Taylorsville Journal | December 2023 by The City Journals

Dec. 2023 | Vol. 10 Iss. 12

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TAYLORSVILLE CROSS COUNTRY WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL SEASON By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

he 2023 cross country season was the best one ever for the Taylorsville boys team. The Warriors placed fourth in state at the Class 5A championships in October. “We definitely had a good season,” head coach Guy Mackay said. “The thing, however, that I would be most happy about would be to watch the hard work pay off. They all worked extremely hard, and they were rewarded for their efforts.” Mackay said the state meet was a team effort, as several runners turned out solid performances. The top runner for Taylorsville was junior Cole Jameson, who placed fourth overall with a 5k time of 15:29.3, just 31 seconds behind the champion, JoJo Jourdon of Olympus. Fellow junior Jonah Andrews came in 28th with a time of 16:18. Sophomore Edward Stout and junior Kai Makowski each finished in the top 50 by placing 40th and 49th, respectively. “The state meet went great,” Mackay said. “It truly was a team effort. As with most meets, some of the kids did better than we thought would happen and some didn’t, but our hope was for a top-five finish. That was our goal at the beginning of the season. We were slated to finish between six and seven, so we knew we would have to have an exceptional race to snag a top five, which, of course, we did.” Mackay highlighted Jameson’s season long efforts and his leadership and example. Along with Makowski, Stout and Andrews, he also praised Preston Gledhill, Liamm Passey and Elliot Stout. On the girls’ side, Mackay said Reagan Vanderlinden, Paula Briceno, Sophia Briceno, Brielle Oliverson, Peyton Burnett, Milca Bobadillo and Emmalee Pitcher stood out the most this season. At the end of the state championships, with the season over, Mackay told his athletes to appreciate everything they had worked hard for and accomplished. Continued page 7

The Taylorsville boys cross country team placed fourth at the 5A state championships this fall. Five of the team’s varsity competitors return next year. (Photo courtesy Guy Mackay)

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New pantry serving students and families at Kearns Junior High By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

ommunity food pantries in the Salt Lake Valley are few and far between these days, which made the opening of a new food pantry and resource center at Kearns Junior High School a reason to celebrate. Principal Mark Ellermeier and Vice Principal Elvis Fonguh cut the ribbon to open the pantry on Nov. 2. “I’m excited for this partnership with the Utah Food Bank,” Ellermeier said. “This is a much needed resource for our students and their families.” Since the pandemic, KJH has seen a substantial increase in the need for food resources, according to Andrea Stringham, community outreach and media relations representative with the Granite School District. She said last year the school distributed close to 4,000 food kits to students, and the current economic environment has increased demand, even as funding dwindled. “At the end of last year, the Granite Education Foundation didn’t have enough funds to keep any pantry going,” Christine Peasley said, a social worker at KJH. “So we created a partnership with the Utah Food Bank. We estimate about 450 to 500 individuals will be using our pantry each month, and we wanted our students to be able to meet their nutritional needs so they could do better academically.” The pantry is housed in two relocatable buildings behind the school. It’s set up to be similar to a grocery store and retail store—shelves with canned foods and other items in one relocatable and clothing in the other. It gives students a chance to choose foods and items they would actually use rather than handing them a bag of pre-selected items. Students are permitted to visit the pantry once a month to see what they have and select what they need

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to feed their families. The school has over 780 students enrolled, according to Peasley, who added, “we definitely needed more opportunity for kids to get food. We’ve been worried because food resources have been decreasing across the valley and the state.” She said it helps with junior high kids in particular who wouldn’t use a mobile food pantry “due to the stigma that comes with it. They are more comfortable coming into a setting like this with privacy where they can remain anonymous.” The pantry is open during school hours and after school by appointment, so families can come in together. “The Utah Food Bank does a lot of amazing kids programming,” said Brett Koslowsky, who works with student programs at the organization. “That includes the Kids Cafe program which we have here at Kearns Junior High. It’s after-school snacks and meals for kids. That just serves a small number of kids, so we reached out to a lot of schools where we felt they could have a need and who had partnered with the Granite Education Foundation which had lost a lot of funding. It’s something where families and students also have an extra resource out of convenience, since they are already at school.” She said the Utah Food Bank does an initial assessment with all in-school pantries. “This was the first site visit I went to, and it was amazing to see how many teachers and mothers, social workers and coordinators came to just the organizing meeting itself and how enthusiastic they were,” Koslowsky said. “Then they sent us word that they were going to have a pantry opening, and everything has fallen into place.”

Principal Mark Ellermeier and Vice Principal Elvis Fonguh (left) cut the ribbon at the new Kearns Junior High School food pantry. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, a few teachers and students got a sneak preview, touring the pantry before it officially opened later in the week. There were a lot of smiles all around. l

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The new Kearns Junior High School pantry includes a grocery-store type layout in one relocatable, with clothing provided in a second relocatable next door. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)

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Eisenhower Junior High will celebrate 50 years with open house, party next spring By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

ifty years ago, the Granite School District threw the doors open on a brand new, then state-of-the-art junior high school on the Salt Lake Valley’s west side. The school was in a largely rural part of Salt Lake County. It would be more than 20 years before Taylorsville City would be formed around it. Just four years after his death, former World War II hero – and 34th President of the United States (1953-61) – Dwight D. Eisenhower was honored with his name on Utah’s newest school. Surrounded by “lions and tigers and bears,” the school selected an unusual, but fitting mascot: Eisenhower Generals. Oh, and the school newspaper way back then was called “Generally Speaking.” (Full disclosure: the writer you’re reading now got his start on that paper in 1976. The writing hasn’t improved much… but it’s still fun). “I’ve been thinking about the school’s 50th anniversary – and planning a celebration in my head – for a couple of years now,” Eisenhower Finance Secretary Wendy Cochran said. “The school needs to be celebrated. So many kids leave and never return.” But Wendy did (return). Cochran was an Eisenhower General in 1978-81 and graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1984. She returned to EJHS (4351 S. Redwood Road) in 1998. “This is my silver anniversary at the school,” she continued. “I started in the counselling center and have been financial secretary for 15 years. I began warning the other teachers a couple of years ago we were going to put together something special for the 50th.” The Eisenhower Junior High 50th anniversary celebration will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. But so far, that’s the only hard-and-fast detail Cochran and her

Home Economics teacher Chris Moore taught cooking, sewing and other subjects at EJHS from 1974 to 2003. (EJHS yearbook)

