing air quality. The ordinance forbids idling for periods exceeding 10 minutes, except in extreme heat or cold. Violators will receive a warning ﬁrst,

followed by a small fine if violations persist. The move is key to putting the weight of the law behind current idle-free zones in the city. To date, most of the work done to make Murray an idle-free city has focused on schools. Utah Clean Cities has previously worked with the city and school district to make all 10 schools in Murray idle-free campuses. Utah Clean Cities partnered with the University of Utah Atmospheric Sciences Department and the Salt Lake County Environmental Health Department to do studies on pollution hotspots around the Salt Lake Valley. What they found was shocking. “During drop off and pickup times the air around [schools] was four to six times as polluted as it is normally,” Cooper said. This is particularly dangerous considering the lungs of children are still developing and are more affected by pollution. There is often a fine line between protecting the public good and interfering with it, something that both Cooper and city officials are aware of. “I for one am not very excited about making people who idle into criminals,” said Councilman Blair Camp. “But I believe this ordinance is a very good middle ground to opening the door to education.” The ordinance isn’t a very aggressive measure, and it isn’t meant to be. Cooper compared it to when smoking bans first took effect. “It’s supposed to be a soft launch. We’re not trying to be militaristic. Were just trying to raise awareness.” Right now, idle-free signs are posted on all schools and city-owned property. Going forward, the city hopes businesses will jump on board as well. “If we are to be a city of healing, this makes sense,” Turner said. 

he Murray Park Amphitheater has been a staple in Murray since it was built in 1985. Every year, Salt Lake valley residents flock to see productions such as “West Side Story”, music from the Murray Symphony, as well as cultural and educational events. “Whether theatrical or music production, it’s a cool place to go,” said Kim Sorenson, director of Murray Parks and Recreation. “It is used every single night that it possibly can be used.” But the amphitheater hasn’t seen any improvements since its original construction, and is falling behind in key areas. Sorenson said the City had been looking forward to remodeling for years, but was hampered by a slow economy. Recently the economy has been looking up, which has allowed Murray to seriously look at renovations. Over a planning period that lasted several years, the City received input from patrons, the Cultural Arts Department, Murray Symphony, and other groups that use the theater. When the last production finished for the 2016 season, they were ready to get to work. The largest improvement to the amphitheater will be a roof over the stage and orchestra pit. “In the summer, we have microburst storms that roll in at around three or four in the afternoon and rain out events,” Sorenson said. “The stage can also get very hot, which limits what you can do in the afternoon. If we had a roof, we wouldn’t have to cancel. It would allow us to keep events running.” Other areas marked for improvement include fixing portions of the seating and stairs that have fallen into disrepair. The lighting and sound booths will need to be replaced with more permanent structures. The facility’s restrooms are also getting a much needed update. And an enclosed dressing room is being built for cast members and performers. Finally, an entire section of seats are being removed and made

compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. The City estimated the project would cost $2.2 million. Unfortunately, the lowest bid turned out to be several hundred thousand dollars above that estimate. Sorenson cited rising construction and materials costs as the chief reason behind the disparity. He said that although costs have risen faster than expected, the project was so important to Murray’s culture that the City didn’t want to leave anything out. Still, the City had to make room for the project somehow. Facing a $400,000 gap between the funds they had budgeted and the bid, they looked at other projects to delay. “We looked at a bunch of other projects we could delay for a year,” said Mayor Ted Eyre. “For instance, the UV filter for our swimming pool. We lived without it for 20 years; we may be able to live without it for 21 years.” In total, Murray had to delay four projects to make way for the amphitheater improvements. These projects were a park exercise area, a UV system for the outdoor pool, cemetery niche, and the Salt Lake Trail. The Mayor expressed his confidence that pulling funds from other projects would not seriously harm them. The Salt Lake Trail, which runs from Murray to Holladay along a canal, is still a go thanks to a roads grant. And more projects could be funded through similar means. Sorenson said the Cultural Arts Department has applied for grant money that could help get these projects back on track by this year. If not, the funds will be allocated on next year’s budget. “All the projects we delayed are important to us but the amphitheater being what it is we felt like it was a higher priority,” Sorenson said. “This is not a fluff project, it’s a project that needs to happen.” Construction on the amphitheater began Oct. 24. Improvements are scheduled to be completed by May, just in time for the 2017 season. 

GOVERNMENT

M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

Bees yes, chickens no in Murray By Tyler Warren | tyler.w@mycityjournals.com

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 7

Carpe Di End

Above: Chubak is the creator of the mini hive, which mimics beehives in the wild. (Tyler Warren/City Journals) Right: Albert Chubak worries about the effect the ordinance will have on his business. (Tyler Warren/City Journals)

t was an issue that hounded the Murray City Council for years. After multiple surveys, open houses and public hearings, residents finally have their answer. Beehives are OK on low-density residential properties. Chickens are not. Almost three years ago, the council requested the Community and Economic Development Department prepare a draft ordinance for the keeping of chickens and bees on residential properties. However, it soon became apparent that there was no clear consensus among residents over the issue. So the proposed ordinances sat. The ordinances were finally put to a vote on October 18. They would allow non-commercial keeping of chickens and bees on low-density residential lots over 8,000 square feet. There were similar restrictions placed on the number of hives and chickens per lot size, and a $100 licensing fee. While not unanimous, support for allowing beehives was strong. Stephen Stanko, a representative from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, said that many cities along the Wasatch Front have loose beekeeping ordinances without any significant problems. “Nationally there are about 52 incidents with significant mortality from insect stings,” Stanko said. Many in the pro-bee crowd took issue with what they saw as redundant enforcement measures and an excessive permit fee that would lower rates of compliance. Tim Tingey of the Redevelopment Administration rejected the notion that the city was somehow duplicating work.

“We’re talking about a zoning ordinance. The county and state are not going to enforce land use regulations at all,” Tingey said. Therefore, he explained the permit fee was necessary to recoup those costs. But even after the ordinance passed by a 4-1 vote, some bee proponents made their displeasure known. Albert Chubak owns a beekeeping supply business in Murray. He was one of the residents who stormed out of the chambers after the council made their decision. Chubak’s issue isn’t so much with the $100 fee, but with technical elements of the ordinance.

