Taylorsville City Newsletter | June 2024

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The stars are shining brightly in Taylorsville this summer, especially with our Starry Nights @the Plaza events that are lled with fun every Friday night.

Starry Nights is our free summer concert series, now in its third year, and it’s been a resounding success. This year’s season launched this past month with local rock band De Novo taking the stage, and we’ve had something to do each Friday night at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., since.

At the plaza, you can enjoy live music, grab a yummy bite at the food trucks and participate in other activities — including six movie nights this year and even a light saber performance and demonstration. It’s happening every Friday night of the week through Sept. 13.

The planning of these events and this series has been intentional, as a way of engaging and building a strong community. The concept was hatched following the opening three years ago of our beautiful Centennial Plaza in front of City Hall. Centennial Plaza was built as a place to relax and have fun — to enjoy some time together or even take some time alone to soak in the open space and art. The plaza was built as a ‘living room’ for the community.

So, we thought what better way to utilize this wonderful space than to plan a series also focused on community-gathering. Now, the Food Truck League food trucks are here every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. We’ve also added live music featuring a variety of bands and vocal artists from rock to country to jazz, and on other nights, you can enjoy activities such as a movie on the plaza; the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, a farmers’ market run entirely by kids; a Taylorsville Arts Show performance, or the Public Safety Committee’s Night Out Against Crime, and more!

At the plaza, we can gather, connect and celebrate all things Taylorsville with food, culture and fun. You can nd the full Starry Nights lineup at www.taylorsvilleut.gov, including an interactive schedule with more about the speci c activity or band set for that night — even listen to a sample of their music.

I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to sit back in my camp chair and enjoy that night’s incredible music or entertainment while tasting some delicious local fare in the beautiful setting that is our Centennial Plaza. So, I hope you will join me on Friday nights this summer. I know you won’t be disappointed!

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – JUNE 2024

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

Taylorsville Dayzz Schedule, Pages 4 and 5

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Taylorsville Dayzz is This Month — June 27, 28 and 29

Taylorsville Dayzz o ers plenty to do for everyone – from carnival rides and food booths to the parade, petting zoo, concerts, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks in the state. The city’s preeminent event on June 27, 28 and 29 brings a show-stopping lineup of free entertainment. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., Fleetwood Visions, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, is on stage, along with the West Valley Symphony and Cannoneers of the Wasatch. At 9:30 p.m., enjoy a Movie in the Park, showing “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

On Friday, the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra performs at 6 p.m., followed by headliners playing a "Rock the Ages" concert at 7:30 p.m., and don’t miss the reworks at 10.

Then, on Saturday, evening entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m., with Neil Diamond and Celine Dion tribute artists, the skydivers at 8:30 p.m. and the Fireworks Extravaganza at 10. (See the full schedule of events on Pages 4 and 5 of this section. The festivities all take place at Valley Regional Park, 5100 S. 2700 West.)

Also, be sure to register for the Taylorsville Dayzz 5K. Registration closes on Tuesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. Bib/packet pickup is Thursday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 28, from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Race Day is Saturday, June 29.

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

Police Department ...............................................................

801-840-4000

Utah 211 resource network 211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

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

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

Building Inspection

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce)

Fire Department

801-955-2030

801-977-8755

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)

Park Reservations .................................................................

Public Works (Salt Lake County)

Dominion Energy

Rocky Mountain Power

Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll

Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District

Taylorsville Food Pantry .....................................................

Taylorsville Senior Center

Taylorsville Code Enforcement

Taylorsville Justice Court

Taylorsville Library ...............................................................

Taylorsville Recreation Center

Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center

UDOT Region 2

801-975-4900

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882

EVENTS

JUNE 2024

Every Friday night through Sept. 13

Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.

June 5 & June 19 – 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

June 5, 6 & 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Back to the Bandstand: A Tribute to Dick Clark @ the Centennial Plaza stage. This is the Arts Council's summer youth production. Admission is free.

June 8 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville's Got Talent @ the Centennial Plaza stage, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Come see the amazing talent in Taylorsville! Admission is free.

