Taylorsville Journal - August 2017 by The City Journals

August 2017 | Vol. 4 Iss. 08

FREE

TOYMAKER, VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS CONSTRUCT, GIVE AWAY 85,000 WOODEN CARS By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

hilanthropist and toymaker Alton Thacker is a man of big numbers. For starters, he’s 81 years old. He’s been married 64 years. He was a barber 47 years. “Oh, and when my grandson marries this summer, his new bride will be the 100th member of our family,” Thacker adds. That includes seven kids, 27 grandchildren, 38 great grandkids, and nearly 30 who joined the small army through marriage. But those “big numbers” are peanuts compared to the others in Thacker’s life. “The LDS Humanitarian Center told me years ago, 500 million children across the world do not receive any new toys in a given year,” Thacker said. “When I heard that, I decided to do what I could to put a dent in that number.” After starting modestly—and working at it for 15 years—Thacker and his volunteer staff with the “Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids” build 85,000 small toy cars each year to give away. “When we started, we were lucky to build a thousand cars a month,” Thacker added. “But we kept at it. And we have increased our count every year, to the 85,000 we did in 2016.” Thacker became aware of the need to brighten kids’ lives while making a series of humanitarian trips to Mexico with one of his barbering customers. “I made a few trips to help distribute donated eyeglasses,” he said. “On some of the trips I played Santa Claus. When I saw how much the children loved and appreciated new toys, I got the idea to start making them.” About two dozen volunteers assist Thacker at his modest West Jordan toy “factory” each week. The oldest, John, is age 92. The youngest are some pre-teen grandkids, who may not have the woodworking experience but move a whole lot quicker. “We donate hundreds of wooden cars to hospitals and various charitable organizations every month,” Thacker added. “We also have an agreement with the Utah Department of Corrections which allows inmates—at their Gunnison prison—to paint 3,000 cars per month. It’s an honor they have to earn through good behavior.” Thacker’s foundation has been running

Alton and Cheryl Thacker (left) join Chick-fil-A owner Matt Griffith and Community Relations Director Jeanaea Lorton for a fundraiser. (Carl Fauver)

smoothly for several years now—until another big number came along. “The rent on our shop recently went up to $1,150 a month, from $1,000,” Thacker said. “But more importantly, we lost a major benefactor.” For the past several years, a Utah County businessman has donated $15,000 a year to Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids to cover rent and electricity costs. But he recently had to discontinue that support. Since Thacker’s woodshop doesn’t have any income, the lost revenue is squeezing his charitable operation. This summer, the nearby Taylorsville Chickfil-A restaurant (5580 South Redwood Road) jumped in to offer assistance. “I saw Alton’s story on television,” Chickfil-A Community Relations Director Jeanaea Lorton said. “We often hold fundraising events at the restaurant, so I suggested we host one to help his toy-making foundation.”

Local Postal Customer ECRWSS Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos.

New Chick-fil-A owner Matt Griffith loved the idea. “I would like to hold fundraisers every night, if Jeanaea continues to find worthwhile causes,” he said. “This one is particularly special, because (Thacker and his volunteers) are doing so much, for so many people.” “They keep seniors active, provide Eagle Scout projects, give prison inmates a valuable activity and create thousands of toys for kids who wouldn’t otherwise get them. It’s just a good, wholesome, neat thing.” Because Thacker first got his toy-making idea while playing Santa Claus, the Chick-fil-A store was decked out with a Christmas tree and decorations, in the summer heat, for the fundraiser. The restaurant donated 20 percent of its revenues for three prime dinnertime hours. “We raised a few hundred dollars, not a huge amount,” Lorton said. “But hopefully the

fundraiser also created more awareness about Alton and his volunteers. I know at least two television news teams covered it, so hopefully that will help him generate more donations.” When Thacker began his toy-making venture in 2002, three people helped him get started. Two have since passed away; but the third, Gene Wilson (who’s the same 81 years young as Alton) still spends about 15 hours a week at the toy shop. “It’s very satisfying,” Wilson said. “My wife and I have taken several trips, giving toys to kids in places like China, Peru, Greece and Turkey. Our cars produce the same smiles, worldwide. “(Alton) is a very generous, giving man. He is doing so much, for so many people. I’m proud to be a part of it. I hope he finds the necessary donations to keep it going forever.” More details on Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids—and information about how to contribute— are at www.tinytimstoys.org. l

Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals

Presort Std U.S. Postage PAID Riverton, UT Permit #44

Page 2 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

Variety of fine arts clubs bring variety of benefits By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com The TCJ is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Taylorsville. For information about distribution please email circulation@mycityjournals. com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. For subscriptions please contact: circulation@mycityjournals.com 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.

The Taylorsville Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Bryan Scott bryan@mycityjournals.com EDITOR: Travis Barton travis@mycityjounals.com ADVERTISING: 801-254-5974 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING: Ryan Casper ryan.casper@mycityjournals.com 801-671-2034 SALES ASSOCIATES: Melissa Worthen melissa@mycityjournals.com 801-897-5231 Steve Hession steve@mycityjournals.com Josh Ragsdale Josh.R@mycityjournals.com 801-824-9854 CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Brad Casper circulation@mycityjournals.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN: Ty Gorton

Taylorsville City Journal 9500 South 500 West Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801 254 5974

Designed, Published & Distributed by

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.

free l community l papers

The choir provides an outlet for students’ emotions. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

he arts are well-represented at Calvin Smith Elementary with an assortment of clubs including band, orchestra, choir, drama and Chinese dancing. “All of our arts activities are provided by our amazing teachers who do them on a volunteer basis,” said Principal Cindy Dunn. “If it were not for our parent and teacher support, these programs could not exist.” Rachel Hirschi is a parent volunteer who supports the fine arts programs. She heads the Reflections program at the school and volunteers to do music time in her children’s classrooms to make sure they have these experiences. She also volunteers with the choir. “I’m super-passionate about getting arts in the school,” she said. “That’s how I feel like I better my community—by bringing in the arts.”

Club advisers said involvement in the arts provides students with a wide range of benefits. Fifth-grade teacher Michael Marcrum believes the school’s clubs provide all students with the opportunity to excel. “It shows in the school setting that not everything is math and science and English,” said Marcum, Chinese Dance Club adviser. “You can be dedicated to something different and get good at it.”. The club is popular with the Chinese Dual Immersion students who can explore Chinese culture through dance. Sixth-grader Toni Stoddard, who is in the choir, band and drama clubs, said her involvement in these groups gives her confidence. “Confidence with this helps with confidence in other things, like with tests, school work and friendships,” she said.

Katie Anderton, drama club adviser, sees students’ confidence increase as they participate in drama productions and activities. “We get a lot of shy kids, and it really gets them to be more outgoing,” she said. “They tend to start participating more in school activities, too.” Anderton teams with thirdgrade teacher Kim Cretsinger to provide short plays for the students to perform. They also recite group poems. “It really benefits them academically—especially with reading and language arts,” said Anderton. A lot of the focus for the 40 members of the club is on reading and understanding poems and short stories—even works of Shakespeare. Involvement in the arts also encourages creativity and problem solving, said Anderton. “They learn how to work with one another; they learn how to problem solve with each other,” she said. Band teacher Sarah White knows her program helps students with lessons outside of music. “It definitely gets both sides of the brain working and helps with problem solving,” she said. White said her students learn how to work as a group. They practice their instruments individually and then come together to play the song as a band. “This is a skill they’ll use in college when they have to work together on a presentation with a group,” said White. She believes kids learn many life skills from these fine arts clubs: how to pre-

pare, be dedicated, follow through and problem-solve. The biggest group is the school choir, led by Hirschi and teacher Natalie Nesbitt, which had 175 students this year. Sixth-grader Toni Stoddard has been in the choir since first grade. “It’s a great way to just be loud,” she said. “It can be beautiful whether you sound good or not.” Mandi Green, whose son is in the choir, believes the fine arts provide students with an outlet for dealing with difficult situations. “It lets them go to places they can’t go—with their minds and their feelings,” she said. Her son, Gage, has found being part of the choir has been therapeutic since his father died in an accident in January. “Singing in the choir has been a really good healing experience for Gage,” said Nesbitt, who has seen the choir help other students dealing with grief. “We always try to pick something that kids can feel emotion as they’re exploring the song.” Green said the choir also provides a social support system for Gage. “It’s another way for them to connect with something in common,” said Green. Being part of a group helps kids make stronger friendships, believes Grace Hirschi, a sixth-grader. She has been bullied before and feels better when she’s part of a group. “When you have friends in it, it’s a million times better,” said Grace. l

August 2017 | Page 3

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

DON ’ T LEAVE THINGS TO CHANCE !