“We’ll still enforce the current ordinances as we get complaints and are made aware of these situations,” One of his concerns was the requirement of a barrier along the outside of the property, which he claimed would do nothing to deter a bee in search of food. He also had a problem with the insurance component, beekeeper’s certificate and building requirements. Chubak saw the ordinance as harmful to his business. “My first thought was to move. Then I realized as an educator, the onus is on me to inform the city,” Chubak said. Like with bees, arguments in favor of chickens were centered on sustainability, education, and selfsufficiency. One of the points brought up by chicken supporters was that there were plenty of chickens already living

in the city. “You’re going to create a lot of law abiding citizens tomorrow if you pass this,” said Adam Deason. Others were adamantly opposed to the idea of allowing chickens on residential properties. The council recognized that more of their constituents were opposed to chickens than bees. Many of these concerns centered around the nuisance chickens could create in neighborhoods. Some raised concerns over smell and noise, and the effect they could have on health and property values. There was also the concern over the disposal of unwanted chickens, which Tingey said the city did not currently have the resources to take care of. Abby Potter, who was following the meeting on Murray City Live, felt so strongly that she left her home in her pajamas to add her comment. “I am one of the complaining neighbors who have had chickens by my house,” Potter said. “The amount of ﬂies we had overtaking our yard and our neighbors yard — you couldn’t even sit in the backyard in the summertime. The smell was agonizing. It created such a problem … that we couldn’t even enjoy our own environment anymore.” In the end, the concerns of residents opposed to chicken keeping convinced the council to hold back. The motion to pass the ordinance died on the ﬂoor for lack of a second. Tim Tingey said the city is still dedicated to enforcing ordinances as they are. “We’ll still enforce the current ordinances as we get complaints and are made aware of these situations,” he said. 

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EDUCATION

PAGE 8 | DECEMBER 2016

MISSION STATEMENTS: The Murray Chamber creates synergy among professionals. We facilitate the creation of long lasting business relationships between members that are based on trust, value and cooperation. We provide tools to connect education, service opportunities and interaction between members.

MURRAY JOURNAL

Woodstock Elementary students stack up Cans for Cocoa By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

The Murray Area Chamber of Commerce thanks the following members for reinvesting in their memberships. When shopping or looking for a product or service, be sure to contact the chamber. We are YOUR Business Family!

THANK YOU FROM YOUR MURRAY CHAMBER! Firetoss – Taylor Sanford Papa Murphy’s – Christa Hutchison Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Stacey Kulp

Cargolink – Scott Ogden AISU – Nathan Justis American Cancer Society – Jessica Coats

The Murray Chamber in partnership with Shades of Pale Brewing, The Chapel Motorcycle Shop, South Salt Lake Chamber and Make A Wish Utah held our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest. We held a chili cook off competition and beer samples for all attendees. The morning started with a motorcycle ride through Murray with The Chapel Motorcycle Shop. They were hosted by Brio Tuscan Grille with breakfast at Make A Wish before heading to Shades or Pale for chili and beer. We had 19 chili entries that ranged from spicy, to chunky, mild and vegan. All were delicious and wonderful. Our chili winner was The Chapel Motorcycle Shop! Through Oktoberfest, we raised $900 for Make A Wish Foundation Utah. These funds will help many kids wishes come true! Thank you to everyone who helped make our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest a success.

Oktoberfest

2016 Upcoming Events: Eggs & Issues held every Friday Anna’s Restaurant

4700 So. 900 East | 7:30 – 8:30am Meeting open to the public! Chamber membership not required to attend We kindly ask you order from the menu to keep the room free of charge December 2: Murray City Police Department Join us the first Friday of EACH month as we hear from our Murray City Police Chief, Craig Burnett. This is YOUR opportunity as a Murray business or resident to share your concerns and issues. December 9: Linda Milne – Emergency Preparedness for your Business December 16: Check our calendar for updates December 23: Christmas Traditions December 30: Check our calendar for updates The Murray Chamber wishes you a Very Merry Christmas Holiday. Our office will be closed Dec. 23 – 25 and Dec. 31st at noon. See you in 2017!

Woodstock Elementary students last year participated in its “Cans for Cocoa,” which the students received hot chocolate after bringing in food donations for those in need. (Woodstock Elementary)

y name is Mike Wright. I am an Information Security Trainer and Consultant. I joined the Murray chamber because I wanted to connect with other business owners. When I started my business in 2000 I didn’t really understand what it takes to run a small business. I felt alone and had to learn a lot of those lessons the hard way! I strongly believe that being a part of the Murray chamber allows me to learn from other business members who are facing the same challenges. Being a member gives me the opportunity to help other people overcome some of the challenges that they are facing in their businesses so they are not feeling they have to reinvent the wheel. We may all feel we are experts in our fields, but knowing I have a network of people that I can call on to get advice or direction from is very valuable. It is the relationships I have built through my Murray Chamber membership that helps my business and relationships grow. Upon joining the chamber, I decided to become more involved because I like to be a part of all of the great things the Murray Chamber does for the community. Did you know the Murray Chamber has

a Youth Chamber, called the MYCC? These junior high and high school students come from diverse backgrounds and education levels, but volunteer hours every month in Murray City as part of being in MYCC. We also have a wonderful women in business group that focus on philanthropy, supporting women and business education. Consider joining them at a quarterly lunch meeting. It is through the Murray Chamber that we are able to provide thousands of dollars each year to scholarships and charities like the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Make a Wish Foundation and many others. I like being a part of an organization that gives back to its community, offers opportunities to build my business and helps me feel good. The Murray Chamber is a business friendly family that I truly appreciate and thank for helping me grow my business. Thank you. MIKE WRIGHT Security Guru, Murray Chamber Board Chair 2017

iving Woodstock Elementary students some hot chocolate on a wintery day was a way to thank students for donating canned food to the Utah Food Bank. In its ﬁfth year, the Cans for Cocoa now is earmarked for their sister school, Lincoln Elementary in Salt Lake City, to help stock their food pantry for low-income and refugee students, said Marci Olson, who is Woodstock Elementary’s Parent-Teacher Association president. “It’s incredible to see how many donations come in and it’s fun for the kids to stack them up and see what a difference they’re making in people’s lives,” Olson said. This year, students will be asked to bring in food contributions on Dec. 8. Students with donations will load the cans into a trailer during lunch and afterward, the PTA will give all 450 students hot cocoa along with peppermint sticks and whipped cream. “Although the kids are excited about the hot cocoa incentive, they know it’s about helping and talk about that each year,” she said. Olson said the idea started with former Parent-Teacher Association President Carolyn Linthrost. “Carolyn thought it would be a good opportunity for our kids to reach out and share with those in need in our community. Last year, we tied it into Granite School Foundation’s Souper Bowl of Caring campaign, which helps serve students in need in Granite School District. This year, we’re reaching out to Lincoln Elementary students,” she said.