June 11 & June 25 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

June 17 – All day

Juneteenth National Freedom Day (observed). City O ces are closed in recognition of the holiday.

June 27, 28 & 29

Taylorsville Dayzz @ Valley Regional Park. See Pages 4 and 5 of this section for a full schedule of events.

Upcoming: July 8-13 – 7:30 p.m.

Disaster! @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The Taylorsville’s Arts Council’s summer musical runs six nights! Watch for ticket details.

June 1

Bill Knotts presents Mayberry Memories of Don Knotts

June 5-6

Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy presents Alice in Wonderland

June 7

Life Performing Arts Academy presents Lifehouse Company Showcase 2024

June 7

BellyDancing by Thia presents Arabian Night

June 8

Tutu School presents Bravo Bash: Twirling Under the Sea

June 9

Underground Dance Company presents The Human Experience

June 9

Tiranube Entertainment presents Puras Cosas

Maravillosas con Erika de la Vega

June 14-15

Utah Dance Artists Recital 2024

June 14-23

Cooper Jordan presents SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw

Jun 19

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents Hansel and Gretel

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Bob Knudsen

Summer in Taylorsville

Comes with Plenty of Activity, Events and Projects

Summer fun is here, with lots for us to do. With change coming for Taylorsville, it’s an exciting time for us to look at how we are shaping our city for many years to come!

Some of the projects and activities in our city this summer are described as follows. For one, there continue to be repairs and beauti cation to some of our roads, speci cally Redwood Road. Traversing this stretch of road has been di cult at various times due to the construction barrels. However, knowing that we will have a better area ahead of us, I am more than happy to see these barrels for the time being.

A few weeks ago, we also had a ribbon cutting for the Grand Re-Opening of Carriage Square, the business development at the southwest corner of the intersection of 4100 South and Redwood Road, at the north end of Taylorsville. As Carriage Square aged, it became clear that something needed to be done to help this area, but we knew this would be di cult to coordinate as the area is not set the same way as many business areas are.

Rather than having a development that is owned by one and rented out, Carriage Square has a Business Owners’ Association. Through the great work in a partnership between our City’s Economic Development Department and the Carriage Square Business Owners’ Association, plans were made to give the care and repair that was needed. It has been exciting to see this

project progress, and having some insight into how much work needed to be done to get all parties on board, the completion of this is a wonderful testament to the e orts of Team Taylorsville!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Taylorsville Utah Temple is complete, and it is now operational for many in Taylorsville and the surrounding areas. I had the opportunity to visit the temple during its open house with my family, and I am grateful for the beauty that this brings to our city and the transformation that I see ahead in the area.

On May 10, we opened up our Starry Nights at Centennial Plaza series, happening every Friday night this summer. Each year, since its inception, my children have looked forward to this chance to go to the plaza for free music, movies on select nights and a chance to gather with friends and family. In this age where there are so many options for entertainment through streaming services, there is something special about going out for a live performance. I am working to attend as many of these as possible so that my children know that there is so much more available to them than what is on YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Net ix, etc.

At the end of the month, speci cally from Thursday, June 27, to Saturday, June 29, we will be holding our annual Taylorsville Dayzz celebration, one of the busiest times that we see. It will include all the traditional festivities, such as the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade, concerts, carnival rides, food booths, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks in the state. This event would not be

possible without the many hours of volunteer e orts that go into helping with every aspect of the planning and execution. Our Taylorsville Dayzz Citizen Volunteer Committee meets year-round to help plan for what will be done so that we have one of the best celebratory events around.

This is a wonderful time of year, with many exciting opportunities ahead for the gem that we have, our Taylorsville home.

Graduating Students Recognized for Service, Leadership

Nine members of the Taylorsville Youth Council are graduating from Taylorsville High School this year and were due to be formally honored by the City Council and Mayor Kristie Overson at their meeting on June 5.

