MURRAY IN 2025: AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT TO EXPECT
By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
“Change is inevitable.” Or so it’s been said. So, of course, things are changing and progressing in Murray. Here’s a quick debrief from Doug Hill, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, on a few upcoming changes.
Murray Power – With the goal of consuming cleaner energy, coal powered power plants are on the decline, worldwide. Murray Power is currently weighing options for transitioning more fully to natural gas, a cleaner source of power, via their existing relationship with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. This is a proactive move to lessen Murray’s dependence on coal, as coal power will gradually be phased out. Currently, Murray Power is in several cooperative contracts and receives power from many sources including coal, solar, some natural gas, methane capture and hydro. The transition should not result in a change in billing or additional cost to residents.
Public Works Upgrades – Murray City Public Works takes care of streets, water, storm water, sewer and garbage. All necessary, but at times underappreciated functions of city management and maintenance. Public Works is seeking a bond for $20 million to replace and upgrade their older buildings at their existing location, about 4600 South and 500 West. The upgrades will include office space and storage for equipment and service vehicles. After funding is secured, construction should commence within the year.
Annexation – There is a small area between Millcreek, Holladay and Murray, “an island, you could say, of unincorporated land,” Hill said. Because of a law the state legislature passed in the last session, requiring that any remaining “islands” of unincorporated land in the county should automatically transfer to the adjacent city with the largest population by 2027 (in this case would be Millcreek), it set some residents, who identify as Murrayites, to petition for annexation into Murray rather than Millcreek.
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Construction on the Murray Theater continues. The project is behind schedule and over budget due to unforeseen structural issues, but Marketing Specialist Erica Brown says, “It seems like everyone I talk to has a childhood memory of coming to the Murray Theater, either for a movie or a musical performance. This space will be awesome and is very important to Murray.” It is expected to open spring of 2025. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Cottonwood basketball returns
Ladies Take the Lead with Experience, Passion and Purpose at CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospitals
“Ido this work for my father, for families like ours, and ultimately, for the glory of God,” said Martha Boutsikakis Gamble, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Holy Cross Hospital - West Valley and registered nurse for over 20 years.
For many, a career in healthcare is more of a calling - a decision made that was shaped by past experiences with loved ones, or even personal health scares of their own. This type of desire to care for others and passion to pursue a career in healthcare rings especially true for the ladies who are taking the lead at our CommonSpirit Health Holy Cross Hospitals in West Jordan and West Valley City.
Martha was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to immigrant parents from Crete, Greece. While her parents spoke conversational English, her role as the eldest child often involved translating for them in settings where language wasn’t necessarily the barrier but rather, cultural understanding wasthis included translating at her dad’s appointments with his dietitian.
“When I was only about 11 or 12 years old, my father was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes,” said Martha. “It quickly became clear during his appointments that the meal recommendations we were receiving didn’t align with the food we grew up eating, nor did they consider the cultural context of our meals.”
In an attempt to adapt to the dietitian’s recommendations, the meals Martha and her family ate were repetitive… for nearly a decade.
“These early experiences fostered in me a calling—not only to serve but to advocate for
communities like mine, where language and culture can create unseen barriers to quality healthcare,” said Martha.
For Christine McSweeney, President of Holy Cross Hospitals - Jordan Valley and West Valley, her path to healthcare leadership began as a passion to explore the science behind nutrition and how to properly fuel our bodies.
“I’m a science nerd at heart,” said Christine. “I get excited about seeing people and myself thrive and improve through proper nutrition and care”
Christine’s career began at Banner Health in Arizona where she was a clinical dietitian. Over the course of 20 years, Christine climbed the ranks to eventually serve as Chief Operating Officer of a large academic center in downtown Phoenix before she joined the CommonSpirit Health leadership team five years ago, stepping into her current President role in 2023.
“My experience here in Utah has been like no other. It is full of neighbors helping neighbors, strong family values, amazing outdoor beauty and a true haven for healthy lifestyles. This way of living and thinking really brings me back to my roots as a dietitian” said Christine. “In addition, it certainly doesn’t hurt that the people we have working for CommonSpirit in the Greater Salt Lake market are loyal, dedicated and lean into our mission with their values first!”
Katie Flores, CNO at Holy Cross HospitalMountain Point and Interim CNO at Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley, kicked off her healthcare
career in 2001 as a registered nurse - initially caring for patients at the bedside in Med/Surg and in the Emergency Department.
Over the years, Katie transitioned into leadership roles and has been serving as CNO for the last 10 years. A passionate caregiver, Katie’s background actually started with a dream to work in broadcast media… but that quickly changed.
“I realized early on that broadcast wasn’t the right fit for me - I felt a lack of connection and fulfillment so I pursued a career that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on others,” said Katie. “After going through some personal life experiences that led me to seek healthcare myself, I decided to make a change. I went back to school to pursue a career in healthcare—one that I could feel passionate about every day and truly connect with on a deeper level.”
Though different backgrounds and experiences fuel this leadership team’s passion to do what they do every day, Christine shared that the common thread between them all is, “This team of women lead with strength, confidence, curiosity, determination and heart…. it is present in everything we do and apparent in the quality of care our hospitals provide. I cannot wait to see all we continue to accomplish, together.”
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
Parkside’s fundraiser run provides students more field trip opportunities
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
In the blustery cold Halloween wind, 460 students raced around Murray Park dressed as ghouls and goblins.
The Parkside students were participating in the school’s Monster Dash.
The course for the younger grades was set for 0.25 miles while upper grades ran about 1 mile. However, kindergartners took the wrong path and ran the longer loop.
Parent Katrina Christiansen completed the loop with her kindergartner, Will.
“I think we ran the route for Jacob,” she said referring to her fifth grader’s loop. “Even though it’s cold, it’s fun for them. They get some exercise and get out with friends.”
Her second-grade daughter, Ella, had finished the course and snuggled in her mother’s coat.
“I like wearing the costume best,” she said, adding she completed the course with her friend, Charlotte.
They were cheering on the third graders who were approaching the finish line. In fact, students in each grade cheered on another grade.
“Our sixth graders came out to cheer on for kindergarten because they were the first group,” assistant principal Merissa Graves said. “The kids liked last year’s fun run, even with our fifth graders getting completely drenched, and they were asking to do it again. We thought this year we’d change it up and let them wear costumes.”
She was wearing an inflatable chicken costume, which some of the kids wanted to pet or name.
“A lot of families come out and support their kids and walk the path with them. We’ve had a lot of support from the community, too,” she said.
Amongst the donations was Murray Park and Recreation reserving all the nearby pavilions for their use, which reduced non-school
traffic. Macey’s provided snacks and Little Caesars gave crazy bread certificates for every runner.
Head Start gave an assortment of goodies for each student — water bottles, balloons, lip balm, hand sanitizer, band-aids and squishy toys, said PE teacher Alexis Lucero.
In addition, the top three boy and top three girl runners per grade received medals contributed by Handmade Celebrations out of Philadelphia.
“I got them prepped for the Monster Dash in our PE classes, and also let them know what they could win,” she said. “Seeing the excitement from the kids has been awesome.”
The Monster Dash also served as the school community council’s fundraiser.
“We’re trying to get $9,000 so each grade gets four or five field trips,” Graves said. “We get a lot of breaks on field trip expenses, but the buses still cost money. We want to give our students a lot of experiences they might not get
otherwise.”
When students brought in $5 in donations, they had the incentive of getting an extra recess. Ten dollars earned them an ice cream sandwich. If they brought in $15, there was a PJ spirit day. At $20, the goal set for each student, they could attend a school Day of the Dead party.
As of press deadline, Principal Heather Nicholas said they were still counting the donations.
“The Monster Dash helps us pay for busing for the amazing opportunities we’re trying to give our students; this may be the only time they get to go to these places,” she said, adding that typically Murray School District allots funding for one field trip per grade. “Already, our third grade has gone to the aquarium and to the natural history museum. They read the book, ‘The Wild Robot’ so they went to the premiere of that and had the whole movie theater auditorium, which was donated.”
Parkside partners with Thanksgiving Point, which provides free admission to activities there.
“We’re trying to give the kids some experiences that they normally wouldn’t get; we’re focusing on STEAM. We also have our upper grades walk to Murray High and Hillcrest (Jr. High) to see their theater productions, and our fourth grade gets to go to Ballet West’s ‘The Nutcracker.’ Hale Centre Theatre gave us tickets this fall for our sixth graders so they saw ‘The Magician’s Elephant’ and our fifth grade is going to Hale in the spring,” she said.
This is the second year Parkside fourth graders have had the opportunity to have a ski day.
“We work with Ski Utah, and we scholarship our kids because they have to rent the equipment, and then we get a bus that will take them to a ski resort. Last year, they went to Snowbird. This year, it’s at Park City Mountain Resort, because Park City has the rental equipment, they get with their voucher right on their property so it makes it easier. The fourth graders take sack lunches and they get a halfday ski lesson. It’s the only time most of our kids will have that experience,” Nicholas said. “Fourth graders also go to the Great Salt Lake to look at brine shrimp. Our teachers relate field trips to their core; they relate the field trips to the standards they teach.”
