“Moms” Make a Difference
Art: Jane Mjolsness
Utah Moms for Clean Air
The winter of 2007 saw a high pressure build over Utah that lasted for weeks. This weather condition brings sunny days to Park City, but sends frigid, damp air to settle in the Salt Lake Valley where it bonds with particulate pollution. Cherise Udell, the mother of several small children, learned that one “red-alert” day is the equivalent of smoking half a pack of cigarettes. “Last winter that equaled 11 packs,” she laments. “I imagined a cigarette butt dangling out of my baby’s mouth. I couldn’t raise my children here without trying to do something about that.”
Last May, Udell energized a network of over 600 mothers who have met with Governor Huntsman, lobbied alongside the Utah Physicians for a Clean Environment, and worked on a grant to convert all state school busses from diesel to natural gas. Visit www.utahmomsforcleanair.org for information about changes we can all make to improve our local air quality.
Park City Moms
In a town where few of us have family nearby, Park City Moms, formed in 1995, facilitates the organization of playdates, babysitting co-ops, exercise groups, and parties. Some activities are geared toward families, some for moms only, and some for both parents. The organization also posts a calendar of local activities and community resources. The Park City Moms raises money for other charities in Park City that serve families and children, such as the Peace House. For more information, visit www.parkcitymoms.com.
Men of McPolin (Moms)
One day in 2006, a group of dads were standing in the parking lot of McPolin Elementary School after dropping their kids off. They chatted about how involved their wives were in the school’s PTO and Community Council, but how problems still persisted. Their answer was to form a separate non-profit organization that could raise money independently and spend it on projects that run into red tape.
Over the last year, the MOMs not only painted the entire interior of the school themselves, but raised $15,000, helping to purchase a pottery kiln, a headset translation system, the WeatherBug science program and more. They’ve also persuaded the school district to repair 14 leaks in the school’s roof and put new bark mulch and grass on the grounds.
In May 2008, the MOMs will hold their first fundraiser, a Soap Box Derby. Funds will be used to establish after-school programs at McPolin. For more information, contact MOM Chairman Moe Hickey at 435.655.6203.
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