The stars are once again 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 fourth year, and it’s been a resounding success. Each Friday night at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., you can enjoy live music, grab a yummy bite at the food trucks and participate in other activities such as our free outdoor movie nights, Taylorsville Arts Council shows or the Public Safety Committee’s Night Out Against Crime.
This year’s Starry Nights @the Plaza series begins May 16 and runs through Sept. 26. At the plaza, we can gather, connect and celebrate all things Taylorsville with food, culture and fun. Look for the full Starry Nights lineup this next month on these Newsletter pages and on our website at www.taylorsvilleut.gov. The online listing will even include an interactive schedule with more about the speci c activity or band set for that night, including music samples that you can listen to before seeing them live on the plaza.
These bands that will be playing this year are truly impressive. In fact, our Call for Bands drew a whopping 58 entries that we had to pare down to the timeframe we’ve allotted for Starry Nights. So, we had a party as a selection committee and listened to all 58 before making our decisions. Some are bands that are returning; some are new bands that we think you’ll really enjoy. From rock to country to jazz, there’s something for everyone.
Of course, the Food Truck League food trucks will be there again, too, making it the perfect night out. Grab a delicious bite, bring your camp chair or blanket for the lawn, and enjoy an evening of free music.
Starry Nights @the Plaza has been gaining momentum every year, and it’s really fun to see. When we were rst thinking about the launch of this summer concert series four years ago, we were thinking about ways we could engage and further strengthen our community. Our beautiful Centennial Plaza in front of City Hall had just opened, as well.
So, we thought what better way to utilize this wonderful space than to plan a series also focused on community-gathering. With food, music and fun, it’s turned out better than I could have ever imagined. If you haven’t been before, be sure to check out one of our Starry Nights this summer, and if you’ve joined in the fun previously, we’ll see you again soon!
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – APRIL 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Annual Cleanup Day is Set for May 17, Incorporates Some Changes
The Taylorsville Green Committee is holding its Annual Cleanup Day this next month. However, this year, committee members are hoping residents will take their household hazardous waste and e-waste to Salt Lake County’s new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center instead of the cleanup event.
“In past years, most Taylorsville residents who take advantage of our Annual Cleanup Day would save up their household hazardous waste and electronics all year long and then dispose of them at the Cleanup Day event,” said City Council Member and Green Committee liaison Ernest Burgess. “But you don’t have to do that any longer.”
Salt Lake County’s new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is located at 8805 S. 700 West, and it accepts household hazardous waste and e-waste six days a week, all year long. It’s also free for Salt Lake County residents to use anytime during their business hours, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
At the Cleanup Day, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Taylorsville High, the Green Committee will still be accepting documents for shredding, bulk waste, green waste, glass and recycling — including boxes, paper, magazines and recyclable plastic, as well as prescription medicine and gently used household items and clothing.
However, it will no longer be accepting paint, fuels, pesticides, yard-care chemicals, cleaning supplies, batteries, cooking oil, automotive uids, aerosols, uorescent light bulbs, televisions/ monitors, computers and cell phones. These items should be dropped o at the new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
“Recently, I visited the facility with another Green Committee member, and we were very impressed at the cleanliness, ease and friendliness,” Burgess said. “We dropped o our items and were in and out of there in minutes at. Truly, it was a breeze.”
Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732
Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006
Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631
UDOT Region 2 801-975-4900
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882
EVENTS
APRIL 2025
April 2 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting @ City Hall. Watch a livestream of the meeting at www.taylorsvilleut.gov.
April 8 & 22 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
April 17 & 18 – 6:30 p.m.
Annie Auditions @ City Hall. Please come prepared with 16-32 bars of a song. Piano accompaniment and MP3 adapters will be available. Callbacks will be April 19 by invitation. The show runs July 14-19.
April 24 – 7 p.m.
