Taylorsville City Journal | March 2026

Aimee Winder Newton bidding adieu to the Salt Lake County Council at the end of this year

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Longtime Taylorsville resident and elected advocate isn’t sure what’s next politically, as city officials express regret in her council departure.

In these pages over the past few years, we’ve told you the story about Aimee Winder Newton coaxing Meredith Harker to run for her then-vacant Taylorsville City Council seat. Harker is now in her ninth successful year in the post.

We’ve also told you about the “boot camp training” Winder Newton has offered a handful of times, in her own home, to teach Utah women about the ins and outs of seeking elected office in our state. Harker is among the course “graduates.”

You’ve read about the critical role Winder Newton played decades ago in the incorporation movement that first created Taylorsville City.

In short, Taylorsville residents know Aimee Winder Newton. And many of them – including third-term Mayor Kristie Overson – are a bit sad, and a little anxious, about

Winder Newton’s decision to not seek reelection to her Salt Lake County Council position.

“First off, good for her in making that decision for herself,” Overson said. “But I am very sorry to see her leave the county council. It will be tough for Taylorsville, because Aimee has been such a wonderful advocate for us. She has been such a voice of reason on the council. We’ll be watching carefully to see who runs for that seat. And, whoever wins it, we will work to make sure that person is wellversed in Taylorsville issues. The adjustment will be a challenge. But mostly, we will miss Aimee.”

Taylorsville City Councilwoman Meredith Harker agrees.

“Aimee has been amazing as our county council representative,” Harker said. “She listens to all sides of an argument, but also sticks to her principles. She does her due diligence before making up her mind. She’s kind and compassionate. And I would not be on the Taylorsville City Council without Aimee’s encouragement. It’s all her fault I’m here!”

Continued page 10

Fresh

Farmers Market Every Tuesday July 7 through Sept. 29 5 to 9 p.m. Centennial Plaza

Understanding Endometriosis: Helping Women Avoid Struggling in Silence

For many women, pelvic pain is dismissed as “normal” or “just part of being a woman.”

But sometimes that pain is a symptom of a chronic condition called endometriosis that affects millions. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain, infertility, and a range of other debilitating symptoms.

Endometriosis isn’t just about bad period cramps. It can lead to significant pain during menstruation, intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. It can also cause chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue, and is a leading cause of infertility

“The emotional and psychological toll of endometriosis can be immense, especially for women who dismiss their pain and go undiagnosed. This condition han have a profound impact on their relationships, careers, and overall quality of life,” said Lisa Hill, certified nurse midwife at Holy Cross Hospital – West Valley

Endometriosis is surprisingly common. It affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally. In our local community, this means thousands of women are likely living with endometriosis, many of whom may not even realize they have it. The delay in diagnosis is a critical concern,

with women often waiting an average of 7 to 10 years from the onset of symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis. This delay can lead to the progression of the disease and increased severity of symptoms. Raising awareness is crucial to shorten this diagnostic journey for future generations.

“While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches are highly individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the disease, and whether the woman desires to become pregnant,” said Dr. Christopher Hutchison, an OB/ GYN at Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley Common treatment options include:

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) can help with mild pain, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for severe pain.

• Hormonal Therapies: These treatments aim to slow the growth of endometrial tissue and prevent new implants by regulating or blocking the hormones that fuel their growth.

• Conservative Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon can precisely locate and remove endo-

Nurture what’s next.

metrial implants while preserving reproductive organs. This can significantly reduce pain and improve fertility outcomes for some women.

• Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy: In severe cases where other treatments have failed and childbearing is complete, removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and/or ovaries (oophorectomy) may be considered, though this is typically a last resort and does not guarantee complete relief from symptoms.

• Complementary Therapies: Many women find relief through complementary approaches such as acupuncture, physical therapy, dietary changes, and stress management techniques. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent pelvic pain, unusually heavy periods, or difficulty conceiving, please don’t dismiss these symptoms. Talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan are key to managing endometriosis and living a healthier, more comfortable life. CommonSpirit Health is committed to supporting women’s health and offers resources for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

For more information or to find a provider visit mountain.commonspirit.org

Learn more about the services, care providers and mission-driven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.

At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Women go through many changes in their lives. And we believe every milestone matters. Our health care experts can help you face your next phase with confidence – because each chapter deserves to be celebrated.

Find care near you at mountain.commonspirit.org.

Granite Education Foundation reports successful Scouting for Food Day

Local Scouts helped collect 23,000 pounds of food.

By Lizzie Walje l.walje@mycityjournals.com

On Feb. 7, Boy and Girl Scouts from across the region launched the multiday Scouting for Food donation and collection event. Scouting for Food has been a tradition now for decades, with this year’s installment marking its 40th anniversary. This particular event has operations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.

Scouting for Food is a collaboration between multiple agencies and Scout troops across the region. In Utah, the event is facilitated and aided by multiple organizations and agencies including the Utah Food Bank, the Utah National Guard and the Granite Education Foundation, which is Granite School District’s philanthropic organization. The Foundation has always dedicated time and effort to connecting the District’s families and students with meals, making its involvement in Scouting for Food a welcome inclusion.

Scouting for Food Day is a busy event and much prep work is required leading up to its February kickoff. Scouts used social media to promote the drive and share which nonperishable foods were most needed. This year’s campaign was named “Serving Others…It’s the American Way.” The choice to name the campaign stemmed from the nationwide organization America250 celebrating its 250 years of American character, citizenship and community.

“Scouting for Food is more than a service project—it’s a living expression of what makes America strong: neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lorna Koci,

Scouting for Food chair. “When youth serve others, they learn compassion, leadership, responsibility—values that guided our nation for generations.”

This year, organizers set a goal to gather 120,000 pounds of food with help from 6,000 Scouts and 2,500 adult volunteers. The accumulated food was then distributed to local communities in Utah, southern Idaho and western Wyoming. The specific goal of 120,000 pounds was set after Scouts collected that amount during last year’s event.

On collection day, Scouts posted at Smith’s grocery stores across the state, taking nonperishable food donations from the public. As shoppers entered the store, Scouts informed them of the event and invited them to participate. Those who wished to participate were given a list of food items they could pick up during their shopping trip and leave with the Scouts upon completion.

From there, Scouts teamed up with

members of the Utah National Guard, working side-by-side to prepare all of the donated food for delivery. The food was then delivered by volunteers and Guard members, as they traveled across Utah, Wyoming and Idaho to distribute provisions.

“We are proud to continue this tradition of service, especially in a year when our nation is reflecting on 250 years,” said Allen Endicott, Scout executive of Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is a powerful example of young people living the Scout Oath by helping others and making a real difference.”

Programs like Scouting for Food are important community mainstays, especially considering the current hunger rates that the state of Utah is facing. Currently, in Utah, one in 10 children face food insecurity. Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, defines food insecurity as the following:

“Food insecurity is when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. It’s a big problem in the United States where 48 million people including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually.”

Food insecurity is a threat to people of all ages; however, children are particularly vulnerable considering they’re undergoing developmental changes. Food insecurity can lead to negative outcomes including poor physical health, poor mental health, struggles in work and school performance, and overall poor well-being. According to Feeding America, the biggest causes and risk factors for food insecurity are income-related challenges, high cost of living, community issues, health-related problems and systemic barriers to opportunity.

Events like Scouting for Food are beneficial. Not only do they provide those facing food insecurity with much-needed food assistance, but they also give members of the Scouts and the community an opportunity to engage with philanthropy and service. The result is an event that comes at a much needed time, as food banks often report a significant decrease in donations following the end of the holiday season. Scouting for Food provides a much needed boost in post-holiday donations.

As the food drive concluded, Granite Education Foundation reported that Granite School District Scouts were able to raise 23,000 pounds of food.

“This effort shows what happens when civic groups, businesses and families unite for a common cause,” said Ken Jeppensen, council president for the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is service in action—it’s The American Way.” l

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Texas Roadhouse expands its Taylorsville location

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Customers who’ve eaten at the Texas Roadhouse in Taylorsville have been hoping for the restaurant’s expansion for a long time. Now, their wishes have been granted.

The popular restaurant, located at 1904 W 5400 South, has just opened a new section of its dining room, adding nine tables and about 50 seats. The Roadhouse is now 15% larger than before.

“We are responding to our customers’ requests for more seating, which lowers their wait time and allows us to serve them quicker,” said Brad Allen, managing partner. “Our contractor helped make the expansion seamless and we cut the ribbon on the new section on Feb. 5.”

Texas Roadhouse moved from its original location south of 5400 South to its present home in 2018. Allen said that move was made in large part to help with parking, as the Roadhouse now shares a large parking area with a few neighboring businesses. The Taylorsville location is by far the busiest Texas Roadhouse in Utah. Nationally, the brand has 730 locations in 49 states, with the Taylorsville location currently ranked the 37th busiest in

the chain.

“The community has been great to support us for so many years,” Allen said.

“We have great crews and servers, and I think the secret to our success is the good value we offer customers who dine with us. Our goal is always to give customers the best experience for dining.”

Allen’s team is also very involved in the community. Again this summer, he will sponsor a golf tournament that benefits local law enforcement. They have donated over 140,000 rolls to a local nonprofit program and continuously support civic and youth programs.

“We really do focus on giving back to

the community whenever we can,” he said. Allen added that a few new menu items will be introduced later this year. The Roadhouse is open Monday through Thursday from 3 to 10 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations aren’t taken, but the best way to beat the crowd is by calling 801-955-7514 to get on the wait list. l

Strong essay writing could earn some Taylorsville kids a trip to Washington next year

YMCA of Northern Utah has been serving our community for decades, and is now resuming a program that could put some students on a plane bound for D.C.

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Asits name implies, YMCA of Northern Utah is a nonprofit, grant-funded program intended to serve kids everywhere in Utah north of Provo. But here’s a little secret: Just by “the luck of the draw” as much as anything, the program concentrates a lot of its service right here in Taylorsville.

Salt Lake YMCA Regional Director Rhonda Clark explains there are several reasons for this. For starters, the organization has only two community family centers – in Taylorsville and Ogden. Second, demand for YMCA services has always been strong in our community. And third, Clark says the Taylorsville City Council is consistently supportive through the Community Development Block Grant funding it doles out each year.

“YMCA of Northern Utah built its 4,000-square-foot Community Family Center in Taylorsville in 2013 after the Granite School District made some land available on its Fremont Elementary School (4249 S. Atherton Dr. – about 1550 West) property,” Clark said. “Soon thereafter, our second center was built in Ogden. We are always looking for opportunities to expand. But our grant funding limitations mean much of our service is concentrated near those community centers – which is good for Taylorsville kids and their parents.”

Clark began her YMCA journey a decade ago as the a lead preschool teacher. Now she oversees early childhood education, after-school activities and teen leadership programs. At Eisenhower Jr. High, Taylor Black serves as Clark’s Teen Programs Coordinator.

“We have 38 students registered in our program and about 20 of them normally come in after school each day,” Black said. “We provide them with a hot meal from the Utah Food Bank, followed by some instruction, outdoor recreation time and free time to work on homework. Our program runs from right after school to 6 p.m. at Eisenhower.”

A couple of years ago, this Eisenhower Jr. High program produced a pair of students who qualified for a YMCA-sponsored trip to Washington, D.C. Funding challenges forced the Utah organization to suspend that program. But Clark reports they have rounded up the additional money necessary

to resume the opportunity next year.

“Our Leaders in Training Program begins with teens all across the country writing essays and it ends with those students who qualify traveling to Washington for additional youth leadership learning opportunities,” Clark said. “I chaperoned two Eisenhower Jr. High girls the last time we went in 2022. They attended youth advocacy training and participated in a youth governors program. Hundreds of kids attend, sponsored by YMCAs all across the country.”

After funding challenges forced YMCA of Northern Utah to stop participating in the D.C. trips, Clark went to work trying to secure new grant funding to resume the program. They won’t send any Eisenhower students to Washington this summer. But they are committed and funded to do so in June 2027.

