Words to live by

Salt Lake Magazine
December 1, 2008
By Dan Nailen

Where we are, where (we were and where we’re going—local luminaries share their thoughts (on the state of life, and (their state of mind, in Utah.

Portraits by Adam Finkle

The end of the year is a natural time (for reflection on events past and for dreaming about what the future holds. While we’re all in favor of a little navel-gazing here at Salt Lake magazine, we also recognize there is a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from Utah’s most important natural resource—its people.

With that in mind, we tracked down some of our favorite folks and asked them to sift through 2008 for their personal highlights, and look ahead to what 2009—and beyond—holds for our state. Some of them will be instantly recognizable; there aren’t a lot of 7-foot-4-inch restaurateurs/motivational speakers kicking around Zion besides Mark Eaton. And others, like artist and photographer Cat Palmer, you might only know through work on museum walls. We talked to men and women, young and old(er), government officials and private citizens, and we found not only thoughtful responses, but also a great collective sense of humor and some interesting visions of what Salt Lake City, and Utah, will look like 10 years from now. And just wait until you read what our panelists put in the Salt Lake magazine time capsule to commemorate 2008

Q: What was your greatest learning (experience (of the year, personally (or professionally, (and why?

“There is too much to do and not enough time to do it. Nonetheless, (it is important to set reasonable and achievable goals. This reminds me of Pope John XXIII, who said, ‘See everything, ignore most things and change some things.’”
—John Wester, bishop, (Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

“Stand up to those who proclaim (‘tolerance’ but don’t practice it. To (be tolerant requires respect and (tolerance for all, even for those who
have opposing standards and views (from the tolerance police.”
—Janet Bingham, president, (Huntsman Cancer Foundation (Board of Directors

“Finally having grandchildren gave me a greater appreciation of the changing rhythms of life as energy flows from (one generation to another.”
—Michael Bassis, Westminster (College president

“My greatest learning experience? That I am still capable of doing backbends in my yoga class.”
—Margaret (Hunt, (executive (director, (Utah Arts (Council

Q: What did you learn about Utah that you didn’t know before 2008?

“I learned how truly beautiful the state is. You can drive two hours in any direction and it looks like a different state. There’s a lot of history in this state, too, and you come across a lot of cool buildings.”
—Cat Palmer, artist and photographer

“The state of Utah is an absolutely beautiful state filled with many outdoor treasures, such as canyon hikes and gorgeous mountain vistas, and also with awe-inspiring desert beauty. I also learned that there is a price to be paid for such beauty. That is, we need to work hard and creatively to protect these natural resources. We have to sacrifice in order to keep our air, water and soil free from contamination.”
—John Wester, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

“That few people visit the [Salt Lake] Art Center, The Art Barn and other good art locations in town, which is unfortunate. The beauty of Provo River. And that skydiving here is an amazing experience because of the landscape.”
—Charlotte Boye-Christensen, (artistic director, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company

“That we lead the nation in technology for moveable overpasses that they build in one place and put in another place.”
—John Hill, director, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association

“Westminster’s Institute for New Enterprise hosted its first Opportunity Quest business plan competition this past year, which deeply reinforced my belief that our young people have an impressive level of innovation in this state. Rather than wanting to join an established firm, many of our students want to start their own companies and are willing to take risks to achieve that goal.”
—Michael Bassis, Westminster College president

“I learned that people inside of Utah don’t know as much about the Spiral Jetty as those outside of the state.”
—Margaret Hunt, executive director, Utah Arts Council

“Utah is America’s national parks capital!”
—Janet Bingham, president, Huntsman Cancer Foundation Board of Directors

“I have a newfound understanding and appreciation of our economic engines. The industrial manufacturing business on the west side of Salt Lake City are a great resource. Salt Lakers own most of the businesses. Their revenue is vital.”
—Bob Farrington, Salt Lake City Economic Development Director

“How diverse and exciting the state of Utah is becoming! Having been a Utah resident for the past 31 years, I am amazed at how culturally diverse and complex we are becoming. There has been tremendous change over the past few years in how Utah is viewed by the world, and how we, as citizens of this great state, view ourselves and our values. I learned that we are stronger and more enriched as a society when we embrace the ideas, cultural heritage and traditions of each other.”
— F. Scott Phillips, executive director, Utah Shakespearean Festival

“That a trip to the DMV (is never a quick one. (It took me four trips, one (Big Gulp, and six hours.”
—Big Budah, Fox 13(News TV personality

Q: What are (your goals (or resolutions for 2008?
“Handstands without the use of the wall.”
— Margaret Hunt, executive (director, Utah Arts Council

“To create an even stronger contemporary dance company that can compete with the best, nationally as well as internationally, to take more risks artistically! And to take a vacation!”
—Charlotte Boye-Christensen, (artistic director, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company

