Unity Center marks year of bridging cultural gaps
It may have still been May, but June and summer were busting out all over Saturday afternoon at the first anniversary of the Sorenson Unity Center in Glendale.
The center, which has become a combination cornerstone and hub on the west side of town, was living up to its motto big time: a gathering place for all cultures where they are celebrated and welcome. The communal notion was all over the faces of the 600 or so area residents of all ages and skin hues who showed up to celebrate a year of building a closer, more vibrant, more unified west side.
"People said they wanted this, and they have really supported it," Nichol Bourdeaux, center director, said, her voice at times easily overwhelmed by the flow of fun and the din of live rock music.
The eco-friendly glass-walled, sky-lit center, which was just an idea six years ago, has taken root the past 12 months. More than twice the number of people than expected are using the fitness area. Its Black Box Theater seats 175 for plays, such as the sold-out performances of "Pride and Prejudice."
The computer center classes are full. Salt Lake Community College is helping improve jobs skills and offers a schedule of English-as-second-language classes. Free dental care is offered through Salt Lake Donated Dental Services. And kids from 8 weeks old to 10 years can be dropped off at the facility's child care next door.
The next project is a community garden, a plot of land just to the east that is currently occupied by a flotilla of bull thistle, Bourdeaux said, noting that ideas are never in short supply to grow the center and help the 30,000 people who visited it the past year find what they're looking for.
Karla Arroyo finds what she's looking for twice a week, "at least." More importantly, it's what she finds there for her 6-year-old daughter, Alexa Galicia, who added to the day's festivities with a performance by her hip-hop group.
"There are dance classes, tumbling, swimming, but why we keep coming is the diversity of people it brings into her and our lives," Arroyo said, adding that even when the family moves to Sandy soon, they will be more than happy to travel the extra 10 miles or so one way.
"There are other community centers around, but this is the one for us," she said, just as her daughter's cotton candy-festooned balloon sword hit the floor. The sharp bang combined with the sharper realization that a handle with no blade is no sword at all, and she retreated into the crowd.
"She obviously feels right at home here," Arroyo said as she gave chase.
E-MAIL: jthalman@desnews.com
Recent comments
It sounds like a dream come true. How great it would be to have...
Doodles | May 31, 2009 at 6:11 a.m.
- Wildcats pounded by the Tribe 5:40 p.m.
- Cougars lead Utes 13-6 at halftime 4:56 p.m.
- TSA gets Grinchy with snow globes 4:34 p.m.
- Luxury resort in depressed Rhode Is. 4:34 p.m.
- Jones' joy for life remembered 4:09 p.m.
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor 4:05 p.m.
- 'A Christmas Story' opens this week 4:05 p.m.
- Art gallery exhibitions this week 4:05 p.m.
- Special exhibits and programs 4:05 p.m.
- Utah concert calendar 4:05 p.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Idaho woman dies after fall
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
272 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
134 - Boys basketball rankings
134 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
113 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
112 - Letters: Trump card for believers
98 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
76
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
...no result BYU owns Utah!!!!
I was so sad when Jordan died, but I am now excited to read the latest...
I loved this book! It was a return to the old story. Finally, I am enjoying...
There is something wrong with ethics?
Great review, great story.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet ought to buy a stake on the 60 billion debt and...
least entertaining rivalry game in a long time
"Cheez whiz not authentic?" Ha ha anyone that is truly from Philly (like...
I know a definition for rich people. Anyone who makes more money than me is...
Condolences to the Jones family-especially his wife and two children. Many...