“It’s a long process for students to qualify to make that trip,” Clark said. “In fact, the first steps in the process are already underway now at Eisenhower – even though the trip, if any of our students qualify, is still 15 months away.”

Next fall, students hoping to qualify for the Washington trip will write and submit their essays about leadership. But before that, right now, students have begun receiving leadership training and instruction from Black.

We offer lots of different activities and training for our students to learn how to resolve problems and conflicts.

— Taylor Black

“We offer lots of different activities and training for our students to learn how to resolve problems and conflicts,” Black said. “I began teaching leadership skills to my Eisenhower students one day a week back in January. As a part of the program, the kids are keeping a journal. I know all of my students will not submit essays to be considered for the D.C. trip; but some will. They will turn those in this fall. But the journey toward that goal has already begun for them.”

Meantime, aside from the Eisenhower Jr. High program, YMCA of Northern Utah also serves younger students – the K through 5 crowd – at a variety of Taylorsville Elementary Schools.

“We operate a preschool and daycare out of our family center which actually has fewer kids than usual this year,” Clark said.

“We have room for up to 45 kids. But this year we are at 32.”

Because the family center is so close to Fremont Elementary, on the same property, YMCA is also able to operate a before-school program for students who attend there.

“We currently have parents dropping off 12 Fremont students at our community center, between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m.,” Clark said. “We provide them a breakfast and walk the students over to the school, which starts at 9:05 a.m.”

Most of those Fremont students return to the YMCA Community Family Center after school as well. At that time, they get to play with additional students from other

area elementary schools.

“Each afternoon we pick up students at Vista (4925 S. 2200 West) and Rolling Meadows (2950 W. 3985 South, West Valley City) Elementary Schools in our 12-passenger van and bring them back to the family center,” Clark said. “We also operate an after-school program at Fox Hills Elementary School (3775 W. 6020 South). Our students remain at the school for that one. And in Kearns, YMCA operates an afterschool program at Thomas Jefferson Junior High (5850 S. 5600 West).”

For more details about the many YMCA of Northern Utah programs at all of these schools, visit ymcautah.org or call 801-466-6299.l

Recently retired Taylorsville City Planner Mark McGrath has accepted a prestigious post working to save historic structures

Hired in the summer of 2000, McGrath spent more than a quarter-century serving the city.

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

One of the most highly-regarded city planners in Utah and throughout the Intermountain West recently wrapped up his 34-year career in the field, retiring from Taylorsville City.

But Mark McGrath hasn’t abandoned his passion for making communities more livable, while also protecting their architecturally-pleasing structures, constructed long before computers… cell phones… and, in some cases, electric tools.

“I consider myself an historic preservation militant,” McGrath said. “I encouraged the protection of our historic structures in Taylorsville throughout my career. Now that I’ve retired, I am very pleased with my recent appointment to the Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission.”

McGrath was eligible to apply for the commission slot because he’s lived in Sugarhouse – in a “more than 100-year-old home,” as he describes it – for decades. But if you roll McGrath’s odometer back even further, he was a born and raised Taylorsville resident, years before the city was incorporated in 1996. And later, he became one of the city’s very earliest employees, just four years after incorporation.

“I attended Vista Elementary, Eisenhower Junior High and Cottonwood High School,” McGrath said. “I went on to the University of Utah in the fall of 1980.”

Back in McGrath’s era, nearly all Eisenhower Junior High “graduates” were bussed across the valley to Cottonwood because the brand-new Taylorsville High School didn’t open until fall 1981.

After earning his U of U Urban Planning degree, McGrath had plans to move on to complete advanced degrees in his field. But then he received an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“I had worked a planning department internship with Midvale City for a long time – more than a year – before they offered me a fulltime job,” he explained. “One of the most difficult things to do in my field is to get that first opportunity, that first job. So, I decided to postpone more schooling to get that experience. Turns out, 34 years later, I’m still postponing it.”

That’s what spending a third of a century gainfully employed in the field you love will do to you – mess up your plans entirely.

McGrath worked his way up from entry level to Midvale City Planner, from 1991 to 2000. Then the opportunity came along to re-

turn to the community he grew up in – now, an official city.

“I took the job with Taylorsville City in August 2000, and remained with them until last Halloween,” McGrath said. “I had been thinking about retiring for a couple of years. But we had some major Planning Department projects I wanted to wrap up before I left.”

The biggest of those projects was completion of the city’s General Plan – a 300-page document that carefully describes what Taylorsville looks like now… and what it could be, in 5, 10 or even 50 years. A city Taylorsville’s size normally contracts this kind of work out at a significant taxpayer cost. But most cities this size don’t have the kind of planning department personnel Taylorsville has.

“The city put together it’s first General Plan in 1996 at the time of incorporation and before I was here,” McGrath explained. “I was involved in the second plan, updated in 2006. By the time we got to a third one, the city first decided to work through some consultants. But it didn’t go very well. Finally, our Planning Department decided to take it on ourselves. It literally involved thousands of hours from the department and took three or four years. We had dozens of meetings with city council members and administrators along the way.”

The Taylorsville City Council finally unanimously approved the new General Plan last summer.

“The General Plan provides a very comprehensive blueprint for Taylorsville City’s future,” McGrath said. “Before writing it, we had to review every single property in the city – nearly 19,000 of them. The General Plan lays out a future vision for Taylorsville. It considers land use, transportation challenges, creating moderate income housing, improving walkability, city appearance and beautification – many, many issues.”

McGrath wrote the majority of the lengthy plan himself, but only after the city’s entire Planning Department pulled together all the information.

“Looking back on my time with the city, one of the things I am most proud of is the quality of staff we had,” McGrath said. “Many of the very best and brightest planners from through this region passed through Taylorsville. Many of them have gone on to take other positions in larger cities. I take a lot of pride in my involvement with recognizing and hiring these outstanding people. That was the only way we could complete the General Plan inhouse. It was a team effort.”

Through his years in Taylorsville, McGrath also worked closely with the city planning commission. Way back when McGrath first arrived, current Mayor Kristie Overson was a member of that commission.

“Mark’s retirement has been a challenge

for the city because his planning knowledge is unbelievable and he is so widely respected,” Overson said. “He was absolutely critical in helping us shape our long-term plan and vision for Taylorsville. And he was key to helping the city rewrite zoning and other codes. Mark will definitely be missed. But our planning department has always been strong. I am confident in the people we have now.”

Taylorsville Planning Commission Chair David Young is brand new to that post this year – but served as an alternate on the commission for several years prior. He too will miss McGrath’s expertise.

“Mark just has so much experience and institutional knowledge – his retirement is certainly a loss,” Young said. “I really enjoyed working with him. He was a great servant to the city. And he also recommended some wonderful books on urban planning that have been very valuable for planning commission members.”

McGrath has actually been recommending those books for nearly 20 years.

“I’ve been co-teaching a course at the University of Utah called City in Literature since 2009,” he explained. “In the class, our students read these books that are classic to the urban planning profession. (Current City Councilwoman) Anna Barbieri audited our class a few years ago when she was on the planning commission. I plan to keep teaching the course in my retirement, as long as the U wants it.”

Taylorsville City’s Chief of Strategic Development Dina Blaes also attended Mc-

Grath’s course, along with one of the city’s most recent hires: Senior Planner Grant Allen.

“As a teacher, Mark really knew his stuff,” Allen said. “He spent a lot of time preparing our class material. For me, that City in Literature class was foundational in my desire to continue pursuing education in city planning. It’s so critical in this field to keep track of national and global urban planning trends. Mark’s class taught me that.”

Less than six months into his retirement, Mark admits to “already missing the pace and intensity of the job.” He may consider urban planning consulting work in the future. But for now McGrath is excited to resume his U of U teaching and to learn the ins and outs of his new position on the Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission.

“I also plan to do more traveling with my wife, Tavia,” McGrath said. “Our kids are ages 18 and 21, so we aren’t grandparents yet. There’s also always work to be done on our 100-year-old Sugarhouse home. And I now have more time to work on my model railroad village – something I’ve been interested in since fourth grade at Vista Elementary.”

Finally, McGrath wanted to close with one important, last thought about his quarter-century employment with Taylorsville City:

“I have told a lot of people this: The current Taylorsville City Council is the very best we had in my time with the city. Mayor Overson is also great. Taylorsville residents are very lucky to have the forward-thinking group of leaders they have now.” l

New Taylorsville Planning Commission leadership guiding the city into its future

Under new Chairman David Young and Vice Chair Barbara Munoz, the body remains focused on improving community livability and home ownership affordability.

By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Anunprecedented turnover on the Taylorsville City Planning Commission and within the city’s planning department over the past several months has seen decades of experience and expertise move on. But despite all the changes, city officials – and current planning commission members – aren’t particularly concerned about the makeover.

“Certainly, some quality planning department people have left recently, including (former Community and Economic Development Director) Wayne (Harper) and (City Planner) Mark (McGrath),” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “And on our planning commission, Lynette Wendel and Don Quigley served very well and were very knowledgeable. But that’s just a part of life. People move on. And I have full confidence in those replacing them.”

Last month in these pages we introduced you to Harper’s replacement. Working under a modified title for the position, new Chief of Strategic Development Dina Blaes brings decades of experience to her role. As head of the city’s planning department, she essential-

ly coordinates and oversees planning commission activities.

Her expertise is perhaps the biggest reason why Taylorsville City Administrator John Taylor, like Overson, isn’t concerned about the diminished experience on the planning commission.

“Dina worked in planning for Salt Lake County and has done many things in related fields for a long time,” Taylor said. “Our planning commission faces challenging decisions, particularly with our ever-growing demand for housing in Taylorsville. But I have no concerns despite the recent changes.”

New planning commission Vice Chair Munoz earned her bachelor’s and Public Policy master’s degrees both at the University of Utah before embarking on what is now a 20year career working with nonprofit organizations. For the past seven years she has worked for the Utah Academy of Family Physicians (akin to the American Medical Association) where she serves as associate director.

When Lynette Wendel chose to step down from the Taylorsville Planning Commission after a decade of service last summer, she was replaced by Barbara Munoz. A few months later, long time commission alternate David Young was elevated to full member when Don Quigley departed.

Then during their first meeting of this year, planning commission members elected Young as their Chair and Munoz, Vice Chair.

“Certainly, we have lost some expertise; but I think we are still in good shape,” Young said. “I have attended many planning commission meetings over the years and am comfortable with our duties. And even after we make decisions another handful of former planning commission members will review them. Remember, (city council members) Anna Barbieri and Curt Cochran served on the Taylorsville Planning Commission. So did Mayor Overson. Those are qualified people to have reviewing our recommendations.”

A former mortgage banker and loan officer, Young’s career now has him selling windows for new construction. He and wife Tammy are brand new “empty nesters,” after watching all four of their daughters graduate from Taylorsville High School, the most recent last spring.

“My husband and I moved to Taylorsville nearly 25 years ago and I have been interested in volunteering on the planning commission for many years,” Munoz explained. “In fact, I first spoke with the former mayor (Larry Johnson, 2014-17) about it. Then I reached out to Mayor Overson about it again in late 2024. I feel this is a great way to be involved in my community. Civic engagement – at the local, state or even federal level – is extremely important to me.”

With the departure of Quigley and Wendel, Marc McElreath is now the most-tenured member of the Taylorsville Planning Commission, serving since 2018. Like all the others, he’s comfortable with the recent turnover.

“I’m not concerned about planning commission (personnel) changes and I don’t think the city planning department is hurting with the changeover, either,” McElreath said. “Lynette (Wendel) and Don (Quigley) were great members of the commission and we all learned a lot from them. I’m very confident this new group will continue to accomplish good things for the city.”

The Taylorsville Planning Commission now has its full seven members. But they are currently in need of a new alternate, with Young’s move up. Anyone interested in volunteering for the group – which meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month – can get more information at taylorsvilleut. gov/government/planning-commission. l

Monthly memberships for physical and mental health care

Companies can subscribe to monthly memberships for health care for their employees instead of (or in addition to) buying into insurance costs.