Woodstock Elementary became a sister school to Lincoln Elementary last year and have since given the 530 students coats, hats, clothes, books and toys. “A lot of our kids like the idea of giving to other kids. They’ll be connected now before most of them meet up in ninth grade when they go to Cottonwood High School. We’re really their peers. Most of our families are so blessed and we have more than enough so it’s our responsibility to share with these students and their families in our community,” Olson said. She said that much of the donation requests are food items students can prepare such as Easy Mac for the microwave or fruit with pull tab tops. Donations of non-perishable food with protein also are requested. “Some of these kids are having to ﬁx meals for their families so we’re trying to make it a little easier for them. They’re dealing with issues many of our children aren’t aware of. They may miss meals and most of our students aren’t in that situation or having to address that issue,” she said. Olson plans to show students a video that will talk about the need at Lincoln Elementary The video will show Woodstock students a tour of the school and the pantry where the food will go and it also will let Lincoln Elementary students thank Woodstock Elementary students. “We want to teach our students about others and to look outside of themselves. This will help them realize that they can help — even a single donation can make a difference,” Olson said. 

CITY OF MURRAY

December 2016

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

murray.utah.gov

Mayor’s Message Dr. opened in June. It is the largest indoor shooting range in the Mountain West.

The saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” As I reflect back on the past year, I must have had a blast as the time has passed too quickly. December is a time for holiday traditions with family and friends, company parties and the joys of shopping for just the right gifts for loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on 2016 and all that has happened in the past year. The challenges we faced bring strength and refinement; the lessons learned, give us the knowledge to make better decisions; and the gratitude we have in our hearts help us have a deeper understanding and respect in every aspect of our life. As I ponder, I am so proud to be your mayor. There are many exciting projects in the planning stages for the upcoming year, but at this special time, I’d like to focus on a few of the City’s newer developments of this past year. • Fashion Place Mall – Macy’s will be a two-story building. The exterior construction is almost complete and the interior work is underway. There will be 50,000 square feet of leasable space for new businesses that connect Macy’s with the rest of the mall. • The TNT Gun Range at 5669 S. Commerce

• Security National, at 434 W. Ascension Way, started construction and will be a six-story office building with a four-story parking structure. This is the first building in a multi-phase project at this site. • Murray Crossings at 5059 S. to 5075 S. Commerce Dr. and 248 W. Vine St., has a proposed mixed-use project in two buildings. There will be 293 residential units and almost 10,000 square feet of commercial space available. • A proposed project at 737 E. Winchester St. has started and will be home to The Advocates Law Office. • The Sleep Number store is in full construction at 5310 S. State St.

MAYOR’S OFFICE Ted Eyre, Mayor Janet Towers

Chief Administrative Officer

801-264-2600 5025 S. State Street Murray, Utah 84107 unteer capacities and community groups – thank you for making our city the best place for anyone to live and for enriching and enhancing the lives of others. And to our Murray City employees – you are simply the very best; it is a privilege to rub shoulders with you, to solve problems with you and to plan the future with you – thank you for your hard work, loyalty and dedication to our Murray City. A final 2016 thought to our Murray City residents – thank you for this opportunity to serve you, it means the world to me to give back to this city and to help make the future a better and more beautiful place for generations to come. My wish for you and yours is a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year.

• Groundbreaking for the Gardner Transformation Center on the Intermountain Medical Center campus will take place in January of 2017, but the planning processes have taken place this year. As you can see, our year flew by; Murray City was very busy. During this holiday season, I’d like to give some heartfelt thank yous for the accomplishments of this year. First of all, to our many businesses that provide employment opportunities and contribute to our local economy – thank you for your quality services, commitment to our city and your hard work. Next, to those serving in vol-

Sincerely,

Ted Eyre, Mayor

Message from the Council As I write this article, we are just nine days away from Thanksgiving, a holiday first celebrated by the Pilgrims to give thanks for an abundant harvest in 1621, a feast that lasted three days. In 1789, Thanksgiving was set aside by proclamation of George Washington and later declared a federal holiday by Abraham Lincoln. It occurs to me that in 2016 we have much to be thankful for in Murray City. I often think we are relatively insulated and protected from many of the problems and issues faced by cities today. What can we attribute that to? I believe we can trace it back to the great foresight, planning and leadership in Murray City governing since the very beginning of our community. At significant cost our predecessors lay a foundation for us with infrastructure, resources and public safety independent from other cities and agencies. We are fortunate to boast of the very best public safety departments in the Salt Lake valley. Our police force of 72 highly trained and experienced, caring individuals provide professional law enforcement, crime prevention and safe streets as their priority. I am thankful that we can count on them to respond to an emergency in record time with successful outcomes. On the cutting edge of best practices our police have worn body cameras for several years. The department includes two victim advocates who are compassionate partners of the police to help provide assistance to victims in extreme emergency and crisis situations to restore hope to those affected by crime. Murray City Firefighters are among the finest first responders. Charged with providing fire protection and emergency medical services our well trained, proficient staff also directs the city’s emergency preparedness. Ambulance transports began in 2008 to provide an additional layer of service to the community. Strategically located at three stations firefighters number 63 and Murray Fire is often praised for the assistance they provide to other community agencies. I am so grateful that Murray Fire saves lives and protects our property. I am thankful that Murray residents had no worries when Utah Lake was contaminated with an algae bloom earlier this year. Our Murray City predecessors had the resourcefulness to designate

Murray City Holiday Schedule With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Sunday, here are closing times for city offices. Christmas Friday, Dec. 23, city offices will close at noon Monday, Dec. 26, city offices CLOSED New Year’s Day Friday, Dec. 30, offices will close at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, city offices CLOSED

springs in the Cottonwood Heights area back in 1935. Constantly flowing and impeccably pure these 8 springs pipe water west on Fort Union Boulevard, where there are several reservoir tanks. Nineteen local wells make up the remainder of Murray water needs. The “Rain Harvest Award of Brett Hales Excellence” was received for the rain barrel program encouraging conservation. District 5 As a city we are fortunate that Murray Power continues to provide safe, reliable and reasonably priced electrical service to its customers. Innovative city residents’ approved a $60,000 bond in 1913 to create Murray City Power with the purchase of a hydro-electric generating plant at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. That hydro plant still serves the city today. As city officials, we do all that we can to maintain the proud tradition of providing for future generations, however, as I reflect on my blessings this season, at the top of my list are the many fine, dedicated and devoted public servants in our parks, public works, community development, cultural arts, library and customer service departments throughout the city. Along with the support staff in city hall, we depend on each and every person who make Murray the friendly and close community that it is. Together great employees with great residents and businesses carry on our traditions with inventiveness and enthusiasm. Happy Holidays!

