Salt Lake Community College Prison Education Program continues to offer instruction – and hope
By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
Some Utah State Prison inmates are spending their time behind bars preparing for a more productive life after they are released.
“My Utah State Prison students are the best I have ever taught…they are so dedicated to bettering themselves… it is an amazing experience, meeting and teaching these students.”
It would seem praise can’t come much higher than that offered by Salt Lake Community College Prison Education Program Coordinator, Dr. Chris Bradbury.
But his colleague – PEP English instructor Dr. Darin Jensen – comes close: “These are typically the best students I have all semester. They write more than my on-campus students. Most of them see this program as an important component to their future.”
Earlier this year, 28 students graduated from the program at the Utah State Correctional Facility. The men and wom-
ogy, business, criminal justice and general studies. One of the 28 completed a degree in computer science and information systems.
These students also now have the opportunity to continue on to earn a fouryear bachelor’s degree.
Among the four inmate graduates who spoke during the small ceremony was Melissa Richmond, who shared how earning an education became important to her after she had been stuck in a cycle of addiction and suffering.
“School became my life (in prison),” she said. “It made me realize I have the ability to make great changes in the world. Life is fragile. Things are broken… things are stolen… things get lost – friends, family, homes. Everything can be taken from me – but not my education. I am my education.”
The SLCC Prison Education Program began as a small pilot effort in 2017. It was, and continues to be, funded in part by the Utah State legislature. This past year alone, more than 200 incarcerated
Continued page 9
Bring the whole family to shop at Taylorsville’s openair market. Find fresh, local and seasonal goods from small regional farmers and local artisans. Enjoy local entertainment.
Summer Surge: When Fun Turns into Ankle Injuries
By Ryan Callahan, DO
As temperatures rise, so does outdoor activity—from weekend hikes and pickup basketball games to long days on the pickleball court. But with the thrill of movement comes a sharp uptick in lower extremity injuries, particularly to the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Every summer, emergency rooms and orthopedic clinics report a surge in ankle sprains, fractures, and tendon injuries. The most common culprits? Uneven terrain, sudden pivots, overuse, and inadequate warm-ups. While a minor sprain might only need rest and bracing, more severe injuries can sideline someone for months—or require surgery.
Three of the most common issues to be aware of:
ANKLE SPRAINS
Ankle sprains, often underestimated, can lead to chronic instability if not properly treated. Recurrent sprains may
eventually necessitate lateral ligament reconstruction, a procedure to restore stability to a weakened ankle.
ANKLE FRACTURES
Ankle fractures—whether from a misstep while running or an awkward landing during sports—may require an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), where the bones are realigned and stabilized with plates and screws.
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendon injuries, particularly ruptures, are also on the rise in active adults. These injuries often occur during explosive movements, like jumping or sprinting. While some partial tears can be treated without surgery, a full rupture often requires Achilles tendon repair to restore function and strength.
Injury prevention is just as critical as treatment. Proper footwear, cross-training, structured warm-ups, and balance exercises can go a long
way in keeping you active and injury-free during the summer.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or instability in your ankle or Achilles, don’t “walk it off”—get evaluated by a physician. Timely diagnosis and tailored care can make all the difference between a season on the sidelines and a full recovery.
As you get out and enjoy all the amazing summer activities available here in Utah, be sure to take the proper precautions to protect your function and future.
Ryan Callahan is a board-certified foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon at CommonSpirit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine West Jordan.
Learn more about the services, care providers and missiondriven work of the Holy Cross hospitals and CommonSpirit Health at www.holycrossutah.org.
At CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
When minutes count, count on our emergency care.
Get to know us before you need us.
When you need emergency care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. You never know the level of care you’ll need when an emergency happens and choosing the right ER can make all the difference. And a hospital ER comes with the confidence of additional services right on-site.
Congratulations to CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital – Jordan Valley for receiving the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade-A Accreditation for the fourth consecutive time. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are determined based on a rigorous assessment of various safety measures.
Find emergency care close to you at mountain.commonspirit.org
1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711).
SPONSORED CONTENT
Ryan Callahan, DO CommonSpirit Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley
Taylorsville EōS Fitness
honors a client who lost 100 pounds and found her self-confidence
Heather Henderson has moved from Taylorsville, but returns regularly to work out with the people she believes helped save her life.
By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
“IknewI was overweight. I was stressed out and ashamed of my size. One day I couldn't get up a hill when I went snowshoeing. I weighed too much and I didn't have the strength. It got dark and I wondered if I was going to die.”
That was former Taylorsville resident Heather Henderson at 250 pounds, on New Year’s Day 2021. That’s the day she decided to change her life – and found a supportive exercise community to help her.
Luckily for Heather, the new 53,000-square-foot Taylorsville EōS Fitness location (5546 Redwood Road) opened just a couple of months after her harrowing time in the snow.
“I joined EōS Fitness in Taylorsville the day it opened and have been an active member ever since,” Henderson said. “I lived in Taylorsville at the time. But a few months ago I moved to Saratoga Springs. I still go to the Taylorsville location several times a week. The people there are so supportive. We’ve built a community of people who encourage each other.”
Earlier this year, encouraged by her workout community, Heather described her harrowing experience – and the fitness success she has enjoyed since – in a contest entry essay.
“The EōS Fitness Submit Your Fit contest is held annually as an opportunity for members to inspire others and share their transfor-
mational stories and before-and-after photos,” a news release states. “Contest winners share their stories of significant weight loss, triumph over health challenges and newfound confidence. Their collective experiences inspire and invite others to embark on their journeys of transformation. One gym-level winner from each EōS location is voted on by EōS team members.”
That’s the contest Henderson won after sharing a bit more in her essay.