By Cassie Goff cassie.g@thecityjournals.com

Paying a monthly membership is a somewhat expected norm now for services like streaming, deliveries, spas and gyms – but what about health care? Medallus Medical has been reimagining what healthcare can look like for individuals, families and companies.

“We come up with innovative solutions to help people with high deductibles and companies who have increasing health care costs and reduce those while giving quality care with friendly delivery,” said the founder of Medallus Medical Dr. Rachot Vachathrone.

Working in the healthcare industry since 1997, Vachathrone noticed his patients were waiting until their health was severe before seeking treatment. They would tell him about their stresses and fears of high insurance deductibles and co-pays. Vachathrone began imagining how he might encourage patients to be more proactive with their healthcare if it were more affordable.

“Insurance is supposed to be for major things like surgeries and, God forbid, cancer or any of those diagnoses,” said Chief Business Development Officer Arliss Fernandez. “For everyday things like a cold, strep, bronchitis, pneumonia…stitches, frac tures…and x-rays we can take care of that at urgent care clinics.”

Vachathrone’s “aha” moment came when he was reviewing his own personal finances and skimmed over the monthly gym membership charge. What if there was a membership for ur gent and primary care? Now, Medallus Medical’s memberships provide patients with predictable access to care at an affordable

third-party companies to offer a handful of new or updated programs for physical and mental health. Medallus Medical is working to offer unlimited telehealth appointments 24 hours a day. Another program available to companies will allow adult employees to have access to three therapy sessions per year. In addition, Medallus Medical offers a prescription savings plan program where patients have zero copays for medications.

“We are growing, improving our services, and expanding our employer programs because we believe families and businesses deserve better options than what traditional healthcare usually provides,” Fernandez said. “Mental health and medications are what people need.”

monthly rate.

“Medicine should not be expensive,” Fernandez said. “We are trying to transition where we’re not going to be so reliant on insurance. It gives the opportunity for the provider to have more one-on-one with the patient.”

Medallus Medical offers urgent care and walk-in primary care for individuals, families, school districts, companies and

New companies signing up for Medallus Medical’s membership and/or programs can meet with their Patient Advocate Team who will visit with their employees to teach them how to use the Medallus membership and invite them in for their first primary care visit.

“We want you to be proactive,” Fernandez said. “If you’re getting vitals checked or same-day prescription refills – just walk-in. We encourage that.”

Medallus Medical has eight locations throughout the

Winder Newton is now in her 13th year on the Salt Lake County Council. She was the first female Republican elected to it. Four years later, in 2018, she was the first female ever elected by her colleagues to be its chair. She chaired again in 2023, and was chosen again this year to chair the council.

There are now five Republicans and four Democrats serving on the Salt Lake County Council.

A 1992 Taylorsville High School graduate, Winder Newton has been married 32 years, has four children and one grandchild.

“I love living in Taylorsville and am thrilled by all the great things the city has accomplished since incorporating (in 1996),” she added. “And we could not have a better mayor. I’ve worked with (Mayor) Kristie (Overson) on many things. Our city is in very good hands.”

Winder Newton is continuing in her 30-hours-per-week post as a senior advisor to Gov. Spencer Cox. She is also director of the Utah Office of Families, where she champions social media legislation, home visiting programs for vulnerable families and many other policies to strengthen Utah families so children enjoy more success.

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“We are the most evenly-split partisan body across the entire state of Utah,” Winder Newton said. “But in general, the county council does not split along party lines. We don’t have a lot of partisan issues. I have always felt it was important to show Salt Lake County residents how the two parties can work together to resolve issues. I wish Congress could see this. We enjoy robust debate and disagreement; but in the end we respect one another.”

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Winder Newton’s County Council District 3 actually includes at least portions of several cities, including: Midvale, Murray, Taylorsville, West Jordan, South Salt Lake and West Valley City. In the county council’s announcement of Winder Newton’s chairmanship, she is quoted saying, “Criminal justice reform will be my top priority this year and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this important work forward.”

As for her political future, Winder Newton isn’t sure right now. In 2020, she ran for Utah governor in a campaign year that was turned upside down by coronavirus. Cox was elected to his first term that fall.

“I haven’t considered any future runs,” Winder Newton concluded. “Right now, I’m focused on having an effective final year on the Salt Lake County Council. We have some heavy lifts on several issues this year. Before I leave office, I want to make sure we have a very good, cooperative culture on the council. It has been such an honor to serve as I care passionately about Salt Lake County.” l

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ChamberWest celebrates 65th anniversary

The chamber gears up for the new year with a series of seminars and events.

By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

The ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce is beginning its 65th year in 2026, and members celebrated past achievements and future plans at the annual membership breakfast meeting held Jan. 27.

Chairman of the Board Ryan D. Nelson said the chamber is “in great position going forward. We added 96 new members in 2025, reviewed 157 bills that were before the Utah Legislature and offered 47 positions on those bills and hosted 36 events.”

Those included two golf tournaments and an international trip. He said the chamber also has plans for a trip to Greece this year.

President/CEO Barbara Riddle introduced the board of directors, who received unanimous approval from members in attendance. She also paid tribute to Connie Bailey, who recently retired after serving in the chamber office for 35 years.

Leaders then spoke about various committees they chair. Mikey Smith said the ambassadors helped welcome new businesses, conduct ribbon cuttings and attended groundbreakings. He said the chamber has 21 ambassadors.

Cameron Wilkins, chair of Friday

Connections, said working with other chambers continued to expand ChamberWest’s reach. He said one focus was helping promote nonprofit businesses with spotlight stories.

Chair Leslie Bell presented the date for the annual job fair, which will be held April 23 at Taylorsville High School. Bell said the Granite School District “is always very grateful for the support from the fair” and looks forward to the annual event.

Stephen Smith, who chairs the Legislative Institute, said the chamber is already following 91 bills that have been filed for lawmaker consideration, as well as attending subcommittee hearings. He said this year’s legislature agenda “looks as busy as any we’ve seen in the past.”

The Leadership Institute, chaired by Jason Helm, continues to coordinate a 10-month program for training and education for businesses. Along those lines, the Professional Development Series, chaired by Steve Pluim, works with personal development as well, inviting guest speakers in for training opportunities.

The Women in Business committee, chaired by Maggie Cline, continued to grow last year, offering eight events and being an integral part of the chamber’s spring conference.

Five new board members were approved for two-year terms: B. Murphy from Anchor Financial Services; Mark Thorne from Thorne & Associates CPAs; Rick Clasby from the Utah Trucking Association; Ryan Perry from Rio Tinto; and Stephanie Lyon from Stratus HR. l

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From ashes to agency: Women find renewal through community

long-term, compassionate support rooted in truth, dignity and hope.

By Holly Curby hello@hollycurby.com

March carries a quiet promise. It’s the month when light stretches a little longer, winter begins to loosen its grip and renewal quietly takes root. For many women navigating trauma or abuse, healing unfolds in much the same way—gradual, unseen at first and requiring immense courage.

Lori Smithson knows this journey intimately. Widowed at 39 and later emerging from a destructive marriage marked by control, isolation and fear, she understands how disorienting trauma can be—especially when you don’t yet have the language to name what’s happening. “I just knew something was off,” she has shared, echoing the experience of countless women who sense danger long before they can articulate it.

Today, Smithson serves with Beauty from Ashes Ministries, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside survivors of domestic abuse. Founded in 2019 after its director received a call from a woman hiding in her closet, the organization was born from a clear and urgent need:

The statistics are sobering. One in three women will experience abuse in her lifetime. Yet numbers fail to capture the bravery required to reach out for help. At Beauty from Ashes, the first goal is simple but profound—that every woman feels heard, believed and respected. There is no pressure to make immediate decisions, no imposed timelines and no shame. Survivors are met exactly where they are.

What distinguishes Beauty from Ashes is its emphasis on empowerment rather than rescue. Women are not told what to do; they are supported as they reclaim agency over their own lives. Trained advocates walk alongside survivors as they explore options, build safety plans and begin to trust their voices again. Support groups offer something many women have never experienced before: a space where their stories are met with understanding rather than doubt.

Healing often extends beyond emotional wounds. Trauma can fracture trust, relationships and even faith. For some survivors, spiritual manipulation or deep disappointment has made it difficult to reengage with God at all. Beauty from Ashes honors that complexity, allowing women to move at their own pace—whether that means studying scripture together or sim-

ply holding space for grief, anger and unanswered questions. Healing, as Smithson emphasizes, is not a race. It is a long, intentional process.

Hope, however, has a way of appearing in unexpected places. Smithson recalls women facing overwhelming odds—no financial support, limited community and ongoing hardship—

who nonetheless find stability, provision and renewed purpose through faith and connection. Many eventually give back, becoming advocates themselves. These stories are reminders that restoration is not theoretical. It is happening, one life at a time.

March also invites reflection. It asks what must be released for growth to occur. For survivors, that first step might be journaling to recognize patterns, seeking trauma-informed counseling, setting boundaries, or simply speaking the truth aloud. Truth, after all, is often where freedom begins.

Perhaps the most important message is this: no woman has to walk this path alone. Fear thrives in isolation, but healing grows in safe, supportive community. When women are believed, empowered, and surrounded by care, even the deepest wounds can give way to something new.

For those seeking support, or for individuals interested in volunteering or getting

involved, Beauty from Ashes Ministries welcomes connection. Help is available, and no one has to navigate abuse or healing alone. To learn more about services, request support or explore volunteer opportunities, visit www.BeautyfromAshesMinistries.org. To hear more stories like this and learn how women are reclaiming hope and purpose, listen to the Holly’s Highlights podcast wherever you stream podcasts and at www.hollycurby.com. l

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

One of the joys of our community is seeing creativity come alive in public spaces, and our recent Plaza +ART Evening of Art was a perfect example. I marveled as the evening’s presenter, sculptor Brad Taggart, walked us through his process, from clay to bronze, and shared the inspiration behind honoring military families through his art.

You may recognize Brad’s work. He is the artist behind the beautiful Veterans Memorial in front of Taylorsville City Hall, which he described as a “dream come true.”

In fact, when the sculptures were installed in 2011, he gave a poignant description to the Deseret News, stating: “I love the idea that this is honoring people I know, students I know who have gone away to battle, friends of mine who have gone away to war.”

Brad also is an arts professor at Snow College in Ephraim. He loves all things sculpture, but at his core he is a portrait and gure sculptor. He received his MFA in sculpture from Brigham Young University and is currently working on a commissioned sculpture for the Ephraim Cemetery Veterans Memorial.

We were so lucky to hear from Brad this past month at our latest Evening of Art, and we look forward to the next Evenings of Art on May 12 and Oct. 8. Be sure to follow Plaza +ART on Facebook for the latest updates about these free community events, and watch for a news article in next month’s Newsletter and on the city’s website, taylorsvilleut.gov, about Brad’s presentation.

We also want to thank Dan Toone, who donated three of his own sculptures that were ra ed during the event last month, and a special thanks, too, to Jodee Bitner from Baking Happiness, who provided refreshments including a delicious red velvet sheet cake. You can learn more about her work and order your own sweet treats at bakesy.shop/b/baking-happiness.

Evenings like these showcase the creativity, thoughtfulness and community spirit that make Taylorsville so special. Indeed, public art is more than decoration; it is a way for residents to connect, re ect and experience shared stories in tangible and thought-provoking ways.

Truly, events like these are a reminder that our city thrives when people come together to celebrate creativity, culture and connection. They invite everyone to explore, ask questions and engage with the artists who are making our community so beautiful. It’s a chance to experience artistry together.

So please join us for the next Evenings of Art. They are inspiring events you won’t want to miss!

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – MARCH 2026

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

TVPD News, Page 4

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Taylorsville High Celebrated as ‘Cool School of the Week’

Taylorsville High School is in the spotlight after being named a “Cool School of the Week,” a recognition that celebrates the school’s spirited students, athletic success and strong arts and academic programs.

