January 2024 | Vol. 11 Iss. 1
FREE
CITY COUNCIL INCUMBENTS EARN EASY WINS LOOK AHEAD TO CHALLENGES AWAITING THEM IN 2024 By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
W
e’re likely to see plenty of national election drama this year as we continue heading toward what still appears to be an inevitable Biden vs. Trump rematch for the White House. Taylorsville voters should have plenty of stamina to handle the ballot fireworks to come because there was no such drama in their municipal election late last year. Incumbent city council members Curt Cochran (District 2) and Anna Barbieri (District 3) knew way back in the heat of summer they would be around at least another four years. When the race filing deadline came and went, they were each unopposed. Meantime, in City Council District 1, Ernest Burgess faced a challenger. In fact, he’s never had the luxury of running unopposed. But just as he did in 2011, 2015 and 2019, Burgess emerged victorious, earning roughly two out of every three votes. “That first election in 2011 was very close; and I never take these elections for granted,” Burgess said. “I rode my green bicycle door-to-door, talking to as many voters as I could for several weeks. Some voters told me ‘I’ve been waiting to see you on your bike.’ I’m grateful for all the support I received. We (city council members) aren’t perfect; but we try to do what’s best for our citizens.” In the entire nearly 30-year history of Taylorsville City, there have only been two people to ever serve the city council from District 1. In the first couple of years the city existed, council members were elected “at-large” – there were no districts. That changed in 1998 when D.L. Bud Catlin began representing the newly-established District 1. He remained in the post through 2011 – and might have remained longer had ill health not forced him to not seek reelection. At the moment, Catlin remains the longest serving Taylorsville City Council member ever, at 13 years. But the record will pass to Burgess about a year from now. Continued page 9
This hill on 5400 South near 1300 West is where Councilman Curt Cohran wants to see a sidewalk constructed to make the route safer for pedestrians going to and from Millrace Park. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
COME TO TRUEWOOD BY MERRILL, TAYLORSVILLE — WHERE AGE IS JUST A NUMBER • Loving staff • Tight-knit community • Weekly entertainment • Fun social events
Call today for a tour and FREE lunch!
(801) 216-3462 FORMERLY GOLDEN LIVING
2011 W 4700 S • Taylorsville
UP TO
$500 OFF
First Month 's
Fees!
Call for det ails. Expires 2/ 15/24.
Home Exterior Makeover
With the Help of RGS Exteriors’ Skilled Team!
From This…
To This…
WE INSTALL ALL WINTER! • Siding • Stone/Brick • Custom Metal • Soffit & Fascia • Seamless Gutters • Leaf Protection • Ice Melting • Windows
FREE
Custom Virtual Home Siding Preview
RGS EXTERIORS • 801-803-6812 • RGSUtahSiding.com
($500 value) Must present coupon at time of estimate. Some restrictions may apply. Expires 2/15/24. CJ
801-803-6812 • RGSUtahSiding.com See Our Showroom - Located in West Jordan • Call for an Appointment
14x Winner
UTAH’S GUTTER EXPERTS
PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM ICE DAMAGE AND CLOGGING!
Before
After
• Snow & Ice Melting Systems • Gutter Installation and Repair • Seamless Gutter - Leaf Protection to Fit any Budget
Install an Ice Melting System Today!
24 Months
Same as Cash Financing* Or Make Low Monthly Payments with a 4.99% Fixed Rate Loan
*Financing available with approved credit. Some restrictions apply, please call for details. Minimum purchase required. Limited time only.
SALE 15% IceWINTER Melting System, Rain Gutters, or Gutter Covers OFF RGS EXTERIORS • 801-803-6812 • UtahGutter.com
Must present coupon at time of estimate. Discounts do not apply for heat panels. Some restrictions may apply. Expires 2/15/24. CJ
801-803-6812 • UtahGutter.com Page 2 | January 2024
Taylorsville City Journal
Join Salt Lake County Arts & Culture’s Volunteer Usher Team! Volunteer Today! • Join a friendly community and stay active • Get involved in the arts • Access live performances without buying a ticket Scan the QR code to apply SaltLakeCountyArts.org/ VolunteerUsherProgram
Mandatory date night ...Check! Oppor tunities to serve others...Check!
ABRAVANEL HALL • CAPITOL THEATRE • ECCLES THEATER • MID-VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • ROSE WAGNER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
January 2024 | Page 3
Skilled Sterzer helping lead Taylorsville girls basketball By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com
O
n the heels of a 14-8 record in 2022– 23, the Taylorsville girls basketball team got off to a 4-3 start this season. A big part of the team’s play has been senior center Jenna Sterzer. Through the first seven games, Sterzer was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 9.7 points per game. She also averaged one block and one steal during this stretch. But where she really excels is rebounding. Sterzer paces the Warriors and is second in the entire state and first in Class 5A in rebounding with an average of 12.6 boards a game. Sterzer has already had some big games this season. In the first seven games, she posted four double-doubles, with perhaps her most productive outing being in game one at home against Summit Academy Nov. 17, 2023. In a 58-48 victory, Sterzer scored 16 points and pulled down 19 rebounds. She duplicated that 19-rebound effort 12 days later in a 55-45 loss to Maple Mountain—a game in which she also scored 13 points. Sterzer also had 11 points and 13 rebounds at Weber on Nov. 21 and tallied 14 points and 17 rebounds Dec. 8 at Murray. Her production in scoring and rebounding are both up from her junior season. Last season she averaged 7.9 points and 8.4 rebounds. As a sophomore, she came off the bench to score 1.4 points a game and total 2.7 rebounds a contest. A four-year contributor, Sterzer had a 2.8 scoring average and five-rebound average as a freshman in 2020–21. A talented and hard-working player, Sterzer is also humble. “I can't take the credit all on my own because I know it did not come from me,” she said. “I am very blessed and acknowl-
Journals T H E
edge my God-given skills. I would say my strong suit is that I am a strong rebounder. I feel like I bring experience to the team because I have been starting varsity since my freshman year. I also feel like I bring leadership to the team. I try to lead by example on and off the court, and I want my teammates to know and feel like they can depend on me.” Sterzer has played basketball since age 7 when she began at the Jr. Jazz level. She continued to play into junior high school but wasn’t too serious about the sport yet. It wasn’t until she got to Taylorsville when she developed a true passion for basketball. You could say that athleticism was in her blood. She has also had great support from her family and coaches. “My whole family is very athletic, and I have grown up watching my older brothers play all kinds of sports in high school and college, including basketball,” she said. “I would say my three older brothers and my parents got me interested first, but my high school coach, Reggie Jewkes, really kept encouraging me to play and push myself to get better.” Speaking of her coach, Jewkes has had a big influence on Sterzer and her development and her love for the game. Sterzer has had a tremendous experience playing for the Warriors. “[Jewkes] has mentored me since my freshman year, and I've had so many great examples and role models surrounding me at T’ville,” she said. “My brothers all went to Taylorsville, so I was always so excited to go there. I love the support we have for each other on the team, and how we treat each other like family. I couldn't have asked for better teammates and coaches to
play alongside my high school career.” Ever improving and looking for ways to help the team win, Sterzer wants to be a better player each day. “I am working on doing my best at every game and not dwelling on my mistakes,” she said. “Instead, I am trying to improve on skills that I already know I do well and working on the ones I need to be stronger at. I am also working to maintain and perfect the fundamentals of the game.” Taylorsville faces some different challenges this season as a new member of Class 5A’s Region 4 after having previously competed in 6A. The Warriors were second in Region 2 a year ago with a 9-3 record and narrowly lost in the first round of the 6A playoffs, falling to Layton 4745. Sterzer and her teammates have their sights set on a Region 4 championship and a run in the 5A playoffs. Individually, Sterzer wants to continue her scoring and rebounding prowess. She wants to be the best she can be but remain humble. “I want to be the leading rebounder and double-double holder of the state by the end of the season,” she said. “I have also been working on more personal goals to better my game. One of my favorite quotes is by Michael Jordan. He said, ‘I went into every game believing I was the best player on the court until someone proved otherwise.’ A goal of mine is to keep living by this motto and keep my sportsmanship.” For Taylorsville to be successful this season, Sterzer believes she and her teammates need to be resilient and shake off losses. “For this season to be a success, my team and I will keep up our discipline and
C I T Y
Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S
TAYLORSVILLE TEAM
The Taylorsville Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Taylorsville. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
TAYLORSVILLECITY JOURNAL.COM
FACEBOOK.COM/ TKJOURNAL/
PUBLISHER
Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com
TWITTER.COM/ TVILLEJOURNAL
social media
CIRCULATION COORDINATOR
EDITOR
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES
EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN
Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com Kayla Palmer | kayla.p@thecityjournals.com Greg Tanner | greg.t@valuepagesutah.com
Anna Pro Ty Gorton Amanda Luker Stacy Bronson
INSTAGRAM.COM/ CITYJOURNALS
LINKEDIN.COM/ COMPANY/ CITY-JOURNALS
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media.
PUBLISHER
Designed, Published, & Distributed by
TAYLORSVILLE CITY JOURNAL 9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070
PHONE: 801-254-5974
Page 4 | January 2024
come back stronger from bad games,” she said. “I have already seen how this has helped us grow, as a team and individually.” After she graduates from Taylorsville this spring, Sterzer intends to go to college and study both sports and cognitive psychology as well as history. She hopes to play basketball at the next level, too. l
Connect
Lydia Rice | lydia.r@thecityjournals.com 385-557-1022 Rack locations are also available on our website.
Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com
Taylorsville’s Jenna Sterzer (in blue) goes to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Sterzer is one of the top rebounders in the entire state. (Photo courtesy of Jenna Sterzer)
FREE | COMMUNITY | PAPERS
Taylorsville City Journal
Western Hills students get special delivery from Jazz Bear By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
C
hristmas came early—or at least a taste of Christmas did–for 290 students at Western Hills Elementary on Dec. 12, 2023. That’s the afternoon when the Utah Jazz Bear, dressed in his best Santa Claus apparel, surprised a student assembly with special “Santa sacks” filled with holiday goodies. The Granite Education Foundation teamed up with the Jazz and auto dealer Mark Miller Subaru for the gift giveaway. As students sat on the floor of the school’s cafeteria and faced the stage, the Jazz Bear pulled back the curtains and revealed the red-and-white ribbon-decorated sacks that school leaders and sponsors then handed out to each class member. “This effort is part of our commitment to supporting students in the Granite School District,” Nate Lindquist said, marketing director for Mark Miller Subaru. “Our goal is to bring joy to the children and provide relief and gratitude to their families this festive season.” He said it exemplifies both the Jazz and the dealership’s dedication to the community to make a positive difference. Many parents were there as well, snapping photos and taking videos as the Jazz Bear
hammed things up, bringing smiles and happiness to the students. The sacks contained coloring books, pencils, dental care items, fleece blankets and toys, and every student received one. And there was more. After the sacks were handed out, a pair of students from each grade were invited to “challenge” the Jazz Bear to a few contests. One was limbo, where the students easily dipped under the bar, but the much taller Bear could not compete. He lost, and the students won tickets to the Disney On Ice show coming to the Delta Center in February. “These events are always such an amazing experience,” Jadee Talbot said, executive director of the Granite Education Foundation. “To see the commitment to the community and the commitment to children is so heartwarming. Both Mark Miller Subaru and the Utah Jazz have been incredible in bringing this opportunity to the students and the community here at Western Hills. I think we often take for granted what acts of kindness and what going out of our way to make others feel special can do for people.” Those special feelings weren’t lost on the students.
The Bear used his famous graffiti gun to bring laughter and joy to students at Western Hills Elementary. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
The Jazz Bear reigned supreme at the assembly with sacks containing toys and useful items. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
“This is the best assembly I’ve ever been to,” Luis said, a third grader. “I love the sack of gifts and the Jazz Bear was really funny. He seemed very friendly to us.” “I’ve been so excited all day,” Gina said, a fourth grader. “We couldn’t wait for the assembly to start. I love my gifts.” The Granite Education Foundation works
Western Hills students sat in anticipation of a special appearance by the Utah Jazz bear during a special assembly on Dec. 12, 2023. (Tom Haraldsen/City Journals)
City of Taylorsville Newsletter
Wreaths Across America city insert pages 1 & 6
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
year-round with the district’s 60,000 students. Many of these students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, and there are over 100 languages spoken in the district’s 80-plus schools. So efforts like this one, done in collaboration with local businesses, are an ongoing mission of the foundation. l
Don’t Get a Ticket City Insert Page 4
January issue inside!
Saturday with Santa City Insert Page 5
January 2024 | Page 5
Taylorsville 2023
Jake Romero carefully prepares his grill before placing his steak down a total of 4 times to create its perfectly-placed grill marks. (Courtesy Jake Romero) Mostly a one-man, movie-making visionary, Taylorsville filmmaker JD Allen has been writing, directing and producing music videos, documentaries and feature-length films for more than a decade. (Courtesy JD Allen)
A Kearns High unified soccer plays shoots for a goal at the state unified soccer championships. (Julie Slama/City Journals)
Mairi Gunn placed third in her Highland dance national finals competition. (Eric Hang Photography)
No carving with knives – but plenty of decorating paints – for children who selected one of the more than 300 pumpkins from the Taylorsville Fall Festival pumpkin patch. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
Volunteers paint the Taylorsville home of Judy Hammond during Zions Bank’s annual Paint-a-Thon service project, which took place from June 12-16. (Photo courtesy Zions Bank)
A new $100,000 grant will fund major upgrades for Salt Lake Community College’s Building Automation Systems program. (Photo courtesy SLCC)
Page 6 | January 2024
Chinese Dual Language Immersion students from Taylorsville schools perform a traditional Chinese lion dance to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.
Taylorsville City Journal
Officer Cesar Anaya works to control one of the more exotic species the West Valley-Taylorsville Animal Services Shelter has handled recently. (Courtesy Melanie Bennett) Jennette Booth spoke with many parents during a “safety fair” she hosted earlier this year. The event also served as the “launch party” for the series of anti-child sexual abuse music videos she has written and produced. (Courtesy Jennette Booth) The afterschool program at David Gourley Elementary in Kearns is run by Jacob Baesler. Baesler was recently named the Utah Afterschool Teacher of the Year for his fun curriculum and dedication to students. (Photo courtesy of Blanca Thompson)
Hanah Brockman pitches in a tightly contested game at home to Cyprus where the Warriors would fall 5-4.
“Friends” like Chris Barber spend four hours each week with children, helping them to reach new heights, figuratively and literally. (friendsutah.org)
Crossing guard Maryann Hagblom assists walking students at both Bennion Jr. High and Calvin Smith Elementary Schools each day. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
Taylorsville’s Lily Jameson (second from left) helped her 13-14-year-old girls team to a national championship at the USATF Junior Olympics National Championships in College Station, Texas Dec. 10, 2022. She placed 57th overall in the 4000 meter race among 333 runners for the Wolfpack Running Club Utah team. Her younger brother Myles ran for the fourth-place Wolfpack RC Utah team in the 9-10-year-old age division where he came in 191st out of 308 runners as the sixth of eight runners for his team. (Photo courtesy Teren Jameson)
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
The annual Easter egg hunt at Taylorsville Park – hosted by the 801 Rocky Mountain Raider Nation Booster Club – is just one of many community service events the group sponsors each year. (Courtesy Mishelle Andersen)
Chinese Dual Language Immersion students from Calvin Smith Elementary take part in a celebration of Chinese New Year.
January 2024 | Page 7
South, Midvale
Dinner Seminar
Learn more about AdvancedFuneral Planning, Wills, Trusts, Burial Plots, and Cremation
No Obligation Free Dinner Provided Please call to reserve your seat
Seating is Limited!
JANUARY - START TIME: 6:00 PM
January 23rd
GOLDEN CORRAL 665 East 7200 South
January 24th
- OR - MARIE CALLENDER’S
1109 EAST 3900 SOUTH
Also join us for: McDougal's Celebration of Life • January 25th 4306 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, UT 84123
801-509-9798
Thanks for supporting us since 1950. Ask us about all your pre-planning needs.
Page 8 | January 2024
4330 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, UT 84123
McDougalFuneralHomes.com
Students at Title 1 schools have access to technology to help provide a quality education. (Photo/Utah State Board of Education)
What defines a Title 1 school and how do schools use their Title 1 funding? By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
S
chool is in full swing and children across the valley are filling desks and playgrounds - bright kids with bright faces seeking bright futures through education. Regarding the school in your neighborhood, or the school your child attends, a question tossed about by parents, teachers and community members is, “Is it a Title 1 school?” But what exactly is a Title 1 school and what does it mean in terms of funding, programs and student body? First a little history. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, in his war on poverty. He believed that “full educational opportunity” should be “our first national goal.” ESEA offered grants to districts serving low-income students, federal grants for textbooks and library books, funding for special education centers, and scholarships for low-income college students. Additionally, the law provided federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education. This original Congressional act provides Title 1 funding. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is the most recent Congressional reauthorization of the ESEA. President Barack Obama signed this into law in 2015. The version of the ESEA (prior to the ESSA) was the No Child Left Behind Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2001. What stats define a Title 1 school? Schools in an educational district are ranked on the percentage (not the number) of low income children in each school. The numbers are based on U. S. Census Bureau counts of school-age children (ages 5-17). Any school with 75% of their student body population determined to be economically disadvantaged must be provided funding. Once schools at or above 75% economically disadvantaged student population have been
served, the district may serve other schools in rank order, down to schools that are at or above 35% economically disadvantaged. A school must have a poverty rate of at least 35% to receive funds. According to Max Lang, ESEA Programs and Related State Initiatives Coordinator at the Utah State Board of Education, “Around 40% of Utah schools receive Title 1 funding, in some form.” The state provides a list of schools that qualify for Title 1 funding available at: www. schools.utah.gov/file/6434ae4e-9836-4c39aeaf-ce099802555b How much money are we talking about? The State of Utah received, “Exactly $75,722,863 in federal funding this year,” Lang said. And according to the Brookings Institute, in 2021 Congress appropriated $16.5 billion countrywide through Title 1. The money is allocated to schools in a tiered fashion. Funding tiers are determined using four statutory formulas, run through the state and individual districts, so funding will be allocated as fairly as possible and will meet the schools with highest needs first. Schools may be eligible for funding as determined by one, two or more tiers according to the formulas. Documentation on the formulas and their application tends to get into the weeds regarding all of the specifics, and isn’t easy reading, but for a comprehensive overview of the formulas see: www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ oese/oss/technicalassistance/titleiallocationformulastitleiconfppt22018.pdf How do Title 1 schools spend their money? The purpose of Title I funding is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. The programs within a Title 1 school are decided on an individual school-by-school basis. “Ideally in a plan developed by all stakeholders—principal, staff, parents and some-
Taylorsville City Journal
times students,” Lang said. Oftentimes schools will use the funds for increased training for teachers to respond to the unique challenges present in the school, instructional supports and non-instructional supports such as behavior and mentoring, counseling and prevention. Funds are also used for staffing of paraprofessionals. Another area of emphasis is parent and family engagement. Parents are encouraged to come into the school and see how they can take learning strategies home to incorporate them with their children. There is no class size requirement written into Title 1 law. “More and more research is indicating that class size alone doesn’t make a difference in educational outcomes,” Lang said. Solutions that focus solely on smaller class size are insufficient. Additional and unique approaches based on specific challenges within a school appear to be more effective. Title 1 funds may not be used for things like: food for meetings unless the event is being held for the specific purpose of parent and family engagement. Fieldtrips, intramural
activities, uniforms, school supplies…unless necessary to support students who meet the definition of homeless. Also, no class rings, prom gowns or drivers’ test fees, according to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Title 1 Handbook. Does Title 1 funding work? According to the audit report for the State of Utah, at this point Title 1 schools have been unable to wholly and sufficiently address educational inequities to raise student achievement. Disparities may be explained by family and community factors and resources, and are often underpinned by systemic inequities. The wide variety of family, community and systemic factors are not currently tracked in education data systems, but demographics appear to be stronger predictors of educational achievement than spending. Since some research suggests a tenuous link between spending and student performance, it’s likely not simply an issue of how much was spent, but how well it was spent to help students. auditor.utah.gov/kids/title-1-program.l
A cheerful kindergarten classroom designed to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable and high-quality education…plus a cheerful classroom makes school fun! (Ella Joy Olsen/ City Journals)
Taylorsville Elementary is one of many Utah schools receiving Title 1 funding which is intended to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. (Ella Joy Olsen/City Journals)
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
January 2024 | Page 9
Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your New Year!
