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Community Corner

🌱 14 SLC Schools On Possible Closure List + Rally For Ukraine

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Salt Lake City.

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Happy Wednesday, people of Salt Lake City! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today.

First, today's weather:

Mild with clouds and sun. High: 61 Low: 37.

Here are the top three stories in Salt Lake City today:

  1. "They just need my help!" That was the answer 91-year-old Joyce Downward of Salt Lake City gave to a Fox 13 reporter when asked why she still goes to work every day at Cummings Chocolates near Liberty Park. For the days she can't go, it's only because Joyce—who loves to work but who no longer drives—can't get a ride. That's where the Fox 13 Dream Team came in after Joyce was nominated, featuring her on the news and setting her up with a $1,000 gift certificate for Uber along with flowers and dinner. (fox13now.com)
  2. We've previously covered in this newsletter that Salt Lake Public Schools was taking a serious look at shrinking enrollment trends and determining which schools will be considered to permanently close. Now there is a study list of 14 Salt Lake City schools proposed for possible boundary changes or closures. These 14 elementary schools are broken into five clusters to consider data points within each cluster such as proximity to other schools, enrollment numbers, age of the building, etc. to narrow down the selection. Franklin Elementary in Poplar Grove is the only school included in more than one cluster. (Subscription: Salt Lake Tribune)
  3. "They need to know that we believe in them," Utah Governor Spencer Cox said to a crowd of 1,500 at the Utah Capitol rally he led to show support for Ukraine, currently under siege by Russia. The governor was joined with other lawmakers and government officials including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall who, hearkening to her own ancestors fleeing Russian-occupied Lithuania during World War II, reminded the crowd that "our democracy is only as stable as our commitment to it." Later, in a historic moment, the Capitol was lit up in the vibrant yellow and blue of the Ukranian flag. (KUTV 2News)

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Today in Salt Lake City:

  • The Natural History Museum of Utah presents The Nature of Color, a special exhibition where you can experiment with light in the white room and see what colors you can create. (All Day)
  • The Sprague Branch of the Salt Lake City Library presents Alphabet Soup, an inclusive, safe, weekly, in-person hangout for LGBTQ+ teens and teen allies. Build new friendships through conversations, gaming, casual activities, and more! Today, at the Sprague Firehouse Express Branch. (4:00 PM)
  • Finch Lane Gallery at the Art Barn presents Death Café for the World As We Know It, a Finch Lane Gallery Flash Project. "Death Café for the World As We Know It" is a kickoff event for the year-long, international Climate Thanatology project, an arts laboratory that includes visual art, performance, and participatory events in the U.S., Norway, and Denmark. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • "Ballet Fans! As we close out Black History Month, we proudly celebrate the history that was made here at Ballet West this month: Principal Artist Katlyn Addison was cast as the first Black Juliet in the company's 58-year history! We know that there have been so many other Black ballet dancers throughout the history of this beautiful artform across many roles and many companies. Ballet Fans, please help us celebrate by sharing posts and pictures of other Black ballet dancers who have inspired you through performance and their stories." (Ballet West)
  • "Check out these amazing shots taken in Zion National Park that give us a look at a young California condor! Adult condors have bald pinkish-orange heads and a distinctive white triangle pattern on the undersides of their jet-black wings." (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
  • "Britnie Powell, principal at the Salt Lake Center for Science Education, is being recognized as one of Utah Business Magazine's 40 under 40. Each year, the magazine celebrates 40 professionals—all under 40 years of age—who are working to evolve the state of Utah's business landscape." (Salt Lake City School District)
  • "Expect gradual warming to continue through Thursday. A cold front is expected Friday bringing much colder temperatures for the weekend. This pattern change looks to keep unsettled conditions early into the following week, with a good shot at accumulating mountain snow. (US National Weather Service Salt Lake City Utah)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Joseph Peterson

About me: Joseph is a writer and marketing communications strategist with a degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations from the University of Utah. He's keen on city life, public libraries, national parks, and promoting events that build community.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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