Free Localscapes Class @ City Hall. Get some tips on landscaping your yard in ways to save water and money. Register for the class at www.taylorsvilleut.gov/services/localscapes
UPCOMING: May 16
Starry Nights Kicko @ Centennial Plaza. Enjoy live music and food from the food trucks every Friday night through Sept. 26.
UPCOMING: May 17 – 9 a.m.
Cleanup Day @ Taylorsville High School. The Green Committee will be collecting items in the northwest parking lot of the high school, 5400 S. Redwood Road (enter on 5400 South by the football eld).
Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov
April 4
World Dance Company presents Explorations
April 16-17
Lifehouse Performing Arts Company presents The Little Mermaid
UPCOMING EVENTS GET TICKETS AT SaltLakeCountyArts.org
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
April 17
American Academy of Innovation presents AAI Performing Arts Spring Showcase
April 19
April 18
Taylorsville Arts Council presents Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony
Shift Dance Company presents The Shift Show
April 24-26
Central Utah Ballet presents Midsummer Night’s Dream
April 29 Anchor Dance Studio Recital
RIDE, ROLL & STROLL
SATURDAY, MAY 3 @ 10 AM MILLRACE PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS 1150 W 5400 S, TAYLORSVILLE
Join friends from Taylorsville for a fun, kid-friendly ride, roll, and stroll along the Jordan River Parkway! The round trip is about a mile and a half, starting at the Millrace Park Pickleball Courts. Snacks will be provided, and all ages are welcome! WITH YOUR TAYLORSVILLE FRIENDS!
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Anna Barbieri
In 2024, Wasatch Front Waste & Recyling District picked up nearly 3,000 tons of recycling in the blue cans from residents in Taylorsville City. Cardboard and paper made up 1,800 tons; 415 tons were plastic, tin and aluminum cans.
By diverting waste from land lls, recycling waste reduces pollution, conserves natural resources and
RESOURCES SAVED
Taylorsville's Recycling Program Pays Big Dividends
lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The program also promotes sustainability by encouraging residents to reduce and reuse items while fostering a cleaner and greener city.
But we can do more! Of the total 3,000 tons of waste collected, 629 tons were considered contaminated or non-recyclable. Let's keep it clean; do NOT place any plastic bags, glass or electronic waste in your blue can. Through education and accessibility, Taylors-
13.4 Million Gallons of Water
Enough water to provide daily usage to 449 people for an entire year.
32,623
Mature Trees It
2,522
Metric Tons of Greenhouse Gases
Equivalent to the amount produced by 549 individual cars for an entire year.
CLEANUP DAY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
10,363 Megawatt- Hours of Electricity
Enough energy to supply 960 homes power for an entire year
24,965 Cubic feet of landfill space
Salt Lake Landfill Lifespan
Estimate: ~ 50+ Years Trans Jordan Landfill Lifespan Estimate ~ 8-10 Years
The facility also has a “store area” where residents can select from a variety of previously dropped-o solvents, cleaners, stains, sealers, paints, etc. at no charge. Also, of note, special arrangements need to be made if disposing of large quantities of business waste; call 1-385-468-4380.
With a similar goal as the yearly cleanup event, the center aims to keep chemicals and electronics out of the land ll to help the environment. Plus, it’s much better for the environment and health of a home to safely dispose of these items at any time rather than saving them up for the Cleanup Day, Burgess said.
Household hazardous waste can also still be taken to the Salt Lake County Land ll, located at 6030 W. California Avenue (1300 South). Salt Lake County household collection centers cannot accept radioactive materials or explosives (such as ammunition and reworks). Contact your local re department to dispose of such items.
At the Cleanup Day, the Taylorsville High football team is once again graciously donating their time to help gather items and make drop-o easier. The Taylorsville Police Department will also be on hand to accept unused prescription medications. Community partners Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District, Certi ed Shred and the Other Side Academy will be participating, as well. The accepted items should be dropped o to volunteers in the high school’s northwest parking lot.
