2600 West Taylorsville Boulevard • 801-963-5400 March
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It was my great honor this past month to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year at an event by the Vietnamese American Community of Utah. I was in awe watching the dancers, drummers, singers and other musicians and performers, and I very much enjoyed visiting with those heading information booths representing a variety of organizations and groups.
I count our Taylorsville home as lucky to have so much diversity, including a thriving Vietnamese community. You can shop, visit and eat at any number of wonderful Vietnamese businesses and restaurants located in Taylorsville, including many located right next to the VietnameseAmerican Community of Utah center in the newly refurbished Carriage Square.
This unique shopping center in our city is located on the corner of Redwood Road and 4100 South and recently underwent a major upgrade. Bringing an inviting shopping environment, the renovations include an entirely new parking lot, new landscaping throughout and the widening of sidewalks and patio areas. This was a signi cant project completed in partnership with the Carriage Square Property Owners Association Board made possible with Community Development Block Grant funding.
Among the businesses located at Carriage Square are Cafe Thao Mi, Pho Bien Hoa, Pho Little Saigon, Tuyet’s Pharmacy, Tien Dat Video and Gifts and many more. If you haven’t visited these restaurants and stores already — as well as the many other Vietnamese businesses and shops throughout our city — I highly recommend that you do. You won’t be disappointed!
Also, at Carriage Square, in the middle of the parking area, is a beautiful statue that pays homage to Vietnamese national hero Tran Hung Dao. This renowned leader commanded the Vietnamese armies who fought against invasion three times in 1258, 1285 and 1288. This sculpture is located in front of the Vietnamese-American community center, further representing the tight-knit and valued community of people and businesses in our city.
The Vietnamese New Year also holds a special place in my heart for personal reasons. My own parents served a humanitarian mission to Vietnam for their church, and they shared with us many fond memories, including times they taught the children there to sing, “Give, Said the Little Stream.” Their hope was that the song would convey a message of giving, caring and friendship from one country to another.
Truly, we are fortunate to have so many people share and celebrate culture and community in Taylorsville. So, in greetings for the Vietnamese New Year, I wish you and your families peace and prosperity. May you enjoy good health, good luck and good fortune this year and always.
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – MARCH 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
First 2025 Evening of Art Features World-Renowned Glass Artists
The Holdmans’ passion for art is palpable. Gayle and Tom Holdman of Holdman Studios describe their work as storytelling through stained-glass windows.
Based in Lehi, Utah, the Holdmans were the latest artists featured at the city’s Plaza +ART Evening of Art. Their studio has been creating art glass since 1991, including worldwide commissions to design various projects in glass for venues ranging from commercial buildings, private residences, religious installations and public art projects.
“We create art that inspires, and as the light shines through, it touches your soul like no other art form,” said Tom Holdman, who spoke with his wife, Gayle, also an artist and author, at the Feb. 13 Evening of Art at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center.
With their studio that employes 140 people at locations in both Lehi and Mexico, the Holdmans build stained glass in any shape and size, blending natural stained glass with painted glass, in beautiful color palettes.
Among their projects is the “Roots of Knowledge” installation spanning 200 feet at Utah Valley University’s Fulton Library. That project, completed in 2016, took 12 years, 200 employees and $3 million in fund-raising to nish. At the Evening of Art, Gayle Holdman described how it took almost everything the family had — all their time and money, nearly exhausting them — and she was ready to give it up. But through comforting prayer, she resolved that the art project had a broader purpose to inspire others, bringing togetherness and a sense of discovery.
After an exhibition in London, The Guardian newspaper called it “one of the most spectacular stained-glass windows made in the past century.”
The Holdmans also are currently working on creating the stained-glass windows of 32 temples for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have completed such windows for 150 temples, including temples in Paris and New York City. The Holdmans also installed the beautiful EVENING OF ART CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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
MARCH 2025
March 5 & 19 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting @ City Hall. Watch a livestream of the meeting at www.taylorsvilleut.gov
March 9 – 2 a.m.
Daylight Saving Time. Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour. It is also a good time to check the batteries on your re and carbon monoxide detectors.
