Murray Journal | January 2025 by The City Journals

Jan. 2025| Vol. 35 Iss. 1

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MURRAY CITY COUNCIL GREENLIGHTS HOSTED SHORT-TERM RENTALS By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

emand for short-term rentals like Airbnbs has Murray changing its city policy. The Murray City Council voted on a new ordinance that would officially allow and regulate short-term rentals within city limits, following years of debate on the issue. Murray wants to address Airbnb demand but doesn’t want to lose a bunch of homes to Airbnb and create a housing crunch, so city leaders came up with a balance and passed an ordinance 4-1 allowing some short-term rentals. The council previously discussed short-rental regulations in 2021, but ultimately didn’t pass an ordinance. Now, starting in January, people can legally own and operate one type of short-term rental in Murray. During a City Council meeting, Planning Division Manager Zachary Smallwood gave the council his proposal for which type they should allow. “Right now, all we’re proposing is ‘hosted sharing,’ which means owners are present during the guest stay,” Smallwood said. That means traditional Airbnbs – which allow renting the whole house while the homeowner is gone – still won’t be allowed, but Murray didn’t want to outlaw them altogether. “We understand that some people need to rent out a room every once in a while, so we

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want to allow people to do that,” Smallwood said. In recent months, the city has been grappling with what to do with short-term rentals, with some council members expressing concern over the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability, echoing similar debates happening across Salt Lake County. Now, city leaders think they’ve got it figured out. “It will require a permit through the city, and it will allow you to rent a portion of your home for less than 30 days,” Smallwood said. Residents say Murray’s convenient location and community make it an attractive place for short-term rentals. Many support regulating short-term rentals rather than keeping them entirely illegal. Currently, Murray allows only long-term rental properties – those renting for over 30 days – and prohibits short-term rentals. But Smallwood estimates there are between 150 and 400 short-term rentals operating in the city, depending on the time of year. The city plans to grandfather in other types of Airbnbs already in Murray but not allow any more. City leaders figure they need to get ahead of it now because they heard the state legislature is planning to address short-term rentals in the spring. l

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Murray City Council approved short-term rentals as long as owners are present during the stay. (Adobe)

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Davies proud to carry on family legacy at Murray By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

f you look up in the rafters of the Murray High School gymnasium, you’ll see some banners that highlight some standout achievements from the past. A few of the banners have special meaning for current Murray boys basketball player Ethan Davies. Davies, a senior center for the Spartans, is the third-leading scorer on the team, averaging 9.2 points per game. He’s also second on the squad with a rebounding average of 6.2 a contest. Davies is working hard in this his final year on the team to continue a legacy established many years ago by his family. Murray basketball has won two state championships. The first was way back in 1932, with second coming in 1996. Davies’ great-grandfather Joseph Johnsen was part of that first championship squad. Davies’ uncles Jeff and Britton Johnsen were star players on the 1996 team. Jeff was named Utah Mr. Basketball (given to the best player in the state, regardless of classification) in both 1995 and 1996, while Britton won the award in 1997. Knowing he comes from a strong pedigree motivates Davies. “In the Murray gym, my uncles Britton and Jeff, and my aunt Melinda, all have athlete award banners hung up in the rafters,” Davies said. “Seeing this every game, practice and event motivates me to play harder and show who I am and who I represent. I’m constantly hearing about how fun my uncles were to watch play, and this fuels my desire to play at a level like they did.” Both Jeff and Britton Johnsen went on to play for the University of Utah. Jeff was reserve on a Utah team than finished the 1996-97 season with a 29-4 record, a Western Athletic Conference championship and a run to the NCAA Tournament Elite 8. A year later, with Jeff serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Britton played a key role in Utah’s 30-4 season and its run to the NCAA Tournament championship game where the Utes fell to Kentucky 78-69. Britton scored seven points

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Murray boys basketball player Isaac Davies, a senior, has a proud family tradition at the school. His great-grandfather and two of his uncles were on the Spartans’ two state championship teams. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Beh)

and had four rebounds in the heartbreaking loss (Utah was leading 41-31 at halftime). Britton left on a church mission, and the two brothers were reunited for the 2000-01 season and played together for the first time since the 1995-96 state title run at Murray. Jeff’s Utah career ended in 2002, while Britton graduated in 2003. Britton spent time in the NBA with the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers and then played overseas for several years. In an NBA summer league game with the Magic in 2003, Britton had an unforgettable highlight moment when he dunked the ball over a young rookie named LeBron James. Some people might feel a lot of pressure having such a family history at Murray, but Davies relishes it. “I love playing for Murray High School because I have a long family history of Spartan legacy,” he said. Davies started playing basketball at a young

Murray’s Ethan Davies (in white with the ball) attacks the basket in a game earlier this season. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Beh)

age. Born into a sports-oriented family, Davies said, “Basketball was all I knew growing up.” His family tradition is not the only reason why Davies plays. He loves the competitive nature of the game. He also enjoys playing alongside good teammates and friends. Davies also credits his coaches for helping him to foster a love for the sport. “Being on a team with players and coaches that I love creates a strong passion for the game, and for me personally it creates a stronger competitiveness and desire to win,” he said. “I love my teammates because I grew up playing bantam and AAU with a lot of them, and we created a close bond through that. We always talked about the day we would play on the high school team together.” At 6-feet-7 inches, Davies’ height is an advantage. He’s good at playing with his back to

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the basket and battling in the paint with other big bodies. Competed at home with his brother and dad has helped. “I grew up with a brother who played big and a dad who played big,” Davies said. “So naturally I learned how to play big as well, but I had to learn and adapt skills to score on my brother and gained strong jumping and quickness from this.” During his final season in high school, Davies is doing his best to improve his ball handling and outside shooting. His career at Murray has had some ups and downs. Davies said in the past, some coaches and teammates have undervalued his abilities or not fully appreciated what he could contribute to the team. Though this has been difficult, he said it has motivated him to put forth even more effort and prove that he can contribute to the team’s success. “I’ve had to stick with it and keep working hard to show them what I'm capable of doing,” he said. The Spartans were 3-3 in the first six games this season, with early wins over Taylorsville, Woods Cross and Cyprus. Region 10 action begins Jan. 7 at Stansbury, and the regular season ends Feb. 7 at home against Park City. Davies is yearning for the chance to help to put a championship banner alongside the one his great-grandfather won and the one his uncles earned. “I want nothing more than to bring home a state championship to Murray and to do it alongside my lifelong teammate Treyce Wilson,” he said. After high school, Davies plans to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He hopes his basketball career can continue too. “I would love to play somewhere in college if I am blessed with the opportunity to,” he said. l

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Our favorite Murray photos of 2024

Over 50 firefighters responded to the two-alarm fire at the building which previously housed Dead City Haunted House and the Wagonmaster Steak House. (Courtesy Murray Fire Department)

Jenni Jensen, Taya Turnbow, Rachel Jensen and Alex Yrungaray are sisters-in-law who gathered for the Jigsaw Puzzle Competition on Feb. 10. They are a family of puzzlers who’d never puzzled together. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

Parkside kindergartners Emilie Puente and Noelle Lansfeldt were amazed at the solar eclipse they saw during their lunchtime. (Photo courtesy of Cheree Larson/Parkside)

The Hispanic Kidney Clinic aims to support Spanish-speaking patients undergoing kidney transplant surgery. (Photo courtesy of Erin Goff)

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Viewmont Elementary students race to the finish through a stream of bubbles. (Photo courtesy of Brandon Orton)

Pilots fire up their balloons as they get ready to take off from the sports fields of Cottonwood High. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

Murray High brings up the ball against Skyline High during the state unified basketball championships, which included 80 teams this year. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