CREATE YOUR FAMILY TRUST NOW Family Trust Agreements

COMPLETE ESTATE PLANNING PACKAGE

ONLY $950

��

C. Michael Lawrence, P.C. –Attorney at Law

801-270-9360

5681 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville

Page 4 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

Coming and going: Taylorsville Elementary welcomes new principal By Jet Burnham |j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

ndrea McMillan, born and raised in Taylorsville, is glad to be back in the area as the new principal at Taylorsville Elementary. She said there won’t be any major changes at the school this year, just small tweaks. “We need to start pushing forward and getting our scores up,” said McMillan. “I’d like to focus this year on our reading scores, specifically.” She plans to restructure the services of paraeducators, the part-time interventionist and the ELL (English Language Learner) specialist to better utilize their skills to help students. McMillan is excited to use grant money from the state to provide kindergarten teachers with intensive professional development. “It will help the kindergarteners to really start to take off in their reading,” she said. Academic scores can define how good a school is, but McMillan believes there are many ways to measure the success of a school. “I feel a school’s success can be determined by whether you have happy students and happy staff members,” she said. McMillan said she will set an example as the leader of the school and of maintaining a positive atmosphere. She said her strengths are being able to be positive and to build good relationships. She will be a very involved principal by supporting teachers and getting to know the students. “I like to be visible and out and about and really seeing all the moving parts of the school,” she said.

One new opportunity she has planned for this year will support students and their families. McMillan has partnered with the Utah Food Bank to make a mobile food pantry available once a month to for families. Taylorsville Elementary will also be holding a Registration Celebration on Aug. 9 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parents can register their students for the year, get assistance with signing up for free or reduced lunches and update their students’ information. Pizza will be served, and all students who come will receive a backpack filled with school supplies, donated by the Granite Education Foundation. “Every student will have the opportunity to receive a backpack from us this year because of this thoughtful donation,” said McMillan. McMillan has taught the full range of students at various schools in Granite District, including South Kearns Elementary, Bacchus Elementary and Woodstock Elementary. She interned in administration at Bennion Junior High and was an instructional coach at Silver Hills Elementary and an assistant principal at Redwood Elementary. McMillan is replacing Janice R. Flanagan, principal this past year at Taylorsville Elementary, where she was awarded Elementary Principal of the Year by the Granite Association of School Administrators. Flanagan has retired after 21 years of teaching elementary school in Granite District and another 14 years as principal at Copper Hills Elementary in

Magna. Teachers who worked with her said she was a great listener and very supportive. Vickie Dean, sixth-grade teacher who worked with Flanagan at Copper Hills Elementary, appreciated the happy work environment Flanagan created. “We always know Janice will be telling funny stories and encouraging us to do our best,” Dean said. Flanagan lives by two mottos: “I can do hard things” and “I will do what is best for kids.” “I really admire how she was always striving to do what was best for our kids,” said Dean. Taylorsville Elementary Vice Principal Marguerita Davilla-Telck said Flanagan has been a dedicated and generous principal. “She always shares something personal and relates her life experiences with what we do each day,” she said. “For me, she has been a true inspiration.” Flanagan wrote a memo to her staff as the school year ended. She reminisced that as a new teacher, she loved teaching so much that she thought she’d do it even if they didn’t pay her. She doesn’t think she’ll be able to stay away from teaching, even though she’s retired. She likened her career to a good book that you don’t want to end. “It is a hard thing to anticipate closing the last page of my favorite book,” she wrote. “As much as I hate endings, I must remind myself that I also love to start great new books.”

Andrea McMillan is ready to take the reins at Taylorsville Elementary. (Granite School District)

Registration Celebration at Taylorsville Elementary Aug. 9, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pizza will be provided. Register students; sign up for free or reduced lunch. Each student will receive a backpack filled with school supplies. l

www.performancephysicaltherapyutah.com

CALL US

to schedule your intial evaluation today!

Many people do not need to pay for an attorney to handle every aspect of the divorce. If you are looking for an affordable, efficient way to divorce, then our online documents and workshop is the solution. Patricia L. LaTulippe is a local attorney with over 25 years experience in family law. At our workshop, you will receive divorce forms and receive step-by-step guidance to complete them in class. In most cases, you can leave the class with final divorce documents and complete instructions for filing with the court.

Workshops are offered regularly. Contact us to register.

TO R E C E I V E

25% OFF!

801-263-0530

WE ARE FULL SERVICE PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC Treating in all areas including but not limited to: Patricia L. LaTulippe Founder, DivorceKnowHow.com

801-538-5050

2150 S 1300 E, Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84106

divorceknowhow.com

• Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain, Hips, Shoulders & Knees • Post & Pre Surgical Therapy • Balance & Stability Training • Auto Accidents We aceept Medicare and most other major insurance plans. We also offer a great cash pay program for those with high deductible plans.

525 West 5300 South, Suite 150 Murray, UT 84123

801-263-0530

August 2017 | Page 5

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

Keep Our Community Safe Remember August is Back to School Traffic Nearly 70% of Car Accidents Occur Within 10 Miles of Home! Sooner or later it’s going to happens to most of us – getting into a car accident. The vehicle insurance industry estimates all motorists are likely to be involved in at least four auto accidents in his or her lifetime. Additionally, very young or novice drivers are more likely to be involved in a car accident, as opposed to more experienced drivers. More revealing are interesting survey facts that of all collisions that occur, 52% occur within a 5-mile radius of home while an astounding 70% occur within 10 miles. Although the vast majority of accidents occur close to home, most of them tend to be relatively minor. Perhaps you’re leaving your neighborhood and a neighbor pulls out of their driveway and hits your car in the side. Or maybe you’re at the neighborhood grocery store and you have a small fender bender in the parking lot. But serious injuries can occur especially when we add to our neighborhood roads increased pedestrians, loose pets, playing children and recreational runners and bikers. Local traffic safety issues for our communities is always an ongoing concern. Data from surveys also show that the farther from home the accident occurs, the more severe it tends to be. This is especially true for accidents that occur on busy highways and interstates where vehicles are traveling at much faster speeds over longer distances. Why do so many accidents occur so close to home? The surveys shed some light on this important question. Broadly speaking, drivers tend to have a false sense of security when driving close to home. For example, drivers are less likely to wear their seatbelts when driving to the neighborhood convenience store. Another big factor is distractions. Whether it’s talking on a cell phone, texting, scanning the radio or eating while driving, any little thing that diverts your attention from the road can open the door for a collision. When on a busy highway, drivers are more likely to maintain their focus on the primary task at hand and save the cell phone call, texting or radio scanning for later. Most Law enforcement, safety experts and personal injury attorneys, are pretty vocal about distracted driving. Local personal injury attorney - Ned Siegfried of Siegfried & Jensen sees cases of this type everyday and reminds us: “Just because you’re close to home doesn’t mean the danger of a car accident is lowered. In fact, you should be even more cautious when driving in your neighborhood or down to the corner mini-mart. Driving

UTAH G N I T C E PROT S FOR E I L I M A F YEARS 7 2 R E V O

CALL US: 801-212-9266

the speed limit and simply being aware dramatically reduces the chance of you being in a car accident, regardless of whether you’re just cruising down the street or traveling in another state.” Stay safe - Avoid these dangers! These three major factors can also significantly increase the risk of being involved in a car accident: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI / DWI) Speeding - Nearly one-third of all car accidents are caused by someone driving over the speed limit or driving too fast for the current weather and/or road conditions Driving while distracted - which includes texting, eating, applying make-up or any other behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road While not all of these accidents result in a fatality, the overwhelming majority of them result in some type of injury, property damage or litigation. Also, important to note that data from the Annual U.S. Road Crash Statistics journal suggests more serious car accidents are more likely to occur during specific days of the week, as well as during specific times of each day. The following is a breakdown of the days of the week and times of day when a fatal car accident is most likely to occur: Monday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday —7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Wednesday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6 pm Thursday — 7am to 9am and 3pm to 9pm Friday — 9pm to midnight Saturday — midnight to 3am Take note that weekday mornings and late afternoons with its increase traffic dangers are also times school children are on the move. With schools back in session this month it’s a good reminder to watch out, slow down and avoid distracted driving. Protect your family – Before an accident! Mr. Siegfried advises: “The only thing you can do to protect your family before an accident is to have enough insurance. With uninsured drivers, more expensive vehicles on the road and the high cost of medical care for any injury - it’s vital to make sure your family is adequately covered. In many cases - you can increase your insurance limits up to ten times for just a few additional pennies a day. This greater coverage will adequately protect yourself and your family. Review with your insurance company the benefits of increasing your liability, uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and under-insured motorist coverage(UIM). It’s one of the best values out there. “- Ned Siegfried

INJURY ATTORNEYS

Hometown Holly

Plan today, not tomorrow. Plan together, not alone.

“I sell where you live.”