During their time as Youth Council members, these teens have learned about leadership, as well as local and state government, and have provided countless hours of service to the community. They are:

Ryan Buchanan — One of Ryan’s favorite Youth Council activities was the Wreaths Across America event. He describes it is a great reminder that we have heroes all around us, who allow us to live safe and peaceful lives. Another activity he enjoyed was the Taylorsville Dayzz Parade. “It was tons of fun to see kids’ faces light up and a great time to celebrate this amazing city,” he says. At Taylorsville High, Ryan played on the football team in his junior year. He also had the opportunity to do woodworking, and he made some pretty cool pens and other things. One of Ryan’s favorite hobbies involves anything to do with cars. He counts xing freeze plugs in the back of the block on a 1993 Camaro as one of his greatest accomplishments in this area.

Walker Christopherson — Serving on the Youth Council for three years, Walker has enjoyed participating in leadership positions, the Wreaths Across America day and various service projects. In high school, he achieved a 4.0 GPA and Scholastic Scholar honors. He has been o ered several scholarship opportunities. Walker has been involved in various extracurricular activities including DECA, where he placed second in accounting at state for two years in a row. Additionally, he took rst for three consecutive years at the BYU Marriott Business Language competition in Mandarin Chinese. An Eagle Scout and Black Belt, Walker will be serving a mission in Busan Korea for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning this July.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

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

Tanner "TJ" Clark — TJ is an adventurous, energetic, fun and hardworking person who loves sports, aviation and spending time with his friends and family. He has been on the Taylorsville High tennis team for four years, including two as captain. This has been his rst year on the Taylorsville Youth Council, and he has loved every minute of it. His favorite activity was decorating the Christmas tree in City Hall. In the fall, he plans to attend Utah State University Eastern, where he has been admitted into their xed-wing aviation program. TJ wants to be an airline pilot for Delta Airlines in the future.

Benjamin Eberly — Ben has kept busy throughout high school with many extracurricular activities including National Honors Society, Student Government and Youth Council. He was also part of the Taylorsville Swim Team, where he quali ed for state all four years of high school, won region champion two years in a row and was swim team captain during his junior and senior years. Swimming has always been Ben’s biggest passion starting when he was only 6 years old. Through high school, Ben has taken nine AP classes and maintained a high GPA. He plans to continue his education in the Honors College at the University of Utah, where he will major in pre-med biology, with hopes of becoming a psychiatrist.

Ellie Gomez — Ellie served as a class o cer, participated in service projects with various clubs and led her school's spirit rallies as leader of the Students of Sparta. She has received numerous awards for art and poetry, and participated in basketball, track and varsity soccer. She maintained a 4.0 GPA and enrolled in AP and Current Enrollment classes. She is president of the Youth Advisory Council at Primary Children's Hospital, where she leads several service projects. Additionally, she served as an ambassador with Salt Lake City Youth Government. She will be traveling internationally this summer and plans to study abroad in Costa Rica this fall. Her long-term goal is to study business and construction management at Utah State.

Mason Harker — Mason was on the high school basketball team during his freshman year, and during his sophomore year, he started a pickleball club and was the acting president. For his junior year, he made the varsity cheerleading team and also joined Concert and Madrigals choirs, which took rst in California tour competitions. He is an accomplished pianist. His most recent adventure has been on the Taylorsville tennis team. Mason has achieved a 3.97 GPA and a 32 on the ACT. This enabled him to receive full-ride scholarship from Utah Valley University. Mason is also preparing to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamilton, New Zealand, leaving Aug. 30.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 TVPD news will return in July. Look for details about TVPD’s participation in the national Police Unity Tour, as well as Employees of the Month for June and July.

Ryan Haroldsen — Ryan enjoyed the Wreaths Across America activity most during his time on the Taylorsville Youth Council. As a great-grandson of a veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge alongside Gen. Patton, Ryan was extremely proud to participate in a service speci cally geared to veterans. In high school, he took many AP classes and Concurrent Enrollment classes while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. He has studied Spanish as a dual-immersion student since rst grade. As a Student Government senator, he helped plan his school’s 2023 prom. Ryan earned a Diploma of Merit, with areas of distinction in social studies and world languages. He has been accepted at American University in Washington, D.C.