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The power of giving—how giving helps the giver By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

t’s not really a surprise that December is National Giving Month in the United States. With the holidays, part of the merriment and cheer is inherent in the season, or so it feels. But what if the actual giving creates the season and makes us smile? Research shows that the giver of a gift experiences just as many benefits as the receiver, creating a satisfying experience for both. Here are four ways that giving positively impacts the giver: 1. Boosts happiness and optimism Spending money on someone else doesn’t seem like it would do much inside the brain, but the simple act has been proven with several studies that buying a gift for someone (without stressing too much about it) promotes happiness by stimulating the pleasure part of the brain, per the American Psychological Association. Moreover, generosity is contagious; by giving, you inspire others to follow suit, spreading kindness and reinforcing a positive community spirit. 2. Builds relationships When the pleasure part of the brain is stimulated, it releases oxytocin also known as the “cuddle hormone,” which “signals trust, safety and connection,” per APA. “Part of the uniqueness of the reward

activation around gift-giving compared to something like receiving an award or winning money is that because it is social it also activates pathways in the brain that release oxytocin,” said Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas, who is the science director at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. People you build strong relationships with also create a good support system during difficult times. 3. Reduces stress and depression while fostering gratitude Feeling stressed out and maybe experiencing some depression can make it hard to want to give back or serve another but Dr. Charles Brown at Akron Children’s in Ohio, a child and adolescent psychiatrist said it can make all the difference. “The stress and anxiety of everyday life can affect us all differently,” Brown said. “It’s the way we cope with that stress that dictates its impact on us. One healthy way of Science has looked at how the giver of a gift gets just as many benefits as the receiver, making it a doubly satisfying experience for both the giver and the receiver. (Adobe Stock) coping is through service because it allows us to step outside of our own challenging for life to combat future stress and depres- Every charity has a good cause donors can experience and enrich the experience of othsion. contribute to which brings fulfillment and ers.” 4. Creates a sense of purpose and imsatisfaction, per Donor’s Trust. Being able to step outside of yourself proves self-esteem Having purpose contributes to an imand recognize the things you have creates a Charitable giving can especially make proved self-outlook because it empowers the sense of deeper gratitude and appreciation you part of a bigger community and purpose. individual to change the lives of others. l

Most Common Winter Ailments & How to Prevent Them A Q&A with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD — West Jordan Family Medicine Physician

ith the winter season in full swing, so too are those pesky illnesses and ailments we all seem to catch this time of year. We’re sitting down with Dr. Jared Lambert, MD, at CommonSpirit Health West Jordan Family Medicine Clinic, to discuss what illnesses he treats during the colder months and how you can prevent them! What are the most common winter ailments you treat year after year? 1. By far the most common illness seen this type of year are viral respiratory tract infections. This could be one of the many types of viruses that cause the common cold, RSV, influenza or COVID-19. Typical viral symptoms include sinus congestion, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, fever, and cough. These illnesses are best treated with over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms as our bodies fight off the viral infection. Typically, symptoms last 1-2 weeks and some common medications include over-the-counter decongestants, cough suppressants, ibuprofen and Tylenol. In the case of a COVID-19 infection however, higher risk patients (i.e. having a history of diabetes, asthma, age >50, or having COPD) are recommended to be seen by their provider to strongly consider utilizing the antiviral medication “Paxlovid”. This medication can decrease their risk of progression to a severe form of COVID-19 that could potentially warrant hospitalization. This is also the time of year to obtain your influenza vaccination, which helps reduce the risk of complications from the flu, including post-influenza bacterial pneumonia. Viral infections do increase the risk of developing bacterial infections including bacterial sinusitis and otitis

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media (ear infection and bacterial pneumonia). These forms of infections do require treatment with antibiotics. Risks of untreated bacterial pneumonia can be severe and prompt treatment with oral antibiotics is warranted. If symptoms include a persistent cough, fever or prolonged chest pain, then an in-person visit for evaluation and consideration for a chest Xray would be considered. 2. Strep Pharyngitis (strep throat) Strep throat can occur at any time of the year but is most prevalent in the winter and spring months, likely due to our increased time indoors – overall, it is more common in children. Symptoms including a sudden sore throat, tender neck, red swollen tonsils and fever are typical. This bacterial infection of the throat can lead to several complications and it is recommended that it is treated promptly with a course of antibiotics. 3. Arthritis-related pain The cold weather is known to certainly exacerbate aches and pains related to arthritis (wear and tear of joints). The most common joints affected by arthritis are the knees, hands, hips and spine. First line management is staying active or considering structured physical therapy with a physical therapist, in addition to, as needed, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inﬂammatory medications (i.e. ibuprofen). In addition, taking a 3000-4000 mg total daily dose of a turmeric supplement, divided into two doses, has also shown particular promise in being a potent anti-inﬂammatory in reducing arthritis pain; however this supplement (along with others) can interact with prescribed medications. It is recommended that you review this option with your primary care provider before taking it.

When is it time to see a physician? Those common colds are best managed at home. However, if there are any concerns with prolonged or severe symptoms, evaluation would be recommended. If a patient suspects they have strep throat, they should be seen by a healthcare provider. At our clinic, we have on-site testing to conﬁrm strep throat to aid with appropriate management. Should patients have concerns for severe pain secondary to arthritis, more advanced interventions can certainly be considered for management. Those can be best assessed and discussed in-person at our clinic.

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.

What are some tips to stay healthy throughout the winter months? Hand washing, staying home when ill, staying active and ensuring a balanced diet throughout the winter season. We are here for you – should you suffer from any of the symptoms outlined above, Dr. Lambert encourages you to seek care! “I love being a Family Medicine Physician, treating all ages, and greatly enjoy getting to know and caring for my patients,” said Dr. Lambert. “Our ofﬁce has some of the most caring providers and amazing staff I have had the privilege to work with.” You may reach Dr. Lambert’s ofﬁce at 801-569-9133.

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Murray City Journal

Grant students combine fitness with kindness during annual event By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

or one decade, Principal Jill Burnside has been flapping her wings while running around in a turkey costume as part of the annual Turkey Trot. The tradition is 3 years old at Grant Elementary. “It's something I brought over from Liberty (Elementary); I dress as a turkey, and we run a lap around the school,” she said. “It’s important kids are moving and seeing running can be fun. Running is one of my most favorite things to do, and I want kids to have fun, so it's something I just love to do with the kids.” Burnside said at first, Grant students weren’t quite sure of the Turkey Trot, but now they embrace it. “When I first came, the kids did not know what to think of it, but now they love it. They look forward to it. This year, the weather was awful, and they still had a blast,” she said. This year, several students wore storebought or homemade out of brown paper bag turkey costumes while they ran the one-third of a mile course. Several faculty, staff and parents joined in the fun. Burnside, who loves to run half-marathons, completes the course with each grade, often running behind the flock, encouraging

every student to finish. “Our top runners get a prize, the fastest boy and girl runners in each grade level get a shirt, second place gets a pie, third place gets a turkey butter and fourth, fifth and sixth places receive ribbons. Our Tech Club students come up with a design. This year, it says, ‘What do you call a running Turkey?’ And then it says, ‘fast food,’” she said about the joke that’s fitting for those top runners. Coinciding with the annual Turkey Trot is a food drive, earmarked for the Murray Children’s Pantry. This year, Grant Elementary students donated 15 large boxes of food. “There was no formal competition, just an encouragement to see which grade can bring in the most food,” Burnside said. The Turkey Trot tradition began for Burnside when she began as a principal at Liberty Elementary. She ran in her turkey costume there for seven years. Previously, former Principal Darren Dean also flapped his wings as a turkey. “It’s just a fun tradition that gets the students moving,” she said. “At the same time, they’re thinking of others by donating food.” l Grant Principal Jill Burnside has run the annual Turkey Trot for 10 years, encouraging students to be active. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia L. Kehr Rees)