• Compassion • Dedication • Experience you can depend on HOLLY SUTTON

YOU ARE INVITED & Dinner is on us!

435-714-0503

UtahHomesByHolly.com

Tuesday August 22, 6pm Golden Corral West Valley

Wednesday August 23, 6pm Golden Corral Midvale

Tuesday, August 29, 6pm Famous Dave’s Jordan Landing No Obligation FREE Dinner Provided

Please call to reserve your seat:

– SEATING IS LMITED–

801-968-3800 LEARN WHY AND HOW TO RUN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE... AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! A woman’s voice matters! This interactive and instructive training will teach you the how and why of running for public office. You will join a cohort of women and over the course of six months hear from a variety of experts and participate in various workshops - all designed to prepare you to run for office.

Register Now at www.wliut.com Class Dates Thursday, September 21, 2017 Thursday, October 19, 2017 Thursday, November 9, 2017 Thursday, December 14, 2017 Thursday, January 11, 2018 Thursday, February 8, 2018

Sometimes, planning a funeral is not about you. It’s about giving comfort and peace of mind to those you love most... McDougal Funeral Home The name you can trust for compassionate, professional and dignified service.

4330 S Redwood Rd Taylorsville, UT 84123

McDougalFuneralHomes.com

Page 6 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

Taylorsville/Bennion Heritage Center thriving on a shoestring budget By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

Madi and Olivia Martin get a taste of what sitting in class was like a century ago. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

he 111-year-old former Jones Dairy House continues to thrive as the Taylorsville/ Bennion Heritage Center. But the volunteer city committee that operates the historic facility says it’s an on-going challenge. “The city gives us an annual budget of $2,000,” said Historic Preservation Committee Chairwoman Connie Taney. “None of us get paid, which is OK because preserving the past is near to our hearts, but maintaining everything inside this old home, next door at the old dairy store and all over the rest of the property costs money.” Of all the committee members, no one is any more emotionally tied to the home—and adjacent dairy building—than Taney, whose grandfather David Jones purchased the property in 1918. The home was 12 years old then. Appearing before the Taylorsville City Council, Taney presented a wish list of capital improvements needed at the site, on 4800 South near 1500 West. “The city had a crew come out right away to make some sidewalk and driveway repairs,” she said. “But we still need new paint on the front steps, a new computer system for records maintenance and repairs to an exterior support beam that suffered wind damage.” That’s a big part of Taney’s life: keeping a checklist of necessary repairs—and reminding city officials of the value of the property it purchased 15 years ago. Audrey Jones—Taney’s mother—was the eighth of David and Clara’s nine children. “I have so many fond memories of my grandparents in this home,” Taney said. “When they passed the home to my uncle, and he eventually put it up for sale, I met with the mayor to try to save it.” Fearing a bulldozer might have its way with the old home, Taney met with then-Mayor Janice Auger in 2000 to pitch her on having the city purchase the property. Less than two years later, Taylorsville City officials made the purchase for $500,000. And Taney found herself in charge of the city’s newlycreated Historic Preservation Committee.

One of the first people to join her on the committee was Margaret Player. “I think I’ve hung every picture in this restored house and did nearly all of the flower arrangements,” Player said. “I also love doing the finances and guiding field trip tours.” Each spring, the committee sends letters to area elementary schools, inviting them to visit the site for free. The Granite School District normally send kids by the hundreds, during the final weeks of their school year. “Last year, we had 15 school tours, ranging in size for 30 to more than 100 students,” said the committee’s designated grant writer, Joan White. “We cover the costs of their busses and the classes often have picnic lunches out on our lawn. They seem to enjoy it, and the students leave knowing a little bit more about their history.” To fund the field trips, each year White sends a grant request to Salt Lake County for Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) funding. “Last year we received $4,500,” White added. “But this year we have a little more money in our own account, so I only requested $4,000.” While adults may be more interested in the antique furnishings inside the home, Taney said nearly all the kids seem to take more of a shine to what’s out back. “We rent indoor animal pens to a couple of local residents,” she said. “We have sheep, goats, chickens and a new litter of piglets.” Directly west of the historic home, the old Jones Dairy store building is available to rent for family reunions, wedding receptions and other events. Last year the committee raised nearly $3,400 through rentals there. “Between the rentals, grant money and our budget from the city, we keep afloat pretty well,” Laney added. “And, of course, we always accept donations from people who walk through.” The Taylorsville/Bennion Heritage Center is open Tuesday mornings, Wednesday evenings, Saturday afternoons and by appointment. l

August 2017 | Page 7

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

Great Artist program nurtures young artists’ confidence By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

Fifth-graders created their own pointillism pieces inspired by “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat. (Jet Burnham/City Journals)

tudents at Fox Hills Elementary gain confidence in their art skills from teachers such as Matisse, daVinci and Pollock. Each month, students learn about a famous artist and their techniques as part of the school’s yearlong Great Artist program. Then students create a piece inspired by the artist’s famous work. “The program uses a guided drawing method that focuses more on art, skills and technique rather than art history. It tips the scales in the other direction than typical art programs by creating confidence, success and joy in students,” said Great Artist Spokesperson Aaron White. Sixth-grade teacher Marcia Craven said the program allows her students the opportunity to create quality art projects that she wouldn’t be able to provide on her own. “I love art, but I’m just not very good at it,” Craven said. Program Coordinator Diane Gilmore said it is common for adults to downplay their own artistic skills. Through the training for the Great Artist program, she learned that people lose confidence in their art skills as they get older. That’s why most adults are stuck with the drawing ability of a 10-year-old, she said. Craven has seen it happen in her classes. “I have found that in sixth grade, some of the kids start feeling inadequate as they see what others can do, instead of just enjoying the process of creating something,” said Craven. The Great Artist program enables students to appreciate that everyone has a different artistic style. Gilmore pointed out to secondgraders that some of Picasso’s critics said his work looked like it was done by a child. “Yours looks just like it, and his is famous,” she told them. One of the program’s parent volunteers, Amy Rudolph, said that students were more willing to try new techniques when she showed them the steps because they realized she was on about the same level as they were. She said when they were shown there was no “right” way, the kids were less intimidated. “I tell them it doesn’t have to be beautiful,” Rudolph said. “We are all different. We are all artists.” Third-grade teacher Laura Zimmerman said the greatest benefit

of the program is when kids realize they can create something that is beautiful and personal to them. “They see themselves as artists and creators,” she said. First-grade teacher Anne Yates said the program influences students to overcome self-doubt in other areas of their lives, as well. “Students gain confidence in their ability to do something difficult and accomplish a task they didn’t think they could do,” she said. Yates said one struggling student applied what she had learned about the attention to detail required in art to learning to pay attention to details in reading. Gilmore campaigned for the PTA to purchase the artist kits for the school because of the far-reaching benefits of the program. “Children who participate in art education improve in problemsolving and critical thinking, judging qualitative relationships, appreciating how small differences can have large effects and celebrating multiple perspectives,” said Gilmore. Fox Hills’ PTA has purchased all available kits—five Great Artists for each grade—so that by sixth grade, students have studied 25 famous artists and learned such concepts as pointillism, cubism, impressionism, and realism and have explored various mediums like oil pastels, wax, chalk and watercolors. Each artist introduces a concept or technique. Students explored the relationships in the color wheel as they recreated “Concentric Circles” by Wassily Kandinsky. While studying Paul Cezanne’s “Apples and Oranges,” students decided how to apply the concepts of depth, lighting, shading, shadowing, texture and background/foreground to their pieces. “We teach techniques, but the students make it their own,” said Laurie Stringham, who volunteers in her son’s fourth-grade class. Students chose their favorite art piece and confidently displayed it at the school’s Art Show held in April. Fox Hills is one of 100 schools using the Great Artist Program, which was developed by Laurie White of Sandy. Great Artist tutorials are available at www.youtube.com/greatartistmom.l

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

www.taylorsvilleut.gov

2600 West Taylorsville Blvd 801 -963-5400 2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400

August 2017

Emergency

ǁǁǁ͘ƚĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞƵƚ͘ŐŽǀ

Emergency 911 Uniﬁed Police Department Dispatch 801Ͳ743Ͳ7000 (Non-Emergencies) 801Ͳ743Ͳ7200 Fire Department 1Ͳ800Ͳ222Ͳ1222 Poison Control Center ϴϬϭ ŶŝŵĂů ŽŶƚƌŽů ^ŚĞůƚĞƌ Ͳϵϲϱ ͲϱϴϬϬ ŶŝŵĂů ŽŶƚƌŽů ŌĞƌ ,ŽƵƌƐ ŝƐƉĂƚĐŚ ϴϬϭ ͲϴϰϬ ͲϰϬϬϬ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ /ŶƐƉĞĐƟŽŶ ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϵϱϱ Ͳ ϮϬϯϬ of Commerce) ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϵϳϳ Ͳ ϴϳϱϱ ŚĂŵďĞƌ tĞƐƚ (Chamber ϯϴϱ Ͳ ϰϲϴ Ͳ ϵϳϲϴ 'ĂŶŐ dŝƉ >ŝŶĞ 'ĂƌďĂŐĞͬZĞĐǇĐůĞͬ'ƌĞĞŶtĂƐƚĞ WŝĐŬ ͲƵƉ ϯϴϱ Ͳ ϰϲϴ Ͳ ϲϯϮϱ (Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Frequently Called Numbers