“We greatly appreciate the e orts of all our friends and neighbors in Taylorsville to recycle and reduce waste,” Burgess said. “And, we’re very much looking forward to another successful event.”
ville’s commitment to recycling will ensure a healthier future for generations to come and reinforce the city’s dedication to responsible environmental stewardship and community well-being.
The accompanying numbers tell the story. By recycling, 32,623 mature trees and 13.4 million gallons of water are saved, greenhouse gases are lessened by 2,522 metric tons, electricity use declines by 10,363 megawatt hours and 24,965 less cubic feet of land ll space is used. Now, that’s savings. Please join us in this crucial recycling e ort and make our community, country and even world a better place!
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)
TVPD Responds to Domestic Violence Calls with Safety & De-escalation in Mind
Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.
Domestic violence-related calls are among the most dangerous situations o cers face. At TVPD, our o cers undergo regular training in de-escalation and negotiation tactics to resolve these incidents as safely as possible for everyone involved.
Some of those e orts have included the recent response by o cers to a call where a suspect had threatened the victim with a handgun. They located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident.
In another case, o cers responded to a domestic violence situation where the victim had been repeatedly assaulted. The suspect initially barricaded himself but ultimately surrendered without incident. O cers also responded to a suspect destroying property inside a residence. With an extensive criminal history, the suspect barricaded himself but o cers successfully negotiated his peaceful surrender.
If you or a loved one are in a domestic violence situation, please reach out. Taking the rst step can be di cult, but it is crucial. There are numerous resources available to help, including some listed below. While it may not be easy, seeking help is an important step toward safety. Please let us help; you are not alone.
You can get help online at the following organization and agency sites:
• Utah Domestic Violence Coalition
• Utah DCFS Domestic Violence Services
• University of Utah Domestic Violence Resources
• South Valley Services
• DomesticShelters.org
ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Det. Cameron who is TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. Det. Cameron has been a law enforcement professional for nearly 12 years. He started his career at the Utah Department of Corrections, where he spent two years gaining valuable experience before transitioning to the Sandy City Police Department.
Det. Cameron’s diverse background in law enforcement includes patrol duties, tra c investigations and general investigations. One of the highlights of his career was serving as a K-9 handler, where he worked alongside his dual-purpose dog, K-9 Chase.
Det. Cameron joined TVPD in June 2021 and is assigned to the Directed Enforcement Unit, where he investigates a range of property-related crimes such as retail theft, fraud, forgery, burglary and general theft cases. One notable case involved multiple burglaries in Taylorsville, including a burglary at the Holiday gas station. There, the suspect used a stolen front-end loader to crash through the front doors and steal an ATM machine. Det. Cameron identi ed the suspect while also linking him to several other business burglaries in West Jordan, Kearns and Millcreek.
A warrant was served at the suspect’s residence where he was found hiding behind a washer and dryer. The search of the residence yielded illegal narcotics and a key for the front-end loader used in the burglaries. Additionally, Det. Cameron obtained a confession regarding the ATM burglary and other burglaries throughout Salt Lake County.
When Det. Cameron is o duty, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his children’s sports teams and hunting and shing whenever he can. Det. Cameron’s extensive experience, combined with his strong community ties, makes him an invaluable asset to TVPD and the residents we serve.
Taylorsville High Student is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Natasha Barlow, a student at Taylorsville High School, is one in a million. Her outstanding academics have qualified her as a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, out of 1.3 million students entered into the program nationwide.
Beginning in 1955, the National Merit scholarship program recognizes academically talented students across the United States. The program is conducted by the not-for-profit National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Each year, high school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.
Natasha took the PSAT/NMSQT during the fall of her junior year to qualify for the NMSC program. Of the hundreds of thousands of students entered nationwide, she was one of 16,000 students selected to be a semi- nalist due to her high test score. She was then given scholarship application materials, explaining requirements to advance in the competition for National Merit Scholarships to be o ered this year.
Natasha's teachers said the honor is greatly deserved.