“I feel strong. I'm not thin. But I am strong and healthy and capable. I'm not shy to walk into the gym anymore. Lifting has changed my confidence. Group fitness in particular has changed my life. I'm instructed, inspired and connected by movement. I don't feel limited by my own self anymore. More than anything, I respect myself. I am so grateful for the amazing people I have been so fortunate to share my journey with.”
Vera Pagan is one of Henderson’s EōS Fitness group instructors.
“I have seen Heather’s energy get brighter…she’s become more engaged, more confident,” Pagan said. “Now she comes right to the front of my class, makes eye contact and lets me know she’s ready to go. This is what I try to explain to people. Exercise leads to a positive emotional change. When that happens, the physical improvement is simply a byproduct.”
After joining EōS Fitness in Taylorsville four years ago, Heather found quick success, followed by challenges.
“I weighed 250 pounds when I first joined and lost the first 50 pounds pretty easily in about six months,” she said. “Then there was a transition period when I was not losing weight but was gaining muscle. I started at 50% body fat and eventually got it down to 17%. But I didn’t get down to 150 pounds until last summer. And now, a year later, I’m keeping it off.” Henderson, 52, moved around the world
in a military family as a child. She landed in Utah in 1996 after getting a job to help prepare the state for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
“I was stupid lucky to get my job helping to construct Olympic venues,” she explained. “But I also put in the hours, put in the grind. I was young and worked hard.”
The Olympics came and went – but Henderson remained… at least until a different work opportunity took her to the United Kingdom.
“I lived in the UK from 2018 until the pandemic hit (March 2020),” she said. “That’s where I really packed on the weight. Ten pounds here and there – it slides on fast. That’s
Connect social media
what led to the snowshoeing incident less than a year after I returned to the states.”
Touting itself as a “High Value. Low Price®” exercise leader, EōS Fitness has more than 175 gym locations open and on the way in seven states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Texas and Utah.
As her gym-level Submit Your Fit contest winner, Henderson earned 10 personal training sessions and a $100 gift card.
“I haven’t even asked about the prizes,” she concluded. “I only entered the contest because my friends encouraged me. My prize is what I now see in the mirror and how I feel about myself.” l
The Taylorsville Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Taylorsville. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. 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. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.
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TAYLORSVILLE TEAM
Heather Henderson recently won a contest at the EōS Fitness location in Taylorsville for her hard work getting into better physical shape. (Courtesy Heather Henderson)
Nearly 80 goats invade Taylorsville garden area—with a purpose
With no chemicals or pesticides in sight, the open ground was ready for onion and marigold planting within a week.
By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
Taylorsville residents Chris and Rebecca Nixon wanted to fill the ¾-acre open patch of land next to their home with cantaloupe, corn, onions, pumpkins, tomatoes and marigolds. Trouble is, when they got the notion, the only things sprouting up were weeds and unwanted grass.
“We’ve lived here (4917 S. 3600 West) 25 years or more and have always had a garden in this area,” Rebecca Nixon said. “But we’re both seniors now and keeping up with the weeds has gotten harder. We don’t want to use chemicals to kill them because we are thinking about raising bees out there someday. Pesticides aren’t good if you want to do that.”
What’s a budding Taylorsville farmer and potential beekeeper to do? Like everything this day in age, her answer was only a mouse click or two away – at goatsonthego.com.
“NO GOATS, NO GLORY!” is the first thing you see on the website. Next, you’ll read, “You’re fighting the good fight against noxious weeds, brush and invasive plant species. Don’t surrender to the use of poisonous herbicides or CO2-spewing equipment. Stand your ground. Be a hero. GET GOATS.”
And that’s how Rebecca Nixon got hooked up with Kai Rasmussen – a bonified goat wrangler out of northeastern Utah, about three goat trailer hours away.
“Our 5-and-a-half-acre farm in Myton (40 miles this side of Vernal) has sheep, cows, horses, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, chickens, peacocks and one donkey,” Rasmussen said. “But what we have the most of are goats – about 240 of them now.”
In 2021, Rasmussen and her husband, Derek Harris, launched her goat grazing business, “We Goat This.” She pays a fee to Goats on the Go to share in their national internet presence.
“Most of our jobs are in the Park City and Kamas areas,” Rasmussen said. “This was my first time to haul a trailer of our goats to Taylorsville. Since Rebecca only wanted ¾ of an acre cleared off, this was one of my smaller jobs. Our fees are based on the number of goats we bring and how long they stay. They range from fairly small, like this one, to very large jobs.”
Rasmussen’s oldest of six children,
14-year-old son Dayton, is her chief assistant. He helps with transporting the animals – and installing the temporary, electrical fence that holds the goats in place.
“The fences are all in one piece,” Rasmussen explained. “You just roll them out. They have netted squares and stakes every 12 feet. The fence is charged by a solar panel. We put lots of signs up to warn people to stay away from it. We’ve had teenagers jump into it on purpose. The fence carries enough jolt to keep them from doing it too many times.”
One section of electrified fence had to be installed right next to a sidewalk where younger kids walked to and from a nearby elementary school.
“I asked my grandson, Jacob Bentley, to help me keep an eye on the kids as they walked by,” Nixon said. “He was all into it. He and a friend even spent a few nights in a tent near the fence to keep an eye on things.”
One single, 24-foot goat trailer can comfortably transport 100 of the animals. For this trek, the goats enjoyed a little more leg room. Rasmussen and Dayton brought 78 of the animals to the Taylorsville garden patch and left them for a week.
“The goats did a great job – just what we wanted,” Nixon said. “They ate everything right down to the dirt, so it was ready for tilling and planting.”
Oh, and after running the grass and weeds through their internal factories, the eastern Utah goats also left a welcome byproduct.