The honor, recently bestowed by local news outlet Fox 13, highlights what makes Taylorsville High a standout, with kindness and school pride as recurring themes.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and heart of everyone at Taylorsville High,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “Our community is so proud to see our students excelling and representing our city with such positivity.”

The school’s recognition underscores the importance of a well-rounded education that balances academics with extracurricular involvement. Clubs, student leadership programs and community service opportunities help students grow beyond the classroom, while performing arts, athletics and academic initiatives foster teamwork, creativity and resilience.

For students like senior Emma Johnson, the recognition feels personal. “It’s exciting to see our school’s spirit and talent recognized,” she told the news station. “Everyone here works hard, and it’s amazing to be celebrated for it.”

Teachers and coaches earned speci c praise, including Mr. William Jensen, a music educator with more than four decades of service, and the cross-country teams, with both girls and boys squads enjoying recent region championships and success at the state level.

“Taylorsville High is a shining example of what makes our community strong, and we couldn’t be prouder of the culture of excellence and heart that lls these halls every day,” Mayor Overson said.

Read more about Taylorsville High’s honor and winning culture at Fox 13’s site, fox13now.com

Emergency ...................................................................................................911

Police Department ............................................................... 801-840-4000

Utah 211 resource network 211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800

Animal Control After Hours Dispatch............................ 801-840-4000

Building Inspection

801-955-2030

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce) 801-977-8755

Fire Department

Gang Tip Line

801-743-7200

385-468-9768

Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325

(Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Granite School District

Health Department

385-646-5000

385-468-4100

Highway Conditions (from cell phone) 511

Park Reservations ................................................................. 385-468-7275

Public Works (Salt Lake County) ....................................... 385-468-6101

Dominion Energy 800-323-5517

Rocky Mountain Power 888-221-7070

Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll 801-974-6920

Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District................. 801-968-9081

Taylorsville Food Pantry ..................................................... 801-815-0003

Taylorsville Senior Center 385-468-3370

Taylorsville Code Enforcement

801-955-2013

Taylorsville Justice Court 801-963-0268

Taylorsville Library ............................................................... 801-943-4636

Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732

Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006

Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631

UDOT Region 2 801-975-4900

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882

EVENTS

MARCH 2026

March 4 & 18 – 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting @ City Hall. Watch a livestream of the meeting and nd agendas at www.taylorsvilleut.gov

March 8

Daylight Saving Time. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour. It is also a good time to check the batteries on your re and carbon monoxide detectors.

March 10 & 24 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

March 21 & 28 – 9 to 10 a.m.

Tap Dance Clinics @ the Taylorsville Senior Center, 4743 Plymouth View Drive. The Taylorsville Arts Council is hosting a series of free tap dance clinics for ages 16 and older to help performers prepare for auditions for the upcoming summer production of Anything Goes. These clinics are designed for teens and adults who would like to build or refresh their tap skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

March 26 & 27 – 6:30 p.m.

Revue Auditions @ City Hall. The Taylorsville Arts Council is holding auditions for Dare to Dream Jr., a Disney musical revue. Children ages 7 to 16 are welcome to drop by on either March 26 or 27 between 6:30 and 8 p.m. at Taylorsville City Hall.

Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov

If you are interested in starting vegetables or flowers for your garden, the Taylorsville Community Greenhouse is now open for spring planting.

Cost is $25

Spots are also open for the same cost in the Community Gardens if you are interested in growing your own vegetables there.

For more information, please contact Toni Lenning at 801-414-4192

March 1

Shaison P. Ouseph presents The Face of the Faceless

March 10

BYU Winterfest presents Theatre Ballet

March 11

Utah Pipe Band presents St. Patrick’s Day Concert

March 17

Dance for Life presents St. Patrick’s Hope Masquerade Ball: Unmasking Mental Health

March 20-21

SALT Contemporary Dance presents SPRING 13

March 24

March 24

BYU Winterfest presents Contemporary Dance Theatre

West Point Ballet presents The Invitational

March 27-28

Chrysalis Ballet presents Winter Showcase

March 31-April 1

BYU Winterfest presents Folk Dance Ensemble

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Ernest Burgess

Localscapes Classes and Cleanup Day Offer Ways to Care for Our Community

Spring in Taylorsville has long been a season of action, a time to step outside, take stock of our yards and homes and start thinking about how to improve the spaces we see every day. To support these e orts, the city is offering two timely opportunities: our upcoming Localscapes classes in April and our Annual Cleanup Day in May.

If you are considering changes to your landscape, next month’s Localscapes classes are an excellent place to start gathering ideas. They’re set for April 9 and April 23 at 6 p.m. in the City Council chambers. These classes are designed not just to inspire, but to equip residents with practical tools to create attractive, waterwise yards that are easier to maintain and better suited to Utah’s climate.

The free classes are presented by conservation sta from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and will introduce the proven Localscapes method. Participants will learn key design principles that help create an attractive yard while reducing water use, maintenance time and long-term costs. The presentations also will highlight free local resources and explain how residents can qualify for substantial rebates through Utah Water Savers programs.

Localscapes focuses on smart planning. Rather than simply removing grass, the program teaches how to

design landscapes with gathering spaces, shade, pathways and plantings that make sense for how you live. The result is a yard that improves curb appeal and supports responsible water use.

Space is limited for these classes, so be sure to sign up online at www.taylorsvilleut.gov under the Services and Localscapes tabs. If you have been wondering how to get started on a landscape project, this is a great rst step.

Shortly after our April classes, we will come together for another important spring tradition. Taylorsville’s Annual Cleanup Day is set for Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at Taylorsville High School.

Cleanup Day is an opportunity to responsibly dispose of items that are not accepted in regular curbside service and to clear out clutter that may have accumulated over the winter. We will accept documents for shredding (one le box per car), bulk waste, green waste, glass and recycling including cardboard, paper, magazines and recyclable plastics. Residents also may drop o prescription medications and gently used household items and clothing.

Please note that household hazardous waste and electronic waste should be taken year-round to Salt Lake County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, 8805 S. 700 West, rather than brought to Cleanup Day. This helps ensure those materials are handled in the safest and most environmentally responsible way possible.

Our Cleanup Day would not be possible without the support of dedicated partners and volunteers, including the Taylorsville High football team and several community organizations that assist with collection and processing.

Both of these events re ect what makes Taylorsville special. Whether you are improving your yard through Localscapes or clearing out unwanted items at Cleanup Day, you are contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable and more beautiful city. And that deserves a big thank you from all of us on the City Council and Green Committee!

HEY RUNNERS (and all you fabulous walkers too!)

Get ready to lace up because registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K and Kids Run!

Race Day: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Join the fun and snag a snazzy t-shirt or tank top (if registered by June 10th), a shiny finisher medal, a swag bag bursting with goodies, and chip timing—all for the steal of a deal:

Early Bird Pricing 5K - $25 (if signed up by April 4th)

After April 4th - 5K - $30

Kids Run - $15

So, what are you waiting for?

Scan the QR code to sign up today!

25, 2 & 2

Veteran Officer Promoted to Sergeant, Assigned to Patrol Division

Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.

After more than a decade of service in a variety of specialized assignments, Det. Grifth has been promoted to sergeant and was formally presented before the Taylorsville City Council this past month. In his new role, Sgt. Gri th will serve in the department’s Patrol Division, providing frontline leadership by supervising o cers and overseeing day-to-day operations that keep the community safe.

Sgt. Gri th brings more than 12 years of law enforcement experience to his new position. He holds a degree in criminal justice and has served in a variety of assignments throughout his career, including patrol, eld training, SWAT, tra c, motors and investigations. He has also been a member of the Salt Lake Valley Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team, assisting with detailed investigations of serious tra c incidents.

During his time in investigations, Sgt. Gri th handled a broad range of cases, including property crimes, violent crimes and special victims cases. His background across multiple specialized units has given him extensive investigative experience and a comprehensive understanding of department operations.

“Sgt. Gri th has consistently demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment and a strong commitment to our community,” said TVPD Chief Brady Cottam. “His leadership experience and well-rounded background make him an excellent t for the Patrol Division, and we are con dent he will continue to serve the residents of Taylorsville with integrity and dedication.”

Outside of work, Sgt. Gri th enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. TVPD congratulates Sgt. Gri th on his promotion and thanks him for his continued service to the community!

TVPD Joins Statewide DUI Enforcement Effort to Keep Roads Safe

TVPD will be joining with multiple agencies again this year as we work together to remove impaired drivers from the road and protect our communities. This intense focus usually happens during the fall particularly around Labor Day weekend.

The last such e ort brought together o cers from the Taylorsville Police Department, the Utah Highway Patrol, Utah Highway Safety O ce and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. TVPD also reminds residents to take simple steps to stay safe:

• Plan a sober ride before going out.

• Use a designated driver, taxi or rideshare service.

• If you see someone driving impaired, call 911.

• Do not let friends or family members get behind the wheel impaired.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Drive sober. Arrive alive.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to O cer Teynor, TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. Prior to joining TVPD, O cer Teynor served with the Sandy, Utah and Austin, Texas, police departments. In total, Officer Teynor has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. Additionally, O cer Teynor has over 22 years of service in the U.S. military, which has included three overseas deployments.

Cumulatively, O cer Teynor has served in various capacities including as a patrol officer, special response team member, counter active shooter team member, special weapons and tactics team member, unmanned aerial vehicle operator and master peace o cer.

O cer Teynor was nominated as Employee of the Month by Chief Cottam, who noted that Officer Teynor led the Patrol Division in nearly every performance category. He stated that his “consistent dedication, strong work ethic and proactive policing e orts continue to set a high standard for the department.”

Additionally, on Dec. 6, O cer Teynor demonstrated exceptional initiative in two notable cases, resulting in the arrest of a fugitive and the recovery of a stolen vehicle operated by a convicted felon. The investigation also led to the discovery of a stolen ri e, heroin and forged documents.

O cer Teynor is described as a “well-rounded pro-active o cer who is continuously looking for fugitives, illegal drugs, suspicious vehicles, reckless drivers and impaired drivers while never falling short regarding responding to daily calls for service, which he handles with extreme professionalism.”

O cer Teynor’s hobbies include hiking, working out, horseback riding and horse training. O cer Teynor is a great asset to TVPD, and we are glad to have him as a member of Team Taylorsville.

Youth Council Gets a Firsthand Look at State Government

Members of the Taylorsville Youth Council had an unforgettable experience at the Utah State Capitol this past month. Accompanied by Mayor Kristie Overson and City Council Members Bob Knudsen and Meredith Harker, the students toured the historic building, observed Senate and House debates and participated in a private meeting with local representatives.

The day o ered the young leaders a rare opportunity to see state government in action and ask questions directly of lawmakers. “It’s inspiring to watch these teens engage with the legislative process,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “Experiences like this

help them understand how decisions are made and how they can make a di erence in our community.”

Youth Council members expressed excitement about the hands-on learning, saying the visit gave them a better appreciation for the responsibilities of elected officials and the importance of civic participation.

City o cials also praised the students for their curiosity, dedication and enthusiasm. “Taylorsville’s future is in great hands,” Mayor Overson added. “We are proud to support these young leaders as they learn, grow and prepare to shape our city and state for years to come.”

Business is Thriving in Taylorsville with Several New Openings

Among the new businesses opening in Taylorsville over the past few months were Aspen Dental, Raising Cane's, Ooh Pho, Sweet Family Ties and Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting. They celebrated with Ribbon Cutting events and are detailed below:

Aspen Dental — For more than 25 years, Aspen Dental has focused on one simple idea: expanding access to dental care for patients who might otherwise go without. That mission now has a new home in Taylorsville, where the dental practice recently opened its doors to serve the local community.

They are located at 1732 W. 5400 South in Legacy Plaza and are open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can contact them to make an appointment by calling 385-518-0400, or visit their website, aspendental.com.

Taylorsville’s location is one of 1,100 Aspen Dental locations worldwide, with each Aspen Dental practice owned and operated by a licensed independent dentist.