Call Diamond Tree Experts Today!
801-938-4345
DiamondTreeExperts.com
Now Hiring! Up to $80K 801.262.1596
Tree health care
Now Accepting Green Waste at our Magna Yard!
Tree trimming/removal Organic mulch Stump grinding Emergency tree services Demolition
30% OFF Tree Services Must present coupon at time of estimate Expires 2/15/24
OBESITY: This study is for adults over 18 and older who have type 2 diabetes, are obese, are overweight, and are at a high risk of heart or blood vessel disease. You must have a BMI greater than 25kg. This study can last one year or two years, depending on which group you get selected for. There are 20 clinic visits and 7 phone calls. To see if you qualify, call 801-542-8190. HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA: This study is for adults 18 and older who have hypercholesterolemia, and is 60 weeks long. There are two groups you could get put into for this study. There are 8 visits and one phone call. You must have a history of major ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) which is a build-up of cholesterol plaque in the arteries. If you have no history of a major ASCVD but are intermediate to high risk for the development of a first major event, you may also be eligible to participate. Compensation may be provided if you qualify.
Commercial & Residential
HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA: Statin-naive or statin-stable subjects - Do you
have high TG levels (higher than 3-00)? If you are between the ages of 18 and 79, and are currently on a statin or non-statin lipid-altering therapy of more than 200mg/day. You must be stable for more than 28 days prior to the first TG baseline qualifying measurement visit. You should remain stable thereafter for the duration of the study. This study is 28 weeks long and there are 8 visits and 2 phone calls. You must have a BMI no greater than 50, compensation may be provided if you qualify.
COVID BOOSTER: This study is for adults 50 and older who have been
previously vaccinated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. You must be medically stable; you must agree to not participate in any other SARS-CoV-2 prevention or treatment trials for the study. You must have previously received 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with the last dose having been given 90 days or longer. This study is 7.5 months long. There are 4 visits and one phone call. Call us today to see if you qualify, 3590 West 9000 South, compensation may be provided.
801.542.8198 Page 10 | January 2024
7774 West SR201 - Magna, UT
Suite 300 West Jordan, UT 84088
velocitypatients.com Taylorsville City Journal
City of Taylorsville Newsletter 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400
The start of a New Year always provides the perfect opportunity to look ahead. It is a chance to set new goals, plan for the future and, of course, make some resolutions. It is a time for planning and purpose and forward-thinking. “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written,” says author Melody Beattie. “We can help write that story by setting goals.” We have been doing a lot of that lately at City Hall, and it is so important. One of my highest priorities as Mayor is planning for Taylorsville’s future while building on both the success and lessons of the past. Such planning is the key to securing a strong future for our community. Of course, these efforts don’t just happen. It takes all hands on deck. It depends on discussion and conversation — and the involvement — of everyone. I often remark how we are a team, and it is true: By working together, we are able to do infinitely more than we could ever do on our own. And we are so lucky to have such an incredible team at City Hall, our Team Taylorsville. Marvelous work is happening in our city, and we are continually striving to do more to make our community even better. We have centered our focus and will continue planning and carrying out goals this next year that are aligned around our five key building block areas of Economic Development; Transportation; Public Safety; Arts, Parks and Recreation; and Community Building. We want to focus on these areas because they are the components that make up a community. This is the fabric of our Taylorsville home. Many recent projects and programs developed in recent years are a direct result of this goalsetting. From our Starry Nights @the Plaza programing to Plaza +ART and the beautiful sculpture gallery it has brought to Centennial Plaza to thinking about construction and transportation projects in new ways, all can be traced back to our focus on these building blocks areas. And, the future continues to burn bright. There is so much synergy and collaboration in our city. I know that anything is possible as we look ahead to 2024 and beyond. In starting this new year, please continue to stay involved in making our Taylorsville home the wonderful place that it is. Your involvement makes such a difference. “Make New Year’s goals,” Beattie says. “Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen.” —Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – JANUARY 2024 Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2 Council Corner, Page 3 TVPD News, Page 4 Heritage Remembrances, Page 7 Environment, Page 8
January 2024
Wreaths Across America Project Places 260 Wreaths at City Cemetery
MAYOR'S MESSAGE Dear Friends and Neighbors,
www.taylorsvilleut.gov
I
n honoring veterans during the holidays, the City of Taylorsville and Taylorsville Youth Council took part in National Wreaths Across America Day this past month, for the second time in as many years. The nationwide initiative recognizes and remembers veterans across the country, coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Those ceremonies are held each December on National Wreaths Across America Day. In Taylorsville, there were two parts to the ceremony on Dec. 16. The first part in the City Council Chambers started promptly at 10 a.m. to coincide with the ceremony at Arlington cemetery. The second portion of the ceremony took place outdoors at the Taylorsville City Cemetery, where wreaths were 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 helped lay the wreaths. “We were so honored to participate and thank all those who sponsored a remembrance wreath,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “The ceremony, including the laying of the wreaths and saying each veteran’s name, was meaningful and moving and a highlight of the holidays.” The remembrance wreaths are hand-crafted of all-American balsam and hand-tied with a red velvet bow in Columbia Falls, Maine, and then sent to participating locations. See a picture page of the event on Page 6 of this section.
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS
PAGE 2
| 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
City of Taylorsville Newsletter
20 24
Taylorsville Dayzz
SAVE THE DATES!
JUNE 27, 28 & 29 www.taylorsvilledayzz.com
EVENTS JANUARY 2024 Jan. 1 – All day New Year’s Day. City offices are closed for the holiday.
Jan. 3 & 17 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov
Jan. 9 & Jan. 23 – 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
Jan. 15 – All day Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall is closed in observance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 16 – All day Opening Day of the Legislature @ State Capitol. 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 Also, a standing event every Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m., at City Hall is the “Mayor is In.” During this time, Mayor Kristie Overson has open office hours to meet with residents about any issue on their minds. Drop by and meet with the Mayor. All are welcome.
GET TICKETS AT SaltLakeCountyArts.org
January 5-6 MISS UTAH VOLUNTEER PAGEANT February 10-18 Lyrical Opera Theater Presents THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
January 2024
COUNCIL CORNER
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
PAGE 3
Volunteering is a Transformative Power Against Loneliness
By Council Member Anna Barbieri Recently, I stumbled upon an article by the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murphy, regarding the effects of loneliness in our society, and I was shocked to see just how devastating loneliness can be. According to Dr. Murphy, “It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is like that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.” How can we fight loneliness and the detrimental effects on our lives and those around us? The answer is easier than you think. It’s the transformative power of volunteering. It bridges the gap between individuals and fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. Reaching out to others can break down walls of loneliness and the feelings of isolation and depression. At the same time, it can be the catalyst to helping someone else. Volunteering brings people together and fosters a sense of purpose and self-worth. Consider, for example, these few ideas (posed as questions and answers) on how your efforts can
combat feelings of loneliness and help create a better community: Do you like working with your hands but are not too skilled? Give a day to Habitat for Humanity by helping make minor repairs to homes of low-income residents. You might even learn a few new skills. Like to read? Spend 20 minutes reading to kids at your neighborhood school. It helps children’s brains make connections between the written and spoken word and widens their vocabulary in the process. It also lets them know that they are important. Have an interest in the court system? Volunteer for CASA, representing a foster child in legal matters. They’ll even train you. Don’t mind driving? Offer to drive a senior center bus a few hours a week. Like to cook? Make one meal at the Ronald McDonald House for families with children at Primary Children’s Hospital. At one point, there were 357 crossing guard jobs in the Salt Lake City area. Don’t need the money? Donate the pay to your favorite charity. You might even help save a life. Tony Helminger, a crossing guard near his local school said, “It gets me out of the house in the morning. It gives me something to get up in the morning for. Otherwise, I’d lay in bed until 9 o’clock, drink coffee and watch TV.”
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)
Can’t or don’t want to leave your home? Write letters to those at the Legacy Care Center. Make a phone call to a neighbor going through a tough time. So, my friends and neighbors, if you’re feeling lonely or isolated, reach out to others in simple ways. Your willingness to share just a tiny bit of yourself will help form connections, fill your soul with joy, give you a sense of purpose and touch someone else’s life for the better.