“Natasha Barlow is one of the most intelligent and creative students I have had the chance to work with during my career,” said Rob Eberly, Natasha’s AP Art History/Ceramics teacher at Taylorsville High. “She is so well rounded; she performs so well in both academic and artistic
settings. She is also very kind, taking time to help other students succeed.”
Sherri Horton, Natasha’s AP European History teacher, agreed. “Natasha Barlow is a self-driven student who excels at nearly everything she does,” she said. “She is the kind of student that all teachers dream of — organized, motivated, smart, kind and responsible.”
To qualify, Natasha had to write several essays and submit transcripts showing she had taken challenging courses throughout her high school years. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be chosen from the group of nalists based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. Scholarship recipients will be noti ed this month on their nal standing.
Mayor Kristie Overson and the City Council also plan to formally recognize Natasha for her incredible achievement at an upcoming council meeting at Taylorsville City Hall. “We are so proud of Natasha and all of her accomplishments at Taylorsville High,” said Mayor Overson. “There’s no doubt about it, the students in our community are top-notch.”
Natasha, pictured with Taylorsville High Principal Mark Ellermeier, will attend Utah State in the fall. She is this year's Math Sterling Scholar at Taylorsville High; she is an AP Ambassador and a peer mentor at the school, and she is uent in Spanish.
HEY RUNNERS (and all you fabulous walkers too!)
Get ready to lace up because registration is now OPEN for the 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K and Kids Run!
Race Day: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Join the fun and snag a snazzy t-shirt or tank top (if registered by June 13th), a shiny finisher medal, a swag bag bursting with goodies, and chip timing—all for the steal of a deal: 5K - $30
More than 35 singers, dancers and musicians performed in the Taylorsville Arts Council’s recent production, “A Menken Musical Revue,” which paid tribute to legendary composer Alan Menken.
The show, which took place on Feb. 20 and 21 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, featured local talent performing a variety of songs by Menken, best known for his lm scores like “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin.”
“That was an incredible evening,” Mayor Overson said at a recent City Council meeting. “Twenty-three songs were performed in various ways, one of which involved dental oss and toothbrushes! We have such remarkable talent in our community.”
One of the performers, Stephanie Urie, played the song “Beauty and the Beast” on her violin at the City Council meeting, as she did in the show.
The Arts Council’s next production is “Once on This Island Jr.,” showing June 4, 5 and 6. Details to come.
Get ready to experience the perfect blend of music and culinary delights at our upcoming summer concert series and food truck nights! These exciting events promise to transform your Friday evenings with free live performances from a diverse range of artists and a mouth-watering selection of food truck cuisines. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, jazz, or something in between, our concert series has something for everyone. Pair this with the delicious offerings from local food trucks, and you've got an unforgettable night out. Stay tuned for the complete lineup, which will be revealed in the May journal. Don't miss the chance to enjoy great music, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere all summer long!
Kick off event - Friday, May 16
Food Trucks 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Free Live Music 6:30 pm
Centennial Plaza 2600 W Taylorsville Blvd Taylorsville, UT 84129
Don’t Miss These Library Events Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
This Taylorsville Resident Married on his Birthday
Our April article
the life and histories of William John Shanks Parker Jr. and Mary Peter.
William Parker was born on Nov. 24,1835, in Lancashire, England. He was the rst child of John and Alice Whitaker Parker. Also on Nov. 24, he married Mary Peter in his home in the presence of most of his family.
We are unsure where their family lived until 1863, but records indicate their rst two children, Alice and William, were born in Salt Lake City. The rest of their children were born after William Parker acquired their family farm in Taylorsville. The farm was 200 acres at the time.
William Parker and Mary Peter had 12 children, including Alice Brown, William Edward, May Elizabeth, John Dimond, Martha, Samuel Henry, Ellen (who died at birth), Nettie Brown, James Herbert, Joseph Albert, Franklin Shank and Cilage Jensen.
This history was written by Josephine Mauchley Parker, wife of the youngest son of William Parker. You can learn more about William John Shanks Parker Jr. and Mary Peter, as well as the histories of other families in Taylorsville, at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!