She said the field trips that Parkside provides gets them outside of their neighborhoods.
“They see beyond their normal environment. We’ve had kids see a lot of gang violence and drugs. That’s what they see in their neighborhoods. These field trips gives them experiences that are beyond their normal life. They don’t have music lessons; they don’t have ice skating; they don’t go to soccer practice or whatever,” Nicholas said. “We want to give them these opportunities.” l
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Parkside students race at the start of the Monster Dash fundraiser on Halloween. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
The perfect blend – Tea Rose Diner to move to historic Murray Chapel
There are two special places to Murrayites in the historic core of Murray, the Tea Rose Diner and the historic Murray Chapel. Soon those two places will fuse.
Anny Sooksri, the owner of the Tea Rose Diner, recently purchased the Murray Chapel, which is across the street from the existing restaurant, with plans to upgrade the historic building and relocate the Tea Rose Diner into the space.
Sooksri has been operating the Tea Rose Diner for 18 years now, having survived ongoing construction and a global pandemic, in a tricky location. Her path to restaurant ownership started after the 2004 tsunami in Thailand, which killed more than 230,000 people in communities surrounding the Indian Ocean.
Inspired to help her homeland, Sooksri organized a fundraiser and cooked for over 100 people. When she pulled it off, she thought, “If I can do that, maybe I could do a restaurant.”
She says she’s not a person who thinks and doesn’t act. She jumps right in.
“Life is too short, and what if I got hit by a car and didn’t do something I loved,” Sooksri asked herself. So, with that mindset, she quit her job as a supervisor at the post office, took some of her favorite recipes from home, and opened the Tea Rose Diner.
At that time, Thai food was hard to find in the Salt Lake Valley and the offerings available catered to an American palate. Sooksri changed that, cooking food that she loved as a child in Thailand.
Though she didn’t have restaurant experience, she said, “I love to eat and I love good food. My grandma is a chef in Thailand for a royal family, so maybe that’s where I get it.”
Why does she love Murray?
The Tea Rose Diner opened in a former burger shop in a tiny building at 65 E. 5th Ave. Sooksri started with just one flat grill and two burners in a kitchen that is still so small that, “I joke that our cooks can’t walk by each other without sexual harassment.”
A couple of months after opening, the restaurant was written up in the Salt Lake Tribune and the next Sunday, with only herself and one server available for an anticipated slow-ish day, every table filled and she had a line out the door.
“Some people were mad because it took so long to get their food, but many started helping to clear tables, wash dishes and cut the vegetables,” Sooksri said. “They became my friends.”
She loves Murray because she has so many regular customers. “So many people have been eating with me since I opened.” There’s Mr. Day (Clint Day of Day Murray Music) who used to visit the restaurant sometimes twice a day and still eats frequently at the diner.
There’s Howard Brown who not only eats at the restaurant two to three times a week, but who comes in early to help, “teach my people
By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
The Tea Rose Diner opened 18 years ago in a former
English,” as the Tea Rose Diner has many employees who don’t speak English as their first language.
Paul Pickett, District 1 councilmember, is also a longtime fan. “When my family immigrated to the United States, we did what most immigrant families do and that is, open a restaurant. I grew up cooking next to my mom and dad. As a result, there is a soft spot in my heart for local restaurants, especially those run by immigrants. I have been a customer of Tea Rose Diner for over a decade now, I love their food, but what I love even more is the local flavor it brings to Murray’s downtown area. We look forward to a wonderful downtown with Anny’s restaurant as a showpiece.”
The Tea Rose Diner will continue to serve from the existing location during the remodel of the chapel.
“I don’t want my people to lose their jobs,” Sooksri said. “The people who work with me are my family, since my original people are still in Thailand, and many have been
Anny Sooksri opened the Tea Rose Diner 18 years ago in a former burger shop at
After purchasing the historic Murray Chapel from Murray’s RDA, Anny Sooksri plans to remodel the building and move her restaurant, the Tea Rose Diner, into the historic space. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Though the restaurant didn’t have an official sign until this one was painted a few years ago, diners flocked to enjoy traditional Thai food. Sooksri recently purchased the historic Murray Chapel (across the street from the existing restaurant) to remodel and rehome the long-time local’s favorite. If plans are approved, the new location will have a coffee shop, an event space, and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
“But we will definitely build out a bigger kitchen.”
She explained they plan to expand out the back in a greenhouse-type addition, with lots of windows, to keep the historic building uncompromised, understanding all changes will need to be approved by the historical preservation groups, the council and the city.
She is currently working with an architect and talking to contractors and hopes to start construction in the summer, anticipating it will take close to a year until the new location is ready to open.
with me since I opened. I don’t want them to have to travel to a different location that wouldn't be as easy for them.”
Sooksri and her husband (who she affectionally calls, Jeffi) currently operate several other establishments, including Chabaar Beyond Thai, Fav Bistro, Uncle Jeffi’s, and Tea Rose Thai Express.
The Tea Rose Diner will blossom
Murray’s redevelopment board accepted Sooksri’s offer of $120,000 to buy the historic Murray Chapel and she plans to invest $800,000 in renovations. The chapel is situated within the Block One redevelopment area and is one of several historic buildings.
The chapel, which was originally a Baptist church, was relocated in the early 1980s from about 4800 South to the Block One area and was used as a wedding venue. The city repurchased it in 2015 for future redevelopment. Sooksri will take it from here.
“I like to say I bought the land with the honor to keep up the chapel,” Sooksri said.
“There will be street-level outdoor patio seating, and the main door will open to the south, for feng shui reasons,” Sooksri said with a laugh. “The south entrance is supposed to be pretty and well-maintained, to create good luck and make money.”
The new restaurant will serve Thai-inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner. And unlike the current location, they plan to serve alcohol.
“If the council approves, with the addition in the back and seating above, the restaurant will serve three times as many,” Sooksri said. “Since Murray wants to make Poplar Street walking-only and event street, I want people to have a place to sit down and relax. A place for neighbors and people who work at the hospital to come and sit and clear their head.”
She also hopes to have a coffee bar and an option to rent out the space for events, or even weddings, to honor the history of the space as a church and as a former wedding venue. l
burger shop at 65 E. 5th Ave. Anny Sooksri started with just one flat grill and two burners in a kitchen that is still so small that, “I joke that our cooks can’t walk by each other without sexual harassment.” Here Sooksri works in the kitchen with two of her people, employees she considers family. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
65 E. 5th Ave.
Petapalooza helped lead the way as Utah tries to be a no-kill state
By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
Petapalooza was held at Wheeler Historic Farm (6351 S. 900 East) in Murray. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Ten animal shelter and rescue groups came together with the common goal of finding cats and dogs loving homes. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
All pets in Salt Lake County with a pet license were able to get a free microchip. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Petapalooza was sponsored by Salt Lake County Animal Services and No-Kill Utah – A Best Friends Animal Society Initiative. (Cassie Goff/ City Journals)
Petapalooza encouraged residents to stop by between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
With over 500 animals ready for adoption, Petapalooza invited residents to find their new family member. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
Microchips and pet licenses were available to be acquired during Petapalooza. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
No-Kill Utah (NKUT) is an initiative led by Best Friends Animal Society that brings together passionate individuals, city shelters and a group of animal welfare organizations to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters throughout the state of Utah. (Cassie Goff/City Journals)
A public hearing by the city council will determine if the annexation moves forward. There are some benefits to Murray, like an increase in property tax and sales, as the area holds approximately 35 single-family homes and a bit of retail. There is some benefit to residents, as it is somewhat less expensive to live in Murray than Millcreek. Upon annexation, Murray will be responsible for street maintenance, police and fire protection. “The area has already proven to be good neighbors for Murray,” Hill added.
Construction projects nearing completion – “There are three nearly-complete construction projects that residents have been eagerly anticipating, and you’ll hear much about in early 2025: the Murray Mansion Museum, the Armory facility, and the Murray Theater,” Hill summarized. “So, get ready for great things because Murray has recently hired a marketing specialist to be sure these new amenities get the attention they deserve.”
The new marketing specialist is Erica Brown and she comes to Murray after working in marketing at Thanksgiving Point for 18 years.
Murray Mansion Museum – Construction is wrapping up and the exhibits are being curated and labeled. The History Advisory Board and staff are currently working on opening day and ongoing programming, with the intent to have new events each month to encourage repeat visits to the museum. Opening day will be in the spring, the exact date to be determined, but residents can look forward to a variety of events to celebrate completion of the project.
Murray Armory – This historic building had once been used for the motor pool for the National Guard Armory. It is being converted into an events center and should be open for reservations by April. Right on Little Cottonwood Creek, near the arboretum, it will have an outdoor patio, built-in outdoor seating and a fire pit. Inside it will have seating for up to
300 people.
“This is the nicest venue I’ve ever seen,” Brown said. “And I’ve seen a lot coming from Thanksgiving Point, but there are not a ton of historic venues in the state, and none have quite the aesthetic, the exposure of historic brick, and the array of thoughtful amenities as the Murray Armory.”