'ƌĂŶŝƚĞ ^ĐŚŽŽů ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ,ŝŐŚǁĂǇ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ;from cell phone) WĂƌŬ ZĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶƐ (Salt Lake County) WƵďůŝĐ tŽƌŬƐ YƵĞƐƚĂƌ ZŽĐŬǇ DŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ WŽǁĞƌ ^Ăůƚ >ĂŬĞ ŽƵŶƚǇ ZĞĐǇĐůŝŶŐͬ>ĂŶĚĮůů dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ Ͳ ĞŶŶŝŽŶ /ŵƉ͘ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ &ŽŽĚ WĂŶƚƌǇ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ ĞŶƚĞƌ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ EĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚ ŽŵƉůŝĂŶĐĞ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ :ƵƐƟĐĞ ŽƵƌƚ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ >ŝďƌĂƌǇ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ ZĞĐƌĞĂƟŽŶ ĞŶƚĞƌ ^ǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ WŽŽů ;DĞŵŽƌŝĂů ĂǇ ƚŽ >ĂďŽƌ ĂǇͿ dĂǇůŽƌƐǀŝůůĞ Ͳ ĞŶŶŝŽŶ ,ĞƌŝƚĂŐĞ ĞŶƚĞƌ h Kd ZĞŐŝŽŶ Ϯ hƚĂŚ dƌĂŶƐŝƚ ƵƚŚŽƌŝƚǇ ;hd Ϳ

ϯϴϱ Ͳϲϰϲ ͲϱϬϬϬ ϯϴϱ Ͳ ϰϲϴ Ͳ ϰϭϬϬ

ϱϭϭ ϯϴϱ Ͳϰϲϴ ͲϳϮϳϱ ϯϴϱ Ͳϰϲϴ ͲϲϭϬϭ ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϯϮϰ Ͳ ϱϬϬϬ ϴϴϴ ͲϮϮϭ ͲϳϬϳϬ ϴϬϭ Ͳϵϳϰ ͲϲϵϮϬ ϴϬϭ Ͳϵϲϴ ͲϵϬϴϭ ϴϬϭ Ͳϴϭϱ ͲϬϬϬϯ ϴϬϭ Ͳ Ϯϵϯ Ͳ ϴϯϰϬ ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϵϱϱ Ͳ ϮϬϭϯ ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϵϲϯ Ͳ ϬϮϲϴ ϴϬϭ Ͳ ϵϰϯ Ͳϰϲϯϲ ϯϴϱ Ͳϰϲϴ ͲϭϳϯϮ ϴϬϭ Ͳϵϲϳ ͲϱϬϬϲ ϴϬϭ ͲϮϴϭ ͲϬϲϯϭ ϴϬϭ Ͳϵϳϱ ͲϰϵϬϬ ϴϬϭ Ͳϳϰϯ ͲϯϴϴϮ

M AYO R ’S M E S S AG E I am extremely excited about our continued economic growth, here are some updates: • Summit Vista hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on June 21st; we are looking forward to the Phase I Grand Opening in August 2018. • Standard Plumbing Supply and True Value Hardware are opening at 3915 W. 4700 S. (the old RC Willey location) along with a Starbucks that is now Mayor open and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen that will open in early November. Larry Johnson • Fresenius Medical Kidney Care is building a new facility located at 5320 S. 2700 W. that is scheduled to open soon. • TJ Maxx is opening soon at 5670 S. Redwood Rd. (The Crossroads of Taylorsville) • CRS Engineers has opened an ofﬁce in Taylorsville located at 4246 S. Riverboat Rd, Ste 200. They are joining many other quality engineering ﬁrms located at Sorenson Research Park. • Deseret First Credit Union is relocating from 4645 S. 2700 W. to the southwest corner of 4700 S. and 3200 W. • Sports Clips is now open at 1740 W. 5400 S. (Legacy Plaza at 54th) • A & W Restaurant is now open in a remodeled building previously home to the Taco Time located at 4631 S. Redwood Road It is a pleasure to serve all of you as Mayor of this great city. Thank you for your support.

–Mayor Johnson

Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Updates:

• The architect has been selected with a full announcement coming soon. • Projected groundbreaking & construction to begin Summer 2018. • Projected completion in Spring 2020.

M AYO R ’S C H O I C E

RESTAURANT

BUSINESS

A&W

Sports Clips

4631 South Redwood Road • Taylorsville, Utah 84123

1740 W. 5400 S. • Taylorsville, Utah 84129

Phone: 801-262-2153 • www.awrestaurants.com

Phone: 801-904-3652 • www.haircutmentaylorsvilleut.com

Favorite Menu Item – Original Bacon Cheeseburger

MVP Haircut Experience – Presicion Haircut, Massaging Shampoo, Legendary Hot Steamed Towel, Invigorating Scalp Treatment Mon. – Fri. 9 AM – 8 PM | Sat. 9 AM – 7 PM | Sun. 10 AM – 5 PM

Favorite Dessert – Root beer Float Open daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

PAGE 2

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

CITY OF TAYLORSVILLE 2017 PRIMARY ELECTION INFORMATION Taylorsville Mayoral Candidates

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY August 15, 2017

Harry Lloyd Hansen 801-574-4775 harryhansentaylorsville@gmail.com

Registered voters have now been mailed their ballots for Taylorsville’s Municipal Primary Election. Completed ballots may be returned by mail in the postage-paid envelope provided. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day (August 14th).

Kristie Steadman Overson 801-244-2462 koverson@comcast.net

Those who prefer to vote in person on machines may still do so during the Early Voting period prior to the election or on Election Day at any Salt Lake County Vote Center.

Larry Johnson 801-879-4843 teebox72@yahoo.com For information on Taylorsville candidates, please see the public contact information above and contact candidates directly. Voters may also view candidate profiles on the State Voter Information website at: www.VOTE.UTAH.GOV BALLOT DROP-OFF OPTIONS Salt Lake County has provided a number of Secure Ballot drop-off locations where sealed ballots may be deposited 24/7 until 8:00 pm on Election Night. A list of ballot box locations can be found at: www.slco.org/clerk/elections. Sealed ballots may also be dropped off at the Salt Lake County Elections Division (2001 S. State) or at any Salt Lake County Vote Center (including Taylorsville City Hall) on Election Day during voting hours: 7:00 am - 8:00 pm. For more information regarding elections, contact: Salt Lake County Clerk (Elections) www.GOT-VOTE.org 385-468-8683 or Cheryl Peacock Cottle Taylorsville City Recorder 801-955-2006 ccottle@taylorsvilleut.gov

EARLY VOTING - TAYLORSVILLE CITY HALL 1st Floor of Taylorsville City Hall in Room 110 Wed,Thurs,Fri, August 2 - 4 (11 am – 7 pm) Wed,Thurs, August 9 -10 (11 am – 7 pm) Friday, August 11 (11 am - 5 pm) & Monday, August 14 (10 am – 5 pm) For other Early Voting locations/hours, visit: www.slco.org/clerk/elections ELECTION DAY IN-PERSON VOTING Vote Centers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (August 15th). Taylorsville City Hall, the Taylorsville Senior Center, and the Bennion LDS Church (6250 S 2200 W) will be Election Day Vote Centers in Taylorsville. NOTE: Taylorsville Voters may vote at any Vote Center in Salt Lake County on Election Day and receive their appropriate Taylorsville Ballot. For other Vote Center Locations, call Salt Lake County Elections at 385-468-8683 or visit www.slco.org/clerk/elections . Voters may also vote in person at the Salt Lake County Clerk’s Office County Government Center 2001 South State Street South Building, First Floor From July 17 – August 14, 2017 (weekdays only) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Valid Voter ID is required to vote in person.