Taylorsville Family Donates Holiday Tree for Display in Council Chambers A holiday tree decorated with red, white and blue baubles, stars and ribbons and with flags and emblems representing each of the armed forces was generously donated to the city by a Taylorsville family. Each year, Norma and Jim Boynton and their grown children Bryan, Barney and Anna go in search of a patriotic tree at the annual Festival of Trees in Utah that they can purchase and donate to an organization for them to display. They say they are particularly drawn to trees decorated in a patriotic theme because they have wanted to raise awareness of the sacrifice the country’s service men and woman and our veterans make to keep our country free. It’s all about helping people learn of these sacred contributions, said Jim Boynton, who is himself a veteran, along with his son Bryan. Over the years, the Boyntons have purchased and donated five or six trees via their family company Go Pave Utah. They estimate the tree donated this year to the City of Taylorsville is their seventh. They have given trees to the V.A. hospital, Primary Children’s Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Taylorsville Senior Center. Each of the trees come with a price tag in the thousands of dollars but for the Boyntons, it is well worth the effort. For them, it is about honoring those in the military
and law enforcement, as well as those who have given the ultimate sacrifice — their own lives in service of their country and communities. So, after finding the “Land of the Free”-themed tree at the festival, they telephoned Taylorsville City Hall. They did not know about the city’s own recent efforts to honor veterans during the holidays, with its participation in the Wreaths Across America initiative in which 260 wreaths were laid at veterans’ graves this year at the Taylorsville City Cemetery. But when they found out, it confirmed their donation as perfect. “It was like magic,” Jim Boynton said. “It was a miracle how it came together,” said City Council Coordinator Kristy Heineman. “It just blows my mind. I can’t believe how absolutely perfect this tree is.” The tree was displayed in the Council Chambers during this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, to which the Boyntons were invited and planned to attend, and it will be incorporated into future ceremonies, as well. “We so appreciate the donation of this beautiful tree by the Boynton family,” Mayor Kristie Overson said at a recent City Council meeting. “It lent itself so beautifully to the atmosphere at our Wreaths Across America program. Truly, we can’t thank the Boynton family enough for their donation to our city.”
PAGE 4
City of Taylorsville Newsletter
| www.taylorsvilleut.gov
TVPD Sergeant Promoted to Deputy Chief Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community. TVPD has a new Deputy Chief. The promotion of Sgt. Lloyd to the position was presented by Chief Cottam and approved by unanimous consent of the City Council this past month. “He is one of the most dedicated people I know,” Chief Cottam said at the recent City Council meeting, which also happened to be Lloyd’s birthday. “You can’t imagine what this guy puts into the work of policing, and the amount of care.” Chief Cottam recognized his quality of character, passion for law enforcement and willingness to serve the community as top reasons he was promoted to the position. Deputy Chief Lloyd now joins Chief Cottam, Deputy Chief Miller and Lts. Cheshire and Fowler in TVPD’s top leadership. He has served the majority of his career in Taylorsville, with more than 34 years total in law enforcement. In fact, he and Chief Cottam first met and attended the Police Academy together. He has worked in the Patrol, Motors and Gang units, as well as Person Crimes, Property Crimes, Directed Enforcement and as the Directed Enforcement sergeant. “He’s a very busy person and he manages everything so well,” Chief Cottam said. “He’s the epitome of what you want in a cop.” Deputy Chief Lloyd has stepped in when it’s dangerous but also works to care for people, even quietly providing food to the homeless and money to others in need, Chief Cottam noted. The new Deputy Chief said he has “always wanted to be in law enforcement and help others.”
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Congratulations to our latest Employee of the Month, Officer Espinoza! Officer Espinoza has more than four years of experience in law enforcement. He has worked for West Valley and Taylorsville police departments. Officer Espinoza has worked as a patrol officer, crisis intervention officer, field training officer, and was recently transferred to TVPD’s Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU), where he will work as a detective. Officer Espinoza will be a part of our Crash Analyst and Reconstruction team investigating major crashes. He will also lead in investigating hit-and-run crashes, in addition to working with the department’s property and community-oriented police detectives. Chief Cottam selected Det. Espinoza as Employee of the Month due to his consistent work ethic and exceptional job performance. Chief Cottam stated that he has “always shown his ability to work hard and consistently leads the entire patrol division as shown by his statistics.” In October alone, Det. Espinoza handled more than 100 police calls for service, which resulted in 56 reports, 32 citations and multiple arrests. Since his move to DEU, Officer Espinoza still assists patrol whenever he is able. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, hanging out with his dogs and exploring the state. Congratulations, Det. Espinoza!
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 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)
January 2024
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
Kris Kringle Comes to Town for Saturday with Santa Event Santa visited Taylorsville over the holidays and found everyone on his Nice List. The annual Saturday with Santa event held at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Museum marked its 17th anniversary this past month with plenty of fun for all, including children's crafts and games, choir performances and tasty treats. Like last year, Santa rode into the event again on a fire truck. “It was a marvelous event,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “We are particularly grateful to the Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee, with support from the Parks and Recreation Committee, for all their work in organizing it.” She also recognized the Youth Council for adding to the fun, in running the “Reindeer Games” and assisting in several other areas. “It was another remarkable team effort with smiles and joy all around.”
Tree Lighting Ceremony Marks Year 2 with Festive Fun For the second year in a row, the City of Taylorsville rang in the holidays with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall. The live tree was aglow in white lights through the season and will soon be transplanted to a city park. More than 150 people turned out for the second annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 27 at Centennial Plaza, which was also decked out in holiday lights and decorations. “Centennial Plaza is always beautiful, but it is particularly so now around the holidays, with the lights in the trees and permanent lighting installed along the rooftops of City Hall, the pavilion and stage,” Mayor Overson said. “I am grateful to our city staff for creating such a festive setting for all to enjoy.” Mayor Overson counted down to the lighting of the tree, which was met with oohs and ahs. In addition, the event featured hot chocolate and cookies served by the Youth Council and music provided by the Taylorsville High Madrigals. “It was a wonderful event,” Mayor Overson said. “Let’s do it again later this year!”
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
| www.taylorsvilleut.gov
City of Taylorsville Newsletter
Veterans Honored and Remembered with Wreath Ceremony For the second time in two years, the Taylorsville Youth Council chose the Wreaths Across America initiative as its holiday service project, and once again, the project to honor veterans was a touching and memorable tribute. Thanks in large part to last year’s overwhelming success, the Youth Council needed to secure sponsorship of only 70 wreaths so that 260 wreaths in all could be laid at each veteran’s grave at the Taylorsville City Cemetery. Again this year, they met that goal and surpassed it. Extra sponsorships will be carried over again to the 2024 ceremony. The wreaths arrived at the Taylorsville City Cemetery by semi-truck and were unloaded a few days before the annual Wreaths Across America Day, on Dec. 16, when they were placed at each grave. The initiative is directed by the national nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America, with support from the local nonprofit Honor365. You can read more about both on their websites, wreathsacrossamerica. org and honor365.org.
January 2024 Taylorsville Bennion Heritage
REMEMBRANCES
The Parrish Family Made Many Contributions to Taylorsville
2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |
PAGE 7
Don’t Miss These Library Events The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of January. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events: VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE: Edmonia Lewis, Carving Her Future — Monday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Edmonia Lewis was an Afro-Ojibwe sculptor who created a life for herself as an artist at a time when it was difficult for women of color to get the training and make the necessary connections. MUSIC & MOVEMENT — Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m., starting Jan. 9. Can you "head, shoulders, knees and toes" with the best? Music, movement and fun for little ones and their grownups. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME — Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., starting Jan. 10. Interactive early learning story time for preschoolers and their caring adult(s) with talking, singing, reading, writing and play. TODDLER PLAYTIME — Fridays at 10:30 a.m., starting Jan. 12. Open playtime and social interaction for toddlers and their caring adult(s). Toys, tunnels and more! FRIDAY FUN: BRACKITZ AND MAGFORMERS — Friday, Jan. 12, at 4 p.m. Children learn about design, creativity and invention as they build. Drop in anytime during the hour. TEEN AFTER HOURS: MINI-GOLF — Friday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. Design, build and play your own mini-golf course! Registration begins, Tuesday, Jan. 2.
This month’s feature focuses on the Joseph F. and Vilate Parrish family, when they lived in Taylorsville from 1950 to 1986. They made their home at 4800 South and 1246 West for 36 years, and raised their five children there, including Joyce, David, Marilyn, Virginia and Kathryn. Joe became the Salt Lake County Agent around 1950, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1984. Both Joe and Vilate loved to fish. Vilate was also famous for her Hungarian Goulash. She was the librarian at the old Plymouth Elementary for many years, and taught a number of 4-H clubs. She lived to the great old age of 102 ½ while living in Pleasant Grove, Utah. You can learn more about the Parrishes and many other Taylorsville residents and their history at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center museum, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE: A Tale of Marco Polo and Some Mysterious Maps — Tuesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. Researcher, author, artist, consultant and historian of cartography Benjamin B. Olshin will offer a leading analysis of a newly discovered collection of 14 maps and related documents said to have belonged to the family of Italian merchant and explorer Marco Polo. DISCOVERY FRIDAY, BEES — Friday, Jan. 26, 4 p.m. Bees are crucial to our lives. Create and play with activities, art and games while learning about our fuzzy friends. BLUEY PARTY — Monday, Jan. 29, 5:30 p.m. Join in a Bluey celebration. A drop-in activity with games and more. LIBRARY CLOSURES — New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15
TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive
January Class Highlights The center has planned a variety of classes this month: Habitat For Humanity Discussion: Randy Jeppeson will be attending the center on Monday, Jan. 8, at 10:30 a.m. with information on their Critical Home Repair Program for seniors who need affordable assistance with home repairs. Funerals for the Rich & Famous-Martin Luther King Jr.: Honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 9:30 a.m. with a presentation from Family Funeral Care. Poetry Workshop: Learn the art of poetry writing with this workshop from the Salt Lake Community College Writing Center with Lisa Donaldson. The class will be on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Classroom B. Line Dancing: Join Bonnie for some line dancing fun every Friday at 1:30 p.m. Beginner and advanced classes are available..
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. January 2024 | Page 17
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY PAGE 8
| www.taylorsvilleut.gov
City of Taylorsville Newsletter Discover the Invaluable Resource of Conservation Garden Park
JANUARY UPDATES 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 on the district’s website (www. wasatchfrontwaste.org), or call the WFWRD office at 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 drivers don’t get your tree one week, they will be back the following week. Please call the WFWRD office or chat with them on their website for additional information. Remember: • Please remove all snow off the tree. • Trees with decorations, lights, tree stands or flocking, or artificial trees cannot be accepted. • 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.