Murray Theater – It has been a long time coming on this project, as renovation of the historic theater has encountered many structural and foundation issues along the way. According to Hill, it is at least a year behind schedule and over a million dollars over budget. Fortunately, the city collected more sales tax last year than anticipated which allowed them to draw from existing reserves for the overage. The theater is expected to open in April and programming ideas abound: live theater, movies, musical events, symposiums. “It seems like everyone I talk to has a childhood memory of coming to the Murray Theater, either for a movie or a musical performance,”
the expense of the project, which could be in the range of $10 million.
Old City Hall property – A mixed-use development called Murray Towers is slated to break ground in early summer 2025. A phased project, the first phase will include a medical office building to take advantage of the location near the IHC hospital. Eventually, the site will also feature apartments, townhouses, abundant parking, restaurant space and a place-defining tower.
Block One – This property is east of City Hall in the historic core of Murray. The developer, Rockworth Companies, also developed the downtown Holladay Village Square, and Murray is hoping for something similarly quaint and historic. Construction will follow a form-based code, so ensure that the look and feel of new buildings and open spaces will be consistent throughout the block.
Brown said. “This space will be awesome and is very important to Murray.”
Upcoming construction projects
Outdoor swimming pool – The Murray Park outdoor pool was remodeled in 1998, but for the past couple of years the pool has been leaking, and the source of the leak has been difficult to find or correct. Currently, the city is looking for funding for a new pool and a splash pad (which has been often requested by residents). It is hoped that the county will share in
Pointe @53rd – Construction of owned and for-rent housing, restaurant and retail space is planned to start in early 2025. The Murray Journal profiled this development in an earlier edition. https://www.murrayjournal. com/2024/05/07/490897/what-s-the-best-usefor-the-old-best-buy-location-
Old Galleria property – A mixed-use development with walkout apartments, townhomes and some retail is currently in the planning, zoning, permitting stage. More to come on this development. l
Construction workers are finishing up renovations on the historic Murray Mansion which will open as a city museum in the spring. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Murray Public Works is seeking a $20-million bond to replace and upgrade their older buildings at their existing location, about 4600 South and 500 West. The upgrades will include office space and storage for equipment and service vehicles. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
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INew minimally invasive surgery evolves aortic aneurysm treatment
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
ntermountain Medical Center in Murray has marked a pivotal moment in medical history, becoming the first U.S. hospital to perform a minimally invasive surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm using a groundbreaking FDA-approved device outside of clinical trials. Vascular surgeon Dr. Evan Brownie performed the inaugural commercial procedure using the Gore EXCLUDER Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) device, a new approach that he describes as a "game changer" for treating this life-threatening condition.
The significance of this device extends beyond its technological innovation—it represents a shift in the standard of care for high-risk patients with aortic aneurysms. Traditionally, treating aortic aneurysms involved major surgery with long recovery times, including a large incision from the shoulder blade to the lower abdomen and hospital stays lasting over two weeks. This classic approach, while life-saving, required extensive resources and left patients with a lengthy, painful recovery.
The TAMBE device, however, offers a less invasive solution for select patients, utilizing small punctures in the femoral arteries in the groin and beneath the collarbone to deliver a stent graft that seals off the aneurysm. The stent is equipped with branches that ensure blood continues flowing to vital organs affected by the aneurysm. This approach significantly reduces hospital stays—sometimes to just one or two days—and shortens recovery time, providing patients with faster, more effective outcomes.
Notably, the introduction of this device eliminates the need for physicians to modify existing tools or rely on off-label
methods, which were common due to the limited availability of approved devices. These modifications often led to inconsistent results, but the standardized approach of the TAMBE device promises greater reliability and better patient outcomes.
The potential impact of this innovation extends far beyond the medical community, influencing public health strategies for aortic aneurysms, which are responsible for nearly 10,000 deaths annually in the United States. The CDC estimates that abdominal aortic aneurysms, in particular, are more prevalent in men, especially those over 65 and with a history of smoking, high cholesterol or hardened arteries. By making treatment more accessible and effective, the Gore EXCLUDER device could significantly reduce the risks associated with this often silent and deadly condition.
This development also has broader implications for how high-risk medical conditions are treated. Just as minimally invasive surgeries are changing the approach to aortic aneurysms, similar innovations in other areas of healthcare have the potential to transform outcomes for patients with complex, life-threatening conditions. These advances are reshaping the landscape of modern medicine, emphasizing precision, reduced recovery times, and better overall care for patients. As more institutions adopt this new standard, the healthcare field as a whole will continue to evolve, providing safer, less invasive options that improve the quality of life and longevity for millions of individuals across the nation. l
Intermountain Medical Center has become the first U.S. hospital to use the groundbreaking Gore EXCLUDER device in a minimally invasive aortic aneurysm surgery, offering faster recovery and better outcomes for high-risk patients. (File photo)
Region title could be in store for experienced Murray basketball team
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
In high school sports, it’s not unusual for teams to have heavy turnover from year to year due to graduation. So when a coach brings back returning starters and contributors, it’s a huge advantage.
This season, the Murray girls basketball team has the luxury of turning to some experienced players.
The Spartans were 14-10 last season and 8-4 in Region 10, good enough for third place. Murray lost in the second round of the Class 4A state tournament a season ago. The leading scorer from that squad, Mia AuClaire, graduated, but plenty of familiar faces will be on the court this winter for the Spartans.
Senior guard Charlotte Scherbel, a team captain last season, will be a big part of the Murray attack this season. She averaged 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 2023-24. Senior forward Bonnie Henricksen will also factor in heavily in Murray’s offense and defense. Last season, she scored four points a game and pulled down 3.2 boards a contest. Sophomore Brooklyn Richter got some valuable time as a freshman last season, scoring 1.7 points a game and grabbing 39 total rebounds. Her role and responsibilities will expand this year. Junior guard Brinley Forsyth is also someone head coach Holly Gillette is counting on this season. Gillette also has high hopes for junior forward Grace Taeoalii and junior guard Addison Allen.
With this lineup, Gillette is confident her team will be competitive.
“We have several returning players who won a state playoff game last year, and we also had a very successful junior varsity season,” she said. “We believe this group can compete for a region title, and we're going to work with that mindset.”
As last season progressed, Gillette said the Spartans got better at both ends of the court. She is optimistic that the girls will continue to get better both offensively and defensively.
“We have been steadily improving our offensive execution and shot making, so we're hoping to continue that trend, while also making strides on playing solid, physical defense,” she said.
As the new season gets underway, Gillette
hasn’t set a certain number of victories as a goal, nor has she talked much about how far she thinks the team can go in the postseason. However, she believes that with hard work and a competitive spirt, the girls can put together a strong season and have a chance to win a lot of games.
“Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself and show off the work you have been putting in, but you have to compete,” she said. “So if we can compete in every game, we'll consider ourselves to be very successful, and we think that will translate to our record.”
In addition to having experience on its side, Murray’s strengths include team unity, players with positive mindsets and competitors who understand what it takes to be successful.
“We have players who work hard and give their all at every practice and game,” Gillette said. “We have unselfish players who work together.”
Murray began the season with a road game at Farmington on Nov. 21. It is one of two contests against Class 6A foes on the schedule; the other one is Dec. 17 at Riverton. Murray’s first home game was Nov. 22 against Cyprus. The first clash against a Region 10 foe will be Dec. 10 at Hillcrest. Murray will face all six region opponents twice.
Though the Spartans will have their hands full with some quality opposition, Gillette doesn’t spend too much time focusing on other teams. She’s more concerned with what her girls are doing to get better and how Murray can accomplish its goals and play as a unified unit.
“We try not to worry about other teams; our biggest challenge is ourselves,” she said. “We strive to be better than we were yesterday. As long as we keep doing that, we feel we can compete with anyone.”
Coaches love having skilled players with natural talent and abilities. But it takes more than these to win. Gillette appreciates other attributes that the Spartans bring to the court every day.
“We have great kids with great attitudes who love the game and come ready to compete,” she said. l
Rilynn Hasan Alexia
Murray’s girls basketball returns experienced players this year. (Photo courtesy Holly Gillette)
Fresh off a state championship game run, Cottonwood boys basketball still has plenty of pieces
The last time you watched the Cottonwood boys basketball team was on TV, when they reached the 4A state championship game.
Although the Colts fell to Layton Christian 58-53 and lost several players to graduation including 4A first-team selection Chris Cox, Cottonwood is bringing plenty of pieces back, said coach Marc Miller.
“This year’s team will feature a good mix of talent from three different levels,” Miller said. “We have three seniors, three juniors and three sophomores that will see varsity time. We return three starters in John Rosevear, Luke Park and Bo Smith.”
In Rosevear, the Colts have a proven senior who was Cottonwood’s second-leading scorer. He averaged 16 points and four rebounds per game as a junior and played in all 27 for the Colts, who featured him in several games last season.
Alongside Rosevear is Park, who will run the offense for the Colts. Over 27 games, the senior guard averaged nine points, seven assists and three rebounds.