August 2017

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

COUNCIL CORNER In Utah, we have a few different options for city governments. When Taylorsville became a City in 1996, the citizens voted for the separation of powers government. It mirrors our federal government in many ways. Thus, the City Council and the Mayor have different responsibilities. In practical terms, the City Council makes the laws, implements tax increases or tax decreases, passes a budget, and establishes other priorities for the City by budgeting funds for those priorities/programs. In the most recent budget (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018) the City Council passed a ﬂat budget (no tax increase) that included increased spending: by adding an ofﬁcer beginning in January 2018, allocating funds for overtime for police, increased spending in

Separation of Powers code enforcement, and additional funds on beautiﬁcation walls. Since the beginning of the Great Recession, the City Council has prioritized economic development and this has paid dividends to our residents in increased sales tax receipts that the City uses to increase spending on road maintenance, storm drain systems, police protection, park projects, and many others. The focus on economic development has created an increase in sales tax revenues that enables the City Council to increase spending in needed areas without increasing property taxes. The City Council has continued to fund our Economic Development Department and will continue to do so. We look forward to even greater progress as we move forward!

PAGE 3

NEW BUSINESSES Welcome to Taylorsville! A & W Taylorsville

4631 S. Redwood Rd • Restaurant

CRS Consulting

4246 S. Riverboat Road #200 • Engineering Consulting

Happy Camper Deli

4866 Pinewood Drive • Food Truck - Deli

JB Photography LLC

4134 S. 1785 West • Pet and Individual Photography

Sport Clips

1740 W. 5400 South • Barber Shop Council Chairman Brad Christopherson – District #3 bchristopherson@taylorsvilleut.gov

Council Member Council Member Dama Barbour – District #4 Ernest Burgess – District #1 dbarbour@taylorsvilleut.gov eburgess@taylorsvilleut.gov

Council Member Council Vice-Chair Kristie Overson – District #2 Dan Armstrong – District #5 koverson@taylorsvilleut.gov darmstrong@taylorsvilleut.gov

Starbucks

3945 W. 4700 South • Restaurant

PAGE 4

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

August 2017

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard â&#x20AC;¢ 801-963-5400 |

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE TAYLORSVILLE DAYZZ COMMITTEE!

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE, AND GET INVOLVED? DO YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR TIME AND TALENTS TO BUILD OUR COMMUNITY? The Taylorsville Leisure Activities, Recreation & Parks (L.A.R.P) Committee is seeking new members at this time. We are looking for volunteers to meet monthly and participate in our planned activities that include: • Beautification awards for the best-kept yards/landscaping, Hallowee & Holiday Outdoor Décor • The Remember Me Rose Garden • A Fall Festival that we are planning for October 14, 2017, at Taylorsville Park The activities we are planning for our Fall Festival include a Halloween Costume Parade for children, adults, and dogs. In addition to music, a movie in the park (Halloween Theme), share the harvest, and a pumpkin carving contest.

Residents interested in serving on the Taylorsville Leisure Activities, Recreation & Parks (L.A.R.P) Committee are invited to submit a volunteer application located on the City of Taylorsville website at www.taylorsvilleut.gov or call the City Offices for additional information at (801) 963-5400

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

August 2017

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

LEISURE, ACTIVITIES, RECREATION, & PARKS (L.A.R.P.) COMMITTEE PRESENTS

FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL TAYLORSVILLE PARK

4751 South Plymouth View Drive (1625 West) Taylorsville, Utah

Halloween Costume Parade + Bounce Houses + Polynesian Dancers + DJ- Music + Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest + Face & Hair Painting + Fall Food Vendors + Pumpkin Carving Contest (Carving & Lighting On-Site) + Share the Harvest & More!!

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

Hosted by Taylorsville Public Safety Committee

NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME Meet your Public Safety Experts, UPD Motorcycles, UFA Fire Trucks, National Guard Climbing Wall, Emergency Preparedness Trailer, Scouting Merit Badge Opportunties, K-9 Demonstration & More!

August 2017

Hot Dog Days of Summer David Moss, Animal Services Director

Taylorsville – I know that everyone knows this, but it is summertime. And every year when it gets hot during summer pets die when their owners – by mistake or on purpose – leave them in a parked car. When we respond to these types of calls we often hear, “I was only gone for a minute just to run a quick errand.” This type of mentally can be deadly. Cars parked in the heat of summer are, quite frankly, deathtraps. On an 85 degree day it only takes a few minutes for the temperature to soar above 100 degrees and can reach 120 to 150 degrees shortly after that. Animals can sustain brain damage and die easily during this time. Pets have a higher body temperature than we do already. It is even harder for dogs as they don’t sweat like we do and cool themselves by panting. If you see a pet left alone in a hot car, gather the information needed for officers to find the animal – address; car color, model, make, and license plate number; and location at the address where it is parked – then call Animal Control. If someone else is available to page for the owner in the nearby businesses have them do that. Once help is on the way monitor the animal and help the officers find you. Watch for symptoms of distress: lethargy, vomiting, lack of coordination, heavy panting, etc. Another source of heat danger is when walking your pet. When the temperature is 85 degrees the asphalt can be over 130 degrees. At these temperatures the paws of your pet can burn and blister. Hot sidewalks and pavement also reflect heat and can quickly cause your pet to be in heat distress when exercising outside. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening and carry water for your pet to drink during frequent breaks. If you wouldn’t put your pet in an oven or a frypan you shouldn’t leave them in a hot car or walk them on hot pavement. Please be a responsible pet owner and be vigilant in caring for your pet during these hot summer months.

2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 |

PAGE 9

NOW HIRING: Part-Time Crossing Guards inTaylorsville

The Unified Police Department is now hiring several part-time Crossing Guards in the City of Taylorsville. These dedicated men and women brave the various extreme weather conditions to ensure the safety of the children as they cross hazardous roadways going to and from school. The Unified Police Department appreciates these hard-working crossing guards, and we are committed to keeping our children safe. To apply in person, please visit your closest UPD Precinct or applications are available on-line along with information on how to submit the application: http://updsl.org/page_employment_crossingGuard.php

WELCOME TO TAYLORSVILLE, SPORTS CLIPS!

City Officials, ChamberWest, and Community Members participated in a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Sports Clips Haircuts of Taylorsville! They are the newest tenant to open at Legacy Plaza at 54th, located at 1740 West 5400 South. The Sports Clip experience redefines men's haircuts. Visit their website at www.haircutmentaylorsvilleut.com or contact them at (801) 904-3642

PAGE 10

| www.taylorsvilleut.gov

City of Taylorsville Newsletter

The following are minutes taken by LaRue Jones who was secretary of the Taylorsville Ward MIA in 1937. In 1937, the population of Taylorsville Ward was 757 folks. Most of the youth were enrolled in the Mutual Improvement Association. Madge Robison was the President of the Young Women, and Clyde Barker was the President of the Young Men. At the beginning of the Mutual year, the Ward House was being remodeled. Each organization furnished and fixed up one room the way they wanted it. The MIA fixed up the ladies restroom and the Gleaners, the Men’s restroom. Several new classrooms were added to the building. The amusement hall (on 4800 South) was modernized by making it sound proof. During the summer months of 1937, the MIA had some very fine socials and outings. On July 12, the group spent an evening at LaGoon. On Aug. 10, an outing took place at the amphitheater in Mill Creek Canyon. This affair was held in respect to the older folks of the ward. They were served a very fine dinner, and an excellent program was presented. Another fun event was the Ward Drama performance in December. The play was entitled “Where’s Grandma”?, under the direction of LaVern Jones and Ivalu Tomander. Also that year, a Harvest Ball & M Men Halloween costume ball was held in October. In November, there was a Stake Merrygo-Round traveling act that went from ward house to ward house, presenting their acts. Our ward’s act was called “The FanO-Time.” A large fan was made to represent each month of the year. Outstanding dramatizations were brought out in each month. At the end, the whole cast came out and sang “Auld Lane Syne” for the coming of the new year of 1938. Bringing in the new year was the Ward Gold & Green Ball and Valentine Dance, featuring the Steadman Orchestra.

WELCOME TO TAYLORSVILLE, PHO' LITTLE SAIGON!

Page 18 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

Carpe Di End

New Salt Lake County community outreach official gets an earful about problems at Vista Park in Taylorsville By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

Gain peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of your way.