Mackenzie Hathaway — Mackenzie nished her nal credits at Taylorsville High online. She is concurrently attending Cameo College of Essential Beauty during the day to earn her master’s esthetician license and will graduate with that in early July. She has served on the Taylorsville Youth Council for three years, including the last two as public information o cer. As a senior this year, she was a Youth Ambassador. Mackenzie had the opportunity to serve on the Utah Association of Youth Councils youth board, where she assisted in the planning and execution of the USU leadership conference for the last two years. She is also grateful her younger brother, Hudson, will follow in her footsteps and join the Youth Council, as well.

Reagan Vanderlinden — During high school, Reagan served as a cross country and track captain, DECA president, Future Business Leaders of America vice president of fundraising, National Honor Society o cer, Granite Technical Institute ambassador and Taylorsville City Youth Council member. She is graduating as valedictorian of her class with a 4.0 GPA and 72 college credits. She will be receiving a Diploma of Merit, with several areas of distinction. Reagan received Academic All-State recognition for cross country and lettered in both track and cross country every year she competed. She will be attending the University of Utah in the Honors College and Business Scholars program, with aim of becoming a corporate attorney.

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Taylorsville Couple’s Path Crossed at Birth

This month’s article highlights the Shirley and Donna Wood family.

Donna was born Oct. 5, 1921, at her family’s home at 7414 S. 2700 West in West Jordan. As she describes, “My mother was attended by a lady named Marion Rich, who left my mother to go help Cora Wood who had just given birth to her third son. This baby was Shirley Rich Wood. Yes, the same wonderful person I married 21 years later!

“Well, time passed, and I grew taller and at last was able to start rst grade at Plymouth School,” Donna writes in her family’s history. “I enjoyed school very much and always got good grades. When I got to junior high school, I had fun. We attended West Jordan Jr. High through the 10th grade. My favorite class was speech. Lucille Tuttle was the teacher.”

Following their formative years, the couple married. “Shirley was drafted to serve our country,” Donna further writes, “so I moved back home with my good parents and continued to work. … By August 1945, the war in the Paci c was over. The atom bomb had brought that to a terrible destructive end. My husband got home on Feb. 22, 1946. I was happy, overjoyed and so grateful that at last my dear husband was home and we could continue our lives together with no more separation.

“Now we had to nd a place to live. We found a little two-room house in West Jordan on 2200 West, just north of the Bingham Highway. We rented it for $10 a month. Shirley found work at Symms Wholesale Grocer, then he found a job with Walker Bank and Trust. He was not happy with this job and in six weeks he applied to the Utah Idaho Sugar Co. o ce in West Jordan, and eventually worked his way to controller in the general o ce in Salt Lake City.

“When our four children were small, our vacations were camping trips to the national parks. … Shirley was a good breakfast-cooker and made bacon, eggs and hotcakes. In 1959, we saved for and planned a trip to Disneyland!

“Shirley and I have been blessed to be able to visit Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and the Caribbean islands. After spending almost 50 years together working as a team, it is hard to continue on alone. I have been greatly blessed through my life with health and strength, the best husband in the world, a wonderful loving family and my dear husband, who planned ahead and provided well for my needs.

You can learn more about the Wood family and the histories of many other Taylorsville residents at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!

Don’t Miss These Library Events

The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

SUMMER READING — June 1-July 31. Adventure begins at the library. Embark on an epic quest and unlock the thrill of adventure as you read, create, learn, play and connect your way to prizes and discounted activities all summer long!

Pick up a Summer Reading tracker at the Info Desk or sign up online at thecountylibrary. org/summer.

TAYLORSVILLE PARKS ADVENTURE — June 1-July 31. Pick up the Parks Adventure paper at the Taylorsville Library and visit six local parks to enter a prize drawing.

23RD ARMY BAND OUTDOOR CONCERT — Monday, June 10, 7 p.m. Enjoy a musical celebration with the 23rd Army Band's ‘Duck and Cover’ and ‘Amnesty Box’ bands. These skilled musicians shine with a repertoire of patriotic music, show tunes and other popular songs.