Discover the myriad benefits of water conservation with free classes offered by the Conservation Garden Park. The garden offers inspiring, educating and empowering information to help communities cultivate and relish waterwise landscapes. Conveniently located on 10 acres in West Jordan, the Garden Park welcomes residents from across the Wasatch Front. The Garden Park has blossomed from its original simulated residential setting featuring six waterwise landscaping examples into a hub of knowledge. Explore interactive exhibits designed to educate the public on waterwise design, planting and irrigation. It is an impressive water conservation teaching and demonstration garden, showcasing sustainable practices for a greener future. As a proud member agency of Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District urges customers to tap into this invaluable resource. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your understanding of water conservation by signing up for classes online at conservationgardenpark.org. Let's collectively contribute to a more water-efficient community! 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.
Broken or Damaged Can? If your garbage or recycle can is broken or damaged due to normal wear-and-tear, please call WFWRD at 385-468-6325. They will come and repair or replace your can as part of your fees for services. You can also complete an online service order request on their website https://wasatchfrontwaste.org/ report-a-problem-or-request-service/.
Need Ideas for Your New Year’s Resolutions? Increase recycling and reduce waste in your home by visiting the “How to Recycle” page at https://wasatchfrontwaste.org/how-recycle on the WFWRD website and following these tips: 1. Avoid bagging your recyclables in plastic garbage bags. Throw your recyclables directly into your recycling can or place them in paper bags. 2. Lessen your junk mail by removing your name from credit lists, catalogs and more. 3. Recycle or donate old or unwanted appliances, electronics and clothing. 4. Invest in re-useable containers like water bottles, lunch bags, tumblers and food containers. 5. Visit the WFWRD website and take advantage of one of their subscription services that help to divert waste from the landfills.
Page 18 | January 2024
Taylorsville City Journal
Continued from front page “I never would have run against Bud because I thought he did a great job for our District,” Burgess added. “But when he was unable to run again in 2011, I decided to get into the race.” Burgess was sworn into the position in January 2012, meaning he’s now hit 12 years on the council. He’ll break that 13-year record early next year. “There are lots of things (the entire city council) would like to follow through on in 2024,” Burgess concluded. “I want to see The (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Temple open, so we can help address any issues, such as parking or traffic problems. I also want to assist with the planning and decision making for the BRT (bus rapid transit line, which will require a major reconfiguration of 4500/4700 South, east of Redwood Road). We still face plenty of challenges. I look forward to continuing my work with the rest of the council, and mayor, to address them.” As a much “newer” member of the Taylorsville City Council, District 2 representative Curt Cochran is among those who’s pleased to see Burgess remain in his post. “Ernest brings a real sense of wisdom to the council,” Cochran said. “He wants to understand every issue very well so he can explain it to others. He’s also very conservative about our city budget and wants to make sure our money is spent wisely, as we all do.” As for his own city council race this fall, Cochran hopes the lack of a challenger indicates residents are satisfied with the work being done on their behalf. “When I talk to people, most of them tell me they feel (our city) is moving in the right direction,” Cochran said. “I know the city council consistently has high approval ratings in the annual surveys we conduct. But I never like to say I feel good or comfortable with where things are. We have to continue to identify what needs to be improved in Taylorsville.” Cochran identifies the city’s increasing traffic congestion, housing shortage and onstreet parking in neighborhoods as three of the key challenges Taylorsville elected officials will continue to face in 2024. He also still wants to address an issue that’s been important to him since the moment he joined the city council. “My top priority is still to get a sidewalk put in on the north side of 5400 South, from Millrace Park (1150 W.), up the hill to 1300 West,” he said. “I’ve spoken with UDOT and Salt Lake County about the project. I have also taken them out to the area for field trips. So, I’m not frustrated nothing has been built so far, because awareness has been raised. But I hope we can find the money to move forward on that project.” Millrace Park is also on the north side of 5400 South. The 23.2-acre site includes two pavilions, a children’s playground, restrooms, a community fishing pond and a fenced, offleash dog park. Also, last year at this time, the park was home to the only two community pickleball courts in all of Taylorsville. But that
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
was a high priority for city leaders last year when 10 brand new courts were constructed: south of the Taylorsville Senior Center, in Vista Park and at what will eventually become a new city park on several open acres on the northwest corner of 6200 South and 3200 West. So far, the four new pickleball courts are the only park amenity at that location. City officials promise more will go in as money allows. To this point, the location is being informally referred to as “Tank Park,” because it is adjacent to a pair of very large water tanks. On to the third reelected Taylorsville City Council member, Anna Barbieri (District 3), who still has never faced a challenger since she was selected by the remaining city council members on September 30, 2020, to replace Brad Christopherson after he moved out of the district. After Barbieri was selected by the other council members from a field of four candidates, she would have been required to face any challengers the very next year (in November 2021). But she was unopposed. Then, to get her District’s “election cycle” back on schedule, she would have faced another challenger last November. But, again, no one sought to run against her. So now, for the first time, Barbieri has been elected to a “normal,” four-year term, running through the end of 2027. “I think, overall, Taylorsville is a very well-run city,” Barbieri said. “There’s not a lot of squabbling among council members. We all have pretty conservative values. We know residents want a reasonable tax rate and they want their money spent well. I’m very pleased our annual public surveys have been overwhelmingly positive.” Barbieri is very proud of some of the things city leaders have gotten done during her first three years on the council. “The creation of our Taylorsville City Police Department is at the top of our accomplishments during my time in office so far,” she added. “Beyond that, the completion of the new performing arts center and our front yard (Centennial Plaza) has helped create a great sense of community. The Starry Nights @ the Plaza program is bringing many people out. We’re also seeing new businesses coming to the city. Target coming in has been great.” Barbieri is also very excited a community council was reestablished in her district last year. And she’s pleased with all the infrastructure work being completed along Redwood Road. Several curb, gutter and business entrance driveway improvements are continuing to be made now, as weather allows. With Burgess, Cochran and Barbieri all now elected to remain in their respective seats through 2027, the next municipal election (in November 2025) will be for City Council District 4 (Meredith Harker), District 5 (Bob Knudsen) and Mayor (Kristie Overson). Mayor Overson believes Taylorsville is moving forward successfully. “I like to think our residents are happy with the direction we are going,” she said. “I am really pleased with our council. They work
Taylorsville voters returned Curt Cochran, Anna Barbieri and Ernest Burgess (L-R) to their city council seats late last year. Two were unopposed, while Burgess won his race by a 2-to-1 margin. (Carl Fauver/ City Journals)
City officials focused a lot of time and money last year on curb and driveway improvements along Redwood Road. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
Taylorsville officials promised a year ago to construct 10 new pickleball courts throughout the city – and then delivered on that promise. These four are the first amenities constructed in what’s being called “Tank Park.” (Carl Fauver/City Journals)
as a team, and this administration listens to their concerns. We have had a lot of tough issues: housing, construction, transportation. But the work is so much easier when we can work together and listen to various points of view.” As for 2024, Overson says improving residents’ outdoor recreation opportunities will remain a high priority. “We are excited to continue moving ahead with park improvements,” she concluded. “We still have to identify more funding sources. But I’m confident we’ll be able to do that. Major
changes are coming to Taylorsville Park in 2024. We also hope to make more improvements at Tank Park, now that the pickleball courts have been completed.” Finally, Overson added, the curb and driveway work along Redwood Road – from 4100 South to 5400 South – is coming along. “I am so appreciative of residents being patient,” Overson said. “The work isn’t done yet. But I believe residents will be pleased with the beautification when it’s finally completed.” l
January 2024 | Page 19
Cremation Services You can count on a variety of options for cremation services when you choose Larkin Mortuary.
LOCAL FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Taking Care of your Family’s Needs every step of the way You may choose a burial plot, urn garden, scattering gardens, columbarium niche, or memory wall at our on-site crematory. Whether your family would like a direct cremation without a ceremony or would like to enlist the help of our funeral planners for a memorial ceremony, we are here to help. Choose traditional funeral services or life celebrations to honor the life of your loved one. As you plan the end-of-life services, there are dozens of decisions to make during an emotional time. LET OUR TEAM HELP YOU choose urns, vaults, and memorials. We can also help with flower arrangements, catering, and grief resources.
Treating you like family for
WE CAN ARRANGE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR
40 years.
WORK WITH SOMEONE
YOU CAN TRUST!
MILITARY HONORS & VETERAN SERVICE S IN ANY TYPE OF PROGRAM
Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781
Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582
Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771
Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850
LarkinMortuary.com Page 20 | January 2024
• Personalized Service • Local Market Knowledge • Top Quality Representation
“Real Estate Joe” Olschewski 801.573.5056 joeolschewski41@gmail.com
Taylorsville City Journal
AIR DUCT CLEANING What’s Hiding in Your
AIR VENTS? We can sanitize your vents to help strengthen your immune system.
BACTERIA
DUST MITES
POLLEN
PET DANDER
ARE YO U EXPER IEN CIN G: • Allergies • Asthma • Headaches • Coughing/Sneezing • Excessive Dust?
Do you KNOW what your Family is Breathing? WITH SUPERIOR QUALITY
100% GUARANTEED AIR DUCT CLEANING DRYER VENT CLEANING ASTHMA & ALLERGY TREATMENT
CALL US
TODAY!
49
$
10 vents,1 return, and 1 main comes with free system analysis/inspection
Additional vents priced separately. With coupon. Expires 2-15-24.
FREE
dryer vent cleaning with any complete air duct system cleaning
With this coupon. Expires 2-15-24.
801-618-4649 50OFF %
allergy/asthma sanitizer with any complete duct cleaning
With this coupon. Expires 2-15-24.
