Human Rights Day

When I was a little girl I read this book:

The Devil's Arithmetic

It is a story about a young girl who is the descendant of a Holocaust survivor but she doesn't respect her grandfather or understand why he is the way he is. One day she suddenly wakes up in the middle of a concentration camp. At the end of the story we find out it is a dream, but she was able to walk in her grandfather's shoes and learn. As a young reader I was able to see the holocaust through the eyes of someone I could relate to, and it was meaningful to me.

I remember having nightmares about the circumstances in the book, I remember crying through every atrocity, each one worse than the last, but most of all I remember asking myself, "How could the world have let this happen?"

This is not a novel question when it comes to the Holocaust (or any other genocide). The American troops who invaded Germany asked it. Writers, philosophers, psychologists, religious and political leaders worldwide have discussed & researched these events endlessly, offering up explanations and answers to the pressing questions, "HOW?" and "WHY?"

The answer came in June, 1965 when Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. gave a commencement address for the graduating class of Oberlin College.

"I am coming to feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than the people of goodwill. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people."

This is the answer to the Holocaust. This is the answer to Kosovo. This is the answer to Darfur. This is the answer to Tibet. This is the answer to every oppressive situation we have seen in our world.

When good people stand by, silently watching prejudice, racism, ignorance and violence, they are enabling hatred. It is as simple as that.

While we do not see injustice of this scale in our American home, we have our own oppression:

Homeless families & war veterans; Millions of American's living in dire circumstances in the inner-cities, having no hope of education or substantial employment; The hideous disease of addiction and substance abuse; Hate crimes; Domestic Violence; Gangs; The deplorable way women are treated in the media & even in the workplace.

We have a lot of work to do as members of a community.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I had the opportunity to attend and speak at Murray's annual Human Right's Day Celebration. The wonderful & talented B Murphy came to lead the choir in several gospel numbers, and we were entertained by the Elikya African dancers.

B Murphy & I

In honor of Human Rights Day, I challenge you to find dissatisfaction in your community. What do you see that troubles you? What can YOU do to make a difference? One person cannot fix everything, but if each of us find just one community service goal to work towards, soon we will find that our community looks the way we would like it to.

We must honor the legacy of those who have given their lives speaking out for peace, and we must honor them through actions, not words.

What can you do for others?

Remembering December

I can't think of a better way to bring 2011 to a close. This past December was a lot of work and a lot of fun!

The first Christmas event was the annual Murray City Christmas Tree Lighting. Katherine (little Miss Murray), Santa & Mrs. Claus and myself all met at the Murray Fire Station and rode to City Hall lights BLAZING!

Next we hung out with Santa Claus and listened to what all the kids wanted for Christmas--IPhones and Nintendo DS's were the years most wanted presents. Thank you Shannon Oveson (my wonderful 1st attendant) for coming to help give out candy bars.

Shannon, Myself and Katherine

My lovely mother and I (don't we look alike!?)

The next event was the Horizon Elementary School Vocal Choir performance.

I was a member of the Horizon Vocal Choir during my 5th and 6th grade years. Performing with the choir was the first time I had ever really performed in front of an audience. Of course I had done many piano and dance recitals earlier in my childhood, but choir was the first time I really chose to participate and perform with an extracurricular activity. While I loved dance and piano, those had been my parents choices.

Choir practice was once a week, and even though I didn't always want to go, I didn't always have "fun" practicing, I chose to be dedicated. I sang a solo part in the number: "Rise Up Shepard" and I remember being so proud! 

After I was crowned Miss Murray, I told myself that I wanted to influence as many areas in Murray as possible. I wanted to participate in a variety of programs. As a singer, I had a wonderful idea to call my old Horizon Choir director, Marsha Yates, and ask her if I could be part of the Christmas program.

So, after weeks and weeks of practice and plenty of surprises--the choir lost a director and their pianist--I was made honorary director, as well as guest performer singing, you guessed it, "Rise up Shepard"! I also sang a solo, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". 

 Motto of the performance: "JUST KEEP THE BEAT!"

 Sight-reading music I had never seen before to direct an entire choir? Don't worry, I can handle that!

 Mrs. Marsha Yates and Myself

The last event I had in December was more platform oriented. I presented at Eggs & Issues to the Murray Chamber of Commerce about my platform as a whole and the silent auction fundraiser I have coming up. I made it a point to thoroughly explain the pageant system and to express how I have grown and continue to grow through the Miss America Organization. It is important to me that the community of Murray supports the pageant, not only for myself but for future Miss Murray's. Any program that assists young women with their future--academically, professionally & personally--is worth supporting!

Center for Transpersonal Therapy Opened in Murray!

As you may or may not know, I am a psychology major at the U of U. Therefore, I am a believer in mental health resources. The term "health" encompasses all aspects--physical, mental and spiritual. Unfortunately, those who suffer from psychological disorders often don't seek treatment because of the stigma our society holds towards "shrinks". Many would suggest that you ignore, suppress and/or "get over" your issues.

Regardless of what you hear, there has been extensive scientific research performed resulting in evidence that shows psychological disorders are chemically expressed in brain function. They have nothing to do with personal "weakness" or "lack of ___________ ". If your chemicals are imbalanced, you are imbalanced. The only way to bring order back to a chemically imbalanced person is with medication. Also important to mention is that not all who suffer from psychological disorders have chemical imbalances. Sometimes negative past experiences leave a person traumatized and unable to function in a complete way. The way to treat this is with therapy. The most effective treatment for any psychological disorder is a combination of therapy and medication. No one should ever be medicated without regular doctor visitation.