Utah’s vision for air mobility: hail an air taxi like Uber By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

magine being able to order an air taxi on your phone, just like an Uber, and picking it up at a “vertiport” – an air taxi hub not far from your home. It may sound like something from “The Jetsons,” but Utah is seriously aiming to make this a reality by the 2034 Winter Olympics. “Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will be an alternative mode of transportation for Utah residents,” said Paul Damron, UDOT’s Advanced Air Mobility manager. “I see that some residents could adopt this mode as its primary option. While I see others use it as a complement to all the other modes Utah and UDOT offers.” Damron said UDOT is working with its internal legislative liaison group to help Utah legislators understand the work they’ve been doing, and pave the way for additional regulatory items. He said AAM (advanced air mobility) is a new area of aviation, and with all new things, regulatory frameworks need to be established. “We have facilitated several studies that help us understand the next steps,” Damron said. “Community engagement and education, and public acceptance is one of our next crucial steps.” When asked about piloting these air

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taxis, Damron said there will be a number of early adopter companies that will be operating the aircraft. He said Utah is in the process of understanding who the initial operators are and what type of operations could benefit from using these aircrafts. As Utah navigates the early steps in air mobility, these aircrafts will likely operate from Salt Lake City Airport before new infrastructure is built. Last month, the FAA approved a new “powered lift” category to set standards for air taxi pilots, which is a significant milestone. “UDOT’s job is to move people around the state safely and efficiently,” Damron said. “We will continue to build safe and viable modes of transportation, including air. Regional Air Mobility (RAM) is also a subject we talk about. Imagine using environmentally friendly, clean energy aircraft to move you from one end of the state to the other, or to neighboring states efficiently.” Damron said the pricing structure will be set by operators. “As this mode of transportation becomes more used and adopted, they are telling us that prices will come down,” Damron said. “OEMs and operators know

Imagine being able to order an air taxi like Uber, it may be possible by 2034. (Adobe Stock Photo)

that prices need to be cheap enough for all residents to travel this way. Their goal is to have prices be the same prices as an Uber Black price.” Damron said we are just at the be-

ginning stages of understanding AAM in Utah, and they are excited to see what we can do with it and where it goes. l

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Murray High's diversity dinner: A feast of cultures and connections By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

urray High School’s business club students are inviting the community to “Come Share Your Story.” It’s part of a free diversity dinner, which will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15 in the commons at Murray High, 5440 S. State St. The community is invited; a RSVP is requested here. An anticipated 150 people are expected to attend, and local government and community leaders are invited. Additionally, local businesses can support the diversity dinner by donating through Murray Education Foundation by clicking the donation link at MurrayEducationFoundation.org or by mailing a check to Murray Education Foundation, 5102 S. Commerce Drive, Murray, 84107, and indicating it is to support Murray High business club. “Diversity is not just about the color of your skin. It's about so many other things, and it's important we all understand that,” Murray High business club co-adviser Kim Batey said. At Murray High, several student leaders and clubs from Best Buddies to the Queer Straight Alliance to Latinos In Action have stepped up to plan and support the event, business club co-adviser April Warby said. “The idea is we will sit people with others at a table who they don't know, and throughout the meal, they can respond to different prompts, so they share with other people at their table, and they all get to learn about each other and their cultures,” she said. “In a lot of cultures, eating a meal together is how you become family. We want to respect that, and recognize although we

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have differences, it's really our similarities which make us unified.” The prompts give people a chance to know each other, but the last one gives the guests something to ponder. “The last question is something like ‘think about the magic you discovered today, and how can we take that out into our community and keep it going,’” Batey said. The event purposely ties into Human Rights Day on Jan. 20 to celebrate those of differing ethnicities, religions, beliefs, abilities and more, said Murray High senior Brett Bostic, who is both a business club and student body officer. He and other club mem-

bers will write about the diversity dinner for a community service event at the state competition for DECA, an international organization for high school and college students seeking careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management and entrepreneurship. But the diversity dinner is more than hosting an event for a competition, he said. “Diversity dinner is a great opportunity for people to come and learn more about others in the community, to foster genuine, authentic connections and get to know your community,” Bostic said. “In this modern world, we have more ways to connect, but through an event such as the diversity dinner, we get a bit out of our comfort zone, meet new people, experience different cultures and be able to kind of strengthen the community in a way that's holistic and profound. At the same time, you're assisting with a cause greater than yourself.” Not only is it building a community, he said, but students also plan to help the Utah Refugee Connection with a portion of the profits. While Warby said Murray High School, itself, has a lot of diversity, Batey pointed out there is a refugee population living in Murray. “Murray is good at supporting others within our community, especially with donations staying here to help people locally,” she said. Bostic and other students are seeking sponsors for the dinner, reaching out to local businesses. As of early December, they had early commitments from Murray Rotary

Club, Moki Pottery and the National Association of Credit Management. “Our students are learning to be effective businesspeople; they need to work within all sorts of people as a team and learning that in high school is critical,” Batey said. Additionally, students are learning the process of reaching out and networking for sponsors, marketing, sales, organization skills, tracking documents and sponsorships, coordinating with the Murray Education Foundation, event planning, scheduling, technology and more, she said. The event is open to people aged 15 and older, as children may not sit with their families. Residents from all neighboring communities are welcome. “Students don't have to go to Murray. They can be students from another school. People don't have to live in Murray. It can be businesspeople and community members from all over. We really want this to be a community event,” she said. Bostic said the diversity dinner may become a regularly scheduled event in upcoming years. “For a community to thrive, for individuals to have a better life, and a better feeling toward their life, it requires a strong community,” he said. “I hope this will help enable people to eliminate any prejudices or biases that may occur toward others who are different than us, by seeing how diverse and beautiful our community is.” l

64 years ago, Ruby Bridges taught a lesson – one that continues being learned today

ixty-four years ago, a 6 year old walked to school. It became national headlines and a fact students learn about each year. Ruby Bridges was the first African-American student to attend an all-white public elementary school in New Orleans on Nov. 14, 1960. She walked to school each day since she was denied a seat on the school bus because of the color of her skin. Now, students not only learn about the impact she had on schools, but they take part in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, a nationwide annual walk that honors her courage and resilience. Grant Elementary’s 322 students participated in 0.25-mile walk to a nearby church and back to commemorate Bridges. Many wore purple, Bridges’ favorite color, and some wore Ruby Bridges’ walk hats and carried pendants which Principal Jill Burnside acquired for the walk. “This made it a little bit more real; it brought an awareness,” she said. “Some-

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By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com times, some history can be lost, and students may not be aware of things that happened. Now, the students understand she did something she believed in. They understand they can stand up and make a difference in their lives as well.” Some students linked arms; younger students were paired up with upper-grade students. They were escorted by Murray Police. Bridges, back in the day, was escorted by federal marshals. “We adjusted it from walking to school to walking to the church since more than half our students don’t live in our boundaries,” Burnside said. “At the church, we talked about her — many of them didn’t realize she’s still alive — and what she stood up for. We talked about empathy; that’s our character trait for the month. I told them, ‘We can be brave and empathetic,’ and I’m hoping they understood. I hope they can learn from her example.” l

Grant Elementary students learn about Ruby Bridges and walked the neighborhood in her honor. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia L. Kehr Rees)