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
WINTER CLEANOUT SPECIALS
WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE
www.apexcleanair.com
January 2024 | Page 21
Business success and family bliss in Alaska’s great outdoors By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
T
hree dozen years ago – in 1987, to be precise – Ronald Reagan was still in the White House… the Berlin Wall still divided Germany… and we could still gas up our car for less than a dollar a gallon. That’s also the year when two successful Utah professionals encountered one another on a football practice field in Price. “Kyle Whittingham was my defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the College of Eastern Utah,” Dan Spies said. “We were only together one year, because CEU disbanded the football program after that season.” It was a turning point for both men, with Whittingham only a few years older than Spies. University of Utah football fans know where Coach Whit ended up. As for Spies, he eventually made his way to Alaska. He’s certainly not as wealthy or as well-known as his former CEU coach. But he’s undoubtedly just as happy, if not more so. Spies credits a pair of former football coaches – men he knew before Whittingham – with much of his success today. We’ll get to that success – Spies and his wife’s thriving fishing resort business in Soldotna, Alaska – later. For now, meet the special guests the Spies hosted at their resort: Al Sprouse and Mike Miller. “Al and Mike were like family to me; they still are,” Spies said. “I was kind of ‘hell on wheels’ back then. But coaches hold you accountable – and that’s what they did. Mike took me to his house and made me finish my homework. They looked after me when I needed it. That’s why I pestered them for years to come visit me in Alaska – and they finally did.” Al Sprouse is a generation older than Spies, while Mike Miller is essentially the same age. Just a few years before coaching Spies, Sprouse also coached Miller. Then the two of them took to double teaming Spies after he arrived in Utah from Kansas, just in time to enroll as a Kearns High School junior in the
Big Dan” Spies (R) and Mike Miller have known each other nearly 40 years, first meeting when Spies joined the Kearns High School football team where Miller was a coaching assistant. (Courtesy Mike Miller)
Page 22 | January 2024
fall of 1985. “I had just barely graduated from Kearns High in 1983 and was back as an assistant coach after playing two years of football at Dixie College (now Utah Technical University, in St. George),” Miller said. “I was working to complete my bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah. I soon learned Dan had kind of a tough situation at home and I wanted to help him.” Miller says he learned that critical compassion component of coaching from Sprouse a few years earlier. “I met Al when I was in 8th grade, when I moved up to his (Ute Conference Kearns little league football) team,” Miller explained. “I played two seasons for Al – and then he gave me a job at his Durfey’s Dry Cleaning store. He continued to work with me as I went on to play for Kearns High. Lots of nights, I ate one dinner at Al’s house and then went home for a second dinner. He was trying to build me up and make me stronger.” But despite both their best efforts, Sprouse and Miller were disappointed to learn that after finishing his senior football season as a Kearns Cougar, Spies dropped out of school. He was ineligible to don the cap and gown with his fellow members of the KHS class of 1987. Other coaches might have crossed that off as a “loss” and moved on to the next athlete in need. But Miller said to himself, “not on my watch.” “After Dan dropped out, I helped him prepare for and pass his GED,” Miller said. “I also assisted him in getting down to play at CEU. He was an outstanding linebacker. I just helped him get back on the right path. Dan did all the work after that.” After CEU eliminated its football program following that 1987 season, Spies got into home construction. He would spend the next 20+ years building that into a thriving Utah enterprise – all the while keeping in touch with the former Kearns coaches who had meant so much to him. Along the way, Spies married Sarah in 2002. He describes her on their fishing resort website (bigdansfishing.com) as his “better half.” They have five children between them, along with one granddaughter. A couple of years before the Spies headed for the Great White North, Miller came to his former player’s aid again. As the 11-year head coach of the Riverton High School football team, Miller established a tradition with his team members of providing Christmas for a family in need. “Dan took a bad fall off the roof of a second story home he was building and broke several bones,” Sarah Spies said of her husband. “He was in really bad shape. Mike told his team about the accident and they provided us with Christmas. That’s just the kind of thing Mike has done for us. That’s why he’s family.”
Former Kearns High School football player Dan Spies now owns a thriving fishing resort just outside Soldotna, Alaska, with his “better half,” Sarah. (bigdansfishing.com)
A couple of years later, the “Great Recession” forced the Spies to make a completely unexpected life course change. “I had never even been to Alaska when I loaded up to make the drive up there,” Spies said. “Utah home construction had gotten so slow. We knew we had to make a change.” “Dan drove up to Alaska in March 2009, while I followed in June with four of the five kids and my parents,” Sarah added. “It’s a treacherous, bumpy, curvy road. We were in two vehicles and took six days to make the trip. That was the first – and definitely the last – time I will ever make that drive.” The drive from Salt Lake to Anchorage is 2,984 miles – or the same distance as to Halifax, Nova Scotia, if you point your car in the other direction (or 350 miles out into the ocean, beyond Miami, if you go that way – not recommended). “We moved up to Alaska because Dan had been hired to build three homes – that’s all the work we knew we had,” Sarah Spies continued. “But the business grew. There’s no question, it has ended up being the best move we ever made.” Dan Spies had never been much of a fisherman before moving to Alaska. But he gravitated to it – and soon decided he could operate
fishing charters better than those he was hiring out. “I started small, seven years ago, with just one boat,” he said. “But the business grew
“Big Dan” Spies (R) hosted his former football coach and mentor Mike Miller on an Alaskan fishing adventure. (Courtesy Mike Miller)
Taylorsville City Journal
This large, raised deck overlooking Alaska’s Kenai River is where “Big Dan’s Fishing Lodge” patrons gather in the evenings to share their stories about the one that got away. (Courtesy Mike Miller)
– and I loved it. We gradually slowed down building homes. I got out of construction for good (in early 2023).” “We were building 30 to 50 homes a year until Dan started the fishing business in 2015,” Sarah Spies added. “By (2022), it was down to about 12 homes. Dan’s so much happier doing the fishing – and healthier. Our customers love him. They always tell me he’s not grumpy like the other charter boat captains they’ve hired. It’s been a great change for us.” Sarah admits, she gets violently seasick – so her work is at the lodge. “We are booked out months and months
in advance,” she said. “(Last) year, we had to tell 300 people we could not provide rooms.” But despite all that demand, Dan found room for his old coaches Sprouse and Miller to finally take him up on his offer to visit. For Sprouse, who turned 82 last month, it was his first visit to the 49th state. “I think everyone should visit Alaska at least once in their life; and I hope I am healthy enough to get back sometime,” Sprouse said. “When you go out on the ocean, the swells can beat you to death. But it’s still fun.” Sprouse is proud of how far his young athlete from Kansas and Kearns has gone in
Former Kearns resident Dan Spies and his wife Sarah own and operate this Alaskan fishing resort on the scenic Kenai River. (Courtesy Mike Miller)
life.
“We used to have lots of players move in from out of state; but honestly, Danny was the only one who played as well as he said he could,” Sprouse concluded. “He was a great linebacker. I’m not surprised he got to play a year at CEU. And what he’s done since then – with his construction company and now his fishing business – it’s just great. He’s a good
• Adoption • Estate Planning • Guardianship • Inheritance • Name Change • Probate • Trusts • Wills • Family Law Write for the City Journal.
people@thecityjournals.com
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
kid. I’m so proud of him.” The Spies have no plans to ever move out of Alaska. Relatives go up from Utah every year to visit. And they get back down this way at least annually (NEVER driving). After finding his way in life – with the help of Sprouse and Miller – Dan Spies says he’s home, and has never been happier. l
“Over 25 Years
Helping
People Like You.”