MURRAY CITY COUNCIL Council District 1 Dave Nicponski 801-913-3283 dnicponski@murray.utah.gov 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

–Brett Hales, District 5

MAKE SMALL CHANGES

FOR BIG IMPACTS

December 2016 Murray Arts Beat Winter Series Calendar Dec. 10 – “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Murray Symphony 7:30 p.m., Hillcrest Jr. High • Free Jan. 11-13, “Disney Goes Broadway,” produced by MHS 7 p.m., Murray High Little Theater • $3 Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Concert 7 p.m., Murray High • Free Jan. 25-27, 30, Broadway Review, Produced by CHS 7 p.m., Cottonwood High Little Theater, $7 advance, $8 door Jan. 28, Murray Concert Band 7:30 p.m., Hillcrest Jr. High • Free

Annual Storytelling Residencies Murray Cultural Arts will host FREE public storytelling workshops for all ages at various schools, Murray Library, Murray Boys & Girls Club and Murray Heritage Center between November and March. Some schools will host workshops during the day in a few classrooms including Longview, Viewmont third grade, and secondary HJH, RJH, MHS, CHS drama classes. The workshops will be led by professional storytellers. This is a great opportunity and fun way for children, teens, and adults to develop story writing and storytelling skills. Finalists will be chosen for the citywide festival which will be held on March 18. Murray will select finalists from our city

For additional information, please contact Mary Ann Kirk at 801-264-2638 festival to participate in the 2nd Annual County Festival, Story Crossroads, in April. Liberty Elementary – Grades 2-6 Nov. 28, 30; Dec. 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13 3:30–4:30 p.m. Grant Elementary – Grades 2-6 Jan. 30; Feb. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 23; Judging March 3 3:20-4:20 p.m. Murray Library – Grades 2-12; adults are welcome Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Judging March 4 1–3 p.m., Age groups will be separated where needed. Heritage Sr. Center – adults and seniors Jan. 23, 26, 30; Feb. 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23; Judging March 2 • Noon – 2 p.m. Murray Boys & Girls Club - Grades 3-6 Feb. 14, 16, 21, 23; March 2, 7; Judging March 9 4:30-6:05 p.m. Twin Peaks Elementary – Grades 2-6 Feb. 21, 22, 24, 27; March 1;Judging March 3 3:45–4:45 p.m. on Monday-Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays Pick a time and location that works best for you or your student. Please register by emailing mkirk@murray.utah.gov with name and workshop location. Formal registration forms, along with a liability release statement, must be completed at the first session.

Murray Library Holiday time is a favorite at the Murray Library. There are plenty of holiday events happening through the month of December. • Starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, there will be a mailbox at the Murray Library for Letters to Santa. Come by and write a letter to Santa, a letter will be sent back from him in the mail. Stationary and crayons/pencils will be provided. • Saturday, Dec. 10 - Holiday Palooza. Santa Claus will visit the library. There will be holiday story times at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., as well as a Christmas song sing-along at noon. During all of the excitement, there will be pictures with Santa, a holiday photo booth, crafts, and an all-day scavenger hunt. • As in the past years, the Library will be featuring various local musicians in Holly Jolly events throughout the month of December. Check our events calendar soon to see when artists will be stopping by to share holiday music. • Another new event this year - Countdown to Noon. This event is for little kids who are excited for New Years’ Eve but can’t stay up until midnight to celebrate. There will be a balloon drop, party hats to make and a big celebration to ring in the New Year of 2017 from 11 a.m. to noon on the day of New Years’ Eve, Dec. 31. All events are free to the public and do not require tickets or registration. If you have any questions about these events, please call 801-264-2580 or visit the events calendar on our website at murraylibrary.org.

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

Visit us online at murraylibrary.org or call us at

801-264-2580

for more information 166 E. 5300 S., Murray, UT 84107

Murray Library Home

Murray Library Calendar

Heritage Center

Stay informed.

Holiday Boutique

murray.utah.gov

MURRAY

The Heritage Center’s annual Holiday Boutique is on Friday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The boutique is open to the public and features 13 artists with a variety of homemade items including paintings, crochet items for kitchen and home, and beautiful Christmas decorations. Stop in and do some early shopping for your family’s Christmas presents.

Christmas Dinner Dance Have you always wanted to come to our Thursday Evening Dance? Our Christmas Dinner Dance is a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner and then dance to the musical genius of Tony Summerhays. The Christmas Dinner Dance is Thursday, Dec. 15. The cost is $9 which includes dinner from 6-7 p.m. and dancing from 7-9:30 p.m. What a great opportunity to come and meet your friends, have dinner and enjoy a great night of dancing. The dinner will include chicken breast, rice, vegetable and dessert. Extra door prizes will be raffled off at 8:15 p.m. Call 801264-2635 to sign-up now. Payment is required at time of registration.

The Park Center 202 E. Murray Park Ave www.murray.utah.gov 801.284.4200

Christmas Music with Kevin Scott Christensen

Open Pickleball Day: Monday—Friday Dates: Nov.-April. Time: 8am-12pm

On Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Kevin Scott Christensen will play a wide variety of Christmas music on the piano. Plan to come early for lunch, he will start playing at 11 a.m. and play through lunch. No prior registration required. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. The cost is $4 for the main entrée, or there are sandwich, salad or soup options starting at $2.

Day: Dates: Time:

No Open Pickleball Saturday, Dec. 17 Saturday, Dec. 31

#10 East 6150 South (one block west of State Street) For information on these and other great Heritage Center programs call 801-264-2635

Open pickleball times will change during Holidays & School Breaks

HOLIDAY HOURS

Snow Removal With the winter months now in full force, it is always good to review our Snow Removal Ordinance. 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. 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 questions, please contact the Public Services Department at 801-270-2440.