Murray City Journal

Junior co-captain Sophie Yates, a selfless leader on Cottonwood’s girls soccer team By Brian Shaw | b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

ack in the day, Bart Simpson was a classic underachiever at school. According to Cottonwood head soccer coaches BryLee Harvest and his brother Bryce, that would not be how you’d characterize Sophie Yates. “As a person, she’s an overachiever and one of the sweetest people you will meet. She’s genuine, compassionate, and is hilarious,” said coach BryLee Harvest of his team’s junior co-captain. “I can’t recount the number of times Sophie has made us laugh or smile, she’s the type of person that you instantly miss when she is not in your presence.” On and off the soccer field, Yates kept team spirits light despite having a highly competitive nature. “Sophie Yates absolutely hates to lose, one of the most competitive athletes we’ve had in our time at Cottonwood,” said Harvest. “Bryce and I often play in practice and will trash talk a lot, she will reciprocate that back at us and amplify that tenfold when she beats us.” In all, Yates also plays three sports at Cottonwood and said she enjoys the time she’s spent on the Colts’ girls team. “I absolutely love playing for Coach Bryce and Coach BryLee and Cottonwood soccer,” said Yates. “Although this past year we did not win as many games as we would have liked, I loved that we were competitive in each game we played and that we got better as the season went on. My teammates are amazing to play with, and we strive to work hard to improve each day. It is fun and rewarding to be a part of a soccer program where we know we are trying to build something that is great.” When he and his brother asked her to move to center back after the Colts lost their region opener to Tooele by a 6-0 final score, she didn’t hesitate despite having never played the position. “We would often start her there for the first 10 minutes of the game because that’s where we were conceding most of our goals,” Harvest said. “We would gauge how much pressure we were absorbing in those first minutes, and if it was a game we felt we could be more aggressive, we would move her up the field slowly from center back to center defensive midfield—all the way up to striker at times. “… Believe me, she would’ve played goalie if we allowed her to,” joked Harvest. Yates—who plays golf and basketball as well at Cottonwood—wasn’t able to score any goals or notch any assists for the Colts this past season, but Harvest said he and his brother will be forever indebted to Yates and the selfless leadership example she provided in spite of it all. “As a coach, I cannot talk enough about how great a privilege it is to get to watch her play soccer—let alone be one of her coaches,” said Harvest.

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Sophie Yates is recognized for her athletic achievement playing soccer, basketball and golf. (Cottonwood High Athletics)

“You wouldn’t be able to tell that she is a center attacking midfielder and not a center back the way she played it. Never complained about center back. And, her incredible willingness to learn makes any coaches’ job easier.” Yates will now turn her attention to basketball and head coach Tes Soracco’s two-time Region 10 champions. Like Harvest, Yates’s basketball coach had nothing but glowing things to say about the Cottonwood junior. “Sophie is a standout athlete and an incredible young lady, excelling both on the basketball court and the soccer field. Her competitive spirit and drive to improve make her a joy to coach,” said coach Soracco. “So-

Sophie Yates juggles the soccer ball. (Cottonwood High Athletics)

phie’s coachability and eagerness to learn are matched only by her remarkable defensive skills, which set her apart as a true game changer.” In closing, Harvest said he wanted to remind everyone that Yates is indeed one of one.

“Whether it’s at practice, games, playing cards, or college sports rivalries, never bet against Sophie Yates,” said Harvest. “I mean that figuratively and literally, I recently learned this the hard way when my alma mater University of Utah lost to her BYU Cougars in football, and I owed her Swig. She’s always someone you want to have in your corner and the game is never over until it is officially over. “It is well known that we did not have the best season. Sophie Yates is a fighter and never once let the scoreboard affect how she played. Whether we were up multiple goals up or down multiple goals, you would never be able to tell what the score was if it weren’t for the scoreboard.” Looking ahead to next year when Yates will be a senior at Cottonwood, Harvest said the heartbeat of the Colts girls soccer team will be in great hands. “She wears her heart on her sleeve when she plays soccer, it is truly remarkable to see,” said Harvest. “Her passion and work ethic speaks volumes to her character and her parents, and we are excited to see what the rest of her time at Cottonwood brings. There’s a reason she is one of our captains and someone Bryce and I believe has more greatness in her unwritten chapter here at Cottonwood.” l

Jan. 2025 | Page 11

Make the Salt Lake great...again By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com

he sky was bright blue, the air crisp, the colors of the water and beach vivid. I was on Antelope Island to clear my mind. The holiday season had been unsettling. Actually, the entire election cycle had been unsettling. While I wrote this article, our country was in a lull between a political system we know (and have been not entirely sold on), and an administration intent to change things in a way we should all hope will end for the better. For everyone. Half of our country voted differently than we did (regardless of how we voted), and somehow, understanding the other half seems nearly impossible. We can talk about silos and fake news, but these voters are half the people we dine with at the new Thai restaurant in town, who ride the ski bus with us, who visit our state parks with their dogs, who sit by us at church, who throw holiday celebrations for their families, who deeply love their children. Sometimes they are family. We know them, live with them, love them. And yet we feel divided. We have so much to be grateful for. And so much to protect. Things felt unsettled, so I went for a hike on Antelope Island State Park. My goal, to figure out: What I am grateful for: Clean bathrooms – The parking lot was empty, the outhouse looked abandoned, but I had to go. I considered squatting next to the car because I hate a dirty bathroom, but still I ventured in. It was clean, smelled fresh and contained several rolls of fresh paper. And I was grateful. Grateful for a state park service that clearly cares about providing the best experience for visitors. My bladder empty, my mood started to lift. Safety – I'm a woman who most often hikes alone. The path that skirted the lakeside was remote, but at all times I felt safe. And I was grateful. Grateful for a state and country that values public safety. Grateful my land isn’t overrun by ongoing war or cartels. Grateful for my fellow humans who (most of them) don’t intend harm to a woman hiking alone. Audio books – On my hike I was listening to a historical novel (WWII in Paris, in this case). I was trying to take comfort that people over time have suffered through times of greater strife than this, and we as a species, have survived. And I was grateful. Grateful for the technology I can wear in my ear, grateful for the authors who write the stories that help explain the world. And finally, grateful for a retrospective point of view. I think we can all agree things were worse during WWII, and we also know that at the end of the story, the good side wins (despite the obvious fallout), which is gratifying and soothing. My knees – My knees are a marvel that

Page 12 | Jan. 2025

Bison dot the horizon at the Antelope Island State Park. Wildlife abounds on the banks of the lake. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

need maintenance, so I was grateful for access to healthcare. While we might not have a perfect system, and it can be expensive and difficult to access...there is science, technology and doctors who work hard. People are trying to care for each other in this world. And if nothing else, we have ChatGPT where you can list all of your random symptoms and get a virtual diagnosis to obsess about. Wide open country – I've visited places where all the best spots belong to individuals or hotels or golf courses or mining companies or developers (Mexico, I’m looking at you). And what a shame. Here in Utah, and in our country, we have invested in keeping equal access to beautiful places. And I was grateful. Grateful for this island in the middle of a salty lake that boasts sweeping beauty and birds and bison. The Great Salt Lake - And now, the star of the show. This body of water right in front of me could not be ignored. I am newly grateful for the Great Salt Lake. Like many of you, in the past I didn’t even consider the lake. I grew up in Murray but lived in Seattle in the 1990s. Seattle, unlike Salt Lake, is a lake-facing community, and my coworkers would ask if I’d spent much time on the Great Salt Lake. And I had to tell them I’d NEVER BEEN. Yes, I was an adult and had never been to the namesake lake of my hometown, a massive body of water, much larger than Lake Washington. And they were astounded, and when I really thought about it, so was I. But for years we’ve all taken from, then

ignored, the lake. It would be more convenient to continue to do this, but I am grateful for the Great Salt Lake, and for its continuing existence. Why? Let’s start with air quality. The exposed bed of our shallow saline lake is coated with toxic chemicals that have accumulated over centuries (from natural and manmade causes). When the bed is exposed and these chemicals dry out and become airborne, we all breathe dust comprised of things like arsenic and mercury. The bowl-shaped valley often has the worst air quality in the United States, and ranks in the top-10 worst cities in the world. The bad air doesn't come solely from the Great Salt Lake, but lake dust is a contributor with the potential of becoming much worse. Bad air will affect our health and the economic viability of our state. So, I am grateful for the shallow layer of water protecting us from this toxic muck. The lake creates “lake effect” snow, adding anywhere from 5% to 10% of Utah’s snow and extends the ski season by as much as five to seven weeks. That’s water to drink in the summer and tourist dollars and recreation in the winter. Grateful. According to a study by ECONorthwest, the annual economic contribution of the Great Salt Lake is estimated at $1.7 to $2.2 billion (which is nearly as much as the ski industry...not to mention the lake effect snow season extension). The salty lake supports a brine shrimp industry that provides 40% of the food supply for aquaculture across the world. I do love a grilled salmon