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school Morale Committee have pinned down. “Our committee is meeting regularly now, working out details for the celebration,” Cochran added. “I’m sure it will include an open house – a chance for former students and teachers to walk around. We may have some carnival activities outside the school. We’re still discussing plans. Right now, my focus is mostly on trying to track down former teachers and staff members who were here when the school opened.” Cochran’s first success on that front came last month when she located Chris Moore. “I was busy in 1973, finishing up my degree at BYU and getting married,” Moore said. “That fall, I was student teaching at Kennedy Junior High (4495 S. 4800 West) when my advising teacher there told me about a job opening for a home economics teacher at the new Eisenhower Junior High. I interviewed for the job and started teaching there in January 1974. Eisenhower is the only public school I ever taught at. I retired from there in 2003 to take a teaching position at BYU.” Moore remembers EJHS being in a much more rural setting a half-century ago. “The school was built on what had been farmland and there were farms all around it,” she added. “There were no markets nearby. If you needed something from the store, it was a drive. We entered the school grounds directly off Redwood Road. But Redwood wasn’t nearly as busy back then either. The students even had a Cowboy Club in the 1970s. But that faded away over the years as everything around the school became more urbanized.” Back in the mid-1970s – long before cell phones and other electronic devices – Moore says things were also much more formal. And the relationship between parents, students and teachers was not what it is now. “Students and teachers used to dress up more for school,” Moore said. “Teachers were not allowed to wear Levis. Students were also more respectful of teachers; and parents were more supportive of what teachers told them about their students.” Moore adds there was almost no ethnic diversity during Eisenhower’s earliest years. But, by the time she left in 2003, she says students were speaking about 40 different languages at the school. “I think it’s wonderful the school is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and I will definitely be there,” Moore concluded. “It’s important people understand what a key part of the community Eisenhower Junior High is. It’s also great to show education in a positive light. I’m looking forward to (April 23). Right now, I am trying to help Wendy’s committee by working to help track down other colleagues I worked with back then to make sure they know about it.” Moore was in her final few years at Eisenhower when she was joined on the faculty by Mike Roach. He’s now in his 27th year at the

Members of the EJHS Morale Committee organizing their school’s 50th anniversary celebration include: Bryan Stevenson, Jenny Jackson, April Stevenson, Emily Wilson, Laura Mauer, Kevin Winn and David Head (back row), along with Principal Wes Cutler, Wendy Cochran, Mike Roach, Debbie Kesner Steinberg, Aitanna Low, Amy Burton and Melodie Garcia (front row). (Courtesy Wendy Cochran)

school teaching Utah Studies. He’s also active on the school Morale Committee. “Our committee has always taken care of smaller things like sending flowers to faculty members when they have a death in the family,” Roach explained. “When Wendy (Cochran) began to explain what she was thinking for the 50th anniversary, we knew we’d have to recruit a lot more volunteers. But I’m a history guy – so I am all in.” Roach actually attended one of Eisenhower’s “sports rival” schools – Valley Junior High (4195 S. 3200 West) – before moving on to Taylorsville High, where he graduated in 1989. He recently discovered just how big these milestone parties can be when he attended Valley’s 75th anniversary celebration. “What I really like about what we’re discussing so far is that we plan to tie in other parts of the community,” he continued. “For example, we’ll include lots of information from the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. I think it will show how our school has played a central role in the community for many years. We are a big part of the identity of the area.” To help get the word out about the upcoming celebration, the Morale Committee is inviting everyone to find them on facebook at “Eisenhower Junior High 50 years.” Once you arrive at the page, the committee hopes you will “like” the page. And if you have any photos to add, please hashtag them with #ejhs50. l

Home Economics instructor Chris Moore began teaching at EJHS in January 1974 and remained at the Taylorsville school nearly 30 years. (Courtesy Chris Moore)

Former EJHS teacher Chris Moore took her granddaughter Blakeley to the school with her back in 2000 when students assisted with an in-school day care as part of their curriculum. (Courtesy Chris Moore)

Dec. 2023 | Page 5

New SLCC ‘SKIP’ program offers free recreational opportunities for children with disabilities By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

lot of us do everything we can to avoid that wicked traffic window from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays along the Wasatch Front. But not James Walamau Jr. At least not one day a week this fall. For six consecutive Wednesday evenings (Oct. 18 to Nov. 22) James II navigated those congested roads with his son, James III, age 11, to make their way from North Salt Lake to Salt Lake Community College’s Lifetime Activity Center in Taylorsville. James III is on the autism spectrum. He attends Spectrum Academy, a North Salt Lake charter school designed for students with his kind of challenges. Through his son’s school, James II learned about the new, free exercise and recreation program at SLCC. “It has been awesome for my son,” Walamau said. “On the first day, he was skeptical about it. But after that, he’s been excited to go every Wednesday. It’s definitely been worth the drive down to the Redwood campus. It has built so much confidence in him. James can’t wait for the program to start up again next spring.” Salt Lake Community College calls the new program James and James are so excited about “SKIP” – SLCC Kids in Play. It’s the brainchild of the college’s Exercise Science Department Associate Professor Paul Roberts, who’s taught at the Taylorsville school 25 years. Roberts is on medical leave from SLCC this semester. But in his absence, he’s been proud to receive updates about how SKIP has served kids in this pilot year. “Other schools, like the U of U, have programs similar to SKIP and I thought it was something our community also needed,” Roberts said. “I had to write a couple of grant requests to get it going. SLCC student volunteers deserve a lot of the credit. They come every week to work 1-on-1 with the kids.” So far, SKIP has been open to kids in grades 4 to 6, ages 9 to 13. But the college already has plans to expand it to more grades as the program becomes more well-known. “We’ve averaged about 15 kids and 15 student volunteers each week this fall,” Roberts added. “But we have the room and equipment to grow that to 50 kids. We are committed to operating SKIP for years to come. Our spring semester session will run eight weeks.” The free program is open to children with a wide variety of physical, mental or emotional challenges. There are no financial need requirements and they can live anywhere throughout northern Utah. Sign-up details are available at slcc.edu/skip. Roberts understands the disability world much more intimately than he would like. “At age 19, I was out being stupid with friends in a car,” he explained. “I was paralyzed in a car accident and required lots of physical therapy. I was a Utah State student at the time but transferred down to the U of U to be closer

Page 6 | Dec. 2023

Father and son James and James Walamau fought the traffic for six weeks this fall, driving from North Salt Lake to Taylorsville for the SLCC SKIP program, where volunteer “Ranger” Ciceley Brental served as “Cub” James’ 1-on-1 mentor. (Courtesy SLCC)

to the therapy I needed. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the U. I am now 57 years old – and still in my wheelchair.” Roberts earned his master’s degree in Exercise Science. He says being in a wheelchair helps connect him to the kids he works with. “I am at their level (physically, literally),” Roberts said. “Even if they are only in fourth grade, they can relate to me as a person with a disability. I recently ran into a former student who instantly recognized me and came up. I had not seen him in 20+ years. It is rewarding.” With Roberts sidelined this fall, coordination of the SLCC SKIP program has fallen to Austen Keithley, who’s working with the Taylorsville college parttime. Her full-time job has her traveling from school to school each week throughout the Weber School District offering adapted PE. “I’ve been with the Weber District 10 years and doing adapted PE seven years,” Keithley said. “There are two of us doing it. We each visit about ten schools a week and each work with a couple of hundred special need students.” Students in the SLCC SKIP program, referred to as “cubs,” have intellectual or health disabilities and other motor impairments or are on the autism spectrum. None of this fall’s participants were in wheelchairs. The mostly-SLCC Exercise Sports Science student volunteers are called “rangers.” “Each of the Wednesday sessions began with our rangers working 1-on-1 with their cubs,” Keithley explained. “They focus on many different skills like throwing and catching basketballs and footballs. The kids play tagging games – and keep balls bouncing on a large parachute. After the rangers get their cubs

SLCC’s new SKIP program closes each high-energy session with a cool down, arts and crafts period, allowing participants to take something home with them each week. (Courtesy SLCC)