Smith is the player that some hope will take the place of Cox, who is currently playing at UC-San Diego of the Big West Con-
By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com
ference.
Though it will likely be impossible to replicate the talents Cox had as a three-level player, Smith is a talented three-sport senior at 6-feet-3-inches who showed glimpses last season and was pivotal in the Colts’ state semifinal win over Snow Canyon, posting a stat line of six points, four rebounds and three steals.
With a season that opens on Nov. 20 at home against Lone Peak and hits the road for
a game at Richfield two days later, life will come at Cottonwood fast.
After that, the Colts will take a holiday break for Thanksgiving and then play five games in seven days starting on Dec. 3. That will take them right up to tipoff of their Region 10 campaign that begins on Dec. 10.
“We also return two players in Luka Cecez and Tengis Bayasgalan who played significant minutes last year in our playoff run,” said Miller, who guided the Colts to a
21-6 record and a Region 10 championship last year at 12-0.
Never scoring more than six points in any one game, Cecez is a big body at 6-feet6-inches who registered two blocks in that state semifinal victory over Snow Canyon, while Bayasgalan at 5-feet-10-inches is capable of scoring buckets—the six points he poured in during an early-round state playoff game is proof.
In addition to those five guys, Cottonwood is expected to get contributions from juniors Tommy Yates and Hamilton Leece. Along with sophomore Malei Atem, the Colts have enough firepower to make things very interesting not only in Region 10 play but Class 4A.
Yates and Atem played significant minutes on Cottonwood’s JV team and played in spots on the Colts’ varsity, while Leece is a newcomer to the program.
“We are a well-balanced team and the boys enjoy playing with each other which is important,” said Miller, who has a 72-50 record in five years at the school. “We are looking forward to the season and working towards hopefully another deep run in the state tournament.” l
John Rosevear returns for the Colts basketball team. (File photo City Journals)
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato reflects on her tenure, challenges and legacy
By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com
AsAnn Granato prepares to step down from her role on the Salt Lake County Council, she reflects on a term marked by both personal challenges and public triumphs. Appointed in June 2018, her entry into office followed the unexpected passing of her husband, Sam, a prominent figure in the community and the family business they shared, Granato's Italian Deli.
“The transition was one of coming into public view,” she recalls. “Sam and I had always had a collaborative relationship, both in business and our public and private life. We discussed everything about our respective endeavors.” Indeed, Sam’s extensive involvement in community and state boards left a lasting impression on Granato. “He worked on the Salt Lake Valley Health Department Board, on the Microloan Fund, the Board that oversaw the DABC, and several other boards. We always discussed issues in these areas as they came up,” she notes, crediting this foundation as one that shaped her approach to public service.
For over 60 years, Granato has called District 4 home. District 4 spans much of the county’s east side, encompassing parts of Salt Lake City, South Salt Lake and Murray, as well as all of Holladay, Millcreek and Emigration Canyon.
This deep-rooted connection has been both a guiding force and a balancing act during her time on the council. “On the one hand, I would wish to advocate for everything possible for my district,” Granato said.
“On the other hand, I had to be fair in allocations of public money across the county.” She points to the recent restructuring of the Unified Police Department (UPD) as an example of this delicate balance. “Individual jurisdictions had issues, and the sheriff’s office had issues,” she said explaining that it required a fair allocation of resources across the county.
Granato’s professional background as a Medicaid specialist has also informed her legislative priorities, particularly in health and social services. “Serving on the Salt Lake Health Department Board and the Behavioral Health Advisory Council offered me the opportunity to express ‘boots on the ground’ observations about the availability of mental health treatment,” she said. According to Granato, she has long championed the importance of mental health services and affordable housing as interlinked issues.
Reflecting on the projects closest to her heart, Granato highlights the recognition of Juneteenth as a county holiday and the Cox-Granato Apprenticeship funding program. “The Juneteenth ordinance was a significant milestone in our history,” she said. In partnership with Councilor Richard Snelgrove, Granato spearheaded the apprenticeship initiative, aimed at addressing a pressing community need. “The apprenticeship funding is vital in getting young people into trades where they are desperately needed,” she explains.
Granato’s business experience has given her a pragmatic outlook on government spending. “The importance of budgeting is key to running a successful business and a successful government,” she said. Sam’s philosophy on fiscal responsibility left an indelible mark on her. “Sam always said, ‘I am a businessman, not a politician.’ If you spend public money like you’re spending your own money, that’s the correct approach,” she said.
The challenges that lie ahead for District 4 weigh heavily on Granato as she steps down. Affordable housing and public safety emerge as key concerns, particularly with the restructuring of UPD services in her district. “The change in UPD will be a big issue for my district. There will be a lot of expense involved, and much of my district is adjacent to the canyons, which involves the Sheriff’s Canyon Patrol,” she said.
Addressing affordable housing, Granato notes that while there is an urgent need, solutions must also be balanced with the character of existing neighborhoods. “The county supports solutions including allocations into the Housing Trust Fund, collaboration with developers to help fund deeply affordable housing, and funds to make repairs to older homes so people can age in place.”
Granato’s legacy may be defined by her dedication to economic opportunities and infrastructure for the future. “The Cox-Granato Apprenticeship funding is very important
to me. It provides a career path that has longevity, benefits and chances for advancement,” she said. She urges her successor to consider the long-term expenses tied to the UPD, maintenance of county-owned assets, and the restructuring of downtown areas around the Salt Palace and Abravanel Hall. For incoming council members, Granato has one piece of advice: “Work collaboratively!” she said. Democrat Ross Romero who won county District 4 November’s election, will take her place in January 2025. l
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato address the Salt Lake County government. (Photo courtesy of Ann Granato)
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato was appointed to fill her husband’s Sam’s seat after he passed away in 2018. (Photo courtesy of Ann Granato)
Salt Lake County Councilwoman Ann Granato. (Photo courtesy of Ann Granato)
6 unique shopping experiences for the holiday season
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Holiday shopping often brings loads of stress as you try to find the perfect gift for that special person. In Salt Lake County, there are many shops, boutiques and specialty stores where you can find unique gifts at affordable prices. Here are just a few fun places to visit during the Christmas season.
Randee & Company, 2036 E. 6200 South, Holladay
This cute little shop is full of whimsical and unique treasures for holiday gift-giving. From adorable kitchen goods to exquisite jewelry, Randee & Company finds distinctive and imaginative options for friends and family of all ages. Walking through the store is always an adventure with new products, kind employees and a fun atmosphere. Visit the retailer in Holladay or shop online at RandeeAndCompany.com.
Marissa’s Books & Gifts, 3302 S. 900 East, Millcreek
Support an independent bookstore for the holiday. Cindy Dumas, owner of Marissa’s Books, opened her bookstore in 2013 in honor of her granddaughter, Marissa. Since then, the bookstore has moved and expand-
ed, offering new, used, vintage, best-selling and rare books. Not only can you find the perfect book for the reader in your life, but Marissa’s also supports local schools and educators with books for the classroom. Learn more or shop online at MarissasBooks.com.
The Nut Garden, 13863 S. 2700 West, Bluffdale
With nuts, candy, dried fruit, trail mix and gift baskets, The Nut Garden is a onestop shop for everyone on your holiday list. Best-selling items include cinnamon bears, bulk cashews, butter toffee almonds, French burnt peanuts and banana chips. The shop also carries favorite brands like Built
Bar, Gary’s Gourmet Caramel Corn and OM Power bars. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. but customers can also shop online at TheNutGarden.com.
Sacred Energy Empowerment Center, 261 E. 4500 South, Murray
For the crystal lover on your list, Sacred Energy has an outstanding selection of pocket stones, towers, figurines, clusters and spheres in a variety of crystals and stones. The store also sells hand-wrapped crystal pendants, bracelets, earrings, anklets and rings for every occasion. But Sacred Energy is more than just crystals. The shop sells sound bowls, tongue drums, drums, candles, tarot cards and incense. Its apothecary features herbs, teas, tinctures and essential oils. Sacred Energy also has dozens of hapé blends and accessories. Learn more at SacredEnergySLC.com.
The Shops at Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan
With its cozy atmosphere and pictur-
esque setting, the locally-owned shops and boutiques at Gardner Village are a fun holiday destination. Lilly & Vera is a shop filled with self-care essentials, unique jewelry items, home decor and artwork. Pine Needles features fabric, cross-stitch and other textile crafts for the seamstress in your life. The Train Shoppe is a mecca for model railroading hobbyists and Boho Chic has hand-selected clothing options including hats, skirts, dresses and tops. More than a dozen stores are on-site for holiday shopping. Visit GardnerVillage.com to learn more.