VIRTUAL LECTURE | Frederick Douglas and the Anti-Slavery Constitution — Tuesday, June 18, 7 p.m. Register at thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Explore history, law and the pursuit of justice with Professor Bradley Rebeiro’s lecture on Frederick Douglass’ remarkable journey from rm critic to fervent defender of the Constitution.

HOLIDAY CLOSURE — Monday, June 17, all day. Happy Juneteenth.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

June Activities

Living Well w/Chronic Pain: At this six-week workshop on ways to manage pain, learn appropriate exercises to improve strength, appropriate use of medications and communicating with loved ones. Class starts Wednesday, June 12, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in classroom B. Registration is required. Please call the front desk for more information. Snow cones: Beat the summer heat with some delicious snow cones on Friday, June 21, at 12:30 p.m.

Community Crisis Intervention Prevention: Hunstman Mental Health Institute representatives will be on hand on Monday, June 24, to go over available mental health resources. Class starts at 10 a.m. in classroom B.

Drums Alive: Get a workout as you move to the rhythm of the drums! Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the aerobics room.

Visit the center’s website 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.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

JUNE UPDATES

Jr. Vigil Named National Driver of the Year

Jr. Vigil rst joined the Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District team in August 2011, and since that time, he has earned 16 awards for his outstanding efforts. He always goes above and beyond, providing excellent customer service and community education while on his route.

In recognition this year, he was awarded the 2024 National Waste & Recycling Association Driver of the Year. He has also won safety hero awards for the high level of safe operations of the equipment he is assigned.

The recent national recognition honors drivers who operate their trucks in a safe and responsible manner, have outstanding performance records and whose contributions have enhanced the overall safety and image of the solid waste industry.

At the May Board of Trustees meeting, he received recognition from the WFWRD board, including Chair Anna Barbieri, also a Taylorsville City Council Member.

The district sponsored Vigil, a guest and his manager, Sione Tuione, to attend the WasteExpo NWRA Awards Breakfast, which was held in Las Vegas last month.

Vigil was one of four winners that the National Waste & Recycling Association invited to sit for panel interviews and take questions from the audience. Corporate executives from Peterbilt Motor Co. also honored him at the conference and expressed their appreciation for his years of safe driving.

Welcome James Kelsey, Sustainability Coordinator

The district bid farewell to dedicated Sustainability Coordinator, McKenna Tupa'i, extending its heartfelt gratitude for her contributions and commitment. And with her departure, WFWRD welcomed James Kelsey as its new Sustainability Coordinator. Kelsey brings nine years of valuable experience and dedication to his role at Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to understanding the organization and the district, having served in various positions while enriching his academic credentials.

With a keen focus on sustainability, Kelsey looks forward to spearheading innovative programs aimed at promoting environmental stewardship within the communities the district serves. He is passionate about community engagement and collaborating with residents to ensure the delivery of world-class service and to pave the way for a more sustainable future in our curbside collections.

International Plastic Bag Free Day

On July 3, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District will join other organizations around the world in support of International Plastic Bag Free Day. There are a lot of good ways to celebrate, and the easiest requires a simple resolution from each individual. Even if just for one day, choose paper over plastic; or even better, take your own bags to the retailers to pick up your goods. Some stores even o er discounts or other perks for the customers who bring their own.

TBID Addresses Consumer Confidence and Drought Response

The purpose of Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District’s Consumer Con dence Report is to provide customers with information on the quality of drinking water.

In addition to water quality, the report also gives information on conservation resources, potential contamination sources and where your water comes from. TBID distributes culinary water that meets all federal and state quality requirements. The report can be found on the district’s website: tbid.org/ccr.html or you may contact 801-968-908, and a copy will be mailed to your home.

Regarding drought response levels: The snow and precipitation received over the winter has helped the water supply situation in the state. TBID is pleased to report that because of this improvement, its board was able to set the Drought Response Level at 0, which means we have normal water supply. Customers are still encouraged to conserve water and safeguard this valuable natural resource. Please consider following the State Watering Guide, found online at conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/ to know how often to water your lawn.

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.