March 11 & 25 – 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
March 21 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Once on This Island Jr. Auditions @ City Hall. Children ages 8 to 18 are welcome to audition. Please come prepared with 16 to 32 bars of a song. Accompaniment is by MP3 track only.
March 27 – 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: April 17 & 18 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Annie Auditions @ City Hall. Please come prepared with 16 to 32 bars of a song. Piano accompaniment and MP3 adapters will be available. Headshot and resume are encouraged. Callbacks will be April 19 by invitation. The show runs July 14-19.
Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov
Also, a standing event every Thursday, from 2 to 4 p.m., at City Hall is the “Mayor is In.”
During this time, Mayor Kristie Overson has open o ce hours to meet with residents about any issue on their minds. Drop by and meet with the Mayor. All are welcome.
March
MID-VALLEY
March
March
March
March
Sylas
March
ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Ernest Burgess
This Year’s Annual Cleanup Day Incorporates Some Changes
For many years, the Taylorsville Green Committee has held an annual cleanup event with the same general format. For several reasons, including one very important one with far-reaching bene ts, this year’s event will look a bit di erent.
We are adding some new items that we will accept for recycling at the Annual Cleanup Day, scheduled for May 17, and incorporating some ways you can dispose of hazardous waste and e-waste by other means. These changes are being made this year primarily because of the opening last summer of Salt Lake County’s new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center in neighboring Sandy.
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. 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.
This is an amazing Salt Lake County Health Department facility that is so close, e cient, inviting and clean. With a similar goal as our yearly cleanup event, this facility aims to keep chemicals and electronics out of the land ll to help the environment. Plus, it’s much better for the environment and the health of your home to safely dispose of these items at any time rather than saving them up for the Annual Cleanup Day.
Given these signi cant bene ts and because the facility is so convenient and built speci cally for Salt Lake County residents, we want our friends and neighbors in Taylorsville to get in the habit of going there instead of saving up hazardous waste and e-waste for the Cleanup Day.
So, starting this year, we are asking residents to please take household hazardous waste and e-waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center instead of our Annual Cleanup Day event. It just makes sense to utilize this facility all year, rather than wait for a cleanup day, and I know from personal experience how easy it is to use.
Recently, I visited the facility with another Green Committee member, and we were very impressed at the cleanliness, ease and friendliness. We dropped o our items and were in and out of there in minutes at. Truly, it was a breeze! The best days (least busy) to go are Wednesday and Thursday, but they are really quick, so go anytime they are open. We didn’t realize, too, until the end of our visit that there is a store area where you can pick up for free still-usable paint, solvents and other items that have been dropped o . That was denitely an unexpected perk to visiting this facility.
At this year’s Cleanup Day, we 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.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Taylorsville High School (see the accompanying ad on Page 2 of this section). And, we are thrilled that the Taylorsville High football team is helping us again.
Items that should be dropped o at the new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center and will not be accepted at this year’s event include:
• Paint
• Fuels
• Pesticides
• Yard-care chemicals
• Cleaning supplies
• Batteries
• Cooking oil
• Automotive uids
• Aerosols
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Television/monitors
• Computers
• Cell phones
We greatly appreciate your e orts to recycle and reduce waste, and we extend a big thanks to our event partners including Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District, the Taylorsville Police Department, Certi ed Shred and the Other Side Academy. We hope to see you there!
Taylorsville Youth Council Spends a Day at the Capitol
The Taylorsville Youth Council spent the day at the Legislature this past month. They joined Mayor Kristie Overson and City Council Member Bob Knudsen as they met with legislators and listened to a oor debate.
The Youth Council also toured the Capitol building and stayed for lunch. “All in all, we had a wonderful time, and it was a great opportunity for our youth to learn more about government and how they can participate in the process,” said Mayor Overson.
The 2025 General Session of the 66th Utah Legislature began Jan. 21, and the 45-day session
concludes March 7. The Youth Council also plan to attend the Youth Council Leadership Conference at Utah State University this month.
The conference is an annual tradition for the Youth Council where they gather for training, collaboration, service and fun. It is a multi-day event that hosts Youth Councils from across the state.
Taylorsville’s Youth Council numbers 21 members this year, which is tied as the largest group ever. The group includes one freshman, seven sophomores, 12 juniors and one senior.