Fudge Co., 13292 S. Rosecrest Road, Herriman
Using a recipe that’s been passed down and perfected for 50 years, Patience Kunz, the owner of Fudge Co., makes hand-created fudge and candies that will elevate your holidays. Whether it’s toffee pecan, chocolate walnut, Biscoff cheesecake, lemon raspberry or Nutella swirl, the fudge options are creamy and delicious. The Fudge Co. also sells caramels, nut clusters and barks to fill those Christmas stockings. For more information or to order online, visit The-FudgeCo.com l
Make holiday shopping a fun adventure by visiting local shops and boutiques in Salt Lake County. (Stock photo)
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED NUMBERS
Administrative
801-270-2426
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
As the holiday season approaches, we are thrilled to announce that our annual holiday lighting at City Hall will once again illuminate the heart of our city, spreading warmth, joy, and a festive glow to all who visit. We invite you and your loved ones to come see the lights, take in the sights, and experience the spirit of the season right here in Murray. This celebration is more than just a display of lights—it’s a symbol of the unity, resilience, and kindness that make our city so special.
In the spirit of the holidays, I encourage each of us to use this time to extend kindness, love, and acceptance to one another. The holidays provide us with a unique opportunity to uplift our neighbors and show
our appreciation through acts of goodwill, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s checking in on an elderly neighbor, o ering a helping hand, sharing a meal, or simply exchanging a warm greeting, these thoughtful gestures help to create a community where everyone feels valued and welcomed. Together, let’s bring light not only to our streets and homes but to each other’s lives as well.
May the holiday lights at City Hall remind us of the joy and warmth we each have the power to spread. From all of us at Murray City, we wish you a season lled with peace, happiness, and the companionship of good neighbors. Happy holidays, Murray!
Message from the Council CITY COUNCIL
Thank You, Murray - Let’s Continue Our Work
As I transition into my new role as the representative for House District 35, I want to take a moment to re ect on the immense privilege it has been to serve the residents of Murray City, especially those in District 3. Working hand-in-hand with our community to address challenges and create meaningful change has been a truly rewarding experience. I’m deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of our city.
This transition means my seat on the City Council will soon need to be lled, and I want to encourage anyone with a passion for public service to consider applying for the vacancy. Local government is where real change begins. It’s where we listen to our neighbors, nd solutions, and make decisions that directly impact our daily lives.
As I step into my new role at the state legislature, one of my top priorities will be protecting the autonomy of cities like Murray, particularly as we face increasing state preemption. Preemption, meaning when a higher government supersedes lower level authorities, such as our state legislature overruling our city government. While uniformity is sometimes necessary, local governments must retain the ability to act in the best interest of their residents and community at-large.
Take Murray City Power as an example. Our municipally owned utility isn’t just about keeping the lights on– it’s about energy in-
dependence, economic development, and renewable energy initiatives that re ect the values of our community. State interference in matters like this undermines local governments’ ability to make decisions that align with the unique needs of our citizens.
The balance between state oversight and local control must respect the people who live with the decisions every day. Local leaders, elected by their neighbors, are best positioned to address their communities’ priorities. That’s why I urge you to stay engaged during the upcoming legislative session and continue the conversation with us as your city and state representatives.
As I move into this next chapter, I pledge to advocate for Murray’s principles and protect our ability to make informed decisions that serve our community. Together, we can ensure that the voices of our neighbors remain strong and clear.
Thank you for trusting me to serve. I look forward to continuing this important work with all of you.
Sincerely,
Rosalba Dominguez, Council District 3
Representative Elect, District 35
City Council District #1
Paul Pickett
801-743-0911
ppickett@murray.utah.gov
Council District 2
Pam Cotter
801-541-8364
pcotter@murray.utah.gov
Council District 3
Rosalba Dominguez
801-382-9674
rosalba.dominguez@murray.utah.gov
Council District 4
Diane Turner
801-635-6382
diane.turner@murray.utah.gov
City Council District #5
Adam Hock
801-557-1346
ahock@murray.utah.gov
Executive Director
Jennifer Kennedy Office: 801-264-2622
jkennedy@murray.utah.gov
Telephone Agenda Information 801-264-2525
DECEMBER 2024
CHEF OMAR LIMON
DAILY LUNCH
Date: Tuesday through Friday
Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon
Cost: Cost is $5; prior reg. not required CLASSES
CERAMICS
Date: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies
GRIEF SUPPORT
Date: Friday, Dec. 13
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
VITAL AGING: COPING WITH TRAUMA
Date: Monday, Dec. 16
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
CHRISTMAS STORIES
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 17
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free DANCE
BEGINNING LINE DANCE INSTRUCTION
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Cost: $5 for the month; register now
LINE DANCE INSTRUCTION
Date: Tuesdays
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for the month; register now
THURSDAY EVENING SOCIAL DANCE
Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays
Date: Thursdays
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
FITNESS
DAILY FITNESS CLASSES – check our current newsletter for the schedule and fees
We are having a special promo rate on our Seated Fitness classes for Dec. For $5 per month, the following classes are included:
CHAIR XERCISE – Mondays at 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
SEATED YOGA – Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
CHAIR FIT – Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
PLAY BALL – Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
MUSIC, MEMORY, AND MOVEMENT (Seated Drumming) – Fridays at 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
PROGRAMS
BINGO
Date: Wednesdays and Fridays
Time: 12:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations are appreciated
BRIDGE LESSONS
Date: Mondays
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
HAND AND FOOT CARD GAME
Date: Mondays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
MEXICAN TRAIN DOMINOS GAME
Date: Thursdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
HEALTH SERVICES
HAIRCUTS
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $12; advance appointment required CLUBS
MARTIAL ARTS
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 initial club fee; $10 per month
THURSDAY QUILTERS
Date: Thursday, Dec. 12
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hillcrest Jr. soccer connects students, provides pathway for further opportunities
By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
Hillcrest Junior High ninth-grader Mojtaba Ahmadi has witnessed more than many people do.
As a youth in the Qatar refugee camp, he escaped the reality of it by playing soccer.
“There was no professional equipment,” he said with English he learned at the camp and with the assistance of a translator and his older brother. “We used a round rubber ball.”
Even so, he played midfield for a team before he came to the United States almost two years ago.
“In Afghanistan, it was most professional training and the practices were harder. Here, after school, it’s casual. I’d like to get better. I’d like to play with a high school or club team, but I don’t know how. I don’t have shorts, cleats and shin guards. I don’t have any information,” Mojtaba said.
Providing that assistance is part of the goal behind adding a soccer component to Hillcrest Junior High’s after-school program, said Principal Claustina Reynolds.
“For many refugees, some right here at Hillcrest, they had to flee their homelands to camps where they had to make balls or kick around cartons as balls to play soccer,” she said. “Soccer is something that unites us. It has a universal language and helps build our community. But what we’ve learned is many of our students aren’t making the high school team because they’re not playing at an elite level in a club and don’t know what to do or where to get the information.”
That’s when Murray District ALS & Refugee Coordinator Cris Westerfield reached out to Adam Miles, Refugee Soccer founder and executive director.
“I’d be in meetings with the Department of Workforce Services or Office of Refugee Resettlement, and the different agencies that hold meetings for those in school districts and in other areas who work with refugee families, and he would always say, ‘hey, just a reminder, I have this program, refugee soccer. Please reach out to me if you’ve got kids who want to play,’” she said. “I knew we wanted to give the kids an activity where they can connect, and soccer does that. They’re learning skills that will roll over into their life down the line like teamwork, tenacity, how to be kind and still be driven, and how to work hard. Plus, soccer is a sport you can communicate through and still come together as a team, even when you’re not speaking the same language.”
Soccer was added last spring to Hillcrest’s after-school program which serves about 120 students.
Miles comes for an hour on Mondays to lead warm-ups, do small group drills, teach new skills and end with a scrimmage to practice what they learned. The school PE teacher helps another day and Westerfield and others lead it on other days.
“I’d love for more volunteers with higher level skills and experience to come help us for an hour another day after school,” she said. “These kids have such raw skill and are phenomenal players, but they need practice from someone who really knows the sport so they’ll be prepared to try out for the high school team or a club.”
Miles said with the support of Assistant Principal Sam Salinas, they outlined the program, including how to prepare newcomers to America for high school soccer.
“It’s complicated if you’re a refugee, especially if you’re new to the area, new to the country,” Miles said. “Understanding the process to get on a team, to get a physical, to go to open gym, all the routine that most non-refugee kids might understand or have easy access to, but the refugee kids don’t. We’re trying to level the playing field from an opportunity standpoint, so these kids can have their best shot at playing on the team with their non-refugee peers. These kids want to play high school or club soccer so we’re helping them starting while they’re at the junior high. Once they’re done with their homework, and it’s always
after the homework, then they get to come and play with the after-school program.”
Salinas said adding sports to the after-school program has been a goal.
“Some of our students have the access issue of being able to get on a high school team and they don’t have the option of paying thousands of dollars to be part of a club,” he said. “We have kids with raw talent who need space to get better and at the same time, we can build a pathway for them to play high school soccer.”
He estimates one-third of the students who play soccer after school are newcomers to America.
In Murray School District, there are 383 students who are refugees or immigrants who speak 32 different languages. Within Hillcrest, there are 11 different languages spoken, Westerfield said.
She and a team of refugee liaisons support newcomer families, not only helping them understand how schools work in the United States, but also connecting families to resources such as food, clothing, housing, jobs, transportation, English classes and community services to help these families thrive in their new home.
Soccer is another way to connect students to their school and classmates, she said.