Raising Cane’s — Raising Cane’s has o cially opened its doors in Taylorsville, bringing its famous chicken nger meals to 5682 S. Redwood Road. The restaurant marked its debut with a high-energy Ribbon Cutting attended by city o cials, ChamberWest and enthusiastic fans.

“What a party that was," Mayor Kristie Overson said at a recent City Council meeting. "I can't remember a Ribbon Cutting that was that exciting and vivacious. It was just really something special.”

Mayor Overson and City Council Members Bob Knudsen and Ernest Burgess even made history as the rst customers through the Taylorsville Raising Cane's drive-thru. Raising Cane’s in Taylorsville is typically open 10 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and is open an hour later until 1 a.m. on weekends.

Ooh Pho — Taylorsville residents now have a new destination for bold, comforting avors. Ooh Pho, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant that prides itself on crafting every dish with fresh ingredients and a dedication to tradition.

“We are the rst in Utah to o er a traditional hot stone pho bowl and a sizzling dish called Bo Ne," said Jimmy Perry, who owns the restaurant alongside Tung and Jenny Nguyen and Annie Le. "The name ‘Ooh Pho’ comes from the joyful experience of savoring our pho, which is stewed in house for 20 hours to achieve its signature depth of avor."

Ooh Pho is located at 4546 S. Atherton Drive and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sweet Family Ties — The smell of warm cinnamon rolls filled the air as community members gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Sweet Family Ties, located at 3145 W. 5400 South. The new bakery o cially opened its doors with a recent ribbon-cutting event joined by ChamberWest representatives and Taylorsville City o cials.

Sweet Family Ties specializes in homemade cinnamon rolls and baked goods made from scratch. The shop’s menu features favorites like the Classic Cinnamon Bliss and Maple Pecan Dream, along with rotating seasonal avors such as Pumpkin Spice Swirl and Chocolate Hazelnut Twist. Each roll is baked fresh daily and topped with the bakery’s signature creamy frosting.

Sweet Family Ties is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting — Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and valued. That belief is at the heart of Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting, which has opened a new center in Taylorsville to provide trauma-informed therapy in both Spanish and English.

The business is located at 5204 S. Redwood Road and can be found online at inclusiveminded.com for more information and to book an appointment.

Owner Martha Lilia Soto Ceballos, a multilingual trauma therapist, founded Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting ve years ago in the basement of her home. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she needed a way to support her family while also helping others through uncertain times. “We were lean but kept growing,” said Soto Ceballos, who has practiced as a family counselor for 12 years. Inclusive Minded Counseling & Consulting now has seven therapists, almost all of whom are bilingual.

Read additional details and more about other new businesses opening in Taylorsville on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov.

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Electric Railroad Stopped in Taylorsville 100 Years Ago

By Susan Yadeskie

The Salt Lake & Utah Railroad, also known as the Orem Line, was an electric railroad which operated between downtown Salt Lake City and Payson, Utah. Construction of the main line was started in 1913 with nancing provided by A. J. Orem and Company.

The railroad opened in 1914 with stops in both Utah and Salt Lake counties. The railroad also operated a branch line which ran to Magna. Both passenger and freight services were o ered. The line’s terminus in downtown Salt Lake City was shared with the Bamberger Railroad and was located at the current site of Abravanel Hall.

In 2011, Charles R. Panhorst published a history of the Salt Lake & Utah Railroad. However, he began his research in the 1980s. Having heard of railroad stations in Bennion and Taylorsville, and working close to the Utah Historical Society, then housed at the Rio Grand Station, his research began — with many lunches spent there. In 1992, Charles interviewed individuals who remember the railroad activity in the small farm towns from Salt Lake City to Orem. (Pictured is a long excursion train for employees of Rocky Mountain Packing Corporation at the Taylorsville station in approximately the 1930s. The photographer is Cli Bray).

One such individual interviewed was Alva Steadman. Alva was a trackwalker. He would walk the tracks from Blu dale to Taylorsville. Alva said, “Twice a week, on Wednesday and Sundays, I would head over to the tool shed in Bennion and ll a 2-gallon can with kerosene from a 50-gallon drum. I would use my pass and catch the rst southbound train, usually around 8 a.m. and get o at Blu dale. My job was to ll switch stand lantern reservoirs with kerosene. These lamps burned continuously green or red on the high switch stands of the mail line, telling the motor man if the switch were open or closed.” There were stations and ag stops all along the way, including a ag stop at 5400 South in Taylorsville.

The railroad was transport for people going to Salt Lake for church meetings, to piano lessons, shopping in the city and many other reasons. Few people owned cars in the early 1900s. Many people were hurt or lost lives waiting at the train stops. Two boys from Bennion died and one was injured as noted in the Deseret News on Thursday, Nov. 19, 1925. There was also transport of crops for production, such as sugar beets to the West Jordan Sugar Beet Factory.

Finally, due to nances, to pay for growing utility prices, and the prevalence of the automobile, the railroad closed. When Bob Ellis turned out the lights the night of Feb. 28, 1946, The Salt Lake & Utah Railroad became the rst leg of Utah’s interurban network to close.

Taylorsville Library Events

While the Taylorsville Library is temporarily closed for renovation, there is still plenty to do. See the following details about events The County Library is hosting in the community and at neighboring branches, as well as some additional information about construction at the Taylorsville branch.

RENOVATION — MONDAY, JAN. 5, TO SUNDAY, MAY 31. The Taylorsville Library will be closed for renovation and construction of the main entrance. Other nearby library locations continue to be available for use during the closure. Holds will be transferred to the Kearns branch (4275 W. 5345 South) unless otherwise requested.

The library has nished demolition of the entrance pergola and concrete, and the awning over the front doors. The crew has completed the footing and foundations for the entrance work, and the steel is expected to be delivered soon.

Two library programs that are held o site will continue during the closure:

SENIOR BOOK CLUB AT THE TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER — Second Monday of the month, 11 a.m., at 4743 Plymouth View Drive. Join in a lively discussion of a variety of ction and non ction books. Newcomers welcome! The book club will be led by a librarian from the Taylorsville Library. The March title is “The Wide Wide Sea” by Hampton Sides.

WALKING BOOK CLUB AT THE TAYLORSVILLE RECREATION CENTER — Thursdays, 10 to 11:15 a.m. at the Taylorsville Recreation Center, 4948 S. 2700 West. Walking Book Club is for readers interested in a weekly walk session and book discussion. The group reads one book over the course of three weeks, discussing the book in segments. Take a 30-minute walk along the paths behind the Recreation Center and then participate in a 30-minute book discussion. Books will be available to pick up at the program with a valid Salt Lake County library card.

THE UPCOMING READING SCHEDULE IS:

“The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara Davis

March 5: Chapter 13 to end

“The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel

March 12: Chapters 1 to 19 March 19: Chapters 20 to end

“The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera

March 26: Chapters 1 to 18

April 2: Chapters 19 to end

Check out the Hunter Branch at 4740 W. 4100 South and the West Valley Branch at 2880 W. 3650 South for more interesting programs.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

March Activities

The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes every month. Classes are free for those over age 60. Among the activities scheduled this month: Tai Chi —Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Discover the joy of movement with this eightweek Tai Chi for Seniors class, beginning Tuesday, March 3. Whether you’re new to Tai Chi or returning, this welcoming class is a wonderful way to stay active and connect with others. Stepping Up Your Nutrition — March 17, 12 to 2 p.m. Discover how nutrition plays a vital role in preventing falls; learn about key nutrients like protein and uids and complete your own personal risk assessment. You’ll leave with a simple, practical Action Plan to build healthier habits, plus helpful resources for accessing healthy foods. Feel stronger, safer and more con dent in your daily life. Space is limited so sign up with the Senior Center today.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

MARCH UPDATES

Spring Cleanup Made Easy with Green Waste Service

Spring is here, lawns are waking up and yard work is back. To help residents manage seasonal yard and garden waste, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District’s Green Waste Can service begins Monday, March 9, and runs through Friday, Dec. 11.

The Green Waste can is designed for common yard materials such as grass clippings, leaves, garden debris and small branches. This subscription-based program helps to keep these materials out of the land ll and frees up space in your regular trash container.

All green waste is delivered to the Salt Lake County Land ll composting facility, where it is processed into USCC-certi ed compost available for public purchase, supporting a local circular economy. Download WFWRD’s Green Waste Can Guide on their website at wfwrdutah.gov.

The Green Waste can is also a cost-e ective alternative to adding another garbage can:

• Green waste can: $12 per month

• Additional garbage can: $19 per month

Learn more and sign up at: https://wfwrdutah.gov/how-recycle/green-waste-101

Compost information is available at: https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/land ll/compost/

Monthly Billing is here!

As of February, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District fully transitioned to a monthly billing schedule for all customers, replacing quarterly billing with a more predictable and consistent monthly billing cycle.

Residential service rates remain the same and this is not a fee increase; only the timing of your bill has changed. Each monthly bill covers the previous month’s services, breaking costs into smaller, more manageable payments throughout the year.

The $26 monthly base fee includes weekly 96-gallon garbage and recycling collection, along with several additional services provided at no cost, including:

• Bulky waste collection via the Seasonal Container Reservation Program (SCRP), typically performed from mid-April through September

• Land ll vouchers for disposal of residential truck, car or trailer loads

• Central glass drop-o locations and collection services

• Container repair and replacement (typically ve to seven business days)

• Seasonal central leaf bag drop-o program

• Seasonal curbside Christmas tree collection program

• One-time move-in box pickup

• In-house, local customer service (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.)

Now that monthly billing is in place, residents are encouraged to switch to paperless, electronic billing. e-Billing reduces paper use, eliminates mail-related energy use, helps lower billing costs and provides faster access to bills and payment options.

Keep Fats, Oils and Grease Out of the Pipes

Did you know that fats, oils and grease — often called FOG — can cause costly plumbing problems if they go down the drain? When FOG is not handled properly, it can build up in household pipes and the district’s sewer system, leading to backups and messy cleanups.

Cook-

ing oils and grease poured into sinks may seem harmless, but over time they can clog sewer lines in homes and businesses. In some cases, sewer main blockages can even over ow onto streets, impacting public health and the environment.

The good news? Preventing FOG problems is easy, and it starts at home. Here are a few simple tips to help keep our sewer system owing smoothly:

• Let grease cool, then pour it into a sealed container (like a co ee can, glass jar or plastic container) and place it in the trash.

• Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and other solids and empty them into the garbage instead of the drain.

By taking these small steps, you help protect your plumbing, your neighborhood and our community’s sewer system. Please share these tips with family, friends and neighbors; every little action makes a big di erence.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.

women’s SECTION

A publication covering local influential women in honor of International Women’s Day

The small team holding up the hope of change for Utah women

By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals.com

The Utah Women and Leadership Project, founded by Susan Madsen, is a research pumping machine with a goal of making Utah a better place by empowering women and removing obstacles.

A lone silhouette is a harsh contrast against the glare of a lit monitor.

Before the sun comes up, Susan Madsen sits at her computer: inbox and task list open for the day. While the house is quiet, her inbox starts to fill up for the day.

“Early morning…it’s been invaluable for me,” she said. “I always was up earlier than anybody, and it would be quiet, and I could make sense of the world.”

She uses the slow time to plan out her day and answer each email, following her team standard that “everyone deserves an answer.”

“I have a process of looking at my day, looking at my workload, figuring things out,” she said. “I reprioritize every single day.”

She might even reprioritize multiple times in a day. She’s constantly moving and pushing forward despite the odds and a small team.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship at Utah State University, is the founder of the Utah Women and Leadership Project, which has published 21 research-based white paper reports, 65 research snapshots and infographics, 68 research and policy briefs and hosted 45 “Think Tank” gatherings in Utah since 2010.

Madsen and four full-time employees — associate director Brie Sparks, local outreach and curriculum manager Deborah Lin, marketing and communications coordinator Emmalee Chastain, program assistant Kylie Hollingsworth — have made a

big push to raise awareness of the existing gaps in Utah for girls and women.