Utah has high rates of depression, substance abuse and obesity. All of these affect the quality of life in our community. The Center for Transpersonal Therapy in Murray is a facility with qualified and experienced clinicians. I value their presence in our community, not only as an aspiring clinician, but as someone who has utilized therapy, I have seen firsthand the positive change that can be achieved when an individual decides to seek treatment for any issue they have.

I had the honor of being present at their open house and ribbon cutting. The facility is beautiful, comfortable and easy to locate on Fashion Boulevard.

Visit their website for more information: http://www.cttslc.com/

Murray Journal Spotlight!

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  The new Miss Murray 2012 royalty consists of, from left, Miss Murray Mallory Rogers, second attendant Taylor Smith and first attendant Shannon Oveson.
  
  
  
  

For Mallory Rogers, the fourth time was the charm. Rogers, 21, was selected from a field of 12 contestants to be Miss Murray 2012 at the pageant held on Sept. 17. Although she has served as first and fourth attendant in past royalties, this time, it was Rogers’ turn to shine.

“I’m excited about meeting everyone in Murray,” Rogers said. “I’m excited to come back and work with Murray leaders like Scott Baker and Mayor Snarr.”

Rogers, a senior at the University of Utah and a Murray High School graduate, competed with the platform, “For Every Body.” Her intention is to bring a higher level of physical fitness to all demographic areas of Murray. Rogers has volunteered at a substance abuse center, danced since she was 3 years old and teaches at a local yoga studio.

As a student of clinical psychology, Rogers hopes to eventually work in the psychiatric field helping people improve their lives.

During her reign, Rogers will teach fitness classes at senior citizen and recreation centers, and create a community fitness event in the spring. “Part of being Miss Murray will be about getting the word out about health: mental, emotional and physical,” Rogers said.

Miss Murray’s first attendant is Shannon Oveson, 20. Oveson is a student at Utah Valley University studying biotechnology with the goal to earn a doctorate in genetic engineering. She performed on the marimba during the Miss Murray pageant, and has played the percussion instrument for eight years.

As her platform, Oveson focused on “Rachel’s Challenge,” an organization created to recognize Rachel Scott, the first person killed at Columbine High School in April 1999. “Rachel’s Challenge” spotlights acts of kindness by starting a chain reaction of compassion.
Oveson is enthusiastic about supporting Rogers in her role as Miss Murray and said, as the first attendant, she has it a little easier. “It’s nice to be in the royalty because you get more involved in the community,” Oveson said. “But I don’t have all the specific obligations that I would if I were Miss Murray.”

Taylor Smith, 20, is Rogers’ second attendant and is eager to represent the people of Murray. This was Smith’s second appearance in the pageant where she demonstrated her belly dancing talent. Smith is a student at Salt Lake Community College majoring in American Sign Language. She has volunteered at the Special Olympics and plans to become a special education teacher. “Disabilities and special ed are something a lot of people don’t really know about,” Smith said. “I think if they understand it, they’ll be more comfortable around people with disabilities.”

Also participating in the pageant were Korrine Woodmansee, Teagan Clark, Ashley Frederickson, Shelby Hackett, Marion Strobell, Jackie Rosen, Kinsey Eborn, McCall Gray and Katie Kelsey.

Additionally, Katherine Castro was named Murray’s Little Miss 2012 after winning a contest by drawing a picture of how people in Murray can incorporate a healthy lifestyle into their lives.

“Being Miss Murray is an amazing opportunity, but it’s not a beauty pageant. It’s not about winning a shiny crown. Miss Murray is an example of service,” Oveson said. “I want people to get the right idea about Miss Murray. Mallory is a fantastic girl and she’s going to do a fantastic job serving the people of Murray.”

(By Peri Kinder)

Taste of Murray

Wow! What a FUN event!

Hosted at Olympus Ranch, The Taste of Murray showcased appetizers, main dishes and desserts from Murray (and near-by Murray) restaurants. The vendors included Brio, Culver's, Sam's Club, Rubio's, Sweet Tomatoes and many more!

The event also hosted a silent auction, funds benefiting the Murray Youth Chamber of Commerce. This group of high school students is really a special group of teens. I loved hanging out with them, seeing their helpful and positive attitudes, that is what being a business leader is all about.

The entire Murray Youth Chamber of Commerce, the next generation of SUCCESS!

The Olympus Ranch Staff were wonderful hosts, they even let me in on their staff pic!

If you missed The Taste of Murray this year, it's something you should definitely make time for next November--great food, great people, great cause!

Happy Halloween to Murray City!

Tonight I went to Murray City's Annual Haunted Hollow. I gave tours through the woods, helped little superheroes fight battles, and crowned a few princesses!

I remember being absolutely terrified of the hollow as a kid, so I was glad to be the "smile-bringer" to all the teary-eyed little ones at the end of the trail (the donuts and hot chocolate didn't hurt either!). A neat thing they do for the really young kids is give them big bouncy balls to throw at ghosts and ghouls along the trail, it turns the experience from scary to silly!

Beware of Ghosts!

Heroes come in all sizes

This is my friend aurora

Entrance to the Haunted Hollow.....OoOoOoOooh!

American Made, American Strong!

(Shout out to #24)

I told them to yell, "Ghouls Be Gone!" at the monsters in the hollow if they got too scared. I know I'm a big scaredy-cat when it comes to haunted ANYTHING. These kiddos were brave!

Michael Scott Photography

My dear friend Michael Sandberg agreed to do my Miss Murray head shots, I am so lucky to have such talented friends. We went downtown to several different locations and with the help of his beautiful assistant Annie Crutchfield, along with some beautiful day light we were able to capture a few great moments!

And there are more to come!

Thank You Michael Scott Photography! If you're interested in quality pictures of any kind at affordable rates, visit his site here:
http://www.michaelscottphoto.blogspot.com/