Saturday Sept.—Dec. 3pm-5pm

12/24 7AM-12PM 12/25 CLOSED 12/26 10AM-6PM

FACILITY HOURS

November - April Mon-Fri 5am - 10pm Saturday 7am - 7pm Sunday 9am - 2pm

December 4, 2016 9:15am Spinning 10:30am Yoga December 11, 2016 9:15am Spinning 10:30am AIS December 18, 2016 9:15am Spinning 10:30am Yoga December 25, 2016 NO CLASSES

Sunday Open VB South 9:30am-12pm Programs in the Gym Pickleball League Fridays, Jan. 6-March 3 South Court 5:30pm-9pm Winter Coed VB Tour. Saturday, Dec. 17 N & S 7am-7pm

WWW.MCREG.COM

Ages: 1-3 years Day: Wednesday Times: 12pm – 12:45pm Cost: $30 per month Dates: Nov. 2, 9, 23, 30

(no class on the 16th)

Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28 Karyn Anderson 801-403-5439

Dates: December 26 & 27 Days: Mon & Tues Times: 1pm-2:30pm Ages: 7 & Up Place: The Park Center Cost: $50 Both days $30 One Day

ON THE COVER

M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 13

McMillan second-grade students get hands-on experience with Utah geology By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

W how.

ho knew that a typical s’more over a campﬁre could illustrate metamorphic rocks? About 100 McMillan Elementary second-graders can explain

“I really liked learning about metamorphic s’mores,” second grader Mekensy Habel said. “We had a layer of graham cracker, then chocolate, then marshmallow with another graham cracker on top and each layer was a sedimentary rock, but with an igneous warm marshmallow, together they were metamorphic.” McKensy and their classmates walked around Silver Lake before picnicking. Not only did they see wildlife — a doe and two fawns, lizards, waterfowl, squirrels and a beaver dam — they saw the difference in plant life at a higher elevation and looked at the bowl shape of the canyon and learned how it was formed by glaciers long ago. “I liked walking along Silver Lake and seeing all the animals on the walk,” second grader Skyler Thueson said. Classmate Owen Smith said his favorite part was the hike. “I climbed up on the boulder and looked up to see all the trees,” he said. “We saw animals and I looked at all the different types of rocks and noticed the colors of the fall leaves and the shape of the canyon from my view.” Skyler said in addition to walking around the lake, he headed into the U.S. Forest Service’s visitor center. “It was neat to go into the Nature Center and learn more,” he said. Second grader Lily Matsumori said she learned from the Forest Service ranger more about how the lake was formed, about

McMillan second graders said of the favorite parts about learning about rocks was roasting marshmallows for their “metamorphic s’mores.” (Shauna Maughan/McMillan Elementary)

the glaciers and what kinds of rocks are in the area. “I sat down on a sturdy rock and drew a picture so I’d remember what I saw,” she said. In fact, students in Shauna Maughan’s class all created watercolor pictures of the ﬁeld trip. On one classroom wall, there were mountains, streams, Silver Lake, boulders, trees and animals highlighting their experience. Other classes wrote about their favorite parts of the ﬁeld trip, the rock cycle and created pet rock stories. Lily also said she liked learning about fossils.

2nd Annual

Night in Bethlehem

Live Nativity

Saturday, December 3, 2016 • 5-7 pm 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, Utah • Waffle Love Truck • Hot Chocolate • Memory Christmas Tree • Ornaments • Wasatch Singers Performance @ 5:30 pm • Animals from K-Bar Ranch

ing r i H w No

EARN extra cash! BE INVOLVED in the community. WRITE for the City Journals.

Send a resume and writing sample to bryan@mycityjournals.com

“I really liked working with salt dough so we could understand how fossils were made,” she said. Maughan said that on picnic tables, students made salt dough fossils of shells, bones, and plastic dinosaurs that they were able to take home. The field trip also included going to G.K. Gilbert Geologic View Park near the mouth of the canyon where students could see signs of the Wasatch fault, ancient Lake Bonneville’s shoreline and past mining operations. “We look at the canyon from that point and read the historical and geological signs. We see where the rocks are deposited from the glacier and how it carved the canyon in a U shape. Students can see the formations layered of shale and quartz, granite and the shoreline of Lake Bonneville. They can read about it in a book and we show them a Powerpoint, but it’s nothing like being there. They’re learning about rocks right in their backyard,” Maughan said about the field trip that has been a tradition at the school for more than 20 years. The students also visit the Temple Quarry trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, where they learn how it was cut, split, then slid down the mountain, she said. They walked along a dry riverbed to see sediment that was broken from the rocks. Maughan, along with teachers Samantha Walters, Sheri Winn and Christi Vuyk, used the illustration of shaking sugar cube in a milk carton to show how sediment breaks off similar to cobblestone. “We wanted to give students an understanding at the same time as seeing it firsthand. We want them to make real life connections. This is one of the coolest field trips we go on,” Maughan said. 

EDUCATION

PAGE 14 | DECEMBER 2016

MURRAY JOURNAL

Murray High marching band to return after 25-year absence

Viewmont Elementary students say yes to “YES! Day”

By Julie Slama | julie@mycityjournals.com

Murray High School marching band, seen here in a 1936 yearbook photo, plans to reintroduce marching band in fall 2017. (Murray High School)

t’s 1991. Bryan Adams topped the pop chart with “Everything I Do, I Do It For You.” Movie-goers watched “Thelma and Louise,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Fisher King” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” Gas cost $1.14 per gallon. And it was one of the last opportunities to watch Murray High School’s marching band take the field at halftime of a football game. Until now. Under the new director of bands Zach Giddings, the return of the marching band is slated to make its debut summer 2017. “I had fun marching all throughout high school and college,” Giddings said. “I was in competitions where Murray High performed. Murray’s marching band was known for its stellar performances. They were the cleanest band in Utah. They were precise in their movements. Everything was exact, perfect. The band was well known. If we can get back out marching in parades and at the games, we’ll be more visible and can contribute more to our community.” The former Murray High marching band originated in the 1930s and had about 35 members in the band as well as percussion and color guard. The return of Murray High’s marching band is expected to begin in May as Giddings plans to have students start learning the music. In June, he plans to add in the formations, then in July march in community parades. After a five-day, 35-hour band camp in early August, he hopes the marching band will be practicing its football half-time shows. Once school begins, practices may be about five hours twice per week. However, Giddings and the marching band

will be beginning from scratch as there are only parts of marching band uniforms from days past, color guard flag poles without flags and no sousaphones, just marching French horns and baritones. So Giddings already has been filing grant applications and will look into fundraisers to get the program up and running again. “We may just start out small in numbers wearing polos and khakis and play for football games in traditional marching band styles. It may take a couple years to get the program competitive, but realistically, these beginning years will help the players tremendously,” he said. Giddings said he hopes the practices in the summer will not only help students learn how to march, but they will be practicing their instruments. “Anytime students practice it will improve their playing, whether it’s pep band music or concert pieces. And learning how to move and play will take their ability as performers to another level,” he said. Currently, the only opportunity for Murray High students to participate in a marching band is through Canyons School District’s program housed at Alta High School. While the school welcomes others to participate, Giddings said it is difficult for Murray students to get to the Sandy school after school. This year, only one student has made that commitment. “I want to give more music opportunities for our students. I loved marching band and I want students to be inspired to see what they can do. Marching band offers so many opportunities from working as a team to meeting people who may become their best friends after spending hours practicing on the field. It’s just a blast,” he said. 