Kids with special needs have been spending their Wednesday evenings this fall learning skills and burning off energy at SLCC’s new SKIP program. (Courtesy SLCC)

warmed up and emotionally ready, we shift them into group activities.” Each SKIP session runs 90 minutes. James Walamau Jr. wishes it was a half hour longer. After all, it’s a long, traffic-snarled drive from North Salt Lake for an hour-and-a-half. But he says James III also loves the way each session ends. “The final 20 minutes are so fun, James and the other kids do arts and crafts,” Walamau said. “It’s great because they run around using a lot of energy; but then they calm down, painting, drawing or gluing things onto paper. One night the kids painted pumpkins. James has taken something home with him every week.” Walamau also has high praise for his son’s “ranger,” Ciceley Brental. James III knows her as “CC.” “She is so patient and awesome with my

son,” Walamau concluded. “The rangers boost their cub’s confidence. CC is constantly telling James ‘You are doing great.’ She has helped him to socialize better. It’s a great program and James can’t wait for it to start up again.” The $5,000 grant the SLCC SKIP program received from the New York-based Theresa Foundation (theresafoundation.org) has not yet been spent, as Roberts and Keithley continue to assess what new equipment they might purchase with it. They are also still not yet sure when the program will resume after the holidays. But they are hopeful many more special needs students will learn about SKIP and join them. As for James II and James III – their dealwith-the-traffic game faces will be back on again, whenever that next SKIP session rolls around. l

Taylorsville City Journal

Veterans get their recognition in annual program By Darrell Kirby | d.kirby@mycityjournals.com)

or years they were among the unsung heroes of World War II. The Navajo Code Talkers were key to helping the United States gain the upper hand against Japan in various battles in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945, including the taking of the island of Iwo Jima. The Navajo language had both a simplicity and complexity that enabled the Marines to communicate military strategy in a way that the Japanese could never decipher. The Navajo Code Talkers, along with local servicemen and servicewomen, were honored during West Valley City’s annual Veterans Day Program in November. To recognize the Code Talkers, only three of whom are still alive, West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang told the assembled gathering at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center that a bronze bust of a Code Talker will hopefully be placed at the Utah Veterans Memorial just south of the Cultural Celebration Center. “The proposed statue honors all Native American Code Talkers from many different tribes but is crafted in the likeness of Allen Dale June,” Lang said. June, a Marine sergeant and long-time West Valley City resident, was one of the 29 original Code Talkers. He died in 2010 at the age of 91.

West Valley Arts is seeking donations from the community to make the statue a reality. “Your donation will help fund the construction, installation and maintenance of this awe-inspiring monument. Join us in preserving the history of these unsung heroes, so their legacy may continue to inspire future generations,” the city’s arts organization wrote in a Facebook post. For more information and to donate, visit www.wvcarts.org/code-talkers-memorial-statue. Meanwhile, Vietnam veteran Larry Taylor appreciated West Valley City’s recognition of the sacrifice he and other military men and women made, especially when he recalls how it was he returned home 50-plus years ago. “When I came home, we were really ridiculed and made us feel like we weren’t worth anything,” said the Taylorsville resident who served from 1970-1971 and was awarded a Purple Heart. “This now tells us our sacrifice was worth something.” Taylor and his brother, also a Purple Heart recipient, both served in Vietnam, but he died in 2014 from the effects of Agent Orange, a herbicide used by the military to kill off leaves and foliage in the dense tropical forests of Vietnam that provided enemy

cover. Burton Pett of South Jordan is a Korean War Army vet who fought in that conflict from 1950 to 1952. He said he doesn’t see his service as a sacrifice but rather a duty that he would have done again if asked or needed. “I would never give up what I did at that time,” the 93 year old said. “Fortunately, I didn’t have any repercussions afterward,” Pett added, referring to the physical, mental and emotional toll that war can take on many soldiers. “It was definitely not easy but If I could opt out, I wouldn’t.” Still, Pett said he kept the grimmer parts of the war that he witnessed to himself until only a few years ago when he started opening up more about what he saw and experienced. “I still don’t talk about the really bad parts,” he said. Pett remembers how “bad off” many Korean citizens were during the war. “They had absolutely nothing. To this day, I don’t know how they survived. If we had a candy bar, we’d give it to them.” Pett said that he’s not aware of any of his Army buddies that are still around seven decades later. “I’ve been fortunate. That’s all I can say.” l

Larry Taylor of Taylorsville served in the Army in Vietnam. (Darrell Kirby/City Journals)

Continued from front page “The biggest thing I think for the kids to understand about a season like that is to hopefully enjoy the journey,” he said. “Make sure to celebrate the small victories, the small improvements. Because if you don't celebrate the small one, the big achievements don't mean as much.” The Warriors developed a strong bond this season, which helped the runners individually and collectively. Mackay said he loved coaching this group. “The thing that I will probably take away the most, which is usually the same each year, is just watching the comraderies between the kids,” he said. “Cross country kids are typically very exceptional and well-mannered student athletes, which makes them fun to be around.” Mackay has high expectations for the 2024 season. Five of his seven varsity runners are back next season. Still, he knows that simply bringing back experienced athletes doesn’t guarantee success. The team members need to put in the work. “The kids understand that you can't just rely on what we did this year,” he said. “You have to stay consistent in the workouts. The summertime will be a big factor because that is where you can make a lot of gains or it’s also where someone else can pass you right on by.” l

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Chinese laborers to be honored at the Utah State Capitol By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

hose of us who grew up in Utah know all about the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in our state. We might have a hard time remembering that exact date (May 10, 1869). But we know the “Golden Spike” was pounded in “someplace in the middle of nowhere, north of us.” Oh yah, our junior high teachers called it Promontory Point. Taylorsville State Sen. Karen Kwan grew up in California, before moving to Utah. Her junior high didn’t focus on the transcontinental railroad as much as ours did. Kwan discovered the achievement a different way. “I learned about the transcontinental railroad through my grandmother and mother,” Kwan explained. “My mom also passed along family stories she had heard from her grandmother – my great grandmother.” Rail line stories are important in the Kwan family, because Karen’s ancestor was among the more than 12,000 Chinese immigrants who cleared the land, laid the ties and drove the steel spikes, mile after mile, to complete the single most important project that led to the rest of us eventually calling this part of our country “home.” “We don’t know his name, because they didn’t write many of the Chinese workers’ names down back then,” Kwan continued. “I’m also not exactly sure how many generations back he is – whether he’s my ‘great, great’ or ‘great, great, great’ grandfather. But I have heard many stories about this ancestor of mine. And I am proud

to be involved in commemorating what he and the other Chinese immigrants accomplished.” Kwan is president of the Chinese Railroad Workers Descendants Association. Her love of family is undoubtedly the biggest reason she holds that post. She and her brother Michael are the only presidents the CRWDA has ever had. Former Taylorsville Justice Court Judge Michael Kwan was co-founder of the CRWDA. You may recall, he passed away unexpectedly during the early days of the pandemic (July 2020). However, it was natural causes – not COVID-19 – that claimed his life at age 58. “After my brother passed, the CRWDA was without a president for a couple of years,” Kwan explained. “It was a difficult time. I have been president for about a year. It has been exciting to help put together plans for this monument.” Last month, Kwan and several other CRWDA members broke ground on what will be a modest monument to the Chinese railroad workers on the Utah State Capitol grounds. It will stand about 4½ feet tall by 3½ feet wide. The monument will be in the shape of our state of Utah and include a commemorative placard. The placard reads: “Resilience and Perseverance – In Honor of Utah’s Chinese Pioneers. Dedicated to the more than 12,000 Chinese pioneers who helped complete the First Transcontinental Railroad alongside many others of differing ethnicities, nationalities, and religions. Their strength, sacri-

