The Murray Senior Recreation Center has announced its September programming, featuring a variety of educational classes and community celebrations, while also confirming that a long-awaited roof replacement project is scheduled to begin during the week of Labor Day. These updates follow a successful period for the center, which was previously recognized by the Utah Recreation & Parks Association as the Best Department of the Year in the state.
Construction and Community Celebrations
After months of anticipation regarding facility upgrades, the Murray Senior Recreation Center confirmed that construction on a new roof is finally underway. According to the center, the roofing project is expected to commence during the week of Labor Day and is projected to conclude by the first few weeks of November. To accommodate the work, the west parking lot will be blocked off, and the center has requested patience from visitors during the construction process.
In addition to facility updates, the center is celebrating National Senior Center Month this September. A special Birthday Bash is scheduled for Monday, September 21, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The event aims to celebrate all birthdays with cake, ice cream, games, and magic. The celebration is open to everyone, regardless of their birth month, and has a registration cost of $3 per ticket.
Educational and Health Programming
The September curriculum includes several specialized educational sessions designed to provide health and science insights. On Thursday, September 3, chemist Suzanne Bowe will lead a free class titled "Science: The Immune System, Part 2," which examines how lifestyles, aging, and microbiomes affect immunity. Bowe's session aims to simplify immune science and provide actionable steps to boost health.
Health-focused programming continues throughout the month. On Friday, September 4, Harmons Wellness will host a free class titled "Cooking for 1 or 2" to teach participants how to reduce food waste and shop more efficiently for healthy meals. On Wednesday, September 23, the Murray Fire Department will host a hands-on training session for Basic First Aid and CPR, designed to provide life-saving confidence and efficient 911 contact skills.
For those interested in safety and wellness, the center will also host an AARP Smart Driving course on Tuesday, September 22. The session runs from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with fees set at $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Participants must bring a valid driver's license and their AARP membership card, and payments must be made directly to the instructor via cash or check.
History, Arts, and Culture
A variety of historical and cultural presentations are scheduled for the month. On Tuesday, September 8, retired educator Jim Duignan will lead a free history class on the 1942 assassination of SS commander Reinhard Heydrich. This session will explore the details of the mission and the subsequent Nazi retaliation that killed 5,000 civilians.
On Monday, September 14, the center will host a presentation titled "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Last of the Bandit Riders... Revisited," which aims to separate myth from fact regarding the famous outlaws. This will be followed by a rare historical artifact collection immediately after the event.
The center's arts programming includes the Murray Senior Choir, which welcomes new members for its brand-new season under the direction of Julie McDonald. Additionally, the Photo Club will hold meetings on Monday, September 14, and Monday, September 28, to explore photography skills and techniques.
Ongoing Community Services and Clubs
The center continues to offer several long-standing community services and clubs. The Book Club will meet on Tuesday, September 1, to discuss "The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris" by Evie Woods. The center also offers a Movie Matinee Club on Mondays at 1:00 PM; for the month of September, the club will feature football-themed films, including "Remember the Titans" on September 14, "Rudy" on September 21, and "The Blind Side" on September 28.
For those seeking specialized assistance, the center provides various resources, including the "Pajamas and Pages: Senior Read-A-Thon" on Friday, October 2, in celebration of Utah's Statewide Read-A-Thon. The center also maintains a volunteer program for the Murray Theaters, offering free show access to those who help with events.
Looking Ahead
As the center transitions into the fall season, several large-scale events are already scheduled for October. These include the Annual Fall Colors Tour on Thursday, October 1, which features a trip through Parleys Canyon to Evanston, Wyoming, and a buffet lunch at The Fairway Restaurant. The registration for the tour requires a cancellation deadline of Thursday, September 17.
Additionally, registration for October massages and haircuts will open on Thursday, September 24, and the October newsletter will be made available on that same day. These activities follow a long history of community-focused programming at the center, which has previously hosted diverse events ranging from Irish dance performances to specialized technology assistance.