hen Viewmont Elementary students follow their school’s code of conduct, called the Eagle Code, they get to celebrate with YES! Day. “Each month, we’re recognizing our students who are exemplifying our Eagle Code and celebrating the fact our students are doing great things,” Principal Missy Hamilton said. The Eagle Code stands for Effort to try hard and keep working; Acceptance and respectfulness to everyone; Goals to have students finish their tasks; Leaders and being a good example; Excellence and to follow directions the first time; and Stand up and build up others around them. While faculty and staff identify students who are role modeling this behavior with an Eagle ticket, the students don’t trade in the ticket for a pencil or piece of candy. “These celebrations are fun — things students want to do — and they don’t cost any or very little money,” Hamilton said. Each YES! Day offers different rewards. Already this school year, students have cashed in their tickets to run down the school hallways as their peers cheered them on. There’s been a chance to explore the secret parts of the school or participate in a dance party at lunch. Some students have used their tickets for fingernail painting and playing horse in basketball. “It’s about us coming together to recognize a good thing. We’re building our community and at the same time, saying these things matter. Plus, it’s just been a lot of fun for the students to earn tickets and then celebrate being good,” she said. Sixth-grader Abby Barlocker agrees. “Eagle tickets are awesome because you have to earn them,” she said. “Teachers don’t just give it to you. Then you get to spend them on fun activities on YES! Days. Sometimes teachers even have activities you can do on days that aren’t YES! Days, like karaoke time.” Classmate Madison Bauer said that all students want Eagle tickets. “One of our teachers made Harry Potter wands and even though she used her own money to make it, she’s charging Eagle tickets for people to buy one,” she said. “We have lots of choices on what we can spend our Eagle tickets on. We even get to make suggestions to the PTA for YES! Day activities.” The YES! Days are held monthly, after introducing which part of the Eagle Code students should focus on and having student council help in demonstrating it through a

One activity students purchased with their school tickets they earned was ﬁngernail painting. (Missy Hamilton/Viewmont Elementary)

mini-lesson at a school assembly. “We’re seeing much more positive behavior. There’s been a huge decline in bullying and classroom disruptions. Last year, we had 211 infractions. This year, we’ve only had four,” Hamilton said. She said that program was built by parents and teachers who are part of the school’s behavioral leadership team. “We looked at programs around us and built one that would work for our school. We saw one at a charter school and built upon that, then added our assemblies,” Hamilton said. Parent-Teacher Association President Kelly Taeoalii said that the program has been fun for students at the same time as rewarding. “Most importantly, it’s working,” she said. “Kids are highly motivated to follow the Eagle Code and it has more value to them than stickers or candy. These activities, such as running down the halls or touring secret parts of the school, are experiences they choose and will remember earning.” Sixth-grader Brandon Tingey points out that the opportunity is for all students. “YES! Day is a fun way for everyone to get involved in fun things at the school,” he said. Hamilton said that because of YES! Day, students are more empathetic and caring. Fifth-grader Aiden Martin said students can tie their behaviors back to the Eagle Code. “I earn Eagle Tickets by holding the doors open for others, and sometimes in class when I’m helping one of my disabled friends, I can earn tickets for being a good friend or showing acceptance like our Eagle Code says,” Aiden said. Simply put, by second-grader Collin Thacker: “Eagle tickets are the best.” 

SPORTS

M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 15

Cottonwood High’s swim team of talent By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

oming off a year in which the Cottonwood High School swim team broke nine school records—four boys, ﬁve girls—one could hardly blame head coach Ron Lockwood for his optimism.

“Last year went great, a lot of great individual swims, a lot to get excited about,” Lockwood said. The boys team were state runners-up while the girls finished in fourth with multiple swimmers and relay teams finishing in first place including the 200-yard medley relay, men’s 200-yard individual medley (IM), women’s 100- yard butterfly, men’s 100-yard butterfly, women’s 100-yard backstroke, men’s 200-yard backstroke and the men’s 400-yard freestyle relay. Jonah Simon, the 2015 5A boys swimmer of the year, graduated with two individual school records to go along with two relay records while sophomore Jarod Arroyo finished with three individual records and two relay records. The Colts lost Arroyo a few weeks before the season began when he moved to Arizona to compete with the Puerto Rican national team. Despite those potentially disastrous losses to the program, the Colts have built up depth over the last few years. Lockwood said the quality of his swimmers this season gives him confidence in the team. “Those guys are gonna have some great swims. We’ve got some other boys that will break through and get into that state meet and have a lot of fun,” Lockwood said. The girls side returns many of their key contributors from last year’s fourth placed team including 2016’s 5A girls swimmer of the year, junior Rhyan White. White broke the state record in the 100-yard backstroke last season by more than a second with a time of 53:45. Whose record did she break? Her own — from the previous year.

Coaches and members of the Cottonwood High swim team look on during the 500-yard freestyle race on Nov. 17 at the Marv Marv Jensen Recreation Center. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

Lockwood said White is committed to greatness and her hard work has paid off. “She’s an extremely athletic young lady…she travels differently in the water than other kids. When she kicks her legs bend differently than others,” Lockwood said. “I know it sounds strange but she has some natural born gifts that have allowed her to be spectacular.” White appears primed for another successful year after taking 18th place at the US Olympic Trials in Omaha, Neb. in June. “We were there and had a blast, we had a great time,” Lockwood said.

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But White won’t need to carry the team as the Colts boast a squad filled with talent. “We’ve got an incredible group of young ladies that are gonna be very good and a couple of freshmen that will be significant difference makers this year,” Lockwood said. The Colts enter the 2016-2017 season with 42 swimmers on the team having won their first meet in Box Elder. Team captain, senior Cassidee Bunten, said the relays are one of the team’s strongest aspects. “We have really good, strong teams that we’ve put together and we’ve actually been practicing with,” Bunten said. Bunten is in her third year with the Cottonwood swim team and noted that the program’s focus over the years has been team unity, which has transformed into one of its strengths. “Even though it’s an individual sport and you’re in the lane by yourself racing against other people, it’s still a team sport because you have your teammates at the end of the lane cheering you on,” Bunten said. “[Your teammates] are the ones that are there for you if you do bad so I feel it’s a really big part.” With a season that starts at the beginning of November and runs through mid-February, Lockwood maps out the season in advance to properly prepare the swimmers to peak when the state tournament arrives. The swimming community generally states that bodies take four weeks to adapt to training habits and adaptation phases. Lockwood said the season builds on those four-week cycles taking the proper recovery time to allow the athletes to compete at their best. “It’s worked out pretty well for us over the last little bit, we’ve had a lot of success,” Lockwood said. 

