Multiple projects are planned in Cottonwood Heights to commemorate the now traditional “9-11 National Day of Remembrance and Service.” Because 9-11 falls on a Wednesday this year, the service projects are planned for the morning of Saturday, Sept. 14. 

“This year’s projects continue the tradition of beautifying Cottonwood Heights but also address nutrition needs for students and their families in the city,” said Scott Bracken, co-chair of the CH Day of Service committee. 

The most visible set of service projects will take place on Bengal Boulevard. All city residents are welcome to join the work parties 9 a.m.-noon on Sept. 14 at Bengal Boulevard and 2700 East.

Bengal Boulevard and 2700 East area of service. (Jerry Christensen/City Journals)

This is the intersection that features the Shell gas station, Root’d Cafe, Sumac Cafe and Cottonwood Cyclery. The projects at this site revolve around a series of art installations that will be popping up around Cottonwood Heights over the next two months. Laura Garcia, chair of the CH Arts Council, has commissioned local artists to display their artwork on “wraps” that will be installed on various green mechanical boxes that dot Bengal Boulevard. “We have local artists creating local scenes to highlight and celebrate our city of Cottonwood Heights,” Garcia said. 

Art wraps soon to be installed. (Photo Laura Garcia)

 Some of these art sites/mechanical boxes fall in areas that are in need of cleaning up and some creative xeriscaping to properly complement the new art. Randy Whitehead, Day of Service committee member, sees the opportunity to give the community another area of beauty “this new art surrounded by creative xeriscaping will be an example and a catalyst for all of us in the community to showcase our beautiful city.”  

In addition, anyone who wants to participate in the day of service can donate nonperishable food items to the Brighton High pantry. This Canyons School District initiative at Brighton High School helps local students and their families who may otherwise go hungry. The pantry is located within the high school. Students in need are able to take bags of food home whenever they feel the need. To help refill the pantry for the new school year, the Day of Service committee will have food collection points at the work site on Sept. 14 (Bengal Boulevard and 2700 East). Some neighborhoods will receive bags to fill on their doorsteps prior to that date.  And cash donations to the pantry can be made to the Venmo account in the attached QR code (a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) donation).  

The Brighton High pantry. (Jerry Christensen/City Journals)“Filling the Brighton pantry has become an annual tradition among the generous and caring citizens of Cottonwood Heights. We care for our own,” said Day of Service committee member Jacob Whittle. 

Finally, a new Day of Service project has emerged as people have caught the vision of the tradition—quilting. Material and batting has been donated and a quilting bee will be hosted on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 14. The quilts will be donated to refugees in our community.  

“We wanted to use our skills to contribute to this wonderful Day of Service. We may not be able to help with xeriscaping, but we can quilt!” exclaimed Cottonwood Heights resident Marilyn Cowan. 

Details of all of these projects can be found at the attached QR code.