The CRWDA monument was designed by Porheang Ear, a member of Utah’s Chinese community. (CRWDA)

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LOGO (CRWDA)

fice, resolve, and hard work will always be remembered and forever honored.” The monument was designed by Porheang Ear, a member of the Utah Chinese community. He is an associate with Salt Lake-based MJSA Architecture. Private donations are funding the monument, which is expected to cost a little more than $50,000. “The Central Pacific Railroad went to China to recruit workers for the project,” Kwan explained. “China was having a civil war at the time. Many Chinese men were looking for ways to support their families. That’s why my ancestor, and thousands of other Chinese men, came to this country to work.” When Central Pacific paid the Chinese, their work foremen received the wages to distribute to his men. Therefore, only the foremen’s names were ever recorded. That’s why no written records exist for more than 90% of the Chinese laborers who

CRWDA President – and Taylorsville State Sen. – Karen Kwan addressed the gathering, where a new monument to Chinese railroad workers was announced on Utah’s Capitol Hill. (Utah Senate Minority Caucus)

were instrumental in opening the western United States to the mass migration that would follow. As Kwan prepares for her second year in the Utah State Senate – following her six years in the Utah House – she says it will be an honor to see the Chinese railroad worker monument each day. “More than anything, I hope this will encourage people to learn more about their own history,” Kwan concluded. “I’m also looking forward to the monument dedication on May 10 – the 155th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad.” l

This ceremonial groundbreaking for the new CRWDA monument was held last month. (Isabella Durham)

Dec. 2023 | Page 9

Taylorsville City Councilman Curt Cochran discovered this fall, Halloween is big business in Salem, Massachusetts By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

ne of the benefits of being a well-accepted elected official is that, once in a while, you can be reelected to a new leadership term without facing any opposition. In the Taylorsville City Council races this fall, two of the three on the ballot – Curt Cochran in District 2 and Anna Barbieri of District 3 – enjoyed that status as they ran unopposed and will each be back for 4-year terms, running through 2027. For Cochran, being unopposed made it easier for him and his wife, Wendy, to travel two time zones away during what would have been the heat of an election battle. The pair made their way to Boston and Salem, Massachusetts, Oct. 11 to 18. “It was mostly a vacation – and, of course, we paid our own way,” Cochran said. “But whenever we travel to other parts of the country, I like to talk with business people and observe things about their infrastructure. I always see and learn a few things I think might work here – or at least deserve a little thought.” For starters, Cochran learned Halloween is big business in the city infamous for its Salem Witch Trials 330 years ago. According to Wikipedia: “The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused. Thirty people were found guilty, 19 of whom were executed by hanging (14 women and five men). One other man died under torture after refusing to enter a plea. At least five other people died in jail.” (wikipedia.org) “Obviously it’s a very negative history; but that was also a long time ago,” Cochran added. “The people in Salem and the businesses embrace it – they own their history. We went to the Salem Witch Museum and it was very interesting. It explains very well what happened and why it happened.” As if being in Salem in October, wasn’t enough… the Cochrans found themselves there on Friday the 13th. “We were in Salem Thursday and Friday and there were five times as many people in the city on that Friday the 13th,” he added. “But Salem is a great town. It’s much more modern than I expected, given its many hundreds of years of history.” And forget about the “Christmas rush” for Salem merchants. The storekeepers he spoke with told Cochran they do 90% of their business in October. In Boston, Curt and Wendy Cochran walked the 2.5 mile “Freedom Trail,” which passes some 17 locations significant to the history of the United States, from the Boston Common to the “Old North Church” to Bunker Hill Monument. “In our five days on the ground, we calculated that we walked about 36 miles – so we

Page 10 | Dec. 2023

were busy,” Cochran added. “The Freedom Trail in Boston is easy to follow because the city has invested the money to make the entire walking path out of unique red brick. I saw this as something we might be able to try in Taylorsville.” Cochran admits, it’s probably too cost prohibitive to create a red brick walkway. But he believes paths might be marked with some type of colored designation, or signage, to lead pedestrians past things like the Taylorsville Cemetery (4567 S. Redwood Road) and the city’s two entries on the National Register of Historic Places: Al-rasool Islamic Center (1247 W. 4800 South), built originally in 1894, and the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center (1488 W. 4800 South), constructed in 1906.

“(My wife) Wendy is a member of the Historic Preservation Committee, so she and I will at least discuss (the appearance and signage of Boston’s Freedom Trail) with them,” Cochran added. “It might be a way to create more interest in our Taylorsville historic sites.” Finally, the Cochrans also found parking to be an ongoing challenge in Massachusetts – just as it can sometimes be back here at home. “Parking is a real problem in some of our Taylorsville neighborhoods – and it’s something the city council has discussed several times,” he concluded. “I’m not sure what the solution is. Maybe only allowing parking on one side of a street. Or maybe it’s simply banning on-street parking altogether. In Massachusetts, we found parking garages. But we’re still working to

Taylorsville City Councilman Curt Cochran found himself briefly detained in Salem, Mass. earlier this fall, we assume of his own volition. (Courtesy Curt Cochran)

It was mostly vacation – with a little factfinding thrown in – when Taylorsville City Councilman Curt Cochran and his wife Wendy visited Massachusetts earlier this fall. (Courtesy Curt Cochran)

solve parking issues here in Taylorsville.” The Cochrans returned to Utah in plenty of time to pass out their own Halloween candy on Oct. 31. The councilman spent a little time confined in a pillory (Google it – just like I had to) …but got out in time to make his return flight. l

A tragic episode in colonial history 330 years ago is now big business in the eastern seaboard city where it occurred. (Courtesy Curt Cochran)

Taylorsville City Councilman Curt Cochran and his wife Wendy visited Massachusetts earlier this fall. (Courtesy Curt Cochran) Taylorsville City Councilman Curt Cochran (right) says October is the busiest time of year, not surprisingly, in Salem, Massachusetts. (Courtesy Curt Cochran)

Taylorsville City Journal

City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400

MAYOR'S MESSAGE Dear Friends and Neighbors, The holidays are always joyous and bright in Taylorsville, and this year they are especially so. December is filled with celebration, and we hope you will join us in the festivities. We’ve planned several community events to ring in the winter holidays. First, we had so much fun at our second annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 27 at Centennial Plaza in front of City Hall. We sipped hot chocolate and munched cookies, enjoyed the music of local choirs, took an art walk to see the sculptures on display throughout the plaza and counted down to the lighting. The live evergreen will stay lit on evenings through the holidays and will eventually be planted in a city park when they are over. Additional holiday events coming up are Saturday with Santa and our Wreaths Across America Day. Saturday with Santa always brings holiday cheer. Sponsored by the Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee with support of the Parks and Recreation Committee, the event takes place on Dec. 9 between 2 and 4 p.m. at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. (See the ad on Page 2 of this section). Enjoy children’s crafts and games, tasty treats and, of course, a chance to see Santa! Also becoming a tradition is our Wreaths Across America Day. The Youth Council decided to participate in this initiative for the first time last year as its holiday service project, and the day could not have gone any better. It was so special to remember and recognize our veterans as a wreath was laid at each of their graves, and I am very much looking forward to participating again this year. In Taylorsville, there will be two parts to the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 16. The first part inside the City Council Chambers will start promptly at 10 a.m. to coincide with the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The second portion of the ceremony will take place outdoors at the Taylorsville City Cemetery, where wreaths will be laid on all 260 veterans' graves there. In addition to assistance from the Taylorsville Youth Council, the Taylorsville High School JROTC and the local nonprofit Honor365, community members also are invited to help lay the wreaths. Find more information and how to sponsor a wreath on our city website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov. I hope your holidays are merry this season and bring peace and happiness. It is wonderful to celebrate with you and our community! —Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – DECEMBER 2023 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 TVPD News, Page 4 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8