“Our work is having an impact across the state, and that is what motivates me,” Lin said. “In my role, I have visited 20 of our 29 Utah counties to get to know residents and build relationships to help with grassroots efforts to raise awareness and impact change around issues facing girls, women and families.”

“Everywhere I have been, men and women recognize the need for change.”

The “change” she is referring to encompasses topics like making more leadership opportunities available for more women, daycare options in the state, and homelessness resources for women.

Currently, the project involves close to 7,000 people statewide, with 500 partners and 300 leaders in different counties and cities, Madsen said.

Four counties and seven cities/towns have passed official resolutions to support the project’s initiative they call “A Bolder Way Forward.”

“Our efforts to equip Utah communities with the data and resources needed to help more girls, women and families thrive are just one piece of the way forward,” Sparks said. “Creating lasting change for future generations of girls and women requires a systems-based approach, and I’m honored to help build the strategic connections that make that possible.”

Madsen admits that it hasn’t been

easy for any of them, but she continues in her efforts because she feels called to help women through the best way she knows how: research.

“What has driven me for decades is research,” she said, “and getting it into the hands of people that are making decisions.”

And in the hands of decision makers it is.

Madsen, in addition to her professorship and affiliation with USU, considers herself an activist and encourages others to be too. She is frequently on Capitol Hill

advocating for change with her research and “works alongside legislators.”

“We should all be advocates and into the work of social justice,” she said. “If we care about other people, if we care about our communities, if we care about our state, if we care about our extended family, if we care about any of that, we should be in whatever topic connects with us.”

For the research and recommendations on how to get involved in UWLP for Salt Lake County or any other country in the state, visit www.usu.edu/uwlp/research/what-can-i-do.

Sen. Luz Escamilla is presented with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

The senator was recognized for her work championing families and justice.

Each year, the Salt Lake NAACP recognizes a community leader who advocates for justice, equal opportunity and community empowerment. At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Luncheon in January, Utah Senate Democratic Leader Luz Escamilla was honored with this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Award.

Escamilla was elected to the Utah Senate in 2008 and is now serving her fifth term, representing Senate District 10, which covers portions of Salt Lake City and West Valley. Escamilla serves as vicechair of the Senate Ethics committee and champions policies she believes strengthen families, expand opportunity and protect the rights of all Utahns.

“Dr. King taught us that the greatest danger to justice is not loud hatred, but quiet acceptance,” she said. “Not just overt cruelty, but systems that institutionalize injustice. He warned us that injustice thrives when it is legalized, bureaucratized and justified as necessary. This lesson matters. It mattered then, and it matters now more

than ever, especially here in Utah.”

This year’s award theme, “The Fierce Urgency of Now,” reflects King’s call for action and accountability in the face of injustice. At the luncheon, Escamilla spoke out against a proposed 7,500-bed ICE detention center in Salt Lake and said Utah faces a moral crossroad where people must decide whether they choose fear or courage, whether they will learn from history or repeat harsh lessons from the past.

“As a woman of color and an immigrant, I carry this reality with me every day, and I feel for all the families and children who are fearful that you can’t believe in the power of the beloved community,” she said. “Dr. King often reminded us that the law is not the same as justice. He challenged the idea that legality alone makes something right. He called on people of conscience to disrupt unjust systems even when they were politically inconvenient.”

Salt Lake NAACP President Jeanetta Williams said the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. award recognizes individuals whose service and leadership advance the ideas of advocacy and a deep commitment to equity.

The organization is dedicated to en-

suring the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminating discrimination based on race. Williams said Escamilla’s accomplishments include helping to establish the West High School medical clinic for students and fighting for social justice for people across all demographics.

“The award honors a Utah citizen whose work has advanced civil rights in our state through Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence,” Williams said. “We looked at a lot of the legislative bills that Sen. Escamilla had worked on, some passed, some didn’t, but for the most part, the bills affected the entire state of Utah and followed the vision of Dr. King.”

Originally from Mexico, Escamilla became the first immigrant elected to the Utah Legislature and the first Latina elected to the Utah Senate. She said she’s committed to building community as a promise to protect each other, especially during times of fear.

“To everyone else: organizing and advocating and speaking out at this moment, you are carrying the legacy of Dr. King,” Escamilla said. “I accept this award, and I celebrate it in a personal way, but I’m also seeing it as a charge. A charge to speak the truth, to stand firm and not be afraid, and to

ensure that when history looks back on this moment, it will say that Utah did the right thing and that we choose justice, that we choose courage, and that we choose each other, with love.”

Holladay’s city manager provides a steady hand of leadership

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Gina Chamness guides the city’s course with deliberate planning.

Most residents don’t think about how cities are run. As long as roads are safe, water is clean and parks are open, city administration rarely crosses their minds.

But behind the scenes, it takes a functional team and deliberate planning to make city services seem effortless. In Holladay, the person coordinating that teamwork is City Manager Gina Chamness, who’s been with the city for 10 years.

Chamness is a rarity in Utah. According to a December 2024 policy brief put out by the Utah Women and Leadership Project, of the 250-plus cities in the state, only 13 of them had women serving as city managers or administrators.

“I think that’s starting to change,” Chamness said. “It feels like there are more women in assistant city manager roles, more women as department heads, but as far as my generation, there haven’t been many of us. I’ve been really lucky.”

Chamness never imagined she’d serve in municipal government. She started her career at the federal level, working for a congressional agency, but political dysfunction persuaded her to look for other opportunities.

With a political science degree and a master’s in public administration from the

University of Utah, Chamness landed a job with Salt Lake City, working her way up to become the city’s finance director in 2014.

When the Holladay city manager position opened, she felt it was the next best move for her career and family, since she and her husband, attorney Ralph Chamness, have lived in Holladay since 2003.

“I saw this position posted and it felt perfect,” she said. “I was excited to apply. The opportunity to serve a community where you live felt like something I could be really excited about.”

Chamness acts as the CEO of the city, managing administrative functions, working with elected officials and ensuring ordinances, policies and rules are observed. When she first started with Holladay, the city was struggling. Aging infrastructure, stunted growth and a lack of direction left Holladay stagnant.

Working with the mayor at the time, Rob Dahle, Chamness held discussions with city residents, elected officials and city staff to prioritize areas of focus.

“Ten years ago, we didn’t have much of a commercial base,” she said. “We were banking on redevelopment of the [Cottonwood] mall and then the great recession set redevelopment back. The question was, how could we build a city that was going to be financially sustainable? That was a big chal-

lenge for several years.”

Investing in infrastructure was another concern. With some parts of the community more than 100 years old, Chamness knew a concerted effort and lots of money had to be allocated to improve infrastructure.

Restructuring the city took patience. Much like turning an ocean liner, it needed a coordinated shift to move something so large and complex.

“Everyone wants to do things quickly. Sometimes people complain about how long the government takes to do things,” Chamness said. “Making sure you have adequate time to listen to residents and making sure elected officials build that conversation into their own planning and into the process is critical. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that. I wish the residents understood how critical the services we provide are to their day-to-day lives.”

Over the last decade, Holladay has improved road quality, invested in development, attracted businesses that fit the community, expanded the sidewalk system and recently acquired the Spring Lane Elementary property to develop a new park.

Chamness builds bridges between elected officials, residents and city staff, while working with other government agencies, organizations and committees to create a city that residents are proud of.

“I think the best attribute for describing Gina’s success would be ‘trust,’” said

Holladay Mayor Paul Fotheringham. “My colleagues on the council have always felt a keen sense of trust for Gina; trust in her judgment, trust in the depth and breadth of her expertise from budgetary and legal issues to citizen engagement and public policy.”

Chamness admits the job as city manager is stressful, but she’s comfortable with conflict, especially when it leads to a better outcome for Holladay. She encourages women to pursue leadership roles, whether in government or business.

“I tell women, you could absolutely do this,” she said. “I really do feel like I have the best job in the valley.”

Utah Women’s Day in Sports empowers next generation of female athletes

By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com

More than 400 high school student-athletes from across the state gathered for a morning focused on teamwork, leadership, mental health and empowerment in girls’ sports.

It began as a simple game of rock, paper, scissors, but quickly became a lesson in teamwork. Everyone played at first, then losers backed their opponents until only two players remained. Silence fell as they competed, then cheers erupted when the round ended in a tie. After four rounds, one girl finally emerged victorious.

The exercise wasn’t about winning, but about being a good teammate.

“How does it feel to be celebrated by your peers?” asked Poudre School District (Fort Collins, Colorado) health and physical education coordinator Jo Dixon, who emphasized that every player has a role — scorer, defender, supporter, teammate. “Being a part of someone else’s fan club is just as important and powerful as being in the spotlight, because lifting others up feels awesome.”

The interactive activity was part of a breakout session at the third annual Utah Women’s Day in Sports conference held Feb. 4 at the Delta Center, the day before National Girls & Women in Sports Day.

Dixon continued the partner activities designed to build unity. Student-athletes stood toe-to-toe and told each other: “Everyone is battling something in life, and I’m glad you’re battling with me.” Then, they stood back-to-back and said, “I’m so glad someone has my back — and I have yours.” The activity ended with a pinky promise and the words: “I pinky promise to help you unlock your greatness so the world can see it like I do.”

“We want you to be a good teammate from the inside out,” Dixon said.

The event’s origin began with Andee Bouwhuis, past president of Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and Deseret Peak High School athletic director, along with Utah High School Activities Association Assistant Director Jan Whittaker and UIAAA communications coordinator and Cedar Valley High School Athletic Director Sharon Mardesich.

“Our goal is female empowerment; support our female athletes; grow leaders,” Bouwhuis said. “We’re letting these female athletes know that we hear them and we see them. We want them to be successful.”

More than 400 student-athletes statewide attended, supported by about 100 coaches and athletic directors. Participation from each school was limited to ensure broader representation.

“The athletes are charged to take back what they learned and teach it to their teammates,” she said.

Another breakout session focused on nutrition, led by Intermountain Health’s Josseline Kelley, who emphasized fueling, hydration and sleep.

“Our goal is to make sure that we’re eating something every three to four hours as athletes,” she said as she gave the student-athletes specific suggestions. “The worst thing you can do is go into a competition or training session without fueling. Under fueling can be very common in teens.”

University of Utah Assistant Director of Olympic Sport Performance Carly Fehler addressed competing in college athletics.

“Your whole life is going to change

overnight,” Fehler said. “Your city, your bed, your routine, your team and coach. Literally, everything changes. And are you prepared for that? Only nine percent of high school girls will go on to play in college. Two percent of all high school athletes will play Division I.”

While some student-athletes attended workshops, adults participated in a “Coach Beyond” session focused on supporting athlete mental health.

“I’ve been an athlete for my whole life, and I’ve seen the way mental health affects the performances of athletes,” said college athlete and presenter Makayla Pitcher. “Coaches are the front line, so it’s important for them to understand and help.”

Cottonwood High Principal and presenter Justin Pitcher emphasized the need for better training and resources for coaches.

“We need to do better by our athletes here in Utah, he said. “Our data shows over half of every female team has experienced significant sadness or depression. We look at our coaches and their training. Many of them were former athletes so they understand the game well, but they don’t always know how best to handle these tough situations that we’ve been put in.”

Speaker Amy Donaldson highlighted the origins of Title IX and opportunities it presented.

“They drafted a piece of legislation that was unlike today, with 37 words,” she said. “Even though everyone thought it was this little administrative adjustment… they had no idea of (the impact of) that law.”

Donaldson encouraged student-athletes to examine their journey, to be optimistic, to wire their brains for gratitude and forgiveness, to know “no accomplishment is an individual accomplishment.”

Karissa Niehoff, National Federation of State High School Association’s executive director and CEO, challenged the next generation to continue advancing opportunities for women.

“Look at the women who came before us, and look at where we are now, and look at the future of growth in women’s and girls’ sports,” she said. “We’ve come a long way. As a woman CEO in a sports world, I feel blessed, but I challenge you as a younger generation…to carry this forward. We have to be committed to working forward so we continue the growth we need in girls who play sports in Utah.”