“To still be here in Utah.”
—Big Budah, Fox13 TV personality

“Provide the resources necessary for Huntsman Cancer Institute to continue to recruit the best and brightest cancer specialists and scientific minds available.”
—Janet Bingham, president, (Huntsman Cancer Foundation Board of Directors

“I want to be a stay-at-home mom and just do my artwork and do my photography and raise my kid.”
—Cat Palmer, artist and photographer

“To continue to produce rich and life-affirming theater in the southern part of this state. To make sure that art is perceived as a valuable and essential part of the fabric of American life.”
—F. Scott Phillips, executive director, Utah Shakespearean Festival

“I hope to deepen an attitude of gratitude and never to cease thanking God for (so many blessings and gifts.”
—John Wester, bishop, Catholic(Diocese of (Salt Lake City

Q: Where do you think Salt Lake City or Utah will be 10 years from now?

“I see at least two NBA titles, under the watchful eye (of Jeff Hornacek.”
—Big Budah, Fox 13 TV personality

“I hope 10 years from now our federal government will have passed comprehensive immigration reform. In that way, the many immigrants who now live in Utah can stand shoulder to shoulder with us as fellow citizens. (I also look forward to more public transportation ... [and] the implementation of creative funding streams for private schools such as tax credits.”
— John Wester, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Salt (Lake City

“Hopefully we will have moderated the urban sprawl that threatens the spectacular environment of the valley; created a truly viable mass transit system; and managed to retain the special sense and feel of this place despite continued population growth.”
—Michael Bassis, Westminster College president

“In 10 years, there will be a musical instrument for every school-age child in Utah.”
—Margaret Hunt, executive director, Utah Arts Council

“The most spectacular, vibrant, clean and safe downtown in America.”
—Janet Bingham, president, Huntsman Cancer (Foundation Board of Directors

“I envision a new musical production (yet to be discovered or written) to replace Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as the most produced musical (in this state.”
— F. Scott Phillips, executive director, (Utah Shakespearean Festival

“A more pedestrian- and bike-friendly city. Restaurants open later, bars that you can enter without membership, being able to buy wine at the local supermarket.”
—Charlotte Boye-Christensen, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company

Q: Salt Lake magazine is burying a time capsule (to be opened in 100 years.

“How about a picture of David Archuleta next to Mitt Romney while holding the Obama monkey doll?”
—Big Budah, Fox13 TV personality(

A piece of rail from Frontrunner, “Something that captures one of the transportation changes we’ve had. I think we’ll look back at this as a transformative time in our city. We might not fully appreciate it now.”
—Bob Farrington, Salt Lake City Economic Development Director(

“A 2008 Saturday’s Voyeur brochure. Between the narrative, the ads, the sense of humor, what is kept in and what is left out, I think the program says a good deal about Utah.”
—Margaret Hunt, executive director, Utah Arts Council (

“A receipt from a gas station, or a statement from my stock account from this year.”
—F. John Hill, director, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association(

“A can of wheat, because this is the state where I’ve learned about being prepared for a food shortage.”
—Cat Palmer, artist and photographer

“How about my Ford F350 diesel truck? It’s the only car that fits me, and I think that will really be considered a dinosaur 100 years from now. [Filling the tank] is killing me.”
—Mark Eaton, former Utah Jazz player and owner of Tuscany and Franck’s

“A piece of coal with a written description of each of the nine coal miners who were killed in the Crandall Canyon Mine, as a reminder of those who often engage in dangerous and difficult jobs that support our modern-day lifestyles and conveniences. An Alliance for Unity meeting agenda as a reminder that religious, business and political leaders can come together and find common ground in the service of the public good. A list of service men and women who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and other violent places in our world, as a reminder that we are surrounded by many courageous and self-sacrificing people who are willing to give completely of themselves for the good of others. A candle symbolizing the hope that has been given to refugees and the families of the undocumented through the outreach of Catholic Community Services and the Catholic parishes of Utah.”
—John Wester, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

“A large SUV. When it comes time to open the capsule, either (vehicles like that will be extinct, or we will be.”
—Michael Bassis, president, Westminster College

“A drawing of the new addition to Huntsman Cancer Hospital, and a program from the groundbreaking. The current rooms are always full; doubling the capacity will allow more cancer patients to receive the highest level of care in a truly remarkable facility from outstanding physicians and staff.”
—Janet Bingham, president, Huntsman Cancer Foundation Board of Directors

“I can’t imagine that we wouldn’t place something in the time capsule about this year when a smart, politically connected woman, a charismatic black man and an engaging and proven Mormon politician all ran for president. [And] some very simple, true and heartwarming stories about the good that people do for other people each and every day. We often think that time capsules must only contain those items and moments that are of monumental importance. (It is often the smallest and simplest of deeds that have the greatest impact on mankind.
—F. Scott Phillips, executive director, (Utah Shakespearean Festival

Tell us what (you think (Salt Lake City will look like in (10 years, what you’d put in our time capsule (to capture Utah in 2008, or what you learned about Utah (this year.

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