www.taylorsvilleut.gov

December 2023

Taylorsville Scout Earns All 139 Merit Badges

he most difficult merit badge to achieve was probably bugling. Scuba diving and basket weaving were among the most fun, and you can never go wrong with learning about entrepreneurship and business. Taylorsville teen Liamm Passey has obtained each of those merit badges and more. In fact, he’s earned every single merit badge possible — 139 in all. His Scout leaders say only about .01% of Scouts have earned every badge. There are so many that they don’t even fit on one sash. Liamm has two sashes crisscrossed across his Scout uniform with each of the colorful badges displayed in neat rows. “Merit badges are a great way to find out what you want to do, what interests you,” said Liamm, who is 18 years old and a senior at Taylorsville High School. “Scouting has helped me with my work ethic in all aspects of my life — knowing that I can always push myself harder.” Although it was difficult and the COVID pandemic and a stress fracture injury slowed him down, Liamm believes earning every merit badge is something all Scouts can accomplish, and he encouraged his peers in Taylorsville’s Troop 4 to follow his lead. “It’s a realistic goal that all you guys can do,” he said at a recent Court of Honor held to recognize his achievement. “It will take time, but you can do it if you want to. Just keep working.” And that Liamm did. Starting as a Cub at age 8, Liamm first made a goal to earn all the den

patches, then the belt buckle as a Bear and the pins and Arrow of Light as a Webelo. He earned his Eagle in record time at age 13, collecting books for the Christmas Box House for his Eagle Scout Service Project, and from there, he just kept going. He crafted knives and a hiking stick out of composite materials for one badge. A toboggan, complete with a footrest that three of four people could ride atop four blocks of ice, was built for another. “It was an awesome design and it worked extremely well until it cracked because there were too many people on it,” his Scout Leader Scott Wilde noted, with a laugh. “But I’ve repaired it, and it’s ready to go again.” The Dog Care Merit Badge took much longer and a lot more work than expected. Scuba diving was pretty scary at first but turned out to be one of his favorites. Rifle and shotgun shooting also topped the list. Getting any embouchure on the bugle was extremely difficult but he pushed through and was eventually able to play some notes for the Bugling Merit Badge. “That was a tough one,” Wilde said. “Is he going to be in the symphony? No. But he did it.” In addition to 139 merit badges, Liamm also earned 23 bronze, silver and gold palms that accompany each badge, depending on how many badges are earned. “It’s something I’ve never seen,” Wilde said of the number the young Scout achieved.

TAYLORSVILLE SCOUT CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS

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City of Taylorsville Newsletter

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Emergency ...................................................................................................911 Police Department ............................................................... 801-840-4000 Poison Control Center .................................................... 1-800-222-1222 Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800 Animal Control After House Dispatch ........................... 801-840-4000 Building Inspection ............................................................. 801-955-2030 Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce) ...................... 801-977-8755 Fire Department ................................................................... 801-743-7200 Gang Tip Line ......................................................................... 385-468-9768 Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325 (Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling) Granite School District........................................................ 385-646-5000 Health Department ............................................................. 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/Landfill .............................. 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 DECEMBER 2023 Dec. 6 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online.

Dec. 8 – 7 p.m. Symphony at Bennion Jr. The Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra plays for the holidays @ Bennion Jr. High School, 6055 S. 2700 West.

Dec. 9 – 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday with Santa @ Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. Hot chocolate and tasty treats, children's crafts and games, guest singers and choirs — and Santa! It’s a free event.

Dec. 12 – 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

Dec. 16 – 10 a.m.

December 1-2 West Point Ballet & Utah Theatre Ballet presents THE NUTCRACKER

December December 1-2 2 A Holiday Concert with MICHELE MCLAUGHLIN

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wreaths Across America Day. Two-part ceremony beginning inside at City Hall, with wreath-laying to follow outside at Taylorsville City Cemetery around 11 a.m. Christmas Day. City Hall is closed for the holiday.

Upcoming: Jan. 1 – all day 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

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

December 5-6 JAM 2023 CHRISTMAS FOLLIES December 8 Quinn Kapetanov CHRISTMAS ON MY MIND December 9 Salt Lake City Ballet Children’s Academy presents THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 25 – all day

New Year’s Day. City Hall is closed for the holiday.

MID-VALLEY

GET TICKETS AT SaltLakeCountyArts.org

December 22-23 Serena Webb Dance Theater presents THE NUTCRACKER & THE MOUSE QUEEN

December 2023

COUNCIL CORNER

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

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Let’s Spread Kindness through Giving this Season and All Year

By Council Member Meredith Harker We all know the saying, “It is better to give than receive,” and here in Taylorsville, that sentiment rings loud and true. This month, countless hours of service and undisclosed amounts of money will quietly be given throughout our city, and we hope you will be a part of it. During the holiday season, there are so many ways to get outside of yourself and find those who could use a helping hand or cheering up, an act of kindness or even some basic needs like food and clothing. You can donate through the many charity organizations in our area, your local church, or just walk down the street and surprise a neighbor with a fun treat. Think of what could be done in Taylorsville if everyone performed one act of service this holiday season for someone else. Lives would be touched, and the spirit of love and kindness would spread like wildfire. One year when I was a child growing up in Taylorsville, my dad found himself out of work for a season. My parents warned my siblings and me that Christmas would be tight that year and we wouldn’t

be receiving as much as we might have hoped. I will never forget the kind neighbors who anonymously left an envelope with a $100 bill on our porch. For me, at that young age, that seemed like so much money for someone to just give our family. I was shocked and surprised at that level of generosity. I learned a great lesson that day of what it really means to selflessly serve someone else. I remember my mom crying because she was so touched by that act of love on our behalf. You may never know what your one kind act will do for someone else. It might brighten their day or completely change their life. May you find ways to make our city more joyful and compassionate. Whether it's volunteering your time at a local charity, helping a neighbor in need or simply spreading kindness through small gestures, let the spirit of giving be a guiding force. As we come together to celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the power of unity and the impact that each individual can have on the collective well-being of our community. By fostering a sense of connection and support, we can create a city where everyone feels valued and appreciated. So, let the

TAYLORSVILLE SCOUT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Liamm has incorporated the Scout goals and laws into his everyday life. He lives it,” Wilde said at the Court of Honor on Nov. 16. “That’s who he is. He’s learned to educate himself instead of being instructed. He’ll be a success in whatever he decides to focus on. He’s a great leader, and I am honored to be with him.” Wilde presented Liamm with a coin and letter from Gov. Spencer Cox, recognizing his accomplishment. Mayor Kristie Overson and city leaders also planned to formally recognize him at the Dec. 6 City Council meeting. In the meantime, Liamm is currently applying to both instate and out-of-state universities. He plans to study electrical engineering and hopes to attend on a Track and Field scholarship. In other words, even though he’s earned every possible merit badge, there’s still plenty more to learn and do.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen, Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, Vice Chair (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)

warmth of the season inspire us to extend a helping hand, share a smile and make Taylorsville a place where the true magic of Christmas is felt by all.