UHSAA Assistant Director Jeff Cluff said the progress in girls sports, including expanded championships and the addition of girls wrestling, has helped to equalize opportunities.

“We’re trying to create equal opportunities for the girls that boys have been getting for years,” he said. “We have still more to do and more to change.”

Copper Hills High seniors Brynlee Morton and Kaysha Millet said the conference left a lasting impression.

“I love how inclusive it is,” Morton said. “Everyone has valuable knowledge, and they’re sharing their expertise with us.”

Millet added: “They’re spreading awareness and information; it’s empowering to us as women athletes.”

Women are stepping up to lead Utah’s cities

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Female mayors move from the exception to the norm.

When South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood was first elected in 2010, she was a notable exception. Along with Midvale Mayor JoAnn Seghini, Wood was only the second female mayor serving in Salt Lake County at the time.

She and other women, including Riverton Mayor Sandra Lloyd, Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger and Holladay Mayor Liane Stillman, were trailblazers and glass ceiling-breakers, setting the stage for women to take the lead, and it’s paying off.

“It’s always been a passion project for me to make sure we have women at tables where decisions are being made,” Wood said. “So I’m always encouraging women to run for office.”

Entering such a male-dominated field wasn’t easy. While many of their male counterparts offered support and encouragement, the women also encountered misogyny and roadblocks. Learning to navigate their leadership roles took patience, balance and a thick skin in order to stay the course while representing their cities.

Now, many cities in Salt Lake County are led by female mayors, including the new-

ly elected Cottonwood Heights Mayor Gay Lynn Bennion and Riverton Mayor Tish Buroker. Add in Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, and female leadership is becoming the norm, rather than the exception.

“It is so important that young women and young men see women in leadership,” Bennion said. “It’s important for them to know that women can do a great job as leaders.”

Organizations like Utah Women Run and the Women’s Leadership Institute have provided training for women who want a leadership role, whether in politics or business. Women are taught to participate on boards, campaign, fundraise, advocate for themselves and develop a platform and voice that others want to follow.

Initiatives like A Bolder Way Forward focus on creating safe spaces for women in boardrooms, education, political office and civic organizations.

WLI’s Director of Programs and Operations, Nicole Carpenter, said the organization’s founder, Pat Jones, is a former Utah Senator who believes women need a seat at the table.

“We need the voices of women in all areas of leadership, particularly on Capitol

Hill, where women can make decisions,” Carpenter said. “It’s important for women to have a vote, but it’s even more important for women to have a voice. To have a voice in those political circles, you need to hold an office, or you need to be a lobbyist, or have some type of political influence. So we encourage women to run for political office.”

It’s not just Salt Lake County; Utah County and Davis County have also had their share of female leaders, including Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran, who was just elected to her second term. Not only is she a political leader, but she’s the CEO of a tech company, Rylex.

“When I became a mayor five years ago, for my first term, there were nine mayors who were new in Davis County, so almost half, since there are 15 cities,” Tran said. “Nine of us were new and three of us were women, so it was awesome to mentor each other and learn from each other. Women can see things in such a unique way, because we bring different perspectives to the room.”

Tran hopes more women run for political office, whether on the local, state or federal level, but acknowledges some women worry about balancing leadership roles with family.

Wood was a single mother, raising two boys, when she became mayor in SSL. She understands the fear and uncertainty, but she found support and people who believed

in her. She said behaviors are slowly changing, with more understanding and empathy for women in leadership.

“I know it’s intimidating,” Wood said. “But there’s so much value to having different lived experiences and perspectives on councils and in elected office seats. When you invite all of those perspectives and give them a safe place to be heard, that’s when you’re going to solve big problems.”

For information about running for office, visit UtahWomenRun.org.

The Boob Bus makes mammograms accessible for all women

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

“Let’s get all the girls together to go get dinner and mammograms!” is the vibe Rena Vanzo is going for with mammogram screenings on The Boob Bus.

One in every eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. For every Utah woman, that translates to about a 12.5% chance of developing cancer.

“Every family, every community, every church group, every book club—all of them will be impacted. Prevention is the best medicine,” said CEO and co-founder of The Boob Bus Rena Vanzo.

The Boob Bus is a mobile unit that offers mammograms, health care screening, breast cancer assessment and other healthcare services to women locally. The main goal of The Boob Bus is to make mammograms more accessible and comfortable.

“Utah women are just not doing their mammograms. We’re way below the national average,” said Vanzo. In 2022, Utah was ranked 48th out of the 50 states in the nation for mammogram screening.

Vanzo and her team have been working to change that statistic by transforming typical health care screenings into modern experiences. The Boob Bus was fully customized as a health care space with neon

pink lights and vaulted ceilings.

“On The Boob Bus, you can expect to feel like an individual,” said driver and Patient Care Coordinator Kayla Pacheco. “Your history, your experiences and your fears are heard.”

An average visit to The Boob Bus begins by checking in to answer medical history questions. The data collected related to menstrual changes, hormones, breast density and personal medical history is used to calculate individual cancer risk.

“Breast density is really becoming more of a topic of conversation,” Vanzo said. “And it should be. Women with dense breasts do have a higher risk of breast cancer.”

Patients are offered heated pink robes instead of hospital gowns during their appointment. Individual women will meet with a licensed certified technologist privately in the mammogram suite for a screening.

Results are within one week. (Vanzo emphasizes that patients may be referred to a hospital for diagnostic screening depending on risk.) Patients leave The Boob Bus with branded lip balm, nail files and educational cards.

The entirely female Boob Bus team emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing women’s health with less shame and embar-

rassment through more conversation.

“I want to live in a world where even the men are saying to their partners ‘Hey, did you get your mammogram yet?’” Vanzo said.

Vanzo and her cofounders started The Boob Bus in 2022 after being personally impacted by individual family members battling cancer diagnoses. It took her two years to get The Boob Bus fully operational.

“I had to learn all of these extra things that are very useful in your life but you wouldn’t think they’d intersect in business,” Vanzo said.

Vanzo needed to get a CDL so she could drive the oversized custom bus. In preparation, she worked for UTA for six months to get trained as a driver in a structured environment.

“Rena is a superstar. I have never met anyone so driven to help others,” said Office and Billing Manager Jen Bartunek.

The Boob Bus primarily meets women for their mammograms all across Salt Lake, Utah and Davis Counties. Through their partnership with the Central Utah Health Department, The Boob Bus also travels to Central Utah.

The Boob Bus works with the Utah Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (UCCP) so uninsured women can still access their mammogram screenings through a voucher program.

The Boob Bus provides heated robes for mammogram appointments so it “feels more like a spa experience,” The Boob Bus founder Rena Vanzo said. (Photo courtesy of Rena Vanzo, The Boob Bus CEO and co-founder.)

El Programa de Detección del Cáncer de Mama y de Cuello Uterino es facilitado por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Utah y está financiado con fondos estatales y federales. El formulario de solicitud está disponible en español a través de lo siguiente: www. cancer.utah.gov

Individual women can book appointments online (even same day) through The Boob Bus website: www.theboobbus.com. Organizations, businesses or school districts can email or call The Boob Bus team (866-747-BOOB) to set up a day for group appointments.

Nonprofit helps parents navigate special education

The IEP Student Center offers guidance and resources.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Managing a child’s education can be daunting. That’s made even more difficult when a child needs special education services. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the volume of red tape to get their child the help they need.

Students with special needs or disabilities are eligible for an Individualized Education Program that outlines support and instructions that a team of parents, professionals and educators follow to help children thrive. The plan sets goals, strategies and performance markers to help ensure students can succeed at school.

But what happens when the IEP blueprint isn’t followed? What if there’s a failure of services or a breakdown in communication? That’s when the IEP Student Center can make a difference.

Mark Adamson is an IEP attorney with a unique perspective. As someone who has autism and ADHD, he can see the situation through the child’s eyes to help find creative solutions.

“I’d say probably as many as 60% of my clientele have autism, ADHD or both,” he said. “It’s fascinating for me to be able to explain to parents what’s going on in their kids’ brains, and I can be a positive role model for them.”

Adamson helped establish the IEP Student Center in South Jordan (1682 W. Reunion Ave., Suite 4B), a nonprofit founded by attorneys, educators and parents to foster advocacy for children with special needs or disabilities.

The center provides representation, helps with conflict resolution, supports the rights of parents and students, and maintains accountability for schools to abide by IEP plans.

Adamson, a West Jordan resident, earned his law degree at the University of La Verne and worked with the Disability Rights Legal Center in Los Angeles. He said when a child’s education isn’t going the way it should, there are several options to advocate for students.

Most often, he is contacted when a child is expelled or suspended. If the behavior that got the student in trouble is a manifestation of their disability, Adamson starts a conversation with school officials to walk through the child’s IEP to make sure all issues are being addressed correctly. Often, he finds teachers are overworked, schools are underfunded and parents are ashamed.

“If you’re constantly getting called to the school, maybe your kid is hitting other kids, maybe your kid’s the bully, a parent ends up feeling like it’s a judgment on them,” Adamson said. “I try to strip that embarrassment away and not talk about the situation like it’s a moral judgment.”

He said IEP students are often considered less intelligent than mainstream kids, but his experience has proven that to be false. Adamson points to his own success as an attorney and to Ana Victoria Espino, who, in 2024, became the first person with Down syndrome to graduate with a law degree.

“So guess who’s in college now?” Adamson asked. “A bunch of people that were never going to be in college before because their moms didn’t take no for an answer. They were creative about every single thing that they could come up with, and now we have those kids that are graduating from college, and they’re going to law schools, they’re go-

ing to med schools.”

Adamson said the State of Utah is required to assess every student under the age of 20 to determine if they have special needs or a disability, and they’re required to educate them. It’s his job, and the job of the IEP Student Center, to make sure that’s happening.

To further help parents, Adamson is starting a podcast called “Ask an IEP Lawyer Show,” which should be launched this spring. For more information, visit IepStudentCenter.org. l

Top spellers to compete at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee

The Greater Northern Spelling Bee will be held on Saturday, March 7, at Wasatch Jr. High.

By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com

More than 100 schools will be represented at the Greater Northern Utah Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 7, at 9 a.m. at Wasatch Jr. High in Millcreek (3750 S. 3100 East). Sponsored by the City Journals community newspapers, the winner of the event will travel to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee during the final week of May.

Students participating in the regional bee will complete a written test before the competition, and everyone will have the opportunity to spell one word on stage. After finalizing the written test results, the top spellers will be announced and they will compete for the state championship, starting at approximately 11 a.m.

“The spelling bee teaches children the importance of hard work and aiming for the best,” said City Journals People Leader Elizabeth Sweat. “Preparing for an experience like this helps them gain confidence while strengthening language skills that further their education.”

The City Journals has hosted the regional spelling bee since 2014 and covers the trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and one parent. City Journals Publisher Bryan Scott is proud to host the event each year, allowing these students to shine.

“I’ve been honored to host and sponsor this event for the last 12 years because it’s an investment in future leaders,” Scott said. “It’s been so much fun sending the winner to Washington, D.C., and watching them compete at the highest level. We’ve had some really smart kids come through this program.”

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik from Challenger School Traverse Mountain, won the regional bee and took the stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, finishing tied for 36th.

Help send the regional champion to Washington, D.C., to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee by donating through the QR code. l

Last year’s winner, Roshan Kaushik, won the Northern Utah Regional Spelling Bee presented by the City Journals and went to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national bee. This year’s regional bee will be held on Saturday, March 7. (Peri Kinder/City Journals)

KindlyMD™ Comprehensive Care Redefined

After witnessing the opioid epidemic disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, TIM PICKETT decided to remove barriers to care and improve health outcomes for individuals who are often overlooked by the traditional healthcare system.

With a background in GI surgery, trauma and emergency medicine, Pickett founded KindlyMD in 2019, providing primary care, medication management, weight loss assistance, mental health support, pain treatment, therapy services and medical cannabis cards.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

We strive to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Our clinic has an integrated behavioral health program where prescribers, like myself, work alongside mental health experts and therapists to ensure we are treating all facets of the condition.