The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of April. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
POETRY MONTH | BLACKOUT POETRY — Tuesday, April 1, to Saturday, April 12. Drop in to create your own blackout poem! Supplies available at the Information Desk.
POETRY MONTH | POETRY INTERACTIVE ADVENTURE — Monday, April 7, to Saturday, April 12. Drop in and immerse yourself in poetry. Interact with poems through touch, sound and play.
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Frida Kahlo: Art, Life, and Death — Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m. Frida Kahlo's paintings vividly express the passion, struggle and pain of her life. Learn about Kahlo's fascinating art and explore how her personal experiences shaped her unique expression. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries
POETRY MONTH | POETRY PHARMACY — Monday, April 21, to Wednesday, April 30. Let us solve your woes with a poem! Drop in to pick up a poetry prescription for your heart, mind and soul.
DISCOVERY FRIDAY | Codes and Ciphers — Friday, April 25, 4 p.m. Each month, the library will have a unique combination of STEAM activities, crafts, games, movement and more.
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Lewis and Clark: Visualizing the Expedition — Monday, April 28, 7 p.m. Dr. Jay H. Buckley explores the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) through art, highlighting key people, places and events that bring this historic journey to life. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries
AN EVENING OF ART
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 AT 7PM MID-VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2525 W TAYLORSVILLE BLVD, TAYLORSVILLE, UT 84129
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The City of Taylorsville is thrilled to announce our next Plaza + ART Event: An Evening of Art with Photographer Bry Cox! Please email plazaart@taylorsvilleut.gov to RSVP for the event.
Light refreshments will be provided!
A good photographic portrait can captivate and draw you in, but many things need to come together to make that happen. The secret is light. Lighting sculpts a person, creating highlights and shadows in just the right places to bring out the best in someone. And to truly capture emotion, that person’s inner light needs to shine too.
highlights
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
APRIL UPDATES
Earth Day Starts with You: Simple Ways Recycling and Green Waste Help the Planet
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22, and it's a great time to re ect on the small actions that can make a big di erence for our planet. The theme this year is “Our Power, Our Planet” and encourages people to work together to transition to renewable energy source and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. One simple yet impactful way to help is through recycling and proper green waste disposal.
Recycling reduces the waste of natural resources by turning materials like paper, plastic, and metal cans into new products. This reduces the need for raw materials, saves energy, and reduces pollution. Regular recycling helps decrease land ll waste and lowers our carbon footprint.
Proper green waste disposal such as lawn clippings, leaves, and other organic materials is equally important. Composting or correctly disposing of these materials helps reduce methane emissions from land lls and provides nutrient-rich products that can bene t your garden.
As we celebrate Earth Day, remember that our daily choices matter. By recycling more and disposing of green waste responsibly, we’re contributing to a greener world for future generations.
Let’s make every day Earth Day!
Source: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2025/
Strengthening Sustainability, One Leg at a Time - Continued
Waiting to Water: The Benefits of Patience in Lawn Care
Patience is key, especially when it comes to springtime landscape care. Waiting to water your lawn until after Mother's Day can yield signi cant bene ts. By holding o on watering, you give your lawn's roots the opportunity to grow deeper, resulting in a healthier, more resilient turf.
This strategic delay in watering pays o during the hotter months, as deeper roots can access moisture stored in the soil, even when the surface appears dry. Ultimately, this practice promotes the long-term health and vitality of 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 X.
The "Three-Legged Stool" model highlights three pillars of community sustainability. If one leg is missing, stability is lost. This month, WFWRD will focus on the economic impact leg of the stool. Recycling provides significant economic benefits. For example, recycling 10,000 tons creates 36 jobs, while land lling the same amount creates only six. On a national scale, recycling supports 681,000 jobs and generates $37.8 billion in wages (EPA’s REI report). By recycling, you're helping create jobs, reduce costs and drive positive changes in our community.