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)
Crime Stops in Taylorsville, Even When it Happens All on One Day
Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.
TVPD often describes how o cers work diligently each day to stop crime in our community, and in the past weeks, we have called attention to three signi cant operations, in particular. They include:
• A narcotics investigation that led to the seizure of four illegally-possessed rearms and several pounds of illegal drugs
• A retail theft blitz that resulted in nine arrests and more than $6,000 in recovered stolen property
• A fugitive apprehension with the Salt Lake County Sheri 's O ce that resulted in the arrest of a suspect wanted on multiple felony warrants
But did you know that all three of these operations happened on one, single day? They are a great example of the meticulous planning, collaboration and steadfast commitment to safety and justice of all of our TVPD o cers, and we are very grateful for their e orts.
Project Safeguard Assists in Response to Those with Special Needs
TVPD has been participating in Project Safeguard for about a year now. This important online program promotes communication and helps police better respond to those with autism, dementia and other special needs.
Through this Salt Lake Valley Law Enforcement initiative, you can ll out a form that will give o cers details about the best way to interact with your loved one such
as known triggers or behaviors, as well as emergency contact information.
These details are particularly helpful in locating missing persons who tend to wander or interacting with people with autism, dementia of other such special needs at a scene. You can nd more information and ll out a form at www. taylorsvilleut.gov (under the Services and Police tabs, and then click the Project Safeguard button in the middle of the page).
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Evidence Manager Stephens, our latest Employee of the Month! Stephens recently was hired as TVPD’s Evidence Manager.
He boasts an illustrious portfolio spanning more than 40 years, including distinguished service with the Salt Lake County Sheri ’s O ce, Taylorsville Police Department, the Utah Department of Health’s Office of the Medical Examiner and Taylorsville City. Throughout his tenure, he has held a wide array of roles, including corrections officer, patrol deputy, narcotics detective, property crimes detective, white-collar crimes detective, homicide detective, jail investigations detective sergeant, violent crimes detective sergeant, cold-case homicide detective sergeant, patrol sergeant, directed enforcement unit detective sergeant, medical examiner investigator, chief investigator for the Medical Examiner’s O ce and code enforcement o cial.
Summarizing more than four decades of service with a list of titles hardly does justice to Stephens' impact. An entire biography could be written about the countless investigations he has conducted and the assistance he has provided to innumerable citizens. As is often the case with o cers of his caliber, many of these stories remain untold, even unnoticed by most yet deeply cherished by those whose lives he has directly touched.
Since joining TVPD as Evidence Manager, Stephens has “quickly learned the assignment, embraced the role as a student and applied his vast experience to excel in this position,” notes Chief Cottam. Additionally, he praised Stephens for successfully reorganizing and restructuring the department’s evidence storage and management system, calling his organizational skills excellent.
This recognition as Employee of the Month is not only well-earned but a testament to Stephens’ outstanding contributions to Taylorsville City. Upon receiving the award, he reluctantly accepted it but emphasized the importance of recognizing the next generation of public service professionals.
In his free time, Stephens enjoys spending time with his family, baseball and being with his dogs — though he jokingly admits that the order tends to change from time to time.
EVENING OF ART CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
four-panel depiction of Jesus Christ’s life at the visitors’ center in Rome.
While Holdman Studios is now an international operation with artwork that is exhibited across the globe, it wasn’t always that way. At the Evening of Art, Tom Holdman recalled his start making glass art in his parents’ garage. As a young man, he even traded one stained-glass piece to the jeweler for the engagement ring with which he proposed to his wife.
Tom Holdman related how he has struggled with a speech impediment his whole life but while he was growing up, a teacher suggested to him that speaking wasn’t the only way to communicate. Ever since, his art has become a powerful communication tool.
“Often, your challenges can become strengths,” he told those attending the Evening of Art event.
While the storytelling, stained-glass window display at the Orem City Library was among Tom Holdman’s first projects, the Holdmans’ next is the “Sphere of Light,” which will become the largest stainedglass art creation in the world. The circular building at Thanksgiving Point will feature a spiral of intricate stained-glass windows representing various cultures and ideas, once again “aiming to create a space for connection and education through art.” Tom Holdman said it is expected to be complete in 2029.