Call Attorney Steve Buhler at (801) 964-6901 or visit us at www.4utahlaw.com First Visit Free • Many Cases Flat Fee Located in the Harmon Building - 3540 S. 4000 W. West Valley City
January 2024 | Page 23
Trails, tourism among 2023 highlights for Salt Lake County By Ella Joy Olsen | e.olsen@mycityjournals.com
T
he Salt Lake County Council just wrapped up the budget for 2024, and now is a good time to look back over the highlights and lowlights of 2023. A reminder: budgeting is one of the primary jobs of the county council, providing ongoing funding for the many diverse, existing county programs. “Salt Lake County is proud to be one of only 29 counties in the entire country (there are 3,143 counties in the United States) that has a AAA bond rating,” Aimee Winder Newton District 3 county councilwoman and council chair said. “It means we run a good budget and rating agencies believe we will pay our debts.” County services include health and human services, county parks and recreation centers, tourism and culture, libraries, aging and adult services, mental health and criminal justice. A big snow year After a big snow year and a snowpack over 200% of normal, on April 13, 2023 County Mayor Jenny Wilson declared a state of emergency in anticipation of potentially devastating flooding. Affected were over 600 miles of creeks and canals within Salt Lake County. The county provided enough sand to fill 500,000 sandbags, and who can forget the community showing up to fill bags for themselves, and for their neighbors? The state emergency ended July 10, 2023, with much of the potential damage mitigated. “We were able to manage the runoff from such an incredible, record-breaking snowpack because of a combination of early planning, improved infrastructure, cutting-edge data, around-the-clock debris clearing, and a [spring] season of perfect weather,” said Wilson. Decades of infrastructure improvements since 1983 (year of the last major flood) greatly improved the ability of Salt Lake County Flood Control to control water flows and manage debris, as creeks, culverts and pipes were equipped to carry more water than they could in 1983. Flood control costs are an annual county budget line item and include personnel costs, ongoing maintenance, and annual dredging of sediment and debris from retention ponds and creek beds and run about $6.9 million annually. The cost for the flood emergency of 2023, itself, was approximately $1.8 million. New and improved trails “County residents have told us trail development is their number one priority over the past decade, based on needs our assessment surveys,” Patrick Leary, associate director for Parks, Trails & Open Space for Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation, said. “Desire for new and improved trails has consistently floated to the top of the list.” So in August 2023, Phase One of the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park opened to the community. “The Butterfield trail system is located in
Page 24 | January 2024
the Oquirrh Mountains in the southwest corner of Salt Lake County and is a game changer for the region,” Leary said. “Now residents in this growing party of the county won’t have to cut across the valley to get to an easily accessible hillside trail system.” Butterfield includes over 13 miles of multiuse trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians within the Southwest Canyon Trails Network, and also provides a connector to Yellow Fork and Rose Canyon trails. Phases Two and Three (to be completed in the next couple of years) will include improved parking for 500 cars and equestrian vehicles, kiosks, improved restrooms and a maintenance facility. Uniquely, the Butterfield trail system is situated on reclaimed land which was once a mining site. It was created in collaboration with the county, Rio Tinto and the Bureau of Land Management. Another big trail milestone, the final phase of the Parley’s Trail, was completed in 2023. Parley’s Trail is an 8-mile east-west walking and biking trail connecting the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the Jordan River Parkway, providing a corridor through neighborhoods to parks, schools, churches and rural areas and running through portions of West Valley, South Salt Lake, Millcreek and Salt Lake City. “We’re lucky because this is a trail system that has been consistently funded with bonds, grants, federal, state and county dollars since about 2004, so construction has been ongoing” said Walt Gilmore, associate division director of Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation, and who has also worked on the trail project for 21 years. “This final phase was expensive, about $6 million dollars, and included two bridge structures to get over the Jordan River, but we can celebrate that it’s finally complete.” Mental healthcare access Currently, a new Huntsman Mental Health facility is under construction in South Salt Lake on 3300 S. 1000 West, a centralized location with access to major transportation corridors. “On one side is the jail and one side is a homeless shelter,” said Mark Rapaport, CEO of Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “And as we know jails right now are one of the largest inpatient mental health facilities in the country. And we also know the majority of the people who are homeless have an underlying mental health disorder. So this facility will allow us to be near where some of the people with the greatest needs are.” This new center, the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Care Center, will be completed in late 2024 or early 2025, but in the meantime there is an ongoing mental health and homelessness crisis. So to bridge the gap in care, in 2023 the county appropriated $2.5 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to retrofit the existing Huntsman Mental Health
Six members of the Salt Lake County Council after their meeting to deliberate on the 2024 budget on Nov. 21, 2023. L-R: Suzanne Harrison, Arlyn Bradshaw, Aimee Winder Newton, David Alvord, Dea Theodore, Laurie Stringham. (Photo Aimee Winder Newton)
Flooding on 1700 South on the evening of April 13, 2023 following a record snow season. (Salt Lake County)
facilities (near the University Hospital) to create a receiving center, giving those in crisis a place to go that isn’t a jail or an emergency room. At the receiving center, mental health professionals have 24 hours to get patients settled and stable, to get them connected to community resources, and to figure out a path for recovery. “The center has 12 beds, and though occupancy varies from day to day, utilization has been high at about an average of nine beds occupied,” Kevin Curtis, crisis services director at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, said. “And the average length of stay is about 10 hours.” 2023 funding also covers 17 months of staffing until the new center is finished. The temporary adult receiving center is located at 501 Chipeta Way and is open 24/7. After the new center in South Salt Lake opens, the ren-
ovated adult receiving center will likely be focused on mental healthcare for juveniles and children. “The receiving center is a place where police officers can bring those who are struggling with a mental health crisis to get immediate help,” County Councilwoman Winder Newton said. “It’s less costly than care in an emergency room and a better place to get help for minor offenses than in jail.” Conventions and Tourism Tourism is a big part of county government as tourists and convention attendees generate tax revenue, thereby saving Salt Lake County residents (taxpayers) money. Visit Salt Lake www.visitsaltlake.com is a private, nonprofit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention and travel destination. In partnership with Salt Lake County, it is the marketing arm tasked with attracting and providing support for conventions
Taylorsville City Journal
The City Journals is recognized for its pay equity and women-friendly practices By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com
T
he City Journals has been named as one of the 100 Companies Championing Women. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, the Cox-Henderson Administration and the Utah Women & Leadership Project created the initiative in 2022, as part of the Inspire InUtah program, to recognize businesses that offer family-friendly policies and women-specific practices that advance women as managers and leaders. Listed in the 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women, The City Journals joins other organizations like Davis Technical College, Women of the World, Bennett Communications and Saprea. The City Journals publishes 18 community newspapers each month, along with the weekly Davis Journal. It also creates the Value Pages coupon magazine. “Women are imperative to our business at the Journals,” said Bryan Scott, City Journals owner and publisher. “Women make up the majority of our readership. Women make up the majority of our employees, particularly our writers. And if most homes are like mine, most of our shopping decisions are made by women, which makes it important to our advertisers.” State leaders believe when businesses unite in their mission to champion women, it creates a force that can reshape the corporate landscape, and change the lives of women as it paves the way for equality and empowerment. While Utah continues to rank as the worst state for women’s equality, the governor’s office and Inspire InUtah hopes to create a business community where women are supported,
whether that’s through pay equity and childcare support, or professional development and leadership programs. Elizabeth Sweat, people leader at The City Journals, said the company has focused on women-friendly practices, including pay equity for all female employees. “We are transparent about our pay,” Sweat said. “We have the same pay for all of our beat writer contractors based on their length of service and we pay our commissioned sales reps the same, based on the amount they sell. Women and men are paid the exact same for the exact position.” The City Journals also implements recruitment strategies, focused on increasing the number of women employees, with flexible work schedules that accommodate work-fromhome situations. “Some were hesitant to say they had school drop-off or such, but I let them know that we love working moms,” she said. “Prior to COVID, we had a program called Project Homemaker where we specifically targeted stay-at-home parents. They were appointment setters that worked approximately 12 hours a week based on their children’s school schedules. That is a program that we hope to bring back soon.” The Women’s Evolution group at The City Journals used to meet in person every month, but with so many remote workers, Sweat sends out a calendar of community and business events that women can choose to attend. The calendar also includes community
and leisure travelers. A couple of successful conventions of 2023 illustrate the diverse groups courted by Visit Salt Lake for their convention needs. As an additional perk, business travelers, after being impressed with Salt Lake, will often return for leisure travel. The first is the Society of Child Research & Development Convention. Salt Lake competed against Denver, Atlanta, St. Louis, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Toronto to secure this convention. The organization anticipated their convention in Salt Lake would attract 4,100 attendees, but it far exceeded expectations, and 6,400 attendees attended the event. These visitors spent $6.2 million while in the community. Another of note is the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. This convention attracted nearly 12,000 attendees who spent approximately $11.6 million. The SHPE leadership was so pleased that Salt Lake has been selected to host this convention again in 2027, 2030, and 2034. County Library Services In a tight budget year the county was still able to put an additional $280,000 into digital library resources such as audio and e-reader materials, in an effort to reduce wait times for these popular items.
Additionally, late fees will be waived for children. This program was piloted during the summer of 2023, based on the concern that late fees are a barrier to lower income families coming to the library to borrow books and other learning materials and was deemed a success. After three months, if the materials are still not returned to the library, the cost will be charged to the cardholder. The 2024 library budget contains $115,000 from the Library Fund to replace the potential lost revenue from fees collected. County Rec Centers free pass for youth In an effort to improve mental and physical health for youth, the county has provided budget dollars to provide a free annual rec pass to all youth (ages 3-17). The program, called My County Recs Pass, will likely be rolling in early summer 2024, to give the centers time to staff and prepare additional programming. “We’re seeing a rise in mental health issues for teens and youth, and according the U.S. Surgeon General, something that can help is social connection, getting out there and doing something active with other people,” Newton said. “This is a great program because the county is in the business of improving mental and physical health to residents.”
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
City Journals staff members include (from left) Brialee Nelson, Kayla Palmer, Elizabeth Sweat, Bryan Scott, Rachael Roberts and Mieka Sawatzki. They join Alderman Properties Managing Partner Trish Alderman (third from right), at the Chamber West Fall Conference. The City Journals was recently named as a 100 Companies Championing Women organization. (City Journals)
resources geared toward women. Female employees are encouraged to find a Women in Business group based on their personal interests and schedules, although they are not required to attend because many have limited time for networking. The City Journals supports women in leadership positions. Currently, the sales manager is a woman, as is one of the three community newspaper editors. Full-time employees include nine women and seven men. “It became very evident to me a few years ago that the success of our company will be de-
pendent on our ability to have women work for us,” Scott said. “Our journey started with our staff making sure we were building a company where women would be comfortable working. We still have a long road to go, but I think this award demonstrates the strides that we have made.” The 2024 cohort of 100 Companies Championing Women joins the inaugural 2023 group that includes organizations like Clearfield City, Cotopaxi, Goldman Sachs and the Women’s Leadership Institute. For more information, visit InUtah.org. l
Ribbon cutting for the Huntsman Mental Health Institute receiving center. At the receiving center, mental health professionals have 24 hours to get patients settled and stable, to get them connected to community resources, and to figure out a path for recovery. (Aimee Winder Newton)
There are age limits, in that children under the age of 10 cannot attend without a parent, and in that case only the parents would pay, but the county is hoping this will provide more active family time. The My County Recs Pass program is projected to cost $2.3 million annually. This cost represents the personnel and operational costs, in addition to the reduction in revenue
from youth pass sales. “However, we are expecting some new revenues from adult passes purchased by parents and increased sign-ups for programs,” said Robin Chalhoub, director of community services for Salt Lake County. “We did not add that [increased revenue] to the proposal and we are excited to see how it increases.” l
January 2024 | Page 25
Treatment Resistant Depression Our TMS • NOT medicine • NOT shock therapy • NOT invasive
Take a free HIPAA compliant PHQ9 self assessment test.
machine can help you get your life back • IS safe and effective • IS COVERED by most insurance TMS is like physical therapy for the brain. It uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to MRI, to reignite dormant connections in the brain and give you control of your depression. With NeuroStar, you can live on your terms.
Our Psychiatrist is available now, don’t wait to get help.
“I had taken 11 different medications without any relief… NeuroStar treatment has helped me bring my life back… with a happiness that I’ve never experienced before” ~TODD
BY THE WAY … TMS is cove red by most insura nc Let us run a es! FREE benefit chec k!