dinner. And I’m not even going to discuss the more than 10 million birds who make the critical stop at the Great Salt Lake along their annual migration. So, heck yeah, I’m grateful for the Great Salt Lake! To honor and protect what I am grateful for, I resolve to: Now it’s the New Year, the time of resolutions. Since I can’t just assume that all these things I was grateful for on my hike would forevermore be mine to enjoy, in regards to each of the above items, I resolve to: Clean bathroom – Use my state and national parks respectfully. Not begrudge the taxes spent to maintain them or the fees I must pay to access each site. Not throw garbage into the outhouses. The signs say I shouldn’t, so I will continue to obey. Safety – Value and respect my local police and the laws they uphold, use my vote to be sure they have the resources they need. Take precautions with my own safety by carrying pepper spray. My knees – Go to the physical therapist and actually do physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding my knees. And I will take the time to ice after playing pickle ball. I don’t know why this is so hard. Audio books – I already listen to too many audio books, so I will let capitalism do its work by buying the things I use, thereby ensuring they will continue to be available. Wide open country – I’ll use my voice and my vote to be sure public lands are kept

Murray City Journal

available, providing access to everyone. This is a frustrating one for me, as developers and special interests seem to have a much bigger voice than I have. At the same time, I’ll realize that growth must occur someplace, but urge that it be done for the benefit of many and not the few. The Great Salt Lake - The lake hit its lowest level ever recorded in 2022 as a result of domestic/agricultural use and climate change. Though we’ve had a couple of good winters, it is currently at levels seen in 2021, putting us one below-average winter and one dry summer away from the record low. So, I resolve to pray for rain. Gov. Spencer Cox was mocked for saying we should pray for rain. But I applaud reaching to a higher power. And at the very least, praying for rain keeps the lake front of mind. I resolve to use my voice and resources to encourage planning for not enough rain. I will stay aware; I will contact my legislators and the legislators in lake-adjacent districts and tell them thank you, and also to continue their efforts. At this time, I am encouraged that representatives from both sides of the aisle are recognizing that the health of the Great Salt Lake is critical, and many are working to make the Salt Lake great again. According to reporting at Fox 13, the Utah State Legislature has passed a number of bills and spent over a billion dollars on water conservation efforts. There are agricultural optimization bills and grants, studies on taxing public and private entities for water, allowing users to see the “true cost” of their water consumption, and yes, nonprofits (like churches, cities and schools) don’t pay equally for their water, so are not encouraged to use less. Historic water rights are being gifted to the lake, and laws of “use it or lose it” water rights are being changed to encourage conservation and flow downstream. Legislation was passed limiting unfettered mineral extraction. Utah has received a $50-million grant from the federal government via the Inflation Reduction Act to be used toward conservation. Stream gauges are being installed to monitor flows into the lake and evaporation during the summer. There is more public

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Cricket, reporter Ella Joy Olsen’s dog, enjoys the wide-open trails and beauty found at Antelope Island State Park. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)

awareness and engagement about the Great Salt Lake than there has been in probably forever, like youth activist groups, symposiums and public art. These are all good things. However, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz (R-Hooper) has called for a pause on major water bills for the upcoming session of the Utah State Legislature. He told Fox 13 News, “Any time you make a change, I think it’s really important that you take a pause, make sure they’re working, see what needs to be reformed and what needs to be changed. I think that’s where we’re currently at.” This comment, while pragmatic, was discouraging to me. The world is (and will continue to be) affected by climate change, but the health of the Great Salt Lake is a bit of a bellwether. We won't see a gradual increase in wildfires or flooding. The lake is a system of salinity and collapse. But unlike global climate change, preserving the Great Salt Lake is a project in our purview. Even if droughts become more prevalent, we can preserve it by continuing to change our behavior and our laws. This particular crisis isn’t out of our control. And so, I resolve to keep up my spirits and my energy to affect this one thing. This one, big thing that intimately affects my health and my local economy. I resolve to continue to use my voice and my vote to make the Salt Lake great, again. l

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Utah launches round-up program to fund homeless services By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com

uring the final days of the 2024 Utah Legislature, a new provision into the omnibus alcohol bill for the year came together last minute. The bill, HB548, established a new program at state liquor stores to ask customers whether they’d like to round up their purchases to donate to a state fund that supports homeless service programs across Utah. Starting Nov. 19, 2024, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services officially launched that program in liquor and wine stores across the state. Now, at checkout, liquor store cashiers will ask customers if they would like to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. If they agree, their donation will go directly to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account, a fund named after a prominent homeless advocate. The state uses the fund to direct donations to a wide variety of homeless programs, according to state officials, including: • Emergency services like temporary shelters, meal services, day centers and outreach programs. • Supportive services, including case management to help people move into stable housing. • Housing services, including rapid rehousing programs, transitional housing, rental assistance, case management and se-

Utah officials have launched a new program to support homeless services. (Photo by Mihály Köles on Unsplash)

curity. • Domestic violence service providers. “This program offers Utahns a simple way to make a meaningful impact,” said Senate Budget Chair Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, in a statement. “By rounding up, we can provide essential resources to those who need them most and make significant strides toward addressing homelessness in our state.” Though the round-up program will be asking Utah customers to donate small amounts – less than a dollar – each transaction can add up. Last year, Utah saw more than $579 million in alcohol sales, according to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Bever-

age Services’ 2023 annual report. State officials estimate it will bring in roughly $2.5 million a year to the Pamela Atkinson fund. To spread the word about the new program, officials from the Utah Office of Homeless Services and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services held a media event at one of the state’s liquor and wine stores in Salt Lake City. State officials said they were eager to launch the program after the Pamela Atkinson fund’s annual donations has been “pretty stagnant” in recent years. Utah’s growing homeless system is also seeing more projects come to fruition, including a new 50-bed microshelter community on state-owned land under freeway overpasses in Salt Lake City. State officials are also looking at possibly doing more for youth and family homelessness, as well as generally expanding the state homeless system’s capacity. Through the round-up program, Utahns can contribute to services that have faced increased pressures as Utah’s homelessness population has grown amid diminished housing affordability, increasing cost of living, and other issues including increased needs for mental health and substance abuse treatment.

In recent years, Utah’s emergency homeless shelters have been operating at essentially mass capacity, people suffering from mental illness have been living in shelters and jails, and “the deficit for deeply affordable housing is at 77,000 units,” according to a January report issued by the Utah Office of Homeless Services. Meanwhile, state leaders have also dramatically increased the amount of state and federal funds funneled toward homeless services over the past three years as state leaders have taken on a more active role, agreeing that homelessness is a statewide problem, and not just a Salt Lake City problem. In 2022, Utah appropriated about $35 million in state and federal funds on homeless services, according to the state’s budget website. That amount grew to $70 million in 2023, then to over $167.7 million in 2024 – including $30 million in one-time COVID-19 relief funding, plus about $37.3 million in other federal funds. For fiscal year 2025, state leaders appropriated about $153.7 million in state and federal funds. Ongoing revenue resources are harder to come by than one-time money during the legislature’s budgeting process, so even though it’s a comparatively small amount to the state’s larger homeless services budget, the round-up program will still help. l

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Page 14 | Jan. 2025

Murray City Journal

January 2025

ROBINSON CAROLS SING-ALONG Last December, Murray City Cultural Arts hosted the Robinson Carols Sing-Along. A long-standing tradition in the Murray City School District, was music instruction by William F. Robinson. Mr. Robinson was made the music supervisor of the MCSD in 1907. During the early years of his teaching career, he would walk from one end of the district to another, making rounds to each of the schools. He was known as “Murray’s Music Man” and the “Father of Christmas Caroling” in the Murray Community.