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| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

TVPD Participates in Emergency Preparedness Fair, Shares Information Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community. Did you know that Taylorsville City has several pages of information related to emergency preparedness on its website? Prepare your family, learn about amateur radio emergency communications, find a CPR class, or read details about flood control and more. You can find it all at www.taylorsvilleut.gov under the Government and then Emergency Preparedness tabs. It’s also important information that was shared at the recent 2023 Emergency Preparedness Fair (pictured). TVPD, Unified Fire Authority and Taylorsville’s Public Safety Committee were just a few of the organizations attending the fair. It’s a priority for us. We want residents to be prepared, especially when considering fires, floods, earthquakes and other emergencies can happen at any time and with little or no warning. Individual and familial preparedness will be extremely important when emergency services are overwhelmed. So please take the time to learn more. The city’s Emergency Response Coordinator Jay Ziolkowski is also available at 801-963-5400 for any questions.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Congratulations to Officer Lenz who is our latest TVPD Employee of the Month! Officer Lenz has more than six years of experience in law enforcement. He started his career as an officer with the South Salt Lake Police Department, and he joined the Taylorsville Police Department upon its formation in 2021. Officer Lenz has experience working in patrol, traffic and various detective positions, focusing primarily on domestic violence and special victims-related crimes. He has also assisted as a detective in a wide variety of cases including homicide, attempted homicide, major crimes and property crimes. He holds several certifications related to these positions and is an exceptionally well-rounded officer. Officer Lenz was nominated and chosen as Employee of the Month after solving a recent case involving a stolen shaved-ice trailer. He took a report and was shown photographs of the stolen trailer, which he immediately recognized as the same trailer he had observed at another residence during proactive patrols earlier in his shift. Officer Lenz continued to investigate the theft, which ultimately led to a search warrant being executed in coordination with several Taylorsville detectives. The trailer and several stolen items were recovered. The owners of the Just-A-Craving trailer and business reported to KSL News that they would have lost $30,000 if the trailer was not recovered. Officer Lenz’ favorite activities include spending time with his family, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing video games and simply being outdoors. He is an exceptional officer, and we are grateful for his service to our community and Team Taylorsville!

Don’t Get a Ticket, Follow These Parking and Snow Removal Laws With winter now here, the City of Taylorsville and Taylorsville Police Department want to remind everyone of a few city and state laws related to snow removal and winter parking, as well as year-round parking laws. Please be advised that violations of the ordinances below may result in citations, vehicles being towed, or administrative fines related to code enforcement. TVPD and city administrators also extend a thank you to community members who stay in compliance with these laws, as it assists in maintaining home values and contributes to overall public safety. Please keep the following pertinent city ordinances and state laws in mind, and look for more information contained in a flyer with your water bill, as well as an additional mailer prepared jointly by the city, TVPD, Salt Lake County and Unified Fire Authority and coming this month to Taylorsville residences. Remember:

• All snow, hail or sleet must be removed from a paved sidewalk and existing curb ramp within 24 hours after the snow, hail or sleet has ceased falling (City Code 14.32.100) • It is unlawful to remove snow (or any other material) from the sidewalk or curb in a gutter in a manner that will prevent the free flow of water (City Code 14.32.110) • It is unlawful to remove snow, ice or any other material and place it on any city road or highway in an interfering, obstructive or dangerous manner (City Code 14.20.105) • It is unlawful to park or allow a vehicle/trailer to be parked on any roadway after any amount of snow and/or ice accumulation until after the roadway is cleared of snow and/ or ice (City Code 11.20.080) • It is unlawful to park or allow a vehicle/trailer to be parked on any roadway for more than 24 hours (City Code 11.20.080) • Vehicles must be parked in a manner where the sidewalk is not blocked (Utah Code 41.6a.1402) • Vehicles cannot be parked within 5 feet of a driveway or 10 feet of a mailbox during delivery times (City Code 11.20.040) • Commercial trucks and trailers cannot be parked in residential areas (City Code 11.20.050) • Recreational trailers cannot be parked on the roadways for more than 24 hours or in a manner that obstructs the roadway (City code 11.20.055) • An inoperable vehicle (including unregistered/expired/uninsured) cannot be operated/ driven/parked on the roadway (City Code 11.20.090, Utah code 41.1a.1303 and 41.12.302)

December 2023

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

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2023 Taylorsville Art Show Delights with 130 Entries The 2023 Taylorsville Art Show featured more than 130 entries in four categories, including Fine Arts, Needlework, Mixed Arts and Chalk Art. The artwork was displayed over three days toward the end of October at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The pieces were varied and beautiful, creative, whimsical and even thought-provoking. The award winners were: • Best of Show — Haley Syphus: Petrified Dunes (presented by Salt Lake County's Art in Public Places) • Mayor's Choice — Erin Grimshaw: Lady With Braids (presented by Mayor Kristie Overson) • People's Choice — Tracy Cowdell: Punky Uniform(ity) • Youth Council Award — Robert Wright: Compatible Congratulations, all, and thank you to the Taylorsville Arts Council and the county’s Art in Public Places for putting on such a fantastic show!

HOTWORX Coming to Crossroads, Offers Discount Pricing

Smart Staffing Celebrates New Opening in Taylorsville

HOTWORX will be opening a new studio at 5474 S. Redwood Road in The Crossroads of Taylorsville shopping center and is now accepting membership applications. The infrared fitness center, coming early next year, will offer many different workouts within its saunas including, yoga, Pilates, barre, cycling and rowing. HOTWORX uses infrared saunas — thus its “hot” workouts — to achieve health benefits such as muscle recovery, stress reduction, increased immunity, detoxification and pain relief. The local studio’s Mindy Van Dyke and Sharon Anderson, pictured, said they are selling memberships at exclusive, discounted prices in advance of their opening. “We are currently selling our rates at founders’ pricing,” said Van Dyke. “They are the lowest they will ever be.” You can find out more about HOTWORX and join the studio by clicking the QR code or visiting www.hotworx. net/studio/taylorsville-crossroads. HOTWORX has studios across the country and internationally, as well as 16 locations in Utah.

The jobs services company Smart Staffing has opened a new location in Taylorsville and celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting event, joined by Mayor Kristie Overson and representatives of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. The business is located at 5680 S. Redwood Road in The Crossroad of Taylorsville shopping center. Smart Staffing connects companies and individuals to meet both of their jobs needs. For employers, Smart Staffing utilizes a selective hiring process and focuses on providing the training necessary to complete the required work at the highest standards. For employees, Smart Staffing is "more than just a staffing broker," investing in workers' training to garner higher wages and job security, according to the company. Smart Staffing provides immediate, short-time staffing, as well as long-term staffing and strategic consulting. "Their business is matching people to jobs," Mayor Overson said at a recent City Council meeting. "It seems to be a dynamic business, with additional locations in Utah, and we are excited they have chosen to add a site in Taylorsville." Smart Staffing can help job seekers find work and employers find employees. The company also has locations in Georgia and Texas. For more information: smartstaffingllc.com

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| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

Help Honor 365, Taylorsville City and the Taylorsville Youth Council honor local heroes! Sponsor a wreath to be placed on veterans’ graves at the Taylorsville City Cemetery and then join us for a two-part ceremony on:

Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10 a.m. Taylorsville City Hall Wreath placement at the cemetery will follow around 11 a.m.