“We are simply amazed by the Holdmans’ work,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “And,
we are so honored that they would spend an evening with us sharing their work, talent and inspiration.”
The Holdmans also generously donated one of their own art pieces, which was ra ed o at the event with proceeds bene tting the Plaza +ART program.
Sponsored by Plaza +ART, these Evening of Art events are free to attend and held periodically throughout the year. The evenings are planned as a way for the community to learn more about and enjoy art. Those attending can meet the artists presenting that night, see their work and hear about the inspiration behind that work.
The program’s next Evening of Art events are set for May 20 and Oct. 20. (Oil painter Tyler Swain, who was scheduled to speak along with the Holdmans, was unable to attend due to weather that evening and will be rescheduled to a later event).
Holdman Studios, located at 3001 N. Thanksgiving Way in Lehi, also hosts tours and classes. Find more information on their website, holdmanstudios.com
Taylorsville Home Sought to Receive Free Professionally Designed Landscape LANDSCAPE
TRANSFORMATION Casting Call
Taylorsville City is partnering with Salt Lake County and Utah Water Ways to create a residential landscape within the city, as a way of demonstrating waterwise methods and to show what a Utah yard should really look like.
The project is seeking interested homeowners who would want to o er their property as a canvas on which to show how to create an attractive front yard that is in harmony with Utah’s climate and Taylorsville City's landscape ordinance.
The City of Taylorsville, Salt Lake County and Utah Water Ways are seeking a Taylorsville residence for a free landscaping makeover. The project is meant to show waterwise methods and landscaping that complies with Utah’s climate and the city's landscape ordinance. If interested, please click the QR code to apply.
To that end, the Taylorsville Landscape Transformation e ort is searching for a “typical" existing landscape that can be transformed from a “blandscape" into a beautiful example yard others can emulate. Once selected, the residence will receive a professionally designed landscape, installed by a licensed, experienced landscape contractor, at no cost to the participant.
The entire landscape transformation process will be professionally photographed and lmed before, during and annually for up to ve years after completion. The process and the outcomes also will be featured in the statewide Slow the Flow water conservation campaign.
In addition, participants would agree to allow occasional, scheduled tours or learning events in their landscape for up to the next ve years. Millcreek, Herriman and Sandy also are participating in the project. One residence in the city will be selected for the makeover in Taylorsville.
If interested, please apply on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov, under “Our City” and “Taylorsville Landscape Transformation.”
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
From Scotland to Taylorsville: These Pioneers Shared a Home Country
This month’s article highlights the histories of Charles and Isabella Burt Rich.
Charles and Isabella Burt Rich were early settlers of Taylorsville. Their home was located at 6235 S. Redwood Road. Following is an account of their lives, written and provided by a Cora Rich Woods, a granddaughter:
“Charles Rich was born on April 18, 1833, in the town of Rackwick in Roy, Orkney Islands, Scotland. He was born to Thomas and Barbara Rich along with three brothers and one sister. As a boy, he worked on whaling vessels and in later years, he worked on a freighter vessel from China to Fort Elisabeth, South Africa. The ship he sailed landed at Boston, Mass.
“In May of 1860, Rich crossed the plains in a covered wagon drawn by a team comprised of an ox and a horse. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Oct. 6, 1862. He was employed as a plasterer and worked at that trade for some time. He became acquainted with Mr. W. Fox and through him, he became interested in farming.
“Rich met Isabella Burt while in Salt Lake City. She was a native of Muiravonside, Sterling, Scotland. She too was a pioneer to the Salt Lake Valley. They had built a cellar under their house. In winter, it was lled with apples and potatoes that they raised themselves. Bottled fruit and vegetables had a place within the cellar, too, and they had a large our bin that would hold 700 or 800 pounds of our.”
Excerpts from biographies like this give us a glimpse into what life was like for pioneers who traveled and settled here. You can learn more about Charles and Isabella Burt Rich, as well as the histories of other families in Taylorsville, at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!
Don’t Miss These Library Events
The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of March. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
UNSCRAMBLE DR. SEUSS — Monday, March 3, to Saturday, March 8. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Unscramble the secret message. Return to the Info Desk with the answer and earn a small prize.