“Goat poop is the best fertilizer there is,” Nixon said. “We were happy to have all of that, too.” l
Taylorsville resident Rebecca Nixon (L) hired Kai Rasmussen’s small business to bring goats to the garden area next to her home so the animals could help prepare it for planting. (Courtesy Rebecca Nixon)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CHAMBER BUSINESSES
Playing for a cure: Young athletes hit away as they raised funds to battle breast cancer
Utah high school softball teams swing their bats to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Center’s breast cancer research during the 22nd Swing For Life tournament.
By Jolene Croasmun j.croasmun@mycityjournals.com
The 22nd year of the Swing For Life softball tournament was held at the end of April. This year's tournament raised $18,000 for breast cancer research at the Huntsman Cancer Center.
Eleven high schools participated this year: Rowland Hall, North Summit, San Juan, Taylorsville, East, Skyline, Providence Hall, Judge Memorial, Murray High School, Bingham and Altamont. Each school’s softball team played in three games each day on the last weekend of April.
Swing For Life started in 2002 by Rowland Hall. “I was diagnosed with stage II invasive carcinoma, with a small lump and I had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. While I was going through that, my kids and the athletic director rallied and started a hit-a-thon and raised money,” Kathy Howa, the softball coach of Rowland Hall softball, said.
“It turned out to be really successful and they raised $12,000 the first year. Then a couple other teams joined us. We thought it was so much fun that we decided to do another one and ended up with like $53,000 and then $74,000,” Howa said. “It was a lot of work to get all of the equipment for the hitting competition and it evolved into a big softball tournament and became very popular.”
“North Summit has been with us every single year we have done it, they come from Coalville and it’s a small area and they are the team that raised the most money,” Howa said.
The individual student that raised the most was Rowland Hall’s Jane Borst.
“Huntsman comes out and speaks to the teams. They get to see the goodness of what the money they helped raise goes to and some of the kids have ended up with internships at Huntsman. So it turns into an educational event,” Howa said.
“It is community service and the kids play for a cure. They have huge hearts. The event shows so much kindness and empathy and knowing they might be helping their parents, grandparents, mothers or even themselves one day not come down with this ugly disease.
“When they know they are doing something that is better than themselves,
The players had bags and ran into the bleachers encouraging the audience to empty their pockets and purses to raise money for Huntsman Cancer Center. This One Minute Blast Off raised $1,200. (Kathy Howa/Rowland Hall)
they play for a different reason, they play with a different outlook. They win when they step onto the field because of all of the donations they gathered and the work they did behind the scenes. We all become one team at the end of this,” Howa said.
“Swing for Life, became a foundation in 2008 incorporated by the state of Utah, it is a 501(c) (3). We have teams from all over the United States send us money to give to Huntsman,” added Howa.
Howa explained that Swing For Life has really grown where college teams along with the Utah Jazz have raised money for the foundation.
“We had a very fun tournament this year,” Howa added. “These kids do a fantastic job and a big thanks to all of the coaches that allowed the kids to step up to do this. They have such a good time and the kids want to come back every year.” l
Continued from front page
students participated in SLCC courses offered at the prison.
According to an Emory University study, prison inmate recidivism dropped by 84% among incarcerated inmates who have earned associate degrees. Other research indicates every dollar spent on prison education eventually saves taxpayers $4 in the cost to reincarcerate them.
More than 40 SLCC instructors teach in the PEP program. Some are part-time employees who only teach there. But most also teach at one of the school’s many campuses throughout the Salt Lake Valley. SLCC’s largest, “main” campus is located in Taylorsville at 4600 South Redwood Road.
Prison Education Program students are required to pay the normal SLCC tuition each semester. However, many of them are eligible for federal Pell grants and other scholarships.
Utah State Prison inmates are eligible for the program, regardless of the crime they committed to land in jail. However, they have to earn an elevated “inmate privilege status” through the prison in order to enroll.
“There’s a wait list for inmates trying to enter the PEP,” Bradbury said. “Most of the
time we offer classes five days a week. We’re also running a 6-class summer program (now). Prison officials are very supportive of what we are doing. We have a strong partnership.”
“Years ago, when I was with another college, I taught and worked with high school dropouts,” Jensen said. “So when the opportunity came for me (to teach in the PEP), I volunteered. Most of our prison students are in their 30s. They’ve had more time to mature and to better understand the value of an education. The Prison Education Program is a wise investment for the public.”
Inmate graduate Mauren Wall also spoke during the Utah State Prison graduation: “I truly believe we are our own limitation. The day we recognize this is the day you’ve left all excuses behind.”
Wall earned an SLCC associate’s degree in business and has been accepted into the University of Utah’s Utah Prison Education Program.
“Honestly, teaching in the Prison Education Program is the most rewarding experience I have ever had in my life,” Bradbury concluded. “Helping these prisoners is so rewarding. It is very emotional watching them graduate. I don’t really view what I do as ‘work.’ I view it as service; and it’s very meaningful.” l
A couple of hundred Utah State Prison inmates have graduated through the SLCC Prison Education Program since it was introduced eight years ago. (Courtesy SLCC)
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MAYOR'S MESSAGE
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent citywide survey! Your feedback is so important as we work together to make Taylorsville an even better place to live, and I’m happy to share that the results are overwhelmingly positive.
This is the seventh year that Utah pollster Y2 Analytics conducted this annual survey as a way to measure the health and wellness of our city and its services, and once again, Taylorsville earned high marks. Residents gave the city an average score of 75 out of 100 for quality of life, with consistently high ratings across all council districts. A majority — 55 percent — also said Taylorsville is headed in the right direction, up ve points from last year.
It’s also wonderful to know that residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and that you see our police department in a positive light. You gave high marks, too, to our walkable neighborhoods and the availability of parks and open spaces — all things that contribute to making Taylorsville such a great place to call home.