Taylorsville Councilwoman Kristie Overson (right) and community council members meet with Salt Lake County’s new community outreach manager (center). (Carl Fauver)

Helping Families Heal for Over 130 years

4 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE WASATCH FRONT 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

Call For Your

FREE

Personal Wishes Organizer

801-363-5781

LarkinMortuary.com

ew Salt Lake County employee Tiffany Clawson, the county’s community engagement and outreach manager, recently got an earful at a Taylorsville City office meeting. “The (Salt Lake County) Mayor (Ben McAdams) wants to create a new way for residents to raise any concerns they may have,” Clason said. “As outreach manager they’ve asked me to host a series of meetings to learn what people are thinking and what the county might be able to do to assist with any issues.” Those meetings are now underway—one or two each month, Clason said—throughout the 19 cities and metro townships in Salt Lake County. The first was in Magna, and the second one was at the Taylorsville City offices. However, only four city residents turned out, including Councilwoman Kristie Overson, who wasn’t thrilled with the scheduling. “If the county really wants to hear what people are thinking, 1:00 on a Tuesday afternoon in the summer is probably not the best time,” she said. In fact, the only reason any members of the general public turned out is that Overson specifically asked members of her neighborhood community council to be there. From Taylorsville Community Council 2A, Chairman Larry Hiller, Vice Chair Lloyd Hegland and his wife, Council Secretary Barbara Hegland, took Overson up on the offer. And they only had one concern on their minds: the maintenance and upkeep of Vista Park (2000 West 5000 South). The massive park features baseball and softball diamonds, along with brand-new playground equipment, a walking path, pavilion and other amenities. Council Chairman Hiller reported that the new playground equipment installed this past spring cost $250,000. Crews are also busy this summer installing several park benches around the playground and along the adjacent footpath. But the council members told Clason the park’s problems are more associated with the ballparks. “Ball diamond lights are sometimes left on too late, there isn’t adequate parking, the sound systems are often too loud and litter

is a constant problem,” Lloyd Hegland said. “Then when crews come to mow, they don’t pick up the garbage, so one plastic bottle gets cut into 20 pieces and spread all over the grass.” To illustrate the problems, community council members led Clason on a tour of the park following their meeting. “I grew up in Louisiana, where we didn’t have nearly the nice amenities we have here,” Clason told the council members. “We just didn’t have the kinds of parks, libraries and fitness centers as (the Salt Lake Valley) has. I know the mayor (McAdams) and the County Parks and Recreation Department want to do everything they can to keep them nice.” The council members suggested county officials do more to compel the baseball and softball leagues to require their participants to better clean up their trash. “It would also help if we knew the county’s lawn mowing schedule,” Lloyd said. “Then we could get over there the night before to help pick up garbage, before it is cut into thousands of pieces.” The shortage of parking spaces is most acute near the fourdiamond softball complex, at the northeast corner of the park. Officials at the adjacent LDS church have been very liberal about allowing people to use their parking lot. “But even with that, we still get cars parked all up and down our nearby streets,” Lloyd said. “Sometimes they block driveways. It’s particularly bad when the ball diamonds host tournaments with multiple teams, some from out of state.” After viewing the Vista Park issues firsthand, Clason promised council members she would raise their concerns with county officials. The new community engagement and outreach manager also told Overson she will try to better publicize future meetings. “We’re still playing around with the times too,” Clason added. “Our first meeting, in Magna, drew only two community members. That one was in the morning. Now this meeting also drew only a few people. So we’ll probably look at more evening meetings, along with additional ways to publicize them.” l

August 2017 | Page 19

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

Bruins cap successful season as national runners-up By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

he Bruins topped off a fantastic season by capturing second place at the National Junior College Athletic Association championships. “I am very proud of my Bruins,” head coach Cyndee Bennett said after the team’s season finale. “They gave me everything they had, and I could not have asked for any more.” The Bruins garnered victories in their first three games of the tournament. In game one, they defeated Georgia Military College 11-3, behind five innings from Bruins pitcher Addie Jensen. She allowed only three hits and had six strikeouts. In game two, Jensen rolled again, allowing only two runs in eight innings in a 5-2 extra-innings victory over San Jacinto South. The Bruins had home runs from Madison Sisco, Ashlee Snyder and Copper Hills graduate Ashlee Anderson. The Bruins’ third straight victory came over Lake Land College 6-1. Jensen came in relief for the final three innings and had two more strikeouts. The first loss of the tournament came in the semifinals to Butler College 9-3. The Bruins rebounded in the one-loss division to defeat Florida Southwestern 3-1. That forced a finals rematch with Butler, the defending national champion. The championship game began with the Bruins spotting Butler a three-run lead. Butler had four hits in the first inning and left three runners on base. Despite falling behind early the Bruins battled back into the game. After Lauren Tycksen flied out to begin the game, Kaylee Bott doubled; Sisco singled her home before Laina SueSue singled home Snyder and Alex Valencia. The Bruins had captured a 3-2 lead. The Bruins’ lead did not stick around for long. Butler scored

The Bruins finished the season as the Region 18 women’s softball champions. They defeated College of Southern Idaho to win the region title. (Wade Tycksen/SLCC softball)

three runs in the top of the second to regain the advantage and never looked back. They defeated the Bruins 11-7. Four Bruins were named to the All-Tournament Team: Chantelle Ladner, SueSue, Tycksen and Valencia. The Bruins entered the national tournament as the Region 18 champion. They defeated the College of Southern Idaho 2-1 in the region championship game May 12, scoring the winning run when Rian Rawlings touched home on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. SueSue was named region tournament most valuable player. She connected on a game-winning home run against Colorado Northwestern in the opening game. Snyder, Jensen and Sisco were named to the All-Tournament Team.

FREE Trial Lesson!

– Prepare for summer now with swim lessons in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville and Sandy – • Small Classes 4:1 • Ages 18 Months to Adult Lessons offered Monday-Saturday • Unique Learn to Swim Curriculum Register online or call for a free trial lesson today!

844-KID-SWIM www.SafeSplash.com Sugarhouse 1121 Ashton Avenue Salt Lake City, UT 84106 (inside 24 Hour Fitness®)

Sandy 10365 South 1300 East Sandy, UT 84094 (inside 24 Hour Fitness®)

• Experienced Instructors • Indoor/Year-Round Lessons

Taylorsville 5766 South 1900 West Taylorsville, UT 84129 (inside 24 Hour Fitness®)

The Bruins finished with 51 wins and had win streaks of 21 and 16 games. They had a .399 team batting average, led by Snyder at .507 and Sisco at .503. They combined to hit 39 home runs (18 from Snyder and 21 from Sisco). The team belted 79 home runs this season. Jensen notched a 27-4 record pitching for the Bruins and had 162 strikeouts. Chantelle Ladner, from Sydney, Australia, led the team with a 2.56 earned run average. Freshman Bryce Taylor, from Herriman, appeared in 20 games. The First Team NJCAA All-American team included four Bruins; Tycksen, Sisco, Valencia and Jensen. l

Page 20 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

Taylorsville Food Pantry donations fall in summer, but hunger doesn’t

“To Strengthen and Promote the Shared Interests of the Business Community”

By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

Representing Businesses in West Valley City, Taylorsville, Kearns and Millcreek Contact Information: Barbara S. Riddle, CMP

To invest in your organization and community, invest in ChamberWest!

801-977-8755 barbara@chamberwest.org

Vision and Core Principles • Advocacy • Representation • Relationships

• Involvement • Value • Exposure

UPCOMING EVENTS PiNG (Professionals Networking Group) Meets weekly on Wednesdays Aug. 3 – Legislative Affairs Aug. 8 – Women In Business Luncheon Aug. 11 – New Member Orientation Aug. 23 – ChamberWest Presents Luncheon

Women in Business Luncheon with Aimee Winder Newton

ChamberWest Welcomes: • • • • •

Intermountain Medical Center Upstream Investment Partners ILoveKickBoxing.com Distillery 36 Landmark Hospital

Renewing Members • • • • • • • • • • • •

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Ottobock Healthcare Resource Logistics Utah Barricade Company Utah Transit Authority Utah Trucking Association Firestone Building Products Co. Home2 Suites by Hilton Utah Media Group City Journals Stonebridge Golf Club The Ridge Golf Club

For more information or to register for an event, call 801-977-8755 or visit www.ChamberWest.com

Ribbon Cutting at Fresenius Kidney Care 4101 Pioneer Parkway, West Valley City

Groundbreaking Event at Summit Vista 6183 S. Prairie View Drive, Taylorsville

Thank You to our Community Investment Members

Taylorsville Food Pantry volunteer Sue Lane says cash and food donations are always welcome. (Carl Fauver)

olunteers at the Taylorsville Food Pantry say they are always busy during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. And there’s normally plenty of food to hand out at that time. But often in the heat of summer—when our attention turns to swimming, baseball games and camping—things can slow down at the pantry (4775 South Plymouth View Drive, near 1600 West). “People get busy this time of year and sometimes forget about us,” volunteer Sue Lane said. “But those who need it are hungry year-round—so we can always use donations.” Lane has been a fixture at the pantry for four years. A few months after arriving, she talked her daughter, Tiffany Diaz, into assisting as well. She is the pantry’s primary record keeper. “There are several food pantries throughout the (Salt Lake) Valley, and we really only have the budget and donations to serve Taylorsville residents,” Diaz said. “Part of my job is to make sure everyone we serve is eligible.” The Taylorsville Food Pantry requires those in need to complete an application before receiving service. They must present legal identification, proof they reside in the city (such as a recent utility bill mailed to a Taylorsville address) and information showing they are income eligible for the service. An individual must show an income level of $1,459 per month, or less, to receive food pantry donations. A family of eight can have a monthly household income of just over $5,000 and still be eligible. “If anyone comes here who is not eligible for our service, we always assist them in finding the proper location to get the help they need,” Diaz added. “We serve about 12,00 people every month,” Lane said. The biggest variety of food is handed out on Saturdays at the Taylorsville Food Pantry, after area grocery stores make perishable donations. Fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and milk are more plentiful on the weekend. Another volunteer, Andraea Jones, provides her service to the food pantry through the Americorps volunteer program. “This is a very rewarding place to help out,” Jones