MAGIC WITH CHRISTOPHER FAIR — Friday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy some magical fun with popular magician, Christopher Fair.
HOMESCHOOL ‘WHO WAS’ BOOK CLUB — Monday, March 10, 1 p.m. Learn about people and places with books from the ‘Who Was’ series. The group will talk about the book, learn cool facts and do other fun activities. March: “Who Was Harry Houdini?”
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Deanna Durbin and the Golden Age of Hollywood — Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m. Judy Garland shined in “The Wizard of Oz” and Deanna Durbin was Hollywood's brightest star, spreading joy during tough times. Step back in time to learn about their friendship, rivalry and legacy. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/ LectureSeries
TEEN AFTER HOURS LASER TAG Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m. For teens, laser tag and snacks. Laser tag will be inside.
SENIOR HEALTH CLASS |
MEMORY MATTERS — Tuesday, March 18, 2 p.m. An interactive class highlighting normal age-related memory changes. Learn practical tips for improving memory and focus at any age.
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE |
Heads or Tails: Gorgons, Satyrs, and Other Monsters of the Greek Imagination — Monday, March 24, 7 p.m. Explore Greek culture's monstrous hybrids — like gorgons and satyrs — as thought experiments on human nature. Dr. Jeremy McInerney examines how these gures challenge ideas of identity and desire. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/ LectureSeries
DISCOVERY FRIDAY | MAGICAL CREATURES — Friday, March 28, 4 p.m. Enter the world of magical creatures with games, crafts and fun!
TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER
The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes every month. Classes are free for those over age 60. Among the activities scheduled this month:
DRUMS ALIVE! — Free class for seniors over age 65. Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Learn traditional aerobic movements while drumming!
GOOD GRIEF — Social Group. Second and fourth Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. This group isn’t just about grief; you can talk about everyday things, as well.
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
MARCH UPDATES
Building a Sustainable Future: The Three-Legged Stool Model
The “Three-Legged Stool” model emphasizes three key pillars of community sustainability. Like a stool, if one leg is missing, stability is lost.
The rst leg that Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District focuses on is the environmental leg. WFWRD provides sustainable disposal options to Taylorsville’s residents, including curbside recycling, green waste containers and a separate glass recycling program.
These programs help reduce land ll waste, extend land ll life and minimize pollution by recycling materials, composting green waste and processing glass. By participating in these initiatives, residents contribute to the environmental sustainability of their community.
Spring Into Green, Get a Green Waste Bin
With spring upon us, it’s time to get our gardens and yards in shape. Wasatch Front Waste & Recyling District o ers green waste bins, providing a sustainable and a ordable way to dispose of your green waste.
Collected green waste is diverted from land lls, composted separately and made available for sale through the Salt Lake County Land ll, bene ting the environment and community.
Pickup starts March 10 and runs through Dec. 12. For a convenient green waste disposal option, visit www.wasatchfrontwaste.org to subscribe today.
Keep Recycling Clean for Maximum Impact
Recycling gives materials a second life, saving valuable resources and reducing environmental impact. But to truly bene t from recycling, it’s essential to keep it clean.
Contaminated materials like food waste, liquids or non-recyclables must be manually removed, separated and sent to the land ll, which increases emissions and disposal costs.
Help improve the recycling process by only including accepted items in your recycling bin. For tips on proper recycling and a list of accepted items, visit www.wasatchfrontwaste.org/how-recycle.
Cut through the FOG: Properly Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease
Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) have the potential to cost you money if not handled properly. Problems can develop in your household drains and the district sewer collection system due to the improper disposal of FOG. Commonly used cooking oils and grease disposed of in sink drains can lead to sewer line backups in homes and businesses. Sewer main backups may over ow onto streets, creating adverse impacts to public health and the environment.
The easiest way to solve the FOG buildup problem is to keep it out of the sewer system. Here are a couple of tips:
• Pour cooled FOG into a can or other container with a tight
lid (co ee can, glass jar or plastic container) and dispose of it in the garbage.
• Place baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids; then empty the drain baskets/ strainers into the trash.
Tell your family, friends and neighbors about problems associated with grease in the sewer system and how to keep it out. The solution starts in your home with your actions.
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.
