“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”
That quote by comedian Robin Williams perfectly describes this time of year. With the winter weather now past us and the coming months springing to life in full color, this uplifting season always makes me feel good. Spring planting, gardening and the use of waterwise methods are top of mind again this season, especially as we look to the summer months ahead. Our Taylorsville Green Committee had these thoughts, too, as it hosted free Localscapes classes in March and April, just in time for spring planting. These classes by the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District and Taylorsville Bennion-Improvement District teach how we can save money and water by landscaping our yards in waterwise ways. If you missed the latest classes, look for more to come and nd additional information online at localscapes.com.
Along these lines, we’re also thrilled to partner with Utah Water Ways and Salt Lake County on their new Landscape Transformation program that selected a Taylorsville residence for a free landscaping makeover. The winner, with a planned announcement on April 30, was picked from a whopping 117 applications received from Taylorsville residents.
I’ll be tracking the makeover closely to get some ideas for what I might do at my own home. The program provides the winner with a free professionally designed landscape, as a way of demonstrating waterwise methods and to show what a Utah yard should really look like.
Millcreek, Herriman and Sandy also are participating in the project. But because there was so much interest in Taylorsville, the landscaping makeover will start here rst. I can’t wait to see how a “typical" existing landscape can be transformed from a “blandscape" into a beautiful example yard that is in harmony with Utah’s climate and our own city landscape ordinance.
Water conservation is also one of the reasons we decided as a city to partner again with the Utah Rivers Council’s RainHarvest program. This is the fourth year Taylorsville has participated in this program, subsidizing 100 rain barrels for residents to purchase for their homes. If you missed the subsidy, you can still purchase a rain barrel online while supplies last at a discounted price; go to rainbarrelprogram.org.
We know e orts like these are important to our residents. For example, our recent annual city survey again found that a majority are interested in water conservation and are looking for ways to save water in the future. So, thank you to everyone for helping to conserve water — in large ways and small — and happy spring!
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – MAY 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Food, Fun Planned Every Friday Night at Centennial Plaza
The 2025 season of Starry Nights @the Plaza kicks o this month!
It’s the fourth year Taylorsville has rolled out the red carpet to entertainment and fun, as well as delicious bites from the Food Truck League food trucks, with this free summer concert series on Fridays from May to September.
From rock bands to folk music to movies on the plaza and Arts Council performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It's all happening at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., through Sept. 26.
The festivities kick o on Friday, May 16, and the food trucks will be there each Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“Some are bands that are returning; some are new bands that we think you’ll really enjoy,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “Of course, the Food Truck League food trucks will be there again, too, making it the perfect night out.”
The live music, performances and other activities are all free so bring your friends and family for an evening out together on the plaza. Be sure to take a blanket or lawn chair, too, for seating as well as a light jacket on sometimes chillier evenings.
See the full Starry Nights @the Plaza schedule on Page 5 of this section or online at www. taylorsvilleut.gov. You can also nd details about what’s happening each Friday night, as well as links to performers’ music samples, on the city’s website under the Calendar section.
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
MAY 2025
May 3 – 10 a.m.
Ride, Roll, & Stroll. Grab your wheels for a morning on the Jordan River Parkway! Hosted by the Taylorsville Parks and Recreation Committee, this is a free get-together. Bring your skates, scooters, bicycles, and meet at the Millrace Park pickleball courts, 1150 W. 5400 South.
May 10 – 9 a.m.
Roundnet Tournament. With the sports organization Utah Roundnet, the Taylorsville Parks and Recreation Committee is hosting this tournament at Millrace Park.
May 16 – 5:30 p.m.
Starry Nights Kicko . The 2025 season of Starry Nights @the Plaza kicks o with the Food Truck League food trucks and free live music. The summer concert series runs every Friday night through Sept. 26.
May 20 – 7 p.m.
Evening of Art. Taylorsville's seventh Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art is happening at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Hear from master photographer Bry Cox. The event is free and open to the public!
May 26 – All Day Memorial Day. City o ces are closed for the holiday.
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
Saturday, June 7th 7:30 PM
Centennial Plaza Stage 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Entry Deadline is Monday, June 2 www.taylorsvilleut.gov
May 3
Ballet West Academy at Thanksgiving Point presents Coppélia Suite
May 3-5
Millenium Dance Complex SLC presents BoomCrew
May 4
Bells of Joyful Sound presents Musical Confetti
May 8-10
Utah Dance Institude presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream
May 9-10
Salt Contemporary Dance presents SALT2 in Concert
May 18
May 12
Cityjazz presents Cityjazz in Concert ft. Cinematic Favorites
Miami Show Productions presents Luis Chataing en Salt Lake City
May 21-22
West Point Ballet presents Coppelia
May 30-31
Serena Webb Dance Theater presents Cinderella
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Curt Cochran
Author and poet Charles Bukowski is credited with saying, “The problem is we look for someone to grow old together while the secret is to nd someone to stay a child with!”