In fact, when asked how you would spend a hypothetical city budget, it was parks, trails and open space that received the most support — both in the share of funding and the average amount you would allocate. We’re proud of the beautiful recreational areas in our city, including most especially our new Taylorsville Park and brandnew Summit Park, both of which we celebrated this past month with grand-opening events.
See the accompanying article about the completed first phase of Taylorsville Park, which now features a new skate park, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a new playground and other amenities. Summit Park is also now open with four new pickleball courts, a new playground and more. Your input shows how much you value these places to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors.
We also loved reading your comments about what you enjoy most about Taylorsville. Many of you mentioned the city’s central location and how easy it is to get to shopping, entertainment and other parts of the valley. Find additional details about the survey on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov under the News section, or on these pages in next month’s Journal.
Your participation helps guide our priorities for the future — from budget decisions to service delivery — and ensures that we focus on what matters most to you. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. Your voice truly makes a di erence as we build an even stronger, safer and more connected Taylorsville.
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – JULY 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Taylorsville Park: New Amenities Completed in Renovation's 1st Phase
Taylorsville Park has received a stunning makeover, with the rst phase of its major renovation now complete.
New amenities include a play area and playground, new restrooms, basketball court, a large pavilion, connection to trails and additional parking. But the cherry on the top is a new skatepark, with ramps at each end, banked curves and “rooms” featuring various elements.
Four new pickleball courts near the Taylorsville Senior Center also were completed last year, and a new road has been installed into the park, connecting entry from Redwood Road to the Senior Center and signi cantly boosting “curb appeal.” The park sits on 7 acres at 4721 S. Redwood Road.
"This is a milestone moment," Mayor Kristie Overson said of the newly renovated park and highly anticipated skate park. "We can feel the energy and enthusiasm of the community about these new additions, and we share that excitement. Seeing so many smiles, that’s what it’s all about."
TAYLORSVILLE PARK CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Emergency ...................................................................................................
Police Department
Utah 211 resource network
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Poison Control Center
Animal Control Shelter
Animal Control After House Dispatch
Building Inspection
Chamber West
Fire Department
Gang Tip Line
Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up
(Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)
Granite School District
Health Department
Highway Conditions (from cell phone)
Park Reservations
Public Works (Salt Lake County)
Dominion Energy
Rocky Mountain Power
Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll
Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District
Taylorsville Food Pantry
Taylorsville Senior Center
Taylorsville Code Enforcement
Taylorsville Justice Court
Taylorsville Library
Taylorsville Recreation Center
Swimming Pool
Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center
UDOT Region 2
Utah Transit Authority
EVENTS
Every Friday night through Sept. 26
Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at Centennial Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.
Every Tuesday starting July 8 through Sept. 30 – 5 to 9 p.m.
Taylorsville Farmers Market at Centennial Plaza. In addition to fresh, locally sourced produce and depending on the night, wares may include baked goods, jams and jellies and variety of other artisan products.
July 4 – All Day
Independence Day. City O ces are closed for the holiday and will reopen on Monday. Have a very happy and safe Fourth of July!
July 8 and 22 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commision Meeting. The Planning Commission meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. A work session begins at 6 p.m., followed by the commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Agendas can always be found online.
July 9 – 6:30 p.m.
City Council Meeting at Taylorsville City Hall. Address the Council during Citizens' Comments. Agendas are always available on Taylorsville's website.
July 14 through 19 – 7:30 p.m.
Annie, the musical. The Taylorsville Arts Council is putting on the show over six nights at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center.
July 24 – All Day
Happy Pioneer Day! We hope you have fun celebrating Utah's beginnings. City O ces are closed on Thursday for the holiday, reopening on Friday.
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Bob Knudsen
Remembering Dan Armstrong, his Example, Friendship and Life of Service
interaction, he treated me as an equal to himself, despite there being a gap of nearly 33 years between us.
Taylorsville City lost a dear friend and resident, Daniel Jon Armstrong, from issues with his heart. Dan, who would have celebrated his 73rd birthday on July 3, was a man who had a large heart, full of love and caring for his fellow man, one of the largest hearts that I have ever seen.
My experience with Dan started many years ago, when he moved his family into our neighborhood, and at that point in time, he was simply my friends’ father. Over the years, I observed Dan serving in many capacities; he gave so much to the kids in my area and was a strong example to so many on how they could, and should, treat one another.
When I graduated from Taylorsville High School, I had a chance to observe Dan even closer, seeing just how much he put into every detail that he could consider in helping those around him — particularly the upcoming generation. He was always willing to give of everything he had, working to lead by example. Throughout the years, I was able to see Dan as more than my friends’ father. He became a dear friend who was willing to treat all with caring and respect. In every
Eventually, Dan decided to run for the opening seat with the Taylorsville City Council when then-Council Member Larry Johnson decided to run for the seat of Taylorsville City Mayor. Knowing what my friend brought to my neighborhood, I was excited at the prospect of what he would bring to the entire city if he were chosen to take that seat. Dan was elected, and re-elected, and I was impressed with every aspect of his character on the City Council for his two consecutive terms.
In 2021, Dan told me that he decided that he was looking to step down from the City Council so that he could plan to retire and spend more time with his sweetheart, in serving in the way he did best. He felt that I could do well with the Council, so he asked me to consider running for the seat that he was opening up. Despite leaving the City Council, Dan still wanted to help our city, so he was appointed to the Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB), where citizens review police action as an independent body.
Every day, in every way, my friend worked to serve those around him. He did so with little regard or care for recognition. I am grateful that I was able to learn so much from my friend. So much of who I am today, I can trace back to lessons learned from Dan Armstrong. His example has reminded me that we may never know who is watching us and learning from what we do. As such, we should work to ensure that we are being the best version of ourselves that we can, at all times.
