Emerald Hills Institute

Migraine Diagnosis, Current and Emerging Therapies
2019-01-06 00:00 - 23:59 (America/Denver)

Journaling Art Workshop
2018-12-08 00:00 - 23:59
This page has been updated with after-event photos and description.
An evening of unconventional creation
“My son is a historian, and knowing I journal this way simply drives him crazy.”
This is how Jean Irwin, Arts Education Manager with Utah Division of Arts & Museums, began our session.
A lot of people want to keep a journal, and most people have done at least a little bit – but it’s very difficult to build the habit of writing in a book every single day.
Jean invited us to take a different approach. Why write day after day in a book, when our own minds don’t process memories like that?
Her approach is to treat our memories as the organic things they are – collect together the beautiful experiences we have and present them in creative containers, to invite us and those we care about to revisit those special moments and enjoy the adventure with us.
We grabbed pill bottles, mint tins, and many other creative boxes. We glued all sorts of papers, greeting cards, stickers, photos, words, sequins, and even sticks, shells and feathers onto our containers to “set the stage” for the kinds of memories they would contain. “Memories are like treasures,” one attendee observed, and we were making treasure boxes.
On a recent trip to Europe Jean said, “I cut out pictures in a museum guidebook and glued them down, and included a drawing of a detail to one of the things we saw – the person next to me was taking digital pictures and didn’t even notice the thing I sketched. When we’re really paying attention and building this kind of fun record of our experience, we notice things no one else realizes is there.”
Attendees included a fashion designer, several arts educators from a number of schools and universities, a really fun mother-daughter team, an international artist, and several parents. And we got to eat a wonderful meal, too!
Sharing numerous creative examples, Jean Irwin guided us through a process which went far beyond book journaling. She helped us learn how to curate memories, so those with whom we share our special moments will have as much delight in the experience as we had in making the memory in the first place.

Sharing Noah's Pudding with Cannon Young Single Adult Ward, LDS Church
2018-11-05 00:00 - 23:59
This post has been updated with the after-event photos and information.
Emerald Hills Institute held a Noah’s Pudding event at the Cannon Young Single Adult Ward, LDS church on November 5. More than 50 single young adults attended ward service led by Aline Longstaff. After the service Emerald Hills Institute outreach Coordinator Zeynep Kariparduc took a turn and gave a presentation about Noah’s pudding and its meaning.
Emerald Hills Institute Volunteers and ward members got to meet and and created friendship after the sermon while enjoying Noah’s Pudding.
Original Post
We are excited about sharing Noah’s Pudding with Cannon Young Single Adult Ward, LDS Church on November 5 at 7:00 PM.
The location is 934 Fremont Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. You can access gallery pictures here after the event.

Joined both prayer vigils at Chabad Lubavitch of Utah and Kol Ami Congregations
2018-10-29 01:00 - 2018-10-30 00:59
Emerald Hills Institute Representatives joined both prayer vigils at Chabad Lubavitch of Utah and Kol Ami Congregations two days in a row to show their solidarity with Pittsburgh shooting victims. Emerald Hills Institute condemned the attack and joined charity campaigns launched by charity organizations.

Join us for a discussion on domestic violence
2018-10-27 01:00 - 2018-10-28 00:59
Gonca Soyer, Tiffany Osborn, and Danielle Hawkes gave us a great talk about on domestic violence in the USA. Gonca shared definitions of various abuse types along with some reported statistics on the numbers of abused people. Later on, Danielle explained how abused partners can help themselves and how they can be saved from their unfortunate situation. At last, Tiffany explained the abuse cycle and some of her real-world experiences.
Towards the end of the event, the attendees asked some great questions. All of the experts answered the questions from their expertise and real-world experiences’ perspective. After the event was complete, everyone tasted delicious food and continued their discussions. The attendees also donated baby diapers for the Diaper Drive event.

Attended United Nations Day Banquet & Fundraiser on October 23 at the University of Utah Student Union
2018-10-23 01:00 - 2018-10-24 00:59
Emerald Hills Representatives Zeynep Kariparduc and Seniha Ozudogru attended United Nations Day Banquet& Fundraiser on October 23 at the University of Utah Student Union.
With the theme of “Human Rights Start at Home”, the banquet was well attended from different age and background groups.
At the beginning of the banquet, the chair of UNA USA Utah Chapter Katherine John welcomed everyone and introduced guest speakers: Michael Scott, the US Youth Observer to the United Nations, and Heather Lambert, a representative from Operation Underground Railroad— this organization fights child sex trafficking. Katherine John also invited Zeynep Kariparduc to talk about current photo art exhibit project at the city main library displayed between October 27-December 21.