December 2023

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage

REMEMBRANCES

Meet Long-time Residents Clifford and Melba Jones This month’s Taylorsville Bennion Heritage feature is about Clifford Orson Jones and his wife, Melba Barker Jones.

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Don’t Miss These Library Events The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of December. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events: DUCK THE HALLS ART CONTEST Through Saturday, Dec. 16 — Pick up a rubber duck to decorate at home. Return your duck to the library by Dec. 16. Ducks will be displayed in the library during December. The winner will receive a prize. VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Before the Brontës: The Trailblazing Porter Sisters Monday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. — Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries Professor Devoney Looser will highlight the pioneering geniuses of historical fiction who cleared the way for Austen, Mary Shelley and the Brontë sisters. MUSIC & MOVEMENT: THE NUTCRACKER Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. — Dance your way through the popular songs from Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker. DISCOVERY FRIDAY: DETECTIVES AND MYSTERIES Friday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m. — Learn about aspects of forensic science, deductive reasoning, codes, observation and other helpful detective skills with activities and crafts exploring the world of mysteries and detectives.

Clifford Jones, second from left, joins his team at Plymouth Junior High.

Clifford Jones was the fourth child of David and Clara Jones. He was born Aug. 15, 1906, in Bingham, Utah. Clifford attended Plymouth Junior High, where he was a star basketball player. One of his best friends was Donald Dick Frame. They even won a championship. Clifford married Melba Barker, and they enjoyed 50 golden years, celebrating their anniversary in 1985. They were the proud parents of four daughters: Carolee Hogue, JaNeal Bradford, Valerie Christensen and Marlene Jones Frame. Clifford Jones was a Taylorsville boy all of his life. You can learn more about the Joneses and many other Taylorsville residents and their history at the TayThe Joneses celebrated their 50th lorsville-Bennion Heritage Center muwedding anniversary in 1985. seum, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!

LORD OF THE RINGS CONTEST Monday, Dec. 11 to Saturday, Dec. 16 — Complete a quiz for a chance to win a Lord of the Rings gift basket. STORYTELLING WITH MRS. CLAUS Monday, Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. — Meet Mrs. Claus. Her original stories answer questions about Santa. Why does Santa depend on Jack Frost? Where did Santa get his elves? Her wit and charm breathe magic into the holiday season. TEEN MOVIE & PIZZA PARTY Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m. — Enjoy a holiday movie while eating pizza and snacks with your friends. Registration begins Nov. 27. LIBRARY CLOSURE Monday, Dec. 25 — all day

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

December Class Highlights The center has planned a variety of classes this month: Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. — In-Person Class at Taylorsville Senior Center. Call 1-385-4683370 or stop by the center to register. Thursday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. — Come to this free presentation of Post-Mortem Adventures of Famous People and see what they have been up to in the great beyond! Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. — Attend this free presentation and learn about the Funerals of the Rich and Famous; this one will focus on the funeral of Elizabeth Taylor. Pictured left to right are the daughters of Clifford and Melba Jones: Caroleee, JaNeal, Valerie and Marlene.

TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com

Visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located at 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive and can be contacted by phone at 1-385-468-3370. Dec. 2023 | Page 17

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY PAGE 8

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter ‘Tis the Season to Care for Your Faucets and Pipes

DECEMBER UPDATES Green Waste Collection The last pickup date for Green Waste collections for Taylorsville will be Thursday, Dec. 7. WFWRD reminds residents not to place the green cans out on the curb after that date. They will not be picked up nor emptied. Collections for green waste will resume the week of March 11, 2024.

Cold and freezing weather is upon us, and your plumbing may not like it. Pipes can freeze and burst causing some of the most expensive repairs in a home. Following are some tips to help prevent unexpected problems: Insulate Exposed Piping — If you have any exposed water or drain piping in uninsulated spaces such as in a crawlspace, attic, outside walls, etc., make sure to insulate them. Ideally you should wrap them with electrical heating tape first, and then insulate them. Exterior Faucets — Also, hose bibs, as they are commonly known, should be checked for leakage. Remember to disconnect your garden hoses from the outside faucets and drain the hose to prevent damage.

WFWRD will not be implementing a fee increase for base services in 2024 (although the Town of Brighton and Big Cottonwood Canyon residents will see some increases). WFWRD’s Board of Trustees held a Public Hearing on Nov. 13 to allow public comment for the Tentative 2024 Budget. After the close of the public hearing with no comments from the public, the Board approved the 2024 Budget and Fee Schedule. Full details can be found on the WFWRD website wasatchfrontwaste.org/ fees-logistics

Reminder, if your property is going to be unoccupied for several months, consider shutting off the water supply valve inside the home. If a leak were to occur without occupancy, the damage could be catastrophic and very expensive. Lastly, TBID will be holding a public budget hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. at the district office. And, congratulations to Board Member Don Russell for earning the Distinguished Board Member award from the Utah Association of Special Districts. Well deserved, and thank you for all of your service to the customers of TBID!

Seasonal Container Reservation Program Evaluation Results

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 Twitter.

WFWRD Board Approves 2024 Budget

The 2023 Seasonal Container Reservation Program (SCRP) was completed on Sept. 29. WFWRD is thankful that it can maintain this program’s services to the communities. Here are the service results for Taylorsville and the district:

Curbside Christmas Tree Collection WFWRD will be collecting Christmas trees during the month of January. For collection, fill out a Curbside Tree Pick Up Request Form at www. wasatchfrontwaste.org, or call the WFWRD office at 1-385-4686325. Place your undecorated trees on your curb, and they will be collected the day after your regular collection day during the month of January. If your tree isn’t picked up that week, drivers will be back the following week. Please call the WFWRD office, or chat with them on their website for additional information. • Please remove all snow off the tree. • Trees cannot be accepted with decorations, lights, tree stands or flocking. • Do not place the tree in your garbage, recycling or green waste can. • If the tree is over 8 feet tall, please cut it into smaller sections. • Artificial trees cannot be accepted.

Page 18 | Dec. 2023

Taylorsville City Journal

TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com

Dec. 2023 | Page 19

Taylorsville girls basketball eager to compete By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

he 2023–24 season is here, and the Taylorsville girls basketball team finds itself in a new region. But the Warriors’ objectives haven’t changed. “Our team goals are always to finish first in our region, finish the season with a strong RPI rating and play well in the state tournament,” head coach Reggie Jewkes said. “I'm expecting our team to be competitive and disciplined enough to accomplish our goals this season.” The Warriors are now in Class 5A’s Region 2, having been in Region 3 of 6A the past few seasons. Most of the opponents are the same—Granger, Kearns, Hunter and Cyprus—but West Jordan now is a league foe. For Taylorsville to achieve its goals and be a factor in the region, Jewkes said teamwork will be the key. “For the season to be a success for us, we'll need to work hard and work together as a team,” he said. “We do have good team unity and chemistry, and I hope we can continue to play for the team and not for ourselves. We have several unselfish players who are committed to achieving our goals together.” Jewkes has some talent to work with. Fortunately for him and his staff, a trio of

All-Region performers are back. Seniors Jenna Sterzer and Ella Wolfgramm, along with junior guard Marlee Reupena, will lead the Warriors. Wolfgramm joins Reupena at the guard line, while Sterzer anchors the post and brings toughness down low. Sterzer is a strong, natural rebounder who can score in the paint,” Jewkes said. Wolfgramm is a good outside shooter, passer and rebounder. Reupena is our quarterback; she runs the show for us on the court. She has a complete game and contributes in many ways. We also have several good outside shooters who really help spread defenses and open up the lane.” But Jewkes has other players he can turn to for help. Seniors Alyssa Harrison, Janelle Zapata and Aysha Salami have experience and add depth to the Warriors. They are part of a group of seniors who have been fixtures on the floor for Taylorsville. “We really have a strong senior class this year,” Jewkes said. “Our seniors have played together for four years at Taylorsville High School, which is really valuable because they know one another's strengths and weaknesses. We also have some good young talent this year who should contrib-

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The Taylorsville girls basketball team returns some key players this season as the Warriors compete in Region 4. (Photo courtesy Heidi Sterzer and Brittany Teller)

ute well to our program.” Jewkes said his team excels at rebounding and aggressive defense. The Warriors should also shoot the ball well

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from outside. What Jewkes might love the most about this group is its ability to compete on the floor and play together as a cohesive unit.