Taylorsville Farmers Market Returns This Month at Centennial Plaza
Fresh produce, handmade goods and local avors are back as the Taylorsville Farmers Market returns this month. The market is open every Tuesday, from 5 to 9 p.m., starting July 8 through Sept. 30 at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd.
Operated by Good4Life Markets, the Farmers Market o ers a variety of locally sourced fruits and vegetables, along with other items that may include baked goods, jams and jellies, herbs, essential oils, soaps and other artisan products.
A few food trucks and musicians are also expected to add to the atmosphere on select Tuesdays. The Farmers Market complements Taylorsville’s Starry Nights @the Plaza happening on Fridays, also at Centennial Plaza and which features a full lineup of food trucks.
“The Farmers Market is the perfect place to stop by after work on Tuesdays to grab some fresh produce or other items for dinner or the rest of the week,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “It’s convenient, fun and a great way to support our local vendors while enjoying a summer evening at Centennial Plaza.”
Now in its second year, the Farmers Market was created in response to feedback from residents, who expressed a strong interest in having such an event in Taylorsville through recent citywide surveys.
The market adds vibrancy to the plaza and helps build community by bringing people together in a casual, welcoming environment, Mayor Overson said. “There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”
Every day, we must decide who we will be. Will we work to improve things for ourselves only, or will we work to help our friends and neighbors? When I think back on my dear friend, I am reminded of a quote from Fred Rogers that personi es Dan’s life, “It’s not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.”
I encourage all of us to work to do everything we can, with what we have (our time, talents, etc.) to help our friends and neighbors all around, building the best neighborhoods possible.
2600
Bring the whole family to shop at Taylorsville’s open-air market. Find fresh, local and seasonal goods from small regional farmers and local ar tisans. Enjoy local enter tainment.
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)
W. Taylorsville Blvd.
Paws on Patrol: TVPD’s K-9s Make the Grade with Local Students
With the wrap-up of the school year, TVPD’s K-9 team visited all eight Taylorsville elementary schools before students left for summer vacation.
O cers met with fth-grade students and spoke about the role of K-9s in law enforcement. They also gave students the chance to see K-9s Turbo, Ghost and Koda in action.
The o cers explained how police dogs are specially trained to track suspects and help keep the community safe. Students were eager to see the dogs’ remarkable obedience as the K-9s followed their handlers’ commands with precision and enthusiasm.
We appreciated the opportunity, too, to connect with Taylorsville students and sta . A huge thank you to all our dedicated teachers, and thank you, as well, to Mayor Overson for joining us.
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Stephanie Snow, who has been named TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month. Stephanie has been a dedicated member of Taylorsville City’s team for 10 years, serving as both the Human Resources Director and Senior Accountant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and brings a broad skillset to her dual role.
Her responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks, including posting job announcements, managing employee bene ts, handling phone inquiries and processing payments. Stephanie describes her work as simply “anything to help,” re ecting her handson approach and versatility in supporting both city employees and residents.
Taylorsville City is the rst municipal employer for Stephanie. During her time here, she has gained valuable experience and is an essential part of the city’s administrative operations.
She was nominated for TVPD’s Employee of the Month by K-9 O cer Moore, who was injured in the line of duty. O cer Moore shared that Stephanie reached out to him immediately following his injury to check on him. Over the following weeks, she maintained constant contact, managed communication with workers’ compensation and coordinated with the hospital, Uni ed Fire Authority and Work Med —answering all his questions promptly and ensuring he received the care he needed.
While this may seem routine on the surface, O cer Moore said that in his 18 years of law enforcement service, this was the best support he had ever received from any HR department. He also acknowledged that he knew his case took a lot of Stephanie’s time and truly appreciated her dedication, not just to him but all Taylorsville employees.
Michael & Anna Kay Waddoups
TAYLORSVILLE PARK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
A Grand Opening to celebrate completion of the project's rst phase was held this past month. In addition to a Ribbon Cutting by city leaders, local skateboarders showed o their skills to mark the o cial opening of the new skate park. Speci c features of the skate park include a bowl with a 4-foot shallow, 6-foot depth and 1-foot extension, down ledges, down rail, pole jam, mini-ramp, euro gap, slappy curbs, hip, quarters and quarter hip and ledges.
The improvements at Taylorsville Park are possible thanks to funding from Salt Lake County’s Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention (TRCC) program with matching funds from the city.
Also o cially open is the brand-new Summit Park at 6200 S. 3200 West. The now-completed rst phase of that project was celebrated this past month as well and includes a new playground, four pickleball courts, a pavilion, restrooms, new landscaping and parking. Look for pictures of Summit Park’s Grand Opening on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov, or on these pages in next month’s Journal.
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
Early Taylorsville Resident
‘Chose the Kitchen as her Fortress’
Our July article highlights the life and history of Georgiana Webster.
Born in March 1870, Georgiana (“Georgana”) Webster lived all of her life in Taylorsville. She was one of 12 children born to John Webster, a Scottish-born blacksmith and early Taylorsville postmaster, and his wife Mary Ann Wright Webster. At the time of her birth, the Taylorsville area was part of the Utah Territory.
Georgiana lived in their same family house, “the old home in Taylorville,” until her death in 1929 and was laid to rest in the Taylorsville City Cemetery, alongside members of the Webster family.
According to her life history that can be found at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, she “frequently chose the kitchen as her fortress” and she was often “charged with washing all of the luster off the dishes and scouring holes in the ‘carten ware.’” (Interestingly, Carlton Ware (sometimes pronounced “carten ware”), was a well-known line of English pottery from the late 1800s. In its early years, the company produced a range of decorative earthenware and by the early 20th century, Carlton Ware had become especially popular for collectible crested china sold to tourists).