Resource Spectacular
2018-10-19 01:00 - 2018-10-20 00:59

The prayer vigil at the St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church
2018-09-30 01:00 - 2018-10-01 00:59
Emerald Hills Institute Joined to the prayer vigil at the St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church on September 30.
The vigil was held with the purpose of global peace and healing. From six different faiths including Muslim, Christian, Jew, Native, Buddhist, and Hindu representatives prayed and gave messages for the peace of the world. Bulbuli Choir from Bosnian Community sang Halleluiah song. At the end of the vigil, everyone lighted a candle along with the blessings the faith representatives have given. Emerald Hills representatives Coskun Kariparduc Executive Director called for prayer and Serhat Kariparduc recited a poem by Rumi.

Salt Lake Interfaith Round Table first Luncheon of Academic Year
2018-09-21 01:00 - 2018-09-22 00:59
Around 50 attendees from different faiths got together at Salt Lake Interfaith Round Table’s (SLIR) first luncheon of the year within generosity of LDS Church at the Lion House on September 21. Opening prayer was made by Wendy Stovall, Board member of SLIR.
Josie Stone the chair of SLIR made opening remarks and had everyone introduce themselves. Pamela Atkinson, board member of SLIR and community advocate gave updates about National Suicide Prevention Week activities which was 9-15 of September. Susan Soleil, Executive Director of Golden Rule Project, UT and her colleagues made a presentation about Golden Rule activities in Salt Lake and called for collaborations in any kind.
Emerald Hills Institute was represented by Zeynep Kariparduc, outreach coordinator and board member of SLIR.

Photo Art Exhibit, Panel Discussion "What I Brought in My Luggage
2018-07-01 01:00 - 2018-07-02 00:59
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/photo-art-exhibit-panel-discussion-what-i-brought-in-my-luggage-tickets-46117026267?aff=erelexpmlt People’s lives in Turkey changed dramatically after the failed coup attempt on July 15th, 2016. Instead of a proper investigation regarding the perpetrators of the coup, the Turkish government quickly engaged in a mask purge thousands of peaceful and innocent civilians to unemployment, unfair imprisonment, social exclusion and total defenselessness in the face of State violence and harassment.
People from all walks of life were taken aback by the disproportionate response of the government that turned into a collective punishment. Repeated promises were made of totally ripping out all members of social and ethnic communities which have to be enemies of the state. This ensured a mass exodus of people from Turkey. Those who were able to fly from the airport with their passport considered themselves lucky compared to those who had to walk across the border by paying all their savings to human smugglers because their passports had been canceled without any due process.
Only after they were able to land in safety and freedom that the feeling of a lost country, together with the traumatic memories that darkened the beautiful memories of their lives before the coup. The objects displayed in this exhibition are the relics of these lost lives, representing the yearning for a homeland that is abruptly and arbitrarily denied to them simply because of their association with a social group.
During the panel discussion, Mehmet Soyer will focus on the big picture of the discrimination and persecution against the opponents, in Turkey. Then, it will be discussed human rights violations against women in Turkey through sharing the details of 10 different women’s evocative stories! These tragedies will help us to fathom what women refugees from various countries in Utah had been through before arriving here eventually.