said. “I remember one time a little girl stopped in on her birthday with her family, hoping we might have a birthday cake. Luckily, a grocery store had donated a cake the day before. That girl left with the biggest smile on her face. That was a great moment.” The Taylorsville Food Pantry functions primarily off Community Development Block Grant funding. However, this year, it also received an added bonus when the new Regal Theater donated ticket sales revenue just a few days before its official grand opening in March. “We received about $11,000 from the theater,” Lane said. “Among other things, it will help us purchase food items for people we don’t normally have, such as Ensure (a nutritional supplement drink).” Taylorsville City provides the pantry with the building, electricity and Wi-Fi service. Taylorsville Boy Scout Joseph Riggs also assisted the pantry last year, in a different way. For his Eagle Scout project, he installed new shelves at the pantry. “My mom helped me find the project when she learned the previous food pantry shelves were collapsing,” Riggs said. “I worked out a discounted price with Lowe’s to purchase the materials, and we created about double the shelf space they had before. I’m very proud of it.” Lane says other Scouts and various organizations have also completed service projects at the pantry. “It’s very rewarding to see the groups help out,” Lane said. “And it’s also rewarding to see those in need get help. Some people are embarrassed to come in, so we do everything we can to help them feel more comfortable. It’s nice to see them leave feeling positive.” The Taylorsville Food Pantry is open Monday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday evenings from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. The types of food donations most in demand now include canned pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned fruit, jelly and canned pastas such as SpaghettiOs and ravioli. Glass jars should be avoided. “I know we’ll be busy again this fall,” Lane said. “But it will be helpful when people remember hunger is a problem throughout the year.” l

August 2017 | Page 21

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

Taylorsville baseball ends state tournament streak

Taylorsville is a softball mecca

By Greg James | gregj@mycityjournals.com

he baseball team at Taylorsville High School has had many years of successful seasons. This year, it just missed the playoffs, its star player has signed at Kentucky and its head coach moved to a new positon in the school district The Warriors have captured 10 state championships and had made the state tournament for seven straight seasons, but that streak ended this season. For the first time since 2010, the

Senior Crosby Bringhurst led the Warriors to four wins this season. He has signed to continue his baseball career at The University of Kentucky after graduation. (Tim Peck/Tim Peck Photography 2017)

Warriors did not play postseason baseball. “We could have played a lot better than we did,” junior Griffin Winward said. “I don’t think we played to our potential, and that was disappointing.” A disappointing season for the Warriors, defined by its players, means not making the state tournament. Their final regular season record was 5-13 and included a sweep against Brighton and single victories over Bingham and Copper Hills. Senior Kasey Gaal led the team in hits and

doubles. The Warriors had a .290 team batting average, and four of the team’s 13 losses were by two runs or less. In a victory over the eventual Region 3 champion Bingham, they avenged a terrible series opening loss. The Miners were cruising through the regular season and had buzz sawed the Warriors one day prior 20-0, but Taylorsville rallied behind the heavily recruited right arm of Crosby Bringhurst. They made game two of the series a different story. The Warriors beat the Miners 5-4. In the game, Bringhurst only allowed seven hits and two earned runs over 6 ⅓ innings. He had pitched a gem. Even though the Miners attempted a last-inning rally, junior Caleb Schulte held them off to capture a save and preserve the victory. Schulte also had a double and two runs batted in. Bringhurst is ranked as the 28th top baseball recruit in the state of Utah by MaxPreps. He throws a fastball clocked at over 90 mph, and before his senior season began, he signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at the University of Kentucky. He had received offers from The University of Utah, Arizona and Arizona State before choosing Kentucky. He told the City Journals that his choice boiled down to a desire to play the best competition in the Southeastern Conference. “I loved pitching with Crosby,” Winward said. “He taught me how to be a better pitcher. We all learned what hard work can do and how it pays off in the future. Most of the team has played on teams with him since little league. He has shown us how we need to act and how to respect the game,” Winward said. Bringhurst will not be the only person leaving the program. Seven-year head coach Jake Brown has accepted a position in Granite School District administration. In six straight state tournament appearances the Warriors are 13-12 in the postseason. Their best tournament run during this stretch came in 2012 when they lost to American Fork in the championship game. Their last state title was in 2002, and they won three straight titles from 1992 to 1994. l

he girls in Taylorsville have many opportunities to play fast pitch softball, whether they feel ultra competitive or just want to learn the game. “Our numbers are up this season,” Taylorsville girls fast pitch league president Natalie Mowbray said. “Our All-Star teams have been doing great. I am sure there is room to improve, though. We have so many amazing girls, and I am glad they are representing our community well.” For girls in and around Taylorsville there are more than one option to play girls softball. The Taylorsville Girls Fast Pitch softball league or Taylorsville Recreation Center both offer leagues and there are several accelerated teams from the area. The girls fast pitch organization had 240 girls participate in its spring season. The players are divided into five age groups. The youngest group consists of girls under 8 years old. The oldest age division is for girls 18 and under. The skill level varies, but most girls have some experience. The recreation center offers the same age groups for its participants but is designed for players that are just beginning. Accelerated teams are for more advanced players and usually require a tryout. They can also be more expensive and involve travel to tournaments all around the Western United States. “Our league gives an opportunity for girls in sports,” Mowbray said. “There are not many sports or league designed specifically for girls. In baseball, a girl is an outsider. The game is made for the boys. As these girls get older, there are more chances for these girls to succeed in high school and college softball. Mowbray said softball and baseball are similar sports. They both have pros and cons, but softball offers girls opportunities for college scholarships. She suggested girls try them both and see which sport fits them the best. “Our teams have also become sorority for these girls,” Mowbray said. “They make friendships and develop a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime for many of the players. That can be irreplaceable in a girl’s life.” The All-Star teams for the spring-based fastpitch organization are scheduled to play in their state tournaments Aug. 10–12 in Orem. They will face teams from West Valley, Oquirrh Mountain (South Valley area), Grantsville and other leagues from around the state.

The Earthquakes gather around their coach for some last-minute instructions as they come to bat. (Greg James/City Journals)

Accelerated teams may qualify through the United States Specialty Sports Association for its national tournaments in Orlando, Florida, but first must advance through regional tournaments held in Chino Hills, California. The Utah USSSA governs the accelerated teams. It has rules for rosters and age divisions. These accelerated teams have more flexibility and are constantly looking for more skilled players. Many college coaches scour accelerated team rosters looking for the best available players. “I had a college coach come and pull my daughter right off the bench one tournament game,” said Derrick Jensen, an accelerated coach. “He wanted to talk to her and see what her personality was like. My daughter (Brooklyn) played baseball and now softball, and we think this sport could really help her go on to college.” For more information about Taylorsville girls fastpitch softball, visit its Facebook page or send an email to taylorsvillefastpitch@gmail.com l

Model NOW OPEN! Starting in the $290’s

• MAIN FLOOR LIVING • CLUBHOUSE • CONVENIENT LOCATION Lindsey Christensen | Realtor | Cell: (801)-836-3669

3150 South 7200 West, West Valley

Page 22 | August 2017

Taylorsville CityJournal

New Taylorsville Library branch manager keeping young readers busy this summer By Carl Fauver | carlf@mycityjournals.com

ess than a year ago, Eleanor Nave called Indiana home. But now the new Salt Lake County Library Taylorsville branch manager is headlong into the library system’s many summer activities and said they are proving to be a big hit. “I’ve been a librarian about 10 years, and in library management for five,” Nave said. “Last October, we moved here when my husband accepted a position with Western Governors University. Soon after arriving, I applied for a position with the library system, and here I am.” After three months as an assistant library manager at the Sandy branch, Nave took her current Taylorsville post in March—just in time to start coordinating its annual summer activities. “Lots of research has shown kids do much better in school if they keep practicing their reading over the summer,” Nave added. “The trick is to get them to want to read.” What better way to do that than with toothpicks, gumdrops and front-end loaders? The Taylorsville Library launched its summer reading program with a pair of events and has been keeping young readers busy ever since. “Our theme for this year’s summer reading program is ‘Build a Better World,’” Nave said. “We kicked things off with a ‘Built It’ party, complete with lots of heavy equipment provided by W.W. Clyde Construction. The kids got to look at the machinery and build their own crafts to take home.” That same week, youngsters visiting the Taylorsville Library also constructed towers made of gumdrops and toothpicks. University of Utah engineering students assisted and reminded the youngsters of the importance of reading and working hard in school. “The Salt Lake County Library system understands and supports

Have a 12oz coffee on us! limit 1 per customer with coupon

4879 South Redwood Rd Taylorsville, UT 84123 801-288-9898 www.hiddenpeakscoffee.com

University of Utah engineering students assist young tower builders at the Taylorsville Library. (Eleanor Nave)

the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education,” Nave said. “So it’s natural to emphasize that through our summer events.” The Taylorsville Library branch normally has about 3,000 summer reading program participants. Now—as those activities are beginning to wind down—library employees are turning their attention to the stars, or at least one of them. “We are hosting a solar eclipse viewing program on Aug. 21,” Nave said. “It’s for all ages, and we will provide protective eyewear.”

does your food budget... Buy One Get One 1/2 Off Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 8/31/17

sushi

mongolian

Over 200 Items! 801-969-6666 5668 South Redwood Road Taylorsville, UT 84123 Mon-Thur: 11am -9:30pm Fri & Sat: 11am - 10pm Sunday: 11am - 9pm

need help?