Through grant money, the school provides soccer balls and equipment for students. Plus with a $10,000 Ron McBride Foundation grant, administrators want to get uniforms for students and provide equipment — cleats, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves — for those who are trying out for a high school team, Salinas said.
Miles, who has refugee soccer programs in four Salt Lake Valley schools, teaches “offense, defense, goalkeeping, ball skills, dribbling, passing to prepare them for tryouts. I want to make sure they’re set up for success not just on the field, but from knowing to go to school on time, be at practice on time, being respectful. These students are becoming leaders and mentors on the field and that translates to class. It becomes valuable to everybody.”
The soccer program is for non-refugees as well.
“Usually, we have a good mix of kids from Central America and Afghanistan who are playing alongside our non-refugee kids as well. They all get along playing the game; there’s inclusion and belonging and it’s fun to watch them light up and have a good time with one another,” Miles said.
Seventh-grader Liam Butler plays in the after-school soccer program.
“I found this opportunity to play for what is pretty much a team with the after-school program,” he said. “It’s a little bit different from other teams I’ve been on, but I speak a little bit of Spanish, so I’m able to communicate with my teammates, but we’re really talking soccer. It’s fun to see how everyone plays and when I take the bus with some of the friends I made, we practice speaking English and Spanish with each other, and that’s fun.”
Salinas said the program has bonded students.
“There’s camaraderie; if they’re willing to learn to play or already do play, it’s a great way for them to enjoy each other’s company by doing something they love. About 30% of our student population speaks Spanish, but with our Afghani students is where we really can see the difference because they are connected now with their soccer cohorts,” he said.
That inclusion and bonding is the idea behind She Belongs soccer, which Miles heads in Utah.
In July 2023, he led a team of 22 refugee and non-refugee girls to watch the World Cup in New Zealand, playing teams during their San Francisco and Tokyo layovers as well as in New Zealand. They spoke to U.S. and Japanese high-ranking officials and even caught the eye of the U.S. national team.
The team also learned to embrace one another, give encouragement and support, learn patience and confidence to become an inclusive team, he said.
“They learned they can connect with others and through that, they can impact change,” he said supporting the belief, “every girl, every opportunity, everywhere.”
The premiere of the “She Belongs” documentary showing highlights of that experience was shown to Hillcrest students and the community.
It also tied in with the book, “When Stars are Scattered” by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed that students, faculty and staff are reading. The graphic novel focuses on two brothers who are living in a refugee camp in Kenya.
“We picked the book last May and now with our soccer program up and going, it’s a match made in heaven right now, just a wonderful coincidence,” Salinas said. “Every student and every adult in the school gets a copy of the book and we read it together. We have discussions and guiding questions such as ‘What would it be like living in a refugee camp?’ or ‘What did you get out of reading this chapter?’ It’s a great opportunity to promote literacy and empathy throughout the school.”
Westerfield said it’s a great tie into inviting students to the after-school program.
“We just say, ‘Hey, this is happening in our school. Come be a part of it,’” she said.
Miles said the after-school program, like Refugee Soccer, gives opportunity to the 120 million displaced people around the world.
“Those refugees who are among us are legally immigrated refugees who had to leave their home, so we could exclude and ignore them, or we can embrace them. We have the opportunity — where we don’t have to go 8,000 miles away — to have a relationship with someone from Afghanistan. We can do it right here and learn some things that will enrich our lives when we do that,” he said.
Mojtaba can relate to the graphic novel.
“The book the school is reading is very useful. It’s been an affirmation of the changes in my life,” he said. “The best thing about playing soccer is more goals. I want to be a professional soccer player when I’m older. I want to play for the United States.” l
Hillcrest Junior High students race after the ball during their after-school soccer play. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
With new coach, Murray boys basketball looking for another competitive season
By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
This season, Isaac Beh steps into the role of head coach of the Murray boys basketball team. While challenges lie ahead, the cupboard is hardly bare.
Murray is coming off a solid 18-7 season in which the Spartans were second in Region 10 at 10-2. Murray advanced to last season’s Class 4A state quarterfinals, falling to Layton Christian 58-53.
Beh isn’t shying away from setting lofty goals in year one of his tenure.
“We should be able to be one of the top teams in our region,” he said. “We need to play hard and play together. If we do that, we'll be very competitive.”
Murray returns two of its top three scorers from last season. Junior guard Isaiah Beh scored 13.9 points per game as a sophomore, second-best on the team. He was also the leading rebounder with 6.2 boards an outing and was third in assists with a 2.4 per-game average. His role should be even bigger this season. Teammate Treyce Wilson, a senior wing, scored a third-best 10.5 points per game last season. He’s back to help with the scoring load. Wilson also provided 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 202324.
Isaac Beh will have to plug other
players into the lineup to complement his returning starters. He said a big challenge will be to integrate inexperienced players into the lineup and get them up to game speed quickly. Playing together as a team and trusting one another will be critical for the Spartans, he said.
“We have several players who didn't play varsity together last year,” Isaac Beh said. “We need to learn to work together and share success with each other.”
Issac Beh also said he’s optimistic about Murray’s defensive abilities and his team’s ability to pass. Containing other teams’ offenses and sharing the ball will be two of the Spartans’ biggest assets this season, he said.
“We compete on the defensive end and share the ball,” he said.
Murray finished two games behind Cottonwood in the Region 10 standings last season. It will once again compete in Region 10 against the Colts and five other opponents, playing all six leagues two times. The Spartans opened the regular season Nov. 20 at Juan Diego and tipped off the home opener Nov. 22 against Highland. The first region contest is Dec. 10 at Hillcrest. The Spartans have other nonregion matchups scheduled, including a for-
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midable challenge at defending Class 5A state champion Olympus on Dec. 30 and a game at Class 6A foe Lehi on Dec. 28. Murray also faces 6A’s Riverton on Jan. 3, 2025, in the first game of 2025. The final game of the season Feb. 7, 2025 at home against Park City, with the 4A state tournament to follow.
Issac Beh is looking forward to coaching this group and building off the momentum of last season’s campaign. He not only speaks highly of the boys abilities on the court, but he likes their attitudes, work ethic and personalities. “This group has a good sense of humor,” he said. “They like to have fun.” l
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Murray's Treyce Wilson is one of the top returning players this season for the Spartans' boys basketball team. (Photo courtesy of Glossy Sports Photos.)
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Navigating Grief and the Holidays
By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW
The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness.
As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some nd meaning in following cherished traditions, and others bene t from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people nd great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.
Plan ahead for the holidays: The rst step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology.
Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have signi cantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you.
Accept that the holidays will be di erent this year: The holidays are often lled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and nd a balance between continuity and change. Many people nd a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died.
Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are di erent from yours. You all may need to make compromises.
If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new.
For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal signi cance or not, it can be a season in which we re ect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.
Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and the Director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program. Caring Connections is a not-for-pro t program that o ers clinician-facilitated grief support groups in Utah.
Volunteer to help feel connected to your community
By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
Why, when we’re all humans living next to each other, sharing roads, schools, churches, hospitals, air and water, does it seem that we’re disconnected?
Though you’ve already voted and we know the winner, you won’t often interact with the President of the United States, or even many of your elected officials. But you are uniquely bonded and dependent on the civility of your neighbors.
It’s ordinary people who will connect us, those who recognize it’s time for decency, cordiality and personal engagement. There’s a good way to see one another’s humanity and that’s to volunteer.
People in Murray are great at this, and in November many came together to help each other by strengthening the community.
Freeway Interchange Cleanup – Murray Rotary
Freeway interchanges are highly visible swaths of land, noticed by many drivers, and yet they are not easy to access and maintain. When maintained, they give a sense of an orderly and peaceful community.
The Murray Rotary started an annual cleanup event of the freeway interchanges during Covid, when they were looking to connect and serve, but couldn’t meet inside.
At the beginning of November, in conjunction with UDOT (which provided orange safety vests, bags and clean-up tools) the rotary organized volunteer groups from across Murray to help in the effort.
Volunteers from Murray, Cottonwood and Bingham High Interact Clubs, Latinos In Action, rotary members, and other community members worked at six interchange locations.
“We need to clean our roads, and I decided to come help when I heard about this
event,” Kent Bowman, a Murray resident, said. “This was a great opportunity for me to come out and do something about it.”
Rotary often supports local youth and high school clubs with funding and direction. “We love to help create future humanitarians,” Jerry Summerhays, immediate past president of Murray Rotary, said. “We find that the youth are just as motivated to do acts of service as the adults.”
Founded in 1957, Murray Rotary Club is one of the oldest Rotary Clubs in Utah. The club is nonreligious, nonpolitical and a nonprofit organization. It is a global community, but each club is uniquely connected to the community.
“We are very close with the city council, fire department, police department," Summerhays said. “All communities have different cultures, organizations, politics and needs and we love to work arm-in-arm with Murray. Sometimes they call on us to help on a specific project, and sometimes we call them and ask, ‘what do you need?’”
Being a part of Murray Rotary allows members to gather for “fun with a purpose,” participating in monthly meetings and service events all year long, where they interact with friends and other community members to give back.