Award Ceremony for Encouraging Women In Society
2018-06-05 09:00 - 18:00
Encouraging Women in Our Society, 2018
Women are the teachers and protectors, scientists and supports, healers and intellects. They labor quietly, and steadily bring about those very changes they wish to see – in neighborhoods, communities, cities, nations, and in the world around them. These women are architects and builders, builders of a brighter and more remarkable tomorrow. This is the statement which defined the Emerald Hills Institute 2018 Encouraging Women in Our Society Awards on May 12th this year. Three women in Utah who are champions of social justice and architects of that remarkable tomorrow, were selected to receive recognition for their tireless service and to honor all the women who work to be the change they wish to see in the world.
In attendance were friends, family, fans, and supporters, and special guests Pamela Atkinson, advisor to Governor Gary Herbert and keynote speaker, and her honor Karen Hale, Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor of Community and External Affairs, who read the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office Official Proclamation commemorating the event. An English politician was campaigning (Ms. Atkinson shared), and at the close of his speech declared, “I was born a proud Englishman, I am proud to live as an Englishman, and I shall die a proud Englishman!” Over the cheering and from the far back of the crowded room, the voice of a lone Scotsman carried over the crowd – “Ach, man, have ye no ambition?”
This started the humorous, insightful, and encouraging comments of Ms. Pamela Atkinson, champion of underserved populations throughout Utah and Governor Herbert’s special advisor on homelessness. She is a powerhouse of unflinching energy and a remarkable woman. “Women help men, do as much as men, and – dare I say it – even do some things better than men.” Women have done so very much, she stated, but “we must have the ambition to do still more.” Her honor Karen Hale represented the Mayor’s office, and read the beautiful proclamation issued to recognize the event.
“I live for things like this!” she shared, excited to celebrate people who continue to make a real difference in our community. Emerald Hills Institute is a Utah-based community celebration and service organization, dedicated to encouraging members of our community as we unite in making our society better and happier now, as well as building a better tomorrow. “We aim to recognize women who really make a difference,” said Zeynep Karipardic, outreach coordinator for the Institute. The three women honored were Samira Harnish, Janet Healy, and Muriel Longstaff. Samira Harnish is Founder and Executive Director of Women of the World, or WoW, which works tirelessly to encourage strong women succeed worldwide. Samira is originally from Iraq, and her own struggle against bigotry in the workplace as an accomplished engineer fuels her resolve.
Working especially with refugees, her foundation supports “women of all nations achieve self-reliance, a voice in the community, and empowering economic success.” A proud wife, mother, and grandmother, she tirelessly serves her community education young women in the sciences, assisting the elderly, and interpreting in Arabic. Janet Healy is Director of Community and Volunteer Relations for Catholic Community Services of Utah. A native of Salt Lake City, she is wife to her supportive husband, mother to her incredible children, and grandmother to her beautiful grandchildren.
Throughout her life she has been a tireless volunteer in social and church organizations, serving countless hours in civilian and military communities, women’s groups, hospitals, orphanages, and in continuously finding new opportunities to serve. Muriel Longstaff, although also a Utah native, spent her formative years with her family in the Middle East where she was immersed in a remarkable melting pot of cultures. She developed a deep love for the wonderful diversity of food, culture, and especially the goodness found in varying faiths. She served as a fulltime volunteer minister for her own church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or “Mormons”), and on her return to college life founded Mormons4Muslims to confront and heal what she saw as the inexcusable spread of Islamaphobia.
“There is so much more power,” she says, in uniting in the fight for goodness. Drawn from a range of backgrounds and life experience, these three women represent the ambition of wonderful and remarkable people doing as Gandhi’s immortal words encouraged – “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Women are the quiet architects of tomorrow, and Emerald Hills Institute is proud to encourage the builders of our future.

Ramadan Dinner Event
2018-06-03 01:00 - 2018-06-04 00:59

Salt Lake Interfaith Round Table Luncheon
2018-03-23 01:00 - 2018-03-24 00:59
Emerald Hills Institute invited fellow members of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable to a wonderful lunch with friends, to introduce ourselves and make sure our many interfaith friends fell welcome. Zeynep Kariparduc, Outreach Coordinator for the Institute, took a moment to explain the name of the Institute and its mission. Emeralds are precious stones and are green, representing the abundance of heaven and its precious place in each of our hearts, she explained. She made a point of emphasizing the use of Hills in plural rather than singular – because each faith walks its unique path into heaven.
From Whirling Dervish performances to ebru and cooking classes with dishes from around the world, Emerald Hills Institute sponsors learning about our neighbors through sharing our cultures. And perhaps most important, through Talk In Action the Institute coordinates service opportunities for all our interfaith friends to work with us in helping our Utah community because service, Zeynep explained, is an expression of love – love for our neighbors, for our community, and for the Creator we share.
It was a wonderful lunch, and everyone had a hard time leaving.