With a refreshing combination of prescription medicine, alternative therapies and mental healthcare, our team offers custom, complete care to every patient, every time. This method is rare in Utah. You can think of us as a mental health-focused family practice clinic.

Does your business solve a problem for clients?

We solve the age-old problem of not being

heard in a healthcare setting and not getting the care you deserve. We approach patient concerns by listening, incorporating mental health to address contributing social factors and closely following data-driven, best-practice treatment plans. This supports our dedication to improving patient health outcomes. Who is your ideal client?

Our ideal patient is a person who wants to live better, a person who understands that mental health is an important factor in overall health. Many of our patients have tried multiple medications, often at the same time, and are eager to break free from the vicious cycle of traditional prescription medicine. For patients who’d rather try something more “natural,” our providers are highly trained in medical cannabis treatment and can guide your alternative medicine journey with honesty and compassion.

How do clients choose between you and a competitor?

If you’re looking for a clinic or provider who is open and honest, who won’t judge you, who lets you have a say in your treatment plan, and takes your insurance, KindlyMD is an easy choice.

What factors should potential customers base their decision on when working with you?

Are you interested in strengthening your

mental health to improve your physical health?

Do you want to speak freely about alternative medicines (cannabis, etc.) with your provider without fear of being judged or punished? Do you need primary care, labs or prescriptions? Do you want to go to one clinic for all of these things? Then visit KindlyMD. What’s your best advice for someone considering doing business with you?

Give us a call! Our team is eager to answer all your questions and help you feel better. We likely take your insurance plan, so what do you have to lose? If we don’t take your insurance, we have affordable self-pay options.

We want people to know that we’re here, we’re patient-focused and we accept most major insurance plans. We want what is best for our patients, and we love what we do.

What is your favorite product/service your company offers?

I like the way we help people lose weight with GLP-1 medication and the way we help people reduce opioids and prescription medications. Our team’s incorporation of mental healthcare has shown to improve outcomes in both areas, and they remain promising aspects of our program.

KindlyMD was started solely as a Medical Cannabis Card clinic, so I’ll always have a soft spot for what we’ve accomplished in Utah’s cannabis space and for cannabis patients.

Nominate a Utah Top Workplace for 2026

Great workplaces don’t happen by accident. They are nurtured and built to bring out the best in people. If you know of one, nominate it as a Utah Top Workplace.

For the 13th year, employers with outstanding workplace culture in the state will compete for Utah Top Workplaces recognition. This is the first year the award is in partnership with the Salt Lake Business Journal. Any organization with 35 or more employees in the state is eligible to compete for a Top Workplaces award. Standout companies will be honored this fall.

The nomination deadline is April 10. Anyone can nominate an outstanding employer: public, private, nonprofit, a school or even a government agency. To nominate an employer or for more information on the awards, just go to slenterprise.com/nominate or call (801) 803-6841.

“As a people and culture leader, I know the strongest organizations invite honest feedback and use it to get better,” said Elizabeth Sweat, people and culture leader of the City Journals and Salt Lake Business Journal. “Utah Top Workplaces provides leaders with a meaningful way to measure culture, celebrate what’s working and identify opportunities to invest even more intentionally in their people.”

Energage, the Pennsylvania-based research partner for the project, conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media in 65 markets nationwide and surveyed more than 2 million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the past year.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a celebration of excellence,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “It serves as a reminder of the vital role a people-first

Cyprus Pirate Jason Hayes named UHSAA Coach of the Month

Hayes guided the Pirates girls to a Region 4 championship, among other notables, at Kearns Aquatic Center this February.

By Brian Shaw b.shaw@mycityjournals.com

The Hayes name has been well known around these parts for decades in the sport of swimming.

Cyprus swim coach Jason Hayes received Coach of the Month honors from the Utah High School Athletics and Activities Association in partnership with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders recently.

Hayes starred at Cyprus as a swimmer, winning many honors for the Pirates along with his siblings. And yet it’s his work as a coach at CHS that might be just as memorable.

Hayes just led the Pirates girls to a Region 4 title this February at the Kearns Aquatics Center, and in so doing, defeated nearest competitor West by 54 points.

The Bucs wasted no time getting going in the 200-medley relay, winning that race by five seconds in a time of 1:59.13.

Mia Smith added to that by winning the 200 free in 2:00.74—a whopping eight seconds better than her closest competition.

wrapped up their firsts with one more in the 400 free relay, capturing that medal in 3:56.64.

gold in the 100 backstroke, touching the wall in 53.23 seconds.

McKay Simons was another notable Pirate, finishing second in the 200 IM (2:03.78) and third in the 500 free, in a time of 5:01.95.

Then, Tiffanie Palmer won her 200 individual medley in 2:20, another decisive victory.

Smith followed up her win in the 200 free with her second individual medal in the 100 butterfly, gliding across the pool in one minute flat.

Palmer then backed up her first place finish with another in the 100 backstroke in a time of 1:03.26, and then the Pirates

For the Pirates girls that also got a second place finish from Charlotte Boothe in the 500 free (5:59.89), a third from her in the 200 free (2:09.97) and a third-place finish in the 100 free from Zoe Layton in a time of 1:01.80, it was an impressive showing from all the top finishers and from the team itself.

On the boys side, Cyprus finished third as a team at the Region 4 Championships behind West and champions Kearns, but still had some strong showings up the Bacchus Highway and around the corner.

Chaz Keddington won the 100 butterfly in 52.85, a full two seconds faster than his closest competition. He’d also grab

As a team, the Pirates boys also were third in the 400 free relay, working together and coming in just behind two other teams in 3:25.12.

To boot, Cyprus has clocked in some of the fastest times in the state—let alone Class 5A.

Smith has the 11th fastest time for a high school swimmer in a Utah pool in the 200 IM; that happened back in the Granite District Meet on Dec. 18. At the same event, Smith clocked Utah’s eighth fastest time in the 100 butterfly.

A Cyprus boys swimmer has also turned in the 13th best time in the state in the 100 butterfly (Chaz Keddington) and he’s also ninth best in the 100 backstroke, as a matter of fact.

What does all this mean?

Some of this success had to have rubbed off from their coach, and it just so happens they’ve got a pretty good one as they prepared for the 5A state swimming championships (after press deadline). l

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Four Simple Ways to Build a Happier Life

As a county councilmember, I spend a lot of time listening to concerns from constituents. I hear from parents who are stretched thin, seniors who feel lonely, young people who are anxious about the future, and workers who feel burned out even when they’re doing everything “right.” One thing is clear: many people are searching for happiness, but they aren’t sure where to find it.

Research from social scientists points to a clear answer. Happiness does not come from money alone, social media attention, or having an easier life. Arthur Brooks, a Harvard pro-

fessor, social scientist and bestselling author teaches the science of happiness. He says that happiness comes from four things: faith, family, friendship and meaningful work.

The first is faith. People are happier when they believe their lives matter and are part of something bigger than themselves. For some, this comes from faith or spiritual beliefs. For others, it comes from serving their community, caring for others or living by strong values. Faith gives people strength during hard times and helps them see challenges as part of a larger purpose. Even small habits—like volunteering, mentoring, or reflecting on what matters most—can build a deeper sense of meaning.

The second is family. Strong family relationships are one of the most reliable sources of long-term happiness. This doesn’t mean

family life is easy. It takes patience, forgiveness and time. But people who invest in their families tend to feel more supported and less alone. Family can mean parents and children, grandparents, chosen family or relatives who show up when it counts. Simple actions— shared meals, regular check-ins or family traditions—can make a big difference.

The third is friendship. Healthy friendships protect people from loneliness and stress. They give us someone to laugh with, talk to and lean on when life gets hard. Yet friendships often get pushed aside by busy schedules and screens. Reaching out, making time for face-to-face connection, and being present for others helps build trust and belonging. Often you will have to be the one to reach out and make this happen. Communities are stronger when neighbors know each other, not just online, but in real life. Do you know the people who live three houses on either side of you and across the street? If not, make it a point this year to get to know them better. It helps keep your neighborhood safe and builds connection when you can all look out for each other.

The fourth is meaningful work. This does not mean everyone has to love every part of their job. But people are happier when they

feel useful and see how their work helps someone else. Whether paid or unpaid, work gives people dignity and purpose. Parents raising children, volunteers, caregivers, students and workers all contribute value. When people feel needed, their confidence and happiness grow.

One important idea connects all four of these areas: happiness is not about chasing pleasure. Pleasure fades quickly. Real happiness builds slowly through effort, relationships and responsibility. It grows when we use things but care for people—not the other way around. Being “happy” doesn’t mean you will never have sadness, anger, frustration or problems. Everyone has hard times. But by focusing on the things that really matter, you increase your opportunities for better overall happiness.

As a community, we should make it easier for people to build these four foundations. That means supporting families, creating spaces for connection, valuing service and helping people find meaning in their lives. Happiness is not something government can give—but it is something we can support by strengthening the places where people live, work and belong. Make a goal this year to find ways you can help increase your own happiness.

Remember when you thought Mr. Monopoly wore a monocle, or you were convinced Curious George had a tail? Memory is a funny thing.

Or how about when NBC anchor Brian Williams “misremembered” being in a helicopter hit by anti-tank weapons in Iraq? His faulty memory got him suspended.

We all misremember things, but when an entire group does it, it’s called the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon that occurs when millions of people are confidently wrong. Like, remember when we all believed Vladimir Putin was a war criminal? LOL. Good times.

If you’re a Gen Xer, you might remember when the VHS tape got eaten by the VCR and you had to use brain surgeon-style techniques to carefully respool the video. But then the tape always had a wrinkled section where the movie would go wonky for a few seconds. That’s what my memory feels like most days: warped and staticky.

My husband is basically a human computer. He remembers everything. When we meet new people, he lights up like an exploding star. He’s curious about their background, hometown and their connection to any celebrity-type person.

Months later, he’ll say, “Remember at the Yankees game when we met that guy who was married to the cousin of a friend who knows Ryan Reynolds? I think his name was George.”

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

“No.”

“Yeah, you do. He owned a horse farm outside of Albany and loves the color orange.”

“What are you talking about?”

His memory recall is slightly unsettling. He’ll drop info like, “I remember the 1968 World Series when the Detroit Tigers came from behind to beat the Cardinals. They hadn’t won since 1945 and Mickey Lolich was the MVP.”

And then there’s me, having to watch a recap for a TV show I watched the night before. But then I remember random things, like when Sen. Mike Lee advocated for term limits. Hahahaha. The good ol’ days.

I was playing a “Frozen” matching game with my 9 year old granddaughter, trying to remember where the pair of Olafs were hiding. I kept turning over the same two cards, a Sven and an Elsa, convinced I’d finally cracked the code.

My granddaughter found it hilarious watching her doddering old granny lose a game. But there was a time I was the matching

game champ. At least that’s my recollection.

I can still sing Abba’s entire “Arrival” album from 1976 but I’m not quite sure I actually attended a single day of high school. I used to know dozens of phone numbers, but now I couldn’t call my daughters if the world were ending and I had to use a rotary phone.

When it comes to remembering the names of dogs I met at the dog park, I’ve got it down. But their owners’ names? No clue. I can make my mom’s mac and cheese by heart, but need to read the directions on a cake mix four times before I get it right.

It makes me second-guess my memory, like, do you recall when Gov. Spencer Cox took the side of trans kids? Or was that also the

Mandela Effect?

If you’ve ever had a sibling contradict your side of a story, or you can’t remember your eighth-grade science teacher, you’re not alone. Or maybe you had an existential crisis when you realized C-3PO’s lower right leg was silver, not gold.

Memory isn’t just fleeting, it’s fluid. When time blurs the moments we fell flat on our faces, it’s a reminder that our flashbacks are edited highlight reels, usually with a laugh track.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning columnist and journalist who has written for The City Journals since 2004. She can be reached at peri.k@thecityjournals.com