To connect with Murray Rotary, use the QR code above to find out about future events.
Prep and serve a meal – Volunteers of America Center for Women & Children
Utah’s Volunteers of America Center for Women & Children is a residential detoxification center located in Murray. It houses and serves women 18 years and older (and their children, if necessary) in a safe space that supports them through detox and withdrawal management.
It is stable housing for women without a strong support system who are trying to get clean.
Over 30 women live in the center for up to 30 days. Community volunteers can help prepare and serve a healthy meal, work in the community garden, or drop off needed clothing and hygiene items for the women housed in the center.
The center is primarily supported by Medicare subsidies and grants through the state, but they are always in need of clothing, diapers and other hygiene items.
“Holidays are often full of difficult emotions for the women and children at the center,” Alysha Sutton, the director of Community Engagement at Volunteers of America, said. “We want the women who need help to see how supported they are, and for the community to see the good work that’s happening at our center.”
There are volunteer opportunities available to make and serve a Christmas Eve and/or New Year’s Day dinner at the Murray location. There are also opportuni-
to see the good work that’s happening at our center.” (Courtesy VOA Center for Women & Children)
ties across the valley at all VOA outreach centers. Here’s a link to an easy way to volunteer and serve.
Rake your Heart Out – NeighborWorks Matias Pedreira, the director of Community Initiatives at NeighborWorks, said that at the end of November nearly 100 volunteers from local businesses and community organizations came together to clean up the yards of older, disabled or veteran homeowners in Murray and Salt Lake City. They raked leaves, did light repairs and winterized the yards of homeowners who could not physically clean up their homes themselves. It’s not only good for the homeowner, but it’s gratifying for the volunteers who make a visible and appreciated difference for their neighbors.
In 2009, recognizing the unique housing needs of Murray City, NeighborWorks Salt Lake established a separate division in Murray. This partnership with the City and Redevelopment Agency of Murray aims to provide additional housing services and facilitate neighborhood revitalization tailored to the specific needs of Murray residents. NeighborWorks sponsors several volunteer activities throughout the year. For more information see www.nwsaltlake.org/ or the attached QR code. l
Wynn Tate is a member of Murray Rotary Club, on duty in early November, cleaning the freeway interchanges. “In rotary we are a group of people who want to do anything we can to help our community. We are often professionals who might be retired, and we want to give back.” (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
Utah’s Volunteers of America Center for Women & Children is a residential detoxification center located in Murray. It houses and serves women 18 years and older (and their children, if necessary) in a safe space that supports them through detox and withdrawal management. (Courtesy VOA Center for Women & Children)
There are volunteer opportunities available to make and serve a Christmas Eve and/or New Year’s Day dinner at the Murray VOA location. “We want the women at the center who need help to see how supported they are, and for the community
The garden across the street from the Volunteers of America Center for Women & Children. (Courtesy VOA Center for Women & Children)
National Christmas Tree stops in Salt Lake County during its 4,000-mile tour
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Thisyear’s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm (6351 S. 900 East) where visitors could celebrate the 74-foot Sitka spruce, harvested from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Its visit to Murray was one of 11 stops along the 4,000-mile journey to the U.S. Capitol.
On Nov. 9, officials from Salt Lake County and the U.S. Forest Service threw a party for the tree’s arrival at Wheeler Farm with crafts, food trucks, educational booths and information about the tree’s journey. It was a chance for people to see the tree up close before it lights up the nation’s capitol.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree [stopped] at Wheeler Historic Farm on its journey to Washington, D.C.,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Our community loves the holidays, and we’re excited to join state, federal and community partners in celebration of this 60-year tradition that helps kick off the holiday season.”
Although the national tree has been through Utah before, visiting Ogden in 2016, it’s the first time the tree has stopped in Salt Lake County. More than 500 people showed up at Wheeler Farm to sign the tarp covering the tree, receive commemorative pins and stickers from the event and visit with the team transporting the tree to Washington, D.C. U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Office Trampus Barhaug was assigned to guard the tree at Alaska’s Tongass National Forest
while it was still standing and has accompanied it throughout the tour.
“Being the national tree, it’s the most important tree in the nation right now,” Barhaug said. “I love meeting all the people. Everybody’s been wonderful, both adults and kids. We thought it would be more for the kids, but the adults have been amazing. I’ll bet we’ve met 20,000 people already.”
Barhaug said schoolchildren in Alaska made more than 14,000 ornaments to decorate the tree and 41 handmade skirts were sewn by indigenous peoples in the state. The tree was scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 22.
Liz Sollis, communications director for Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said there was lots of excitement around the event which was organized in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and other local partners. She was pleased with the turnout at Wheeler Farm and excited the county was able to be part of the national tour.
“We were really passionate about getting the word out because we know Salt Lake County is for everybody, so we wanted to make sure everybody knew about this,” Sollis said. “Wheeler Farm always offers events and opportunities for learning and that’s what tonight is all about. It’s just a great opportunity for people to have fun and see the tree that’s going to be at the U.S. Capitol.”l
Hundreds of people visited the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree as it stopped at Wheeler Farm. They could sign the tarp covering the tree in the 100-foot semi-truck trailer. (City Journals)
Visitors at Wheeler Farm talked with representatives from federal and local agencies, made crafts, got free souvenirs and learned about the national tree. (City Journals)
Driving from Alaska to Washington, D.C., the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree made a stop at Wheeler Farm in November. (City Journals)
Salt Lake County winter shelters strain as demand grows
By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com
AsUtah prepares for another winter, emergency shelters for people experiencing homelessness are opening their doors to help individuals survive the harsh months ahead. However, the current shelter capacity falls short of the state’s goals, underscoring the persistent gaps in addressing homelessness.
Salt Lake County’s winter response plan includes approximately 732 overflow beds and 250 “code blue” beds. While these numbers are a step in the right direction, they remain below the 900 overflow beds and 100 code blue beds recommended by the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in collaboration with the Utah Office of Homeless Services. The shortfall highlights the ongoing challenge of meeting the needs of Utah’s homeless population during the winter.
Earlier this year, Salt Lake County’s initial winter plan, which identified only 450 shelter beds, was deemed noncompliant with state law. This prompted the state to intervene. The state’s involvement reflects the urgent need for better planning and resources, not just for winter overflow, but for year-round solutions to homelessness.
“Identifying the high number needed beds in the short time allotted was no doubt a difficult task and demonstrated that additional year-round beds are needed,” said the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness leadership team.
In response to these gaps, the Utah Homeless Service Board allocated funding to acquire Ville 1990, a property on North Temple in Salt Lake City. The building, slated to provide 210 beds for winter overflow, will eventually be converted into deeply affordable housing in April. This property represents a shift toward addressing homelessness through permanent solutions, reflecting a broader understanding that long-term stability, not just temporary shelter, is essential for solving the homelessness crisis.
The county’s current winter plan includes several key shelters:
• 170 beds at the West Valley overflow site operated by Switchpoint, with the potential to increase to 200 pending fire marshal approval.
• 65 beds at St. Vincent de Paul.
• 50 micro-shelter units that were recently relocated.
• 175 beds at three resource centers.
• 32 beds for youth and families, likely through motel vouchers.
• 210 beds at the Ville 1990 facility, contingent on finalizing the purchase.
While these beds are a crucial part of the winter response, the shortfall of over 150 overflow beds compared to the recommended target points to the limitations of the current approach. More beds are expected to become available as shelters gradually expand their capacity. Yet, the reality is that emergency shelter is still a temporary fix and the need for longterm, sustainable housing solutions remains
pressing.
In addition to overflow beds, Salt Lake County’s plan also includes 250 code blue beds. A code blue alert is triggered when temperatures drop below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, including wind chill, and aims to prevent cold-weather deaths. The 2023 legislation that established this protocol followed the deaths of at least eight unsheltered individuals in 2022, underscoring the urgency of keeping people safe during extreme weather.
The code blue beds will only be available when temperatures hit critical thresholds, with shelters required to increase capacity by 35% and warming centers activated as needed. These measures are vital for addressing immediate threats to life, but they also reveal a larger issue: the lack of permanent, stable housing options for those affected by homelessness. Code blue beds include:
• 10 family hotel rooms.
• 20 additional beds at the Geraldine E. King resource center.
• 20 additional beds at the Gail Miller resource center.
• 30 additional beds at the Pamela Atkinson resource center.
• 85 beds at First United Methodist Church and 85 more at another church, both operated by the 2nd and 2nd Coalition.
While these emergency measures are essential for keeping people alive during the coldest months, they do little to address the root causes of homelessness. The city's approach also involves ensuring compliance with state laws that link homelessness services to the enforcement of no-camping ordinances.
This intersection of shelter provision, enforcement, and funding underscores a broader challenge facing the state and local governments: How to not only provide immediate relief but also create long-term strategies to end homelessness. Salt Lake City’s ability to
access funding from the State Homeless Shelter Cities Mitigation Fund hinges on proving that it is not only enforcing ordinances but also making genuine efforts to reduce homelessness in the long term.