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Of course, Taylorsville will face some challenges, too. The injury bug has already bit the team. There are also some young players who need to learn quickly and be ready to contribute. “If we can stay healthy, we could have a fun and successful season,” Jewkes said. Jewkes also praised his coaching staff, including his son Rickey Jewkes, who has been an assistant for four years. Second-year assistant coach Ema “Stretch” Mumford is a former Taylorsville All-State player who led the state in blocks during her career. The head coach also loves this group of girls. “I really enjoy coaching this team because every player is coachable, respectful

and fun,” he said. “They simply help make coaching enjoyable for me and my coaches. Our players are teammates and friends, and that makes for a fun and successful team.” Taylorsville opened the season Nov. 17 at home against Summit Academy. Region 4 play starts Jan. 12 at Hunter. Jewkes acknowledges some heavy hearts around the program. Before the season began, Taylorsville Principal Emme Liddell passed away. “She loved our team and was a great supporter,” he said. “She was also a good friend of mine. Our team would like to have a successful season in her memory. She was one of our best fans.” l

Taylorsville boys basketball eager to compete in new region By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

new season brings new promise and hope for the Taylorsville boys basketball team. The Warriors have moved from Class 6A’s Region 2 to Class 5A’s Region 4. Granger, Hunter, Cyprus and Kearns have moved with Taylorsville, Roy and West will no longer be region opponents for the Warriors. New faces to Taylorsville as league foes are West Jordan and Juan Diego. The effect the change of regions will have on the team remains to be seen. Last season, the Warriors were 4-8 in region play, tying for fourth place. It wasn’t region play that gave Taylorsville the most trouble. The Warriors struggled mightily in non-league contests, losing all eight to finish with an overall record of 4-16. Most of the defeats were lopsided, but Taylorsville does bring back some experienced players who hope to help improve the team’s fortunes in 2023–24. Three Warriors averaged in double figures in points a year ago. Two of those players are gone—Moroni Johnson (13.5 points per game) and Easton Guevara (11.5)—but second-leading scorer Kobe Allen is back. The 6-foot-2-inch junior

scored 12.3 points per game a season ago. He had a season-high of 21 Jan. 6 against Kearns. He also had 19 at Granger and 20 at home against region champion Cyprus. Allen was second on the team with 6.9 rebounds a game, an impressive figure for a player of his size. He was also second in assists and steals with 3.9 and 1.8 per game, respectively. More players will have to step up for Taylorsville to be more competitive. Senior Daniel Healy was fourth in scoring last season with an average of 8.6 points. The 5-foot-11-inch guard paced the Warriors with 41 three-pointers a season ago. Senior Bronson Dallimore chipped in nearly five points a game as a junior. He was also the third-leading rebounder with an average of 6.7 per clip. Junior Logan Bertagnolli scored 3.5 points per game and could have a bigger role this season. The Warriors open with Class 4A foe Park City on Nov. 28. The first Region 4 game for Taylorsville is Jan. 4 at Granger. Last season, two of Taylorsville’s four wins came at the Lancers’ hands. The Warriors won 80-70 on Jan. 10 and 66-63 on Jan. 31. l

Navigating Grief and the Holidays By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness. As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some find meaning in following cherished traditions, and others benefit from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people find great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all. Plan ahead for the holidays: The first step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology. Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have significantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you. Accept that the holidays will be different this year: The holidays are often filled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and find a balance between continuity and change. Many people find a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died. Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are different from yours. You all may need to make compromises. If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new. For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal significance or not, it can be a season in which we reflect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.

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Page 22 | Dec. 2023

Taylorsville City Journal

Christmas Unwrapped

t was the Christmas season as I Peri Kinder wandered the aisles at Gibson’s Discount Center with a $5 bill Life and Laughter crumpled in my pocket. It was 1975 and parents didn’t care if their 7-year-old wandered alone through a store. I’d earned money to buy my parents Christmas gifts and I had to find the perfect presents. I imagined mom’s surprise when she unwrapped a brand new purse that wasn’t filled with broken crayons, Cheerios and used tissues. I pictured dad’s excitement as he opened the model airplane he would assemble at the kitchen table. I would be an example of humility as they raved about my thoughtfulness. Dad agreed to drive me to Gibson’s and we climbed into our blue Ford Pinto. Once there, I told him he couldn’t follow me, that I wanted the presents to be a surprise. He hung out at the soda fountain drinking root beer so I could shop with privacy. It didn’t take long to realize my $5 wouldn’t cover the cost of a purse or a model airplane. My heart sank as I walked the aisles. Everything was so expensive. Maybe mom wanted an oven mitt or a wooden spoon. Perhaps dad would like a small bottle of model glue. Then I saw it. A pint-sized, cut-glass pitcher that gleamed under the store’s fluorescent lighting. It looked so elegant. It wasn’t big enough to mix a half-gallon of Kool-Aid but I didn’t think mom would care. She would cherish it for all eternity. And it was only $3.

That left a present for dad. Walking past the drugstore aisle, I saw a mini-size bottle of Brut aftershave for less than $2. Mission accomplished. I wrapped the presents and placed them under the tree, right up front. On Christmas Eve, I had the holiday insomnia where you try to sleep but you hear jingle bells and ho-ho-hos and prancing reindeer on the roof. Finally, it was morning and I dashed down the stairs. I don’t remember what I got for Christmas that year. Probably a Madame Alexander doll, a Nancy Drew book and a journal with a heart-shaped lock. What I do remember is being so excited for my parents to open their presents. Mom unwrapped her gift first. I watched with the giddy excitement of a child who knows she nailed the perfect present. She opened her glass pitcher and held it up for everyone to see. It sparkled in the tree’s lights. Dad was so grateful for his little bottle of Brut that he never used it. The tiny green bottle sat on the bathroom shelf for at least a decade. I asked him once why he didn’t use it. Didn’t he like it? “I love it!” he said. “But if I use it, it will be gone and then I won’t have it anymore.” I get it, dad. I feel the same way about the expensive bottle of tequila in my office. Mom filled the pitcher with her homemade syrup we poured on pancakes, waffles and French toast. She used

it for all my childhood. My grandkids ate pancakes with syrup poured from that pitcher. I think she even took it with her when she moved to North Carolina. It takes so little to make a child feel loved. It’s sometimes hard to use the gifts kids give you for the holidays, but they’re always watching. Wear the macaroni necklace. Use the syrup pitcher. Put on the reindeer earrings. Your child will never forget.l

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