THANK YOU ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

MURRAY SENIOR RECREATION CENTER Science Class: Cultural History Science 10 East 6150 South, Murray, Utah 84107 Date: Thursday, Feb. 6 801-264-2635 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. murray.utah.gov/140/Senior-Recreation-Center Cost: Free seniorrec@murray.utah.gov DANCE mcreg.com Beginning Line Dance Instruction Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Date: Tuesdays Time: 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Cost: $5 for the month; register now Closed Saturday and Sunday Check our website for any changes in programs.

CHEF OMAR LIMON Daily Lunch Date: Tuesday through Friday Time: 11:30 a.m. – noon Cost: Cost is $5; prior registration not required

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

CLASSES Ceramics Date: Tuesday and Thursday Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon Cost: $1.50 each class plus cost of supplies

Thursday Evening Social Dance Live Music provided by Tony Summerhays Date: Thursdays Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Cost: $5

FITNESS

Grief Support Date: Friday, Jan. 10 and 24 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free Dementia Date: Friday, Jan. 17 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free Vital Aging: Principle of Happiness Date: Friday, Jan. 24 Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free Nutrition: Shocked by Sugar Date: Tuesday, Feb. 4 Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Cost: Free

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 Jan. 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. Seated Yoga – Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Music, Memory, and Movement (Seated Drumming) – Fridays at 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Introduction to Spinning Date: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, and 22 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Cost: Free; register now as space is limited to five per class ING Walking Club: F.I.T.OPOLY Kick-Off Date: Thursday, Jan. 23 Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Cost: Free kick-off; $20 to join the walking club for January through May

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, Jan. 9 Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost: Free

TRIPS Wendover Date: Thursday, May 1 Time: 8:15 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost: $30; register now

10 East 6150 South (West of State Street) • 801-264-2635

JANUARY 2025

e Visit TH m o C EP

A R K CE

N T E R 202 E M

venue 801-284-4200 A k r a P u rra y

Person on the Street interviews

e asked people in Salt Lake County what they were looking forward to in 2025. Here’s what they said.

In January, Utah becomes a winter playground with activities the whole family can enjoy. (Stock photo)

5 winter activities for the family By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

inter is the perfect season to create lasting family memories. Whether you bundle the kids up for an ice skating party, sled down powdery hills or enjoy a cup of warm cocoa, this season reminds us to embrace togetherness and make the most of these cold months. Here are some thrilling winter activities your family and friends will love. Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon Visit your favorite trails in the winter for a snowshoeing adventure. Millcreek Canyon has lots of fun trails that take you past waterfalls and rivers as you snowshoe through the area. The Church Fork Trail in Millcreek is highly recommended for winter adventures. Snowshoes can be purchased or rented for the entire family and dogs can join you on these trails. The Church Fork trailhead is located about 3 miles up the canyon at the north end of the picnic area. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. There is a $5 fee to enter canyon. Herriman Ice Ribbon, 13082 S. Fort Herriman Pkwy. Celebrate winter with a trip to the Herriman Ice Ribbon for outside skating at J. Lynn Crane Plaza. Take a lap, or two, around the ice ribbon, then warm your hands by the fire pits. Opened in 2017, the skating location has grown in popularity and reservations are required. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate and there are walkers to help beginning ice skaters. The cost for an adult (14+) with skate rental is $10, children (3-14) cost $8 with skate rental and children 2 and under are free. Visit Herriman.gov/ice-ribbon for daily schedules and to reserve skating time for your group.

Page 18 | Jan. 2025

Sledding at Sugar House Park, 1330 E. 2100 South Sugar House Park is the perfect location for a family sledding experience. The park spans more than 100 acres and popular hills provide a variety of steepness offering the perfect mix of thrill and safety for sledders of all ages. With the Wasatch Mountains towering in the background, the park becomes a winter wonderland. Convenient parking makes it easy to enjoy the fun. Finish the day with a cup of hot chocolate from local vendors in the area. Fat tire biking in the canyons Don’t let the snowy roads put your cycling on ice. Jump on your fat tire bike (rentals are available) and head to the hills. Millcreek Canyon (fee), Corner Canyon and Butterfield Canyon offer numerous cycling trails for cyclists of any level, with the bigger, less-inflated tires providing better grip to keep you riding safely in the snow. The best time to ride is after the trails are tramped down, so powder days are not a good option. Be sure to dress in layers, carry water and snacks and watch the weather forecast! Visit the Homestead Crater If you’re done with snowy, cold activities, take a trip to Midway and warm up in the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort. This geothermal spring is hidden within a beehive-shaped rock and stays at around 95 degrees all year. While in the crater, you can soak in the therapeutic waters, swim, scuba dive or take a paddleboard yoga class. Reservations are required so visit HomesteadResort.com to schedule your adventure. l

Jane (left) and Siri Thackeray: “I’m in eighth grade, so next year I’ll go to high school at Brighton and I’m going to try out for the soccer team there.” Jane Thackeray, Sandy

Drake: “I’m looking forward to a new home and a new school. I look forward to summer and skating. There’s a new skate park in Hyrum that I want to try. And I’ll be 16 and I’ll get to drive.”

Olivia: “I’m looking forward to my kids all going to school and being able to get a job. And I want to get organized.” Olivia Kruse, West Jordan

“I’m looking forward to sports. I play lacrosse for high school and club, and since it’s winter, I have to take a break, but I’m excited to go back.” Siri Thackeray, Sandy Makena: “I’m looking forward to learning more and growing as a person, physically and emotionally.” Makena Bass, Riverton

Sha: “I’m looking forward to all the change in diversity and gas prices and being able to live comfortably again. Hopefully, it will be a new beginning and a start to something new.” Sha Primus, West Valley City

Drake Adair, Bluffdale

Joe:

“My goal is to have a healthy business and a fun, adventurous business. We offer flight training and pilot services and we cater to clients that are looking to buy a Cirrus Aircraft.” Joe Hoggan, West Valley City

Rebecca: “I’m looking forward to fixing our remodeled house.” Rebecca Hoggan, West Valley City

Tasha A: “We’re going to be building a house in 2025 and that’s what our family is looking forward to.” Tasha Adair, Bluffdale

Murray City Journal

h ealth & Wellness City Journals presents:

A publication covering local health and wellness ideas for everyone around the Salt Lake Valley

6 unique fitness experiences to try in 2025 near Salt Lake County By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com Moving and getting in shape doesn’t have to be a chore. Finding something that you enjoy doing makes exercising and being active feel more like play rather than work, while still giving you the same or better benefits as visiting a normal gym. Unique fitness experiences exist around Salt Lake County which offers unique excursions and experiences like a new underwater yoga flow, an educational and adventurous late-night snowshoe tour, and so much more. Here are six fitness adventures including indoor and outdoor fun for all skill levels: Yoga with the Sharks at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (Draper) There’s a certain type of Zen to obtain surrounded by shark-infested waters. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium offers an hourlong instructor-led class in front of a tank teeming with sea creatures on select Monday nights. Allison Barker, director of development and chair of the Conservation Committee at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium said many participants have said the unique atmosphere creates a peaceful environment with many health benefits including “the gentle rhythm of the water and the mesmerizing movements of the sharks, fish and sea turtles” helping to reduce stress and anxiety. “Ultimately, Yoga with the Sharks offers a transformative experience combining physical and mental benefits,” she said. “By practicing yoga in such an unusual and beautiful setting, participants gain a deeper appreciation for themselves and the natural world.” The 2025 dates will be released near the end of December. Included with the event is admission to check out the rest of the aquarium, but you’ll probably want to go earlier than