“The state is currently looking to bring more year-round beds online, which will help address the seasonal as well,” the Coalition’s leadership team said. “We anticipate with more year-round beds online, the need for temporary beds will decrease.” l
The St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall/Resource Center at 437 W. 200 South. (Photo from Google Maps)
Salvation Army Angel Tree helps thousands of children each year
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
The Salvation Army and KUTV 2News have partnered for the 32nd year to provide gifts for children and older adults through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Since its inception in Salt Lake in 1992, the Angel Tree has helped hundreds of thousands of Utah residents.
Salvation Army Lt. Kate Combs said the program has been successful thanks to numerous donors and generous people who provide gifts and cash donations so children in the state can have a joyful Christmas.
“We really tailor it to each individual child so the parents get the opportunity to ask for the specifics for that child,” Combs said. “We also try to provide an outfit and shoes and a coat, as well as the toy items.”
To help a child or older adult for the holiday, people can visit Smith’s Marketplace and Cyprus Credit Union locations throughout Salt Lake County and select a tag from the Angel Tree. The tag has a list of items donors can purchase which they then return to the Angel Tree location.
Angel tags represent children from 0-12 years of age and older adults living in residential care facilities. The Salvation Army hopes to help nearly 3,000 children this year and around 1,300 older adults.
“People can pick whichever tag they
prefer and it’s a cool thing that sometimes they’re drawn to a particular name because it’s the name of a family member,” Combs said. “Or maybe they have an 8-year-old
girl and they want to let her pick something for someone her age. Maybe a grandparent chooses a child because they have the same interests as their grandchild. Sometimes they
choose a senior that’s the same age as their parents.”
People can pick up an Angel Tree tag through Friday, Dec. 13, giving volunteers time to shop and put gifts together for each child. Donated gifts must be new and unwrapped. Monetary donations are also accepted. For more information, visit saltlakecity.salvationarmy.org.
Additionally, the KUTV Holiday Pops Concert scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. will contribute all ticket proceeds to the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The concert, hosted by Sterling Poulson, will be held at Cottonwood High School in Murray (5715 S. 1300 East) and feature the West Valley Symphony of Utah, the Alta High School Madrigals and the Choral Arts Society of Utah. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. com.
“Every time you see a tag, that’s a genuine child,” Combs said. “If you’re still seeing tags in December that means that child doesn’t have items gifted to them. We don’t want any child to go without this Christmas.” l
Thousands of items are donated to the Salvation Army each year to help children and older people have a happy holiday. (Photo courtesy of the Salvation Army)
Comcast’s initiatives have a broad impact across Utah
By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
Comcast has contributed more than $5.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to nearly 100 nonprofit partners in Utah, over the last three years. Organizations like Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, the Alpine School District Foundation, Neighborhood House and United Way have all benefited from Comcast’s giving initiatives.
Project Up is a $1 billion program dedicated to closing the digital divide while connecting more people to the internet and creating opportunities for the next generation. Project UP supports nonprofit organizations that offer digital skills training, helping learners of all ages and skill levels to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
“With the support of Comcast, youth in our programs were able to get hands-on experience with advanced computers, guided exposure to the internet and new technologies, and about 3D modeling and other lessons that introduce youth to technology uses in many careers,” said Haylee Mathews, Boys & Girls Clubs of Salt Lake STEM Director. “The surprise of the 280 laptop computers to club members has been great for our youth to use as they learn about a variety of technology-related fields. Comcast has helped foster a culture and desire among our youth to learn more and pursue technology-related fields.”
Along with empowering communities, Comcast is helping to build a more equitable workforce by providing tech training and mentorship to underserved communities. Through partnerships with organizations like Per Scholas and CodePath, more people are mastering digital literacy.
Comcast also created more than 1,250 Lift Zones across the country, offering free WiFi access in community centers and recreation facilities. With nearly 40 Lift Zones in Utah, underserved families and neighborhoods can participate in accessing digital opportunities. Additionally, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program provides in-home broadband access for qualifying households.
Lily is an immigrant from Taiwan, assisted by the United Way of Utah County, one of Comcast’s partners. Adjusting to life in America has been challenging particularly when it comes to understanding technology. As an older woman, she said the learning curve was steep and she often felt overwhelmed in class.
“Then, during one of our sessions, I entered an old address from my childhood in Taiwan,” Lily said. “As the screen displayed the familiar streets and landmarks of my youth, tears welled up in my eyes. It had been so
Comcast supports nonprofits in the state including Neighborhood House, United Way and the Boys & Girls Clubs. (Photo courtesy of Comcast)
long since I had seen the place where I spent my carefree days playing. It was a deeply moving experience, allowing technology to transport me back in time and mend a piece of my heart.”
Comcast’s corporate giving plays a crucial role in helping local nonprofits fulfill their missions. It also invests in future entrepreneurs through Comcast RISE, supporting the growth of 13,500 small businesses by providing monetary, marketing and technology grants to help entrepreneurs on their road to success.
By collaborating with community partners, Comcast has fostered digital literacy and work readiness skills, giving people across Utah access to the tools they need to navigate a digital world.
“Neighborhood House families live in areas that are digital deserts and many of our families do not have access to computers for their children,” said Neighborhood House Executive Director Jennifer Nuttall. “In this age of technology, that puts our school-age kids at a disadvantage, but Comcast has stepped in to provide laptops and connectivity, ensuring that all kids have the technology they need to succeed in school and beyond. This has been enormously impactful.”
Comcast is committed to addressing the digital di -
vide with forward-thinking programs and technology. It aims to continue building Utah’s tech landscape through valuable partnerships, initiatives and digital support.
“Our commitment at Comcast to bridging the digital divide is evident through forward-thinking programs and innovative technology that empower communities across Utah,” said Deneiva Knight, External Affairs Director, Comcast Mountain West Region. “By partnering with nearly 100 nonprofit organizations and contributing over $5.2 million in cash and in-kind support over the past three years, we are dedicated to nurturing Utah’s tech ecosystem.
“Through initiatives like Project UP, a $1 billion program designed to connect more people to the internet and equip them with essential digital skills, we are laying the groundwork for a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.”
For more information, visit Corporate.comcast.com. l
Angels from the realms of glory (better have their papers)
Near the twinkling Christmas trees, pine-scented candles and brightly-wrapped packages, most homes in Utah display a Nativity scene. It might be made with Star Wars characters or garden gnomes, but it usually includes wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph, and an angel hovering near Baby Jesus. If you have children, the crèche could also include stuffed dinosaurs and a Barbie.
It’s a peaceful tribute to the beginning of Jesus’s mission, right before the dastardly King Herod (threatened by the prophesied birth of a new king) proclaimed that every male child under 2 must be put to death. (I’ll bet he was a blast at holiday parties.)
Being warned by an angel, Mary and Joseph fled with toddler Jesus to Egypt where they lived for several years.
But what if the story had been different? What if the Holy Family arrived on Egypt’s border, where someone had built a big wall? What if the Egyptian border czar said, “Nah. We don’t like refugees. They ruin our economy. Go back where you came from.”?
The New Testament would be a lot shorter.
Utah has more than 300,000 refugees and immigrants living in the state; almost 9% of the population. Maybe we could
Peri Kinder
Life and Laughter
consider this percentage of immigrants a tithe offering where we dedicate ourselves to treating them with love and respect, and not actively try to evict them from the inn.
Refugees are survivors of wars, often fleeing for their lives, leaving everything behind, exactly like Jesus’s family. Immigrants want safety for their families and dream of American opportunities. Didn’t we learn in church we’re all children of God? Maybe I misunderstood.
Utah is a shining example of how to assist these populations. There are programs to help refugees get jobs, learn English, finish school and raise their families. Many immigrants own businesses, pay taxes and contribute to our healthy economy.
But a large faction of the United States agrees mass deportation is a great idea. We can have a country without immigrants or we can have a strong economy. We can’t have both.
Unfortunately, brotherly love doesn’t fit today’s immigration narrative which is that refugees are ruining the country. Words like “diversity” and “inclusion” have become MAGA kryptonite. Have we forgotten Jesus taught that loving each other was one of the greatest commandments? Was there a disclaimer I missed that excluded people who weren’t born in America?
If Jesus was here, he’d be flipping tables and fashioning cords into a whip. He would call us hypocrites for not showing compassion to those who are suffering. Instead, we offer harsh judgment, condemnation and close our communities to shelters. Who are we?
There’s a story of a family who was very hungry. The grandmother took a big cooking pot into the front yard, placed it over a fire, filled it with water and plunked a stone into the pot.
Neighbors asked what she was making. “Stone soup,” she replied. Soon, everyone wanted to add something to the soup. One person brought carrots, another brought chicken. Someone added pasta. Yet another brought spices and salt. In no time at all, they had a big pot of soup to share.
In many ways, society is breaking. Rules and common sense seem arbitrary.
People want to pick ingredients out of this huge melting pot of America, this pot of soup, as it were, and toss them away. Immigrants add flavor to our communities. They add variety and culture and spice. If you take out all the ingredients, you’re left with a pot of hot water and a heart of stone. l