801-280-4099

7251 Plaza Center Drive (Next to Famous Dave's)

www.SpudToddos.com

All You Can Eat Buffet chinese

The so-called “Great American Eclipse” will last from about 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on that day. At its peak (11:33 a.m.) the moon will block 91 percent of the sun over Utah. People in a narrow band across Idaho and Wyoming will see a total eclipse. The Taylorsville location (4870 South 2700 West) is one of 18 branches operated by Salt Lake County Library Services. Its average circulation of items is just under 45,000 per month. “About 64 percent of our circulation is books,” Nave said. “That’s followed by DVDs (24 percent), CDs (5 percent) and books on CD (4 percent). The rest of our circulation includes various learning materials.” The county library system’s overall annual budget is just under $40 million. The Taylorsville branch budget is just over $1 million. “We have 19 employees, most of them part time,” Nave said. “That includes three librarians and two librarian assistants.” And a 2008 Indiana University graduate as manager. “My dad was originally from Logan, and I have aunts and uncles in the Salt Lake valley and Orem,” Nave added. “I had visited Utah several times before we moved here. It’s been a nice change, and I’m excited there was an opening in the county library system that turned out to be a good fit.” The list of summer education activities has also included a “Harry Potter” camp, free movies, scavenger hunts and craft construction activities. “We have about 14,000 visitors (at the Taylorsville library branch) each month,” Nave said. “We work hard to make it a fun learning experience—particularly for young people—so they will want to return. I love to serve a variety of people, including some who may never have used a computer before. The excitement you see when people learn something new is great.” l

Mention this ad and we will pay of your bill! (bills over $500)

$50

28 West 700 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84101

801.363.440 rickwarnerbodyshop.com

free senior

food box

Call Today: 801.887.1275

August 2017 | Page 23

T aylorsvilleJournal.com

Life

Laughter AND

PERI KINDER

Taylorsville

When I was 10 years old, my dream of living as an orphan was swiftly derailed when my parents refused to die. How else could I achieve the spunky, independent status that comes from living without parents who constantly insist on manners and bathing and church on Sundays? Being orphaned was the best option, but being motherless would work, too. My mom was aware of my wish for a motherless future and seemed to take it personally. She’d tell me to stop lying around the house like a depressed sloth because she had no intention of leaving me motherless. She assumed once I was permanently without maternal supervision I’d start drinking Coca-Cola and swear. I blame literature for my orphanic life goals. Most of the books I read featured young women who endured their motherless lives with flair. Jessie Alden, the 12-year-old heroine from “The Boxcar Children,” was one of my role models. After her parents’ death, Jessie lived with her siblings in an abandoned boxcar, keeping it tidy and preparing tasty meals by picking berries and gathering random kitchen scraps that she turned into

Parental Guidance Not Suggested

delicious stew. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t even boil an egg, I wanted to live with my sisters and brother in an abandoned train car. Still do. Pippi Longstocking had a big house in a Swedish village and a pet monkey named Mr. Nilsson. With her mother dead and her father lost at sea, Pippi’s outlandish behavior never got her grounded from the TV. In fact, she had a horse, a suitcase full of gold, and no one telling her to go to bed before midnight. Left at a boarding school, motherless Sara Crewe learns her father is missing in the war, and probably dead. She enters a life of servitude at the school and uses her imagination to stay upbeat by telling stories. I could tell stories for food. That’s basically what I do now. Scout Finch, the crusading heroine in “To Kill a Mockingbird” got along just fine without a mother. She wasn’t afraid to fight for what she knew was right. Scout inspired me to think about what justice really means, and to be outraged when justice isn’t served. And the queen of them all, Nancy Drew, shaped my entire life. With her wealthy father, Carson Drew, and her

PROFESSIONALS

Value

PLACE AN AD: Call

YARD SERVICES

HELP WANTED

Yard Clean Up

Shrubs, Tree Trimming and Removal, Sod,Flower Beds, Hauling, Mulching Senior Discounts

Call Jr. for free estimates:

385-775-1112

801-254-5974

Now Hiring for part time positions in our

Food Service Department

Pay starts at $11.26 per hour. Call 385-646-4321or go to www.graniteschools.org/foodservices/jobs

TREE SERVICES

YARD CARE

INTERMOUNTAIN TREE EXPERTS

MOUNTAIN SPRINGS LAWN CARE

Removals . Trimming . Pruning Licensed and Insured / 15 Yrs Experience

801-244-3542

Aeration, Mowing, Edging, Trimming and Dethatching

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Kim at 801-971-0192

ROOFING

HANDYMAN SERVICES

801-449-9875

CONSTRUCTION 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Lic No.7466520-5500

All types of roofs

$650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft.

ENERGY CORE basements . bathrooms . electricasl repair . painting cabinet installation . plumbing . sheetrock repair countertop reﬁnish and replace

– HOURLY RATE - 2 Hour Minimum –

Call Leo Coleman 801-471-6775

GARAGE DOORS

A PLUS GARAGE DOORS

Service Available 24/7 Certiﬁed Experts 100% Warrantied

801-260-2030

YARD SERVICES

Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Concrete Senior Discounts

Call Dan:

801-518-7365

Family History

Family Photos & Movies to DVD Customized Family Video Scrapbooks

Kolob Communication (801) 963-5874 kolobcommunication.com

CONCRETE WORK

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc.

Call Jr.:

385-775-1112

band of friends Ned, Bess and George, Nancy drove her fancy convertible through River Heights, her Midwestern hometown, that seemed to be bustling with international criminals. If her small town hosted so many depraved lawbreakers, certainly Murray, Utah, could have its share of brazen jewel thieves. Nancy was plucky and fearless as she investigated broken lockets, whispering statues and tolling bells. Her adventures left me breathless with jealousy because I knew her success could be directly attributed to her motherless stature. Then there’s Anne Shirley, Jane

TREE SERVICES

A CUT ABOVE TREE PRESERVATION

Expert Tree Trimming, Safe Tree Removal Call Today for a FREE Estimate

801-577-7375

Eyre and even Cinderella—all motherless success stories. However. Several years ago, I found myself without a mom. I was devastated. I discovered it wasn’t cool at all. It certainly didn’t allow me to live in a Swedish boxcar while telling stories, crusading for justice and solving mysteries. I finally realized that her influence is what taught me to be a kind, independent, free-thinking, literate, crusader for justice. Being motherless is not what it’s cracked up to be. But my mom was right about one thing, I did start drinking Coca-Cola and swearing. l

FENCING

Fence/Handyman “Get Your Project On” Fence & Handyman Service

Free Estimates

801-471-9688

utahtreepros.com

CONCRETE WORK

Affordable Concrete SERVICES

Concrete Splat Work, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Etc.

VEHICLES WANTED

Gumby’s Auto Parts We’ll buy your non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van.

(801) 506-6098

Call Dan: 801-518-7365 – SENIOR DISCOUNTS –

“It’s worth your time to call!”

FLAT ROOF SPECIALISTS

PURE WATER

OLYMPUS ROOFING

801.887.7663 SERVING WASATCH FRONT SINCE 1973

TREE SERVICE

TREE TIME FREE ESTIMATES

– Pruning, Trimming, Hedging – Tree and Stump Removal – Shaping and Shrubs

801-577-7740

Pure Water Solutions Free trial for your home or office today! Over 100 years experience. Hydrateyourofﬁce.com

801-673-5626 LANDSCAPING

All In One

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FULL YARD CLEAN-UP, TRIM AND PRUNE, TREES SERVICE, TRASH HAULING, TALL WEED MOWING, ETC. – licensed and insured –

DAVE at 801-455-6705