As we approach the spring season, celebrating Easter this past month and looking ahead to the wedding season, the family vacation season, etc., it makes me think of love in general. There are lots of kinds of love. Love for people, family and friends. Love of a favorite show, a band, a song, a place, a sports team or piece of clothing. One of my favorites is the love for Taylorsville City that all of our city leaders and sta exude in all they do for us to make the city the best it can be.
I ran across this article the other day by Ladan Lashkari and thought it was a perfect time to share it. I challenge you to read this and not laugh or cry (at least to yourself) at how observant these young people can be. Enjoy.
“A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4- to 8-year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader, deeper and more profound than anyone could have ever imagined!
“'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So, my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis, too. That's love.' —Rebecca - age 8
What Does Love Mean? Children have the Answers
“'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is di erent. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' —Billy - age 4
“'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' —Karl - age 5
“’Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' —Chrissy - age 6
“'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' —Terri - age 4
“'Love is when my mommy makes co ee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' —Danny - age 8
“'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and just listen.' —Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
“'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.' —Nikka - age 6
(We need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
“'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.' —Noelle - age 7
“'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' —Cindy - age 8
“'My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' —Clare - age 6
“'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' —Chris - age 7
“'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' —Mary Ann - age 4
And the nal one: The winner was a 4-year-old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry.” Feel free to share and then go be a child again today!
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 Reads with Students as Part of National Initiative
Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.
Mayor Kristie Overson and TVPD o cers joined local PTA groups this past month to promote Read Across America by serving as guest readers in several elementary schools. We learned that reading the fth-grade goal of 20 minutes a day at 120 words per minute really adds up, with these totals:
• In one day, you’ll read about 2,400 words
• In one week, that’s around 16,800 words
• In one year, you could read over 870,000 words — WOW!
Now, consider this: On average, a police o cer reads and writes at least 15-20 reports per week, totaling more than 15,000 words. And Mayor Overson? We estimate she reads and writes reports numbering in the hundreds of pages each month. So, fth-graders, grab your favorite book and keep on reading — your future self will thank you!
TVPD Assists in Theft-Ring Arrests of 2 Fugitives
TVPD Directed Enforcement detectives, in collaboration with Orem PD and ICE Removal Operations, recently arrested two wanted fugitives connected to an international organized retail theft ring. These individuals are believed to have been involved in the theft of more than $500,000 in merchandise nationwide over the past year. They were also believed to be connected to numerous thefts occurring locally across Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties. The suspects were ultimately taken into custody in Park City. They rst came to TVPD’s attention after attempting to steal from Ulta in Taylorsville. During the arrest, approximately $15,000 worth of stolen property was recovered.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to O cer Jones, our latest Employee of the Month! O cer Jones joined TVPD approximately nine months ago. Prior to his time with us, he served with the Salt Lake County Sheri ’s O ce and the West Jordan Police Department. His extensive experience includes roles as a correctional o cer, housing deputy, MCIRT deputy, patrol o cer, narcotics/street crimes detective, eld training o cer and crisis intervention ocer. He is currently assigned to our patrol division and brings with him more than 16 years of law enforcement experience.
O cer Jones was nominated for this award by his patrol supervisor, Sgt. Carver, for his “exceptional dedication to TVPD, his patrol shift and the City of Taylorsville.” Sgt. Carver noted that he “brought a wealth of experience from his previous service and has quickly become an asset to the team.”
Among his recent contributions, Officer Jones took the lead on two separate cases, both of which required authoring a residential search warrant. His e orts led to the apprehension of the suspects in each case. Collectively, the investigations resulted in the removal of illegal substances and a rearm from a volatile domestic violence situation involving mental illness.
In another case, Sgt. Carver said, O cer Jones investigated a wave of gra ti incidents that had “a ected the community’s sense of pride.” His diligent investigative work led to the identi cation of the suspect, and his “proactive approach continues to have a signi cant positive impact.”
While investigations of this nature are sometimes turned over to detectives, the caliber of every o cer serving at TVPD often allows for quicker and more e ective outcomes. O cer Jones exempli es this initiative, con dence and professionalism.