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information. 10437 So Temple Dr., Suite 200 South Jordan, UT 84095 385-412-9215
NeuroHealthUtah.Com
Outcomes Registry data was published by Sackeim HA, et al. J Affective Disorders, 2020, 277(12):65-74. The outcomes reported represent the subset of study patients for which the CGI-S data was reported before and after an acute course of NeuroStar TMS. Patients were treated under realworld conditions where patients may have been prescribed concomitant depression treatments including medications. “Measurable relief” was defined as a CGI-S score <=3 and “complete remission” was defined as a CGI-S score <=2 at the end of treatment.
Thank you to our new and renewing ChamberWest Businesses!
FREE CACTUS BLOSSOM With Purchase Of Adult Entrée
Support Your local chamber buSineSSeS
1904 W 5400 S • Taylorsville Mon-Thu 3-10 Fri 3-11 Sat 11-11 Sun 11-10
Renewing MeMbeRs:
Not valid with any other offers. Expires 2/15/24.
• 3 Amigos Public Relations & Marketing
Amazon Community Investment
• Briotechnologies, Inc.
• White Elegance
• RidgeCrest Herbals
• Distillery 36
• McDonald’s
• XMission
• Danone North America
• Isabellas Catering
• ZipLocal
• ABC Great Beginnings
• Texas Roadhouse
• Adobe
• Granite Credit Union – West Jordan
Have a
12oz. Coffee Buy One Get One 1/2 Off
new MeMbeRs:
on Us!
Flood Pros
limit 1 per customer with coupon
Community Investment
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 2/15/24
OPEN FOR TAKE OUT
DELIVERY: Door Dash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats
801-280-4099
7251 Plaza Center Drive • SpudToddos.com
Page 26 | January 2024
4879 South Redwood Rd Taylorsville, UT 84123
801-288-9898
hiddenpeakscoffee.com
chamberWest.com Representing businesses in West Valley, Taylorsville, Kearns, and West Jordan
Taylorsville City Journal
A Bitter Pill
I
’m at the point where each doctor visit starts with “Well, at your age…”. I need to get my liver rotated, my heart valves oiled, my lung filters changed and I need a lot of bodywork done. Nips and tucks won’t do it, I need parts replaced and a complete undercarriage overhaul. I’ve got 99 problems and the cost of health insurance counts for at least 90. When I found myself without health insurance at the end of last year, I jumped on Healthcare.gov to explore my “affordable” options. The site states that four out of five people can find a plan for $10 or less a month, after tax subsidies. What they don’t tell you is that the fifth person has to get a third job, sell organs on the black market or start printing money in the basement to afford a healthcare plan. As I scrolled through my health insurance options, I got irrationally angry. Plans started at around $500 per month, with deductibles ranging from $7,500 to Lamborghini. Keep in mind, this was for one person, not an entire family with pets and farm animals. Since I had to register by the middle of December, my email was flooded with reminders from the site. Have I registered? Why not? Did I forget? Did I become independently wealthy? Did I decide to use the money for something fun instead?
Taylorsville
PATIO COVERS & HANDRAILS Don’t slip and fall this winter! We offer quality handrails to ensure your safety.
• Steel Covered Carports, Patios & Porches • Steel Handrails NOW • Quality Decks Call John today for a FREE estimate.
HIRING!
801-205-5999
Quality and Integrity for over 25 Years
EMERGENCY WATER STORAGE
Blue 160 gallon water storage tank
Sale price $449 (retail $699)
(385) 393-1566 UtahWaterVault.com
CONCRETE
T3 Concrete LLC
Specializes in Driveways, Walkways, Patios, Foundations, Retaining Walls, Basement Entrances Stamp & Color Concrete Call Mate’ for a FREE Estimate
801-918-8843
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
MILLER CONSTRUCTION
Additions, remodels, new doors, windows 30 years licensed and insured
GARY (435) 901-1331
TaylorsvilleJ ournal.com
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
No. On the day before the deadline, I put on my adulting hat and signed up for health insurance. I’m still irrationally angry. I am seriously considering Alternate Healthcare Plan B, which is file for bankruptcy in the event of a major medical emergency. Still haven’t ruled that option out. I also have Healthcare Plan C: try not to get sick or need a blood transfusion or get concussed or go for an ambulance ride or break a bone. No emergency room visits. Just good old-fashioned stubbornness and denial. There are also herbal remedies and a variety of healing crystals that don’t actually solve my internal issues (there’s only so much power in a rose quartz) but it’s cheaper than an MRI. Or there’s always my mom’s answer to any illness when I was a kid: a spoonful of paregoric. The opium-based medicine made me feel very sleepy and hazy. But, for now, I’ll end up paying at least
WATER SOFTENER RELIABLE SOFT WATER without the typical water softener problems
• Zero maintenance • No breakdowns • 2/3 LESS salt
For free in-home estimate:
$7,000 per year to cover my annual physical, a series of blood tests and a couple of prescriptions. But I still have a copay because that seven grand isn’t nearly enough, obviously. I’ve been without health insurance before, but here’s the thing, affordable insurance shouldn’t be tied to employment. Because I’m not made of diamonds, I took a part-time job to cover health care costs. When we stayed in San Diego last summer, we dreamed about staying in a luxury hotel for $800 a night. Hospitals charge that much just for the ice chips. But our family learned the hard way that a one-week stay in the ICU can quickly reach nearly $100,000,
PLUMBING
DECKER PLUMBING LLC
RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL PLUMBING We’re in your neighborhood.
801-412-9293
FREE ESTIMATES
visit www.KineticoUtah.com or call 801-890-5344
Water, Sewer, Water Heaters, Faucets, Etc. Licensed / Insured
WATER TREAMENT DROPS
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Keep your stored water safe for up to 5 years!
H20 RES-Q cleans • balances • deodorizes
(385) 393-1566
treats 330 gallons up to five years
CONCRETE WORK
Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidewalks, Etc.
Call Dan: 801.518.7365 FENCE REPAIR
Jack’s Fence Repair
Most Fences are Repairable!
20 years experience - licensed and insured SENIOR DISCOUNTS
Call or text Jack
801-865-6382
Apex Clean Air
Installations & Repairs Call today for a free in home estimate.
801-449-1939 PAINTING
FULL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial Over 20 Years Experience LICENSED AND INSURED
For Immediate Service Call
801-865-4049 ROOFING
801-272-7000
All types of roofs
$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.
or about $14,000 per night. And that’s without the beach access and sunrise mimosas. Ironically, Intermountain Healthcare recently rebranded as Intermountain Health. Literally taking the “care” out of health care. I’m just one more person complaining about the high cost of insurance, but when medical expenses are one of the leading causes of bankruptcies in Utah, shouldn’t we start looking at the root cause? At what point do we put the “care” back in healthcare and create affordable options so I can get my joints greased, my oxygen system replaced and my body’s systems recalibrated?
Automotive Services
PORCH RAILINGS
Randy’s Tire and Muffler
Complete Auto Repair & Service Manager Owned and Operated Serving Bluffdale/South Valley for 3 Generations 14250 S Redwood Rd 801.254.9971
Seniors, Don’t Fall!
Specializing in Porch railings • Grab bars • Decks Steel awnings • Storm Doors
RandysTireAndMuffler.com
Call Today - 435.374.8305
TREE SERVICES
DRYWALL REPAIR & PAINT
INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS
Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 30+ Yrs Experience
801-244-3542 FREE ESTIMATES
WATER SOFTENER & FILTRATION
Water Softener & Filtration NuWater Technologies - Smart Technology - High Efficiency - Zero Maintenance also offering Reverse Osmosis, Water Storage Call for no cost Water Test
801-856-9671
GENERAL CONTRACTOR WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION Remodels, Kitchens and Baths New Windows, Doors, and Trimwork Electrical and Plumbing Repairs
40 Years Experience
Focus on Quality & Honesty! Textures, Water Damage, Patches, Trim, Basements
Call Mike for Free Estimate
801-696-7735 MUSIC LESSONS
GIVE A GIFT FOR A LIFETIME! Beginner Piano Lessons Fun, creative teaching style 29 years of teaching ages 3 + Beginners are my FORTE!
Call/Text Karen
801-647-8688
METAL EXTERIORS
ASPEN ROOFING
Specializing in metal roofs, wall panels, and exterior window treatments.
40 Years Experience • Licensed and Insured
Call for a FREE estimate today
(801) 205-0272
www.aspen-roofing.com
For Estimates, Call Bill
801-882-2332
January 2024 | Page 27
Retirement Resolutions
Live Event
Fi n a n ci a l | Ta x | Est a t e
Retired or Retiring soon? Start the year with our Retirement Resolutions Checklist: Y
N
Will I maintain my purchasing power through high inflation and market volatility?
Y
N
Has my CPA talked with me about eliminating taxes on my Social Security benefits?
Y
N
Is my estate protected so I can stay in my own home if I have long-term care expenses?
Y
N
Do I know why a trust may be more effective than a will and why I may need one?
Y
N
Do I know ways to lower the taxes on my IRA and 401(k) for a more comfortable retirement?
Y
N
Am I aware of the tax and legal consequences of placing children on my bank accounts or home?
Y
N
Do I understand probate and how to avoid it?
Y
N
When donating to charity (including tithing) do I donate tax efficiently?
Y
N
Are my assets protected from being forced to surrender to Medicaid?
Y
N
Is my retirement income protected from taxes or inflation, so I don’t outlive it?
Get answers to your questions for a comfortable retirement! RSVP
(801) CPA-HELP (801) 272-4357
Tuesday, January 30th (6 – 7:30pm)
Two complimentary consultations and a personalized retirement plan with registration ($1,000 value!)
WealthCPAs.com Advisory services are offered through Wealth Management CPAs, LLC, an SEC Investment Advisor. Tax services offered through Wealth Management Tax Solutions, an affiliated company. Insurance products & services offered through Wealth Management Insurance Solutions, LLC, an affiliated company. Copyright © 2010-2024 Wealth Management CPAs. All rights reserved.