Kids feeding Kids!
2018-03-23 01:00 - 2018-03-24 00:59
In collaboration with Emerald Hills Institute and Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable Now is a great time to get excited about participating in the upcoming Kids Feeding Kids MobilePack Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePackTMEvent!

Volunteering with FMSC is a fun, team-building experience that lets you be a part of the solution to world hunger!

Please sign up today if you are willing to join Talk in Action team.

Spots are limited first come first serve basis. http://volunteer.fmsc.org/Register/Group/JoinGroup.aspx?gid=1385917

If you have questions you can ask at talkinaction@gmail.com

9 March International Women's Day Celebration
2018-03-09 00:00 - 23:59
Emerald Hills Institute held an interfaith event to celebrate The World International Women Day among different denominations of Muslim communities.
Attendees are from various countries Bosnia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Syria, Iraq, USA, and Morocco. During the night, women of all countries were able to network each other, shared their traditional dance and food.
Some of the comments of our attendees:
Brenda Coonce: Thank you for hosting, I had an amazing time.
Halida Baniisa: Very very fun night thank you so much hosting.
Dzemila Music-Muhic: Wow what a blast night!!! Bosnian crew had a suggestion to do this “meetings” more often. Thank you everyone for a great evening.
Maysa Kergaye: Thank you for organizing, it was truly incredible and lots of fun.

Strengthening Sisterhood Night
2018-03-09 00:00 - 23:59

Generosity of Faith Fair - Salt Lake Interfaith Round Table
2018-02-19 00:00 - 23:59
One of the most comprehensive event of Salt Lake Interfaith Round Table Interfaith Month of February was Generosity of Faith Fair which was held at The Center for Spiritual Living in South Salt Lake on 19 th of February. The theme of the fair was “generosity”. Around 14 different congregations, churches and NPOs set their tables to show how they understand generosity with in their own communities and toward others.

During the panel LDS, Catholic, Muslim, Jew, and Hindu panelists talked about their services concerning understanding of generosity. Zeynep Kariparduc represented Emerald Hills Institute as its Community Outreach Coordinator. https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900011122/as-religious-practice-declines-religious-charities-scramble-for-resources-heres-what-that-means.html

Cooking for Cornerstone Counseling Center Patients
2018-02-17 00:00 - 23:59
What an amazing group of volunteer who cooked and served for Cornerstone Counseling Center patients. I feel so humble having amazing people around me. I think that is one of the most blessing thing I should be thankful for. We cooked whole Thanksgiving menu. Dawn Barrett you are our hero as you dared to be a chief cook!!!! TalkInAction team rocks!!

Packing 1366 bags of food for Elementary kids in Salt Lake County and Utah County areas.
2018-02-13 00:00 - 23:59
In collaboration with five.12 foundation, Beehive Academy National Honor Society team and TalkInAction volunteers, we did an amazing job by packing 1366 bags of food for Elementary kids in Salt Lake County and Utah County areas. Date: February, 13th, 2018.

Two Faiths, One Common Base: Islam & LDS
2018-02-03 00:00 - 23:59
This event will be prepared in collaboration with Emerald Hills Institute and George Cannon.
The event will be held on 3rd (Saturday) of February 2018 at between 3:00-5:00 PM.
The event location is The City Library, Main Auditorium, 210 East 400 South SLC, UT 84111
FREE ADMISSION
Please send your RSVPs to talkinaction@gmail.com.
Please find the entire flier below. See you there!

As religious practice declines, religious charities scramble for resources
2018-01-29 00:00 - 23:59
Overall, religious attendance is down in America, where nearly 1 in 4 adults (24 percent) now identify as a religious “none,” according to Public Religion Research Institute. Around 6 in 10 Americans (58 percent) still believe that houses of worship contribute a “great deal” or “some” to solving social problems, but that figure has dropped 17 percentage points over the last 15 years, Pew Research Center reported.
Moving forward, faith groups and religiously affiliated charities will work to keep these trends from dulling their impact, the interfaith panelists said. They highlighted the value of interreligious cooperation, noting that each group’s outreach projects grow stronger when outside volunteers get involved.
“We love to bring people from different backgrounds and religions together,” said Zeynep Kariparduc, a Muslim woman who spoke on the panel with Kelsch. She serves as outreach and event coordinator for the Emerald Hills Institute.