Georgiana’s history states that she and her brothers, James, George and Dan, often had to pull and “top o ” the carrots from their family’s farm. They would spend hours harvesting the carrots and then cutting the green leafy tops from the orange vegetables. “Dig and top, to dig and top, dig and top,” her history states. “With each pile, tops and carrots grew bigger and we grew tired and [more] tired. By midday, we were about to pass out from exhaustion.”
Her life history also states that Georgiana taught school at the “old rock house” and Plymouth School, as did her sister Emma Jane.
You can learn more about Georgiana Webster and the Webster family, 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 June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
ANIMAL CLOSE-UP MATCH — Monday, July 7, through Saturday, July 12. Fur, feathers and scales. Can you match the image to the correct animal? Find one match. Return to the Info Desk and earn a small prize.
SCIENCE ADVENTURE — Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m. Conduct hands-on experiments and learn about science with students from the Westminster College Chemistry Program.
ILLUSION EXPLORATION: MAGIC & MAYHEM WEEK — Monday, July 14, through Saturday, July 19. Discover the magic of optical illusions through an interactive adventure.
VIRTUAL LECTURE | COLOR MIMICRY IN INSECTS — Monday, July 14, 7 p.m. Insects are masters of disguise! Discover the fascinating world of mimicry in bees and wasps, and how they survive by looking like something they're not! Register at: thecountylibrary.org/ LectureSeries.
I SPY: VIDEO GAMES — Monday, July 21, through Saturday, July 26. Celebrate National Video Game Day this month with the library's I Spy activity. Return to the Info Desk with the answer and earn a small prize.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE — Monday, July 28, 10 to 4 p.m. Give blood to help others. Schedule your appointment: redcrossblood.org or 1.800.RED.CROSS
LIBRARY CLOSURES | FOURTH OF JULY — Friday, July 4, all day. Pioneer Day — Thursday, July 24, all day.
Defensive Driving Class: The Taylorsville Senior Center is hosting an AARP defensive driving class on Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 385-468-3370 to register. The program costs are as follows: $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Please pay by cash or check only and pay directly to the AARP instructor on the day of the class.
Find the center’s full calendar and Senior Scoop Newsletter online at saltlakecounty.gov.
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
JULY UPDATES
Green with E-Bills!
Did you know you can sign up for automatic payments and/or paperless billing (e-bill) for your Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District bills through Xpress Bill Pay?
It all starts with reduction. Reduction is the foundation of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Help WFWRD reduce paper waste by signing up for e-bills today. Switching to e-billing is a simple way to reduce waste and help your service dollars go further. By going paperless, you’re saving paper, reducing delivery fuel use, and helping keep costs down; every little bit makes a di erence! Signing up is quick and easy:
1. Visit www.wasatchfrontwaste.org and click the Xpress Bill Pay link, or download the Xpress Bill Pay app.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Click "View Bill."
4. Turn on "Paperless (On)."
That’s it, you’re all set! Join your neighbors in going paperless. It’s simple, sustainable and smart.
Firework Safety & Disposal Tips
As WFWRD gears up for a fun- lled July full of reworks and celebration, please keep in mind a few important safety and disposal guidelines:
• Cool before you toss. After use, place spent reworks in a re-safe container and allow them to cool completely. If possible, soak them in a small bucket of water to prevent accidental are-ups.
• Do not recycle. Firework casings, even cardboard ones, cannot be recycled. They contain chemical residues and are often made from multiple materials. Once cooled, place them in your black garbage can.
• Save or repurpose. If you have leftover, unused reworks, consider saving them for Pioneer Day or repurposing them responsibly.
• Think green. Explore environmentally friendly alternatives to reworks, like laser light shows or LED displays.
Propane Tank Disposal
Summer means more time spent grilling and camping but what should you do with empty propane tanks?
All propane tanks, whether large grill tanks or small 1-gallon green camping canisters, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and should never be placed in your garbage or recycling can. These tanks pose serious safety risks during collection and processing due to the potential for explosion. Instead, drop them o at your nearest HHW facility for proper recycling and safe disposal. These sites are free to use and ensure that hazardous materials are handled correctly.
Need help nding a location? Visit the “How to Recycle” page on WFWRD’s website and scroll down to “Household Hazardous Waste Disposal” for a list of nearby drop-o sites.
Do You Have a Hidden Leak?
Is your sprinkler stop-and-waste valve leaking? Do your toilet tanks keep lling over and over? Is your kitchen faucet doing the dreaded drip … drip … drip?
These could be signs of a water leak that is quietly wasting water — and costing you money. If you noticed a message on your latest bill, it means your water meter has detected continuous water ow to your property for more than 15 consecutive days. This often indicates a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, big or small.
Take a few moments this summer to check for and repair any leaks around your home. Fixing them not only helps conserve water but can also lower your monthly bill. Questions? Visit TBID's Continuous Flow page for more tips and information: tbid.gov/information/continuous_ ow_info.php
TBID is Recognized for Great-Tasting Water
The American Water Works Association has awarded Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District second place in its annual Best of the Best Water Taste Test award.
Competing among utilities from across the United States and Canada, TBID’s water stood out for its clean, refreshing taste and high quality. This recognition is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and great-tasting drinking water to Taylorsville’s community every day.
TBID is grateful for the dedicated e orts of its sta and the ongoing support of valued customers, who make achievements like this possible. TBID will continue working hard to ensure every drop meets the highest standards!
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.
Granite’s Summer Feeding Program begins with a festive kickoff
Children through age 18 can receive a free lunch on weekdays at 15 locations within Granite School District.
By Peri Kinder peri.k@thecityjournals.com
To celebrate the start of the Summer Feeding Program, Granite School District held a launch party on June 10 and invited families to participate in a free summer barbecue with games and prizes.