When he's not leading investigations or serving our community, O cer Jones enjoys photography, camping and simply spending time outdoors. Thank you, O cer Jones, for your service and dedication!
R E E S
M A Y 1 6
T h e G r o o v e
F R I D A Y , M A Y 2 3 L o n e l y H e a r t s C l u b B a n d
B e a t l e s C o v e r B a n d
F R I D A Y , M A Y 3 0 6 P M - L o v e J u l i e t I n d i e P o p M u s i c
F R I D A Y , J U N E 6
F R I D A Y , J U N E 1 3
F R I D A Y , J U N E 2 0
F R I D A Y , J U L Y 4
D a n c e M u s i c f r o m t h e 6 0 s t h r o u g h t o d a y !
7 P M - C h a s k i s M u s i c & D a n c e o f t h e A n d e s
M u s i c a n d d a n c e f r o m P e r u , B o l i v i a , C h i l e ,
E c u a d o r , A r g e n t i n a a n d L a t i n A m e r i c a
M a r k C h a n e y a n d F r i e n d s
A m i x o f R o c k , J a z z , B l u e s , a n d F u n k
D u s k - M o v i e N i g h t‘ W i l d R o b o t ’
D e N o v o
C l a s s i c R o c k
G r a n d T h e f t A u t o A l t e r n a t i v e R o c k C o v e r s f r o m t h e 9 0 s a n d 2 0 0 0 s
D u s k - M o v i e N i g h t‘ G o o n i e s ’
F R I D A Y , J U N E 2 7 N o F o o d T r u c k s o r E n t e r t a i n m e n V I S I T T A Y L O R S V I L L E D A Y Z Z
S o u t h b o u n d
C o u n t r y a n d R o c k
F R I D A Y , J U L Y 1 1 J 2 0 9
C h r i s t i a n A C a p e l l a P o p & R o c k 7 : 4 5 P M - J e f f C a r l s e n S o l o S a x o p h o n i s t D u s k - I n t e r a c t i v e M o v i e N i g h t w i t h T h e C o u n t y L i b r a r y ’ s T a y l o r s v i l l e B r a n c h ‘ P i r a t e s o f t h e C a r i b b e a n ’
F R I D A Y , J U L Y 1 8 I r i s a n d t h e W o l f h o u n d s
C l a s s i c a n d M o d e r n R o c k , B l u e s , F u n k & A m e r i c a n a
E R T S E R I E S
F R I D A Y , J U L Y 2 5
F R I D A Y , A U G . 1
6
F R I D A Y , A U G . 8
F R I D A Y , A U G . 2 2
F R I D A Y , A U G . 2 9
F R I D A Y , S E P T . 2 6
D u s k - M o v i e N i g h t‘ I F ’
5 : 3 0 P M -
6 : 3 0 P M - J o h n E l w o o d M o r g a n ( A m e r i c a n a , F o l k )
7 : 3 0 P M - C o d y W a y n e ( F o l k , C o u n t r
, R o c k )
F R I D A Y , A U G . 1 5 M o n k e y F r i d a y
F u n k , S o u l , P o p & R o c k C o v e r s
C o d e B l u e R e v i v a l
R e v i v i n g C l a s s i c R o c k a n d R o l l s i n c e 1 9 8 1
D u s k - M o v i e N i g h t‘ M u f a s a ’
N i c k M a r k o s i a n Q u a r t e t
J a z z a n d B l u e s 6 P M - M i t c h e e ( I n d i e R o c k S i n g e r / S o n g w r i t e r )
5 - 8 P M - C h i l d r e n ' s E n t r e p r e n e u r M a r k e t
6 : 3 0 P M
a r t y B a n d
6 : 3 0 P M - P l a z a + A R T N e w S c u l p t u r e U g
6 : 3 5 P M - K r i s t y B a l l a r d ( C o u n t r y , F o l k a n d P o p )
7 : 1 5 P M - T h e P r o p e r W a y ( A m e r i c a n a )
Thursday, June 26 — 7:30 PM
June 28 — 8:00 PM
June 27 — 7:30
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
Family of 7 Made Taylorsville Home for Many Years
Our May article highlights the life and histories of the Oakeson family.
Franes Emiol Oakeson was born Oct 16, 1894, and died June 1, 1982. His wife, Martha Lucile Carlson was born Feb. 5, 1963, and died March 31, 1982. They had ve children together, and moved to Taylorsville in 1938 when their second-youngest, Gwen, was 4 years old.