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MURRAY JOURNAL

Olympic hopeful elevates status in climbing world By Travis Barton | travis@mycityjournals.com

veryone aims to climb the ranks of their given passion. Nathaniel Coleman is literally doing it. As a competitive climber, Coleman is enjoying a successful 2016. Earlier this year, he won USA Climbing’s Bouldering Open National Championship and the Youth Bouldering National Championship in Madison, Wis. In October, he took second representing the United States at the inaugural International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) World University Championships in Shanghai, China. “I feel honored really to be at a level where I’m able to win these competitions,” Coleman, 19, said. He also won the collegiate national championship in bouldering in May as a member/coach of the University of Utah climbing team. “This year has been a picture-perfect way for him to complete his youth career,” said Jeff Pedersen, CEO and co-founder of Momentum Indoor Climbing—where Coleman began training at age nine. Pedersen was one of Coleman’s first coaches. With the sport of climbing approved by the International Olympic Committee to be included in the 2020 Olympics games, Coleman’s success figures to see him as a prime contender to represent his country. Coleman said he definitely has aspirations for the Olympics. Already getting a taste of it by representing USA at international competitions around the world, Coleman said competing in China gave him a “team feeling.” “It was cool to have that sense of team that you usually don’t get in such an individual sport,” Coleman said. “I was just excited to do well and have my team be proud of me.” Olympic climbing will be a combination of sport climbing, bouldering and speed climbing. As a specialized boulder climber, Coleman said many world cup climbers specialize in one discipline rather than all three. Each discipline requires different types of training. “It’s kind of up in the air whose gonna be best at that time, with four years to train I’m sure I’ll be able to get pretty decent at all three,” Coleman said. Considering his career accomplishments, his parents, coaches and competitors expect him to continue his “incredible journey” because of his talent. “He knows how to move his body, he knows his strength. He can execute moves that a lot of climbers can’t because of his strength and body awareness,” said Rosane Coleman, Nathaniel’s mother and Momentum competitive team manager. This natural talent has led to sponsorships and compensation for doing what he loves. Nathaniel has sponsorship deals with Prana clothing company, Five Ten footwear and Petzl, a climbing gear manufacturer based out of France. Nathaniel doesn’t earn enough money to make a living,

but there remains a level to which he can make a living off of climbing. Something he realized a possibility at age 15 when he won the Youth Bouldering Nationals. Nathaniel said the victory motivated him to train harder and get more comfortable in the competition setting. But it was when he took fifth at the adult nationals at age 18 that he took it seriously. “At that point I knew this was definitely worth considering doing for the rest of my life,” Nathaniel said. “When I was 15 I knew it was a possibility, and at 18 I knew it was happening.” “I see a lot of climbers get on a route,” Rosane said. “And then I see Nathaniel do it and he makes it look so easy that I think I could do that and then I go, ‘no never mind.’” Introduced to climbing at age nine by his friend Palmer Larsen, Nathaniel started on the Momentum youth team. Nathaniel said once he tried it out, he loved it and has been climbing ever since. “It just fit my style of athleticism really well and my body type,” Nathaniel said. The challenge of the sport always gives him something to progress to, which plays a big role in his love for the sport. “There’s seemingly endless rock in the world, you can always find a bouldering rock that’s harder,” Nathaniel said. Rosane said he was a very independent and hyperactive child. “Once he knew what he wanted, he went for it,” Rosane said. His affinity for the sport incorporates the mental aspect as well. Nathaniel said it appeals to him that every time he climbs, he’s faced with a puzzle. “You really do need to be able to work through these puzzles in your mind to be a good competition climber,” Nathaniel said. He said he’s noticed many climbers he competes against attend ivy league schools. Having taken third place in a state chess tournament in third grade, Nathaniel’s aptitude for general problem solving, he said, has developed his ability on the climbing wall. “Climbing will help with my chess, chess will help climbing and it’ll help with my schooling so it all circulates back,” Nathaniel, a computer science major, said. Physicality is just as essential to the sport with Nathaniel noting the importance of finger strength, bicep pulling power and core stability. He trains four days a week for anywhere from three to three and a half hours. Training consists of lifting weights, body weight exercise, climbing different problems back-to-back, rings gymnastics, and hanging onto a ledge with weight hanging off him. He also works mobility exercises to make sure his stretching is being applied well. Nathaniel recently aged out of the Momentum program, but attributes much of his success to his time there. “Wouldn’t be where I am climbing without Momentum. Even if I lived in a different state with a different climbing gym, I might not be climbing as well as I am today,” Nathaniel said. He added that for youth considering climbing, joining a climbing gym provides needed technical knowledge. “The more you get involved with climbing, the more obsessed with it you’ll become,” Nathaniel said. One of Nathaniel’s coaches at Momentum, Kyle O’Meara, said their climbing program helps kids prepare for life.

Nathaniel Coleman, a Murray High School graduate, was The North Face’s 2016 Young Gun Award recognizing up-and-coming climbers. (Vincent Monsaint)

“From problem solving to long-term goal setting, climbing offers young people an opportunity to develop traits that are easily transferrable to college and the workplace,” O’Meara said. Nathaniel’s parents have been an important part of his progress, whether it was coming to his competitions or paying for expensive climbing gear. “[They’ve] been the most supportive people in my life for sure…even when they though it was just going to be a hobby, they were sending me to Wisconsin and Atlanta for nationals so I could pursue what I loved,” Nathaniel said. Rosane said he’s very humble so she’s constantly bragging about him with everything he’s done in his short life. “He just has a very natural ability, it’s been an incredible journey watching him get to where he’s getting,” Rosane said. Climbing has affected every aspect of Nathaniel’s life from the places he’s seen to his own maturation. The Murray native has competed all over the world from France and Italy to Wisconsin and Georgia. “What I eat, how I sleep, the things I do with my free time. Other people might be playing video games, I’m usually watching climbing videos,” Nathaniel said. “When I’m at a public event I try to remain professional instead of making fart jokes with my friends.” Rosane said the sport has helped to focus him from the hyperactive child he was growing up. “When he gets on a climbing wall, it’s like nothing else exists,” Rosane said. “It’s made his life have more purpose, so that he’s able to set goals and reach them.” It’s an inherent connection to it that means Nathaniel will climb until he is too old and “breaking bones when [he] falls.” “I just feel it was what I was meant to do. I think I can achieve a lot in it. So I think it’d be a waste if I didn’t pursue this thing I was born to do,” Nathaniel said. The University of Utah sophomore almost didn’t attend the local university. Rosane said many suggested he take a year off to just let him climb. Nathaniel chose to go to school and get a degree in computer science that not only can he fall back on, but he hopes he can do work while traveling the world. “It would’ve been easy for him to just say, ‘I wanna climb,’ but he’s got goals and he wants a degree,” Rosane said. 