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the class time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. because the aquarium closes at 8 p.m. The class is open to 8-year-olds and older. Registration is online and costs $25. The aquarium recommends bringing your own equipment but has some for new yogis. Momentum Indoor Climbing (Millcreek, Sandy) If you’ve never gone rock climbing, no biggie. It’s a new year to try new things and Momentum is a great place to learn. The Sandy location offers a variety of classes including belay instruction, rope climbing and even bouldering for any skill level. “Our class structure is designed with progression in mind so that there’s always something for you to learn and work toward no matter your current ability,” is the Momentum mission. If learning to climb isn’t your thing, the gym also offers yoga and group fitness classes. Sign-up is online. Intro to aerial class at Aerial Arts of Utah (Salt Lake City) Think Zendaya in “The Greatest Showman”—that could be you this year. Granted, it’s a beginners class for more than just trapeze, Aerial Arts of Utah is offering quite the deal at $90 for three one-hour classes every Wednesday night. The class is an introduction to several different types of aerial fitness, including fabric and static trapeze for those aged 13 years or older. Sign-up is online. Onyx Pole and Aerial Fitness Studio, hoop, pole, silks and hammock classes (Sandy) In one studio, there are at least five different aerial fitness classes to choose from. Onyx offers everything from pole workouts to silks and hoops for differing levels of ability. The hammock beginner

(Courtesy Loveland Living Planet Aquarium)

class (1.0) is referred to as the “perfect class to not only begin your journey but to keep coming back to build those forever essential movements.” Most classes range from beginner (1.0) to pro (4.0). Paddleboard yoga in a natural hot spring (Midway) The name of the Midway Crater is becoming more well-known as a unique spot to visit in Midway, but did you know that you could not only swim in it but it’s large enough to do paddleboard yoga in? Midway Crater offers a paddleboard yoga execution that offers a unique opportunity to find your Zen in one of nature’s beautiful (and oldest) yoga studios. Blue 95-degree Fahrenheit mineral water offers an inviting cushion if you fall in. Booking can include just the paddleboard experience or be bundled with hiking, snowshoeing and more. Park City Yoga Adventures also offers yoga in a backcountry yurt, mountaintop yoga and winter forest meditation. Book online.

Guided full moon snowshoe tour by Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (Alta) Cottonwood Canyons Foundation offers four types of snowshoe guided tours, with three open to the public. For the first time, the foundation is offering tours free of charge to celebrate their 25th anniversary, including a special treat with their moonlit tours. “It's a wonderful night when you get to hear the great horned owls calling, and you get to see some good dark skies up there,” said Liz Anderson, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation education director. Anderson said that tours start up again on Jan. 24 and are offered every Friday and Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in January and February, and 7 to 9 p.m. in March. All you need to do is bring some snow shoes and preferably a red flashlight, poles optional. Come ready to learn more about the native wildlife. Registration opens one month before the event date on cottonwoodcanyons.org/events.

Jan. 2025 | Page 19

Creating healthy financial habits in the new year By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com As we begin a new year many people set goals of unlocking their financial freedom as they strive to live a purposeful life. Sarah Fernandez, personal financial expert, claims, “The journey to financial freedom begins with acknowledging the importance of having a financial plan.” She emphasizes that a well-structured financial plan not only clarifies your current economic status, but also empowers you to make informed decisions. “Financial success is not just about numbers,” Fernandez said, “it's about mindset and discipline.” She highlights the importance of living within your means while still enjoying life's pleasures and encourages you to take control of your financial future in the new year through the following four ways. 1. A key indicator that money might be dictating your life is often referred to as “the vanishing paycheck phenomenon.” This is where you live paycheck to paycheck which can often produce a feeling of being overwhelmed by expenses. Fernandez suggests in situations such as this to focus on the concept of “having versus experiencing” and how it affects spending habits. 2. Cultivating a mindset for financial success. Fernandez encourages people to

Full interview with Sarah Fernandez available on Holly’s Highlights podcast. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Fernandez)

adopt an abundant mindset and likens this to a growth mindset, where the belief that improvement is always possible fuels your financial journey. This mindset shift not only focuses on progress and improvement, but is essential for overcoming financial stress and achieving long-term goals. Fernandez reiterates that this perspective shift allows individuals to live their best life at the moment while working toward a brighter financial future.

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Children learn healthy financial habits at a young age. (Photo courtesy of Holly Curby)

3. Understanding how family upbringing can shape financial habits is vital, especially in relationships where partners may have different spending and saving tendencies. By recognizing these differences, couples can work together to align their financial goals, foster a sense of unity and understanding while building a prosperous future. “By having open and honest conversations about spending habits and priorities, couples can create a financial plan that supports their shared dreams and aspirations,” Fernandez said. 4. Credit card usage is a double-edged sword that requires careful management. While the perks of earning miles or cash back are enticing, it's important to use credit responsibly to avoid potential pitfalls. From personal experience Fernandez stresses the necessity of self-awareness in financial decisions. “Setting boundaries and knowing when to steer clear of credit misuse are crucial steps in maintaining financial discipline” Fernandez said. Fernan-

dez dives deeper into practical advice on how to navigate these challenges effectively in her interview on Holly’s Highlights podcast (season 3 episode 13). “Financial freedom is attainable for anyone willing to put in the effort and make informed decisions” Fernandez said. “By cultivating a mindset of abundance, setting clear goals, and managing finances responsibly, individuals can transform their financial habits and pave the way for a successful future.” Tune in to the complete interview with Fernandez on Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 3 Episode 13 for expert tips, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies that will equip you with the tools needed to master your financial journey. Whether you're single or in a relationship, young or old, Fernandez's insights will inspire you to take charge of your financial destiny and live a life full of purpose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-in and on www.HollyCurby.com.

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How assisted stretching helps relieve pain and improve mobility By Bailey Chism | bailey.c@thecityjournals.com As we get into the cold months and lose the desire to go outside, we can become stagnant, sitting inside all the time. While some people may have more upbeat jobs, moving around throughout the day, some people are stuck inside, sitting at a desk all day. We’ve all heard the benefits of regular exercise and the importance of stretching afterward, Dec. 11 was even National Stretching Day. But what about assisted stretching? It’s not something widely known, but it may have more benefits than regular athome stretching. Stretch Zone is hoping to make it more well-known. “We want to not be the best kept secret anymore,” said Jennifer Gibbs, general manager at the Draper Stretch Zone. The company, founded in 2004 by Jorden Gold, started with an experience close to his heart. After watching his grandfather’s growing limitations due to diabetes, he decided to start helping his grandfather through assisted stretches. Within a year, his grandfather went from not being able to walk, to walking with a walker, to a cane, to dancing at his cousin’s wedding all through that stretching. At this point, Gold knew he had to do something more, to help others that may be going through what his grandfather went through or to prevent them from getting to that point. “The whole reason that I started Stretch Zone was sparked from watching my grandfather becoming immobile because of his diabetes,” Gold said in a statement. “It motivated me to develop a proprietary stretching method that I hoped would prevent others from having to see themselves and the people in their lives suffer in the same way.” There are now four locations in Utah, one of them being in Draper, another in Cottonwood Heights. The practitioners at Stretch Zone offer a new approach to improving range of motion and flexibility. While traditional stretching methods can make you more flexible, it may take some time. Assisted stretching can get you there faster because you don’t have to think about the stretches you’re doing, or worry about other muscles aside from the one you’re stretching. “So instead of walking around at 80% or 90%, super tight and stretched all the time, they can just live in a more manageable, normal, relaxed way and these changes become more lasting,” Gibbs said. Assisted stretching can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel like you have problem muscles. For those sitting at an office all the time, they are stuck in the same position, cramping muscles that should be able to stretch and move throughout the