West Valley City’s Centennial Park (5405 W. 3100 South) was the site for the kickoff, as hundreds of people showed up for hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, fruit, chips and more. The summer lunch program provides a free daily meal, Monday through Friday, for kids 18 and under, through Aug. 1.
“Our goal is simple: to make sure no child in our community goes hungry,” said Amy Pham, registered dietitian with Granite District Nutrition Services. “We’re proud of the impact this program has made over the years and look forward to another successful summer.”
Janalee Smith, Granite District Nutrition Services operations manager, said the summer program feeds 1,500 to 2,000 students every day and is designed to ease the burden on families during the summer months. While kids eat free, adults can purchase a lunch for $3.50. All meals must be eaten on site.
The celebration featured vendor booths from community partners, free Super Soakers to the first 60 kids and country music provided by Z104. Special guests included West Valley Fire officials, Granite Police with K9 Officer Bolt, West Valley Police officers, Girl Scouts of Utah and Wasatch Community Gardens.
“This is a big kickoff and we’re trying to give it a little more pizzazz,” Smith said. “But it’s representative of what we’ve got going throughout the district.”
The lunch program is available at 15 locations throughout the Granite School District. Along with Centennial Park, lunches are provided at Kearns Oquirrh Park (5624 S. 4800 West), Redwood Rec Center (3060 S. Redwood Road), Magna Rec Center (3252 S. 8400 West), Magna Copper Park (8900 W. 2600 South), West View Park (4100 S. 6000 West), Hillsdale Park (3725 S. 3200 West), Valley Regional Park (5100 S. 2700 West), Hunter Park (5905 W. 3500 South), Vista Park (5150 S. 1950 West), Southridge Park (5051 S. 4015 West), Robert Fitts Park (3050 S. 500 East), Lincoln Elementary (450 E. 3700 South), Fremont Elementary (4249 S. Atherton Drive) and Jackling Elementary (3760 S. Atlas Way).
Draper resident Hilary Litton attended
the barbecue event with her four children. “I think for any family it helps, especially those at a low income who can’t provide,” she said. “It’s good to get the kids out at a park, or wherever it’s located. I think it’s great for anyone.”
The Granite Summer Feeding Program has been running since 2012, serving more than 1 million meals to children during the summer. No lunches will be served on July 4 or July 24. For more information, including lunch times at each location, visit graniteschools.org/nutritionservices/seamless-summer. l
Volunteers grilled hot dogs and hamburgers during the Summer Feeding Program launch party at Centennial Park in West Valley City. (Peri Kinder/ City Journals)
for a Taylorsville High School auditorium facelift
By Carl Fauver c.fauver@mycityjournals.com
LeahTarrant has been teaching choir at Taylorsville High School since the last millennium. Year-after-year, decade-after-decade, her variety of boys, girls and mixed choirs earn superior ratings at region and state competitions.
Many of her top students begin singing for Tarrant as 13-year-old freshmen. By the time they are 18, those students are receiving diplomas and entering the next chapter of their lives. Right behind them is a fresh crop of 13and 14-year-old performers.
Point is – high school choirs never “age.” They’re always teenagers, exploding with youthful energy.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the place where they perform. While THS students come and go with regularity, the seating and lights remain the same inside the school’s venerable auditorium – decade after decade.
So now Tarrant – and members of her THS Auditorium Improvement Committee –
are working to raise money to freshen up their home performance venue.
“I began teaching at Taylorsville High in the fall of 1998,” Tarrant said. “I considered it a dream job – and I still do. Our choirs are among the best in the state. They consistently earn superior ratings at state competitions. But, over the years, our auditorium has simply aged. Many of the chairs are now uncomfortable. The lighting needs to be upgraded. My students perform in many other locations where they nearly always see much more comfortable audiences.”
Tarrant says she completely respects the Granite School District position that issues like heating or air conditioning problems at other schools are more urgent than auditorium upgrades. But, at the same time, the THS situation has now pretty much reached the “enough is enough” stage.
“Our auditorium seating is original to the school.” Tarrant continued. “There have been a few repairs along the way; but essentially, all the seats are nearly 45 years old. Our performance lighting is also very inadequate. So, we’ve decided to work to raise some of our
own funds, in hopes of getting the school district to also chip in and move us up the priority list a little.”
Tarrant tabbed Brandalyn Seaman to be the fundraising committee chair when she formed it last fall.
“Leah has taught all three of my kids choir; my youngest will be a senior this year,” Seaman said. “We’ve watched choir performances in many auditoriums around the state – and improvements at Taylorsville are long overdue. We have about 15 to 20 active committee members volunteering their time to help organize fundraising events. Most of them are parents of theater, orchestra and choir students.”
So far, the THS Auditorium Improvement Committee has brainstormed three fundraising ideas they are working this summer to finalize:
• Benefit Concert, Aug. 25 – This fundraiser in the THS auditorium will showcase both the performing talents of alumni and the need for facility improvements. Organizers want attendees to see and feel for themselves the need for an upgrade. This is the only one of the three planned fundraising activities, so far, with a firm date.
• Mini-Madrigals Camp – As many as 250 young singers, in kindergarten through eighth grade, are expected to attend this 1-or 2-day choir training camp, ending with student groups performing for their parents. Cost and
• Dinner/Auction – Committee members are working this summer to secure donations for this fundraising event. Again, cost and date
Another person hoping the fundraising efforts succeed is Austyn Tarrant. Preparing to enter her senior year next month, Austyn is the daughter of choir instructor Leah Tarrant. She’s performed in about 13 musical theater shows produced by the high school, the Taylorsville Arts Council, Draper Historic Theater
“I began performing at about age 8,” Austyn said. “We have such incredible talent at Taylorsville High and I think we put on amazing shows. But our auditorium is pretty uncomfortable for our patrons. I believe, if the auditorium was upgraded, it would encourage more talented music and theater students to at-
Earlier this year, every Taylorsville High School choir that qualified for the state finals earned the highest possible “superior” ratings from every judge they performed before.