Nathaniel Coleman, 19, stands on the left side of the podium after taking silver at the IFSC World University Championships in China. (Josh Larson)

DECEMBER 2016 | PAGE 17

M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

Moto United

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they can give customers more options. The dealership features have amazing rebates and incentives on Polaris and Can-Am to get the best deals out there. Polaris released some of the best prices they have ever given. They also have a full service department for all powersport vehicles including new and used boats. Moto United mechanics provide more than 30 years of repair experience to customers. Moto United cnn test boats on-location, rather than wasting time and driving to the lake to test it. This service is a year-round service. The test area is basically a pool. “Come into our dealership and see what we have for you,” Chandler Higgins said. “We promise, once you meet us and experience our service, you’ll never go anywhere else.” 

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PAGE 18 | DECEMBER 2016

MURRAY JOURNAL

The Holidays: Time to Start Giving Back…. Or, is it?

ay it Forward, Serve, Give Back, Random Act of Kindness, no matter how you spell it, it’s that time of year where we are all thinking about giving. What a relief! After the troubled times of November, I for one am looking forward to the positivity the holidays bring. But, this leaves me pondering, what is all the excitement about. After all, December is just one month out of an entire calendar year. Studies show that people that help our fellow man are more successful in life, have improved health and happiness. Plus, children who volunteer are more likely to grow up to volunteer and serve as adults. Communities with more volunteers are typically more stable and better places to live (USA Today). So why are we saving all those positive beneﬁts for only 1/12 of an entire year? Lets face it, in today’s world we need to make the effort to put a smile on the faces around us everyday. So, I’m proposing, in addition to the plans you already have to serve this holiday, you add just one more thing, a big cardboard box. For years I’ve had a box that’s plunked right next to my front door. It’s become a bit of joke for friends, as every time they stop by, I make some excuse for the tripping hazard. To the untrained it could look like a pile of unorganized junk waiting to be hauled out to the trash, but my charity box is actually a dropping ground for denotable food and clothing, household items or children’s niceties. I’ve found that having the box right where I enter and leave encourages me to add to it and reminds me to drop it of. To get you started here are a few things that have landed in this years box. January: Hot Cocoa Mix A little treat to enjoy with a neighbor after shoveling their sidewalk

February: Oatmeal Did you know February is National Hot Breakfast Month? What a great time to do a neighborhood Oatmeal Drive for the Food Bank. March: Books, Puzzles and Board Games It’s national reading month, so how bout encouraging a little reading? Volunteer at the Library; donate books to children in need. Senior homes also enjoy donations of books, puzzles and games.

November: Holiday Wrapping Paper, Tape and Gift Cards Remember all of those donated gifts need to get wrapped. Most charities collecting gifts also have a need for wrapping supplies. One idea would be the Holiday Gift Box. They provide individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families who are in need gifts for Christmas. More info at uaidutah.org/holiday-giftbox

June: Tomato Plants and Pots Plant patio tomatoes in ﬂowerpots and deliver them to an elderly neighbor or retirement home.

While I may trip over my charity box every now and again, it helps me remember to make those important little donations the entire year. And as for my friends that stop by, well… I’ll just let them continue to think I’m a little unorganized. Wishing you the happiest of holidays, all year long. 

July: School Supplies Kids all over Utah need school supplies and teachers love getting them too. Donate to your local school or participate in Stuff the Bus and help ﬁll backpacks for kids. (stuffthebus.uw.org) August: Personal Care Items Even the casual coupon user knows that personal care items like toothpaste; soap and hygiene products are easy pickings. Instead of

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M URRAYJOURNAL.COM

O Tidings of Comfort Annoy

ow that Facebook has become a year-round newsletter, packed with enough posts to make us feel miserable all year long, can we ﬁnally call it quits on those dreadful holiday letters? I understand a family newsletter can be a highlight of the season, recapping all your adventures with witty repartee and candy cane clip art, but to many people, this bragalicious tradition is lemon juice in the paper cuts of life. Reading about how you cured black lung disease or saved an endangered species makes others’ successes look like table scraps. My newsletter would go something like this, “Dear family and friends, I did not get arrested this year. Happy New Year! Love, Peri.” (Disclaimer: The year’s not over yet.) So, ﬁrst of all, don’t write a Christmas letter. However, if you feel you must write an annual message or your life won’t be complete, here are tips to make it bearable for friends and family. Let your children do the writing. I would LOVE getting a Christmas message that read, “Mom cries in the bathroom and tells us to eat Froot Loops for dinner. Dad has a special ‘drinking mug’ in his garage. Aunt Ethel spent Thanksgiving in the county jail for walking streets. Happy Holidays!” Use your letter as a weapon. A Christmas newsletter can encourage friendly competition amongst your offspring. Announce who had the most As, the best-cleaned room or who

peed the bed the least amount of times. Be sure to embarrass the *&%$ out of them so they’ll be on their best behavior next year. Create an acronym. For instance, NOEL can be Notice Our Exceptional Lives or No One Enjoys Letters. Quote Quiz. Choose the funniest quotes said by your family during the year and have your readers guess who said it. January--”Who left the %&@* lights on?!” February—“Is there a reason there are a dozen shoes by the back door?” March—“Who left the %&@* lights on again?” Write from your pet’s perspective. “This is Peri’s dog, Ringo. I was taken to the vet three times this year and had to get shots. She forgot to give me a treat twice last week, even after I sat under her feet for three consecutive episodes of Westworld. She also didn’t pet me long enough after she got home from work, but she gave me a steak bone, so all’s forgiven.” Share a family recipe. If people ask for your sugar

cookie recipe, put it in your Christmas newsletter. But don’t be like my neighbor who leaves out key ingredients so my cookies never taste quite the same as hers. Not cool. Don’t recount Family Disasters 2016. Your water heater broke, your car died in the desert, you have rats in the basement and bats in your belfry. You lost several jobs, were abducted by aliens and SWAT kicked in your door at 3 a.m. Newsletters are not catastrophe competitions. Next! Don’t brag. For every straight-A accomplishment, for every award-winning dance competition and for every highersalary promotion you exclaim over, your letter will be read by a man with kids struggling in school, a daughter with no noticeable rhythm and a woman in a dead-end, mind-numbing job. Take it down a notch, will ya? Even better, since I never receive mail anymore (except for Hickory Farm catalogues and postcards from mortgage companies), maybe save all your glowing updates for Facebook and Instagram where you can gush all you’d like. You can even add clip art. 