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Stretch Zone patented their table with their “championship belt” to stop clients from falling off the table. (Bailey Chism/City Journals)

day. Stress can also play a large part in muscle tension. Assisted stretching can help reduce everyday pain and help people move more fluidly for longer periods of time. Gibbs said she’s seen a number of different types of people walk through the Stretch Zone doors. Office workers that need to get away from cramped muscles, gymgoers and marathon runners preparing for races, older adults, even CEOs that may be more stressed than others. Gibbs said assisted stretching can also help when there’s been trauma involved, like a car accident or surgery. “The body is so wise,” she said. “It develops all these mechanisms that get all tangled up. And then you have another thing and another thing, then it’s hard to unwind yourself.” She said developing that range of motion back, assisting and breaking down scar tissue that develops prevents movement. She’s seen people in recovery and also people anticipating a surgery. She said assisted stretching can help loosen muscles before they’re put through surgery to stop it from yanking something around that shouldn’t move. “The body is so amazing,” Gibbs said. “How it can heal itself with something so holistic, like a stretch.” Usually, clients at a Stretch Zone start going multiple times a week, maybe two or three times, then as time goes on and they begin to heal, they’ll only need to come twice a month for routine maintenance. One of Gibbs’ favorite stories to share is a marathoner that started coming in 12

weeks before a race to stretch their muscles, mainly the hamstrings and hip flexors. Doing this routinely for those 12 weeks end-

ed up helping the client cut down on their race time. “It’s keeping them healthy, too,” Gibbs said. Many of their clients say they’ll stick with assisted stretching their entire lives. Heather Hemingway-Hales shares this point of view. Hemingway-Hales is still as active as ever, doing regular exercise, yoga, cycling, mountain biking and participating in 50-plus races. She comes in regularly to Stretch Zone. “Just coming in here and getting this deep stress really helps,” Hemingway-Hales said. Stretch Zones are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and open for half-days on Saturday. Gibbs said if you’re curious about assisted stretching, to try it out for a complimentary first visit. “I just encourage open invitation to anybody to just give the studio a call,” she said. “So I just invite anybody to come in and try it out, because it is such a new concept.” If you want to learn more about Stretch Zone and what they offer, you can visit stretchzone.com to find the location closest to you.

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Jan. 2025 | Page 21

Turn New Year’s fitness goal into lasting habits By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com Nearly half of the people worldwide set a New Year’s resolution to improve their health. A 2024 Forbes survey reveals 23% of U.S. participants fail in the first week and 43% drop out by February. This trend is something Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA's Draper gym, sees firsthand when the gym sees a spike in attendance during January and February, only to taper by March. “It's their New Year's resolution to start working out and they have a long-term goal, but usually, it’s not specific enough for them to stick with it,” said Espinosa, who serves as the gym’s lead trainer. “Often people’s resolutions are too general, like, ‘I want to lose weight,’ ‘I want to get into the gym to build muscle or do a pull up.” One of the first things he asks new clients is “Why do you want to come to the gym?” Many respond with a desire to lose weight, but Espinosa digs deeper. “Often, it’s not just about losing weight; it’s about feeling more comfortable in their bodies and gaining confidence — and that’s the why,” he said, adding often the answer

is tied to emotional reasons or to prevent health problems they’ve seen in others. One of Espinosa’s clients, a 60-yearold woman started training three years ago, fearing she was following the same sedentary path as her mother. “Her daily life has become easier with improved fitness. She’s stronger, more confident and skiing — and doing activities she never thought she could do, without being worried about being sore or getting hurt,” he said. Unlike the vague New Year’s resolutions which often lead to early burnout, Espinosa works with clients to set specific, achievable goals. He recommends writing down goals to make them tangible and breaking them into smaller, incremental steps. “You need to have a specific goal. Ask yourself, ‘What am I trying to achieve every month?’ A goal of going to the gym three times a week is a more realistic and attainable goal,” he said. “Set mini-goals, whether it’s five minutes, or an hour to hit your weekly goal. Then, build toward monthly, sixmonth, and yearly goals.” Espinosa emphasizes the importance of regularly reassessing goals. “Check in with yourself: ‘Am I am I doing

Steve Espinosa, a nationally certified personal trainer at VASA Draper’s gym, said fitness goals should be manageable so they can be eased into routines and naturally, become habits. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

enough?’ If you’re not seeing results, ‘what am I not doing? Is my gym time efficient? Am I pushing myself as hard as I should be?’” he said. “Sometimes your goals may change, and you need to evolve with them.” Espinosa talks from experience. He spent years strength training before running his first half-marathon. “After I did one, it changed everything. I'm still working out, but my workouts changed with my goal to run more half-marathons,” he said. “Your training and your resolutions are going to evolve. The result is where you want to get to, but the journey is going to get you there.” After being a high school athlete, Espinosa fell into unhealthy habits, including fast food and lack of exercise. Eventually he redefined his goals, embraced healthy eating, and became certified in endurance training, weight loss, muscle management and training for older adults. “Pushing yourself beyond your comfort

zone, being comfortable in the uncomfortableness of working out, makes you mentally stronger,” he said. “When I see that, it makes me happy. I want to help people.” Other advice Espinosa offers: • Use the gym as an escape: Espinosa said people join the gym because they need a break from the stresses of work and home. “Being in the gym helps you focus on what you're here for — yourself and your goals.” • Be accountable: While personal trainers can provide motivation and customized workout plans, Espinosa emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. “You need to be accountable to yourself.” • Prioritize your fitness: “Make time for it. Don’t say, ‘When I have time, I'll do it,’” Espinosa said. “Schedule an hour twice a week to work out and build from there.”

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Murray City Journal

“BEEP BEEP!”

emember in the Looney Tunes cartoons when Wile E. Coyote runs off the edge of a cliff and hangs suspended in midair before he realizes there’s no ground beneath his feet? That’s how I feel going into 2025. The holidays offered a jolly buffer between the U.S. presidential election and the official transfer of power this month, but now I’m looking down at the canyon floor, holding up a sign that reads “Help!” and preparing myself for the plunge where I hit rock bottom. Then, as I’m lying in a coyote-shaped hole, an anvil will land on my head. Historically, January in Utah is not for the faint-hearted with its frigid temperatures, smoggy inversions and lack of holidays that involve celebrating with pie. Nothing screams January like buying a pound of peppermint chocolate bark on clearance and scarfing it down while binge-watching “Bridgerton” in sweatpants. But for those of us still reeling from the election, every batty presidential cabinet pick, each mention of mass deportations and every promise to roll back environmental regulations is another anvil to the head.

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

I’m not a person who gets amped about “A new year!” and “A better me!” but my goal this month is to change my mindset. I need to put down the leftover Christmas candy, change out of my sweatpants and do what I can to bring about positive change. Maybe I’ll make a vision board or start repeating daily affirmations. Perhaps I’ll exercise more, although the gym will be as crowded as Times Square for the next six weeks. I will definitely not observe Dry January. I could learn how to use the tech I got for Christmas or take up a new language. Like Russian. I could try to enjoy winter activities and make an effort not to groan when someone suggests a winter hike or a sledding trip at the local park. One way to change my mindset is to volunteer with organizations that support causes dear to my heart. Getting out of my

head and into the idea we can all make a difference could make this dreary month (or year) bearable. I should also take a social media break because the algorithm on my feeds stokes the flames of my angst and frustration. Haha! Just kidding. I’m not giving up TikTok until the government rips the phone from my grasping fingers. That platform brings me instances of joy with its mischievous pets, hilarious cooking vids and comic relief. Maybe taking up a new hobby could put me in an optimistic state of mind, but not crocheting because that’s ridiculously hard. Perhaps I could start ballroom dancing or interpretive cake decorating. It’s conceivable I have a hidden talent for base jumping or parkour. I guess we’ll never know. Some readers have suggested I take a writing class. I guess I could look into that. Chasing that elusive Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote faced catastrophes every day. His ACME explosives blew up in his face, he was smashed by boulders over and over, he fell off cliffs and spent thousands of dollars for Road Runner traps that inevitably went wrong. His rocket-powered unicycle experiment didn’t end well.

But every day, he showed up to try again, creating ingenious ways to catch the Road Runner. He never stopped believing one day he would succeed, that one day he wouldn’t be crushed. That’s where I am. I’m peeling myself off the boulder and starting over, never giving up hope that one person can change this world for the better.

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