Their children in order of eldest to youngest include:
• Frances Lucile Carlson Oakeson, born Feb. 20, 1924, and died Jan. 2, 2010
• Lucile Oakeson, born Feb. 5, 1926, and died Aug. 22, 1931
• Wendell Ragnvald Oakeson, born Sept. 17, 1928, and died March 25, 1966
• Gwendolyn Oakeson Smith, born Dec. 28, 1934. (She is pictured with her husband, John Smith).
• Leslie Gerard Oakeson, born Aug. 12, 1929
You can learn more about the Oakesons, 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 May. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
STAR PARTY | In partnership with Salt Lake Astronomical Society — Friday, May 2, 8 to 10 p.m. Come and enjoy views of the moon, planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies through some of Utah's largest telescopes. This is an after-hours event and will be held outside; the library will be closed. The Star Party will begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and run until 10 p.m. Star parties are weather permitting.
MEDICARE 101 | Understanding Medicare Basics — Monday, May 5, 5:30 p.m. Join us for an informative bilingual session on Medicare basics. / Únase a nosotros para una sesión informativa bilingüe sobre los conceptos básicos de Medicare. Angela Matos, a licensed insurance agent, will provide an informative session on Medicare basics. Learn about your health insurance options: What is Medicare? Which agencies are responsible for Medicare? What are the 4 parts o Medicare? What is the cost and coverage of Part A? What is the cost and coverage of Part B? How and when can you enroll in Medicare?
VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | The Revolutionary War: Lexington and Concord — Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. Register at thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. The battles of Lexington and Concord in the spring of 1775 marked a pivotal moment in American history. Explore the critical decisions and contingencies that shaped the path to revolution. Presenter is Walter R. Borneman.
SENIOR HEALTH CLASS: LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES — Tuesday, May 20, 2 p.m. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to live well with type 2 diabetes. For individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, this lecture is presented by Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services.
LIBRARY CLOSURE | MEMORIAL DAY — Monday, May 26, all day.
TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER
4743 S. Plymouth View Drive
May Activities
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:
How to Manage Arthritis Webinar: Come and watch this one-hour webinar recorded by Salt Lake Health Educator Paige Corley on Wednesday, May 21, at 10 a.m. The same webinar will run again on Friday, May 23, at 2 p.m.
The Taylorsville Senior Center provides an atmosphere for seniors to increase social opportunities, improve and/or maintain health through good nutrition and exercise, enrich their minds, develop their talents, provide services as volunteers and improve their overall wellbeing. Find the center’s full calendar and Senior Scoop Newsletter online at saltlakecounty.gov.
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
MAY UPDATES
The Community: A Key Pillar of Sustainability
In this nal edition of WFWRD’s Sustainability Stool series, WFWRD is focusing on the social aspect of sustainability. Beyond the environmental and economic bene ts of recycling, sustainability also relies on an engaged community. Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District believes a sustainable future depends on local involvement. By working together, the Taylorsville community can reduce waste, conserve resources and build a more sustainable future.
Education is key. WFWRD works diligently to visit schools to teach kids about recycling and waste reduction, empowering the next generation to make sustainable choices in their lives. WFWRD also participates in community events to share practical recycling tips and address any questions for Taylorsville’s residents, helping us better understand your needs and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for all.
Spring Into Clean: A Recycling Reminder
As spring blooms and gardens ourish, so does WFWRD’s enthusiasm for spring cleaning! While we’re all eager to get things in order, it’s important to remember that proper waste disposal plays a crucial role in keeping our environment clean. With warmer weather encouraging us to tackle our to-do lists, let’s not cut corners when it comes to waste and recycling. The recycling bin is for recyclables only; it should never be used for yard waste or garbage. Here’s what belongs in the recycling bin:
• Cardboard and paperboard
• Paper
• Metal cans (including aluminum and tin)
• Plastic bottles, jugs, jars and containers (such as butter containers, cottage cheese tubs, sour cream tubs, yogurt tubs, etc.)
If an item isn’t on this list, it probably doesn’t belong in the recycling bin. By sticking to the approved items, we help keep WFWRD’s recycling stream clean and e cient.
Thank you for your commitment to keeping Taylorsville’s community clean and green!
Fluoride No Longer Included in Water as of May 7
NOTICE TO TBID CUSTOMERS: Due to the recent passage of House Bill 81 by the Utah State Legislature, Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District (TBID) will no longer be adding uoride to the water the district provides, e ective May 7.
Please note that this change is not expected to a ect the overall quality of your water. While supplemental uoride will no longer be added, naturally occurring uoride will still be present in the water supplied by TBID.
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.