The THS Auditorium Improvement Committee’s goal of raising $400,000 to $500,000 may seem quite ambitious. But, they say, all they can do is try to reach the goal, one bite
If you’d like to enroll your child in the mini-madrigals camp, or donate to the benefit dinner/auction, reach out to the group’s chair at brandalynseaman@hotmail.com. l
The 32-member Taylorsville High School Madrigals earned multiple superior ratings during their state choir competition this year. (Courtesy Leah Tarrant)
Former Skyline High golfer and Taylorsville native Ashley Lam won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women’s Golf title in Nevada.
By Tom Haraldsen t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com
Ashley Lam began playing golf at the Fore Lakes course in Taylorsville when she was 10 years old. Those early days on the links being coached by her father have certainly paid dividends, no more so than when the Westminster University freshman won the 2025 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Women’s Golf Championship on April 23 in Boulder City, Nevada.
The Taylorsville native and graduate of Skyline High, where she won two state titles as a junior and senior, finished 8-under-par for the three day RMAC tourney, leading the Griffins to a second-place team finish behind champion Colorado State Pueblo. She led from day one, opening with a 4-under-par, and sealed the deal with three birdies on the final round back nine.
“It’s always exciting to win, and it’s also satisfying that all my effort throughout my whole golf career has paid off,” Lam said. “The birdies on hole 18 felt great as that was in my opinion one of the harder holes
native wins RMAC golf title
because of the tight tee shot. On the last day it was especially exciting because I almost holed out for eagle with all my teammates, coaches, and family watching and supporting me.”
Entering the conference championship was something that didn’t intimidate Lam.
“My thoughts don’t vary from tournament to tournament,” she said. “When I head into a tournament my goal is to have fun and try my best to shoot well.” Though she’s just in her first year playing for the Griffins, she said “Being part of Westminster’s women’s golf team is something I’d never trade. I love all my teammates and coaches as they are all so nice and supportive. It has created such a warm and inviting environment. I’m glad that all my teammates, coaches and family were all there to witness me with the RMAC championship, and I’m so grateful for them!”
She said that while she hasn’t declared a major yet, “I plan to go somewhere in the business field. I haven’t put much thought into the LPGA Tour as I am focusing on my education and playing good golf in college. If that leads to the LPGA Tour then that would be awesome.”
If she keeps playing like she did in Boulder City, it could happen fairly soon. l
Westminster College golfer Ashley Lam is a collegiate golf champion. (Photo courtesy of Westminster University)
Map It Out
Remember maps? Old-fashioned, fold-out paper maps the size of a beach towel? My husband wanted to buy one to navigate our road trip through the Sacramento Valley. I stared at him for 47 seconds before stating, “We have Google Maps.”
“It’s not the same thing,” Tom said, sadly. I reminded him I have the orienteering skills of a baby sea turtle running away from the ocean. Handing me a paper map is the equivalent of asking me to decipher ancient Egyptian. Although, to be fair, Google Maps can be equally confusing. Don’t tell me to turn left in 450 feet. That means nothing to me. You might as well say, “Turn left after 850 toothbrushes.”
Unfortunately for him, there were no road maps to be found. So, with phone in hand, I guided us through Chico, Stockton, Napa Valley and Yosemite. I don’t know which direction we drove. North? West? Up? Sideways? Sure.
Road trips should be a great time to catch up on my reading, but Tom doesn’t know how to sit in silence for longer than 1.3 seconds. Even though he hasn’t lived in California for decades, he had a story to share about every city we passed.
“About 15 years ago, there was a serial killer arrested in Yuba City,” he said. “Look it up.”
I put my book down and switched my phone from Google Maps to Wikipedia to learn about the murderer, Juan Corona. But, dear reader, he was arrested in 1971. Just a touch
Peri Kinder Life and Laughter
more than 15 years ago.
Tom can hold a conversation with himself for at least 30 miles. It’s a stream of consciousness speaking that is amazing to behold. Let me give you an example:
“This is a great Glen Campbell song. Jimmy Webb wrote a lot of songs for Glen Campbell. Did I tell you Merrilee Rush was the first musician I saw perform live? Can you find yacht rock on the radio? Where does that driver think he’s going? Move over, scumbag! I’ve never been to Yosemite. I’ve heard it’s hill-arious.”
When I noticed a line of cars on our bumper, I suggested he drive a bit faster, although he insisted he was going the exact speed limit. I told him that was the problem.
Remember when you taught your kids to drive and you kept pushing an imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car because you thought your teenager was going to drive you into a building? Well, I have an imaginary accelerator on my side of the car that I press when Tom’s going the exact speed limit.
But once we hit Yosemite, or any mountain range, my husband turns into Dominic Toretto of “Fast and Furious” fame, Tokyo-drifting off cliffs and taking corners at the speed of sound. I was grabbing the door handle, not sure if I was trying to keep it closed or if I was preparing to jump out if we launched into Yosemite Valley.
On our way through wine country, we stopped at the Napa Valley Welcome Center to get ideas for which wineries to visit and where to get a good Chardonnay. The woman at the counter whipped out a map of the area. Tom’s
eyes widened with glee. He used so many exclamation points, I thought his heart might burst with joy.
“Look!” he said. “She has a paper map! Cartographers really know how to draw the line!”
We did a lot of driving in California, which could be considered relationship bonding or time served, depending on the situation. Tom still swears by paper maps. I’m dedicated to Google. But we always find our way.
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